They have to be taught before it’s too late. Before they are 6, 7, or 8. To hate all the people their relatives hate.
They have to be carefully taught.
These are lyrics of a song from the ever-popular hit musical, “South Pacific,” that understandably never became one of the popular tunes.
In fact whatever most of us are or believe directly results from what we are carefully taught-by-word and deed whether intentionally or unintentionally. We also quickly adapt to the latest fads in dress or hair styles, slangs, dance steps and any number of constantly changing social and behavioral patterns and base our standards of right or wrong on who’s doing it or on how long its been done that way.
This all adds up to what we tern “thermometer existence” – Mechanically registering whatever the popular entertainment, social or religious climate about us may be, whether good, bad or indifferent.
While many conform to and even take pride in this societal hierarchy, many others are becoming increasingly restless in their search for individuality and purpose. The era of blind follow-the-leader existence is fast drawing to a close with the passing of mankind’s infancy and those who seek “independent investigation of truth” seemed at a loss at where to search.
Much of today’s confusion and subsequent decadence derives from the fact that most of man’s perceived power and prestige is contingent upon such blind regimentation and conformity. Consequently fear tactics are currently lavished on anyone who is perceived as a threat to these dynasties.
The role of a good parent is to teach the child to do well without them; the same rule applies to the good teacher, whether academic or spiritual. To do otherwise is but selfish reverse psychology – making person feel dependent upon you when in fact it is the other way around.
Much of the division between peoples of this nation and the world continues to exist due to manipulative “thermometer” news coverage, subliminally drumbeating out the message of who to fear, who to hate, who to distrust and shoes lives are the superior and inferior ones in times of conflict and war.
In the Baha’i Holy Writings, we are made keenly aware that “As the dark pupil gives sight to the eye, so, too shall the dark peoples give religious sight to the world.”
Recognizing many years ago the incomparable “power of the press” and especially that of the visual media, it is incumbent upon us to be more “fair in our judgment and more guarded in our speech” as commanded by Baha’u’llah Prophet/Founder of the Baha’i Faith.
In our humble opinion, the Black press and Black Media in particular should not be content to solely offer more thermometer media coverage of the socially and spiritually deteriorating climate about us but serve instead as a thermostat to help set the climate.
To serve or to assist in the advancement of mankind is frustrating and disappointing if done for reward or appreciation. As mankind is too hard to please and his rewards for doing so too minimal should by some miracle it would happen. It is far more rewarding to view all as God’s creatures and render service to Him by serving His creatures. He is far more forgiving of our shortcomings, more supportive of our feeble efforts and His rewards unfathomable.
Let us then give more serious consideration to our present state of thermometer existence, that merely registers existing social climates and dare to stand tall and become thermostats that help gauge that climate.
