I know that this will come across as pure idealism, and it really is, given the status quo in every corner of the world. But I do sometimes wish that individuals would be judged primarily on their status as individuals first and foremost, and secondarily on their status as members of groups – whatever criteria are used to define such groups.

Have you noticed how quickly we tend to feel elated when positive characteristics are bestowed upon our “group,” but how instantly we bristle when negative characteristics are ascribed? It is human nature to feel flattered by the positivity of some in our group…and to shy away from the negativity. And it seems also that it’s natural for many to generalize about all members of a group based on the behavior of large numbers within.

Truth be told, almost every grouping of human beings imaginable by man (by race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, tribe, social class, caste, etc.) will include acceptable and unacceptable, laudatory and deplorable, commendable and despicable.

Yes, it can be enjoyable to receive positive commendation as part of a group, but by accepting this we are also then setting ourselves up emotionally for non-parallel rejection of adverse characteristics ascribed to us because of actions by others within the relevant group.

In my writer’s idealism, admittedly not an easy approach to follow, we would all be judged by our behavior primarily as individuals…and reject all natural or behavioral characteristics ascribed to us – positive or negative – merely because of our membership in any specific group.