“It’s like talking to an enemy” he says. “It’s disrespecting the world before you,” he chides. These comments are about far more than one man’s pitiful perspective. They reflect a mindset that has been ingrained into some people’s brains; a worldview characterized by fear, distrust and guilt. This outlook exists for numerous reasons, and is not exclusive to any one ethnicity. To most Americans, and especially younger generations, it should evoke a revolting reaction. Regardless, it prevails and pervades the minds of some.
To those who abide by this creed, I say you’re wrong, as was the world before us. I choose not to adopt prejudice simply because my forefathers felt it. I choose not to blindly follow any mode of thought, especially one that preaches suspicion and segregation, simply because my predecessors possessed it. That’s the takeaway from the scandal involving LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Or at least it should be.
Many of the racially charged discussions in the media revolve around criminal cases where violence is committed. A man with light skin kills or assaults a man with dark skin. In the most widely publicized instances, the actual events leading up to the deed are considered contentious. So the “facts” are twisted and concocted based on stance. Tragedy becomes a tool. The loudest voices receive the most attention and exposure, and the divisive debate rages and spreads across news outlets and the blogosphere. Meanwhile, the majority of the population sits by and silently observes. They may try and formulate opinions, but are stymied while trying to sort out the myriad of conflicting “truths” they read and hear. The lack of valid information leads individuals to acquiesce and support the side that seems to best represent their interests. There is no coordinated, unified reaction, for what can be done? The narrative may go, “We are all aware that prejudice is still prevalent, but how can we verify that it played a role? You can’t prove what is in a man’s head anymore than you can change it. Let the jury decide. That’s what they’re there for… After all, we aren’t all racists, and things have gotten a lot better in this country.” Brief surmises sprout up on social media sites, but eventually the chatter subsides and life goes on as before. Fear, distrust and guilt persist, laying dormant until the next divisive event brings them bubbling back to the surface. In the meantime, self-esteem is soothed with thoughts like, “If something happened that was clearly racist, something that blatantly promoted the perpetuation of prejudice, I would be the first to rebuke and condemn the action.”
Cue Donald Sterling, owner of the LA Clippers. Curtain up on a wealthy, powerful member of society sharing his inner dialogue and making comments like, “Associating with minorities is like talking to an enemy and disrespecting the world before you.” Here we go. This backlash will be of a different sort. This isn’t about one race fighting for justice. This is about all citizens of this nation standing up for our identity!
I said, this is about all citizens of this nation standing up for what is right! For our identity!
Hm… I expected something more. Cymbals, even. But to no avail. Instead I behold the same, tired media frenzy. Networks compete to seek out as many quotable black Americans as possible to weigh in on this one man’s hateful remarks. Videos pop up from artists like Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, who post expletive-laced tirades directed at Mr. Sterling. I encounter articles where passionate authors demand that the NBA strips Mr. Sterling of his ownership rights. I scan supposedly profound comments from writers attempting to leverage this situation into a political platform to push their subjective policy agenda.
That this type of reaction occurs is not the problem. I just don’t believe it is adequate or productive. While hurling insults at someone isn’t an effective response or a good example, Mr. Sterling should face the consequences of his contemptible convictions. Still, anger at the man and obsession with his punishment may obscure a crucial chance to capitalize on his insolent comments and fortify our national identity as a proponent of diversity and a defender of freedom and equal opportunity. And to think it wouldn’t be based on a violent offense!
America needs a unified, nationwide response decrying the specific opinions that Sterling uttered. This country is home to many different ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, etc… We are tasked and challenged with demonstrating to the world that such a society can COEXIST peacefully and prosperously. America was not intended to be a microcosm of the world: where different people would gather but then segregate based on inherent qualities, where the only unifying force would be the democratic system that we share. That would require individual governments for each group to ensure that respective needs are met while maintaining the boundaries! That is not the America I know.
In my America, colors, cultures, and etc. compose one community. We compromise to achieve progress and promote our national interests. We stand against intolerance. We do not perceive our neighbors as enemies. We refuse to blindly adopt the mindset of our forefathers, and we do not see it as “disrespectful” to eliminate prejudice from our society. We choose reason, logic and sensibility over a tradition of hatred and suspicion. We acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes, and so we do not rush to rash judgments. We are realistic, but hopeful. We know we aren’t perfect, but we take pride in our national identity. And we will always strive to be better.
This demonstration is not just for the benefit of our global neighbors. It also bolsters hope here at home, and gives conviction to beliefs that people already possess. Improving this clarity enables us to chip away at the sentiments of fear, distrust and guilt that inhibit progress and precipitate conflict. It doesn’t have to be grandiose and voluminous, either. The sound of millions of resolute voices making the declaration amongst and alongside their peers is plenty loud enough. Then we move forward.