Race and racism

‘Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” — Maya Angelou.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” — Desmond Tutu

Probably the most misused word in the English language these days is racist. It is used seemingly in any situation. If you don’t agree with another, he’s a racist. If he’s white he’s a racist.

The race issue is real and some have endured it and some have been guilty of fostering it. Some of the accusations are taking this issue over the top and are being used as an epithet.

Blacks refer to each other using the “n” word and that seems to be ok, yet if I did it, I’d be the worst kind of racist.

Research shows friction between groups has been a fact of life forever. Our country was founded, established, and developed primarily by white Europeans. In the early days Irish men were slaves. Blacks from Africa were slaves on the plantations. They were bought and sold and the treatment of both was awful.

Many thought Obama would elevate us out of petty racism but he didn’t. Instead it’s worse.

It appears if you’re white, you’re a racist. If you have money and position, you’re a racist. If you are not a democrat, you’re a racist.

Yet one researcher says its more a difference in values. Being from different backgrounds, it seems reasonable that we have different life experiences which in turn mold our values.

I think Morgan Freeman said it best, he stated “I don’t want a Black History Month. Black History is American History; there is no White History month.

The only way to end racism is to stop talking about it.” Jim Gardner Palmdale