Positive thinking and racism...

This article from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry is not really about racism, but I think it’s interesting how the anecdote that opens it demonstrates admirably how the positive thought movement fuels all kinda of institutional prejudices, including racism, through its “if you fail, it’s your own damn fault” premise… It’s a form of statist, racist, sexist thought stopping.

“I was in the Marines,” he answered. “They told me about ‘the door.’ Do you know what I’m talking about?”

No one did, so he explained: “In the Marines they taught me that no matter what horrible situation I might find myself in, there will be a door that will let me out, and if I look for that door I will find it. If you tell me because I’m Hispanic I’m screwed, I can’t accept that. I don’t care what statistics you give me. I have a wife and a kid and a job, and this school is my door, and I believe we’re going to be okay. No offense, but you’re not helping me by telling me I’m disadvantaged being Hispanic in America.”

PS I haven’t really written about positive thought movement on this blog. If you’re interested in learning more about how it’s taking over America and Christianity, I would invite you to read the exposé Bright-Sided.