All leaders, black and white, must work together to banish racism
These days there have been many events in our nation, our state and locally which deserve all of our consideration.
Nationally much focus has been drawn to the issue of police mistreatment of minorities. I do not propose to get involved in a lengthy discussion of this issue in particular yet wish for your readers to ponder a certain point. Over the last 30-40 years it has become the “norm” that when a person is addressed by a police officer by and large that person argues, threatens and or accosts the officer.
Remember that police officers in this country work under, and have the authority, of the local, state and federal government and when they approach an individual they have the right, under certain legal guidelines, to stop, detain and or apprehend an individual for just cause. The fact that over these many years it has become the “norm” for those being detained and or questioned to act so unruly (and or violently) means that the nation’s police forces have to be ever alert that a simple situation with an individual could turn bad in an instant and as such have heightened apprehension in these circumstances. One could argue that they should be more self-controlled yet they are human, not robots.
Given this, it was very interesting to hear about the police force in one of our local communities that is handing out cards that attempt to inform residents of what to do if addressed by a police officer. It is interesting in that the advice given is exactly what the present law entails (be calm, do not argue, answer the officers questions (truthfully), etc.). The advice is not new science — it’s the way you are supposed to act if you come in contact with a law enforcement officer.
State-wise there was the unfortunate, senseless shooting at the AME church in Charleston. Our governor, Tricky Nikki Haley, once again pontificates whatever politically advantageous position is available by stumping for the removal of the Confederate flag from the Statehouse grounds as a racist icon.
There are those of us who remember that just over a year ago Tricky vehemently advocated the end to Bike Fest (black bike week) because it was the politically advantageous thing to do then. Regardless of her flip-flopping behavior, the removal of this flag from its present location bears little relation to the elimination of racist attitudes in this country. For that to happen there must be support and education from both sides — not just white America.
Black leaders and black organizations must be more a part of the “healing” of racism than promoting it with their rhetoric. “Black lives matter” should be “All lives matter.” Racism cannot be diminished when only one side of the equation is being targeted. Rather than constantly stirring up trouble it should also be the goal of black leaders to address those issues (black and white) that create racist attitudes.
The writer lives in Garden City.
This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 4:43 PM with the headline "All leaders, black and white, must work together to banish racism."