Did you ever think that you were an ambassador? Probably not.
You might not have the title of the trappings, but in the court of public opinion, you are the flag bearer of your ethnicity.
Everything that you will do, especially if you break the law, will reflect on your specific background. You often won’t be judged as an individual, but as the representative of your social group.
If you are of Russian background and behave like a drunken Cossack, it will shed a very negative light on Russian people; it will give rise to generalities – all Russians are drunkards and ruffians – and prejudice.
Similarly, if you are black and commit any crime, the entire black community will be blamed for your misdeed.
All of us, regardless of our ethnicity or backgrounds are viewed as stand-ins for our specific tribe. No matter where you go or what you do, especially if you are a minority, you will be first seen as a reflection of your peers.
That is why you must always remain tuned in to your environment. Whenever on the world scene or on the pétanque court, as an ambassador, you must show a positive image of the breed that you represent.
Newly minted duchess Megan Markle for example, cannot afford to misstep. She is the perfect potential target for hate groups. She is a commoner, she is divorced and biracial. If she trips, all these details will come back and hit her like a boomerang.
The search for a scapegoat is the easiest of all hunting expeditions. Dwight D. Eisenhower
So, whoever or wherever you are, watch your steps. Don’t scream, don’t make a scene. The world is watching and judging you.
The Big Guy is much too busy to keep track of his restless flock, but Public Opinion never sleeps. In this time of ubiquitous recording devices, everybody is on camera.
Whether you are a Dago,
a Frog, a Gook, a Gringo, a Limey, a Chink, a Gook, a Goy, a Greaseball, a Good ol’ boy, a Jap or a Kraut, always control your temper, and avoid being called any of the above colorful niceties.
Alain