Humanity's Shame!

I recently overheard the audio from a video someone was watching next to me. On the surface, it seemed innocuous—an American man interviewing fellow citizens, asking them general knowledge questions about cities, countries, and even simple units of measurement, like how many hours are on a clock.

Most of the answers were wrong, or perhaps the interviewer chose to highlight the incorrect ones for entertainment. One of the questions was, "Which country is Venice, Italy in?" Unfortunately, the person answering gave a wrong answer.

For the interviewer and an unquestioning, innocent audience, this was fun.

But when you really think about what’s happening, your heart might cringe, and your gut might wrench.

Have you ever experienced being mocked in school? Or perhaps even now, in some avenue of life, someone mocks you?

What does this do to love? What does it do to innocence?

What does it do to how Americans are perceived by others around the world?

And really, what’s the big deal about knowing some trivia? Suppose a person develops into a true citizen, both of their country and of the world, with values of honesty, integrity, kindness, courage, and love. Wouldn’t that be far more valuable than becoming an arrogant individual who prizes intellect and information above the deeper aspects of humanity?

Such videos may be intended for fun, but the damage they cause is far-reaching.

I wish the gentleman who made that video—and others like him—would realize what they are doing to their humanity and what kind of accidental betrayal they are committing against their brothers and sisters.

Mockery, especially of those who don’t know the answers to trivia, chips away at the very essence of compassion and understanding. Instead of lifting people up, it diminishes them, and in doing so, diminishes us all.

Let’s strive to be better. Let’s value kindness over cleverness, and love over laughter at another’s expense. In doing so, we not only elevate others but also uplift ourselves.

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj

#TheUnitedStates #America

The Star-Spangled Banner

A Plea to My Beloved United States

Michael Dean, chair of the Department of Music and director of vocal studies at UCLA, has trained many talented singers—from opera stars and pop icons to amateur vocalists—on how to sing the national anthem. He notes that even for the most trained voices, *The Star-Spangled Banner* is a difficult song. Its demanding vocal range, especially hitting the highest note on the word "free," strains the throat, symbolizing the physical and emotional effort required to truly embody the anthem’s meaning.

Being number one comes with its challenges. Many covet the top spot, and some openly or secretly wish for the downfall of the leader. There are always onlookers who take pleasure in seeing those at the top stumble, finding entertainment in their missteps. And then, there are the ungrateful critics, eager to tear down the one who has achieved greatness.

But the greatest tragedy occurs when the top-ranked individual begins to tear themselves apart with harsh self-judgment, even before the criticisms of others take hold.

My beloved United States of America,

Let’s stop making this tragic mistake! You deserve better!

Consider this: Who discovered electricity? Who invented the telephone? Who influenced global opinion on India's British rule, playing a key role in the country’s freedom struggle? Who challenged their own government and succeeded? Whose constitution is still considered one of the best ever written?

And let’s not forget the cultural impact of creations like *Harry Potter* (the movies) or the importance of Google in our daily lives. The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, hails from a South Indian state, just like me.

In my years of living, working, and traveling across Asia, Europe, and North America, I’ve only seen someone like Sundar Pichai rise to such heights in the United States. Despite its imperfections, the U.S. has been a global thought leader and visionary.

But America, being self-critical is vital!

Do we need to rely on others instead of addressing our own mistakes? Must we burden ourselves with guilt instead of joyfully building upon our strengths? Should we join the chorus of thankless critics instead of appreciating our accomplishments?

Let’s not forget to be grateful for what our forefathers and foremothers have done to build this nation. Let’s stop tearing ourselves down and start building each other up with love and honest effort.

America, recognize your contributions and heed my plea!

The greatest tragedy of all is when the top-ranked soul tears itself apart with self-judgment.

Stop being the one who makes this tragic mistake, my dearest United States of America! You deserve more!

I believe *The Star-Spangled Banner* is challenging to sing because it symbolizes the hard work it takes to build a nation like ours. So, on this day of your freedom, I wish for your rebirth as a truly free soul.

Let us rise, not in self-criticism, but in celebration of the enduring spirit that has built, and will continue to build, this great nation.

Citizen KK,

July 4, 2020

#CitizenKK

#Kamaraj #TheUnitedStates #America

I believe in The United States

I believe that America, the United States, is a nation that continuously questions itself to address the burning problems of humanity—problems that are present in every nation. At this moment in history, despite the challenges of the pandemic, millions of people from all races have united as one voice. People who are not personally affected are standing on the streets for those who are. This is the spirit of America—a country where empathy transcends boundaries and people fight for justice, not just for themselves, but for others as well. Great minds from the USA are responsible for incredible inventions such as electricity, the computer, the Internet, and so many other advancements, including the very medium I’m using to write this. These innovative thinkers are not only pioneers but are also willing to learn from and apply the wisdom of other cultures.

In 1893, the United States invited a great man, Swami Vivekananda, to speak at the World’s Parliament of Religions. He delivered one of the most iconic speeches of all time, addressing the gathering with the words, “Sisters and Brothers of America.” The United States embraced him as one of its own. One of the many ways this country honored him and India was by naming the street adjacent to the hall where he made that famous speech “Swami Vivekananda Way.” It has been 127 years since that speech, and its impact still resonates.

Martin Luther King Jr., inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, applied those principles to challenge the moral failures of his time. His voice was heard, and his message addressed. Today, America’s daughters and sons carry forward his spirit, along with the spirits of many other leaders, striving to complete the transformation that Dr. King gave his life for.

Sure, not everyone welcomed Vivekananda. Not everyone supported Dr. King. And yes, there are still those who do not and never will.

Similarly, there are some who act uncivilly, some who seek to loot and exploit even in times when their brothers and sisters are risking their lives for justice. This is a shameful reality.

But how ignorant it would be to judge an entire nation by these exceptions. How unfair it would be to take a moral high ground and ridicule a country whose products, services, and above all, ideas, benefit the entire world.

An honest introspection by every citizen of the world would reveal how far each of us is from the ideals that millions of people in America are striving for today.

Long live The United States. #CitizenKK #Kamaraj #TheUnitedStates #America