Here is an easy way to look at how far we've come as a Nation in terms of openness and tolerance.
Culture mirrors society. It reveals how a society thinks, it's attitudes and preferences, what's popular and what's important. It reflects who we are.
The broadest example of this are the most pervasive, or popular, cultural medium - Such as TV, movies and popular music.
If America is as racist and intolerant of Blacks and gays as some politicians, media/news figures and even some athletes would have you to believe, it would be apparent in our Culture.
Guess what -- IT IS!! Yup, if you look at TV shows and movies from the 60s, 70s, even the 80s it is pretty obvious who is missing -- Blacks and gays!! NOT so today! The contrast between when I grew up and today is enormous.
Half of America are Trump supporters. IF half of America were racists, bigots and homophobes, America would NOT look the way it does in popular culture today.
America has NEVER been more open and tolerant as it is today. And yet, since Obama ran for President on a platform to "bring America together," the Democratic party platform has obsessed with racism, bigotry and homophobia.
STICK WITH WHAT WORKS ...
Perhaps the reason that the Democratic party is so obsessed with that message is because it helps Democratic politicians to win elections. It worked in 60s, the 70s and it worked for Obama!
Don't get me wrong, the Democratic Party has other political themes it works with as well. Since Al Gore ran on the Presidential ticket with Bill Clinton 28 years ago, the theory that humans have to stop changing the climate is rather popular. Socialism is hot too. But the all-time favorite go-to message of the Democratic Party still seems to be that they will address our nation of racists, bigots and homophobes.
Demographics turn elections, and in places like Chicago, Baltimore, Newark and NYC, that message finds an audiences who may find it extremely appealing. But I ask you, is it because those cities are actually more racist and homophobic? Or could there be other reasons why that message is appealing. I believe it is the later. But that is different discussion.
The obsession, and the way certain Democratic leaders and media assert that Trump and his supporters are predominantly racists, bigots and homophobes is not just unfair. The worst part is how it has divided us.
America should be celebrating our accomplishments! And when we do we come together. But that image is woefully lacking in much of mainstream media. There have been many events and moments that have deserved greater attention.
During Black history month and on other occasions when we look back, we can celebrate how far we have come in building a Nation in which Black children can truly believe that if they study and work hard and make the better choices in life that they can rise as high as their G-d given talent and ability will take them!
Plus, NO gay man or woman has to be trapped in a closet of fear or humiliation.
They say one has to be taught to hate. And it is true. And that is what some politicians and folks in the media are doing. They have created a narrative that America is a hateful Nation. And what is the natural reaction to someone who hates you and is trying to portray you in a terrible and false way? To hate them back.
STOP THE HATE and division that we are promoting in America. Let's all start to appreciate that America is the more free, open and tolerant than it has EVER BEEN!
THE HYPOCRISY IS GREATER THAN THE TRUTH.