Race Shaming – A divisive political weapon

The race card has been used  across the political spectrum  by both  the Republicans and the Democrats in fair measure during  several of  the  American Presidential  elections, that I have witnessed. However, Presidential Candidate Trump’s blatant attempt to shame African-Americans during his speech at Dimondale, Michigan by exclusive name-calling and race-shaming was a tasteless political ploy, which needs to be condemned in the strongest manner possible. When a politician, points a finger at a random African American person from the audience and attributes unemployment, lawlessness and poverty as an integral part of his ethos and community, he is race shaming not only the individual but also the entire community.

"I will produce for the African Americans,” Trump said. "All the Democrats have done is taken advantage of your vote. … You have nothing to lose.

You live in poverty," he yelled. "Your schools are no good. You have jobs. What the hell do you have to lose?

During his speech,Trump picked on a black man and thundered ”Look at my African-American”. It was quite evident that, in a veiled manner, Trump was referring to our beloved community member, as if he was someone or something that he owned.  Every time he uttered the word “ African-Americans”, his tone was condescending, as if he was addressing a group that was inferior and less equal.

 In this election, is it too much for  us to expect a Presidential candidate to have basic human qualities such as empathy, sensitivity, honesty and humility? 

 While Trump addressed the largely white suburban audience, it appeared as if he was also trying to connect the sorry state of our inner cities to a community of color and whip up negative feelings about the community, in the minds of the white voters.

For many of us, this time around, the elections might seem like a choice between the devil and  the deep sea that is not easy to trust. However, with each passing day that the devil speaks, the fear of diving into the deep sea, seems to be receding like an ebbing tide.

Community Hike and Picnic

In July we met at The Lower Rouge Trail for a community hike through the woods followed by a picnic at the trailhead.  It was great fun.  There were some of the usual faces as well a lot of new friends to meet.  We got some exercise and fresh air and showed off this treasure in Canton Township to some who had never seen it before.  Good stuff all around.  But what brought us there that

Saturday morning was another thing that is of greater importance, especially in these troubled times.

Since last December, we have made an intentional decision to be seen together, in public, having fun, in all of our rich diversity.  Differently abled, of all our different faiths and ethnicities, and a variety of ages, we trekked through the woods or took a leisurely stroll on the gravel trail before meeting back up for lunch.  Kids made new friends, PokemonGo types wandered by, and we laughed and told stories.  It was fun but also a statement.

We live in a diverse community but too often many of us all huddle in our familiar groups where we are comfortable.  It is easy to forget that we all are neighbors in more than just the physical sense.  We are attempting to be neighbors in all senses of that word,  We come to do that from a lot of different directions and for many different reasons but we are determined to show we are one community.  You tend to stop seeing someone as "other" when you have shared food, watched your children play together, and told a joke or two.  So, we will continue to find ways to get together, in public, for fun, or service, or prayer.  And we will continue to invite you to join us.  Will we see you next time?

DawnC