Many people believe that by electing the first Black President of the United States we now live in a post-racial America. I think we live in a “more racial” America. Perhaps it is the same level of racism, however now it seems that people are more open with their racist beliefs and actions, and are more intolerant of the others differences. We have all heard about the Trayvon Martin tragedy, but there have been several more instances that have occurred since that incident appear to be racially motivated.
- A 32 year old Iraqi-American woman was brutally beaten in her home in California. Police are investigating the death of Shaima Alawadi, a mother a five, as a hate crime due to the note found that read: “go back to your own country, you’re a terrorist.” Her husband asked, and rightfully so, “who is the real terrorist, Shaima, or them?”
- Two men were recently arrested for killing 3, and wounding 2, Black people in a Tulsa, Oklahoma shooting spree on Good Friday. Police say the killings were without a doubt racially motivated. The day before the shooting spree, one of the killers angrily blamed his father’s death on a black man and used a racial slur on his Facebook page.
- A Michigan teacher was recently fired over a Trayvon Martin fundraiser she planned with the help of her students. Students in Brooke Harris’ eighth-grade class, many of whom are African-American, wanted to show their support of Trayvon Martin’s family by wearing hoodies, and each student who participated would pay $1. All proceeds would be donated to the Martin family. The Superintendent suspended Ms. Harris and ultimately fired her saying she was hired to teach, and not to be an activist.
- Earlier this month, also in Michigan, a racial slur targeting Trayvon Martin was discovered on a digital construction sign along a Detroit-area interstate. State Police said that someone hacked into the sign and posted “TRAYVON A N*****”.
We advance in everything from technology to medicine. But when it comes to social issues, such as race and gender, it feels as if we have been transported back in time. Why in 2012 do we continue to have such hate and disregard for people who are different from us?
What is the Inclusion Solution?
- Join the Movement: Take a stand against hate, racism, injustice, inequity and commit to spreading peace and love. Let’s not just sit back and shake our heads at the issue, and be grateful that it is not happening to us directly. Pledge to do something. And do not stop until a change has been made. We must change the thinking of America…the world.
- Start the Dialogue: Start the conversation with others about issues of race, etc. Don’t let it be a taboo subject. Educate others. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela
This post was written by Mareisha N. Winters, Vice-President of The Winters Group, Inc.
Most now believe Shaima Alawadi was killed by her own family. Whether it was an Honour Killing (she wanted a divorce) or just another domestic violence case is the only thing being debated.
And please add the Matthew Owens case to your list.