We Slaves

10) We Slaves

The respect of oneself necessarily implies the respect for that which is one’s environment. This follows, naturally, from the assertion that we constitute ourselves through our environment. To admit this relationship is difficult—it takes the greatest respect for life and the most devote subordination to environment. Today I have found no deeper example of this than in the spirit behind the slogan which stands in the face of a question and answers with, “keep Detroit beautiful.” The word keep is directed at the pragmatists as a provocation, while beautiful describes that which is in doubt. The statement proclaims, “I think this is beautiful.” The spirit behind these words has been making itself heard for generations within inner city populations—those who find respect for themselves only in respect of their environment. And in doing so, they have flipped valuation on its head.

There is only one who stands in opposition to this affirmation of intimacy and locality—but my ears are closed to their dramatics. I will employ some artistic liberties so that I can appropriately proclaim their name, the abolitionist. But who is the abolitionist to we who are slaves?—no one, but an absurd imperialist or a propagandist who proposes that we hate being so. To demand liberation from the impressions of one’s environment is a sign of confusion. This supposes that the will, after having been given independence, can remain alongside environment. This can only find favor in those who have mistaken Reason as the faculty in which one becomes master of one’s environment.