For example, I think Officer Crowley arresting Prof. Gates is racism. I'm sure professor Gates didn't fit any stereotype of a burglar. In fact, I think he was arrested because he DIDN'T fit the stereotype of a black man confronted by a white police officer."
In the midst of divorce, now, more than ever, my children look to me. "They look to me to see how merciful and generous I am in good times. They look to me to see how strong and faithful I am in bad times. They watch, they listen, and they model. Years from now I want my children to remember a childhood lived well, with a mother who was loving, consistent, devoted, funny, disciplined, playful, and totally present and emotionally available."(Kristin Armstrong)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Defining Racism
The effects of my Starbucks post linger and so I explore the possibility of any genuine racist intent. This urge for clarity is likely fueled by my experience with acceptance as an Islamic Jew in Bible/Klan Country(as detailed in my first post). To be honest, having been told I was not white most of my life left me in the dark(no pun intended). It was when I moved to the West Coast and lived amidst true diversity, that I thought: Hey, maybe I am white. I dunno. I will say that my both my boys are undeniably white/fair like Dad. For them, I am happy that they will never be asked or have to wonder "what they are".
Tonight I retrieved a gift from my inbox. The opinion and perspective of someone whom I feel lucky to call friend and whom I admire. These are her exact words to me:
"As a writer, you are obligated to present the truth of your observation. Stereotypes exist and are often humorous because most of us can identify them and they have become part of our collective identity, helping us navigate in a diverse and confusing world. I see a racist as someone who fears what is unknown and unfamiliar, and uses stereotypes as a defense and cannot see beyond it. In our supposedly "post-racial" world, people are uncomfortable identifying stereotypes. But, I see stereotyping and racism as separate but sometimes overlapping entities.
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I think he was arrested because he refused to difuse the situation and the cop refused to difuse the situation . . . and then obama spoke out of his ass and didn't difuse the situation . . . the only one who refused to difuse the situation is the woman who called 911 and she has to work tomorrow while the three that "acted stupidly" will be drinking beers in the white house . . .
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