We Americans have a pretty twisted view of ourselves as it pertains to the rest of the world. The internalized sense of being right, compared to all others is akin to chritstians telling jews they are wrong. Unrest breaks out in Egypt, Syria, Libya, etc... and all you hear from our side is that these people are screaming for democracy. I certainly hope not, because even our Founding Fathers hated democracy. This is why the United States is a republic - but I digress.
I have yet to see a single "one man, one vote" type of sign at any of these areas of unrest. These people are not in the streets screaming for democracy. They are not screaming for government of any kind. And they sure as hell haven't asked to be like America. They are screaming for the ability to life their lives as man and woman was meant to - on their terms. Yes, government plays a factor into the lives of all, but how we live these lives (our enjoyments, moments of happiness) is defined by us as human beings.
We tout freedom of speech, press, religion, et al as somehow American in nature. These freedoms aren't American - they're HUMAN. And for a country that cannot even recongize the equality of its' own citizens, we sure do have a ton a graft about other countries' affairs.
These uprisings are not about becoming more like America. These uprisings are about becoming more human. It amuses me to see news of certain countries being considered for the U.N. Council on Human Rights. Lets be honest - NO COUNTRY belongs on that council. We've been as dire to our own people as anyone. And considering Extraordinary Rendition, America's hands are clearly soiled.
So instead of trying to figure out how we can help others be more like America, maybe we can look inwards for a bit and help ourselves become more human.
No comments:
Post a Comment