Here it is again. A news item in which students from, of all places a Catholic high school, wearing “Make America Great Again” caps were verbally confronted by a group of activists, but, and here’s the part that sticks out in my mind, they mocked and ridiculed a Native American gentleman with a simple hand drum that tried to separate the sides and restore peace. Has “turn the other cheek” never come up in these young men’s religious studies? How about the 21stcentury version of that – “don’t engage”? Perhaps these students were poorly prepared to descend on the nation’s capital, and clearly didn’t understand that wearing MAGA caps can be perceived as divisive symbols among diverse segments of the population. As they were attending a rally of their own, clearly the irony of “respect life” was lost on them.
“Making America Great Again” had such noble possibilities. We could refocus national discussions – healthcare, income and racial inequality, employment opportunities, protecting the environment. Those are just some of the things for which the United States should be known as great. Remember when we were the “land of opportunity”? But no, it sadly devolved into “immigrants are bad people”, trade tariffs, bullying our allies, building walls around the country, rallies for white supremacy. And, by the way, which is stronger, concrete or steel? We seem to be taking a giant leap backward in terms of mature handling of confrontation. In the “fight or flight” response, “flight” is losing badly. America, judging by the news we’re seeing and hearing every day, is becoming one big 1800’s Wild West saloon. We shoot first and ask questions later. My opinion is more important than yours, and my mind is made up so don’t confuse me with facts. Professional athletes talk about “not being respected”, which typically means “they’re not paying me what I want” or “they’re not always saying how wonderful I am.” We’re watching reality television where folks are attacking each other, screaming at each other. Brides are behaving like wild animals. Sadly, it sells, so it’s become the new “normal”. Even the young man from Kentucky at the center of the video confrontation issued a statement that was largely unapologetic and essentially said he was “tired of being the scapegoat”. Really? The confronter is the victim here?
The trend certainly didn’t start with our Bully-In-Chief, but he’s helped it along dramatically over the last two years. But if we espouse that line of reasoning, we’re no better, are we? Where is this coming from? What happened to us as a people that we’re unable to control ourselves? I think of Gisele Bundchen, reportedly explaining to her children last year after the Patriot’s loss in the Super Bowl, that “We can’t win every time, and it was the other team’s turn.” What a wonderful life lesson that is. Contrast that with New Orleans perseverating over a missed call by the officials, with any number Saints fan and supporters demanding a rematch with the Rams because of it. Move on, my friends. It’s just a game.
Somewhere along the line, we’ve truly lost sight of what is important to everyone collectively and with our interactions with others. Each person about whom we read is looking for the upper hand. My interests supersede those of the people around me. Anyone that disagrees must be wrong, and the level of my voice or my fists will prove me right. Yes, that approach has been highly successful for centuries. Every war that’s ever been fought has been total validation and vindication. We were watching an episode of House Hunters International the other night. It featured a young woman and her small daughter moving to Italy, where she planned to start a business. Nothing quite fit her perceptions or her budget, driving the real estate agent to distraction. But, as she said repeatedly, “I want what I want”. OK, then. The notion of the Ugly American lives on.
In the recent DC controversy, the students can be partly, and I say “partly” mind you, not totally, excused because as we now know, judgement, patience, that part of the brain that controls violent impulses and exercises restraint and judgement has not been fully developed in teenagers. However, it’s the adult responsibility to intervene and guide the development of those social characteristics until young people understand how to react in difficult situations. Where were the adults, the chaperones, the voices of reason while this unfortunate episode was unfolding? Was there some debrief on the bus back, a discussion about how to diffuse difficult situations? Both the school and the diocese appear to be deeply embarrassed and contrite. Perhaps, then, something was learned. I’d really like to think so.
It’s well past the time we rethink our core values as Americans. The late George H. W. Bush spoke longingly of a “kinder, gentler” America. Presumably, that means that we respect everyone, whether or not they look like us, believe what we believe, value what we value, or live a lifestyle we do. Acceptance isn’t weakness. Being number one isn’t always a virtue. Being the strongest isn’t always being the best. It’s all in how you use that strength. There was a time that General Motors ruled the world of trucks and automobiles. AT & T controlled the lion’s share of telecommunications. There were three television networks. Sears was king of retail. Being at the top is fleeting. Let’s revisit that as a national goal, and try to figure out how to handle our engagements, our disagreements, and our disappointments so that anger doesn’t control us. Civilization is a journey, and a byproduct of that is enlightenment. More brainpower and less angry rhetoric, fists and weapons will make our trip more agreeable. Let’s lower our voices and holster our guns. More thoughtful analysis and less knee-jerk reaction. That could work for individuals, for communities, and for nations.
I'm Thinking...No! 