It’s Not All About Race
T Spike Terwilliger, Ed.D.; Lt Colonel, USAF (ret)
Racism exists in America. It has since its founding, and has caused great harm to millions of citizens. It is equally sad that it exists today. Today, in 2021, the problem with America — perhaps the biggest problem in America isn’t its past, it is it’s present. Seeing the world, our country, our neighbors constantly through the lens of race is just wrong.
People on both sides of the ideological aisle seem to selectively use race to pit citizen against each other. In just a few recent examples, when Ms Sears was elected as the first woman and woman of color as lieutenant governor of Virginia; she was called a white supremacist by the left. The President called Kyle Rittenhouse a racist despite that all those involved were white. When Senator Manchin of WV chose to be more thoughtful with the Build Back Better bill; colleagues in the progressive caucus called him a racist.
From my perspective, as an Asian American; many politicians repeatedly now put all minorities in two classes. Either you are black or African American or you are brown. Really, so when did Asian Americans and Native Americans become “brown.” This inappropriate term has been used by both leaders who are white as well as some who are African American and some who are of Hispanic origin.
I want to live in a country where we are color blind. Yet, I know that can’t exist. Despite that, we can make progress rather than sling mud at each other. When NPR said that while Mayor Wu was progress when Boston elected its first non-white mayor; they said it was a disappointment because she wasn’t black and there were three black candidates. These types of headlines just may sell papers and eyeballs online; but they don’t serve the nation.
What is the lens from which I am view this issue? I am an Asian American. I grew up in an all-white community. I enlisted in the Air Force when there were very few Asian Americans. For example, for the first three assignments, I was the only Asian American in the unit. I’ve walked miles in the shoes of facing overt and unconscious biased racism. Frankly, some was bullying; and some was clearly racism. I’ve been there. Despite this; my advocacy has always been about equality and not about quotas, special treatment, or any type of affirmative action.
Where does this division seem to start? One doesn’t have to look further than the leadership of the nation. The current and past U.S. presidents have used this term to incite the public. Several in Congress, use this term at nearly every turn. What else should we expect?
Whatever one wants to call the so-called “critical race theory,” that must just stop. Teaching children to see the world through a race lens is damaging. Adults need to try to view others’ perspectives through another’s lens to help understand each other. However, telling a white child that she is evil as happened in Virginia is wrong. We must, repeat, must teach our history, warts and all. What we must not do, in schools, is to pit one student against another. It wasn’t either of those children’s actions that caused the horrors of this nation’s past.
The questions that seem to evade what I see around me are:
… When did simple disagreement mean the opposing view is racism?
… When did a jury verdict that is different from what you wanted, inspire violence?
… When did being a member of a minority mean that you had to align with one political party or another; and when you don’t you are “part of the problem.”
… When did one race or another have the single view on race in America?
… Why do politicians campaign on the behalf of others to “secure the ‘pick the group’s’ vote”?
What’s the answer? Well, I’m not suggesting I have the answer. What I do have is a suggestion to start the process of healing and uniting our union.
We need a reset. Talking about our similarities and love for country can cut across differences as they have since our founding. Calls for peace when we disagree goes a long way. The press must start reporting the news — not swaying the news. We need to set aside twitter, and Facebook, and instagram, and ticktock and others.
Politicians need to turn down the rhetoric. When a member of Congress says, “my friend from the other side of the aisle … “ and then says the most hateful, derogative comment adds to division. Let’s face it; Mr Trump slung more insults to nearly everyone than any president in modern history. Equally so, Mr Biden “whispers” with disdain or chastises our citizens isn’t a whole lot better. Mr President and Members of Congress, dial it back. Be civil and work together and compromise — stop using the 10 seconds of fame to disparage those you disagree with.
Everyone has the right to voice opinion and protest our government — it’s our right. It’s not our right to burn down the cities, harm others, or cause harm to our communities and citizens — especially the impact on our children. It’s wrong. We are the ones who must do better.
My message is simply this: lay aside the most offensive rhetoric and focus on laws, rules, and discussions that brings about equality. Equality isn’t benefitting one group of citizens over another. Equality isn’t labeling swaths of people as racist or other denigrating language. And most of all; yes, do call out racism where it exists . . . without labeling others who are simply fellow citizens who disagree.
It’s time.
