Racial Tension

In the current social climate of the United States, any figure even remotely public must choose his or her words wisely. One misstep and the Rev. Al Sharpton will be calling you demanding an explanation, followed most certainly by all of the mainstream media declaring their outrage over even the slightest hint of a racist remark. In recent months we've seen Don Imus fired and subsequently rehired over an on-air declaration that the Rutgers Women's basketball team is a bunch of "nappy-headed hoes." Isiah Washington was publicly skewered over an alleged homophobic statement made on the set of Grey's Anatomy. A sports anchorwoman was fired over using the words, "Tiger Woods," and "lynch" in the same sentence. The most recent addition to the list comes with none other than Don Imus again making a broad statement actually defending the notion that Black Americans are targeted by the police, which was taken out of context and somehow interpreted that he condoned such a policy. The truth is, our country is still infected with racism and has been since its inception. However, the path toward equality and respect does not lie in scapegoats and public apologies, it lies in people's common sense. We need to stop jumping to conclusions and quickly condemning any borderline statement. Public figures are far outnumbered by regular people like you and me. If one of them acts inappropriately and it is offensive to you, show your outrage with your pocketbook. Don't watch their movie, listen to their radio program, buy their book, etc. Demanding a public apology from a true racist really does nothing to stop the problem right? A racist person will continue to be racist, we can only hope their unfortunate offspring will realize decency and respect before adopting the racist attitude. But we must also remember, this is America, and we have a right to express ourselves as long as we aren't hurting or threatening others. I don't know about you but I hear about people being fired for very borderline offensive statements, it doesn't sound like America to me.