I’m keeping today’s blog post pithy.
I’m reading a very interesting book this weekend that gently reminds me that my individual success is paid for by my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and ancestors who not only lived through the Civil Rights Movement and under the oppression of Jim Crow and slavery, but raised me to raise the bar for myself and my family and friends.
Let’s not forget that what we collectively call “the struggle” was not just borne by people of color. There are a plethora of whites who were equally instrumental in advancing our great democratic society. We are truly traveling on this mighty ship we call Earth together.
We have come a long way and we have a long way to go, but I celebrate any victory, be it large or small. I am who I am today, not just by my own efforts, but by the efforts of those who came before me who paved the way.
One of my favorite movies is the 1968 Planet of the Apes, where the Dr. Zaius character, played brilliantly by late thespian Maurice Evans, delivered this gem…
I have always known about man. From the evidence, his wisdom must walk hand in hand with his idiocy. His emotions must rule his brain. He must be a warlike creature who gives battle to everything around him. Even himself.
Man’s inhumanity towards man will likely plague humanity for as long as humanity roams the Earth, but I’m an eternal optimist. Slavery in the United States only ended 154 years ago and the Civil Rights era “ended” only 55 years ago, but progress is progress.
Perhaps the harmony portrayed in Star Trek: The Original Series will come to pass in my grandson’s lifetime.
I will do my part to ensure it does. Like my parents did for me and my brothers.
-The Rational Ram
The Rational Ram 