What Color Is Your Tea???

What Color Is Your Tea?

The controversy between Shirley Sherrod and Andrew Breitbart, the Tea Party conservative provocateur activist, represents that we cannot and should not stop the discussion about racism throughout our community and nation. Inciting accusations of racism of individuals and organizations just because of their shades of color and the results of emotionally charged outrage for racism cannot be shouldered by one particular cultural or ethnic group. Stated by the media Breitbart is a scary guy who’s learned to use video and the Internet to prey on people’s fears and biases.

No organization or person should be allowed to use print or digital media to denigrate a person or culture. There is freedom of speech, but not freedom to make unsubstantiated accusations. All cultures contain the elements of ideological racism because of differences whether they are religious, political ideologies or socioeconomic status, there is racism based on sex (sexism) that many women experience even if they are white. The differences do not always have to be shades of color, but can be based on other factors as mentioned earlier.

There is the contention by many that it will take the collaborative efforts of all cultures to defeat the mental and emotional travesties of hatred, racism and prejudice. Minds must change and relationships must evolve past the Us versus Them mentality. The United States puts itself on the level of some third world nations when displays of prejudice and racism exist in one of the most powerful nations of the world and of history. How can our country be a leader of international scale if we don’t grow beyond the limitations of racism and prejudice like Mrs Sherrod does, she releases these limiting mindsets, but is still ridiculed and setup to look like a monster. The true monster is the one who does not forgive, who continues to stir the pot of ignorance and hatred. Mrs. Sherrod displayed bravery by stating biases that she had over two decades ago, and describe how she overcame them.

How as imperfect people can we judge others to the point where we cannot talk more about our similarities? Something as insignificant as a shade of color should not keep people who claim to be from the same race – The Human Race from respectfully involved in dialogue. Even Mrs. Sherrod stated, “I wish he (Breitbart) had been here because I really would like to talk to him,” she said of Breitbart during the opening plenary session at the 35th annual black journalists convention, in San Diego. To coincide her statements with actions, if the late Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina who was a stanch supporter on segregation during the 50’s and 60’s can change his feelings over decades, this shows that there is hope in the human spirit, the fire that unites us more than just physical entities, but as a people built of moral and ethical substance.

I cannot call myself a true educator claiming education as my calling or pronounce to be a Christian and judge children, parents and my peers based on their color, their body sizes, the twang or inflections of their speech patterns. I have to accept all students male and female, regardless of their hair color or style, eye color or parental heritage. I challenge my educational peers along with my brothers and sisters in Ministry not to be blinded by past biases, prejudices or racial issues. My principals, values and morals are to teach and treat all students and parents equally with respect and dignity.

It is a travesty that a speech by an African American woman that was aimed at growth and reconciliation has been turned around to divide not just people, but a government. If this is another representation of how divided we are then the importance of discussion and continued dialogue is needed everywhere.

How can our principals, morals and values be allowed to be separated based on the color of our skin? The underlying goals and aspirations for oneself and families are the same. If we as a people can subscribe to an American dream then we as Americans and as a Human Race have the same dreams and should not be separated by color. Throughout this lesson and this is a lesson in life’s judgements against another person and group against jumping to conclusions without getting all the facts. The NAACP has to accept responsibility as well because of their denunciation of Mrs. Sherrod’s comments even though they did not get all the facts as well. Mrs. Sherrod commented that, she was stunned by the NAACP’s rapid denunciation of her remarks based on the two-minute clip. This should motivate all of us not to jump to unsubstantial conclusions. Not to be swayed by media clips for shock effect.

Mrs. Sherrod’s dedication and devotion to the human spirit can be shown through her willingness to continue to work with the civil rights organization (NAACP). “I’m not angry. Personally, I don’t have a problem with (NAACP President) Benjamin Jealous or any one else in the NAACP. I can work with them. It’s not about me; it’s about us.” Truer words were not spoken when Mrs. Sherrod commented that even through her experience she believes the country can heal its racial divisions if people are willing to confront the issues. "I truly believe that we can come together in this country. But you don't (come together) by not talking to each other. You don't get there by pushing things under the rug."

To encourage further dialogue E3 has boldly presented an opportunity to encourage the discussion on race, racism, bias, prejudice, and in some cases the outdated ideology of segregation that is still prevalent in the Untied States.

The citizens of Northeast Florida and surrounding communities are encouraged to come to a dialogue. “Real Talk… Real Change II Are YOU Living COLOR” This is a free event will look at the mindsets and the issues which surround racism and prejudice in NE Florida and how it affects our ability to do business as entrepreneurs and as advocates in NE Florida.

Thursday, January 27^th, 2011. Venue and Panelists TBA
RSVP 904-735-8627 or events@e3businessgroup.us
Sponsor & Vendor Opportunities—888-525-2299 x119
E3 in the Community - www.youtube.com/user/e3businessgroup