A few weeks ago, my family and I had the privilege of watching Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. Having just authored a book on American values and their roots, I was looking forward to learning more about this founding father of ours, Alexander Hamilton, even if through a musical where creative liberties are taken.

Hamilton was as remarkable as advertised, and I walked away with an unexpected bonus—a deeper understanding and appreciation for the iconic American Dream in its infant stages from the vantage of the nation’s first Secretary of Treasury.

A lyric that stood out to me was when Hamilton equates his own state with that of his country—“young, scrappy and hungry.” Since America was established almost 250 years, I hadn’t considered a Caucasian founding father like Hamilton might be an immigrant. I assumed this to be a creative liberty taken. To my surprise, Alexander Hamilton was in fact an immigrant from the Caribbean Islands. I was mesmerized by the drive, struggle, courage and sacrifice of Hamilton, and others alike, who risked it all to take a stand against British tyranny.

Another lyric woven throughout the play—“I am not throwing away my shot!”—speaks of Hamilton’s opportunity to make a name for himself and his nation: Until I entered the theatre, I had not taken stock of the immigrant-like feelings our founding fathers may have experienced. I viewed the original players, such as Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Adams and others, as rich white aristocrats. In reality, some of them, like Hamilton—orphaned and poverty stricken—had very humble beginnings. That said, I don’t mean to whitewash the imperfections of these men.

Food for Thought

In this moving account of Hamilton’s story, most of the main characters were represented by non-white performers. “What would our nation look like today if the minority race in America played a larger role in its founding?”, I wondered. How would we as a nation be different? I don’t profess to have an answer, but I do suspect we can agree on this—one can gain perspective by placing one’s self in the shoes of the other.

What a better world it could be if we were able to switch places with those different from us—perhaps those of another Culture? Demographic? Economic status? All of the above? Would we be changed? This blogger thinks yes, but the honest, cynical part of me believes the change would only be temporary.

I don’t know about you, but this happens to me all too often. I listen to a powerful sermon. I go to a moving retreat. I vow to change my ways. But when I return from my spiritual-high experience, I’m quickly drawn back into the routine-monster. Does this happen to you?

Join me in praying for God to help us break these constraints of apathy. Let’s ask Him to allow us to see others as He does—unique, special, and worthy of His love. It is my belief that only Christ has the power to change us in such an inside-out way (Philippians 4:13).

If you have not had the chance to see Hamilton for yourself, I highly recommend it. If not, at least listen to the soundtrack.