We watched and listened, last week, to pundits and pols, as they wiggled and squirmed around the issue of racism. Sparked by the Professor Gates issue and our President's response. The question is, however, what constitutes racism?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, racism is: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. But how can that be possible when all human beings are of the same "Race?"
Ah, here's the problem: we have re-defined the word racism to suit our circumstance and perhaps to exaggerate something which is completely normal. People groups DO exhibit unique traits and characteristics. But, maybe we're really looking at something else and simply calling it racism.
What about bigotry? Merriam-Webster defines a bigot as: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.
So, what's the difference? Well, one is a political "club" used to beat people over the head for fun or profit. The other is immoral. But we can't talk about morality because everyone's morality is different. What's right for you may not be right for me, according to the post-modern, secularist.
So, we're stuck with "racism." This idea is more social than moral and we can drag it out whenever we need it in order to defend poor behavior or attack our enemies.
Professor Gates exhibited bigotry. He assumed that because the men at his door were police officers that they were simply out to give him a hard time or intimidate him because he was black. Isn't that what all police officers do?
The fact that he and another man used their shoulder to break down a door, in order to gain access, then showed a Harvard University ID, which did not have the address of that house on it was not apparently a suspicious enough event, in the mind of this PhD. When the officer wanted more information and to come inside, to make sure everything was as it was being presented, Professor Gates shouted "Racist!" He also began insulting the officer and making a ruckus on the lawn, constituting a Public Disturbance [as opposed to a disturbance in his own home].
That should have worked. It usually does. Al Sharpton thought it was sufficient. Even the president of the United States weighed in on Professor Gates' side.
But, alas, the facts were on the officer's side. What a surprise! You mean not all men and women in blue are bigoted? You mean we can no longer paint them all with the same brush?
What, then, are we to do when the police catch us in suspicious circumstances?
We could try cooperating, like ordinary citizens instead of expressing a bigoted attitude. That would be the Christian thing to do. And, if you're not a Christian, it would be the polite thing to do.
We may even start getting along.
