Bill, what you wrote is true.

But instead of being defeated before we try, even if the effort is monumental, I would suggest the following action points

-we should examine, acknowledge, constantly seek to eradicate our own prejudices

-we should help nurture non-prejudicial attitudes in ourselves and in others (especially our children and grandchildren) in little ways and bigger ways. This includes role modeling and teaching non-prejudicial values and behavior (that is, accepting and honoring cultural differences.

For example, we can reinforce our commitment to multiculturalism by learning about other people and cultures. And we can affirm and strengthen our non-prejudicial attitudes/values and help nurture those values in others by being un-equivocal in our support of others who are being unjustly targeted (in small and larger ways).

We can also role model our commitment to multi-culturalism by being un-equivocal in our redirections to our children/grandchildren or other children we have contact with, if we hear them saying something prejudicial against an individual or a group of people or if we hear them chanting rhymes that insult or ridicule a person or a group's race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion (note: there are many more of these rhymes than the old form of "eenie, meenie, minie, mo").

We can show that we really value the humanity of other people by how we respond when our family members, friends, or peers make racist, and otherwise offensive jokes or comments, or plan some action against a person or group that is in unfair.

-In addition, we can become more active in our government on the local, state, and national level by working as individuals and by joining groups that help build a society that values others and treats others fairly. This includes voting and also includes active participation in government through such things as attending meetings-including city council meetings, and school board meetings, and contacting officials to let them know what your positions are on specific matters. An important aspect of this is working to ensure that the curriculum and textbooks in public schools support multi-culturalism [note: many textbooks don't].

-As I wrote in my previous post, if elected officials in a community aren't upholding the laws, or aren't upholding it fairly: throw the bums out by electing other officials. If the laws are unjust, change the laws.


I look forward to comments about these points, and I look forward to reading other persons' action statements about what individuals and groups can do in a democratic society to make that a society safe and equitable living environment for all.




Azizi Powell