Mark Thein: Prejudice is ignorance
It’s typically not wise to write about something you know little about. I’ve never experienced systemic racism. I’ve never woken up feeling like the world was working against me without cause. In nearly every occasion, I’ve been given the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, this privilege is not extended to all. For some, the path to liberty and happiness requires overcoming ingrained prejudices that make a successful journey difficult to impossible.
Life is not a zero-sum game — whatever is gained by somebody else is not taken from you. The future of our country depends on the continued successes of All, not just those who look like me. The aphorism “a rising tide lifts all boats” holds true. Your neighbor’s success only makes yours more meaningful.
None of us are truly color-blind. We all SEE the differences between us and our neighbors. This holds true for our law enforcement officers. It is whether we see these differences as something to fear or something to celebrate that determines whether we are doomed to fail or whether we will meet our potential. America is not truly a melting pot but rather a beautiful mosaic of all colors, religions, beliefs and sexual orientations. This diversity is what makes us exceptional.
We were all sickened to witness the brutal murder of George Floyd. Police brutality and unequal enforcement of laws should not and cannot be tolerated. We need to hold our elected leaders — of which I am one — accountable if systemic prejudices remain within our law enforcement, court system and government programs.
W.E.B. DuBois wisely stated: “Either America will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States.” Prejudice is ignorance. I am optimistic that the George Floyd tragedy will serve to awaken us from our state of ignorance. Our future depends on it.
Mark Thein is an Olmsted County Commissioner — representing District 7. He also is President of Thein Well Rochester, Inc., an assistant high-school football coach, and a Rochester native. He lives with his wife, Jenni, in Oronoco Township.
This submission is part of a forum on race and policing in Rochester.
