I overheard a debate this morning as I had my usual coffee. I regularly attend debate-centered functions to see the perspective of different people...something that always intrigues me. It was a race-relative topic that was specific to contributions/accomplishments based upon race.... and how said acts have bettered the nation. The topics, to those who are paying attention, are not always meant to discuss it's title directly... but sometimes to recognize the set-up. The discussion involved various races, mainly the prominent ones found in the United States. I was surprised by the direct and straight forward atmosphere around the topic, in which all sides pretty much held no punches, nor applied any coats of sugar. However, one statement struck me as odd... and, at the same time, common when it comes to this discussion.

The involvement of "we".

When a discussion goes from "_____ did _____, which heavily contributed to our countries forward progress" to "We did things that have contributed to our countries forward progress"... I call it Tribalism. Tribalism is known as strong loyalty to ones own tribe, party, or group. When "we" is inserted, the speaker has involved him/herself in an action that he/she had no part in whatsoever... by any way, shape, or form. Notice that I haven't spoken of one particular race, because all sides were guilty of the act once it was spoken. Here's my issue...

When you attempt to act as if contributions are not individual achievements... by treating them as representatives of your race, there is no logic behind it. Often, this discussion becomes one of "my race is superior because"... when truly, the race of the individual is at most, irrelevant. Please allow me to explain why I believe this is so. To this day, there has been no legitimate or credible evidence presented that states race is a deciding factor if intellectual progression is the issue. There are, in fact, no genetic blocks found in skin pigmentation that suggest those of different skin colors possess the ability (or lack thereof) to learn.

So, if intellect and education are universal... the ability to create, contribute, and accomplish are not exclusive to any single race. Any speculation as to the learning abilities of those of a certain color can often (and successfully) be directed towards ones placement in society (chiefly economic, or the availability of sound education). This leads me back to the topic. The title, IMO, was a set-up. If you feel I'm wrong, feel free to correct me. I believe the topic was a set-up because race (being such a strong issue) causes people to lose focus of fundamentals... and see just the target.

So, in closing...

You didn't do anything. When you add yourself into anothers act that you had nothing to do with, you've become less of a person able to express your own individuality...mooching off the actions of progressive minds... in order to replace your own "lack thereof".

I'll leave the floor open for anyone who disagrees.

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"You ain't even got half of what it takes to stand if you stood half a chance" - Lupe Fiasco