| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Fester" |
| Date: |
16 Jan 2006 05:48:18 PM |
| Object: |
OT: Victims of success? |
Today is the day that we've chosen to honor Dr. Martin Luther King for
his undeniably great work in forwarding the cause of civil liberties
through non-violent civil disobedience. Dr. King's work was
indispensable and wonderfully effective, and we all owe him a debt of
gratitude. On this day of reflection I considered some of the legacies
of Dr. King's work.
I couldn't help thinking about one of the unfortunate consequences of
Dr. King's magnificent work. That is that effectiveness of his
ingenious application of Ghandi's and Thoreau theories has spawned an
uncountable number of pale, often trivial imitations in modern times. I
am speaking of the, "I'm a victim" mindset that has become so prevalent
in our society. While Dr. King tilted his lance at real and heinous
injustices, today we are confronted almost daily by "victims" of
imaginary wrongs. Dr. King rebelled against Americans being refused
services or employment or housing based on the color of their skin.
today's victims are marching shouting because "under gawd" is in the
pledge, or because "under gawd" is not in the pledge. We're victimized
by crosses and we're victimized by the absence of crosses. We outraged
on behalf of others who don't know enough to be outraged on their own
accord by the insensitive use of an Indian, for example, as a college
mascot.
I wouldn't trade the gains that Dr. King was so uniquely effective in
improving our society, but I do wish that we would stop trivializing his
legacy by invoking the language and tools of the civil rights movement
every time our feelings are hurt. To the degree that we feel so
compelled to fabricate lawsuits and legislation every time we're
offended, we're showing ourselves to all be victims of Dr. King's success.
.
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| User: "JTEM" |
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| Title: Re: Victims of success? |
16 Jan 2006 06:59:42 PM |
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"Fester" <not@home.com> wrote
I am speaking of the, "I'm a victim" mindset that has
become so prevalent in our society.
Ironically it's the basis of Republican political strategy,
which you whole heartedly endorse.
"Christianity under Siege," and all the "Threats" from
terrorists and gay people trying to marry.
Marriage is "Threatened." You are a *Victim*. Your
marriage is UNDER ATTACK.
*****.
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| User: "towelie" |
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| Title: Re: Victims of success? |
16 Jan 2006 08:51:29 PM |
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JTEM wrote:
"Fester" <not@home.com> wrote
I am speaking of the, "I'm a victim" mindset that has
become so prevalent in our society.
Ironically it's the basis of Republican political strategy,
which you whole heartedly endorse.
Victimization and fear.
"Christianity under Siege," and all the "Threats" from
terrorists and gay people trying to marry.
Marriage is "Threatened." You are a *Victim*. Your
marriage is UNDER ATTACK.
*****.
Touche!
--
aa #2133
ap #19
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