A
Quote from Bourne…
“Let us not speak, of inferior
races, but of inferior civilizations. We are all to educate and be educated.
These peoples in America are in a common enterprise. It is not what we are now
that concerns us, but what this plastic next generation might become in the
light of a new cosmopolitan ideal.”
I believe Bourne was relating
from this quote on the purpose of acknowledging the fact that America’s
structure has been built and continues to grow by means of other cultures and
races contribution to society. He’s simply trying to challenge the self-image of
America as being a so-called superior civilization whose brand states that it’s
“for the people, by the people.” Although in real time other races and cultures
are subjectively treated as second class citizens. Bourne sheds light on how
education and the willingness to be informed about contributions and expressions
of different cultures can create a “super race” that can potentially become a
superior society.
From Bourne’s quote, it detailed
a glimpse of light which is crucial to break through America’s dark cloud of
prejudice that continues to plague it. As a comedian once said, “America is
like an uncle who pays for your college tuition but violates you.” Meaning,
oftentimes things are not really what they are perceived to be; there’s often a
hidden agenda. In this case I would acquaint it to an inferiority complex America
has with culture and the sense of identity which follows it. Bourne summed it up as, “Let us not speak of inferior
races, but of inferior civilizations.” I
believe prejudice continues to be a hindrance to a society which can potentially
become a global leader on many different levels.
I think that both articles focused a lot on culture and its impact on society and government. It is important for the government and the people to step out of their comfort zones and explore other cultures to understand them instead of dismissing them. The government right now has taken into consideration a lot of cultures. However, since there are so many cultures within America i think it will be along time before the government completely adapts to all cultures needs, and addresses the many biases that plague its system.
ReplyDelete