Denzel Washington's The Great Debaters started showing in movie theaters around the country on Christmas day. If you haven't seen it, it's a movie about a group of debaters from Willey College in Marshall, TX (near Dallas). There are a few pivotal scenes in this movie that pretty accurately depict the setting of the film, 1935, a small town in the South. I've seen the movie twice, and the historical value is phenomenal. At the time, future Civil Rights Leader (and possibly one of the greatest Americans who ever lived), Martin Luther King, Jr., was only six years old. And the torcher and death of young Emmett Till would not occur until 1941. What struck a cord with me, was a scene involving James Farmer Sr. (played by Academy Award winner, Forrest Whitaker) and two white farmers. As to not give away the plot, Farmer, who is the first African-American to receive a doctoral degree in Texas, is reduced to "boy" by these obviously uneducated men. I was astounded by the fact that no matter your accomplishments or lack there of, you are immediately deemed worthless or superior solely based on the color of your skin...which none of us have a choice about. Anyway, the movie is outstanding, the cast is stellar, and it is definitely a MUST SEE!
Fast forward to 2008...the fact of the matter is that things still really haven't changed. This is a huge election year, there is much that stands to be loss or gained depending on who is voted the next Head of State. So, you know that when you chose to run for public office it is the 'job' of your opponent to bring to light every sip of alcohol, orgy, political boycott, and derogatory statement in your life. (Note to children: Don't do anything if you ever plan to become a politician). In the news this morning are racist remarks made by an employee of Presidential hopeful, Ron Paul (read the article for more information). As if that wasn't enough, in 2004, Hillary "People-Call-My-Husband-A-Black-Man" Clinton called Mahatma Gandhi a gas station owner.
It's not just in politics. Oh no! It's back on the green golf courses, where many have prohibited non-Anglos from joining. An anchor for the golf channel suggested that a group of golfers take Tiger Woods into a back alley and lynch him. But like water rolls off a duck's back, Tiger is once again unfazed. I believe he was quoted saying, "it's a non-issue." Actually, my fine-golfing friend, it is an issue. A huge issue...at that. Last year, was riveted by sightings of nooses hanging from trees, in factories, and other objects. I know he has fully admitted to being African-American...but just so he will know nooses symbolize hatred, evil, and every other negative idea related to race in this country. So, that is fine if it doesn't bother you, in fact, when it comes down to it Tiger is probably untouchable. But what about those who don't have your resources or fame? Those who racism will marginalize? Those who will continue to be disenfranchised?
My mother always told me that we have to be accountable to someone. The things we do are an extension of ourselves. My favorite quote is by Dr. Martin Luther King, who stated, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Making excuses for some one's bigoted behavior may not effect you, but it effects others. We were not created for ourselves, so that we could accumulate wealth and commodities. We were created for each other. We were created for His glory!
Well, I told you I'd talk about everything. :-) Be blessed and have a safe weekend!
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