A Nation Of Prejudice

By Jonathan D. Payne 
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The American Christian Journal
COMMENTARY

Before I get started let me inform you that I am Irish, Black, Hispanic, and Native American - so this article is non-biased racially. Except for Asian I cover the main recognized racial groups that all else are distillations of, so no axe to grind concerning anyone racially. That disclaimer aside, I must say that I am getting tired of those who need a racial "bully pulpit" to espouse their angst against whatever is the gripe of the week.

So let's just stop it!

I talked about us moving forward or backwards as individuals here in this article. But as a nation we are a society of differing peoples, different faiths, different aspirations and differing colors. It is imperative as a people we move forward as well. It is that last one we may have been lulled into thinking was a point of contention still, but those who hate a race or color, or those who opposed such thinking give lie to truly enlightened thought.

Why? Because both are racist, as people are just people.

Any discussion on anything must look at the merits of the facts, even if race is an issue. If you can not do that, then you are giving the argument no substance, only the view through the prism of your own bigotry. So first the discussion at hand must be stripped of any EXTERNAL components that may sully the strengths v. the weakness inherent in the argument(s) itself. A definition would be a good starting point.

Prejudice n. [L. prejudicium; proe and judico.]

1. Prejudgment; an opinion or decision of mind, formed without due examination of the facts or arguments which are necessary to a just and impartial determination. It is used in a good or bad sense. 
2. A previous bent or bias of mind for or against any person or thing; prepossession.
3. Mischief; hurt; damage; injury. Violent factions are a prejudice to the authority of the sovereign.

I am quite aware there are many more definitions, but we really need to go no further than these three. The reason  I started this is because of the Martin/Zimmerman case and the interjection of prejudicial bigotry. It even had some wearing t-shirts, like Jaime Foxx, supporting the dead teen, so for him the case is settled and facts need not apply.

This seems to be the case for many Americans of color. The real and perceived perception of bigotry and prejudice has been such a part of their lives that having an objective view of things is almost impossible. The injustices have been so hardened and melded into their minds that it has become the broken mirror in which they view all of life.

And it does not help that they have many "carpetbaggers" who exploit such circumstances for personal gain. These are truly the leaches of society who suck the very life and prosperity of their very own. They have probably started with good intentions standing against injustices that were very real, but today are worst in conduct and mindset than the original problem ever was.

But the opposite is quite true as well. There are those who see the problems of race and overreact in their own responses, being just as blind as those who are oppressed. They then call for Social Justice in their clamor to "right" things and again miss the objective picture and thinking needed to REALLY address the problem. There needs to be balance, but they have none either.

We need to rise above the knee-jerk response of pre-judging in this nation. We need to perceive all things in the looking glass of what is real and tangible to see what they really are. Then we have gathered the power of "seeing clearly" that is needed to make right decisions, individually and as a nation, that will steer us down the right path. It won't be easy, but is absolutely necessary.

All men are indeed created equal.

God bless America!