GIVEN generally positive perceptions of the United States (U.S.) and the oft desire to emulate, the ethnic problems in Virginia two Saturdays ago that reportedly left three dead and 34 injured was bound to generate animated discussions.

Americans would openly admit that though their Declaration of Independence states “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…” the founding of its society was premised on bigotry, racism and intolerance, which they refer to as a birth defect and communicate a desire to correct.

Two hundred and forty-one years after independence, the country continues to confront and grapple with such problems which could serve as lessons for us, a relatively young nation of not too dissimilar history. The protest and counter-protest by what the society called the ‘alt-right,’ white-nationalists, and Ku Klux Klan against the removal of a confederate statue (General Robert E. Lee) and those supportive of its removal, those seeing the footage or reading the account of the violence that broke out were perplexed by the entire situation.

The use of a motor vehicle, allegedly by a white nationalist, to plough into those protesting support for the statue’s removal is an identical tactic used by jihadist terrorists wreaking destruction and mayhem around the world. Terrorism is being driven by intolerance to the views and lifestyles of others and wanting to impose one’s perspective as the universal perspective.

There is no interest in getting into the internal politics of the U.S. and the varied discussions among its political leadership, civil society and peoples, save to say studied observations of ensuing events indicate a society determined to work through its crises and what it says is the people’s desire for a “more perfect union.”  Most instructive to observers and societies that strive to grapple with similar problems is the integrity being brought to the fore by persons across the political divide and in various sections of society to hold themselves and each other accountable for eschewing racism, bigotry and intolerance.

It’s admirable taking note, from a distance, that they are persons irrespective of political allegiance or influence, unprepared to compromise the values and ideals they say the U.S. represents and which they respect. There are so many lessons for us as a relatively young, 51-year-old nation.  This incident allows for Guyanese, home and abroad, to be witnesses of the conflict and students of its management in this Information Age.

There is no place for racism, bigotry and intolerance in the world today. Persons gave and continue to give of their lives, sweat, blood and tears to rid society of such hateful and cowardly thinking and acts, and wherever such raise their ugly heads they must be stamped out. It makes a mockery to the claim of respect and pursuing equality, inalienable freedoms and rights and stay silent or support the trampling of these because such stands to benefit one, politically, economically or otherwise.

The fight to protect and defend societal gains not only require being on the physical battleground, but being prepared, irrespective of where one is or what one is doing, to lend support for such just cause in whatever form.

The desire for world-wide comity, which Guyana— by international associations and relations — so pursues, requires not only observation of atrocities and condemnation, be it privately or publicly, but also commitment to learn from them and render support to end or not repeat them. It would make it harder for the world to be a better place where the peaceful don’t consider themselves having a role to play to improve human relations by demonstrating courtesy and considerate behaviours towards each other. This still remains one of the most powerful weapons in the global fight against terrorism, racism, bigotry and intolerance.

The senseless attack in Virginia came five days prior to similar attacks in Spain that reportedly left 19 dead, five of whom were the alleged terrorists, and more than 130 injured. Such evil acts our society will not want to see, but at the same time it cannot be ignored where we as nation carry historical baggage of mistrust and conflicts, similarly too stand to benefit from frank, honest and open conversations on these grouses.

Ventilation in an atmosphere absent judgement and intolerance would allow for expressions to feelings, including insecurities and myths of self and others, lending to opportunities to address and correct where necessary, and also through institutional strengthening such as laws, classroom education, and so forth to bring about desired peace and harmony.

As can be seen from the U.S.’ centuries of experience, there is no magic bullet for fixing problems of such nature, but determined commitment to continual work and the integrity to stand up and be counted in moments of crisis. Guyanese too can be emulators of these values.