Books: Judged by Their Cover and Not Content

I have purposely not expressed my opinions about any of the issues headlining the news at this time. As an intellect and advocate for social consciousness, it is imperative to me to always digest information and gather my thoughts completely before I address an issue, especially one of such a sensitive nature. My intention is always to use my gift of communication to help the majority understand the actions and sentiments of the minority. Today, I am finally ready to give my take; Clinton's perspective. I don't choose to directly discuss any legal cases, but rather focus on the area in which I have the most knowledge and where I believe true understanding and growth of any merit can begin, social dynamics.

Daily, I read comments between predominantly Blacks and Whites that entail interchanges that in the end lead to no progress but rather further increases the social divide. I am blessed to have a very diverse group of associates and friends with whom I will discuss any issue and give my honest opinion and expect to receive theirs. Having done so several times over the past few weeks has helped me to control the innate reaction that many have had in view of recent events exposed through media and taking into consideration the documented history of this country as relates to race-relations. The catalyst for this post, derived from a comment that an associate of mine made to me a couple weeks ago while we were discussing current events. "White people are getting tired of being painted as racist for every event that occurs. We are beginning to become desensitized to those accusations, because every issue that involves a Black person is not due to racism. The Democratic party is a hodgepodge and it will lose membership because of this if things don't change." My associate who happens to be a White male attorney and a Democrat, expressed that sentiment to me days after the Ferguson decision. It was a powerful statement to make and even more so considering the current social climate in this country. However, I respected his truthfulness. Using one of the most important emotions humans possess, empathy, I immediately understood his statement. After a brief moment digesting what he had said to me, I responded. I will share with you my response to him and I hope it serves as food for thought as you go about your day after reading my post.

"The progress that Blacks have made in this country since being enslaved and brought here on ships across the Atlantic is due to divine intervention, tireless Blacks, and selfless Whites who despite popular opinion knew in their souls that racism and enslavement were true abominations. Throughout history in America, Quakers, Freedom Riders, and equality advocates have all been instrumental in the progress that has been made. In short, clearly, not all Whites are inherently bad and not all Blacks are good. Unfortunately, we live in a society that metaphorically judges books by their covers. What you and other good White folks are currently experiencing is the act of being categorized and characterized based on your aesthetics. You, as a White man, happen to not be distinguishable from the closet bigots and racist who are motivated by White supremacy and the perpetuation of minority inferiority. You have to bear the burden of looking like those who are not supporters of race-equality, integration, and justice for all. In short, you are a book that is being judged by its cover as opposed to its content. You are the new Black; welcome to my world. You are getting a brief glimpse of how it feels for others to judge you, hate you, and treat you unfairly based on your aesthetics and solely on your skin color. Forgive me if I don't shed a tear or sympathize, because I live every day where I am identified as a Black male and not an educated male who is Black. I'm qualified by much of society, initially, based upon mainstream media's depiction of how I am supposed to be and act. It's only after continuously showing the person behind the skin that I am given my just dues. Racial profiling is not new, but it's never been an issue for you, until now."

He was very receptive and after listening and digesting what I had told him, he agreed. This racial schism is nothing new, but what is new is that this country has never had as many educated and empowered minorities as it does currently. Additionally, there has never been the social mediums and technology that are informing the World in real time of the atrocities that go unresolved in America. I find it offensive that anyone, whom by circumstance looks like the oppressor, feels justifiably inclined to tell oppressed people how they should behave and how they should protest. That is no different than men telling women who are victims of domestic violence how they should or should not go about protesting and raising awareness. Such behavior is insensitive and self-centered. Rhetorically, ask yourself how many times have you spoken up and took a stand when someone you know has made a racially charged statement that is stereotypical and unfair? It is not the speaking out against wrongdoing nor the exposure of wrongdoing which is the catalyst of the current state of affairs. It is the ongoing actions of bigots that go without castigation by their friends and family members that contribute mostly to what is occurring socially. As with any other issue, one must literally start in one’s home and then the results will transfer into the community. Racism, discrimination, superiority complexes, and the like are unequivocally taught behaviors. It is time to reteach and change the social lesson plan.