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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHenry Rollins: White America Couldn't Handle What Black America Deals With Every Day
If white America experienced a fraction of what black America deals with regarding law enforcement, incarceration, the court system, employment and countless other facts of life, they would immediately and collectively lose their minds.
...........
Im an educated, Caucasian, heterosexual male. Does this ensure I will have success and live the American Dream? Obviously it doesnt, but it damn sure drops me on second base with a great opportunity to steal third.
I live solidly in one of the Americas but have been aware of other Americas for decades. For the last week, I have heard politicians use a phrase that nauseates me whenever I hear anyone say it. The need to come together. To that I say, You first, motherfucker.
Since an upgrade will not occur on a national level via presidential pen stroke or SCOTUS decision, you have to take it upon yourself to be an infinitely fantastic person every single day. There will be times when it will be a bitch to be so awesome, but youll handle it. This century will be about incredible individuals. Bold acts of kindness and a genuine desire to at least try to see things from someone elses perspective are but two of the mandatory requirements for betterment moving forward.
Dont wait for your government. Its a broken machine that can only deliver damaged goods. Prejudice coats the mechanics of the USAs OS. Attempts to clean the parts are attacked as big-government, special-interest meddling. Its by no means a Gordian knot, but a total system retool is required. It would be incredibly expensive and time-consuming, and the growing pains would be enormous. Not gonna happen.
Equality, tolerance and decency are not inherently American or human traits. They are values you choose to adopt and use or not. So, be amazing all the time.
http://www.laweekly.com/music/henry-rollins-white-america-couldnt-handle-what-black-america-deals-with-every-day-7134994
Yallow
(1,926 posts)This amounts to the racism our president has had to deal with.
Too many Americans are racists, and too many politicians send them dog whistles, or actual bones every single day.
Good luck changing this.
yardwork
(61,622 posts)underpants
(182,824 posts)Still
Literally
yardwork
(61,622 posts)Cirque du So-What
(25,940 posts)but this video summarizes why I became an unabashed fan of Henry Rollins
Darb
(2,807 posts)Firstly, here on the DU. I have probably offended many of you with my snark, and sarcasm, and perhaps worse, as evidenced by more than a few hides. For that I truly apologize and will be more amazing going forward.
Thank you Henry Rollins. I feel better already.