Racism

Such a fun subject, racism. In today's politically correct world, calling someone a racist is similar to calling someone a witch back in the 1600's. If anyone brings up the subject of racism, the only thing anyone has to contribute to the discussion is that they aren't racist at all. From there on, the discussion is full of 'hums' and 'haws' and lots of uncomfortable throat clearing. People have been taught to believe a lot of untrue things about racism. Lets say you're in a crowded room that's full of largely one or two races, and one of those people happens to be black. If someone were to refer to this person by his race (that black guy over there), they often feel guilty after-wards. They feel racist. That's just one example. Another example is when a black man walks into a copy store, and he's the only customer. Lets also say this black guy is wearing running shoes, jeans and a hoodie. So now the employees are watching him, and Mr. Black notices this. Perhaps Mr. Black feels like he's being profiled? Maybe he is, but chances are that this is mostly due to his clothes, rather than his skin.

Noticing someone's race is not racism. Preferring to deal with one's own race isn't necessarily racism. People often feel more comfortable dealing with someone who reminds them of themselves or those they care about. Merrian-Wbster defines racism as" 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination". So in other words, calling a black man black isn't racist. Saying that most Hispanics speak Spanish, isn't racist either. Saying that Asians are smarter than everyone else, or saying that Black people are better basketball players than white people...now that's racism at it's finest.

So here's the truth people: You may not hate any race at all. But if you think one race is superior or inferior to another, even if results have proven you right, then you are a racist. I'm not going to say I hate to tell you this, because I really don't: All men are not created equal. If that were true, there would be either no criminals, or no successful people. Either everyone would be stupid, or equally brilliant. So I will tell you this now, without fear of truthful dispute: Everyone is now or has at some point said, thought or done something that makes them a racist.

The Truth About Individuality

People like to say that they are special and unique individuals. Yet these individuals always cling to other individuals and form groups or herds. Perhaps this is for safety? From real threats or perceived, perhaps. Maybe it's simply for protection from ridicule. I've never understood this behavior.

Individuals do not cleave to others for safety of mind or body. The greatest individuals have always found ways above groups, or at least to the forefront of them. Everyone has that one friend who is completely unlike everyone else in their little social circle. Instead of following the rest of the gang, they lead it. The group is effected by this 'Alpha' in so many subtle ways. One day, one of your friends may show up with a new shirt, or new book, or mention a new idea or opinion. Then the rest of the group, out of admiration (or simply a desire to stay up to date), will follow suit.

Everyone likes to think that they are this Alpha male or female. This is often not the case. The leader leads, not because they are the strongest per se, but because they have a desire to evolve as a human being. S/he understands that who they are is not who they will be ten years from now, or even who they will be tomorrow. The desire for self-improvement is what places someone at the head of the pack.

This explains the behavior of most people. Here's where I try to look hard at myself.

I've been feeling acutely alone lately. I have few friends with whom I correspond anymore, and even fewer that I see in person. This is less to do with anti-social behavior on my part, and more to do with the aforementioned desire for self-evolution. In some ways, I've been craving the sanctuary of other people's presence. In other ways, however, I have never felt like more of an individual. It's true, I tend to stick out in a crowd. But perhaps that's because I've never "been one of the gang" and am trying to show that fact to everyone who sees me. I'm sure there's some very deep psychological reason for this behavior that I can't even begin to comprehend.

But anyway, anyone still reading this is looking for the truth. So here it is: Great individuals have always remained above or apart from groups. Think you're special? Check your surroundings.