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As the presidential campaign continues to move along, the issue of race in America and the fact that we still have some "SERIOUS" problems regarding it are becoming more and more evident each day. The latest "newsworthy" incident has been the now infamous Obama Waffles. Seems that these guys are really cashing in on their racially stereotypical and highly offensive entrepreneurial endeavor.
Removing the products from the vendor table at the Christian Conservative forum was like placing a bandaid on a gaping wound (accomplished nothing). There's a website that anyone interested can go to and pick up a box 24 hours a day.
While I won't give the Obama Waffles anymore attention...the whole issue of racial divisiveness the campaign has exposed reminded me of a very disturbing situation I was placed in several years ago while working at a local hospital.
For those of you who don't know, I'm a registered nurse. Nursing has always been another passion of mine. I enjoy what I do tremendously. I'm a strong patient advocate and always put them first in carrying out my duties while working.
Well, about 10 years ago I was caring for about 5 patients on a medical/surgical unit. At the beginning of the shift, I would visit each patient, introducing myself and making them aware that I would be their nurse for the next 12 hour shift. That has always been a common practice for me....especially after witnessing nurses walk into patient's rooms....never saying a word...just strolling up to the bed checking I.V. bags, hanging additional meds, etc. That pisses me off to no end.
But on this particular morning what I encountered when I walked into one of the rooms shook me to the core. The gentleman was lying in bed in shorts and a sleeveless tshirt (if folks can avoid wearing those horrible hospital gowns, they normally do). As I walked toward him to begin my "Hello Mr. Smith, my name is Roschelle and I will be your nurse today...." I noticed a very large tattoo on his deltoid. It was a picture of a hooded Ku Klux Klansman with the rebel flag beneath it. There were no words but ...do you think there really needed to be any?
I was overcome with anger, shock, and pure disbelief that someone would actually permanently ink something so hateful and venomous on their flesh. He appeared to be rather uneasy and I sure as hell was. But I treated him the same as the other 4 patients I had already seen that morning. We exchanged pleasantries and I left the room. I immediately shared this information with my co-workers, white and black. It sparked a very lengthy conversation and in the end I was asked by a white co-worker if I wanted her to assume the patient's care and I pick up one of her patients. I declined the offer and cared for him the remainder of my shift.
My profession requires that I render the most compassionate of care to all that I serve. I was obligated by my oath as a nurse to assume full responsibility for his welfare knowing that he hated me...I guess in a sense Senator Obama has chosen to do the same thing. He is fully aware that he his hated or at least held in contempt by many simply because he's an African American. Still, he has embarked upon this journey. What the outcome will be - only God knows.
Great article! In reference to the tattoo on that gentleman's arm, he put his thoughts out there, not that it makes it any better. Let's think about this. How many people, democrat, republican, independent, etc, are talking out of both sides of their mouths? Publically, there are lots of politically correct people, but how many are ready for an Obama presidency? Some folks will be voting for color and vice presidential candidates who have no idea what they are doing, instead of issues. Thanks.
you're right. one thing is for certain....it was clear how he felt simply by what he inked on his flesh. so often it's not so clearly defined which can be an even scarier thing than facing it head on.
» left by Ken Ebsen from Pardeeville WI (73 days 9 hours ago.)
Is your attitude any less raciest? You are making your decision on appearance without knowing the mans reasoning. Peoples attitudes change over years. The man may well regret is tattoo.
I wrote...." I was overcome with anger, shock, and pure disbelief that someone would actually permanently ink something so hateful and venomous on their flesh".
And you are definitely right...he may regret the tattoo. I certainly hope so anyway. But at some point in his life...he was racist. If my attitude had been that of a racist, I could not have cared for this man and certainly not have been able to spend the amount of time I eventually ended up spending with him.
It is sad but true, and racism is still alive and well today. Praise God that we don't have to choose to live like this. Oh, and by the way, I have been disabled all my life, but I bet I would be your worse nightmare now. I always laugh when the doctor says be quiet, and I am sure there are much more compliant patients than I. I still think a person knows their body better than the doctor.
Roschelle, great article. As you so movingly wrote, the best medicine for "racism" is LOVE. Jesus had it when he said "love thy enemies". We may not consider someone an "enemy" but that does not mean the other person doesn't consider us "an enemy". It's so much easier to love those who love us, but it takes real grace to love those who "hate" us. You exemplified grace!
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