Inferiority Complex

When there is a difference of any sort between two people, they tend not to think of it as unimportant, that it's OK to be different. Instead, each may seem compelled to believe that the other person must be less than himself. Otherwise, he would have to consider himself to be the inferior. And that, of course, is unacceptable.

Most differences should be seen as delightful variation, to be appreciated for the novelty they provide and a break from monotonous uniformity.

Human Race

When asked about our race, answering "Human Race" might be best. Recent studies of the human DNA shows cultural concepts of "race" to have no scientific counterpart. That is, human beings with varying skin pigments and other superficial characteristics are not separable into species as are birds or ants or bears.

Modern realities of transportation and commerce are creating one world. If we do it right, including everyone, excluding no one, it can be a peaceful world. Peace on earth, goodwill to all people everywhere, is a goal attainable.

How can we justify ourselves if we fail to try?

Reparations for Slavery

In the US, people with darker skin color still face some discrimination, that is, an unfair prejudgment of their abilities and/or likelihood to pose a danger. This prejudice diminishes a person's chances for success in life and feelings of self worth.

Given the amount of time that has passed, the reparation that made sense was affirmative action. Unfortunately, the courts have done away with that. This has made the prospect of financial compensation a more plausible alternative remedy.

At the very least, the attempt will remind US of our inability, so far, to put an end to racism.

Boycott Cincinnati?

The people of Cincinnati have a right to govern and police their city as they see fit, consistent with Federal and State law. And those of us who oppose bigotry have a right not to travel there for pleasure or business or to purchase goods from any of their companies.

They Say Tough Luck

Republicans agree, racial discrimination is wrong, and it is equally wrong to provide advantages to people of color in order to make up for the effects of past discrimination. Racial discrimination is wrong, period. To those who have been held back by past discrimination they say, "tough luck."

Why is that men are in power?

In one of the newspaper forums, a woman asked, "Why is it that men are in power?" She might have added the adjectives straight and white, but she didn't.

It was a good question. And the answer is--because they fought for it and won.

Until very recently there was a recognized right of conquest. It began before recorded history and ended after World War II. If you could defeat a people, you had the right to subjugate them and take over all of their land and possessions. That was why European colonies in Africa and Asia were considered to be legitimate, and why European wars were fought.

Even before city/states developed the principle was in effect. Men took control over women and children because they wanted to and they could. It was a right of conquest. To the victor go the spoils.

It is only in very modern times that this right of conquest has fallen into disrepute, both in geopolitical and domestic affairs.

Of course, the struggle goes on. The guys have had some reversals of late, but they still have a substantial advantage.

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