By DAVID OMOM
Staff Writer
 

Very often we all encounter similar situations that involve the complex and profound issue of race. For some of us hushing it up is an apt solution, yet to children the answers to such questions will definitely form their perception of other races.

I looked at the little girl and smiled. Her father, thank God, knew his parental responsibility. He answered, "He is black, dear, because no two people are physically alike. Just as we have tall people and short people, we have people with skin color that is different from ours. But that does not in any way make them different from you and me."

As I ponder the events a few weeks later, I am curious about how many times we have played out the role of, "shut up, we'll talk about it later." How often have we thrown to the doldrums matters of race when the opportunity to rid ourselves of stereotypes has arisen. When do we take the time and trouble to explain these differences to those around us?

The distinguished Dr. Cornel West calls racism an evil, yet does this evil truly exist within us? Consider this: Have you ever wondered why Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls and Congo were such big hits? In part, it is because they reinforce many longstanding stereotypes that exist in our minds. Why do we enjoy the negative portrayal of minority groups? Whether we care to admit it or not, it is because we have never laid a lasting foundation on the issues of race. The result is an unconcious resistance to being racist, yet we channel all of our stereotypes into safer avenues such as compliant ignorance.

So the next time you ask someone from Africa if they live near any wild animals, or you watch a movie which negatively portrays minorities, remember that race and culture do matter. So now you've been alerted, don't say I didn't warn you.