Some Thoughts On My Racist Self

This post is being written on Thursday even though its probably dated for Wednesday. I hate how Blogspot no longer lets you change the dates on your posts because it'd be more appropriate here. Anyways .... don't ask why, but for some reason known only to laziness and the dead batteries in the remote control, I happened to catch Oprah. Now, normally, I'm not a fan of Ms. Winfrey. There is nothing more horrible than watching her try to prattle on like she is one of us. Yeah, I'd lose 80 pounds if I had a personal trainer, a personal chef, and a personal dietician ... but since most of us don't, those who watch her show are forced to watch her act as if her 100's of millions don't exist and she is Oprah, the next door neighbor.

Her topic was the next show coming up called Trading Races. I have to admit; I'm excited about this show. How perfect is this? People actually trading races to get a taste of what the "other guy" feels everyday. The editors of this episode did a superb job of whetting my appetite since the clips looked explosive and controversial.

I have always wondered if racism is so black and white (no pun intended). What I mean, is it possible for anyone to be racist regardless of one's race? Is it racist for black comedians to openly mimic white people? Or is it justified given the past treatment of blacks? I think about that given that it certainly couldn't go both ways i.e. a white comedian couldn't mimic blacks without a huge backlash. I have to admit, I'm uncomfortable in either situation. Someone once made the argument that it is impossible for

I do admit I feel like such a Klansmen when I drive through an unsavory part of town and double check to make sure my doors are locked. But then again, I also keep an eye open if I come upon a group of white teens walking at night since you never know if I might make the news as some kids decide they wanted to make a bean dip! See, I'm even referring to myself in a racist way!!

But I have been on the opposite side. I dated a girl in high school whose father told me his daughter didn't date "dirty Mexicans" when I called her one night. Back in Arizona, I was walking around around dinner time in downtown Tempe. An older and probably affluent white lady saw me walking towards her and her husband. She moved her purse to side opposite me and then double wrapped the strap around her arm. I was in shock considering I'm wearing an Arizona State t-shirt and a buzzcut looking like I'm in ROTC and she had just passed thuggish white teens trying their best to look like Paul Wall or Eminem.

I guess I'm always fascinated with the dynamics of racism. I hope that in 10 years or so, my nephews won't even blink to see a black & white couple. I am hopeful and I believe that this is already happening, but there will always be pockets of resistance. I was behind a truck the other day that had a volunteer firefighter sticker in the back window next to a "It's a White Thing. You Wouldn't Understand" sticker. I was so disappointed that a public servant would brag on one hand about a most commendable achievement and then destroy that same image at the same instant.

Is it racism when Muslims are treated in an oppressive manner or is simple discrimination? It's strange, but racism seems to be evolving. It's no longer just a black & white thing, it's an all out assault. In L.A. prisons, there are race riots between Mexican Americans and Blacks. There is a backlash against Asians in several communities.

I'm just sort of babbling at this point. I guess I believe racism can go both ways. I am capable of racism just like any member of a minority or a majority. Any thoughts to go along with my rambling?