Dynamics of Nationalism Part 4

However, because of the ability for formal operational thinking along with defense mechanisms, they can even like and cheer for a black skinned Muslim. Sports and entertainment celebrities allows us to level the emotional playing field, despite our, racial, and prejudicial belief system. Shaquille O’Neal was a superior dominant basketball figure in his day. Currently, he’s a spokesman for many products on TV. Oprah Winfrey, a celebrity, has been even mentioned as a presidential candidate. Liking a dark skinned figure does not mean that one is not racially prejudiced. Anyone can root for their brown or black skinned star player /entertainer on the playing field or court. It’s what happens when an unkempt stranger that is brown or black skinned knocks on your door. Do they feel emotionally relaxed and at ease and welcome that Homo sapiens into your home to break bread? In summary, we begin life very vulnerable, low sensitivity to pain, helplessness and have to rely totally on our caretaker or caretakers for the emotional supplies of safety, comfort, and existence. Unconsciously, we develop mechanisms, patterns, and strategies to overcome and compensate for our fragile existence. Current realistic and concrete concerns fuel insecurity. For some, power, status, affluence, aggression, racism etc. become the vehicles that define character. Emotionality accompanies everything including narcissism, conscience, cognition, defense mechanisms and identity. We can lose individuality, humanism, brotherhood, ethics and formal thinking, depending upon our emotionally based beliefs, tribe membership and going along with a consensus. The early philosophers were correct in that fear seems to be stronger than love; and that we submit to a perception of strength. PS Where is Abraham Lincoln? He’s needed today. Meacham, Jon, The Soul of America The Battle for Our Better Angeles. Random House. Spinoza, Benedictus, Ethics .Oxford University Press.