Protecting the Public's Right to Know
Unrealistic obsession with racism, inequality, and superiority promotes rather then defeats racism - a fact which should be abundantly clear, today, yet race relations are just as much in jeopardy today as they were a half century ago. So what is the problem? Why is it that mankind cannot seem to get its arms around the race/ethnicity/color issues that are just as prevalent today as they were in the days of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK)? For clarity, there is no suggestion, not by a long shot, that the scope and degree of racism has not diminished from what it was in the days of MLK. After all, today there are no accounts of people being targeted by high pressure water hoses, and attacked by K9 police dogs such as the German Sheppard and others; at least not because of or on account of race.
The root issue with race and racism can at all times, without exception, be traced to a minimum of three (3) common elements:
First, regarding fear, while man alleges to be so fearless, today, racism is directly tied to fear. The fear of losing one's race or ethnic distinction, the fear of being different, the fear of what other will think or say (peer pressure), the fear of being forced to grow and develop as a human being, the fear of acknowledging one's life race perspective fuels his or her perception of racism e.g. the fear of being wrong about their ideas of race, ethnicity, or color. A great number of books have been written on this one element alone. Legalhotwater tackles this element saving a bunch of money, and time trying to make heads or tails of the element of fear. The answer: Step out of your race comfort zone and do so often. The only effective way to deal with this race fear element is to make meaningful engagements with people of different race/ethnic backgrounds. Do not expect that process to be easy. In fact, if this concept is new, expect it to be difficult. Why? Doing so will properly prepare you for rejection, comments, ridicule, etc, which may come from time to time. Breaking through to the other side where commonalities, irrespective of race, will be the tie that binds. This element of course comes with the Golden Rule:
You cannot make people like you. People have an absolute right to like who they want to like or not even based upon race. What you should focus on is giving others a reason to voluntarily and willfully choose or engage with you instead of trying to do so by force. Let who you are speak for you -- and not your mouth. And if who you are is not good enough, take a hard look in the mirror and make the changes when and where necessary. In other words, "Get in where you fit in," without regards to race or racism. Let's face the facts, people have a native instinct to foster relationship and procreate with people that look like them, that has not changed and it will not change. At the same time, do not be bound to the "Looks like me philosophy," to the point doing so advances your own ignorance and fuels your own unhappiness -- when someone who "Looks different," from you and is on the same mental trajectory, is available to you, in terms of values, life perspectives, e.g. the things that really matter.
Second, as to money, it should, likewise, be common knowledge that the love of money is the root of all evil. And lets face it -- even, today, in the most advanced human era ever, mankind is sill motivated by money. People will engage in wicked activity and say harsh things especially when motivated by money. The best way to deal with this issue is to look inside of oneself and determine who is the master one serves? If your master is not money, then you are one step ahead of others in terms of intellect and human development, when it comes to how you treat, interact with, and think of other people with respect to race or ethnicity. In short, do not be troubled by snobbish individuals/groups or elitism, which is/are often accompanied by money -- and money often by a class based systems whether that class based system is orthodox or unorthodox. Trying to destroy class based systems, and the money related thereto, is pointless and fruitless and will prove futile. People have an absolute right to assemble with whomsoever they want, when they want, and to the extent they see fit. Bottom line: If you believe you belong in a given class, then, again, let your actions do the talking: Be willing to acclimate, grow, and demonstrate why despite not on the surface, appearing to "Look like," a member of the group, that you too identity with the group. And if your value system motivates you to steer change on critical elements such as how people are treated in general e.g. snobbish, aloof, etc., the best place to make those changes is from the inside. The same "Inside" to which you achieved approval via demonstrating the required entry tenets and subsequent respect -- which at that point positions one in front of an audience of willing listeners. In short, stop trying to demonize money and class and turn those two adversaries into your allies.
Last, by not least, as to ego, this is the opinion of Legalhotwater, is the most critical issue related to any success in race, ethnicity, and the overall advancement of race relations and subsequent inevitable decline in racism. The ego must go. Period. Let's say it again, so that the people in the back can hear. The ego must go. No one can or will control your ego for you; you must do that yourself. Race superiority and racism has its roots in a given race of people thinking too highly of themselves; thus diminishing the value that other people bring to the picture. A daily dose of humility is far more detoxifying and fosters beneficial relationships and overall happiness as opposed to believing too highly of oneself. Humility is generally accompanied with the ability to foster "Thick skin," and being able to accept criticism, even harsh criticism. Doing so allows for the smarter more intelligent person to sift through the criticism (even if harsh at times) to get to the message that is laced in the criticism. And it is that message, that often, provides opportunities to learn about the inner workings of people, their likes/dislikes, values, and so forth - which again leads to bridging the commonalities. And even in some rare cases whereas commonalities are not readily visible, at least there is a much better understanding of the real issues at play -- which often were originally misdiagnosed as being racist or involving racism.
In summary, while mankind has developed quite a bit of over the past two centuries or so, still the issue with race and racism seems to cripple mankind in their relationship with others of different race and ethnic backgrounds. At the center of the issues with racism, undeniably the elements of fear, money, and the ego are always present. Racism and bigotry are concepts that exist and have always existed within every race. So for the proponents of eliminating race and racism e.g. African and/or Black heritage, make sure that you are not part the problem. Understanding ones own race discrimination issues with others in terms of ethnicity, color, etc., within the African and/or Black heritage is a critical first step. Then of course, acknowledging that one is truly only in control of his or her own behavior is ground zero for eclipsing racism and discrimination. If you want others to end discrimination practices, be sure to eliminate your own first. Upon doing so, employ the foregoing strategies to bridge and develop race relations in the most effective way: Real world growth, development, and the willingness to embrace ones own race limiting and bias issues - in pursuit of the harmonious race relations and life sought.