It's public record that The national Association of Black Veterans got
my benefits for me when I started getting help for many issues I have.I worked for my
best friend as a driver and bouncer. He grabbed my arm one day and took me to their office.
"My friend needs help."That's all he had to say. Over a beer once, I remember asking
how they would take me as a customer. He looked at me, paused as if to figure out what
my question was. "Oh! he said, you mean the white thing."
I assured him I didn't mean anything about what I asked and was grateful for their help.
He looked at me and laughed, "When it comes to us helping white vets, we have two rules: you have to be ugly and crazy,"I was assured I met both rules.
"You don't have to put it quite that way, " I said. He assured me he was half kidding. He
never told me which half he was kidding about.
I had lunch with my friend today and the news of the various killings of black men came up. I made the stupid comment that it's good we live in liberal Seattle and not those
other racist cities.
My friend is an attorney, married with 3 boys and a daughter. "He said "If I am wearing
a suit and walk into a fancy department store, I'm usually treated okay.If I walk in to any store in jeans and a sweatshirt, I promise I'm followed, asked what I need, and
saying I'm just looking, means I am followed everywhere." I was stunned. This man
lives in a beautiful home on the east side of Seattle. Racism can't exist here;can it.
The hood sweater is never worn by his son's.His daughter is taken care of by her brothers. One of his son's broke a kids nose over a comment made to his sister.
I told him how sorry I was and to consider the person who makes a stupid comment.
"He or she is probably a Republican," He laughed and said anyone from any party
can be a racist. The racist has a need to feel superior to someone. It's a culture thing
that is still around, but is more subtle here.He seemed resigned to the fact.
There is an old saying that your never really mad at what you say you are. He thinks I'm depressed and was buying me lunch to cheer me up. I was trying to make him feel better.
I guess racism is everywhere. I remember once writing about "Pink People". I thought
if we had lots of different colors of people, it would be better. My friend read it and thought it funny but he could"t believe I was serious. Well it did
seem silly after I wrote it.
Follow me below.
Live for the day when we live in a world where 12 year old boy isn't killed seconds after
the police show up.feeling Maybe someday we really will become "color blind". I really thought
things were better in 2014. This is a new improved version of "Jim Crow" laws, a need by some to feel superior to someone. It starts with us. It starts by teaching those we love
how silly and sad and sometimes tragic race relations are.
I've received nothing but love and help from friends, no matter what color they are.
If only that were true with everyone.
-I think one's feelings waste themselves in
words; they ought all to be distilled into
actions and into actions which
bring results.
-Florence Nightingale