The Grifters

 

“You can never be considered a good person unless you express your concerns about all injustices, not just those causes you deem worthy.” Dr. BLR

 

It’s not every day that you encounter a refined group of people who stand out from others with similar backgrounds. They are educated, polished, and truly the best of the best… until you lift the curtain.

In life, a person’s motives reveal their true character or the absence of it. With this understanding, I have seen the light and refuse to support or align myself with elitism in any form. While I may miss out on the benefits of joining, I choose to stay isolated for self-preservation and clarity of thought. 

As someone who has never sought the spotlight, I find it confusing that some people chase after this kind of attention. Many of these individuals reflect broader society, including people of all races, religions, and political beliefs. They aim to deceive, but they are difficult to expose because they hide behind their pseudo-altruistic charity causes, which often earn them applause. Still, they frequently wear fake smiles and make sure to be included in group pictures to post on social media so others can see their connections. 

How do seemingly normal people abandon their morals and values to join groups and organizations? For some, it's a need to connect with like-minded individuals or be part of the popular crowd. That’s not necessarily bad, but over the years, many members of these groups have shared stories of hazing, discrimination, and exorbitant yearly dues—all just for recognition. 

It is not lost on me that membership in these groups greatly influences the unsuspecting public, who see the names and statuses of the participants. Initiation into the groups can be embarrassing because of the requirements. Watching people jump around and dance just to be rewarded with a colorful sweater and given the code and rights to flash juvenile hand signs is gang-like. Nonetheless, generations of families wait for their turn to continue the family tradition.

Those who overlook the bigger picture might think all of this is harmless and not worth examining. Trust me, I understand because most people have their own issues to deal with. Still, many videos explain how dangerous these groups can be and how their members influence ordinary people. Politicians, clergy, academics, law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and other influential figures pledge allegiance to these secretive organizations. 

I’ve thought carefully about my feelings on this matter. I recognize the value of belonging to something to boost self-esteem, but it's shocking to see some people completely ignore what they've been taught about being a good person. Doing charity work, supporting coat drives, and taking part in fundraisers for those in need doesn't erase the reality that the organizations you support sometimes look down on those they deem unworthy based on appearance, popularity, and wealth. I’ll choose to sit out and remain a respectful critic. 

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