Well, dear readers, I have been on a bit of a self-imposed hiatus due to the death of my father as well as having to devote a great deal of time to my studies. However, a recent tragedy in my home state of Indiana has prompted me to speak out again. It is my intention, at this point, to add new posts to this site at least three times per week for the foreseeable future.
In October of 2010, fourteen year old Jamarcus "Marcus" Bell hung himself after enduring constant taunts about his race, his perceived homosexuality, and his emotional problems. As you will see from the attached links, there were many issues that need to addressed here.
Indiana Teens Suicide Raises Questions About Bullying
Did School District Miss Bullied Teen's Cries For Help?
Superintendent Says School Acted To Prevent Bullying
Folks, here is another teen who was mercilessly tormented by his classmates. And why? Because he was black? Because he was assumed to be gay? Because he had mental health issues? A combination thereof? Why do any of these things matter?
I am not even going to address whether the school district can be held culpable in this young man's death. I shall leave that up to the attorneys. Instead, I should like to address the issue of bullying those perceived to be "different" or "weak".
I realize this is a long time problem. I myself was bullied from time to time, especially during my middle school years. Yes, I was a bit of a nerd, but that didn't justify the behavior of the bullies. The result of my boorish treatment is the strong, opinionated, confident person that I am today. Fortunately, I had a core group of really good friends that served as a support network for me. Unlike young Mr. Bell, I never considered suicide, but that doesn't mean that the emotional pain wasn't real.
My question, dear readers, is this. Why do people (and make no mistake about it, this type of behavior is NOT isolated to teenagers) behave like this? If they are so ignorant and immature that they have issues with minorities, gays, bookworms, and so on, why can't they just be left alone? Why must certain groups be singled out for torment and harassment? Are the bullies so emotionally and mentally weak that they have to somehow redeem themselves by pouring milk all over the girl who is "too school for cool's" lunch tray? Do they have to prove their worth by throwing pieces of metal at a black kid, who may or may not have been gay, as they did to Jamarcus Bell? Must they hurl insults and slurs at those who they think are inferior to them?
Why does this continue, and, more importantly, why aren't concrete steps being taken to stop it? In the age old question, where are the parents? Yes, teachers and school administrators can play a huge role in preventing the next Jamarcus Bell, but children are conditioned by their parents to behave in certain ways. Why don't parents and other responsible adults intervene when they observe bullying, and why aren't cases of bullying investigated more thoroughly? As you read in the attached articles, Jamarcus Bell endured years of bullying, yet virtually nothing was done to stop, and punish, the bullies.
This is my plea to the responsible adults and teenagers out there. First, make a pledge to not engage in this type of behavior yourself. Also, if you witness bullying, step in to stop it, even if your own child is engaging in bullying. Take all reports of bullying seriously. Don't just accept bullying as a rite of passage. I guess in a nutshell what I am asking you to do is stand up to bullying in all of its forms. Will you stand with me against this scourge on society? I sincerely hope you will.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Showing posts with label Racism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Racism. Show all posts
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Are Young White Supremacists On The Rise?
Friends, I recently attended a music festival, and I was utterly appalled by something I observed. I was flabbergasted by the number of young men who were wearing T-shirts with "White Power" and other racially charged slogans on them. I was equally dismayed by the number of people who had swastika tattoos. It was incredible, and not in a good way.
This led me to a couple of questions. The first of which is are young white supremacists on the rise? I wrote a column a few months ago about the rise in racist groups, especially after President Obama's election. Might this have been first hand evidence of the increase is these kinds of groups? I have to say that I was quite disturbed by this. As is often discussed in this space, where did these young adults learn these obviously racist attitudes? Why do we always think the next generation will be the one to finally understand that all people are equal, and why are we always proven wrong? I ask one more time, dear readers, how do we finally put a stop to racism and bigotry?
Another thing I wondered was if those who had swastika tattoos actually have a true grasp of the unbridled evil that the Nazis unleashed on the world under the swastika flag? Is this something that has been somewhat lost as history has progressed? Why would anyone want to identify with a group that butchered over six million innocent people? Do they really understand what they are identifying with and promoting? Quite honestly, folks, it was bone chilling.
This is America. We have a right to free speech and freedom of expression, even when it is patently offensive. These folks have the right to put anything they want on their bodies or their clothing. The deeper issue here is how to prevent racism and prejudice from poisoning another generation of Americans.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
This led me to a couple of questions. The first of which is are young white supremacists on the rise? I wrote a column a few months ago about the rise in racist groups, especially after President Obama's election. Might this have been first hand evidence of the increase is these kinds of groups? I have to say that I was quite disturbed by this. As is often discussed in this space, where did these young adults learn these obviously racist attitudes? Why do we always think the next generation will be the one to finally understand that all people are equal, and why are we always proven wrong? I ask one more time, dear readers, how do we finally put a stop to racism and bigotry?
Another thing I wondered was if those who had swastika tattoos actually have a true grasp of the unbridled evil that the Nazis unleashed on the world under the swastika flag? Is this something that has been somewhat lost as history has progressed? Why would anyone want to identify with a group that butchered over six million innocent people? Do they really understand what they are identifying with and promoting? Quite honestly, folks, it was bone chilling.
This is America. We have a right to free speech and freedom of expression, even when it is patently offensive. These folks have the right to put anything they want on their bodies or their clothing. The deeper issue here is how to prevent racism and prejudice from poisoning another generation of Americans.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Can We Please Stop Using The Word "Nigger"??
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why people insist on using the word "nigger". And, yes, I am going to write it out instead of using the term "the N-word", so it comes through as bloody offensive as it actually is.
I mean seriously, people. Is this 2011 or 1955? Must people continue to use this vile, derogatory, disgusting word? Must a certain segment of our population insist on being bigoted against black folks. Why can't black folks be called "African American" or "black"? Why can't it be understood that blacks, and everyone else for that matter, are equal to whites? When will we realize that we all are brothers and sisters, we all come from the same God, and we are all equal?
In the last month, I have heard "nigger" used in general conversation at least ten times; and, quite frankly, it makes me ill. I suppose I should call people out on it; but if they are ignorant enough to say it, is there any point in trying to reason with them? I just find it incomprehensible that these racist attitudes still exist. When will it stop? Of course, as noted before in this column, I am aghast at the thought of these people passing these prejudices on to their children. Dear readers, I ask you. Do you find this as horribly offensive as I? If so, what can we do to stop not only the use of "nigger", but the bigotry behind it?
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
I mean seriously, people. Is this 2011 or 1955? Must people continue to use this vile, derogatory, disgusting word? Must a certain segment of our population insist on being bigoted against black folks. Why can't black folks be called "African American" or "black"? Why can't it be understood that blacks, and everyone else for that matter, are equal to whites? When will we realize that we all are brothers and sisters, we all come from the same God, and we are all equal?
In the last month, I have heard "nigger" used in general conversation at least ten times; and, quite frankly, it makes me ill. I suppose I should call people out on it; but if they are ignorant enough to say it, is there any point in trying to reason with them? I just find it incomprehensible that these racist attitudes still exist. When will it stop? Of course, as noted before in this column, I am aghast at the thought of these people passing these prejudices on to their children. Dear readers, I ask you. Do you find this as horribly offensive as I? If so, what can we do to stop not only the use of "nigger", but the bigotry behind it?
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Why Do Racism And Bigotry Persist?
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why bigotry and racism persist in the world. Are people born prejudiced? Honestly, I don't think so. A three year old child is going to want to be picked up and held by anyone, and I mean---ANYONE, regardless if their skin is the same color as the child's, regardless if their religion is the same as the child's, and regardless of the person's sexual orientation. I have a really hard time accepting that people are born bigots.
I am more inclined to think that children learn bigoted behavior from their parents, or other adults around whom they spend time, and subsequently become bigots themselves. Several years ago, I watched a documentary on PBS that was exploring the ongoing conflicts between Arabs and Jews. An adult male asked a group of really young (less than ten years old) children where Jews were descended from. Without missing a beat, the kids replied the Jews were the descendants of apes, pigs, and dogs. So did these kids learn this from the adults in their lives, or were they born this way? I see the same thing as Christians teach their children that Muslims are evil and as Muslims teach their children that Christians and Jews are apes, dogs, and infidels.
My dear old friend, Brad, shared some rather disturbing pictures (below) that were drawn by a child in Brad's children's school.
Now, are we to think that this child came up with these ideas on his own, or are we to believe that he was influenced by his parents or other adults in his life? Again, we see this kind of thing so often. A child calls a black man "coon" or "nigger" because he hears his father do the same. A child calls a homosexual "fag" or "queer" because she hears her mother do the same. The kids don't come up with these things on their own, folks.
So I guess my question is this. Why does it continue? Why do we as humans, generation after generation, teach our children to fear and hate those who are different from us? For the record, I am NOT suggesting that EVERYONE teaches their children to think and behave in such an atrocious manner, but Lord knows bigotry is alive and well worldwide. Why does this never seem to go by the wayside?
What can those of us who are not prejudiced do to prevent bigotry from spreading its vile self from generation to generation? How can we stop this? How can we make young people understand these attitudes and behaviors from their elders are not acceptable? How much longer will this go on around the world?
When we will finally learn to accept that we are all human while celebrating our differences?
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
I am more inclined to think that children learn bigoted behavior from their parents, or other adults around whom they spend time, and subsequently become bigots themselves. Several years ago, I watched a documentary on PBS that was exploring the ongoing conflicts between Arabs and Jews. An adult male asked a group of really young (less than ten years old) children where Jews were descended from. Without missing a beat, the kids replied the Jews were the descendants of apes, pigs, and dogs. So did these kids learn this from the adults in their lives, or were they born this way? I see the same thing as Christians teach their children that Muslims are evil and as Muslims teach their children that Christians and Jews are apes, dogs, and infidels.
My dear old friend, Brad, shared some rather disturbing pictures (below) that were drawn by a child in Brad's children's school.
Now, are we to think that this child came up with these ideas on his own, or are we to believe that he was influenced by his parents or other adults in his life? Again, we see this kind of thing so often. A child calls a black man "coon" or "nigger" because he hears his father do the same. A child calls a homosexual "fag" or "queer" because she hears her mother do the same. The kids don't come up with these things on their own, folks.
So I guess my question is this. Why does it continue? Why do we as humans, generation after generation, teach our children to fear and hate those who are different from us? For the record, I am NOT suggesting that EVERYONE teaches their children to think and behave in such an atrocious manner, but Lord knows bigotry is alive and well worldwide. Why does this never seem to go by the wayside?
What can those of us who are not prejudiced do to prevent bigotry from spreading its vile self from generation to generation? How can we stop this? How can we make young people understand these attitudes and behaviors from their elders are not acceptable? How much longer will this go on around the world?
When we will finally learn to accept that we are all human while celebrating our differences?
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Right Wing Extremists On The Rise
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand the rise in right wing extremists groups and white supremacist groups in the US. Frankly, I don't understand the existence of these groups period, but I certainly don't understand why the number, and number of members, of these groups are on the upswing.
Extremist Groups on the Rise
For the record, the attached article from the AP discusses a rise in these groups in the Northwestern US, but it seems obvious that this problem is not geographically isolated to one part of our country. That being said, let's review some of the things these groups stand for.
They are "anti-government". Okay, what does that mean exactly? Are they against the federal government? Are they against their respective state governments? Regardless, what I find so ridiculous about this is that so many of the members of these groups want to stand on soapboxes and bellyache about law and order, call themselves "patriots", and blather on about the Constitution, yet they are against legally, Constitutionally elected governments? They talk about law and order, but fire weapons at law enforcement officers?
They rail against "big government" and "government intrusion" into their lives while driving on federally funded highways to attend their rallies where security will be provided by locally funded police officers, firefighters, and EMS providers. They will then fly home from federally funded airports with federally funded air marshals on the flights where they will eat food screened for safety by state funded food safety workers. I would also be willing to bet none of them turn down their Medicare cards or social security checks either.
Obviously socialism really has run amok here in America, and all of these services should be privatized as soon as possible!!! Am I the only one who sees the utter hypocrisy and lack of logic here? If these people weren't so dangerous, even deadly at times, it would actually be funny.
Of course, the number, and activity level, of these groups has increased exponentially since President Obama's election in 2008. Of course, it isn't racially motivated. It is because Mr. Obama is a "socialist". I am sure the increase in white supremacist groups is merely coincidental. (I shall also state for the umpteenth time that most of those who shriek about Mr. Obama being a "socialist" would not know a true socialist if Karl Marx shook their hands. I have a dear friend who escaped from a true socialist country with her parents many years ago, and I truly wish the dunderheads who so flippantly toss that word about could hear her story.) I am sure the fact that Mr. Obama has been subjected to more threats on his life than any other president in history is also a coincidence. I am sure the attempted bombing of a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in Spokane was yet another chance happening.
Folks, is this 2011 or 1964? We elected an African-American president, yet racism runs rampant in our country. Black folks have achieved prominence in all aspects of society, yet they are still stereotyped as lazy, uneducated, promiscuous, ignorant, and prone to criminal activity. African-Americans are elected officials, CEOs, heads of industry, lawyers, physicians, nurses, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, accountants, farmers, and members of all other professions imaginable, yet so many members of our populace think all they are capable of is playing basketball and rapping.
Dear readers, all people are equal. We all come from the same God. We all deserve equal opportunity and equal protection. It is too bad members of these racist groups don't, or won't, understand this basic premise.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Extremist Groups on the Rise
For the record, the attached article from the AP discusses a rise in these groups in the Northwestern US, but it seems obvious that this problem is not geographically isolated to one part of our country. That being said, let's review some of the things these groups stand for.
They are "anti-government". Okay, what does that mean exactly? Are they against the federal government? Are they against their respective state governments? Regardless, what I find so ridiculous about this is that so many of the members of these groups want to stand on soapboxes and bellyache about law and order, call themselves "patriots", and blather on about the Constitution, yet they are against legally, Constitutionally elected governments? They talk about law and order, but fire weapons at law enforcement officers?
They rail against "big government" and "government intrusion" into their lives while driving on federally funded highways to attend their rallies where security will be provided by locally funded police officers, firefighters, and EMS providers. They will then fly home from federally funded airports with federally funded air marshals on the flights where they will eat food screened for safety by state funded food safety workers. I would also be willing to bet none of them turn down their Medicare cards or social security checks either.
Obviously socialism really has run amok here in America, and all of these services should be privatized as soon as possible!!! Am I the only one who sees the utter hypocrisy and lack of logic here? If these people weren't so dangerous, even deadly at times, it would actually be funny.
Of course, the number, and activity level, of these groups has increased exponentially since President Obama's election in 2008. Of course, it isn't racially motivated. It is because Mr. Obama is a "socialist". I am sure the increase in white supremacist groups is merely coincidental. (I shall also state for the umpteenth time that most of those who shriek about Mr. Obama being a "socialist" would not know a true socialist if Karl Marx shook their hands. I have a dear friend who escaped from a true socialist country with her parents many years ago, and I truly wish the dunderheads who so flippantly toss that word about could hear her story.) I am sure the fact that Mr. Obama has been subjected to more threats on his life than any other president in history is also a coincidence. I am sure the attempted bombing of a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in Spokane was yet another chance happening.
Folks, is this 2011 or 1964? We elected an African-American president, yet racism runs rampant in our country. Black folks have achieved prominence in all aspects of society, yet they are still stereotyped as lazy, uneducated, promiscuous, ignorant, and prone to criminal activity. African-Americans are elected officials, CEOs, heads of industry, lawyers, physicians, nurses, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, accountants, farmers, and members of all other professions imaginable, yet so many members of our populace think all they are capable of is playing basketball and rapping.
Dear readers, all people are equal. We all come from the same God. We all deserve equal opportunity and equal protection. It is too bad members of these racist groups don't, or won't, understand this basic premise.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Fake News, I Mean--Fox News Is At It Again
Well, ladies and gentlemen, the fair and balanced folks at Fox News are at it again. Eric Bolling, who hosts "Follow The Money" on Fox Business is facing allegations of racism after referring to the White House as the "Hizzouse," "Hizzy" and "The Big Crib," and guests of the administration as "hoods."
Fair and Balanced Reporting From Faux News
This is not Bollings' first dust up involving racially charged commentary as he showed a great deal of class in suggesting President Obama was "chugging 40s" during his recent trip to Ireland.
Bolling used this fair and balanced terminology while criticizing President Obama for inviting Gabon's president Ali Bongo at the White House. I might take this opportunity that state that I myself shared Bollings' displeasure with the Bongo visit to the White House as did many others. It is just unfortunate that Bolling resorted to such racially charged commentary to make his point. As noted, however, this is not his first incident of this kind, and it certainly seems to be a pattern at Faux News. Recently, John Stossel opened himself up to criticism for using an Obama impersonator to stage a mock debate with a little known GOP presidential candidate.
So let's review, Faux News, with their fair and balanced reporting, have these two insults to television journalists on their payroll along with Bill O'Reilly, Sarah Palin (who may be currently off their payroll while she makes up her mind whether to run for president or not), and Mike Huckabee, along with a multitude of other right-wing poster children. Fair and balanced? Sure, they are, and MSNBC doesn't lean so far to the left that they are almost horizontal.
They report. We decide. I've decided they are a bloody joke. It is just too bad so many people actually take them seriously.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Fair and Balanced Reporting From Faux News
This is not Bollings' first dust up involving racially charged commentary as he showed a great deal of class in suggesting President Obama was "chugging 40s" during his recent trip to Ireland.
Bolling used this fair and balanced terminology while criticizing President Obama for inviting Gabon's president Ali Bongo at the White House. I might take this opportunity that state that I myself shared Bollings' displeasure with the Bongo visit to the White House as did many others. It is just unfortunate that Bolling resorted to such racially charged commentary to make his point. As noted, however, this is not his first incident of this kind, and it certainly seems to be a pattern at Faux News. Recently, John Stossel opened himself up to criticism for using an Obama impersonator to stage a mock debate with a little known GOP presidential candidate.
So let's review, Faux News, with their fair and balanced reporting, have these two insults to television journalists on their payroll along with Bill O'Reilly, Sarah Palin (who may be currently off their payroll while she makes up her mind whether to run for president or not), and Mike Huckabee, along with a multitude of other right-wing poster children. Fair and balanced? Sure, they are, and MSNBC doesn't lean so far to the left that they are almost horizontal.
They report. We decide. I've decided they are a bloody joke. It is just too bad so many people actually take them seriously.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Are Conservatives Racist?
Friends and frenemies, there has been a great deal of discussion and vitriol regarding racism playing a major role for those who do not support President Obama and subsequently whether conservatives in general are racist. Here is my take on the matter.
First, racism is alive and well in this country......sadly. It would seem that there, indeed, is more racism on the right side of the aisle than the left. Rush Limbaugh referring to Candidate Obama as a "Halfrican", and innumerable signs at Tea Party rallies depicting President Obama as either a monkey or a stereotypical witch doctor as merely two of myriad examples.
However................. I think that it is completely out of line to suggest that all those who do not support the president are motivated by racial issues. There are true policy and ideological differences that cause some to not support the president. While there are, of course, racists in all walks of life and from all parts of the political spectrum, it is unfair and shortsighted to say that it is all because of the president's race.
I also find it patently offensive that all conservatives are branded as racist. Are there racist conservatives? By all means, but there are plenty of racist liberals out there as well. Let us not label each other in such broad swaths. It is not conducive to a peaceful, prosperous nation.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
First, racism is alive and well in this country......sadly. It would seem that there, indeed, is more racism on the right side of the aisle than the left. Rush Limbaugh referring to Candidate Obama as a "Halfrican", and innumerable signs at Tea Party rallies depicting President Obama as either a monkey or a stereotypical witch doctor as merely two of myriad examples.
However................. I think that it is completely out of line to suggest that all those who do not support the president are motivated by racial issues. There are true policy and ideological differences that cause some to not support the president. While there are, of course, racists in all walks of life and from all parts of the political spectrum, it is unfair and shortsighted to say that it is all because of the president's race.
I also find it patently offensive that all conservatives are branded as racist. Are there racist conservatives? By all means, but there are plenty of racist liberals out there as well. Let us not label each other in such broad swaths. It is not conducive to a peaceful, prosperous nation.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
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