America claims to be the melting pot of the world and in many ways, this is true as it probably has the most diverse population of any country on earth.
However, from my own personal experiences, it is more like a boiling pot and its boiling over! With speeches of hate, prejudice and fear of foreigners being sprouted on a daily basis by politicians, religious “leaders” and resentful individuals, these non-truths are being accepted by the ignorant and educated alike as the truth according to the bible! This American boiling pot has become full of bigotry and hypocrisy. Blame for everything from crime to poor education to job losses and to the high cost of medical coverage is pointed toward those who “are not like us”. Let’s blame all of society’s woes on the Mexicans, the Muslims, the Jews, the gays, the liberals, the blacks and the list goes on and on and on….. The finger is always pointed this way and that way and over there, too, but never in the mirror! Blame is directed not at individuals but at groups of people: The Mexicans are the cause of it or the Muslims are the cause of it… No, this is not a melting pot but a boiling pot where the boiling hot water is splashing over the edge of the pot and burning the hand that stirs it.
On the other hand, where I work at, over here in
In the year or so that I have been here, I have yet to hear any racial slurs or hateful comments directed at a group of people. We may not like certain people, but it is directed at the individual, not at his race or place of birth. This is the way it should be (in this context). We will not get along with everyone, but there is a certain amount of respect. Respect not only for the person but respect for all the diverse nationalities at work here in my company. I take my hat off to the management who hired all the people here. Not only did they hire a diverse working force from around the world, but they also hired Germans, educated and non-educated alike, who have a proper view of, a healthy outlook toward and an acceptance of the foreigners amongst them.
To me, this is a true melting pot. It may only be a small firm in a small city, in this vast world (that is getting smaller by the day) of ours but Americans can learn from this cohesive atmosphere here in this firm in
This American boiling pot is harmful, as well, to ones own spiritual well being, while, within my own melting pot, as I talk to and learn from my co-workers about their homelands, about how they do things in their countries, I feel a certain growth about me. A growth that cannot be described in words but is a feeling within me… a spiritual growth, perhaps, as I feel that I am becoming a better human being along my jouney…..
:>)
2 Comments:
I think that America is not the only place where some of its residents are fearful of differences; but I think you chose America because you have experienced this here before you moved to Germany. Sadly the whole world over has residents that live off fear.
I think, though, that through the Internet, t.v., radio, cellphones, telephones, etc., we're becoming a smaller planet, hence it's becoming easier for everyone to connect into what hopefully will one day be a global society of love. :) (Go ahead, call me Pollyanna!)
Hi Sophia,
Good to hear from you. Appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Let me explain this post a bit more…..
Why did I use America as the example? It’s easy: I’m American and was born in/grew up in Florida. I’ve spent most of my life in Fl except for a few years in the military and living over here in Germany. Though my views are skewed from living my life in Florida, I know America….
To people over here, I tell them that America is the land of “a lot”. There is a lot of good about the USA and a lot of great people in America but there are also a lot of bad things about the states and a lot of “bad” people here too…..just like any other country.
Now, the intent of the post was to stress the harmful effects on us when we get caught up in the HATE trap. I believe that hate is not a trait we are born with but it’s a trait learned from society. I, myself, feel fortunate to have not grown up around these types of people thus I do not have that outlook. Those who preach hate, no matter where they are from, are wrong and are only interested in their own gain at the expense of harming others. (or, their own insecurities are taken out on others at the expense of others) People like these are in every country but since America is looked up to more than any other country, it becomes the focus. America has the potential to be so much better, again, but these last 8yrs (and more) have seen a rise in hate, fostered by politicians, religious “leaders” and others, towards certain segments of society. And, with 50% of the people voting both ways the last 3 elections, it shows me that we have a lot of work to do. Although I choose to have positive open minded friends around me, I have learned in the last few years that I, too, have some friends, who, although they don’t say it loudly, have fallen into the trap and now comment negatively and put all the blame on people “who don’t look like me” as if they are the sole reason for Americas problems; “Its their fault, not mine”! American history is filled with segments of hate toward minority groups but, again, it seems to me that bigotry has raised its ugly head more so recently and I put the blame squarely on those who “preach hate”, pit others against each other and put the good of themselves far above the good of their fellow human beings. This is a big problem. Can we overcome it? Sure, Americans can definitely overcome it but it’s going to take a while because the, “us against them” attitude has become ingrained in these peoples minds. Plus, …. “What goes around comes around”, will resurface sooner or later via (group) Karma!
During my lifetime and my travels, I have met so many wonderful, loving awesome people. I feel fortunate. However, I thing I have learned is that a jerk is a jerk, no matter where they are from NOT because of where they are from…………
What do you think? How is it where you live, Pollyana.....
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