Is it true that it only takes a little bit of salt?
A pinch of salt… taking it with a grain of salt… a little bit of salt will do…
And is it true that it only takes an iota of salt to make things salty? Is an entire batch affected by the tiny bit?
I’m wondering today if society is straddling into dangerous territory, beginning to incorrectly apply the salty analogy. I’m wondering if we ever make questionable — often wrongful — “entire batch” conclusions. For example…
If a “tiny bit” of men act stupidly, does that mean women are smarter than men?
If a “tiny bit” of Christians misapply biblical truth, does that mean all Christians reflect God poorly?
If a “tiny bit” of Muslims conduct murderous acts, does that make all Muslims evil?
If a “tiny bit” of white officers shoot a black man, does that make all police officers racist?
If a “tiny bit” of offenders are innocent, does that make all offenders incorrectly charged?
If a “tiny bit” of protestors act violently, does that make all protesters violent?
If a “tiny bit” of politicians have been proven to be dishonest, does that mean all legislators lie through their teeth?
If a “tiny bit” of gun owners act irresponsibly with their guns, does that make all 2nd Amendment appreciators unworthy to keep and bear arms?
If a “tiny bit” of persons who oppose gay marriage are disrespectful in the articulation of their opinion, does that mean all who oppose gay marriage are disrespectful?
If a “tiny bit” of activists believe intimidation is justifiable, does that make all activists bullies?
If a “tiny bit” of television shows are non-fiction, does that mean all “reality shows” depict real life?
And if a “tiny bit” of one demographic group is bigoted, does that make them all bigoted?
Friends, I’m wondering where we’ve made wrongful conclusions about an “entire batch” because of our emotional reaction to a “tiny bit.” Where have we gone too far? Where have we weighted an instance or incident too much? Where does our logic fail to hold up — as we’ve (hopefully) humbly made some potentially wrongful conclusions?
Truthfully, I understand the mistake, as the “tiny bit” can be an actual, awful thing. But one or two or even 17 actual, awful things don’t dictate the flavor of an entire batch.
Respectfully…
AR
You can certainly see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.