Learn New Things Every Day

Early in my life, I made a pact with myself to learn at least one new thing each day. As an avid reader, I've had no problem doing that. Interestingly, each new thing I learned tweaked my interest in many more. Such curiosity also resulted in my questioning almost everything I was ever told, from the religion I grew up with to the politics of "our side". It's almost impossible to read something, even a fictional novel, without learning new things, even if they are as diverse as the types of streets in Selma, Alabama or the ingredients in a good soufflé. All you bookworms out there know what I'm talking about. So, after seven decades, I have a broad knowledge of many things. All curiosity-driven elders do, and this knowledge was less determined by intellectual ability than by a lifetime of curiosity and experiences. My Native American ancestors understood this well.

One of the most important things I learned and passed down to my children is that perpetuating truth is far more important than perpetuating harmful myths and traditions. But it takes curiosity -- and much courage -- to question, and if necessary, abandon what we were taught by our tribes. But fostering this curiosity and courage in each other and our children is vital to ensure the best lives for ourselves and our growth as a species.

Theism vs. Atheism vs. Agnosticism

Did you know that agnostics, atheists, and people born in Missouri have a patron saint? He's Thomas the Apostle. In his own words, "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." At that moment, Old Tom was an agnostic.

Frankly, I believe all humans are agnostics, just as Thomas was at that moment, no matter how ardently they deny it. They don't know (in the scientific sense) -- and can't know -- if there is a god or gods. They can only have faith one way or another until proof is provided with objective evidence.

The Path Away From Tribal Conditioning

So many people are racist due to ignorant tribal fears and conditioning for which they would honestly deny having. People's minds are set in stone early by imprinting and conditioning -- not by facts. It's evolutionary. I know from experience that kindness is one of the most powerful tools to overcome such tribal conditioning.

I was raised by liberals (for their time) and never thought I was a racist, but I was. Spending a year at a "Black" university (Langston U. in Oklahoma) changed that. I was a poor boy who took advantage of their all-Black scholarship for Whites (ironic isn't it?).

Growing up, I often heard this statement from those who lived on the White side of the tracks, "Don't let your car break down in Langston!" (an all-Black town), which is a great example of ignorant tribal fears being perpetuated.

I admit having some trepidation when I found myself one of the only White faces in an all-Black class. Almost immediately, I found myself being treated better there than I had ever been treated at OSU. It was the beginning of my truly becoming non-racial. It seemed that everyone -- students, teachers, and families -- went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and welcome. I was invited to parties, music events, and even into people's homes for supper.

And then, I was so very fortunate to study pre-Civil War history under Ada Lois Sepuel Fisher (look her up). I realized that I had been programmed to believe Blacks were inherently inferior intellectually. I would have vehemently denied this before, but conditioning is powerful. Dr, Fisher overwrote that conditioning quite quickly.

Seeing, hearing, and experiencing the truth is far more powerful than simply believing the truth, if you know what I mean. I left with the love and respect for my Black brothers and sisters that I didn't have (but thought I did) before. I wish every White American could step into my shoes for that one year.