"To celebrate freedom and democracy while forgetting America’s origins in a slavery economy is patriotism à la carte." ~ quote from article
I will open this writing by first commenting on definitions
of the words brotherhood, equality and Freemasonry. Those definitions are as
follows;
It is my hope that the sharing of these experiences will cause those who hear or read my words to truly reflect --- on their views, beliefs, obligations and their humanity.
I have held Masonic membership for 24 years, in a fraternal organization that teaches brotherhood and equality. Those two words carry significant impact, and can mean different things to many different people. The meaning one views these words from is partially determined from the teachings and instruction we receive from our parents, extended family, neighbors and even friends.
I will ask that you view our social circle as our tribal affiliation (of sorts). A tribe has typically been collectively responsible for teaching many lessons that are based upon the survival of the tribe and its members.
Some of you may be able to connect the dots from the article in relation to the attitudes of a number of Freemasons today that refuse to see men (and women) of color as their equals.
Freemasonry is about Brotherhood & Equality... two aspects that do not work well independently of each other.
Brotherhood, Equality
and Freemasonry
1) broth·er·hood
= feelings of friendship, support, and understanding between people
2) equal·i·ty
= the quality or state of being equal : the quality or state of having the same
rights, social status, etc.
3) free·ma·son·ry
= capitalized : the principles,
institutions, or practices of Freemasons —called also Masonry
It is my hope that the sharing of these experiences will cause those who hear or read my words to truly reflect --- on their views, beliefs, obligations and their humanity.
I have held Masonic membership for 24 years, in a fraternal organization that teaches brotherhood and equality. Those two words carry significant impact, and can mean different things to many different people. The meaning one views these words from is partially determined from the teachings and instruction we receive from our parents, extended family, neighbors and even friends.
I will ask that you view our social circle as our tribal affiliation (of sorts). A tribe has typically been collectively responsible for teaching many lessons that are based upon the survival of the tribe and its members.
If a tribe taught that certain foreigners who were not
tribal members were to be shunned for whatever reason, then that is the belief
that any tribal member would come to hold based upon teaching. An issue will
soon arise after any given member of the tribe questions why such belief is
held, and what is that belief based on.
Some of you may be able to connect the dots from the article in relation to the attitudes of a number of Freemasons today that refuse to see men (and women) of color as their equals.
Freemasonry is about Brotherhood & Equality... two aspects that do not work well independently of each other.
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