Black Anomaly

Somewhere along the way, we've been taught that if we criticize the actions of a government, military, political movement, or ideology, we must somehow hate everyone associated with it. And if we care about the people affected by those actions, we must excuse or justify whatever is done in their name. I reject that completely.

I can love Jewish people and condemn the actions of the Israeli government. I can care about Palestinians and condemn acts of violence committed against civilians. I can stand against antisemitism while also standing against Islamophobia. I can grieve for innocent people on all sides without surrendering my conscience.

My loyalty is not to a flag, a political party, a religion, or an ideology. My loyalty is to human beings. I don't care what race you are. I don't care what country you come from. I don't care what religion you practice. I don't care who you love, how you identify, or what language you speak. If you are a human being, your life has value.

And if someone is being raped, tortured, starved, murdered, displaced, or dehumanized, then I don't need to know what side they're on before deciding it's wrong.

The moment we start excusing cruelty because it's being committed by "our side," we've abandoned the very principles we claim to stand for.

Compassion is not selective. Human rights are not conditional. And morality does not change based on a person's identity.

Wright: The Wright Groove / The Dave Brubeck Quartet on BBC's Jazz 625 on June 9, 1964.

Bassist Eugene Wright (born May 29, 1923)

Personnel: Dave Brubeck - piano, Eugene Wright - double bass, Joe Morello - drums, and Paul Desmond - alto saxophone.