by Chris Alexion, Copyright December 17, 2006, all rights reserved. 290 views
In Advanced American Lit II we've been studying pioneer black novelist Ralph Ellison, including his statement that "America is woven of many strands. I would recognize them and let it so remain. Our fate is to become one, and yet many. This is not prophecy, but description."
Ellison hits a raw nerve here. He's describing the trend toward conformity that often shadows even genuine movements for equal rights. While true equality is desirable and perfectly consistent with individuality, contemporary political correctness seems to do its best to make sure that equality really means sameness.
This sort of thing isn't new, however. The French Revolution trumpeted themes of "liberty, equality, fraternity" but quickly devolved into a heresy hunt for all who failed to join the revolutionary goose-step. C. S. Lewis put his finger on the reincarnation of this trend when he noted in The Screwtape Letters that modern education has twisted "democracy" to mean complete conformity of results. No one pupil must be allowed to shine above his peers; that would be undemocratic. If one wheat stalk is taller than the rest, lop the top off.
Ellison, in contrast, wants us to fight for equality while still recognizing the myriad differences between all kinds of people. These differences can take the form of cultural distinctives or varying degrees of academic, artistic, or athletic talent. I have all the rights of Michael Jordan. But if I think I can match him on the court, I'm in for a bit of a shock.
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