Can We Talk? Day 26

Good morning and may your day be full of wonderful blessings. The question above is meant literally. Can we talk? This is what a former talk show host use to ask at the introduction of her program. I thought it was an interesting question.

Can we talk?

The reason I ask it is that in this day and time of political correctness, most people abstain from candidly speaking about what is really on their minds. They do not want to offend so instead they mendaciously speak. But honest scrutiny is good, as along as it is not done in a spirit of meaness. I believe that it is very important to allow for scrutiny and it is much more challenging to tell someone the truth than to misspeak. For example:

Why did President Obama's skin color matter in the Presidential election? Is it just because he is mixed with African (black)? Or is it that being Black is associated with a negative connation, and if it is why? It is because we were former slaves? Or, did it have more to do with Black people present affliation? Is being Black associated with more positive or negative attributes?

This is a very important question that I constantly asked myself during the presidential election. Quite a few of the "political pundits" would write that President Obama had most everything going for him, except his skin color.

But what does his skin color represent? Does it represent that most of the violent crimes in America are committed by Blacks? Does being Black represent illiteracy? Does it represent poverty and needing government asistance? Why?

Why was his race an issue? Are most people in America racist and just hate and/or dislike A.A. solely on the color of skin? Can we talk?

Can we ask questions that may offend but allow each of us to openly ventilate? Can we look eachother in the eyes and openly exchange opinions instead of pretending that everything is A-OK?

Is it OK to ask questions? As a matter of fact, I think it is great. Because it opens the door for an honest dialogue. Communication is the only way to solve problems and get an understanding of differences. Why do you think the United Nations was created? It is a forum by which nations can sit down, discuss differences, and ultimately solve problems.

If open discussions can be executed on a global level, I am sure that we can intelligently discuss our differences and/or problems on a national level. Now, of course, there will always be some people who would try to use the forum for their own personal agenda. But for the most part, people can be respectful, open and honest. The truth may hurt or be uncomfortable. But we need to hear and deal with the truth. This way we can truly heal, as a nation. Because in reality, we are our brothers keepers. Whether Black, White, Hispanic or any other ethnic group. In America, we are all for one and one for all. Or are we?

Can we talk?

Have a great day.

L. for Love