At some Wal-Mart in Washington Township, New Jersey, a male voice announces over the PA system that “all Black people leave the store now.”
Source:
Black people must leave, NJ Walmart announcer says
Wal-Mart NJ: “All black people leave the store now”

The following were comments in response to the story.

One person responds:

Black people are so sensitive. It was probably a prank by some 16 year old kid that ran from his mom while shopping in Walmart….We all know (including black people) that if the announcement had been “All white people leave the store now” this story would not have even made local news.

Another person responds:

Are you “F”ing serious? Black people are so sensitive, really? I am white and I am offended by you and half the **** I am reading on here. It is your ignorance that allows racism to keep on. Take a look back in history, why should white people care if there was an announcement that asked them to leave? White people are so sensitive.
I am white and I am married to a black man and we have 2 kids together. We have been pulled over for no reason, we have had people leave a restraunt or move to a different part amongst other things. So please don’t say stupid **** like black people are so sensitive, especially when you have racist muther****ers out there who don’t like someone because of the color of their skin…..talk about sensitive.

Then another person responds:

Yeah, dial 9 and it's over the whole store...

no……they really are sensitive. i dont have a problem with black people in general but the ones who act like thugs and parade around with their pants below their ass are the ones i dislike, and for that matter thats anybody who acts like a thug not just african americans. a black comedian could talk all day about white people but the instant a white man stood up and said something derogatory toward a black man it would be all over the news and the guys entire career would be gone, this is true and you know it.

Tell ‘em Why You Mad
So I responded:

I agree I dislike people who ‘act’ like thugs and pity the people (all races) who simply don’t know any better.

But i disagree that Black people are too sensitive. In fact, I’ve become so used to women clutching their purses; being watched in stores (even when I’m in a suit); police doing blatant maneuvers (sometimes dangerous to other citizens) to follow me; people thinking racism died in the Civil Rights Act (or with Obama) and thus saying dumb things; and the proliferation of the N-word (both hatefully and from ignorance) that I shrug off 9/10 offenses. At the same time, that apathy is far more dangerous. Trust me, no one has enough energy to simply say “not cool” to all the ignorance minorities face. Is it my responsibility to educate them if I find them ignorant? It’s not my fault they are ignorant. In fact, I wasn’t even going to respond to this, but I just happened to have the time and energy. That said, I have to get back to work.

Besides, this incident is not news, this happens everyday. Look at the name-calling to Rep. Barney Frank and Rep. John Lewis. There’s that apathy again.

P.S.: Under the right intentions it could have been funny… very funny, but in this case it’s not.

EDITORIAL

So really I guess this is more of “Tell ‘em Why You… aren’t Mad?! Wait, WTF?! Why Aren’t You Mad?!” truncated to “I Ain’t Mad at Ya”.

Responder 1: Was actually right, supposedly it was a 16-year old being stupid. Also true that there probably would be no story with “All white people leave.” White folks wait until something happens (though that’s often too late).
However, “All White people leave” could have made the news, alright. Throw in the word ‘terror’ and boom 3-day filler story. Threat Level: Yellow. “Random” airport searches.
“All Black people leave” is Threat Level: Red.

Responder 2: Uhhh… right on?

Responder 3: Well, yeah, but (depending on what he said) that’s justified. He knows what country he’s in. He knows his career risk. Freedom of speech all you want, but you should be responsible. Besides, if you’re funny it will slide, else you gambled and lost. Take it like an adult.

Regarding my response: Going forward I may expend slightly more energy and take a second to tell someone “yeah, that’s ignorant” but I dread having to walk them through their rude awakening. I mean, if I don’t say anything there is a limit to how upset I can reasonably be seeing that I am an accomplice to their ignorance. At the same time, I could just say “not cool” then leave them to find out why. Just because I show them that they don’t know, doesn’t mean I have to teach them, right? That’s their homework.

A couple of related things that do ‘get me mad’ are the times people act like Black people have had centuries to catch up in terms of socio-economic status. Really? I’d say we’re doing amazingly for half a generation’s time. Also, the “N-word”, I have a hate-like-hate relationship with it to be explained in another post. So stay tuned.

(Pictured: Controversial Israeli political cartoon)

In case you were under a rock this week, you should know by now that US Senator Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination for president. I, like some other oh, (currently) 18 million or so, supporters sat in sheer jubilance and awe as he was finally able to lay claim to this protracted primary contest against the usually unbeatable and formidable Clinton juggernaut machine. Although this is not the ultimate prize of obtaining the White House, this historic feat is nonetheless completely exhilarating and satisfying. Yet, I am somewhat saddened…

As Barack’s speech in Minnesota faded to black, I reflected upon what his accomplishment was beginning to mean: We’ve (almost) arrived. Why does that sadden me? Because, if and/or when Barack becomes Mr. President, I, along with most of my fellow brethren will no longer have any excuses. Don’t get me wrong, clearly there will remain most if not all of the current institutional, structural, downright inherent forms of racism that have weighed us down like an anchor since we were drug over here some 400 years ago. Still, a Barack presidency (hell, even his nomination) will now serve as a clear sign for most that we have now overcome all of those issues because there is just no way America is racist since we’ve (almost) elected a black president.

Well isn’t that what you (people) want? To not have those challenges and barriers in place anymore? Of course!! The concern though is that this can and will be used to ignore the ongoing ills that persist and infect black Americans. Liberal elites, staunch conservatives, working-class whites and the like will continue to point to his presidency as a barometer on race relations in America. Again, don’t get me wrong!! I want this more than anybody (besides maybe Barack himself, ha ha) but I refuse to let this be the side door to give injustices and structural problems an easy way out of the picture.

I believe it is incumbent upon us to keep the pressing issues upfront and not allow this (one) Herculean (ongoing) accomplishment to be used to sweep race and other problems under the rug. I dare not use statistics to illustrate my point as they are used so much nowadays that they don’t have the effect that they should.

However, keep the bottles poppin’ and let’s prepare for cookouts on the front lawn of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave (don’t act like you not ready for Michelle and Barack to throw down on grill). But as we continue to celebrate and push towards the ultimate prize, I caution us to not let this historic ride be used to say we’ve (almost) arrived.