The New York Times published a story about Lieutenant Ben Vargas, the lone Hispanic who joined a lawsuit with white firefighters in Ricci v. DeStefano. Vargas says he was knocked unconscious by someone he suspects was a black firefighter for joining the lawsuit. His own brother, also a firefighter, turned against him. Vargas, who received the sixth highest score on the promotions exams, was called a turncoat and an Uncle Tom for standing up for his rights.
Black Americans are all too aware of the epithet “Uncle Tom,” which refers to someone considered subservient to whites, an accommodating token. A black person is branded an Uncle Tom for veering from the group in any way.
When one goes against prevailing opinion, derision is to be expected. In group-think, individuals are not allowed to express opinions different from the group’s. What’s good for the group takes precedence over what’s good for the individual. As black conservatives know, going against the grain takes courage. Standing up for what’s right is difficult but worth the effort.
“I consider myself an American — I was born and raised here,” Vargas said. “I love my people. I love my culture. I love our rice and beans, our salsa music, our language — everything my parents raised us with. But I am so grateful for the opportunity only the United States can give.”
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