Katrina and the race card
The winds of Katrina stirred up more than floodwaters and debris; they also fanned the flames of a very predictable and polarized "discussion" about race in America.
As I watch the national cable channels and read editorials on the Internet, I am amazed at how some insinuate race without proof or facts.
This post is not about arguing the Katrina / Race connection or disconnection. I want to back up a bit and discuss race in general.
Simply put, an individual's race is but one characteristic of their whole. Humans are observant and we all notice what color a person's skin is, what color their hair is, how they talk, how they smell, and many other things. This is not racist, this is being observant.
In addition to observing characteristics, we have a set of prejudices or preconceived notions about people who look a certain way. Someone with white pasty skin, purple hair, wearing black, baggy pants with lots of hardware on them is recognized as Goth. A black person with pants halfway down their rear end, wearing heavy chains, tennis shoes, and a sideways hat looks like a rapper. A guy with boots, jeans, and a cowboy hat looks like a cowboy. So far so good, we all do this.
We may have opinions about someone who is Goth, a rapper, or a cowboy. We may prefer or not prefer to be associated with one or more of these groups, but most folks still deal with people individually. "I don't like rappers, but Alex there is a nice guy." "Those Goth folks are strange, but Aaron seems like a nice kid." "I always thought cowboys were hicks, but Charlie is pretty cool." When it comes to the individual, most of us judge them on their own merits.
My definition of a racist is treating an entire race the same simply because they are that race. It could be good or bad. I like him because he is black. I don't like him because he is black, are both racist statements.
Much of the "debate" about race I believe is demeaning to blacks. For Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton to refer to all blacks and to presume to speak for all blacks is to deny that blacks may hold varied opinions. I believe these two "leaders" are more about self-promotion than they are about helping their race.
Does racism exist in the US? You bet it does, but it is carried out by all races on all races. Blacks can be racists like anyone else. I realize some believe blacks cannot be racists, but I disagree with the proposition.
Blacks who believe they are disadvantaged because of racism have been told this for years by those who claim to lead them. They assume the role of victim, which is never a good role to assume, because it leaves one powerless. A victim waits for someone to fix things.
Humans must learn to overcome. Look at history. Telling blacks they are down because they are victims of racism has not helped them. Blaming someone for your trouble does not make you successful. We must succeed anyway. Struggle is part of the human experience. Some of us may have to struggle with racism, but if we do not overcome it, we will not be successful.
Katrina and racism: The rhetoric about race as it relates to the aftermath of hurricane Katrina is coming from far away. Those making the claims probably have not walked the streets of New Orleans or traveled the back roads of Mississippi.
I have seen healthcare workers of all races working to help patients of all races. Blacks, whites, and Mexicans brush shoulders as they wait in lines for help and as they lend a hand to help each other. Here in the affected area, there is a dominating spirit of goodwill, friendship, benevolence, and brotherhood. If anything, this storm has brought the races together.
I suppose those with agendas will continue to seize perceived opportunities to make their points, but I believe there is a majority of good folks of all races who are intelligent enough to judge all individuals on what they do and not by the color of their skin.
New Orleans is a world city. People here appreciate the influence of other cultures. Our food, fun, and festivals celebrate this diversity.
Today in a group therapy session I asked the question: What has Hurricane Katrina made you appreciate? Some said air conditioning and others said to be alive. One African American lady said, "I appreciate how this hurricane has brought us all together - blacks and whites - we are closer and working together better."
The national news programs would have you believe that the problem of race in America is a powder keg waiting to explode, but I think when you get down to the people, there is a lot more respect and cooperation between races than these folks would have you believe.
Until the next time
John Strain
Friday, September 16, 2005 at 12:14AM 
