A nation cannot “have its cake and eat it too.” It can not have a harmonious citizenry and actively preserve, at the exclusion of any, the absolute culture of any group. If it, or any group within it, desires comfortable equality and real integration, it must not favor any group more than any individual.
I hear people talk about afro-centricity, gay pride, white supremacy, Native American culture and women’s rights. I find it hard to think in these terms and, at the same time, think as a free and equal American. When I think of women as a group, I have to think of men as the opposition. That gives me trouble reconciling my belief that men and women are of equal value, but are, by nature, different parts of the same group. My thoughts of one nation are disrupted when I hear terms related to people’s color, lifestyle, or ethic origin. My mind is really bothered when these terms are associated with our government’s mandated programs.
There is just enough “favor” to go around, and there ought not be competition for it. Competition is said to be good for us, and that may be so in business, but I am not sure that the rivalry caused by bias governing will not fragment our strengths. To give preference to any group, cannot help but deprive individuals, outside that group, of their part.
In fairness to all and in the eyes of the law, there can be no black Americans, Hispanic Americans or white Americans; just Americans. If a united nation is the goal, each person must know, without regard for his culture, his lifestyle or his gender, that he has equal chance under the law.
The solidarity of any nation is enhanced when each citizen understands and endorses his place as a contributing part of the whole. He can understand that place better when he feels that he has been treated fairly, as measured against us all; and the “melting pot” has done its job, when all its citizens feel no prejudice or envy from without, or from within their very souls.
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