Something to reflect upon…….
In my mailbox this morning I was sent a link to a website called ‘Letters of Note’ which is a fascinating collection of letters by public figures as diverse as Abraham Lincoln and Bob Dylan. Whilst reading through one by the author James Baldwin I came across the following phrase;
“You were not expected to aspire to excellence: you were expected to make peace with mediocrity”
This was written in 1963, it appears as relevant today as it did when it was written, about the reality which lies behind the words ‘acceptance’ and ‘integration’.
What does that say about our societies evolution?
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Why cant you do both?
I dont know what it says about society,s evolution.
Am I missing the point?
The phrase was a social comment on the expectations of young African Americans living in Harlem during the 60’s. How society did not expect them to rise themselves out of the environment in which they were born, but to be accepting of the mediocrity of their position and be grateful for it.
I was just reflecting how little had really changed since then.
The USA has a black or mixed race president, depending on ones definition. Although he did not come out of the slums, who would have thought it back then.The same as, I suppose, a lady Prime Minister for ourselves.
I think acceptance has come a very long way in our society since the 60s.
Yes there will always be bigots etc, but I believe we have come far.
However…………………
I do not think a message would be put out like that today, it is always a positive you can do attitude, normally churned out by Politicians and the “i’m alright Jack” brigade. There it ends because for all they say and what they really mean are two ends of the scale and I believe he majority of this ilk have sheer contempt for the youth and elderly of today.
Ah! I see..
Thankyou for enlightening me Elvira and Illgner.
Yes illgner, I liked Margaret Thatcher too. I’m not a raving womens libber , but I’m a strong intelligent thinking person, and I detest women who go at the men verses women thing with a hatchet in their hands and minds. There,s degrees of intelligence, bravery, strength, looks, ability in us all. Cag xxx.
I liked maggie thatcher too thought she did a good job xxxx
Agree 100 per cent with you both.