James Moore Poet Narrative

Civil Rights in a Post-Woke Era

The world is nothing else if not constantly turning
Turning on its own axis,
Turning night to day, again and again, 
For all of us, regardless of life form.
And for us, social human beings
This has its own unique twists and turns.

When I was a kid sixty years ago 
The biggest civil rights issue of the day
Was equality for blacks
And it was beautiful to see the tide change
Before our very eyes.
Then, one by one, another group was added
From women to gays, Jews, and Natives
Each wanting to be able to raise their hand
And at least get some notice if not special treatment,
Although it certainly seemed the special treatment
Was a welcome plus.

But today the cycle has come a full 180 degrees,
And the biggest civil rights issue of the day
Is now DEI and the abuse of identity politics.
Like an extreme tide at its historic high
DEI now has infiltrated into the highest levels
From academia, public, and private
To corporate boards, mainstream media,
Government agencies, sports, entertainment
And churches, systemically institutionalizing
The soft bigotry of low and no expectation.

But as with every high tide, at some point, it turns
And as it flows out, it leaves its detritus behind,
And so here we are today watching ideas and agendas,
Which were pushed on everyone with impunity
Just a year ago, now left exposed and abandoned.
Where will this lead in the next years and decades
As the tide continues to retreat?
It’s hard to say, but what’s likely is freedom,
Not compulsion, will continue to gain strength.

Eventually, perhaps the whole notion of minority 
Or victim and disadvantaged status and rights
Will be eclipsed by a more fundamental notion
Of equality of human rights 
Regardless of sex, race, religion, 
Size, age, ability, or personal quirks.
Imagine that, a world that actually acknowledges
Celebrates, accepts, and supports the individual
Exactly and simply as we are.

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