In my comments on other diaries, I have spoken out on the subject of race relations. A few commenters asked to comment further on certain issues. Tonight's topic is race relations.
The atmosphere of this campaign is turning very ugly. Videos of racists decrying a potential Obama victory. The hatred and bile spewing from their mouths, frankly, is quite disgusting and frightening for those of us who remember the Civil Rights struggle.
Congressman Lewis has been vilified by the the right wingers for his statement comparing John McCain to George Wallace. This White Southerner agrees completely with Congressman Lewis. McCain may or may not be a 'racist', but he is allowing his and his running mate's campaign to degenerate into Klan rallies without the sheets and burning crosses.
My personal story illustrates that racism is learned behavior.
I was born and raised in a small South Arkansas lumber mill town. It is the birthplace of the famous football coach, Paul 'Bear' Bryant. It's a small town, with about 4200 residents. About 40% of the population is black. It was wonderful place to grow up. Nobody had to lock their doors. Most of the families, black and white had known each other for generations. Actually, most of the Black families were descendants of the former slaves of the White families. My hobby is geneaology [sic?]and in my research I have discovered a large number of black and white famiies with common surnames.
So, in this community, people of both races had known each other and worked with each other for generations. This is not to say that racism was not prevalent. Most of my white neighbors would not 'mix' as it was called with black people. They would work with them, shop with them, but they wouldn't attend church or school with them. However, because of that shared history and culture, they would not consider harming them in any way. That being said, there were a few overt racists that talked a great deal about the 'colored problem'. Most of these people were just that, talk. They would rail against the government for 'taking away their rights', but usually, it was just talk.
Racists are not born racists, nor do they reach adulthood and make a concious decision to become racists. They are trained from childhood to be racists. Their parents provide instruction from the cradle in fear and hatred of people of color. Black or brown.
My own upbringing was very different. I didn't reach an epiphany about race relations at a point in my adult life. No 'road to Damascus' experience. Reflecting on it, I was raised from the cradle to practice tolerance. I was taught not to hate, but to accept. The mantra that my mother recited to me was that I was no better than anyone else and that I should be respectful of all people, regardless of color. Until recently, I thought that she just had a sense of justice that was uniquely her own. But in my family research I ran across a photo of my grandmother when she was a young girl.
Here's the link: http://www.flickr.com/...
This got me to thinking:
My mother was a wonderful woman who was gracious and kind to everyone. How did she get that way? Duh! Her mother must have raised her that way! So, here is this photo of my grandmother with a well-dressed black man. The photo has on the back, Lalla and 'Mr. Tom'. Mr. Tom is obviously black, my grandmother appears to be barely a teenager. She was born in 1892. I have other photos of her at family picnics and such. A racist father or mother would never have allowed such a picture to be taken. A black man with a young southern white woman! My God! Practicing a little deductive reasoning... I surmised that 'Mr. Tom' must have been a close associate of the family. He is well dressed, quite dapper, actually. Now, bear in mind, this photo I would estimate to have been taken around 1905 +/-. He appears to be around 35 or so. So he is a son of a slave. Who owned his father? Could it be that my ancestors owned his father? Quite possibly, so there would be a connection, however repugnant we may view that connection. 'My daddy owned your daddy.'
The photo speaks volumes for racial tolerance. My grandmother must have raised my mother to be tolerant of all people. Since she is so young in the picture... could her parents have raised my grandmother to be tolerant of all people? Evidently. So, my conclusion is that racial tolerance has been taught in my family for generations.
Let me assure you, my family is not unique in the South. Many of my classmates were brought up in the same manner.
When I was a senior in high school in 1965, the town's white high school was integrated. I think there were about 10 or 12 black students that were enrolled that year. The local black leaders handpicked these students. They were the best and the brightest. All volunteers, of course. There were no demonstrations, no violence when this occurred. Actually, that fall was quite normal. We looked around and there were these black kids. I'm sure there were snide remarks or any real problems at all that I remember. Those black kids probably remember some whispered comments and so forth, but I don't remember any fights or overt abuse. These kids just went to school and that was it.
I remember one student in particular, his name was Charles Benford and he was a junior. I was the equipment manager (read jock washer)for the football and basketball teams. Charles was on the basketball team (football would have suicide). He was very good at basketball and started and/or played in every game. I remember he was good natured person. My point is, I do not remember one instance of any coach or player ever abusing Charles. He showered with the rest of the team, he travelled on the team bus. He was 'just another kid on the team.' And he was a great guy. He and I became good friends. I lost touch with him after school, when I went into the Navy and stayed gone for nine years. I hope he has had a happy and productive life. He deserved one.
So, what is the point of all this blather? That respect and tolerance is also learned behavior. We all know that learned behavior can be changed, provided that a person wants to be changed. The attendees of the Repub rallies don't want to change. They revel in their hatred and prejudice.
But don't assume that all Southern white men and women are not going to vote for Obama. I'm sure that a lot of them feel as I do. He is an inspiration leader, obviously with a lifelong concern for the downtrodden. Once poor white people understand that he can be trusted to improve their lives and give them hope, I predict that things will start to settle down. However, with this campaign of McCain's focusing on our differences rather than our commonality, things are going to be scary.
Obama offers hope... McCain plays on fear. Obama unites... McCain divides. This presidential campaign will be analyzed by historians for generations to come.
Let us fervently pray that it will be seen as the campaign that united the country.
Update: My wife and I are driving to KC tomorrow for the Obama rally. The 'Rednecks for Obama' guys will be at the St. Louis Rally... if any of you are going to be at St. Louis, look for them and say Hi.