One of the controversies revolving around Jefferson concerns his views on race. In his only book, Notes on the State of Virginia, he wrote about differences he had observed among whites, blacks, and American Indians. Of course, when comparisons are made the question of judgments usually arise. If two things are different, is one better than the other? So, TJ's comments have become controversial even though he was clear that they weren't opinions, but suspicions about differences, which he basically softened or withdrew in later years. I'm sure this subject will come up again here, and I will address it at length in my book, but that's not today's topic.
The whole subject of TJ and race has left me wondering what it means to be a racist. Is being prejudiced the same thing as being racist? Who gets to decide? We live in a time when thankfully almost all Americans would not like to be called a racist. This is a sign of more than political correctness, its a sign of real racial progress. Since I believe that our Jefferson can help lead to increased racial healing, it will be necessary from time to time to discuss race relations, and even raise controversial issues. This week seems like one of those times.
Even if you aren't a sports fan, you have probably heard about Michael Vick, the African American NFL quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, pleading guilty to being personally involved with dogfighting and the killing of dogs trained to fight. It was world-wide news and millions of people were appalled and disgusted and wanted him severely punished. However, on ESPN TV I saw two African American radio sports-talk hosts upset about the vehemence of the reaction, although they condemned Vick's actions. They said for blacks it reminds them that cops beat Rodney King 15 years ago and got away with it. They claimed blacks will never forget such incidents, and will always be suspicious of white motives and justice. The implication was made clear that if Vick was white there wouldn't be as much criticism. Other black ESPN commentators suggested the same thing.
Well, I know that racism is a fact of American life, but I'm tired of all whites being tarnished by the behavior of a few. I have nothing to do with white LA cops, then or now, or any similar incidents. Isn't thinking that most whites can't judge a black man fairly some kind of racism?...or prejudice? Didn't white America help make Vick the highest paid QB ever, as well as a highly paid corporate advertising spokesman?
Then 2 nights ago I had the pleasure, and privilege, to see B.B. King, the true King of the Blues, at the Ravinia Festival outside Chicago with one of my grown daughters (sadly, the other daughter was sick.) I've enjoyed him and his music since I was in high school 45 years ago, and was touched when he talked about growing up poor in the segregated south. He spoke from the heart, like he sings, as he thanked the audience, which was almost entirely white, for their warm, loving reception. He ended by saying how much has changed for the better between the races in his 81 years. And he was grateful for the changes. The audience applauded enthusiastically, surely in part, because we felt he was approving of us. He was implying that we were part of the solution, not the problem, and we liked that.
I'm not suggesting, nor was B.B., that all is well between the races, but it certainly doesn't help for any of us to always look at whites as if they are racist when they justifiably condemn the actions of one person who happens to be black. It's also tough to have inter-racial dialogues about race when whites fear being called racist, as I've seen first-hand. So, as I said, its good that whites don't want to be seen as racist, and it would also be good if more blacks could recognize the changes that have allowed both a B.B. King and a Michael Vick, and so many other blacks with lesser talents, to thrive in America. Nor would it surprise me if in a few years most white and black Americans find it in their hearts to forgive Michael Vick.
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The abolition of the evil (slavery) is not impossible; it ought never therefore be dispaired of. Every plan should be adopted, every experiment tried, which may do something towards the ultimate object. 1825
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