We live in "historic" times. Arguably, the momentous nature of relatively recent social change, reflected in the race, age and gender roles of the candidates for high office in our state and nation, can result in social definitions profoundly different from those of the past. Gubernatorial candidate Beverly Perdue and presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain did not cause these changes; they do, however, serve to illustrate and solidify them. At the local level, the same can be said for the achievements of Dr. Hezekiah Brown.

The potential benefits to all of us of social definitions that allow individuals to contribute to a better world in multiple ways without gender and racial definitions serving as impediments, cannot be overemphasized. Consider the vast human potential that has been wasted in the past through what we now define as immoral restrictions on human activity. As we begin to reward productive human performance, and withhold rewards and punish negative human performance on the basis of objective criteria rather than membership in our own social groups, the entire human enterprise will advance in effectiveness and efficiency.

There exist many persons with talents such as those of Perdue, Kathleen Battle, George Washington Carver, Condoleezza Rice, Marie Curie or Jane Goodall; yet, only the truly exceptional ones have risen above social role impediments in the past. It is reasonable to believe the events of the present are unleashing immense future productivity for the human race.

Yet, we may blunder and fail to grasp this unparalleled opportunity. Indeed, many years ago, William Shakespeare, in Act 4, scene 3 of his play "Julius Caesar" wrote: "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. ... On such a full sea are we now afloat, and we must take the current when it comes, or lose our ventures."

Let us move forward to advance our common interest, even though we must all force ourselves to act in ways contrary to our social group protectionist behaviors. We must put aside anger and discriminatory practices toward groups other than our own — indeed against all socially defined groups, even white males. Let us reward honor, achievement, integrity, productivity and intelligence and ignore other qualities in our fellow humans.

REED ADAMS

Elizabeth City