By Carl Jackson
Choosing to hate people simply based upon the color of their skin is despicable! Likewise, presuming that all whites are inherently racist based strictly upon the color of their skin is appalling.
“How is it that Asians can succeed in America and we can’t?” That was the question some of my friends and I asked ourselves as teenagers. Growing up in Los Angeles, Asian owned businesses were plentiful throughout the ‘hood. Equally common was the animus blacks felt towards them. Rappers and racepreneurs like Jesse Jackson contributed to the disdain we felt for foreigners establishing their businesses on our turf. The perception was that the American dream was obtainable for other ethnic groups, just not for blacks.
To our detriment, we didn’t realize it was our own racism that prevented us from understanding that Asians were simply capitalizing on the opportunities available for all Americans within our borders. Unfortunately, many blacks today have hindered their own progress by blaming “the man” for their socioeconomic status rather than themselves.
Racism in America has moved to the back of the bus. Desegregation and public shaming made that possible. It’s largely episodic and situational today. Those that advance this notion of “institutional racism” not only ignore the fact we have a black president, they’ve neglected to realize blacks occupy government jobs more than any other ethnicity by percentage. Check out your local DMV, post office and Clerk of Courts, or look up the actual employment numbers. (http://www.npr.org/2012/05/09/152297370/government-job-cuts-threaten-black-middle-class) In short, blacks are the institution.
Perceived or real, racism doesn’t have to deter you from being all God created you to be. That’s why I’ve come up with 5 easy steps to eliminate racism, and here they are:
1.) Remove “conversations” on race from the national limelight: Have real conversations to resolve the problem rather than providing excuses to cause violence. There should not have been any protest in California over Ferguson, Missouri. I recently heard author and syndicated radio host Michael Medved attribute the success of the Jewish people, despite the Holocaust and anti-semitic rhetoric often heard across the globe, to their ability to shut up, forgive and move on. I’m paraphrasing of course. He confessed that when he meets with other Jews they hardly, if ever, discuss past atrocities that killed so many of his people. The reason is simple; doing so would unnecessarily resurrect emotions and issues that have largely subsided and been resolved. Victims can become angry people if they’re unwilling to forgive and move forward; anger makes it harder for anyone to move forward. As long as you hold onto a grievance you will feel entitled to recompense whether it’s justified or not.
2.) Stop with the “Color Blind” Nonsense: I know your intentions are well meaning, but it’s unproductive. God enjoys variety and so should we. If he didn’t he would’ve created all of us the same. We travel because we like to see different regions, ethnicities and cultures. There’s nothing wrong with that! We’re doing each other a disservice by perpetuating sameness at the expense of diversity-in the true sense of the word. Our differences can help us to appreciate one another if we let them.
3.) Learn from our kids: Martin Luther King Jr. succeeded! It’s foolish to have “conversations” on race relations while ignoring obvious gains. America is less racist now, not more. Our kids aren’t as concerned about who’s racist. They’re concerned about who is safe, trustworthy and fun to be around. Just last week I observed a group of teenage friends walking a dog together and enjoying each other’s company. Two were white, one Latino and one black. Let’s hope their college professors don’t teach the minorities their best friends they’ve grown up with are inherently racist.
4.) Eliminate Political Correctness by confronting the cause rather than the symptom: It’s beneficial to stereotype and racially profile, particularly when chasing down criminals and terrorists. We’ll never correct the endemic problems in our communities without pointing out the obvious problems that exist within them. Single parent homes, absentee dads, promiscuous “baby mamas,” joblessness, low high school graduation rates and high crime rates aren’t going to be solved by pretending the American dream is nonexistent for minorities. Cause and effect is not a fantasy. Similarly terrorism cannot be contained by blaming Americans and Jews for Islamic hate. Like addiction, the first step to solving a problem is admitting you have one.
5.) Differentiate prejudice from true racism: Everyone has natural prejudices towards others due to fears, unknowns and stereotypes. However, most of us aren’t racist! Prejudice can easily be overcome through education, integration and humility, but racism is largely a spiritual issue that deals with pride and other matters of the heart. Any conversation to be had on race requires thick skin coupled with an ability to discern between right and wrong. Jumping to conclusions rarely helps matters.
We shouldn’t be so quick to pull the trigger on the “R” word; it might come back to bite you. That’s certainly been the case for black Americans.
Carl Jackson was born and raised in Los Angeles, California by his mother and father until the age of 11 when his mother died unexpectedly of a chronic illness.
Carl attempted to find his way as the youngest of six who were lost without the strength of their matriarch. He moved back and forth between LA and Orlando, FL trying to find his way in life.
With the help of family and friends he was introduced to hard work, faith and family values. However, as a struggling teen he wandered down the path of least resistance, finding himself in jail twice and with a child he had to fight to raise.
By the grace of God and insistence by his brother and friend he attended an Evangelical church and found that there was a better way. Once he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior he began to develop a greater desire to understand who God is and why it mattered.
He began to see that the cultural dependence on government promoted by the Democrat leaders among his community rejected dependence upon God.
As he studied America’s history he discovered that despite America’s flaws, particularly slavery, God used our Founding Fathers to create our Constitution within the context of the Bible and world history. It’s divine and exceptional nature is undeniable.
It was during his newfound love for American history that he discovered the Democrat party perpetuated slavery, formed the KKK, and fought against the civil rights of minorities.
With this hidden history Carl was launched on a journey to help people of all races and backgrounds discover facts of history as well as realize the benefits of utilizing their God-given gifts and talents far outweigh any benefit from a government subsidy.
