If the Main Problem in America is Neither Racism or Sexism ... What is?

While I was at the last poetry slam (which you can read about here), one of the slam poets went up made an interesting statement. Forgive my need to paraphrase, but he said something along the lines of, "The main problem in America is neither racism or sexism."

I figured Barney Stinson and Archie Bunker are possible archetypes of sexism and racism, respectively. 

My friends and I waited for this slam poet to give us an answer. He never did. He never told us what he believed to be the actual main problem with America.

So I thought about it. What could be the main problem with America?

Many people I know would argue that sexism is the greatest problem in America. Look at the wage gap between genders. Look at the objectification of women in modern media. Look at the way women are often considered second-class citizens in workplaces. Look at domestic violence.

But then again, why couldn't racism be the greatest problem? Look at police brutality. Look at the wage gap between white people and minorities. Look at the #OscarsAllWhite controversy. Look at many of our presidential candidates and their discussions on racial topics.

But, ok. I'll accept, at least for now, the slam poet's rhetoric. What other options do we have?

We have people attacking Freedom of Religion, so concerned that someone may state or have a theological belief contrary to their own that they want to tear down every chance anyone has to express that belief, including interfering with ceremonies sacred and precious to the members of specific religion. Phrases once considered innocuous are becoming taboo, including the phrase 'Bless You'  after you sneeze.

We also have poverty, where impoverished people grow ever more resentful of the government for not giving them money and the rich for also not giving them money. The rich grow resentful at the government for wanting their money and the poor for also wanting their money.

What about other problems? What about riots and abuse and fighting in the streets? How about immigration, with people wanting to close the borders more and more? What about presidential candidates resorting to childish threats and insults? What about the rancor between political parties? What about when we feel impatience and lash out at our closest friends and loved ones? What happens when everyone does that?

So, no. I agree with our slam poet. Sexism and racism are not the biggest problems in America. They are merely symptoms of a disease called BIGOTRY, which is also a symptom in and of itself, a symptom of HATRED, which fuels and feeds every major problem in America. HATRED, a seething entity seeking only to destroy the lives of everything in its wake, especially America right here, right now.

So that's my say. See you tomorrow.