Caucasians don't think about race unless they are forced to.
Minorities don't want to think about race, but are forced to constantly.
I don't think the above sweeping generalization is true. Some people choose to be allies (White allies to people of color, male allies to women, straight allies to queer people). It's true that people with privelege get to choose, but some people do choose to be allies.
A sweeping generalization..perhaps. Completely untrue? No.
Yes, you are correct in saying that there are people who chose to support and defend others without incentive. But how common are they? These people that chose to help others are important, even crucial to the advancement of civil rights and basic human dignity. But these people are few and far between. That is why when they are "discovered" by the media people embrace them.
Many people may respect Mother Teresa, but how many do you know that have rushed off to Calcutta?
Does the Chinese community consider the black community? Does the black community find solidarity with the Mexican community? Does the Jewish community go out of their way to support the gay and lesbian communities? Does the gay and lesbian community extend a hand to rural depressed areas?
Perhaps there are people that will continue to go beyond the rest of us, but never in great and overwhelming numbers.
There was a white female housewife from the uppermidwest that was so inspired by the civil rights struggle in the 1960's that she drove off to the South to help and support them. Then she gave a ride to a black male co-activist. They were both gunned down while she was driving him home.
ahem..."It's actually not a surprise. It's pretty much what I figured would happen. That's just the way it is."
I have said this before, but certain cuts have gone on too long and too deep to be healed quickly, or even completely. Given time...maybe...anytime soon?
Nope. Does this mean give up the struggle? No way.
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