Race Relations

We’ve come a long way since the 60’s on improving the attitudes and situations. We now have minorities at all levels of the government and industry, including the President of the USA. Unfortunately, bigotry and hatred still exist on all sides. Furthermore, many minorities are disadvantaged due to where they live and their parents’ incomes. Some “whites” still hold to the mistaken belief that Europeans are superior—we may always have these brainless bigots with us. However, I hope they eventually die out. Also, as a result of the years of repression and prejudice, some persons in the minority have understandably developed a hatred of the “oppressors.”
So how do we overcome this? Education and enforcement.

First, we need to continually reinforce these major tenets in schools, in advertisements, and in continuing adult education:
1. “All people are created equal.” No one is inherently more important than anyone else. No one should be denied a job or membership in a civic group because of race, creed, color, or gender. No one should be denied advancement because of these characteristics. In the case of churches or religious institutions, they should never be allowed to discriminate in hiring or membership based on race, color, or gender. Obviously, a faith-based group should be able to assure that those that join it or work for it believe as the group does.
2. “Don’t disparage other races, or your own race for that matter, in your speech or writing.” Don’t use racial epithets, period. Don’t tell racist jokes. Tell those who do that you don’t appreciate hearing that type of language.
3. “Try to understand other points of view.” Learn about their culture, the situation they grew up in, where they live now, and how they’ve been treated. As long as it’s not about corrupt practices (like rampant bribery in some countries), embrace cultural differences.
4. “Listen to others’ concerns.” You don’t know how they feel and can’t address their problems unless you listen.
5. “Show respect to everyone, regardless of situation.” Remember, they have all the same rights you do.
6. “Love everyone and help those in need.” Need I say more?

Next, we must continue to hold employers, government workers, and accountable for following the law and for training their employees in diversity and tolerance. However, we must never use “affirmative action” or quotas. Dr. King said it best when he said that each person should be evaluated on their own merits rather than by the color of their skin.