Overreach
I'm so tired of hearing that everything is racist. That everything is sexist. It seems that the order of the day is to be extreme in all thought. Politically, we're either very right or very left. There's not much common ground to be had lately. Racially, we're either black, brown, red, white, or yellow.
Again, not much room for common ground.
I love to listen to those with opposing points of view because sometimes I can learn something.
So, I listen. I have to tell you, though, what I hear on the national news from people of color and from women isn't always constructive. I see much less of them trying to fix things and much more of why I'm to blame for all of the evil in the world.
Not helpful. Not good.
I have a much different idea in mind. How about this for an approach... Maybe we can talk with each other as humans first and genders, races, sex practices, political parties, and religions a distant second?
Now there's an idea.
Here's another idea... Let's stop trying to make every cultural norm a racial (or sexist, etc) offense.
Jingle All the Way...
This week there is a cadre of articles about Jingle Bells being racist. Anyone who seriously thinks that the average white guy is thinking about white supremacy while he sings Jingle Bells, is dangerously deranged.
Overreach is everywhere.
Brrrr... It's Cold in the New Millenium
Or, how about the classic song "Baby It's Cold Outside?" I've always loved this duet. The harmonies are just wonderful. That's what attracted me to it in the first place. Then, I listened to the lyrics. It's just so real. The guy is pressing for the girl to stay. The girl is giving the excuses about why she shouldn't. However, notice one thing: She doesn't leave. Why? Because this is the dance of enticement that men and women do when there's attraction. It's a story as old as male-ness and female-ness. And it's simply a wonderful part of what it means to be a human.
If you listen to this song and aren't reminded of what it means to be a woman or a man, then you have allowed political correctness to neuter you.
