CNN: Skin-Deep: Racism in America
I was watching Paula Zahn Now: SKIN DEEP: Racism in America and took a few moments to reflect on my day-to-day experiences with it. Hey, it’s simply not going to go away any time soon and it is and will contiue to be in my neighborhood. Every year I go to our street party and inevitably there are a few people who say the “N” word, make short-sighted comments like “get rid of all the Muslims,” or make a crack against gay people. Interestingly, I never seem to hear them say anything about people of Asian decent, but I am sure they do behind closed doors. That’s just the way it is and we all have to find a way to meaningfully coexist and educate.
On Paula’s show there was one Jewish person who made some great comments. First, as a remedy towards to a different future he called on everyone to not let other people get away with racist comments. Call them out (meaningfully) and challenge them with questions and a different perspective. This is somewhat difficult during social settings, but if you don’t want to hear it, then let people know where you stand. Hopefully over time they and their kids will learn something. Like advertising, it’s the 11th, 12th or whatever time that someone might actually hear what you are saying and take action or change. Second, I really liked his perspective on white people who say blacks “just need to get over it.” As a Jew, he pointed out that NO ONE asks him to “just get over the Holocaust.” Hmm, interesting.
Recently I purchased a Public Enemy hat because I like giving back to those who support KOYONO. I am amazed at the reaction I get wearing it and how it reveals people’s true colors. For example, the other night I did some late night grocery shopping and while checking out was asked by a white woman in her 40s if “I am Public Enemy.” “Excuse me?” I replied. She then asked, “you know – your hat?” like I was missing something. “Oh, Public Enemy. No I’m not, but I believe in their cause and frankly love their music. Also, I support them because they buy our stuff,” I explained. “What cause?” she replied. I further explained that Public Enemy’s songs are about the social injustices around minorities (blacks) and they are really promoting equality. She commented, “they must be criminals.” I could not help but laugh and asked if she knew of Flavor Flav, which she had. She then went on to comment, “he is probably a criminal.” Then she and her coworker both started laughing. I replied that they were not criminals, paid and left. Is racism still alive in my neighborhood – yes. Am I going to stop wearing my Public Enemy hat – no way. In fact, I think I am going to wear it into my next business meeting to see what happens. Who knows, the next time I buy groceries I might wear some God Smack paraphernalia to see if they call me a Satan worshipper and sinner! 😆
Fight the power!
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Loved your post. When I first moved back to Cleveland in 1998 I was taken aback by the racism. It’s not that people in the Greater D.C. area weren’t racist, it’s that there was so much diversity on every block, in every shop and most communities, it at least seemed like progress was made. You bring up the point I finally came to; Ok, I’m here, keep plugging along Carole and pointing it out by example. You make me want to get my Malcolm X hat out of a box and wear it. Thanks for a thoughtful post – I think if more of us talked about it things could improve a bit faster? In a way the lack of political correctness I find here at least let’s me know what is in someone’s mind instead of it being the elephant in the room.