Post #5: The Problem with "TALKING" about Racism

Hold on, trust me.  I know that EVERYBODY’S “talking.”  However, few are in conversation.

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Fact:  You’d have to live under a rock to miss the impact in our world and nation concerning racism.  It’s part of the discourse in everything from our local communities to our federal elections.  It’s an undeniable topic and (unfortunately) a very divisive one. 
 
Nonetheless, the plight of racism is far from a new thing.  The impact of racism can be found in every aspect from this nation’s birth and beyond.  Now, to some, simply bringing up this fact is deemed to be a problem.  However, talking about it is a “major key” (in my Khaled voice) toward resolving it.  There can be no change in the issue if there isn’t an acknowledgment of the root of the problem. 
 
For example… (and please bear with me on this one)
 
Let’s say you spill a glass of milk on the carpet.  Everyone agrees that the spill is the problem; however, we’d also have to agree that the time from collapse to clean-up will dramatically impact HOW you deal with the problem.  In other words, you’d clean the carpet in a very simplified manner if the milk had been spilled for 1 minute.  However, you’d also scrub the carpet differently if the milk had been spilled for one week.  Oh, and one year?  Well, you’re probably replacing the rug altogether.    
 
Now a consideration of this example highlights the challenge with our national discussion on race.  While the conversation is new to some, the impact is older than us all.  However, in some instances, we are nationally talking about racism as a glass spilled for 1 minute, when in fact, the spill’s accurate origin date is (in my opinion) far beyond our comprehension. 
 
So, how do we begin to chip away at such a massive barrier in our culture?  Well, first, we need conversation. 
 
Yes, I know that EVERYBODY’S “talking;” however, few are in real conversation.  You see, a conversation is a meeting of mutual and respecting minds to express ideas and ultimately understand others.  This is necessary because the chat is the first step toward the remedy. 
 
For this reason, the race conversation (if treated as a real conversation) is where humanity can begin to see change.  We must discuss its impact, our contributions, how it’s perpetuated, and ways to eliminate it effectively. 
 
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:13, “Let people finish speaking before you try to answer them. That way, you will not embarrass yourself and look foolish.”(ERV)

Yes, I know everybody is talking about racism; however, if “talk is cheap,” then LISTENING is a high-end luxury.   The goal is simple:  I know it’s tough; however, the mission requires all of us (especially those least impacted by it) to “seek to understand before we are understood.”
 
So, what do you think?  How meaningful is a conversation in this process?  What did I miss?  How are you struggling with listening?  How are you battling to understand?  Let me know in the comments below.  Subscribe to the blog, and thanks for your support. 
 
​Imperfectly,
Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
(@kevindjonessr)