Race

Race is ubiquitous in everywhere and everyone. Should race be relevant? For the most part, the answer is "no" but unfortunately, it IS relevant.

I grew up in Peoria, Illinois, in a dominant white middle-class neighborhood. My Mother was racist, but my Father never made a comment. When I was in 7th grade a black family moved in across the street. They had two boys, one my age and the other a couple years younger. We played together, went to school together and laughed together. They let my friends and I touch their afros. I saw two black kids as friends to play with. The moved away after a year.

In current times and under the current political administration in the U.S., there is a growing sense of white supremecy. Why do certain whites think they're better than others? Do certain blacks, browns, hispanics, Asians, Indians, Middle-Easterns think they're better than others? Why does anyone think they're better than someone else because of their skin color?

Before I retired I worked closely with colleagues based in India. India nationals are polite, respectful and calm. I often noticed how they didn't conform to Americans use of frustration, foul language, criticism and greed. They appreciated their jobs, culture and self-respect. (There were plenty of Zoom calls where I am convinced the India associates thought "us" Americans were obnoxious idiots!)

I have written of my friend Israel at McDonalds. Israel is hispanic. Israel is a close friend. Israel sees my spirit and friendship - nothing else. Israel is an equality icon.

Race is a universal problem. Respect is a universal gap. Why say people are "from the hood", "border junkies", "white trash", etc. There is no superior race - there's only superior envy, distrust, bias, bigotry, and egos.

To win the "race" of peace, we must be "blind".