Every Now and Then We Need a Reminder - Racism is Real

So it has happened again. It has been nearly three weeks since my last post. There has been a lot going on so I got behind. No need for excuses, this probably won't be the last time.

So we all know the dominant story in the news has been the racist, ignorant coach of the L.A. Clippers. Here's my two cents, for what it's worth.

Sometimes I think we can get complacent and think that because there seem to be so many more privileges for minorities today that racism is a thing of the past. Every now and then we need an ignorant, arrogant, idiot to remind us that we still have to be diligent and teach tolerance, as well as a healthy does of understanding that no matter how privileged we may seem, racism is still a major fabric of our society.

We don't want to raise our Black children to believe there is a racist around every corner but they do need to understand that not everyone who shakes your hand, smiles when you walk into a room, or even signs your paycheck is a true fan of Black folks.

I know I have said this before but sometimes I think we forget that the civil rights movement was only 50 years ago. There are still many among the living that can tell you about segregation and the belief that separate was equal.

To be honest, I hope the Clippers' owner (I refuse to even use his name) won't come with the obligatory apology. What good would it do? He said what he meant, and he meant what he said. Now everyone knows where he stands. The question now is what are the rest of us going to do about it?

I chose to use it as a teaching moment with my son - to remind him that there are still those who don't want to see him succeed.

Honestly I feel the most for his players. What should they do? They are in the playoffs, they have an obligation to play, but their owner is a racist bigot. I know some felt that there silent protest wasn't enough for some, but what else can they do? Be real. I work for the school system. If the Superintendent made a racist comment caught on tape, I would be upset - but make no mistake, I am still going to work. And honestly, I can't see many who are criticizing them refusing to go to work either. Just because these men make more than the average Joe, they still have bills to pay. And they are in the playoffs. That is an accomplishment and something they should be proud of. Not even the ignorance of their owner should take that away from them.

So tonight, I am going to say an extra prayer for the Clippers' players and hope that more than just discussing this issue, it will help us remember that while we have come far, we still have a long way to go.

Take This Time To Say A Prayer

Before I start, just a quick update – my baby girl is doing really well.  The doctor has been adjusting her medication and it’s been challenging but for now, she seems to be happy and adjusting well to a new doctor.  When things are good, it’s fun to see her personality and laugh and joke with her.  She can be witty and giggle over silly things and it’s fun to just be silly right along with her.

 I guess that update leads me to what’s on my mind. Along with Autism Awareness Month, it’s also Child Abuse Prevention Month.  And while I know that I’ve touched on this before, the recent news stories  about parents hurting their children has really been hard for me to hear. 

I just don’t understand how anyone, but especially the parent, could be so cruel to a child. I don’t understand what a baby could do that is so terrible that you shake him or her to death. Don’t get me wrong, I know that children of all ages can take you to what I call “that special place.”  I’ve been a mama for a while now and they can really test you. But burning a child, picking up a knife and chasing a child to stab them, leaving toddlers and children home alone for hours while you go out to a party – things like that, take thought and planning. Getting a cigarette, lighting it, and walking over to your child and burning him or her multiple times isn’t something that just happens.

As a former foster parent, I’ve seen the damage that abuse can do to a child.  And while many of us automatically think of physical or sexual abuse, know that child abuse can come in many forms. To me, verbal abuse can be just as damaging. Neglect is also a form of abuse. Children need our attention and our time. They need direction and guidance. 

So this month I’m asking that we all say a prayer for the children who are living everyday with abuse and neglect.  Often they suffer in silence and we don’t realize what they are going through.  And use this month to pray for guidance in the raising of your own children. I’m not saying any of you reading would hurt or neglect your child, but remember, times aren’t the way they used to be. Maybe that sleepover your daughter or son wants to attend isn’t such a good idea. And finally pray for the minds of those who find it so easy to hurt children. I know it may sound strange that I would ask for you to pray that prayer but anyone who would willingly seek to hurt a child really needs prayer… and a jail cell.

I saw a quote on the Prevent Child Abuse America website that I think sums it up:  “We all play a role when it comes to the healthy development of our nation’s children.”