Dangerous?
Any person or practice which threatens the status quo for those in power in a particular place in a particular time have been consider dangerous. Frequently the response of the person or group who are considered dangerous is denial of being dangerous. After all, the goal often is or should be equal rights and access to resources regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, culture or other social constructs. The truth is if there is going to be equal rights and access to resources those who currently claim privilege do so at the expense of others will feel threatened. If there is no discrimination on the basis of the construct of race than there there will be a larger pool from which to grant jobs, contacts, housing and access to other resources. Merely being an educated, Caucasian male may not be enough to ensure one is at the top of the list. If there is no discrimination on the basis of gender merely being an educated, Caucasian male may not be enough to ensure one is the top of the list. Clearly equal right and access to resources make it both easier and more difficult to access resources - easier for some and more difficult for others.
What about those who are gay, bisexual, transsexual, or otherwise identify on the gender/sexual continuum? Why are they often considered so dangerous? Obviously, many individuals in the United States and some other countries are now able to safely be more open about whey they are and who they love. Many cities are open to gay pride events in the heart of the city and have the public support of many elected officials. Clearly the economies and other social structures have not fallen apart as a result. Hasn’t it been clearly demonstrated that they are not dangerous. After all, many GLBT+ and other non-binary individuals are consummate shoppers and talented contributors in all sections of the economy. How could they possibly be considerate dangerous?
In fact, going outside the established norm, whatever that norm might be, is dangerous. Some of the ways it is dangerous is:
· The very structure of mainstream religions is dependent on a belief system which is alleged to be divinely inspired or ordered directly by the divine. If in fact major beliefs or rules which are attributed to the god of their understanding, are not in fact true then the very base of the religion in threatened. The historical story may also be threatened as one which originated in service of a particular class or group of individuals. What else is not divinely inspired?
· If the goal of an economic system is not based on accumulated wealth for a minority of the population, but is intended to equally serve all in the community then the system as we currently know and defend it is in danger of crumbling.
· If race is an artificial construct designed to enhance the economic opportunities for a particular segment of the population, then the end of racism calls into question many of the foundations of our economic systems.
· If there is not unequal accumulation of wealth then there is no philanthropy. Another way to fund basic resources of the community has to be found.
· If sexual orientation is accepted then the basis for sexism falls. Females no longer need males economically. Males no longer need females to underpin and validate their worth. Marriage is redefined or suddenly challenged to be what it was alleged to be but seldom was. Males and females have to rethink their role and thus their understanding of what gives this human journey worth.
· If work is not tied to making a living but directly related to creating a community which equally benefits everyone than the concept of retirement and all else associated with ageism has to be questioned.
Perhaps it is time we started being honest. Ending racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism and all forms of oppression and discrimination is dangerous to the basic underpinning of our society as it now exists. This is frightening to many. Many will feel disoriented, lost, and fearful of what this means for them and their family. Many will struggle with their purpose and worth. Economic and religious structures may fall or have to undergo major changes.
Change for many is enormously uncomfortable, frightening and experienced as dangerous. If we want to continue to insist on a more just society we need to be respectful of the fear of change while not wavering in our goal of building a community which moves toward equality and equitability. We need to remind each other that we are all stronger than our worst fear; that we will not die of discomfort; that we still have worth even if we have no more than what we need; that the size of our house, our bank account, our breast or our male members does not determine our worth. We are able to walk the talk of our constitution even if the drafters of it did not envision the depth of what they were writing. We are able to accept the examples of Jesus, the Buddha, and other great teachers as a practical blueprint for all of this life journey.
Our strength is dangerous. Our strength is humility. Our strength is faith in ourselves and each other. Our strength is love without all the oppressive isms.
Written June 7, 2021
Jimmy Pickett
coachpickett.org
Any person or practice which threatens the status quo for those in power in a particular place in a particular time have been consider dangerous. Frequently the response of the person or group who are considered dangerous is denial of being dangerous. After all, the goal often is or should be equal rights and access to resources regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, culture or other social constructs. The truth is if there is going to be equal rights and access to resources those who currently claim privilege do so at the expense of others will feel threatened. If there is no discrimination on the basis of the construct of race than there there will be a larger pool from which to grant jobs, contacts, housing and access to other resources. Merely being an educated, Caucasian male may not be enough to ensure one is at the top of the list. If there is no discrimination on the basis of gender merely being an educated, Caucasian male may not be enough to ensure one is the top of the list. Clearly equal right and access to resources make it both easier and more difficult to access resources - easier for some and more difficult for others.
What about those who are gay, bisexual, transsexual, or otherwise identify on the gender/sexual continuum? Why are they often considered so dangerous? Obviously, many individuals in the United States and some other countries are now able to safely be more open about whey they are and who they love. Many cities are open to gay pride events in the heart of the city and have the public support of many elected officials. Clearly the economies and other social structures have not fallen apart as a result. Hasn’t it been clearly demonstrated that they are not dangerous. After all, many GLBT+ and other non-binary individuals are consummate shoppers and talented contributors in all sections of the economy. How could they possibly be considerate dangerous?
In fact, going outside the established norm, whatever that norm might be, is dangerous. Some of the ways it is dangerous is:
· The very structure of mainstream religions is dependent on a belief system which is alleged to be divinely inspired or ordered directly by the divine. If in fact major beliefs or rules which are attributed to the god of their understanding, are not in fact true then the very base of the religion in threatened. The historical story may also be threatened as one which originated in service of a particular class or group of individuals. What else is not divinely inspired?
· If the goal of an economic system is not based on accumulated wealth for a minority of the population, but is intended to equally serve all in the community then the system as we currently know and defend it is in danger of crumbling.
· If race is an artificial construct designed to enhance the economic opportunities for a particular segment of the population, then the end of racism calls into question many of the foundations of our economic systems.
· If there is not unequal accumulation of wealth then there is no philanthropy. Another way to fund basic resources of the community has to be found.
· If sexual orientation is accepted then the basis for sexism falls. Females no longer need males economically. Males no longer need females to underpin and validate their worth. Marriage is redefined or suddenly challenged to be what it was alleged to be but seldom was. Males and females have to rethink their role and thus their understanding of what gives this human journey worth.
· If work is not tied to making a living but directly related to creating a community which equally benefits everyone than the concept of retirement and all else associated with ageism has to be questioned.
Perhaps it is time we started being honest. Ending racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism and all forms of oppression and discrimination is dangerous to the basic underpinning of our society as it now exists. This is frightening to many. Many will feel disoriented, lost, and fearful of what this means for them and their family. Many will struggle with their purpose and worth. Economic and religious structures may fall or have to undergo major changes.
Change for many is enormously uncomfortable, frightening and experienced as dangerous. If we want to continue to insist on a more just society we need to be respectful of the fear of change while not wavering in our goal of building a community which moves toward equality and equitability. We need to remind each other that we are all stronger than our worst fear; that we will not die of discomfort; that we still have worth even if we have no more than what we need; that the size of our house, our bank account, our breast or our male members does not determine our worth. We are able to walk the talk of our constitution even if the drafters of it did not envision the depth of what they were writing. We are able to accept the examples of Jesus, the Buddha, and other great teachers as a practical blueprint for all of this life journey.
Our strength is dangerous. Our strength is humility. Our strength is faith in ourselves and each other. Our strength is love without all the oppressive isms.
Written June 7, 2021
Jimmy Pickett
coachpickett.org
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