subject: Violence As A Defense Against Intimacy - Part Two I Was Alone [print this page] Martin Niemoller, a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany, said, When they came for the Jews, I did nothing, for I am not a Jew. When they came for the Socialists, I did nothing, for I am not a Socialist. When they came for the labor leaders, the homosexuals, the gypsies, I did nothing for I am none of these, and when they came for me, I was alone, and there was no one to stand up for me.
The U.S. Census form lists 15 ethnic categories with three additional write in spaces if one does not identify with those listed. I specifically emphasize the word ethnic and not race even though the words are often used interchangeably. These descriptions are essentially predicated upon characteristics of ones appearance. The overwhelming reality is simply that there exists only one human race and it is homo sapiens. Only surface appearances obscure this fundamental reality.
A splendid, powerful, and profound illustration of this truth comes from viewing Gunther Von Hagens display of human cadavers set in a wide variety of postures representing different ordinary activities. Von Hagen developed a process of plastination that preserves the bodies from decay. Additionally, in order to preserve the sanctity of any of the cadavers identity, the skin has been removed. Suddenly we are aware of all being the same, beneath the surface.
The level of current political polarization seen in our society makes this especially relevant. Some say it is of an unprecedented level since the Civil War. Accompanying this divide is the often-heard chorus of threats of violence leveled at whoever represents the other side. Fundamentalist believers are prepared to violate every tenet of their supposed belief to dispose of anyone who hold other views than their own. There have been anti-homosexual ministers leading protest gatherings at the funerals of gay soldiers killed in action, people who profess a philosophy of pro-life while killing doctors who perform lawful procedures, or those opposed to same sex marriage because it threatens their norm.
With the passage of a national health insurance plan, much diminished from what was originally envisioned to meet the needs of many desperate citizens who have no health coverage, has come forth vile threats and racist reactions, likely predicated for some on the presidents African-American heritage. It is as though he is going to destroy the nation by advocating any legislation improving the lives of the others. This is not to imply legitimate arguments may exist by some opposing the legislation, especially when focused on concerns of financing the costs. However, that is certainly not the basis for the tone or tenure of the voices raised in vehement objections over any legislative actions trying to improve the social well being of the greatest numbers of people possible. We forget that the measure of a nation is in how well it treats its least powerful.
Have we seen all of this before? Yes! I am afraid that it has been woven too much into the fabric of our contemporary experiences.
