Can we just get along?

I recently moved to northwest Mississippi and having been out of the deep south for a few years, I was pretty oblivious to the race issue. Boy, have my eyes been opened the past sixteen months. I grew up in a small town in Southeast Arkansas, so I've seen and experienced segregation and racism firsthand. I thought the days of blatant racism was over, but boy was I wrong. I've had several people point out that the subjects of negative behavior were Black. To me, bad is behavior is universal and instead of talking about the color of the perpetrators, let's talk about solutions to the problems. No, I don't think sagging pants is a fashion statement, but I don't like the Daisy Duke or pajamas either. No, I don't like the drug dealers standing on the corner, but who is their market? Believe me, their lifestyles are not supported by only Blacks smoking or sniffing.

I was floored by a comment made by an ederly lady. She was explaining how she told some young men to pull up their pants. She said it was her duty as a Christian to let them know it was not appropiate, she then turned and looked at me and said, "they were Black boys." Why? I don't know, maybe she thinks it's my responsibility to go around and tell all Black people how to dress. I hear people talk about their church and are quick to point out that they are Christians, but yet have no love for mankind. Do these people think heaven is going to be segregated like the churches they attend? The things I've heard and seen while here is a testament that racism is a taught behavior and is not going to end because of affirmative action, diversity programs, or a few discrimination lawsuits. I have no problem with racial pride, the problem is believing one is better because of their race. We think things are getting better, but just because things aren't as blatant as they once were means nothing. It is our responsibilty as a race to educate others on our value. A few months back, I was finding myself discouraged, but after much thought and recollection, I realized that everything happens for a reason. I can be that light, not only to our students, but to my coworkers. I can break the cycle of ignorance and let people know that all Blacks are not ghetto, lazy or stupid. I thank all of my friends and family who let me know how valuable I am to our students and the community. I've come to the realization that racism will never end because it has existed throughout history, but I'm willing to helping make a change. Are you? Get involved, speak up and stand up!