Referring to a recent essay, a question arose regarding my goal of getting people to “understand” what we black Americans are going through versus getting people to “empathize” with what we are going through. It was suggested that I “go for empathy rather than understanding.” The difference between the two is a subtle but major one that needs to be explored.
Author: Clay Rivers
Author & optimist. Editor, Our Human Family. Writing about equality, racism, and faith. "Embrace all that you are and strive to become all that God created you to be.”
Should White People Be Silent on All Things BlackLivesMatter?
Are you kidding me? Tell me people have no doubt as to what to do. Of course, white Americans should speak out in support of black Americans and BlackLivesMatter. EVERY-FREAKING-ONE should be speaking out in support leveling the playing field for black Americans and all people of color.
One chorus, many voices
If all it took to end racism was for black Americans to speak out about it, it
The Reason You Can’t Understand What Black Americans Are Going Through
Why is it that some people can easily grasp what Black Americans experience in the United States and others find it nearly impossible?
For Argument’s Sake
Let’s swap out Black Americans for short-statured people. No average-sized person can fully understand the challenges that we Little People face: the physical challenges of living in a world into which we do not inherently fit.
Human Family
A still from the Apple commercial
Apple debuted this ad last night during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Given the discord and rancor in the United States and in the world, the words of Poet Laureate, Maya Angelou, are more relevant today than ever. The poem itself follows the ad.
On Self-Care
Photo by Romanos Senikidis
You’re tired, strung out, and wrung out from the summer of 2016. Work, crime, politics, social media, and social justice. Battles over black lives, blue lives, brown lives, and God help the other color lives that have not made it into the media’s three ring circus. This constant onslaught of death and destruction has left many of us feeling overwhelmed and wondering if life matters at all.
And that’s okay. You’re human. You hurt because you care.
With Black People It’s Either-Or
Earliest known photograph of the White House. The image was taken in 1846 by John Plumbe during the administration of James K. Polk. (Library of Congress/John Plumbe) Found at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/white-house-was-fact-built-slaves-180959916/#hk54Pm4MdSwWPvkh.01
Why is that when positive references are made regarding Black Americans, our accomplishments, or our contributions to society, certain people feel the need to add the proviso (condition) “they didn’t do it alone,” but when negative references are made about Black Americans the underlying caveat (condition) is that the grouping is reserved exclusively for Black Americans?
Case in point—
Why I’m Lifting My Self-Imposed Ban on Discussing Politics
Flag by Jasper Johns
I have a burning passion for optimism, character, and faith. If you’ve read any of my posts, those are recognizable themes. For the longest time I didn’t talk about race relations in America, and it dawned on me that to keep silent on this topic would be to betray myself, my heritage, and my faith. For an even longer time, I avoided discussing politics, except in certain politically homogenous circles.
Four Words About Baton Rouge
This is a really basic concept.
The vitriol. The violence. The killing. Open carry. AR-15s in the hands of civilians. When and how will it end? America, the clue phone is ringing and the call is for you.
We Are America
Happy 240th birthday, America!
Love One Another: It’s Just That Simple
Candlelight vigil in downtown Orlando. (Photo: Dr. Phiillips Center for the Performing Arts)
It seems that some churches have had a difficult time figuring out how to respond to the Pulse massacre. The answer is simple, and to quote Jesus, “love one another.” There it is. Three words. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. I’m no Biblical scholar, but this one seems to be … well … a no-brainer.
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus says “love one another” to his Disciples not once, but twice. If memory serves me correctly, Jesus and the Disciples are in the upper room