I got listening to the Embedded podcast about Extremism and White Nationalism …

And it got me thinking about what’s wrong with the dialogue around White Pride and identity politics today. There is nothing wrong with being a proud of your community and it’s accomplishments, but hatred of other communities is illegitimate and should be strongly discouraged and re-directed.

Hatred – directed towards others
... is different then
love – directed towards one’s own community.

America is a nation of diversity. There are many different communities with different values. Some you may agree with, others you may not. You might look down at the practices of other communities, but you really shouldn’t. If their actions aren’t impacting your community, then you really shouldn’t have a say in it. But that is a value that doesn’t seem to get much coverage these days, in the era of cable news and social media.

There are many communities I don’t really know much about. I don’t live in a big city, I am not black, I am not an immigrant, nor do I work in manufacturing or construction. But I don’t look down on those people, nor do I have much thought or commentary about how they live in their community. I am concerned about my own community, my future, and my own life. People from all communities should be active and engaged, doing what is right for themselves, and marketing ideas best for their own communities — while keeping in mind that their own actions impact others.

I think extremism could be redirected by most emphasis on cultural diversity, while not saying one’s own culture is bad or oppressive. Celebrations of farmers, construction workers, businessman, belong in the same celebration of Italians, Black and Hispanics. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness, and just because a group is on the top of the heap now doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a legacy of organizing and fighting to the top of the pile. Just because your a Democrat doesn’t mean you can’t respect President Trump as a human being has done the most exceptional thing – won the presidency, the highest office in the nation, a feat only achieved by 45 people in our nation’s history.