Race Relations or Human Relations?

First allow me to say that I am not an expert nor do I speak for any group, but what I can tell you is quite simple.  When many speak of race relations, they typically envision minorities.  I say that race relation is nothing more than another phrase for human relations.  Many Americans do not need or want a “hand-out”, all they request is an even playing field which should give them a “hand-up”.

We are handcuffed by our past regardless of which past it may be.  To expect anyone to ignore their past as if anyone can switch off their experiences does not compute.  To ask an elder Jewish American to ignore all the pain and suffering they have endured or seen in their past as they exhibit apprehension dealing with a German American, will not work.  To some their past may not seem rational or important but to that particular person it could mean the world and will require all those not experienced in this manner a décor of empathy.  Dismissing  their feelings is as disrespectful as the events which lead to the bad experiences in the first place.  No one likes to be disrespected, no one.  The same can be said for Black and Latino Americans who have been followed in a store, pulled over for no real reason or detained because they resembled someone who fit’s the descriptions.  The same can also be said for those some have been titled “redneck” or “trailer trash” who are also followed in stores and treated as uneducated or stupid.    Remember, if you will, the attitude of those judges and audience members when Susan Boyle walked onto the stage at Britain Got Talent.  She opened her mouth and began to sing, only then did the audience and the judges sat up to take notice.

It must be understood that there is pain associated with disrespect or dismissal and if you do not like for others to disrespect or dismiss you, it’s probably safe to say others will not care for it either. Some Black Americans feel that getting an opportunity to be shown respect is as easy as moving their families into a more respectable part of town or drive a better brand of motor vehicle.   We also began to compensate by acquiring a few more awards, medals and certifications thinking that this will work to get us the respect that others enjoy only to be viewed as “uppity“ or “arrogant“.  The constant question we ask ourselves is “what is it that I have to do?”  As no answer comes, some now decide that instead of dedicating themselves to establishing understanding, we must fight for respect and therefore become more volatile.  To an individual such as this, constructive criticism on your part can be heard as disrespect on their part.

What do we do in a situation like this, stop , breath and try.  “I do not mean to demean or disrespect but”.  JUST A THOUGHT!