Thoughts on bigotry and socio-political machinations.

[BlueStreak]

I grew up in a small Midwestern town. It has changed a little since I left in 1982, but not by much. The folks there always seemed very nice and pleasant enough. Still do. But, when there look around you, you won't see very much diversity at all. This is no accident and it is not unique to my hometown. My mother, who passed in 2008 at 84 years old could tell you the subtle ways in which it was quietly kept that way. "Certain people just weren't ever allowed to get comfortable with being here.", was something she once told me.

Hatred doesn't have to be overt. Separatism doesn't have to be as obvious as a sign at the city limits. The devil is in the details and evil often hides behind things ordinarily seen as good; patriotism, religion, security, financial matters and so on; "We have to keep them out. It's for the children and their future."

It can manifest itself in the wink of an eye or the shrug of a shoulder. The careful turn of a phrase that alludes to a particular race, religion or other trait without naming anything or anyone specific. Sometimes saying or doing nothing, exhibiting a lack of empathy, refusing to express compassion or outrage is as damning as a bigoted outburst.

I read comments here and elsewhere, I listen to the words of others and sometimes, yes I will admit, even my own......and I shudder to think what would happen if all of this pent up emotion were to come to the fore.

But, more importantly, I wonder how we can prevent that from ever happening.

Dave