Tuesday, October 24, 2017

More Political Incorrectness


Last month, I wrote about people intentionally looking for ways to be offended.  To illustrate my point, several news reports jumped out at me recently.   One involved the removal of a Dr. Seuss mural because some element of his stories might be considered racist.  Apparently one of his stories has an illustration of a Chinese character with slanted eyes and wearing a coolie hat.   Another report involved a racial stir on the Michigan State campus when someone found a lost shoestring that appeared to be in the shape of a noose.  In Detroit, a firefighter was fired for bringing a “racially insensitive” watermelon to a predominantly black firehouse.

Why are people suddenly so sensitive?  Our society has adopted a victim mentality.  Perhaps it starts with the first exposure to political correctness where no child is allowed to have hurt feelings.  Everyone gets a participation trophy.  In the real world, finishing second, third, even last once in awhile is okay.  True success has its rewards. Occasional disappointment is healthy.  We lose appreciation for what we have without sometimes experiencing loss. 

Today, people look for ways to feel oppressed.  The offender is often sent to sensitivity training.  Instead, many of those feeling oppressed need to be desensitized.  We should not let others control our feelings.  Even if someone intentionally casts disparagement your way, so what?  It doesn’t change who you are.  Responding only gives credence to their negativity.  Whether you are an ethnic minority or the President of the United States (or both), someone will disrespect you.  Don’t feel the need to acknowledge them with a response every time.  Is intentionally displaying racial intolerance ever acceptable?  No, but do accept the fact that some people will always be reprehensible.  Rise above them.  Loud protests appear to them as justification for their bigotry.  I believe true bigots are a few and far between, but you would never know it by the notoriety they get. 

We all fall into certain stereotypes.  Regardless of our ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, occupation, gender, age, size, birthplace, or social status, we will all occasionally find ourselves the object of a disparaging remark.  Some people are just contrary.  No matter what position one takes, others will find fault with it.  Not every person who makes a racist remark is actually a racist.  Some are simply idiots who seek attention by saying something outrageous.  I suspect most idiots who go around painting swastikas never passed a world history exam in their lives, and have no real concept of the hatred it symbolizes.  They only want attention by spewing their venom.  Eliciting a terse reaction is exactly what they want.  Treat them as any other criminal without giving voice to their sick agenda.

Think about why these discriminatory stereotypes exist in the first place.  When it comes to racial profiling, skin pigment has little to do with it.   Diminished respect for human life has permeated our society.  Do not underestimate the toll abortion has taken on the importance of the family unit.  Young African American males often grow up without a good paternal role model in the home.  Without it, they seek belonging elsewhere, often on the streets where violence is rampant.  

When police officers overreact in these neighborhoods, it is prompted by fear, not hatred.  Their fear is real and justifiable.  They have families and want to go home to them when shift is over.  They do not owe anyone a fair fight.  Unfortunately, innocent people sometimes get hurt.  Until we regain respect for human life, for family, for one another, and for God, our polarized society will continue to deteriorate.