(Just a quick note to say thanks to everyone for the kind words about the post on my parents, and the first two recorded pieces. I will try to offer a podcast version every week because there have been sufficient requests from people who don’t like to read long stories but love to listen to them while driving or working out. Please subscribe, free or paid, if you haven’t, and share if you like what I am doing. This is more sustainable in the long term with more readers. - JM)
Another great piece, Jim. Your blog posts have become part of my Sunday morning ritual. Regarding this piece, though, I tend to think the hatred you write about is multi-dimensional, maybe distain for both race and class in equal parts. My guess is, if the 13 migrants near Sierra Blanca had the confidence that comes with wealth, there would have been no shooting. I tend to think people fear “the other” not only because of race, but also because of the desperation that comes with fear, hopelessness, and poverty. Brown or black skin color just magnifies that.
I’m like Geoffrey. Your posts are part of my Sunday ritual. I sort of thought Beto was going to win because of the crazily crafted “tattle-tale” abortion ban. I thought that would supersede all other issues. I didn’t watch the debate but saw all the YouTube clips and the polling data.
Obama’s election was the proudest moment in my political life. From that point forward political and social discourse began its descent into brutality and vulgarity. It’s not the first or last time such behavior has happened but I think George Carlin may be right. We’ve f**ked up the world enough and now we need to get out of the way and let a new species take over the planet.
Another great piece, Jim. Your blog posts have become part of my Sunday morning ritual. Regarding this piece, though, I tend to think the hatred you write about is multi-dimensional, maybe distain for both race and class in equal parts. My guess is, if the 13 migrants near Sierra Blanca had the confidence that comes with wealth, there would have been no shooting. I tend to think people fear “the other” not only because of race, but also because of the desperation that comes with fear, hopelessness, and poverty. Brown or black skin color just magnifies that.
Great piece, of course. Your writing is delicious. Even when it makes my ears burn with anger. Thank you.
I’m like Geoffrey. Your posts are part of my Sunday ritual. I sort of thought Beto was going to win because of the crazily crafted “tattle-tale” abortion ban. I thought that would supersede all other issues. I didn’t watch the debate but saw all the YouTube clips and the polling data.
The roots of racism and it’s survival are terrifying. Good essay.
Obama’s election was the proudest moment in my political life. From that point forward political and social discourse began its descent into brutality and vulgarity. It’s not the first or last time such behavior has happened but I think George Carlin may be right. We’ve f**ked up the world enough and now we need to get out of the way and let a new species take over the planet.