In an effort to counter negative perceptions – historical and contemporary – that others have, many seek to portray their race, caste, ethnicity, tribe, religion as extolling only the quintessential virtues and characteristics ever known to mankind.

While it is understandable that no one wishes to be broad-brushed and stigmatized unsavorily for the real or imagined actions of some within their “group,” the knee-jerk or preconceived reaction to trumpet any group in totally lofty terms might well backfire.

Not only does it often come across as disingenuous, but the record shows that good and evil, lofty and not so lofty, admirable and distasteful behavior and habits exist across the whole spectrum of humanity.

It’s great to point out the positive when too many view only from a negative perspective. But coming to terms with the reality that all human beings are flawed, that regardless of pigmentation, religion, class, caste, etc., one can end up a hero, a villain, or just plain average – such a recognition might perhaps go a longer way in clearing up the distortions and inaccuracies all around and might help us to co-exist more harmoniously.