I've just listened to Malcolm Gladwell's book The Outliers for the second time. In statistics, an outlier is an observation that is numerically distant from the rest of the data (Wikipedia). Like an individual that achieves way above his/her peers. This is what the book is about. It explains that our culture's high value on individuality may be out of sync with an important reality: where you live, and when you were born have a very large effect on who/what you become.
The Outliers takes us on a trip exploring how early circumstances gave several very unique individuals (and one Rock and Roll Band) the stage to become famous world-changers. But I don't want to talk about them.
'Had a look at the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis over the weekend, and as expected, from previous studies, a hard look at what shameful behavior men are capable of doing to each other and themselves. So, bringing in the conclusions of the Gladwell book; where you live and when you live (along with who you are) can take you to great heights, or great depths.
One personal exercise is to think about what was available to you as you grew up. Any special opportunities to improve or degrade yourself? Did you take advantage of them (or them of you)?
Given their view of the world, those southern sheriffs were responding to demands for black equality the correct (and only) way. And appalling as it was, they showed us that (despite everything), we could be them (had we been born in their town, at that time, etc.).
The Holocaust Museum performs the same service. From the comfort of 70 years later, we look at the displays and think "how could the Nazis do such things?" Oh my friend, don't fool yourself, if we'd been born at that place at that time with all the social and political incentives, we might be right there with them in the middle of it.
'Would love to hear what special opportunities you took advantage of in your part of the world, and what temptations were also present. Did you use them or they use you? I'll share mine soon.
I do think we are products of our time and place. But I think there are always people who just will not go along evil. But then there are the wars - where people were caught up and carried along - regardless of their personal feelings. Interesting post.
ReplyDeleteLook at me, taking my own bait. Opportunities for jail and/or stardom. I hung with guys who became heroin addicts, did crime, etc. 'Only avoided being a teenage father by the grace of God. I also was determined to find something better than what was being presented to me. Found it in Houston. Liquor by the drink was just legalized and people loved to drink and dance to live bands. This = employment for young Cubil. That is what I mean by being in the right place at the right time.
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