Do We Really Believe Race is an Issue?

by Dameon E. Madison

For the past few months my heart has weighed heavy for our country. For many, the following sentiments may be considered race baiting but, for others like me, they reflect the reality of living in these yet to be United States.

Whether you want to admit it or not, race IS an issue in this country. The inordinate amount of excessive force utilized by police on persons of color, the blatant disrespect for the President of this country, the lack of concern for the humanity of persons of color, obvious economic disparities, systematic oppression and injustice – the list goes on and on. I am always amazed by (though I shouldn’t be considering the history of this country) how black life is treated as worthless.

Taking a stroll through the scenarios of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Mike Brown, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice and the far too many others that peruse the pages of our minds or the countless others who have not had the opportunity to be exposed in the media, weighs on my heart. For anyone not living with their eyes wide shut, the symptoms are obvious. Our country has a disease called racism; and the sad reality is, rather than acknowledge it and seek treatment, we live wounded.

White privilege prevents compassion simply because it’s rooted in an illusion of reality fostered by a history of oppression and conversely, people of color who have “done well” live in avoidance not to quench the acceptance they long for. Further, covert and overt racists live in a whirlwind of hatred and diversion that has got to be an impediment to peace. How do you live with that much hate in your heart?

Issues of race and class define the treatment of the poor and disenfranchised where individualistic blame replaces the critique of a systematic problem.

My heart is heavy, because I don’t believe race defines how a person should be treated. My heart is heavy, because young black men should not have to live in fear of the very individuals sworn to protect and serve. My heart is heavy, because no person should suffer the indignity of disrespect because of the color of his or her skin. My heart is heavy, because we allow minority communities to be underfunded, under-educated, underserved and underrepresented. My heart is heavy, because we have allowed privilege and capitalism to be god’s worshiped. My heart is heavy; because I believe at our core we are all better than this. Every person is capable of change and loving beyond self. But, my heart remains heavy because I’m afraid – we don’t want to . . .

Dameon E. Madison is an R3 Contributor