OK, as an African American I'm supposed to get all up in arms about Kelly Tilghman's comments about lynching Tiger Woods. And the Jena 6. And Don Imus. But I'm not. If I really believe racism exists, why am I always so shocked and appalled when someone makes a racist statement? And is complaining about racism going to do?
My suggestion to other African Americans (and Hispanics, Indians, Chinese, Native Americans, etc) is to hug a white person. Invite one for dinner. Walk their dog. Let them see you as a regular person. The righteous indignation card only goes so far. At some point, you have to use other tools in your belt to accomplish a project. And if a white person knows you as a person, he or she will listen to you when you are offended with a more open mind.
I do think racism (and sexism and religious intolerance and homophobia) exists. I just don't think that the current tactics of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are helping anyone.
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