Can we all just get along?
Racism is defined as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. The issue is a significant one for our culture, and for those most affected by it.
The media reports that society needs to talk about it, and there are many opportunities being created for dialogue.
However, many times the loudest voices in that conversation are cliches from both sides of the fence. Stereotypically, whites are portrayed as flag waving rednecks and thugs are the choice portrayal for blacks.
Why does the world see it in such black and white terms?
Guess what people, the planet Earth is composed of more than two shades of humanity. There are many among the human rainbow who are not complaining about racism.
So then, is racism - apparently a black and white issue - the real problem?
Or are we dealing with something else?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary simply defines prejudice as an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of race, sex, religion, etc. It also provides a more comprehensive definition for prejudice as injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights.
As far as I see it, the real problem facing society today is that some people, for what ever reason, don't want to play well with others.
The January 15 dash-cam video of how a white police officer responded to a report of black kids playing basketball "loudly" in the streets recently went viral.
Gainesville Officer Bobby White walked up to the boy playing basketball in the street and asked him sternly, "Can you believe someone's calling to complain about kids playing basketball in the street -- can you believe that?"
Before the boy could respond, White cracked a smile: "Obviously, I ain't got no problem with it."
Soon the officer and the young man started playing basketball, and within minutes five more joined in.
"Oh no, you've brought backup," the officer said, and then said he'd bring backup for the next game.
Gainesville Police Department spokesman Ben Tobias told CBS News, "As a society, we've gotten away from letting kids be kids."
Not once was the race card played during media coverage of the event.
Last week Officer White, brought along some back up consisting of several other officers and retired NBA great Shaquille O'Neal, returned for a pick-up game and shot some hoops with the same young men. That video is also in the process of going viral.
While watching the videos, I can't help but see the best of our society.
The officer gave respect to the young men, they gave it back. Then later, even more people got involved to prove the point that we can play well with others.
This was way more than a basketball game.
This is the way it should be.
Take a look for yourself and see if you agree...
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