GUILFORD — Donald Trump's most recent attack on four women of color is not only outrageous but hurtful to many. And as our president, who is supposed to be our leader, he is abusing his power by portraying such comments as representing our collective views and values. And we wonder why bullying behavior is such a problem among our youth!
Despite my outrage, I have learned that when I point my index finger at someone else, I need to take a moment to look at where my other three fingers are pointing: and that is at me.
A while ago, I read an article that opened with something to the effect of: “If you are white and living in the United States, you are a racist.” At first I was offended, but as I read on, I began to see the writer's point.
Racism is built into the fabric of our American society. Starting from our Constitution through to our judicial, policing, financial, employment, housing, and school systems, policies and practices have been embedded.
These policies favor white people and discourage or screen out people because of their race, skin color, financial status, and other personal attributes.
To my dismay and disgust, the latest polls indicate that Trump's approval rating has actually risen to 50 percent since his latest racist remarks! The polls' accuracy might be questionable, but it certainly is a strong indication of both the widespread racism that exists in our country and that Trump is a master at playing to those racist views he is now condoning. This is not only commentary on Trump as a person but also on the racial prejudice that is so prevalent in our country.
Those of us who are in that other 50 percent, especially those of us who are white, must actively take steps to dismantle systems of oppression which white folks continue to benefit from.
That means speaking out against such oppression, even with friends, family, work colleagues, and supervisors.
That means actively supporting and voting for people who want to bring justice to our systems.
That means openly challenging the systems, procedures, and policies in our workplaces and other organizations that are unjust.
And most of all, that means recognizing our own respective roles in perpetuating injustice and becoming willing to make the personal sacrifices in bringing about justice.
I admit that sacrifice is not something I'm always willing to do. But as I get older, and hopefully a bit wiser, I know I feel best about myself when I make such personal sacrifices, knowing in my heart it is the right thing to do.
We must stop this cancer that is eating away at our nation and, as our guiding light in all we do, we must restore the basic principles of human decency over financial gain.