RACE… and the Impact of FEAR

In the popular 1997 hit, Up Jumps Da Boogie, rapper and producer Timbaland said, “See a Black man dead from a White man’s powder, see a White man scared from a Black man’s power.” The play on words is interesting when you think about the racial tension in our country today and the general fear of losing power. Individual or group power, however it’s attained, it’s usually not relinquished without a knock-down, drag-out fight… if not literally, then institutionally and policy-wise, and at the very least, rhetorically. 

With that being said, does the pigmentation of someone else persuade or alter the way you think about an entire culture or race of people?

What’s sad is that there are millions of people who won’t admit it; but in reality, their answer is yes to the aforementioned question. So why is it that people tend to find or search for fault in others that they don’t even know?

I wonder could it be that genetically some of us are embedded with a prejudice bone. Nahhhh that’s impossible. Reason being prejudice and racism is a disease that is taught… it’s a learned behavior. Young children are completely ignorant of prejudice and racism. Kids are naturally going to play with other kids because race or religion aren’t prerequisites for having fun. There should absolutely be no reason why 2 people can’t play or pray together. Unfortunately, by way of upbringing and media influence, kids are taught to recognize color in some form or fashion as their parents or community members do who uphold certain social beliefs and perspectives, which develops a pyramid of racial bias. It’s sad that the Caucasian race is perceived to be superior when, in fact, each race/ethnicity holds their own special qualities.

I believe it all boils down to fear. The fear of not knowing what one is capable of, or better yet the fear of accepting another for being different. Fear and power might be the main reasons behind the racial divide in the US, and throughout the world. Can you imagine being a slave in the Deep South and thinking about freedom, but the fear of being captured and lynched kept you from trying to escape? The daily fear of death or being separated from family, it’s hard to fathom such anguish.

My point is that as a society we’ve grown to accept people for being prejudice and racist. To make matters worst President Trump has added fuel to the fire of racial tension in our country. His inciteful rhetoric and actions impact us all, even those on the sidelines. Before we know it, we’ll be in a full blown Race War, which could set our country back hundreds of years.

As citizens, we need to come together and move beyond this Fear and Hate that looms over our country, and frankly, everywhere else as well. It’s not too late, but we’re running out of time.

Subscribe for free to receive similar content.  

Teachers & Guns? Maybe?

Imagine taking your kids to school and not knowing it will be last time you see them. The routine of seeing your children walk into school was just like any other day. Hours go by and you hear the chatter of breaking news that there’s an active shooter at one of the elementary schools in your city. You begin to feel sad just thinking about the situation and the potential outcome. And then it hits you – this might be at your children’s school. As you check your phone you overhear the news mention and confirm that it is their school. You immediately are overwhelmed with fear of the safety of your kids. You try with all your might to keep your composure and think positive while you’re in route to the school. Upon arrival, you begin to look for the familiar faces of your little ones as the scene is completely frantic. You notice students are in groups being watched by teachers and other faculty, but you can’t find your kids… anywhere. Hours seem to pass by but in actuality, it’s only been a few minutes. You soon learn that one of your children is a victim of the senseless act caused by the gunman who entered their school and started randomly shooting less than an hour ago. Shortly thereafter, your child is unfortunately confirmed dead at the scene.

How could this happen? Could it have been prevented? Many may ask God why did he allow this to happen? How does one move on in life from this situation knowing they can’t take their child home? These are probably some of the many questions that families are dealing with when such a situation occurs, a situation that is becoming all too familiar in the United States. And why is that? Why can’t we trust our schools of all places to keep our kids safe from such tragedy and violence?

Is allowing teachers to carry a handgun the real answer to what’s happening in our schools? Who’s to say that teachers are responsible enough to handle their firearm in the presence of 20 or so children? On the other hand, what if a teacher could prevent multiple casualties if he or she was armed and had the mental composure and aptitude to respond effectively in the event of an active shooter entering the school or their classroom? There are several Pros and Cons when discussing whether or not a teacher should be allowed to carry a firearm in school, and should he or she be trusted to respond effectively.

Nothing can bring back these children whose lives were taken from their families in these senseless school shootings, but lessons can be and must be learned from these tragedies. I’m not sure arming teachers is the right move, but do nothing is not an option.