Why It Is Always Wise To Never Judge Any Book By Its Cover

More than anything, never judge a book by its cover. That is too easy, for a complex people.

Recently, I wrote an article about a new college course added to the catalog at CUNY Hunter College’s Poli. Sci. department. It is called, tentatively, “Abolish White People” so named after another course, “Abolish the Whiteness” at another very prestigious university. At forst glance, one may think that this title reflects a literally, racist, and very negative cause or belief. However, this course is designed to enlighten and create a cohort of learned collegial mindsets.

This course aims to examine and explore the ‘-isms’ in society, the origins, intent and impact For those who fail to endeavor upon a journey of self-discovery and emerge with a more respectful worldview, then it makes complete sense that one cannot make his/her way past the title itself. That is a real shame, though. If it were indeed sentiments to be taken seriously at face value, then even though we may disagree, and I certainly do disagree, we are missing out on an opportunity to gain a more full understanding or insights into what would make someone say such horrible things, believe it or wish to support this as a cause.

If one were truly solution-focused, then the way to find effective solutions to problems is to fully explore that problem, from ALLangles. We would invoke logic as a point from which we approach the process. For example, professional profilers, in their quest for justice trying to capture a criminal suspect, is to truly examine and capture the mindset, the aim, the message or motive of the activities that person[s] pursues. If we want solutions, we must dissect the problem, examine the characterand ‘get into their head’.

iF SOMEONE WERE RUNNING AROUND YOUR TOWN AND DEFACING RELIGIOUS PROPERTIES, WITH HATEFUL MESSAGES INSCRIBED ON BUILDINGS, EXCLAIMING DESIRE TO HARM PEOPLE, SURE THAT’S BAD AND ILLEGAL. bUT, DO WE JUST PUT THEM BEHIND BARS AND SAY THAT WE HAVE DONE OUR OBS, OR DO WEALSO AIM TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE BEFORE IT IS REPLICATED OR DONE BY MORE PEOPLE?

iF PERHAPS ONE DIDN’T MAKE IT PAST THE TITLE, AND FELT SO THREATENED that you hastily went away, then you missed the point of the post completely. Ok! Mea Xulpa! I was unaware that this audience was so sensitive and given all you may have read from this site or summized about the general author, I would like to believe that there was interest more than utter surprise or disappointment. I truly feel that political correctness is the protocol on this forum, as opposed to honest inquiry, expressions of the many realities of others that exist for so, so many out there. That’s right1 There are many different daily realities that people live and experience and perceive every where we go.

In fact, there may just be people or groups of people who sincerely wish the sentiment, a quote, referred to in that post. Look at the Islamic ‘radicalized’ groups. The targets of their dissatisfaction with Western politics, religious ‘rights’, moral, civil or human rights, seem to be aimed specifically at the very population to whom ‘terrorist’ acts are always focused. On not one occasion has any atrocious acts been committed against African or Asian nations, just people like you and me. But, in contrast, black communities are never targets, maybe black people have been considered ‘collateral damage’; in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Do not be mistaken to believe that these are the words of an anti-American, against whites, or a ‘radicalized’ citizen. I am a realist, and consider myself to be somewhat intelligent, and always, always seeking information. I thoroughly the rights of others, different beliefs, and so forth. On top of that, I also am, once again a realist, seeking a true co-excistence between races, nations, because we all have one thing at the very least in common, and that is being human beings. In the end, religion and every -ism that we identify, will mean nothing.

What will mean more to our ultimate fate, will be the way in which we demonstrated respect, kindness, fairness, compassion, and appreciation for one another’s unique gifts. We will not be smiled upon if we step over others, except by sheer will, determination and hard work to demonstrate our willingness to win the right way. But, win or lose, everyone loses when we stack the deck against some groups or just one person, and yet feel deserved to earn the temporary title of ‘winner’. We all lose! Is it worth it?

How can we honestly feel secure in winning if we cheat our way to the top? I guess that is why there is so much fear, resentment, prejudice, discrimination. What we don’t know scares us, and we must, both you and I, conquer those fears. Be brave. Surely, we can’t be so shallow to take a ‘cover’ to its literal extent. I would only hope that none of us harbors such narrow and extremist views on other human beings, whereby the biggest difference between us all is superficial,-skin deep. Take a chance on people, and ourselves, too. Everyone’s angry that things are like they are. You fear me, are angry that we live and breathe the same air, and anxiously await the day when confronted with those fears. If there is strength and great will, then face them today. This way those fears will be behind you.

The past can’t be changed, but today can begin a journey towards the discovery of a new path-leading to a better tomorrow. Once again, mea culpa! Thank you for allowing me to express myself. I welcome all comments, and respect all who  raise their voices-whether yea or nay. Just do so respectfully! We can learn from anyone, and each other, so enlighten me. I am a life-long learner!