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Show The nature of prejudice Friday, Sept. 21, 1973 L McNamara Raymond Chief, Information Office EDITORS NOTE: "The Nature of Prejudice first appeared in die November 24, 1972 issue of TIIE DESERET SAMPLER. The first half of the article reappeared in our &st issue. The is concluding segment reprinted below. PErAKTUE.Mr Race may be defined the descendants of a common ancestor; a family, tribe, people, or nation, believed to belong to the same stock; a lineage, a breed; also, a class or kind of individual with common characteristics, habits, or the like. Over die years, racial myths have come into being. An outstanding example of a racial myth, brings to mind Adolph Hitler, Nazi, 'Germany, World War II, and mass incineration of Jews. Hitler was morbidly preoccupied with an Ayran race. Ayran, in the Nazi ideology, was a member of a supposed superior Caucasian race without admixture, especially no Semitic strain. We also hear talk about die white race being intellectually superior to the black race, et cetera, ad infinitum, ad nauseam! Is there any valid, logical reason why racial and religious prejudice should exist? We think not! It is only when some practitioners of various religions and some members of various races adopt attitudes of superiority that trouble ensues. Attitudes of superiority come into being when comparwhen differences are deisons arc made between people lineated and accentuated to the complete and total disregard of mankinds common identity. Completely overlooked, or else completely ignored, by in the bigots and disciples of intolerance is the bet that we denominator all us common lowest our to reducing are all human beings. We are bon, live and die. Death is the great equalizer! We take consolation from the fact that it is only a relative few intolerant, bigotted people who spew their venom of hate in this world and that a racial myth exploded in the face of its perpetrator. But the world will not soon forget the havoc, turmoil, suffering and chaos caused by one madman turned loose on an unsuspecting and vulnerable world. Aptly illustrated by the man and the myth is the fact that unbridled hate can become contagious apd epidemic in proportion. Also, aptly illustrated is the fact that there are always gullible people who will espouse a cause no matter how cruel and ignoble its purpose and how insane its leadership. We hope the world never sees Hilters like again. million There is a total of approximately thirty-siblacks, brown, yellows and reds in the United States of America. So many of them are crying out for justice. They plead for the right to be treated as men or women, and more basically, as human beings. Some progress has been made in the elimination of existing racial and religious barriers. Strides forward have been made mostly through legislation that provides basic legal protections and extends equality of opportunity. However, such is the nature of human brings that laws alone, and the enforcement of them, cannot change attitudes, opinions and the prejudicial feelings which gave birth and continue to nurture diem. Change, and its derivative benefits for both the victims of prejudice and the perpetrators thereof, can be accomplished by people interacting in their relationships as human approach. Historically, the brings in a hand extended in friendship has constructively reaped more benefits for mankind than the clenched fist. Racial and religious prejudice is a blot on the escutcheon of America, making a mockery of the wends inscribed cm the Statue of Liberty. Fen far too long has the face of hatp and legacy of intolerance been prevalent here. We havent said it alL We dont know it all. But in thC autumn of our years, we have acquired some understanding of our fellowman. We are aware of our common bold, our humanity, and our ultimate destiny. We have learned that we are all dependent beings. We need one anothers help. We need one anothers love. Morally, we realize that racial and religious prejudice is wrong and has no place in a free society. We stand at the ;KAN O 'I.' W- -' .... r whelming. of excellence is overIt is always in demand and nobody cares about its color. -- ft (f f ...... r ' . , '' atm This acclaimed fighter pilot and one of the highest-rankin- g black military officers made these remarks at a meeting of the National Association of Secondary School Principals: My young life was filled with orders, advice and encouragement. I was told to eliminate one by one all the reasons some bigot might say I was not capable of standing beside him or deserving of equal opportunity. If he says you are dirty, make sure you are clean. If he says you steal, make sure you dont. If he says you are dumb, make sure you learn. If he says you are scared, make sure you are brave, my son. And if there ever comes a time to fight for your country, dont you run away and hide. And dont you ever, no matter what the provocation or the invitation, turn your back on your Cod or your country or that flag. Remember, they said, you are not African. You are an American and this is your land. Many of those who will suggest you go back to Africa cannot trace their ancestors in this country as for back as you can trace yours. remember, they said, you are not African. You are an AMerican and this is your land. Many of those who will suggest you go back to Africa cannot trace their ancestors in this country as far back as you can trace yours. This is your nation and ont you get so busy practicing your right to dissent that you forget your responsibility to contribute. If she has ills, you hold her hand until she is well and then work for constuctive change within the system. Let your own contribution to the problems of your race by a byproduct of your achievement in your chosen field. You will prosper in proportion to your contribution to the nation. Remember that with the heritage of being an American goes the responsibility for developing that heritage and passing it on to your kids in better shape than you got it. Dont stop to argue with the ignoramus on the street who calls you nigger. You dont have time. , Press on. Perform. Perform. Excel. Excel. And when you drive back by in the limousine of success, that ignoramus will still be standing there on the corner wrapped in his hate. The power of excellence is overwhelming. It is always in demand and nobody cares about its color. We recall one of our early mentors. He was a Jew, who roomed with a black man during undergraduate days at an eastern university. When teased by classmates about rooming with a black man, he would respond with a smile that neither he or his friend had the time to concern themselves with how they differed in appearance. They were too busy. Their concern was preparing themselves for their respective careers. As the years passed, the Jew became an internationally-know- n forensic psychiatrist; the black man became an internationally-know- n educator. Here again, the power of excellence is demonstrated. For those, who with their venom of hate are trying to divide and destroy America by playing one ethnic group against another,.heed the following: tremendously successful. . For example, just recently, Major Ceneral Daniel (Chappie) James, Jr, U.S. Air Force, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Public Affairs, had Some inspiring things to say concerning racial prejudice. Black American history Mary Elizabeth Bowser, Civil War spy I pray each day for those who may lie mislead and persuaded to try to destroy this great land of mine, which is called America. I will die in America and hope that my life and my death may in some way benefit mankind and lead them in the way the Christ would have them go. take the dangerous assignment of spying for the Union within the Davis mansion. MARY ACCEPTED. Miss Van Lew coached her for the mission and somehow managed to arrange for her employment as a waitress in the nerve center of the Confederacy. Exactly how die accomplished this has remained a secret, for Miss Van Lew went to great lengths to protect those who worked with her. A Southerner and resident of Richmond, Miss Van Lew considered slavery degrading" and she was openly sympathetic to the Union cause. MOST OF HER neighlmn looked on her simply as a silly old woman and die quickly seized on that view as a protective cloak for her work. Miss Van Lew built up art extensive espionage network and sent regular intelligence reports directly to General U.S. Grant. Mary was her most valuable agent and filled the most sensitive post. Mary would glide unnoticed in and out among the visitors to the Confederate white house, methodically collecting scraps of conversation. Then die would meet clandestinely on the edge of town with Miss Van Lew to relay what she had learned. r. ,.,, , 4 4 construction garage, recreation room, dining room and fireplace with sunken conversation pit. Modern kitchen includes refrigerator, drop-i- n range with oven and hood, dishwasher and garbage disposal. Access to all of Stansbury Park's unique recreation facilities. Greenbelt park area nearby. Priced at $33,400. f I n V On the other side of the coin are the victims of prejudicial treatment. Some are unable to cope with rejection become dependent on public welfare, or retreat into institutions for the mentally ill. Others refuse to capitulate, fight back, and become When Jcffenon Davis met with his cabinet and his generals in the Confederate white house during the Civil War, unbeknownst to him there was a spy in their midst. Davis regarded his household staff as loyal and trustworthy. Except for a slim, young black woman named Mary Elizabeth Bowser, the rest might very well have been. BUT MARY, an intelligent, educated former slave, was a Union Spy. She had been planted in the Davis household by Elizabeth Van Lew, one of the most celebrated and valuable Union spies in the Civil War. Mary had been Miss Van Lews slave until her mistress freed her and all of the Van I,ew familys other slaves in the 1850's and sent Mary north to school. When the war broke out. Miss Van Lew sent for Mary, who lived near Richmond, and asked her if die would under - '. 4- - people-to-peop- le The power rT"J ; ' RESEARCH HOME with four bedrooms, s i:.wVV.r;:w - 4. , x corssroads. Mistakes of the past are just that, mistakes of die past The future must be built on collective humanity, all of us, working together for a better world. Isnt it a shame that prejudice exists? Its a damn shame! In the words of Abraham Lincoln, Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. Peace! PEFEJVJSE GOLF COURSE VIEW Over 2,000 square feet of living space bordering the champion- . t ( :: . , .. .IV - . I will pray each day that I will never find hate in my heart for my country or any man. This is my country, lane! of the free. vVhere it is right, I will keep it right. And where it is wrong. Ill make ir right. But right or wrong, America is still my country. 18-ho- le - Ultra-mode- rn - built-in- s include dishwasher, disposal. Designed by California architects B. A. ' Berkus and Associates. Near sailing lake, golf course. Priced to sell at $39,000. EASY UPKEEP Beautifully compact home with exciting features. Split entry, double garage and breezeway, utility room, built-i-n dishwasher, range, oven, disposal. Two bedrooms with master bedroom suite. Ideal for small family. Moderately priced at $38,850 but looks expensive. What about religion and race? What choices do we have in these areas? Both are incidental to birth. In later years, relatively few reject the religion to which they were first exposed for another. Characteristics of our racial ancestry are with us always. Very little can be done about changing them. By definition, religion is the service and adoration of God or a god as expressed in forms of worship and an awareness or conviction of the existence of a supreme being, arousing reverence, love, gratitude, the will to obey and serve, and the like; as man only is capable of religion. Characteristics of some prevalent religions are a belief in Cod and a belief in the supernatural. Religion means many things to many people. Man is basically insecure, knowing not from whence he came or where he is going. Life after death is accepted by some cm faith. Primitive man, living in a world which he did not comprehend, in his fear and insecurity created gods from the THE COMMODORE - Stansbury Park's living gigantic executive home. Two-storoom with cathedral ceiling. Stone fireplace. Formal dining room, recreation room. Four ample bedrooms with master suite. Family roomkitchen combination. Two and 1 2 baths, double garage, utility room, built-in- s. And all of Stansbury's recreation nearby. Big and beautiful. ry FRONT COURTYARD atmosphere in this ENTRY -home. Charming Sunken conversation pit in living room with fireplace. Family roomkitchen combination. Double garage, three baths, utility room off kitchen. Dishwasher, range, oven, disposal. Close to recreation opportunities. Golf and sailing now with tennis, swimming, country club underway. THE STANSBURY Sunken living room boasts a massive lava rock fireplace with raised slate hearth. Four bedrooms, 1876 square feet of living space. Family room combined with modern kitchen. Built-in- s. High vaulted ceilings give spacious feeling. Quality plus livability. fearful natural elements and wild animals. He often identified with what he feared, hoping to protect himself from harm and assuage his fears. Destruction caused by lightning, wind, other natural forces, or wild aniiqals, was an indication that the gods were "angry. Human sacrifices were made to propitiate the angry gods. In this day and age, the element of sacrifice is still found in some religious rituals and ceremonies, but it is usually only symbolic in nature. However, just recently we read a newspaper article concerning the beheading of a young woman in a central Indian, village. Investigating authorities related that probably the woman was beheaded as a sacrifice to a Hindu God to ensure the safety of a newly built bridge. From the time of primitive man, religions have evolved in diverse forms. Religious persecution has been of religious rampant throughout the ages. In the process trend. secular evolution, there has been a sacred to In fairly recent years, liberal churches have come into being. The word liberal is used because in this type of church a person arrives at his religious beliefs through his own reason and experiences, not because of some outer au- MARYS ROLE as a spy was carefully hidden by Miss Van Lew, even after the war, but die recorded it in a journal she kept. When the war was user, that document was found buried in Miss Van Lews yard. An entire section had been ripped from it. From the context, it appeared certain the missing pages detailed the work of Mary Bowser. Miss Van Lew apparently ripped them out to protect Mary from reprisal. DAVIS AND his generals became aware in short order of the efficiency of the Union's espionage. In fact, Davis was advised by Ceneral Johnson that the "enemy not only knows everything going on within our lines, but seems alisolutely to know what we intend doing in the future as if the most secret - HOME This home has everything. Four bedrooms, 3 baths, formal dining room, fireplace, carpets and drapes. Built in stereo system. Modem kitchen with dishwasher and trash compactor. Double garage. Vaulted ceilings. Covered patio. View of nearby sailing lake, golf course. CONTEMPORARY DESIGN Research Home at Stansbury Park. Three bedrooms, two baths, recreation room, large living room with fireplace and sunken conversation pit Complete kitchen with refrigerator, drop-i- n range with oven and hood, dishwasher and garbage disposal. Two car garage and sun deck. Exciting four-lev- el design at $41,000. NATURAL WOOD FINISH Distinctive styling, practical living. Three bedrooms with master bedroom suite. Spacious family room and living room with stone fireplace. Double garage, one and 34 baths. Kitchen Completely overlooked , or else completely ignored, by the bigots and disciples of intolerance is the fact that - in reducing us all to our lowest command denominator - we are all human beings. . ship golf course at Stansbury Park. Spacious living room, two fireplaces, fully equipped kitchen, double garage, carpeting and drapes. Two bedrooms with room in garden level basement for additional bedrooms or family room. Priced to sell at $29,400. EXECUTIVE LAKEFRONT The aforementioned words, simple and yet so eloquent, were spoken at one of the final sessions of the 50th National Convention of the Reserved Officers Association of America by the Honorable James E. Johnson, Assistant Secretary of the Navy' (Manpower and. Resource Affairs). Incidentally, his skin is black. thority. Hence, in a liberal" church there is a great diversity of belief; it does not have a Statement of Faith or a specific creed. The members of the church are united by their love of truth, their acceptance of the teachings of Jesus, their worof race, ship of God and their service to all men regardless or national religion. color, . origin, el two-c- ar - - All of these Stansbury Park Homes are ready for immediate occupancy. And each home is equipped with a golf course, sailing lake, kiddie playland and country club under WAITING FOR YOU construction. . - MILLPOND GARDEN HOMES Be sure to see the Garden Homes. Priced as low as $20,500 with a guaranteed interest rate of 8V4, the Garden Homes are a great savings. Drive out 21st South or past the airport Take the TooeleGrantsville exit PHONE 364-271- 6 Stansbury Park Thf Cradlt Union 'Umbralla Man tayc $ovniawtayto Whan yw savayour hard aamad manat at your cradN union, II counsels of the cabinet divulged." The Confederate President never discovered the security leak in his own household staff. His wife never lielieved it. When she was asked years later about Mary Bowser, Mrs. Varina Davis, then a widow, replied: We never had any such person almut us." From: They llud a Dream (3 Volumes), by George Reasons and Sam Patrick: 1969, Los Angeles Times Syndicate, Los Angeles, Ca. 90053. By Permission. V |
