“It’s very American to celebrate the day independence was simply declared with fancy, hypocritical words than when it was actually won.” American exceptionalism in a nutshell. Sigh.
The internet and Information Age was supposed to give us a compendium of human knowledge at our fingertips. We were told that it was supposed to usher in a new age of reason and understanding and acceptance. But we squandered it. We refused to learn from the lessons history taught us and the past mistakes we made. We refuse to learn from the voices of the people who were there and the experts who studied them. But most importantly we refuse to listen to each other, still.
Instead of making it easier to discern truth from fiction we made it easier to spread lies.
I do believe in the goodness of people and I do believe in the goodness that America can be. But I am not naive about its dark history or the dark path it’s potentially headed towards.
I don’t know what’s going to happen in November but in my humble opinion our biggest obstacle we are facing right now is propaganda and misinformation. And most people don’t even know that’s what’s being forced upon us.
"But most importantly we refuse to listen to each other, still."
I dunno, a nice sentiment but I get a whiff of 'bothsidesdoit' there. Are black people REALLY not listening enough to white people? Is that the problem? That black people aren't trying HARD enough? that does't quite scan. Like Ta Nahisi Coates says, racism is a white people problem. Black people can't fix a problem created and propagated by 'whiteness'...
No. That was not directed at both sides. That was directed the liberal elites not listening to the minorities in our party. Not listening to the people who are sounding the alarm on what the Republican Party is actually planning for us all.
Agreed. Though I think it’s important for Black people to listen and understand white people, as well. It doesn’t mean we have to agree, but we need to understand. Most Black people do, however, but we are still susceptible to liberal bubbles especially if we are well off.
There's listening as an act of compassion, and then there is listening as in 'Pay attention to what people are saying'.
I think when people talk about listening to each other, it's framed in hippy dippy kumbaya terms. As in sitting together and breaking bread together.. Reaching out and across to each other. And considering that there is one side that takes a particular pride in NOT listeming It starts to get insulting for the actual listeners to be accused of not listening enough. Merc's law a la carte
This is such a deep article. I am often conflicted about patriotism, and I at least enjoy the day off I guess. For what it's worth, I hope for you to have as great a holiday as possible given the circumstances.
Thank you for this. One of the hardest things for me to do, personally, is what shines through Douglas's writing -- his forgiveness of the former owner (and recognition of their shared humanity), even as he so eloquently condemns the practice of slavery, and describes the extent of the degradation and pain inflicted by a white slaveowner who exploits it for his own benefit.
It's probably been 25 years or more since I last read this -- then, I viewed it as history we needed to remember. I never thought it would be more appropriate to our lives now than it already was.
Its a harsh and righteous kind if forgiveness though. Its saying " I will not allow you to live in my heart and soul anymore" a polite version of "you are dead to me"
yeah... she didn't seem particularly fond of him, but I'm pretty sure that had a lot more to do with the fact that he's a pig with appalling social manners, rather than his status as a (then-unindicted) felon who is completely and repulsively devoid of redeeming qualities. What comparatively minor power the royals have left in British government relies on an entire structure of manners and convention and social class to maintain, so they do have to put up with the occasional cretin who holds official power in his own country, as much as they may detest doing so.
It was interesting: I saw almost no “patriotic” 4th of July posts on my social media, not even from my tiny handful of “USA! USA!” relatives. Only two trucks loaded with flags, one business reader-board, and even the fireworks—save for a couple instances earlier in the week—were few and far away. I doubt that America is over its self-congratulatory bullshit, but it sure seemed subdued this year.
I'm with you. Besides, living in Texas, it's usually the same assholes out setting off illegal fireworks that love to take their ARs out to eat at Chik-fil-a -- terrifying all of the animals in the immediate area is just gravy. Done with all of it.
"The struggle continues," Yes, this, to protect those who can not protect themselves. We fight for everyone. Have a nice day today if you are able to do so, come back fresh and ready to work. Take your rest when you can, tell your loved ones you love them. We are fighting a war.
“It’s very American to celebrate the day independence was simply declared with fancy, hypocritical words than when it was actually won.” American exceptionalism in a nutshell. Sigh.
The internet and Information Age was supposed to give us a compendium of human knowledge at our fingertips. We were told that it was supposed to usher in a new age of reason and understanding and acceptance. But we squandered it. We refused to learn from the lessons history taught us and the past mistakes we made. We refuse to learn from the voices of the people who were there and the experts who studied them. But most importantly we refuse to listen to each other, still.
Instead of making it easier to discern truth from fiction we made it easier to spread lies.
I do believe in the goodness of people and I do believe in the goodness that America can be. But I am not naive about its dark history or the dark path it’s potentially headed towards.
I don’t know what’s going to happen in November but in my humble opinion our biggest obstacle we are facing right now is propaganda and misinformation. And most people don’t even know that’s what’s being forced upon us.
"But most importantly we refuse to listen to each other, still."
I dunno, a nice sentiment but I get a whiff of 'bothsidesdoit' there. Are black people REALLY not listening enough to white people? Is that the problem? That black people aren't trying HARD enough? that does't quite scan. Like Ta Nahisi Coates says, racism is a white people problem. Black people can't fix a problem created and propagated by 'whiteness'...
No. That was not directed at both sides. That was directed the liberal elites not listening to the minorities in our party. Not listening to the people who are sounding the alarm on what the Republican Party is actually planning for us all.
Gotcha. My misread. I totally agree with that
Agreed. Though I think it’s important for Black people to listen and understand white people, as well. It doesn’t mean we have to agree, but we need to understand. Most Black people do, however, but we are still susceptible to liberal bubbles especially if we are well off.
There's listening as an act of compassion, and then there is listening as in 'Pay attention to what people are saying'.
I think when people talk about listening to each other, it's framed in hippy dippy kumbaya terms. As in sitting together and breaking bread together.. Reaching out and across to each other. And considering that there is one side that takes a particular pride in NOT listeming It starts to get insulting for the actual listeners to be accused of not listening enough. Merc's law a la carte
This is such a deep article. I am often conflicted about patriotism, and I at least enjoy the day off I guess. For what it's worth, I hope for you to have as great a holiday as possible given the circumstances.
Its like Christmas. As an atheist I still enjoy the time off and I even like some of the songs and faerie lights
Yeah I feel that!
I concur with that confliction about patriotism.
I always felt uncomfortable “rah rah rahing” with the people who think half the country doesn’t deserve freedom.
Thank you for this. One of the hardest things for me to do, personally, is what shines through Douglas's writing -- his forgiveness of the former owner (and recognition of their shared humanity), even as he so eloquently condemns the practice of slavery, and describes the extent of the degradation and pain inflicted by a white slaveowner who exploits it for his own benefit.
It's probably been 25 years or more since I last read this -- then, I viewed it as history we needed to remember. I never thought it would be more appropriate to our lives now than it already was.
Its a harsh and righteous kind if forgiveness though. Its saying " I will not allow you to live in my heart and soul anymore" a polite version of "you are dead to me"
Thank you for a dose of reality!
And the Queen of England invited Trump over for tea like everything was completely fine.
yeah... she didn't seem particularly fond of him, but I'm pretty sure that had a lot more to do with the fact that he's a pig with appalling social manners, rather than his status as a (then-unindicted) felon who is completely and repulsively devoid of redeeming qualities. What comparatively minor power the royals have left in British government relies on an entire structure of manners and convention and social class to maintain, so they do have to put up with the occasional cretin who holds official power in his own country, as much as they may detest doing so.
“Black people’s war for our freedom will never end so long as we live and breathe in America.”
It must not, it will not. You are not alone.
I ain’t doin’ it THIS year! No flag & no fireworks
It was interesting: I saw almost no “patriotic” 4th of July posts on my social media, not even from my tiny handful of “USA! USA!” relatives. Only two trucks loaded with flags, one business reader-board, and even the fireworks—save for a couple instances earlier in the week—were few and far away. I doubt that America is over its self-congratulatory bullshit, but it sure seemed subdued this year.
I'm with you. Besides, living in Texas, it's usually the same assholes out setting off illegal fireworks that love to take their ARs out to eat at Chik-fil-a -- terrifying all of the animals in the immediate area is just gravy. Done with all of it.
"The struggle continues," Yes, this, to protect those who can not protect themselves. We fight for everyone. Have a nice day today if you are able to do so, come back fresh and ready to work. Take your rest when you can, tell your loved ones you love them. We are fighting a war.
No justice, no peace.
Thank you, Stephen, for this excellent article.
I well remember the British invasion of the 1960s. It was revolutionary! and nothing was ever the same again.
Awesome Stephen. Thank you.