THE MOTE AND THE BE AM

the mote that is in thy brother s eye but considerest not the beam ...
    I was talking about discrimination with an American
         friend with whom I could feel safe on the subject.
    I could feel safe on the subject.
    He was patient and chivalrous; he granted almost
          everything I accused the Americans of.
    He granted that American discrimination, while it
          has its explanations, is nothing to be proud of .
    He had nothing to support the racial cruelty induced
          by race riots.

    We talked about the American acting superior towards
          other peoples.
    He was still patient and chivalrous when he asked me quietly.
    "Please do not take offence when I ask this question: don't
          you discriminate somewhat as unreasonably against
          your so-called lower classes, your servants, your field
          help, you poor relations?"
     He locked at me innocently when he added: "I hope I am wrong"
     
     He did not hope he was wrong because he knew that he was
          right, very right.
     He knew too that he was safe to the that way to me.

Comments