Think About It. Superior Education. Superior to what. More importantly, superior to whom. Mandy Patinkin’s recent appearance at the Palladium reminded me of one of my favorite songs. Please listen carefully before you continue reading.
Today would be a good day to inventory our thoughts about “others”, those from a country, religion or race different from ours. Are they truly as bright or worthy as “our people”? Historically the majority of Americans (when they were largely from northern Europe and especially England) have treated all other U.S. immigrants with disdain or worse.
As a result there must be some bitterness among descendents of Japanese Americans herded into internment camps during World War II. The Jews have consistently been among the last to be granted membership in Country Clubs when anyone cared much about belonging anyway. The Italians and Irish have had their share of abuse. My cultural heritage is Cherokee and we still hurt from the horrors on “the trail of tears”. Those now called “black” have reacted negatively to the atrocities of slavery which in turn has aroused fear in the hearts and minds of “white” folks.
How about you? Were you taught to reach out with welcoming arms to those different from you? Or did your role models show overt disrespect for the clearly inferior or despicable groups that did not conform to your background or culture? How about now? Do you think you should engage in business, socialize, date, marry a person outside “your people”? Or have you kept some vestiges of the fear-engendered loathing that results in private or public derision.
Remember Donald Sterling. He must be bright ’cause he’s rich. One thing seems clear. He has somehow had an education in feeling superior. Did he really ask to have his conversations recorded? That may not be brilliant, but his right to make racist comments should not be governmentally restricted. Others’ rights to shun him, boycott his businesses or otherwise legally topple him from his lofty perch are also open. For a seemingly endless two or three days the news media was liberal with use of the word alleged. Eventually he acknowledged that his was the voice giving odious orders to a female phone friend. Finally it was a contractual relationship, thank you, that led to his removal from active operation of his business.
How did this financially successful, socially powerful man, awaiting his second NAACP award, harbor and demonstrate such feelings. Humans have always feared the unknown. They have also always seemed to have the need to somehow find someone they could feel “better than”.
At birth we simply live in a world of what is. We demand food and comfort and information. We learn by watching and experiencing our surroundings. But to really hate, we have to be carefully taught. As a result, we need to take stock from time to time, inventory our thoughts, motivations and actions. Somehow in school, you may have learned to read, write, count and perhaps think critically. But if you still harbor hate or think you’re better because they’re not like you, it just may be that you have had a Superior Education. Think About It.