I’ve got some bad news to share with you today. A realization, which, may not be unique or untouched these days, but it is one that does not get nearly enough attention. The Latin-Americans are ruining this country. So are the African-Americans. The Italian-Americans? They’re part of the problem as well. Do I have your attention yet? Well, before you accuse me of being a bigot and grab your nailboard, please read on…
Some time ago, it became fashionable for people to define themselves as being one of these many subsets of the American citizen. This idea, lauded by any group who considers itself downtrodden, or a minority, is poisonous to the health and stability of America. You don’t have to grind your gears very hard to recall the last time you heard someone talking about their heritage. If you say otherwise, I need to call you a liar. Watch television for 15 minutes – any station – and you will quickly see what I’m talking about. Latino’s, African-Americans, Irish-Americans, Japanese-Americans, are all guilty of this… They’re not the only one’s though (just the most vocal perhaps). Indeed, there are too many of these subsets to mention here. Yes, your heritage is important… And some people may find it interesting to learn that your family is originally from some other, exotic part of the world. But when you start to let that fact define who you are, you’re doing yourself and your nation a disservice.
You’ve heard people say that America is the great nation we see before us today because it is so diverse… Because it is a place where many different sizes, shapes, beliefs, religions and cultures coexist; because it is a ‘melting pot’. This may be true, but you do not understand what you’re saying! Oh yes, you people, happy with your amalgamous slurry, fail to realize that there’s no melting going on in America! We’re just a pot, and it’s tarnished surface is beginning to show. If this nation truly was a melting pot of nationalities and their respective differences, we would be a new entity. A whole, made of many different parts, now indistinguishable from its original constituents. Sounds great, but that is not what we have here people. We are a nation of many different types, each one more important that the other. Each one in greater need of aid, reparations, affirmative action, 15-minutes, et cetera, ad nauseum. You get my meaning?
It is beyond the scope of this article to discuss all of the ways this situation is affecting us. Please, give it some thought, and you’ll quickly see, as I have, that it is a noxious, caustic poison to us all.
You may be wondering, after reading all of this… What am I? To which group do I owe my allegiance? Well, I’ll tell you, I’m an American. And no, that’s not all… That’s everything! You see, that’s the solution. Be an American first and foremost. Don’t accentuate every difference you have. Instead strive to find common ground with your neighbor and fellow American. A novel idea I know. Not very popular one these days of over-the-top, misplaced pride perhaps, but being popular shouldn’t be our main goal anyway, should it?
-Mod
#1 by Ben on October 21st, 2009
This goes beyond nationality. We need to see ourselves all as human. Even more so as being part of a massive cycle of life more important that any one of us in particular. Pride in country is pride all the same. We’re just little sparks in one big bonefire (to borrow from a teacher of mine).
#2 by modulus on October 21st, 2009
I don’t disagree with you, Ben. It does go beyond nationality…
However, I think we can all agree that a unified nation is a good first step, right? A unified world? Well, hell yes! But in the mean time, there is a lot to be gained by being a more unified nation. Whether we like to admit it or not, right now, we are in competition with other nations. I love the idea of a unified world, but as it is today, we must first ensure our survival on the world’s stage.