Racism Recall
Posted: Friday, February 20, 2009
by Michael Gaffley
flatlinetochange
Will you join with me in a quest to recall racism? Racism is overdue and does not belong in our civilized world. It will take more than a strong resolve to tackle racism. Racism is caused by some and experienced by others. Racism in any shape or form is an unconscionable, inhumane and disgusting way of living your life especially in the global village that is hurting so bad. This economic crisis has underlined the fact that we are all in this together. We are all hurting as a result of the greed of some. We all need to be engulfed by an epidemic of hope, support and camaraderie.
Racism refers to certain "superior" attitudes and actions of some people that in some way disadvantage other people on the basis of their deemed to be "inferior" race. This negative value judgment is both morally wrong and indefensible because of its intentions and its consequences. You may have grown up with racism. Racism may have been entrenched by the attitude of your parents, your synagogue, your church, your mosque or your school, your college or your primary system. So much so that racism "happens" subconsciously. You are responsible for your racism.
We need to revisit the way individuals interact with others. Just take a look at the courtesies we bestow, one upon the other. We need to just observe how downright rude we can be to one another especially in public spaces. I have often come away from these observations with the conviction that I could see nothing else at play but racism. When someone literally pushes you out of sequence in a line at a ticket booth or at the grocery store it is appalling, and even more so if that person is from another race. I have had many encounters with racists. One that stands out is what happened on a flight between Charlotte and Phoenix. The gentleman (of another race) took the magazine and placed it between my shoulder and his shoulder and he actually requested that I should not touch him. Wow! Racial categories appear biological but have an impact on social interactions and sanctions. Racial categories in the United States often appear mutually exclusive but may in fact be overlapping. Right now you can be African-American, Native-American, and Caribbean-American.
We need to look at racism in the institutions of our society. The quality of the interactions between people is a good barometer of the racism inherent in society. If you have an organization whose management consists only one race and the workers are comprised of all the other races then something is amiss. Why are minorities not allowed in the power sharing and management of the institution and or organization? We need to look at promotions and career ladders because often racism is the glass ceiling that prevents people from upward mobility. We need to look at the social and institutional structures that disadvantage groups by denying them access because of their race.
We need to look at institutionalized racism or racism that is so entrenched in the way society operates that it becomes normative. Racism has a long history and as such has seemingly benefited some while definitely denying opportunities to others.
No legislation or act of congress can undo what has been done and approved by governments and institutions under the banner of racism. No-one can erase the pain suffered as a result of racism.
We need to do something more than agree that racism is wrong. We need to engage in exploratory dialogues about race. Definitely, a national truth and reconciliation exercise can lead the nation to understanding and forgiveness en route to reconciliation and national rebuilding efforts.
We need to resolve to not allow people to make racist jokes or remarks in our presence. If there is not an ear to listen; there will not be a tongue to whisper. We need to be aware of our own racism, prejudice and stereotyping. We need to unlearn old habitual ways of interacting with other races and if needs be seek counseling to learn new ways of interaction. Do something about the recall of racism, now.
After all is said and done, more is said than done. God forbid.
Please feel free to comment. Please submit your own article to searchwarp.
This Article has been viewed 953 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsWell said! I made that commitment many years ago - and have always stopped racist comments and actions - with a smile and interceding - as it is - unfortunately - my whitish neighbors at fault. I like to point out that the world is ONE race of man - and 3/4 are people of color...it might be a good idea for all of us to get along! Great kindness goes a long long way. And the good news? Many of the older most raciest are dying out - and the younger generation is up-and-coming - and were instrumental in electing an intellect and man of purpose (and of color) to represent our nation. A big step forward. time for us to follow the youth into a more balanced and happier world. Thanks for writing your truth. CherylCheryl thank you for your insightful response. Appreciated.
Hi, Michael. Welcome to SearchWarp. Keep writing. Few years ago I realized that all of those who have made the greatest contribution to the unity of humanity have been leaders who believe in the concept of 'one human race'. These include Jesus Christ, Saul of Tarsus, William Wilburforce, Frederick Douglas, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, just to name a few. As a result I no longer use the term "races" in reference to human beings. The change of vocabulary from many "races" of people to one human "race" can have a dramatic impact in changing one's mind and attitude towards other humans. Thanks for your passionate article. ~mogama~Mogama your insightful feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks
hi michael,if we could all watch a roomful of crawling age babies play together, of all nationalities and races, maybe we could learn that these things, out of innocence, which i believe is your soul, are not an issue, they are taught, not physically passed down.if a racist is scared to death for his life in a fire he can't get out of, and a black fireman comes to save him, does he say no? or does he turn his back on racism? does he finally get it that we all get scared at times, we all feel happy at times, and a man of a different color risked his life so a white man could live?when the jet went down in the Hudson, all helped in any way they could, no matter what the other person's skin color, and i think that should give us hope that we may be starting to crave peace and harmony enough to change our minds to think in a non judgmental way, to any other person.thanks for sharing,best regards,sue thomSue thank your for your most thoughtful response and illustrations. Appreciated.
Bravo Michael! If there is not an ear to listen there is not a tongue to whisper--this says it all. Thank you for this admonishment! Blessings to you! TeresaTeresa thank you for your encouraging comments
Michael,I am touched at how well you expressed this. And, you are so right. I think many people were assuming that because Obama has been elected President, racism would end. It has certainly helped, but it is not the end. It will take a lot more work on everyone's part -- all nations of the world -- to end this.Thank you for a very thoughful article.NancyNancy I appreciate your kind comments.
Michael,I couldn't begin to express my appreciation for this article! Thanks for sharing it with us.Thank you for your uplifting response
Good job, Michael. What a world it would be if we all could implement such a recall- and we can. Keep up the great work!Ken your commitment is welcomeKen,Thanks for this statement. Yes, I kno we can as well.
Michael, I have a quote I thought up a while back it goes like this"The sure fire way to prove equality amongst ourselves is to confront someone with the statement" "I came from my mother where did you come from"I like your article keep it up!Great thought, thanks David
Great article about something that many people think doesn't exist any longer in our society but is definitely there especially in certain parts of the country.Jen I appreciate your thoughtful comments
great article
More comments
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.