Racism is harming our human condition
An Illinois point of view, echo published in The News-Gazette
View the world in new light, through the eyes of those who are the object of racist remarks. A call to improve our human condition by creating awareness about racism and its negative impact.
The News-Gazette
Reference this news story as published on National Public Radio:
Rep. Mark Meadows, Rep. RashidaTlaib Cool Down After Fiery Exchange Over Racism At Michael Cohen Hearing with the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Dear Editor; During the Michael Cohen hearing on February 27, 2019, when Rep. Mark Meadows, a Republican from North Carolina, began speaking with a black woman standing next to him, I thought something was odd. And I didn't fully comprehend my notion until later in the day when I heard the recording of Rep. Rashida Tlaib articulating what was just a tiny mustard seed in my head earlier.
She called out Meadows for a racist act, and her vehemence as to the affront his actions and words were to the committee, Congress and our country set in motion a self reflection that has brought me understanding that I am a little bit racist.
Calling out racism is not intended to describe how the racist feels. It is intended to inform those who cannot recognize that their words and actions make others feel belittled, oppressed or unsafe.
I realized that I am blind to my racism because I don't engage in overtly racists acts and I tell myself that means I'm not racist. But still, it's likely I don't see all the little things I do, that if done to me, I'd just brush off because I don't have the same history as those I offend.
So I need to think, self reflect and see the world around me in a new light.
I need to examine my words and actions and try to see how they will affect others, whatever the issues may be. And until I can identify and react with the intensity of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, in the moment as it's happening, I cannot call myself brave, nor can I say I am not a racist.
Michael Miller Champaign, Illinois
Dear Editor; During the Michael Cohen hearing on February 27, 2019, when Rep. Mark Meadows, a Republican from North Carolina, began speaking with a black woman standing next to him, I thought something was odd. And I didn't fully comprehend my notion until later in the day when I heard the recording of Rep. Rashida Tlaib articulating what was just a tiny mustard seed in my head earlier.
She called out Meadows for a racist act, and her vehemence as to the affront his actions and words were to the committee, Congress and our country set in motion a self reflection that has brought me understanding that I am a little bit racist.
Calling out racism is not intended to describe how the racist feels. It is intended to inform those who cannot recognize that their words and actions make others feel belittled, oppressed or unsafe.
I realized that I am blind to my racism because I don't engage in overtly racists acts and I tell myself that means I'm not racist. But still, it's likely I don't see all the little things I do, that if done to me, I'd just brush off because I don't have the same history as those I offend.
So I need to think, self reflect and see the world around me in a new light.
I need to examine my words and actions and try to see how they will affect others, whatever the issues may be. And until I can identify and react with the intensity of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, in the moment as it's happening, I cannot call myself brave, nor can I say I am not a racist.
Michael Miller Champaign, Illinois
Labels: Champaign Illinois, Illinois, Michael Miller, National Public Radio, Rep. Mark Meadows, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, The News-Gazette
posted by Juliana L'Heureux | 11:18 PM
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