beyond that cross at ground zero [View all]

[cheyanne]

This is a good learning experience for all of us on how discrimination works. Here is the catechism for the day.

Let's start at the beginning: Why was only a cross put up in the first place?

Because the majority did not even think about the other religions in America . . .no one thought: gee, i think that we should make this an ecumenical site for all Americans.

That's the way discrimination works: the majority isn't even aware of other's religions or non-religions. they assume that they should express their feelings in a public place, end of story.

So lessons learned:

a. devaluing others is an unacknowledged assumption in most social discourse.

b. the importance of diversity in widening the discourse.

Now that I've cleared that up, next question:

What should we do about it?

Don't remove the cross at this point. Include any others who want to honor the dead according to their beliefs. Including atheists.