“The Disease of Elitism”
The OPU Column is currently on sabbatical. Today's column was originally written in March of 2006
When you think of or hear the word elitist, you probably think that it only pertains to issues regarding class status. A person who thinks that his or her class status is superior to all others is usually referred to as an elitist. But what about those people who believe their religion is better or somehow more real than another? Or how about when it comes to politics? It’s pretty intense when you hear someone from one side of the aisle talking about the inferiority of one who is on the other side. One definition in the dictionary defines an elitist as one who believes they are the “cream” or the choice part.
I refer to this type of thinking as a disease because it is like an emotional cancer that is rooted in many individual’s hearts. I liken it to cancer because it is extremely destructive, especially if it goes unchallenged. On an extreme level, this kind of thinking and way of perceiving the world can be seen and heard in an assortment of ways. The thing that makes this such a terrible force against people loving one another and living in a unified world is that most often, it goes unchallenged. Most often, people who live and think in elitist terms don’t even know that they are spreading this disease. The fact that they believe they are superior to another in any regard, perpetuates all of the things that keep human beings from truly being allies with one another.
The big question is, how do we uncover where this kind of thinking is present and how do we get folks to wake up to the harm that is being done? A good place to start would be to stand up to someone when you hear them talking with an elitist or supremist attitude. Tell them that they are squashing the integrity of another human when they speak out in the belief that somehow their class, race, religion, political view, sexual orientation etc. is somehow superior to another. I say, speak out and confront this form of intolerance, prejudice and bigotry. It takes a little courage, but I see it as one way to help heal this mode of thinking. It is always been known that if you do not speak up when someone is saying something you whole heartily disagree with, you imply by your silence that you agree.
I encourage you to take a risk, be brave and help be a healing agent against all forms of elitism and attitudes of supremacy. Speak out and speak out often when you hear it. For today, you and I can be a strong force to help heal the deadly disease of elitism that has infected so many. Peace out.
Jack Bloomfield is the co-founder and executive director of One Planet United, Inc., a
non profit 501(c)3 organization.
One Planet United's mission statement is: To bring unity and understanding to all people
through experiential and educational programs, projects and resources.
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