Frances Scott Key said that African-Americans were, “a distinct and inferior race of people, which all experience proves to be the greatest evil that afflicts a community.”
There are people in the United States of America today who share this sentiment.
You know them. I know them. We all know them.
For most of this young country's history, people were raised with the belief that the white color of their skin made them more than or better than. I used the word belief purposely. I'm not talking about opinions or notions. It's a BELIEF. It's a belief that is kept in the same part of their hearts as their belief in God. It's a belief that is accepted as a fact that can't be questioned.
Water is wet.
The sky is blue.
God is in Heaven.
America is the greatest country ever.
Black people are less than.
You see, in their minds, believing that last part doesn't make them racist. “It's just how it is.”
Those of us who don't share that belief need to stop protecting those who do. I'm past the point of give a shit on this issue. I don't care if it's family, friend, coworker, who-the-fuck-ever...if you say or do racist shit, you deserve to be called out on it.
You might want to think twice before you elbow me and give me that conspiratorial wink and proceed to tell me some racist joke and assume that I'll find it as hilarious as you do because I'm white. I just might decide to share that shit with the world.
I'm done being tolerant of the intolerant.
And it has nothing to do with being ashamed of being white. I'm not ashamed of being white. I'm ashamed of how white people have treated anybody who is not white throughout the entire existence of America.
If you think racism is not one of, if not THE biggest problem facing our country, well, you are entitled to that belief and I'm entitled to tell you you're wrong.
There are millions of people in this country who belive African-Americans are inferior to whites and they will protest any efforts to achieve equality.
They simply won't stand for it.
But, let a black man protest and refuse to stand and...well, you know the rest.
Racism isn't over. Our silence when confronted with racism, equals our approval.
I'm going to start flipping the racist's nationalistic bullshit on them.
“Oh, you think white privilege doesn't exist and black folk need to STFU? That's un-American, asshole! You must not love this country as much as the rest of us. Perhaps you need to find another country that will put up with your racist ass. This is America, Jethro! Love all colors or leave it!”
