This coming election however it may turn out has finally brought the issue of race to the forefront of discussion. We have a candidate that is seemingly posed to win the Democratic nomination and there is no getting around the fact that people of all colors will have to examine how they truly feel about race.
Another predominate factor is the topic of illegal immigration which has been talked about as though it was simply an economical and security matter, but again race plays a pivotal role with many peoples points of view.
Even the issue of national security is not without ties to race, after all it wasn't 19 Swedish swimsuit models that attacked America on 9/11, but rather 19 men of middle-eastern decent. Foolish is the person that would believe avoiding any honest discussion relating to these matters of race in America is a means to solving our dilemma.
The only serious hurdle in the path of accomplishing this goal is not our inability to understand one another or even the uncomfortable act of listening to a totally opposing point of view. No, our huge stumbling block when confronting this social Pandora's box is our present climate of political correctness.
It has always been a bit un-nerving to voice ones opinion on this subject unless of course you were in a group of like minded people, but with this relatively new guide line which has somehow taken on the equivalent of unspoken law, it has become even harder for some to express their true feelings.
The proof of this is seen whenever anyone of any color does speak out of the politically correct circle they are instantly called ...something. Difference being, let a brown, yellow, black or green ( yes we add the green guy as a referral to the stupidity of naming colors) person stand up for themselves and they are standing up for their culture,tradition or people, let a white guy do it and he's a racist.
Even the terms we've not only come to use on a daily basis but that are used as identity tags like African American, Hispanic America, Asian American while they may show a persons proud heritage they also scream out separation.
The mere use of these labels tells everyone not in that group, "I'm different than you." To use these terms in a unifying manner such as American African, or American Hispanic, or American Asian would still underscore our differences. The example of the American Indian though used in the correct order is still a cry of, "You're not like me."
When skin color isn't available as a divide some resort to whatever does set them apart from others, we even form clubs and organizations to not only join but exclude others from. Polish American, Italian American, Jewish American, Irish American ....STOP !
When two planes flew into two building on that unforgettable morning, for one split moment, one very brief section of time , we all were very simply Americans. It was an outrageous act and the numbing reality we all faced was like an exaggerated death of a loved one. But again there was that moment, that psychic connection however short where no one saw color or religion or any thing that made us different.
When watching footage of that fateful day, take note and notice everyone around ground zero were COMPLETELY covered in grey ash, no color, no distinctive physical traits, no expensive or cheap clothing, just American citizens. It seems when we only see what makes us the same there is no need for political correctness. Unfortunately, when the day comes that we are all covered in ash ....it will be too late.
Michael has been involved with numerous business ventures over the years, the latest being his desire to teach Internet marketing. His present project is building a massage therapy site for a client. www.prescottlmt.com
» left by E. Raymond Rock(1,925) E. Raymond Rock (250 days 7 hours ago.)
I'd love to see more artcles like yours, Michael. Thanks. It leaves me with a feeling of ease and peace in my heart.
» left by Michael Kocis(1,170) Michael Kocis (250 days 7 hours ago.)
Thanks Rock, I'm glad you enjoyed this one. That's a pretty hefty comment coming from one that understands peace of mind as I think you do.
Michael Respond to this comment
» left by Michael Kocis(1,170) Michael Kocis (250 days 6 hours ago.)
Thanks Terry, Good & Bad news. Good news is ....hopefully a lot of people are getting tired of it. Bad news ....there are only more title tags to come. Respond to this comment
» left by Dave Tanguay (250 days 5 hours ago.)
Yeah Mike if we were attacked by aliens from outer space, then we would all unite as earthlings. Respond to this comment
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(6,499) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (250 days 2 hours ago.)
Unfortunately, the word of this century, mankind being what it is leaves no solution. While what you say many can agree with, it a process of indoctrination that starts from the womb and ends in the tomb. Some learn what you have written as they mature and walk through life while others, well, they never learn it. These types of articles must be written to continue to reach out to this world. Respond to this comment
» left by Michael Kocis(1,170) Michael Kocis (250 days ago.)
Thanks Robert, Very well put and very true. If we were going to figure this thing out ...it would have happened already. instead it's worse. Respond to this comment
» left by susan thom from nj (250 days ago.)
hi michael,
give five kids, all different, a choice: a box of all red crayons,
and one with 26 colors, and see which one they pick.
kids could teach us adults alot.
very well written, interesting article,
best regards,
sue Respond to this comment
» left by Stephany Springer(31,631) Stephany Springer (249 days 19 hours ago.)
Michael, well written. I understand that people will see Obama's campaign as a racial issue. And I know there will be people who see immigration and terrorism as racial issues. I just don't think it's necessary. Vote for or against Obama because of his platform, his record, his experience. Not because of his skin color. And know that anyone of any race can choose to enter our country legally or illegally. You're right, Michael, race shouldn't matter. Respond to this comment
» left by Michael Kocis(1,170) Michael Kocis (248 days 7 hours ago.)
It shouldn't ....but it does. Acting like it doesn't is only tucking away true feelings people have, for whatever reason good bad or ugly. A ton of people will vote for him BECAUSE HE'S BLACK. A lot of them are also black, some are the "cool hip young generation listening to the latest rap star with the cool lifestyle" some will vote for him so they can convince themselves they're not prejudice.
Most of them will never get past Change - Hope - (name the city you're in) platform he's running on. The universal health care issue will cripple America, who cares ...it sounds good for ME. Talk with our enemies ....Oh yeah, they'd never LIE to anyone to get what they want or buy time.
Point is humans as a group are not going to let go of their differences unless WE are ALL so deep in the $hit that something else is more important and all this, why can't we just get along BS is pushing us backwards until we face our true feelings.
» left by Teresa Ortiz(4,776) Teresa Ortiz (249 days 19 hours ago.)
Amen Michael. But I have one complaint. you left "me" out. What would you call a person who has chinese, indian, spanish and honky -oops did I say that spell that outloud? It most definetly will be too late by the time we are all covered with ash. Great job again! You go, boy..er, man.. it's sounds better when you say "you go, girl!. God bless you! Teresa Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (248 days 7 hours ago.)
I just want to know why its okay for blacks to say they are "african american" when we can't call ourselves "european white", etc? Why is it okay for blacks to call themselves "african american" when the majority of them have never set foot in africa??? Either your american or your not. Lets call people for what they are....why do we have to always walk on eggshells just to make some people happy? Respond to this comment
» left by Michael Kocis(1,170) Michael Kocis (248 days 7 hours ago.)
Well, to answer your last question first...We Don't and more importantly we shouldn't. The avoidance of talking true is what prolongs a conversation people need to have. Oh let's be nice and not hurt anyones feelings....then if your not going to say how YOU really feel or ask the questoins YOU really want to hear the answers to...then why speak at all ?
Now for your other point, I've never heard a white person say "I'm a European America" I have heard many say, "I'm an America." Respond to this comment
» left by Kathy Somers Walsh(1,262) Kathy Somers Walsh (247 days 5 hours ago.)
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.
Red and Yellow, Black and White, they are precious in his site.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
» left by Laura Trahan(32,713) Laura Trahan (247 days ago.)
Michael-I couldn't agree with you more! I wish the adults could go watch how preschoolers handle race. They don't even notice it as an issue until a parent or teacher steps in. I am curious how this all will play out this election year! Thanks for not being afraid to lay it on the line as it truly is! Respond to this comment
» left by Michael Kocis(1,170) Michael Kocis (246 days 21 hours ago.)
Thank you Laura, honestly....I'd be afraid not to talk about the "touchy" subjects. You brought up a VERY interesting point. One that I'm not sure it could ever be proven or misproven and that's the idea of children not being prejudice.
When they are babies they know nothing of color or religious differences. If ALL adults could be removed from their lives would it stay that way ? Or at what age would it come into play. At what stage of the game would one of them notice.....and so it would begin....all over again.
Could it be such a deep rooted human trait, that dispite what WE THINK God wants, he'd really like to show that the really "heavy" things in this life do not just come naturally but take tremendous effort on our part ?
I have seen racism from all races, non are exempt.
You can go into the history of any race in the world and find they have found ways to segregate and separate themselves for the purposes of holding each other back, killing each other and taking land, refusing education etc. They may not use 'colour/race' specifically but they have systems of prejudice deeply rooted in their cultures.
The fact is that treating others 'outside your own tribe' whatever tribe that is, is a human characteristic, not a 'white' characteristic.
I have experienced prejudice merely living in different parts of the Uk from fellow whites, as I was from 'out of town' and threatening their resources.
I have been in shops where the last loaves of bread were not on sale to me, as I was not 'local' they were bing kept should a 'local' come in to buy them. Now had I been black, I may have assumed this was a white/black issue but really the issue was..that they were looking after those people that they considered as 'their own'....part of their tribe.
I grew up in a street where we did that and the colour of residents was irrelevant. We looked after the residents in our street and anyone visiting that street was observed to make sure they did not bring disharmony to 'our tribe'. Our tribe which was made up of many colours.
So how do we lose our tribe mentality? Tribe mentality which encompasses national pride. Pride in ones own nation, pride in ones own culture, pride in ones own family, all this stems at it's basic roots from the 'tribe mentality' that is innate within us all. A basic human survival instinct.
Should we abandon national pride in order to abandon tribe mentality or instead allow ourselves to examine more closely that tribe mentality and see how we can work within it so that all are equal, safe and free to exist without being the subject of a race attack or discrimination in any area of life.
In other words, let us be honest, admit we are flawed, admit that we have fears and prejudices which stem from those fears. If we can figure out a way to elliminate that fear, just maybe we can find a way then to eliminate fear based prejudice and have equality for all, regardless of race/colour/culture etc.
» left by Michael Kocis(1,170) Michael Kocis (246 days 6 hours ago.)
Wonderfully put Leah, I especially love the part where you said, "Let's be honest" That's a major part of the problem instead of being honest about it, we're now told to be politically correct which equals, keep your true feelings inside for fear of offending someone.
We are indeed afraid to be honest, it's a great pity as in being honest, myths have a chance to be dispelled.
We humans can form HUGE opinions of large groups of people based on fairly SMALL experiences of very small groups of people.
It's not right, it's not fair but we do it.
I used to despise all men who looked like one of my exes due to the negative associations.
I knew someone who hated all blacks after a few threw him off a motorway bridge.
I knew someone who hated all Irish due to the bombings of the IRA.
As I have become older, I have stopped forming opinions of large groups based on little amounts of exposure to small groups.
But this is a process, one that we go through at different stages and to different degrees.
All we can do is aspire to be 'better' people, love more and judge less and teach our young'uns that humans share common traits more so than individual groups do.
In other words, we are all very much the same. Strip our flesh away and from the inside we look identical, why? Because we are.
Every crime ever comitted has been comitted by every race, as has every act of kindness. Respond to this comment
Was this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or
Question:
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
