Grab Bag Fridays: Shake Ya Moneymaker!

(1 Cent): Racism Fading?

In my Rhetoric of Freedom class, we are studying a couple of Martin Luther King's works (namely the "I Have A Dream" speech and his "Letter From Birmingham"). To me, it's kind of crazy to fathom how African-Americans were treated; all of the actions taken against them and the mentality of Whites towards them. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that far back in the past, either. All of this occurred less than 45 years ago, which to me is astounding. It makes more sense -- or I understand more -- of why older people (60 years old and up) are sometimes are still a little racist ... because (unfortunately) that was the mindset back in the day.

Studying this made me think of how things are now, with people who are about 30 years old and down (to children). I can only speak for myself, but I remember growing up "blind" to color or race ... people were just people. If you were nice to me I liked you; if you were attractive, you were attractive ... but it was not according to race. I wonder if the more time that passes, it allows for strong racism to be farther behind in the rearview, which will make racism be less of an issue. I'm pretty sure blatant racism will not be a problem again (and by blatant, I mean having segregation), but I mean subconsciously for everyone. I'm not saying that prejudices would totally vanish, but would be less of a factor of stereotypes or something.

For instance, since I grew up in an environment (either due to the time period, the laws, or my upbringing) where race didn't determine who someone was as much as it did in the 40's, 50's, 60's ... will it be less of an issue for my future kids' lives? I mean, again speaking for myself, growing up I didn't feel or see much "real" racism occurring ... a stereotypical joke here and there ... so will it be less of an issue in the future?

Being a Latin flavored cat, I'd have to say I've encountered less racism than I thought I would (looking back). Of course, being 5'11", having a lighter complexion, speaking with no foreign accent, and knowing little to no Spanish almost makes me "White" ... but that's beside the point. (Note: the last sentence reminded me of when a Caucasian friend of mine called me Whiter than she was ... cracked me up to no end). So, perhaps since I'm looking at the world through my (beautiful, brown) Latin eyes, I'm distorted ... meaning, if I was White, would I think differently? If I was Black? Asian? What about half and half? Are we all looking at things through a racial, terministic screen?

Basically, all I'm saying is what was on my mind ... how weird it would have been to lived in an environment that such blatant racism was condoned ... how I think it is better today ... and how I hope it gets better in the future.

(2 Cent): Laugh It Off

While writing '1 Cent' and thinking about race it made me feel, to a certain extent, that recently (70's, 80's, 90's, more so now) we as a people have coped with racism and stereotypes through comedy ... through humor. I'm all for it.

I feel it's a tension breaker at times ... making fun of yourself racially. For instance, let's take the stereotype of ethnic foods. Yes ... because I'm Latin, I simply love beans and rice. The ironic thing, I suppose, would be me not liking beans ... which is the truth. Not a fan. I joke around about this ... I don't get offended. Oh, this reminds me of a story ....

About two weeks ago, J.D. (who is White) and I were driving around the parking lot trying to find a spot in front of Best Buy. While hunting, he saw a Mercedes Benz SUV parked in the driving lane, on the opposite side of where cars are supposed to park, making it so traffic coming the opposite direction was blocked. His first words upon seeing this were, "Look at that dirty Mexican who parked there ..." and then trailed off as he most likely realized what he said in front of me. My response was unadulterated laughter ... in part of because what he said and some because of his slight reservation in finishing the sentence ... and because I thought it funny that a "dirty Mexican" could afford to drive a Benz with 22" rims.

But, you see, J.D. is far from racist (he is friends with me, after all). He's a people person ... he doesn't see race as a determining factor of character. But I think this is where most of us are now in society ... making race more of a stereotyped joke than really feeling hatred toward another race. The only thing I was mad at from J.D.'s comment is that I didn't say it first.

(1/2 Cent): Party Over Here!

I know it's not a sports topic day, but I can't help but say how excited I am to watch the Lakers tonight. J.D. and I have a double date with the TV and a pizza. Good times.

Also, this Monday I will let you know who won between my team (with J.H.) and J.D.'s in our fantasy basketball league. Let's just say it looks like I'm going to have some bragging rights until we play each other in January 2007. If you can't play with the big dogs, then don't get off the porch! (Yes, I read that off a t-shirt about 10 years ago ... sue me).

Have a great weekend everyone! To quote MLK: "There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love." Translation: if the Lakers don't win tonight, my body will go comatose.

HCP