There has been a lot of conversations regarding racism over the past few weeks since our newly appointed Attorney General, Eric Holder, eluded to our country being one of cowards, when dealing with the discussion of race. Of coarse, race has been an ongoing issue in this country, flared at times by certain events, the civil rights movement was not very long ago, a time when segregation was real and the hate it represented was as viscous as ever, not to mention today's lingering with nooses hanging from trees, effigies and flat out racist remarks spewed from the ignorant minds of those whose learned behavior was from parents of hate and now able to say what they want from behind a computer screen and not have to deal with reality of action and consequences created. The prison system promoting segregation and creating tensions most definitely do not seem to fit a well thought out profile for rehabilitating. Personally, regarding California and its, "three strike" rule, I think, if they really wanted to get some decent results and not waste all that cash they should set up a system more geared towards true rehab. Something like, first strike, associates degree, second strike, bachelors degree and third strike, Phd.
I recall the statement Holder made and although I found some truth in the comment, I realized that my perception is one based on my learning, life experience and introduction into the societies and class structure that I have been accustomed to throughout my own thirty eight years as a white person living in the melting pot of races that defines something great within the whole idea of society, equality and the opposing viewpoint infused with freedom of speech. I grew up in the ghetto and it sucked, there was no separation between me and the kid next door, regardless of his or her color and regardless of their ancestry, we were all poor and managed to deal the best we could.
I live on the island of St. Thomas and am a minority here, there is a 3rd world tinge here that I like, maybe it's because of my past and the security that I felt as a child, through family, friends or the ruggedness that is instilled when living in a high poverty area. Not to generalize and say that the island of St. Thomas is impoverished completely, however, one can see the difference between the slums and wealthy, kind of like the south capitol area of D.C., where the condo's stop and the projects start, a blatant, in your face kind of way. Sure, I might get the whitey remark or salty, given shit because of the color of my skin. Hate is hate and seems to be indiscriminate and I dont act as though I am somehow able to relate with my brothers and sisters of different races and the challenges they work to overcome, the hardships they have faced. I dont know what it is like to have ancestors that were slaves or grandparents that lived in internment camps during WWII. I dont know what it is like to have a family member that was gassed by Nazi Germany. I know what it is to be poor, I can attest to that. I know what it feels like to live on puffed wheat and powdered milk, and the occasional Friday that rolled around when my mother came up the street in a cab not walking from the bus, knowing there were some groceries in that couple of bags. I can say that living on the island of St. Thomas has opened my eyes to what it is like to be a minority of sorts but that does not mean I know what it is like to be oppressed but I have to say, it really pisses me off when I see some of the bullshit comments and racist remarks from some shitbag who thinks he or she is tough cuz they got some strength in anonymity and quick slaps on the keyboard.
Interestingly enough, I just read an article about the comments Mr. Holder made which has erupted, mostly those to the right of the political spectrum, however, not to generalize, has definitely caused some edginess in others as well. I would have to say that Mr. Holder demonstrated his free speech and said something that might make sense to some and ignite negatives in others, not because of the implications he was making, rather the opposing viewpoint and their ability to use this comment as a tool to respond with, hateful comments from the ignorant, questionable comments from the insecure and commonalities amongst those who relate. The reality of the situation is not what was said or what the true meaning of the statement was, but more of the way certain people, with certain thought processes perceived it. After reading some very ignorant viewpoints on the matter, I realized the only way I could envision these people and the way they are was to think of, "Joe the plummer" and his comments alluding to how a statesman could be shot for dissent and no one would think anything of it. He made the comment, believed it to be true and just so happens that there are quite a few idiots, just like him, that agree with his views, his ideas, ideals and intentions. One thing I am sure of, hate is real, racism is real as well, ignorance is learned behavior or lack of learning all together and the conversation of race and racism doesnt go away just because it has gone from, in your face to whispers behind closed doors, or shitty remarks and comments on a blog or editorial.
Hate is something that does not discriminate and unfortunately, I have witnessed the handing down of hate from one generation to another, learned and becoming more brutal through each generation. I do not understand the viewpoints of some, which makes me bias when discussing those that I do not understand. Republicans for instance, I do not understand their ideals or idea's, that the role of government is to protect the United States, through military operations and defenses, only. From what I have witnessed and how I perceive what I have seen they feel that those people impoverished are in that position because of their own accord, laziness, they created it themselves and therefore, they are bad people. That governments should not care for those who are in need, whether financial, health or support of any kind, those people will be cared for, by default from citizens and society that effect them directly. That taxes are a bad thing, as it somehow inhibits prosperity because it takes money out of peoples pockets, however, if taxes are going to be paid then the richest people should not have to pay as much, their percentages should be cut to reflect fairness. Of coarse, if you were to look at the bell curve concerning tax brackets, it looks a little fucked up to me. I do not understand this thought process and therefore, I find myself frustrated with those that believe this to be true. In many cases I find myself ranting after watching a republican politician on the television or hearing one on the radio, not hateful but frustration. Rush Limbaugh said to be an, "intellectual". Rush Limbaugh is a fucking wack job, piece of shit who has never said an intellectual thing in his life. William F Buckley crapped more intellect than Rush Limbaugh has ever spewed out of his pie hole. National health care is accepted in almost every European country, Canada, even dreadful Cuba takes care of it's people's health care needs. Hearing republicans spin the facts regarding this flat out pisses me off but I am told that this is not your grandfathers republican party.
After reading the article about Mr. Holder, and then the comments responding to it, I began to search out my own thoughts and realities of what was initially said, how the author of the article wrote it in a biased fashion and how the comments either rallied around the negativeness of the writer or others who commented in acceptance of Mr. Holder's comments. I guess one could either agree, disagree or agree to disagree depending on what that individual's stance was on race, minorities and impoverished people of the United States. One thing I found certain was that regardless of the statement and what it meant, it was perceived in many different ways, which led to an all out battle between the responders. I realized, more importantly, that my view of media, its slow change from fact to fiction has now enabled a few to erupt a people in conversations, create more hate, instill hate in others and allow ignorance to twist history and reality, leaving the initial comment made by Mr. Holder behind, while creating distasteful rhetoric to fly and opening the door to racism and therefore, hate. I also came to realize that just about every person that commented and somewhere within the comment said either, "I am not a racist" or " I will be viewed as a racist", most definitely was a racist, as far as I can tell. Saying that, black people need to get over the slavery thing because it no longer exists, is racist. Commenting that just because my ancestors had slaves doesn't mean they can hold a grudge forever, is racist. And, saying that ni#$ggers should go back to Africa if they dont like it here, are, most definitely, racists. Fortunately, the latter comment was removed before I threw up in my mouth a little but the reality is that racism and hate are learned and I fear they will always be around, its very unproductive and I have a feeling that Mr. Holder's comment, whether taken negatively or positively only proves that this country will always need to accept that there are racists and therefore, there is always need for furthering communications between society and yes, there are some real fucking cowards when it comes to race, discrimination and discussing it.