Racism

Why is it that the Mexican people in our small Mexican town are kinder to the American expatriates than Americans seem to be to one another in the United States? We have imposed ourselves upon the “natives,” yet they seem to accept us. We do not cry “racism” every time we are treated differently than the Mexicans. We accept our status here, and we always have the option of returning north of the border where “racism” seems to be a real part of daily life.

Watching American television, we see that the United States really has not progressed very much when it comes to racial issues. Some thought that the election of Obama showed how far Americans had come with their racial biases. But, nothing (racially speaking) changed other than the occupants of the White House. Even the President's comments at last night's press conference exemplifies this fact.

“Skip” Gates was arrested by Cambridge police after they responded to a call about a possible break-in at the Gates’ home. The police had no way of knowing that it was Gates fumbling with his keys trying to enter his own house. After an exchange between the police and Gates, Gates was released. The public does not know all of the facts surrounding this incident. CNN has reported that Gates was treated roughly, that there had been reports of attempted break-ins at the Gates’ home on other occasions and then of course the issue of racial profiling.

I wonder if this would have been an issue if a black police officer had responded. Oh well, we won’t know the answer to that one.

Or maybe, it would have been better if the police had not responded at all. But, if the police did not respond and the “burglar” was not Gates but rather an armed intruder, and property loss or bodily harm had resulted, what would be said of the police then? Would the lack of police response have been “racist” because everyone knew (according to CNN reports) Gates (“a prominent and intellectual black man”) lived in that house? If it had been a white man’s house and a black police officer responded, would this be such a newsworthy event? And, would CNN report a white man as being “prominent and intellectual?” I wonder, is CNN fueling the fires of racism?

It seems to me that the police were in a no win situation. Doing their job got the Cambridge police officer accused of profiling. Not doing his job would have led to accusations of the department acting in a discriminatory and prejudice manner.

Again, not knowing all the facts we cannot make a true assessment. But, I hope that in my lifetime, we can get to the point where we perform our duties in good faith and to the best of our abilities and will not have to fear that someone will find a racial motive behind the action.

If that day comes, then what will CNN report?

REMINDER: Blacks in America part 2 is on tonight with Soledad O’Brien - keep up the good
work CNN.