Yeah, I know.  Khadafi's a terrorist and his people are fighitng for their freedom and liberation.  That's what you read and what they told you on television.  There is so much misinformation out here that people can read a poorly researched piece on the internet about Libya and think they are well informed.  For instance, I had a very interesting conversation the other day with someone I just met about Libya.  I admit, I'm passionate when debating, especially about issues related to Africa and racism, but I wasn't fazed when this person called me illogical and hung up on me because I know my analysis of Libya was right on target.  Plus, I attended a discussion last night on racism here in Portland and one of the White gentlemen there made an outstanding point.  He said that for most White people, if someone African or of color is discussing race issues in a passionate way and the White person gets uncomfortable, the White interpretation of that is the African must be doing something wrong.  This emotional response negates the reality of whether the anlaysis provided is historically correct or not. 

Here are some truths.  Chevron has been in Libya since the 50s when King Idris, a U.S. puppet, was leader of Libya.  Khadafi served as a junior military officer and organized a coup to overthrow Idris in 1969.  The first thing Khadafi did after establishing the Libyan Jamahiriya is nationalize the oil and spread the mineral wealth to the people (which was not the case under Idris).  As a result, Libyans are the richest, best educated, healthiest, and best cared for people in Africa today.  Libya has also spent the last 40 years supporting the genuine liberation movements in Angola, South Africa, Namibia, Guinea-Bissau, and in other parts of Africa.  Consequently, Khadafi is probably the most popular man in Africa today.   Why do you think the first thing Mandela did when he got out of prison was visit Khadafi?  Those are all facts and there are many more.  If you didn't know any of that and you accept the same tired hype that Khadafi's an evil dictator who's killing his people, I recommend you research things a lot closer because you are being fed the same racist crap that defines how any African is portrayed who doesn't cowtow to Uncle Sam.

So Obama has produced his birth certificate.  For those of you who honestly think his administration doing so will put to rest the questions about who he is, you're being naive.  The question really isn't where he was born, but who he is.  African, Asian, Latino, and other folks of color are still today, even in 2011, viewed as less than citizens by much of the White population as well themselves.  This isn't intentional, its systematic.  Its the result of years of programming about who the real Americans are and what they look like.  Those images are George Washington to John Wayne to Elvis to Tom Brady and Payton Manning.  Its not Marcus Garvey or Huey Newton or Assata Shakur or even Jay Z.  In fact, most of you have no clue who any of those people are except the rapper of course.  So the birth certificate won't make this go away because the core issue is what community he comes from and the fact that community is different and unknown (and therefore uncomfortable) to the folks making the demand.  Its the typical subtle racism that defines America today.  Its not putting a rope around someone's neck, but don't be confused, its equally as lethal.

Is it an attitude?  A disease?  Something everyone can be guilty of regardless of your "race" (race is a social construct).  The answer is no, no, and no.  Contrary to what you will learn in practically every so-called "official" source in this society, racism plain and simple is the system of institutionalized discrimination.  Racism is a Black man, Brown man, and White man going for a job, or apartment, or getting pulled over for speeding, or arrested for commiting a crime, and the Black and Brown man getting offered the job and apartment 1/4 of the time compared to the White man.  It's the Black/Brown men getting tickets three times as often and arrested five times as often.  Its the Black/Brown women being sterilized without her knowledge after childbirth.  Its the Black/Brown person being 85% more likely to be killed and/or roughed up by police under the same circumstances.  You get the idea?  Black/Brown people can't be racist against Whites because they lack institutuional power to do any of the above.  All they can do for the most part is have an attitude against Whites.  Of course, most Whites can only do the same towards people of color, but they still benefit from all of the above (which is why you should stop saying "I don't cause racism....If you benefit and do nothing to stop it, you are just as guilty as the ones carrying it out).  This definition of racism is what people want eradicated.  Get that straight.  No body cares about how White people feel about us or whether you think we are equal.  WE DON'T CARE!  We just want to end discrimination which holds us back.  You can get mad at this, but I dare you to refute it.

Can I share something with you that just irritates me to death?  Have you ever had dinner with a doctor, dentist, attorney, garbage collector, meter maid, McDonalds frycook, whomever, and that person began to talk about their profession.  When they did so, did you immediately cut them off and start disagreeing with their assessment of what they do for a living?  Of course you didn't because you would look like an absolute fool if you did.  So, since we all understand that, why is it that the minute someone like me makes a statement about race relations, most, not all, but most White people immediately disagree and start spouting off about something that has nothing to do with the topic?

I'm not saying I'm the world's top expert on racism, but there are not many who have my credentials.  I've studied the issue for the last 35 years.  I've obtained a masters degree in social relations, but more important than that, I've experienced it my entire life and I've worked for over 30 years to eradicate racism.  I think that gives me the right to have a qualified opinion on the subject. 

Its not that I don't mind listening to people, but its hard to listen to ignorant opinions about race and racism when its obvious the minute you open your mouth that you have no experience with the issue, haven't read a single book about it, and really don't ever think about the topic until you are forced to.

Everyone has the right to be ignorant I guess if that's your choice, but humble yourself.  When you have the opportunity to hear an informed opinion on racism, shut up! I know it will be hard because that opinion attacks your desire to see this nation as the perfect Disneyland, but try to realize and accept (for a change) that this discussion isn't about you right now.  Shut up, listen, and learn something.  You'll make the world a better place.  I promise you that when you talk to me about something I don't know as much about that I'll extend you the same courtesy :)