That Uncomfortable Topic

I want to tackle a difficult issue, or at least an issue that makes a lot of people uncomfortable: racism. More specifically, the complexities of racism in today's society and what the word truly means. And lastly, and more specifically, I would like to discuss racism as it relates to business.


At the onset, it is important to understand that there is a clear delineation of racism and misconstrued social injustices perpetuated by one and assumed by the "victim." If we can agree upon a clear definition of the word, it is easier to have a discussion about it--

Racism: prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.


By definition, there are actions associated with racism--prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against...


Nowhere in the definition does it say, "...or feelings hurt because of perceived injustices or biases..."


What do I mean by that? If your inner child is bruised because you did not get your way, you aren't a victim of racism; on the contrary, you are a victim of your own bruised ego, even if the person who did the bruising has a different skin color than you.


There now, we have set the stage for an open and honest dialogue about the topic.


Without a doubt, racism has existed and continues to exist around the world. All races are guilty of it, and some even act on their irrational fears. The action of racism is what really matters and is at the heart of this entry. After all, changing a person's heart is as difficult as redirecting the sun, but addressing it in a purely capitalistic sense is much easier.


I am a product of a capitalist society, and believe the almighty dollar has a way of righting wrongs. What do I mean by this?


Let's say, in today's society (and I don't care what region of the country this occurs) that someone is racially discriminated against in a retail environment. What does that discrimination look like? It could take several forms, but let us assume a black customer was refused service solely upon the color of his or her skin by a white attendant. That is blatant racism, by definition, and must be addressed. How it is addressed is an interesting topic, as well. Oftentimes, some greedy lawyer will take up the charge of racism, and his only demand is thirty percent of the take. When a person litigates, the litigation takes on a life of its own and is suddenly thrust into the public eye. Once media outlets pick up the story, the lawsuit becomes a political hotbed.


If the person suing the company wins, he or she may receive a financial windfall if the company is large and financially solvent. Small businesses will likely shutter their doors and people will lose jobs. The small amount of money given the person will be split with the attorney. What justice was served when this happens? It's arguable at best, but if it was someone working a cash register, why punish the shop owner if the shop owner was not at fault? See, things like this can be addressed prior to litigation. The victim, in this case, could have requested a manager or owner to address his or her concerns. If the person responsible for perpetuating the racist act has his or her employment terminated, that should be the end of it. Sadly, that isn't always the case, and an individual feels as though they must take legal action.


Another way to target business without involving an attorney is to take to social media. This, in my opinion, is one of the most effective ways of righting the ship. A business owner does not want negative publicity, and will likely act quickly to resolve the issue. I would caution anyone considering this to first address the problem as I outlined in the lawsuit scenario. No one likes to see businesses shutter doors when the owner is unjustly accused of something as serious as racism.


Now then, I want to address something I wrote earlier. If you or I interact with any person and a given frequency, we are likely to have something said to us that we do not like. Or perhaps, an outcome will be undesirable, even when we expected something totally different to happen. Just because you do not get your way, does not mean you are the victim of racism!

Let me say that again, just because you do not get your way, does not mean you are the victim of racism.


Your feelings are not anyone's concern, most especially in a place of business. When you go to a gas station to fuel your car, you expect a certain amount of gasoline for a price that is determined by someone else. You either accept their price point, or you shop somewhere else. See, you aren't being discriminated against, nor have you been victimized. If you go to that same station and the pump doesn't work, you aren't a victim of racism, you are likely a victim of technology, or a failure thereof. If you see a person with a different skin color using the pump just before you, and it is working fine then fails when you pull up, go ask the attendant what happened. Do not assume they shut it off because of your skin color. Make certain of an action before you scream racism, folks--otherwise, you take away the meaning of the word for an individual who has truly been victimized because of the color of his or her skin.


Believe me when I say, I understand the difficult nature of this topic. For those who want to say, "You aren't black, Hispanic, Asian (insert any race here), so you wouldn't understand," you are correct. But, let me make something clear to you: I'm a pretty smart feller and I understand actions. I get that a certain action must be put in motion before a charge of racism can or should be made. I don't need to be a different color to understand that my service to one group of people and denial of the same service to a different group of people is discriminatory. This is not rocket science, and I do not have to be a rocket scientist to understand this basic fact.


So, please, for the love of God--if you own or run a business, treat everyone the same. Also, if you do not get your way in a certain circumstance, think before you cry "racism." You hurt people I love who are truly victims when you make false claims. If we can all do this, we can live much happier lives.

Peace, love, harmony, and blessings to you ALL.