Playing Devils Advocate. Also, Stop Being Such Whiners.

Have you ever intentionally avoided someone on the street because you know they are out waiting for stupid and/or very polite people to dupe into listening to them yammer about their religion, their cause or, heaven forbid, why they need a donation. Have you ever been aggravated by someone who seemingly has such a strong opinion on something but simply have no facts to back it up? Have you ever logged on to Facebook and seen someone consistently post about the fact that they feel belittled in life, and because of their race they just truly aren't accepted or appreciated, or given equal opportunity? 

Take a stereotype about a minority–pick which ever one you like–and ask yourself whether you’ve really ever experienced anything that resembles that type of characterization. If your answer is “no”, chances are you’re lying to yourself. The fact is that stereotypes, for better or worse, are often simply exaggerations of reality–not completely baseless fairy tales. So while it would obviously be inappropriate to portray an entire group of people as any one behavior trait, I don’t believe it is out of line to ask why that stereotype was created in the first place.

Return to the thought about race relations in the 1960s. What if I began this post by stating that although we have clearly made some good progress in the way of racial equality over the last fifty years, there is something positive to be said for the type of initiative and strength required by blacks during the Civil Rights era when they were forced to fight for the rights they enjoy today? What if I said that the actions of people in the 1960s have left this younger generation with a sense of entitlement that they don’t truly deserve? What if I said the idea of financial reparations for people my age is an absolute crock? And what if I took it one step further and maintained that I don’t feel I owe any one person anything, regardless of what my ancestors may have done to theirs?

Think I’d be viewed kindly for my thoughts? Me neither.

So for the sake of transparency, allow me to try and provide an honest answer to the initial question. In truth, most white people (of my generation, anyway) have been conditioned to believe that the group to which they belong is responsible for some horrible wrongdoings against blacks and other minorities in America. And to a certain extent, that’s correct. Some white people did systematically and maliciously violate the rights of some minorities. But that doesn’t mean that modern minorities aren’t immune to criticism when they attempt to play the race card as a justification for negative behavior. And believe me, that still happens.

I am all for providing excusing conditions for people who deserve them–I just don’t think race, in and of itself, holds the same kind of strength that it did fifty years ago. Is there still racism going on in America today? Yes. Is there still progress to be made even from a political standpoint? Of course. But to act as though we haven’t made any advancements over the last half century is to do a massive disservice to those who truly suffered on behalf of their future progeny, both white and black (and other). So let’s try to keep things in perspective. Let's also touch base on something that I do find to be offensive: When black people refer to themselves as "nigger." Despite whether you believe so or not, it is derogatory, and if you demand others see you as an equal counterpart-- don't you dare use a word that was once used to put you in your place and keep you as a lower  class of a human. There is nothing more frustrating to me than seeing someone call themselves a nigger, or a woman refer to herself as a bitch, slut or cunt. By calling yourself these things, you are giving others the right to do so. If you can't respect yourself-- don't expect others to.

In the wake of Trayvon Martin, I know that this post may spark some disagreements and arguments. Just try to listen for a hot minute, I think 100% that what happened is a total tragedy, but to be honest, I don't have enough knowledge of the situation to say one way or another what I believe really happened. And, to be honest, I don't think anyone despite the people who were in that court room really do. What I believe is that an innocent life was lost; a son, a friend, a young boy. What I believe is that man who should not have been carrying a gun, a man who should not have approached Trayvon especially after he was advised not to, did. I want justice for this poor boy and his family; but, in the court of law, they couldn't prove whether it was malicious or not. They couldn't prove whether it was self defense or not. And, despite that being a shame, it's the way our law works. Innocent. Until. Proven. Guilty.

But what about other other injustices? Like the fact that people are still so unbelievably opposed to the LGBT community, and a same-sex marriage because their religion defines marriage as one between a man and woman. To those people, our government was built around escaping religious persecution and no where in our Constitution does it say anything about marriage? What about the fact that a woman still makes about 20% less than a male who is in the same career? What about the judgement some working mothers receive by their peers because they feel the mothers' priorities are out of whack for being too focused on their children? In my eyes, a person is a person is a person. Gay, straight, lesbian, transgender, father, mother, black, white, mexican, male or female, etc. 

Anyone can find an injustice anywhere if they try hard enough. There is always going to be something, somewhere and everywhere. There are things in this world that make me sick to my stomach to hear, that I know is morally wrong. Things I can't believe that it is accepted as it is. But there is a difference between my morals and your morals, even if it's slightly different and that is why we have the law. Something the same across the board that is supposed to make it fair for all. So despite whether you agree with the Zimmerman outcome, or you think that you are treated differently because of your race or gender, I urge you to take a step back and believe in our system. If you can't, then I urge you to leave. There are so many places that are worse to be, and we all have things to be grateful for. The racial injustices of the past aren’t going anywhere, and they will never be forgotten completely. There is absolutely no escaping that, no matter how much many of us would like to. Stop whining about how oppressed you are and take a look at the injustices for others now. Remember, there are countries where having more than one daughter is against the law, countries where HIV and AIDS have infiltrated 69% of the population, countries where you aren't allowed to have an opinion or can't speak freely. There are terrible injustices, but always remember, your life is a life that so many people can only dream of having.

Please note, the fact that I wrote a post like this doesn’t make me a racist any more than my post about the craziness of women getting ready to go out made me a misogynist (despite being a woman myself). We need a reality check, if only for consistency’s sake. History is history, and while I will not accept personal responsibility for what took place back then, I always keep a close eye on how I interact with people. I may disagree with many things. I know you do too. I don't believe that people are treated equally. But, rather than bitch and moan about it, I can keep my heart happy and open. I can promise that I will raise my children to judge people not based on the outside but what is on the inside. I will raise them to be kind, and open to other people's beliefs. I will raise them to be what this world needs more of. It all starts with us and can end with us if we all work towards peace. Hate is taught and people aren't born with it.