I’ve decided to start a race debate. On the right people think minorities, especially black people, are getting more than their fair share. They believe that too many are allowed to stay on welfare only because of their color and are not willing to work. The Left believes that minorities are not given a fair shake, and that we need programs to help those groups who are racially and economically challenged a leg up so they can compete. As with most things, the truth is somewhere in the middle.
I have no doubt that when black America sees on the news, again and again, black citizens shot by white police officers, or just some random guy claiming to be protecting his neighborhood, it is difficult for them not to be outraged. It’s difficult for me not to be outraged. After centuries of slavery and another century of beatings, lynchings, and laws that prevented black Americans from holding property or even voting, why would they not be outraged?
What happens with that outrage is where black America loses white America. When black America acts on their outrage with violence, when they destroy property, riot, or when they are rude to those trying to uphold the law, they lose white support. At that point the only thing that white America sees is a race of people acting like they are entitled to act badly because they are black.
I think Dr. King knew more than anyone that the only way to further the cause black America was through consistent and peaceful means. He knew that for change to come white America had to see their own savagery. Only then would black America get support. It worked. Never before had there been such support for Civil Rights before the marches in the south. People watched on their televisions in horror the utter savagery that blacks endured from southern white society. It was only then that change began.
We still have a ways to go, but I believe something has been lost. Right now when something violent happens to a black American what white America sees is black America responding with violence. The original act is overshadowed by the hundreds of images of violent acts in response. Is black America justified? Maybe. However will that win the day? No.
I can tell you from experience that if we all walk around with a chip on your shoulder, we will always find someone who wants to knock it off. It’s easy to feel slighted when you’re angry. Everything comes to the surface. The skin becomes thin and raw because at every turn all you see is persecution. This is not something that is unique to race. Problems come when we think that everyone is out to get us, white or black. Sometimes it’s not about how we are treated, but how we react to the treatment. Never discount the idea that it might not be everyone else. That’s not to say that if you think someone is mistreating you, you’re incorrect. However, it’s always best to look internally first.
Black America feels they are treated with inequity. White America believes black America wants to be treated special. So where do we start the discussion? A tit for tat response isn’t going to improve minority relations. I think the only way things will change is we first have to admit there is a problem. Whites have to admit that blacks are often targeted just for their color. Blacks have to admit that they are not the only people treated poorly by the police, or by some idiot store clerk. Sometimes it’s not about race. It’s just about that one individual asshole that we give the power to ruin our day.
Rex