Hear this: I am no racist

Do you know the old saying, that if you tell a person that he or she did or said something often enough he or she will eventually believe it, even if from day one they were sure they didn’t? Well, after being called a racist several times in letters to the editor and many more times by readers who respond to me directly by e-mail, I thought it best to check. Looking up definition of “racist,” I discovered the word isn’t defined.

According to Random House Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, published in 1991, “Racism” is defined as, “1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usu. involving the idea that one’s own race is superior. 2. a policy or system of government, etc, based on such a doctrine. 3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.” Racist is a noun or adjective.

I’ve written opinions for seven years, the last three for The News Virginian. Over the course of those years I’ve never said or inferred that African Americans or other minorities are superior to whites. What I have done is point out or list examples of when I’ve felt African Americans and other minorities were being treated unfairly or had been victims of discrimination. Over the years I’ve also attempted to present how minorities view actions or ideas differently from whites.

For instance, in the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote,  “All men are create equal.” But he only meant white men. Even after the colonies won their independence from England, Jefferson continued owning slaves, including his own half-white (or half-black) children. He even refused to free them upon his death.

A recent example of racism occurred just last week. More than 60 mostly black and Hispanic children were turned away from a private suburban pool that their Northeast Philadelphia day camp had paid to use. Some campers said they heard club members making racial remarks. Club officials later rescinded the day camp’s membership and refunded its fee, saying they were worried about crowding in the pool. Others thought the move was racially driven. After the story broke in the mainstream media, the club did an about-face, saying the day camp would be welcome.
In this case and others, simply put, I want all playing fields – at work and play and in schools – to be level. If it takes too long to level the field naturally, I have no qualms using artificial levelers – including affirmative action and quotas.
A final thought. Why am I considered a racist for bringing attention to unfair and hurtful treatment or situations? Let’s say we’re in a checkout line with customers waiting to complete a purchase. You’re in front me and unknowingly step on my foot and continue doing so. Should I remain quiet, figuring you’re unaware but will eventually get off my foot, or should I let you know you’re on my foot?

Common sense says I should let you know, or you’ll continue standing on my foot. Furthermore, don’t expect me to be apologetic. I’m the one in pain.

So if letting you know you’re hurting me is racist, Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary and I are wrong.