The Eyes of One
A Conservative Look at Bigotry
When you enter a room full of people, do you see members of groups? Is this one an elderly black male? Is that one a gay white female? Is another a Hispanic teen?
If so, then you're viewing them through Group Eyes, reducing each to a cross-section of groups. Seeing this way, you might judge them better or worse based on the groups they represent. In time, you might even become a bigot.
Now look again, but with different eyes. See each person as an individual, basing your opinion solely upon their character. Is this one honest? Is that one hard-working? With your new eyes, set each individual free from stereotypes -- free to become the greatest person they can be.
You are now seeing through the Eyes of One - of one individual discovering another - and these eyes don't limit people to groups. Those old Group Eyes, even when used with the best intentions, always build walls instead of bridges. But the Eyes of One say, "I don't want to know your groups. I want to know you."
If you think the Eyes of One are idealistic - a silly gimmick - then try watching babies when adults play with them. Just watch and learn. Regardless of the adults' color, gender, age, etc., the babies giggle and smile the same. This is because we are born with the Eyes of One. Group Eyes, on the other hand, are unnatural - a learned trait. What a shame so many of us have learned to divide people when we were born to discover them.
The Eyes of One leave no room for bigotry, but Group Eyes keep bigotry alive. Group Eyes pick sides, encouraging discrimination, preferences, quotas, and isolated communities. Group Eyes produce fear and suspicion. Group Eyes produce hate. But the Eyes of One seek opportunity for all and favoritism for none - thus unleashing every precious individual.
The Eyes of One aren't blind to social inequitites, past or present. But rather than fight old bias with new bias, the Eyes of One oppose all bias. With the Eyes of One, all discrimination is shunned and all preferences are removed. With the Eyes of One, things like hiring and scholarships are based solely on one's need and merit - not group status.
So, how can bigotry disappear? It won't happen with Group Eyes, as these only deepen divisions and justify revenge. Creating bitterness in some and dependency in others, Group Eyes set good people against each other. How could that ever bring unity? The truth is, it never will.
We don't need endless dialogue, blaming and finger pointing - the failed methods of Group Eyes. We don't need more "diversity" trainings where some groups are bashed while others are praised. What we need is a decision - a decision to ignore groups altogether, and discover individuals. With the Eyes of One, we can leave a divided past and create a united future. Rediscovering the way we were born to see, we can end bigotry - one set of eyes at a time.
So, right now, choose to discover people through the eyes of a child - the eyes you once had. The next time you enter a room, do so with the Eyes of One, and you'll enter the largest group of all - the human race.
Welcome home.
If so, then you're viewing them through Group Eyes, reducing each to a cross-section of groups. Seeing this way, you might judge them better or worse based on the groups they represent. In time, you might even become a bigot.
Now look again, but with different eyes. See each person as an individual, basing your opinion solely upon their character. Is this one honest? Is that one hard-working? With your new eyes, set each individual free from stereotypes -- free to become the greatest person they can be.
You are now seeing through the Eyes of One - of one individual discovering another - and these eyes don't limit people to groups. Those old Group Eyes, even when used with the best intentions, always build walls instead of bridges. But the Eyes of One say, "I don't want to know your groups. I want to know you."
If you think the Eyes of One are idealistic - a silly gimmick - then try watching babies when adults play with them. Just watch and learn. Regardless of the adults' color, gender, age, etc., the babies giggle and smile the same. This is because we are born with the Eyes of One. Group Eyes, on the other hand, are unnatural - a learned trait. What a shame so many of us have learned to divide people when we were born to discover them.
The Eyes of One leave no room for bigotry, but Group Eyes keep bigotry alive. Group Eyes pick sides, encouraging discrimination, preferences, quotas, and isolated communities. Group Eyes produce fear and suspicion. Group Eyes produce hate. But the Eyes of One seek opportunity for all and favoritism for none - thus unleashing every precious individual.
The Eyes of One aren't blind to social inequitites, past or present. But rather than fight old bias with new bias, the Eyes of One oppose all bias. With the Eyes of One, all discrimination is shunned and all preferences are removed. With the Eyes of One, things like hiring and scholarships are based solely on one's need and merit - not group status.
So, how can bigotry disappear? It won't happen with Group Eyes, as these only deepen divisions and justify revenge. Creating bitterness in some and dependency in others, Group Eyes set good people against each other. How could that ever bring unity? The truth is, it never will.
We don't need endless dialogue, blaming and finger pointing - the failed methods of Group Eyes. We don't need more "diversity" trainings where some groups are bashed while others are praised. What we need is a decision - a decision to ignore groups altogether, and discover individuals. With the Eyes of One, we can leave a divided past and create a united future. Rediscovering the way we were born to see, we can end bigotry - one set of eyes at a time.
So, right now, choose to discover people through the eyes of a child - the eyes you once had. The next time you enter a room, do so with the Eyes of One, and you'll enter the largest group of all - the human race.
Welcome home.