Friday, September 18, 2009

I'll Tell You What It Isn't.

It isn't racism. Our former President, Jimmy Carter, has once again proved how out of touch with reality he really is. I too was born and reared in the South. I know what racism is.

In fact, let's look at the definition for a couple of key words from Webster's New World College Dictionary.

The word "race" comes right after the word "raccoon dog" and I use the second definition; any of the different varieties or populations of human beings distinguished by a.) physical traits such as hair, eyes, skin color, body shape, etc. The three primary divisions are Caucasoid, Negroid, and Mongoloid, although many subdivisions of these are called races....

Racism; a doctrine or teaching, without scientific support, that claims to find racial differences in character, intelligence, etc.....

I doubt if you can find many true racists in our country today. The word "racism", as it is now used in certain political and legal circles, is an "excuse" word to divert attention from real and unacceptable behavior.

All peoples have experienced some negative aspects of racism.

Most have overcome its ability to affect what they do by making sure they achieve something worthwhile to set the record straight. You rarely hear real achievers using the "excuse" word.
They have been accepted by others who have struggled to make their mark and are accepted. Their achievements define their being and not their superficial appearance.

The primary catalyst in the perpetuation of division between the races has been the federal government. Their interference in the lives of all Americans is equal to pealing a fresh scab off of a healing wound.

I have watched and interacted with people from all socio-economic, and racial strata , and have yet to see "race" as the determining factor in anything.

People in our society today are very cloistered and rarely interact with others at an interpersonal level except within restricted parameters. Some of these are; socio-economic strata; religion; politics; family relationship; personal beliefs; ethnic and cultural practices; and value systems. If people can find common ground in some of these basic areas, then they tend to bind and interact with those who are like minded. If individuals are too far afield in any of these areas they will probably be excluded.

Ethnic and cultural differences can cause populations to group along racial lines. They are not doing so because others are racists, but because they feel comfortable being with those who think and act more like they do. If these same people are achievers and abide by the rules accepted by a civilized society, then they are accepted in spite of their cultural differences. However, the majority of their social interaction may take place within their chosen group.

The others, who operate outside the realm of socially accepted behavior, are shunned. Not for their racial identification, but because of their unacceptable behavior. Unscrupulous politicians, and social trouble makers can make a lot of money keeping this segment of the population upset. This societal sub-set is usually made up of those with poor educations, and little if any job skills. They live on the handouts and stolen booty from those who have made something of their lives and pay their taxes. They are easily manipulated and motivated by shallow sound bite slogans that promise a better life with no change in life style. This segment of society and those who live off their misery are the ones who shout "Racism" every time they are arrested or challenged because of their unacceptable behavior.

The faces of the working Americans from all races and cultures can be seen among the sea of faces showing up at rallies to protest the forced take over of our country by radical extremists. Don't be dissuaded by the baseless accusations from the minions who prowl the halls of government and pretend to be representing the people of this great country. They will be unmasked and the good people of the United States will make their voices heard loud and clear in the upcoming elections. If you are not for us, you are against us and we will root you out of your plush burrows and replace you with men and women of common sense and dignity.

The two most common elements in the universe are Hydrogen and stupidity.
-
Harlan Ellison