Comments on: Panel on Race Relations

By: DLo

DLo — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:46:35 +0000

I envision a concept that each of us has a purpose but moreover, that there is a sort of formula for which to discover what that purpose is. And that formula would lead all of us (theoretically) to a state of independence where we can all take care of ourselves. We have a job, likely one we are happy or comfortable with and we can meet all obligations (bills, work, family) in timely and mature fashion. Racial discord is like a tree with many deep roots, each root being a small contributing factor to the tree’s growth. Factors such as parenting, education, social class,and cultural influences. I believe that the common root to almost all racial groups is education. Most of us went to school, at least through high school, because we had to. If asked why we attended, we knew what to say but few grasped or believed it. When parents somehow lose sight of the responsibility they have to teach their children that they are supposed to grow up and become someone independent, the education system is supposed to back them up by educating children and showing them that they have purpose and a chance to become something. The positive pathway of educating oneself to completion, can erase the racial boundaries that have been placed in our hearts and minds. This is because ones own personal issues with racism and race will undoubtedly have to be dealt with internally somewhere along the road to success. So it is my belief that education weighs heavily in the fight to curb racism at least in the future generations. And as for those who are already adults, it is likely that if they have racist tendencies then they are probably not the successful and independent figures that we could hope for. Imagine these individuals living in your neighborhood or imagine being one, it has probably been a life of consistent diminishing. Perhaps if someone could come to them and show them that there was a way that they could become something more, that they could have the things that the never thought they could and that there is a purpose for them. It is the chance at having purpose in this life, the hope that they wont have to live in a geographical closet for the rest of their lives whether it be their neighborhood or a jail cell. And because I believe that this website, many of its users, and the numerous Clay St. residents desire to deliver that message to people…the message that they can be somebody and there is purpose in life and that we can achieve that together-I am obligating myself to get more involved.

By: thompson

thompson — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:23:11 +0000

Definately sparked a thought or two!
Our nation has been built upon the fundamental basis of liberty for all right? This means all walks of life regardless of race. As soon as we start discriminating, don’t we facilitate the undermining of our rights to exercize this liberty and freedom?
There will always be ignorance, there will always be mistakes made. We are only human. We need to stop trying to speak for our groups and step up as individuals. While there may be strength in numbers there may just as easily be weakness. I feel it is our individual responsibility on a person to person level to see what is human about the people we so often group together based on one tiny percent of the whole. If we break it down to a common denominator we can see similarities and likenesses that are familiar that might be more easily understood which might lead to a more empathetic mindset.

By: Timm

Timm — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:08:58 +0000

Ellis, I for one am curious as to what do some of the comments make you think? Especially in light of where you come from and your experience in dealing with racial circumstances?

By: Ellis

Ellis — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:05:55 +0000

Encore!!
I hope there will be more clips of the panel coming. The 10 minutes put up so far are fantastic. This is a great step towards understanding each other and unifying.