NBC Connecticut News Report

Sometimes a single photo speaks volumes.

Written in black and white

I recently finished a novel in which most of the characters were black. When I read a well written story I will develop a mental image of the characters drawn from the author's descriptions. In this case, even though the author frequently referred to the character's race, I found myself picturing them as white. I repeatedly had to make conscious efforts to recolor my mental images. This trend was quite disturbing to me at first. With all of the talk of racism in America these days, I had to wonder if at some level I had been touched by it. In my day to day activities it is rare that I even take notice of race in my dealings with others. So what was the difference?

The difference was, this wasn't real life. When we read, we depend on our imaginations to fill out the details of the universe the author has created. Imagination is always a very personal and individual thing. We picture things from our own perspective. We base our mental images on our own observations and experiences and project them onto fictional characters. It is not unusual for a reader to place himself in the role of the protagonist. Yes, I have been Alex Cross. I've also been Katniss Everdeen. Even though I've never been a black man or a teenage girl in real life.

So I have concluded that there is not some deep seed of racism buried within my subconscious. Only the normal and natural sense of self that dominates my personality. The "me" that defines who I am before any other biological, ethnic or cultural factor. I am me and I see the world as it relates to me. When I read fiction it's as if the writer has invited me into his fictional word. At that point it becomes our world.

It is unfortunate that a culture of over-sensitivity and political correctness has threatened to spoil the enjoyment of simply reading a book. I will forgive myself for experiencing that moment of misplaced guilt.
While text may be black and white, the rest is open to interpretation.

Slice of life. 3/9/14

While waiting for a table in a local restaurant a very senior couple came in and were also asked to wait. The man wore a hat identifying him as a WWII vet. I stood up and offered them the spot where I was sitting. He asked me if I was giving up my seat because he is an old man. I said, no sir, because you are a vet. You've earned it. He looked at me, removed his glove, shook my hand and said thank you. I said, no sir, thank you. For a moment all was right with the world.

Jedediah Bila

On Coca-Cola & the Melting Pot.

I was dismayed by a Facebook post this morning that insisted that anyone who was offended by the Coca Cola ad featuring the singing of America the Beautiful by people of varying ethnicities in multiple languages was clearly a racist. The poster insisted that the ad illustrated the American Melting Pot and celebrated the diversity of our nation. Well, my Facebook friend, you are wrong. First, you misunderstand the concept of the Melting Pot and second, your attitude is divisive rather than uniting.

Ask yourself this question: Why do people immigrate to the United States of America? Yes, they come to escape oppression of one kind or another but in the end they all come here TO BE AMERICAN! This has been the motivation since the founding. To come to a land that offers the freedom to be your own person and pursue your own interests. To live the American Dream.

Now realize this! America has over the past two centuries, evolved her own unique culture. A blending of customs and lifestyles from around the globe into something that is strictly American and universally recognized as such. You know and the world knows, we eat hamburgers, play baseball and we speak English! It’s also true that ours is a lifestyle that is emulated by the peoples of all developed nations, at least to the point their governments allow it.

Our nation is not and should not be a collection of minority groups each with it’s own customs and interests simply sharing space. We can recognize and celebrate our individual heritages and still be uniquely American. America is special. Never feel guilty about that. Take pride in the fact that the United States is the vanguard of freedom for the entire global community. This is the Melting Pot.  This is America. One Nation. Under God. With Liberty and Justice for All.