Tags
Black History Month, government, Harriet Tubman, history, injustice, Martin Luther King, MLK, President Obama, Racism, Thomas Sowell
Even though I am tempted to give all the reasons why I should not be considered racist, it really does not matter since as a reader you will be “prejudiced” regarding your attitude about me by any number of factors.
I am of the opinion that in our history classes we should study people like Fredrick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks, the Massachusetts 54th, Clarence Thomas, etc. However, it is not exclusively because they were black (although in some cases that cannot be completely separated from their importance to our history) but because we cannot properly understand the history of this country unless you understand their contribution to it. I might add that part of our historical study must also include the civil rights struggle–including both the beautiful and the ugly.
In fact, when we study these important figures and the contributions they made simply because they are black then we cheapen their importance. It is as if to say that if they were not black then they would not be important enough to study for their own merits alone. Granted that we have come through a time in our history that we would not have recognized their contribution because of racial attitudes, but I do believe that many of us have begun to move past that.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. himself pointed out that he had a dream that one day people would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. A sentiment with which I heartily agree. For instance, some of the black individuals that I highly respect and read much of what they write are people like Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams, Condaleeza Rice, and Stephen Carter. I can assure you that my appreciation of them is not because they are black or in spite of the fact that they are black–race does not even come into the picture. They are simply articulate, intelligent, prescient scholars with very timely and important things to say.
This is my problem when criticism is leveled against President Obama. Many times, and this comes from other blacks, the charge of racism is voiced. It seems to me that it is the people who cry “race” who are the most racist of all.
The United States of America has an ugly history when it comes to the racial question. However, in that bitter struggle there are some shining stars. Let’s highlight those stars as important in their own right–not as a token mention during one specially set aside time of year.
Very well said.
This is a wonderful post! You have spoken words that have often come out of my own mouth. This great country of ours was built and shaped by men and women (no color to distinguish). When we focus on the color of an individual, we degrade our whole nation. It is what God puts in the heart of man, not what He puts on the outside.
The problem attached to our current president isn’t his skin; it is his ideology.
Thanks for the encouragement. I have been curious as to what type of response I might get. Since I have only heard from a couple of people I may have to wait and see.
Amen!