Thoughts About Race and the 21st Century

   Maybe we can find more understanding and healing. . .

in regards to the elephant in the living room of the race issue. This thought came to mind when I read a comment on a site that questioned why the President is always referred to as African-American even though his mother was Caucasian. The rule in our society has always been that any person possessing one drop of Black blood makes them Black by default. Yes, that rule is absolutely ridiculous but that has been the understanding for the last 150 years. Maybe one day it will eventually change and race really won't be a significant factor.

Change begins where denial ends. Many hold a misunderstanding of what the distinct differences between prejudices and racism actually are. Everyone has certain prejudices, whether they share them with others or not. Most personal prejudices are relatively harmless and insignificant because they don't infringe upon rights or cause emotional pain for the target. The Black Panthers of the 60's and '70's were extremely prejudiced against the white race and the establishment but due to the limited social status they could never be classified as racists. On the other hand the Klan, for many years, possessed the power to break the law without fear of prosecution. The power to do so was based solely on the race of the target. Lingering wounds from the Civil War were at the root.

My personal heritage includes Native American, Irish, African, and who knows what else but I was always taught that I was a Colored Boy, then a Negro, then Black, and lately an African-American. In my family as a child the topic of race was never really discussed. There would be an acknowledgement of what color a person was and that was it. Everyone seemed to know the rules and accept their place. Fortunately, I came along when things were starting to change and opportunities were opening. I could have never settled for the status quo of the '60's.

Africans were the only group to enter America in shackles and chains. The only group stripped of their heritage and self esteem. It didn't kill us but eventually made us stronger. I think much of that is based on the law of survival of the fittest. It is in our genes to overcome adversity. In my view, the only true race is the human race. The Black race has always been about inclusion instead of exclusion which is a good thing for all. This journey remains incomplete. It will require continued leadership and cooperation from those who believe in what is right. It will require perseverance and keeping our eyes on the prize. Dr. Kings' Dream is probably the best mental illustration of the journey which ends when America lives up to the true meaning of its creed, that all men are created equal. All men, women, and children will stand together and sing in the words of that old Negro spiritual Free at Last, thank God Almighty we're free at last.

We need to pray for our new President. Pray that he will be the catalyst to help us complete Dr. Kings' Dream. I believe, as obviously many others do, that he is the right man for the job. Lincoln said that a house divided cannot stand. MLK said we must learn to live together as brothers or we will certainly perish as fools. The opportunity to move forward awaits us all. For those who love challenge, it is a great time to be alive.