BY MICHAEL REISIG –
We all realize that it’s not just fair and reasonable for minorities and women to rise to quality positions and recognition in our society, it’s essential to a balanced and modern America. There’s hardly an intelligent soul out there who doesn’t agree with that. But anyone who’s paying attention also realizes that there is an undercurrent afoot, a new politically correct credo driving a momentum to not just find equilibrium in jobs, earnings, and positions, but to diminish the status and accomplishments of the American white male while creating this equilibrium. There are probably a number of reasons for this, not the least of which would be resentment by those who were forced into the shadows of inferiority and subordination for so many years. And while this momentum is understandable, it doesn’t make it correct.
The truth is, until the last century, we have been a nation predominately protected by, advanced by, and directed by white males – since the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Bay. You don’t have to like it, but it’s true. However that has changed, and it’s good that it has, because any free nation blossoms under equality for all.
The problem is, human nature often lacks a sense of equilibrium. The pendulum has refused to stop in the center. While there are those who would say white males are now getting a taste of their own medicine, intelligent people would have to weigh what America gains and what it loses by this.
White males have become the derogatory target of choice for the advertising and entertainment industry. Any sentient television viewer can easily see this group has begun to be ruthlessly portrayed as the dolt, the miscreant, and the character of little importance, particularly in advertisements. Compare this depiction with how minorities and women are positively displayed. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to recognize how these groups are overwhelmingly and disproportionately featured in movies and commercials as “the bright, the successful, or the dominant. What develops here is a representation so close to the outside edge of reality as to be insulting, but the advertising industry and Hollywood emphasize this perspective. Why? The answer is simple, white males are largely too busy to dispute this idiotic representation. No one advocates for them. But by and large, they are the ones killing Bin Laden, serving as the foremost surgeons, and comprising the majority of leadership in our scientific community. Even if you think this is “inappropriate” it doesn’t make it untrue. While this may change in the future, today, it is what it is.
What’s inappropriate, and dangerous, is that this misrepresentation over time weakens America’s potential. It creates an image of an important stratum of our society as being the most undesirable. In this manner, over time the Left will get what they want – a weakened military, medical and scientific communities that have passed through and promoted not the best, but the most politically correct, and an inept, third-world research and business industry. (I’m not saying that some of the best won’t be women and minorities, but when your choices are biased by political correctness you get the chaff with the wheat.)
How does all this benefit America? The fact is, it doesn’t. This is “form over substance” at its worst. The Left wants Affirmative Action type programs to guide selection, not demonstrated achievements – achievements gained by hard work and sacrifice. Here’s a great example of that sacrifice, where the selection rate is based on a stamina and intelligence well above the norm:
The final selection rates to America’s Military Special Operations community are male and predominantly white (this is hard fact – it has nothing to do with prejudice). They’re male for the same reason women don’t play in the NFL, and predominantly white because that’s the group who survived the arduous crucible of physical and intellectual testing. It’s combat selection criteria, pure and simple. You see, combat doesn’t see sex, color, or any other discriminator, it sees what’s needed to survive and accomplish the mission. What comes from this forge is the best.
I want this “best” in my police, doctors, and scientists, not a watered down version caused by politically correct selection criteria. I want the government out of this process and I want this misrepresentation of white males to stop. If a similar representation ridiculed minorities or women on this scale, there would be such an overwhelming hue and cry it would evaporate overnight. However, the good old white male is an easy target simply because he’s the guy “without” a host of organizations serving his advocacy. It’s time we realized he’s still the mainstay of America, and not the butt.
A special thanks to my writer friend, Thomas Paine, for some of the above information.
The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the ownership and staff of The Polk County Pulse. Michael Reisig is a freelance writer and published author whose works are reproduced throughout the globe.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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