Racism, Part 2

On Broadway, Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” with Jeff Daniels was the recipient of super reviews. Although Harper Lee passed away 3 years ago, her estate originally wanted to ban the play because “it didn’t capture the spirit” of this 1960 novel. On another note, in the novel, as well as the play, the word “Nigger” is used. Some might find this offensive. However, that word represented racial discrimination, then and now. We find that racial discrimination is still present, even though the word “Nigger” is not as prevalent.

  Racism and prejudice, not surprisingly, still exist, and in many ways is more subtle in many geographical areas. Can you believe that the color of one’s skin; racial heritage, political views; and/ or religious beliefs result in so much hateful prejudice? It’s true that these perceived cognitive distortions or irrationalities [employing a partial fact, adding an untruth, creating a scapegoat, and drawing a false conclusion], differences or prejudices are accompanied by insecurities, the vulnerabilities and unpleasantness of anxiety, danger or fear that result in hostility and sadism, which are an integral part of our design. Often, hostility, passive aggressive physical and verbal anger are associated with negative emotions. In essence, we exhibit a plethora irrationality.

 It’s certainly not rational to express sadistic, hateful rhetoric or physical behavior to another Homo sapiens just because of a different skin color; or a different or differing viewpoint or belief.  This is not new as religion, originated rules or laws attempting to regulate sadistic treatment to others. That idea has failed miserably. Unfortunately, anxiety is often associated with such behavior, and with it, it simply dictates or drives the motivation of Homo sapiens. Moreover, rationality, truth and reason takes a second step behind, anxiety, sadomasochism, vulnerable  need structures,  goal attainment compensation, managing physical and economic ills and chasing illusions within an insane society with its many barriers and hurdles along the way. Sorry, Socrates, Homo sapiens have too much on their plate, are irrational, and are unable to deal consistently with the terrific ideals of knowledge, truth, and virtue. Simply put, irrationality and bigotry are inbred cousins.