Accusations of racism in America are multiplying rapidly.

The media is filled with reports of politicians, educators, clergy, business leaders, and average Joe’s and Jane’s spewing hateful phrases and accusing each other of “playing the race card.”

Of the many descriptions of racism, the one that I find very accurate is: Racism is based on a set of incorrect assumptions and pre-judgments that lead to the belief that one race is inherently/genetically superior to another.

Just ‘cause your Daddy and your Granddaddy believed it don’t make it so.

Assuming you know what is in my heart don’t make it so.

Assuming you know the inner-most working of my mind, don’t make it so.

Pre-judging my motivation, without ever discussing the topic, don’t make it so.

The incorrect assumptions go on, and on, and on.

Over time, these incorrect and inaccurate assumptions become part of a person’s culture.

Often the result is that one group begins treating another group with cruelty and unfairness - then, each accuses the other group’s culture or ethnicity of creating the problems.

Nobody wants to listen to reason or consider that their assumptions may be incorrect.

I’m uncomfortable when publicly talking about race – didn’t used to be.

Fact is, there was a time when I downright enjoyed participating in discussions about racial and cultural matters.

In today’s world, more and more folks assume that “you southern women are all prejudiced,” therefore, I seldom speak of race.

My Daddy always said I would walk a mile to avoid a fight.

When challenged or accused of being racist I shut up and refuse to defend my position or to agree with the accuser.

On more than one occasion, I have been told that “you can’t say Negro anymore; it is old fashioned and rude.”

Say what?

My folks spent countless hours teaching me to use correct grammar.

They monitored, coached, and insisted that I use the word Negro to show respect to those of that race.

Were they wrong?

I don’t know; but I will not argue the point.

A beautiful young African-American friend of mine admitted to me that she completely misjudged a young Caucasian man’s motives and created an embarrassing scene in a grocery store.

As she was shopping, this male employee kept looking at her but not making eye contact.

Assuming he equated black women with sneak thieves, she approached him and said, “I know why you are watching me so closely; but, I’m not gonna steal any of your merchandise, so you can relax.”

The man flushed and stammered a reply, “I’m so sorry for staring. I don’t often see a woman as pretty as you and I was enjoying the view.”

OOPS.

Guess my friend didn’t know his motivation.

I know many intelligent folks who begin their conversations about human differences, with a disclaimer: “It’s not about race”.

What if it IS about race? Would that be too scary to talk about?

Are you gonna lie about it or are you going to declare: “I’m talking about race or racism” – I bet that statement would clear the room at warp speed.

Some of us are afraid to talk about racial issues; we are concerned about:

Political correctness

Using the correct phrase or proper word

Fear that we will offend, or be offended

When it comes to racism, no magic solution is going to appear, no genie will pop out of a bottle, and no conquering hero will ride in on a magic steed and make race issues go away.

What we need is to be engaged in meaningful discussion, the exchange of ideas and honest, direct conversation; only by having open dialogue about racial issues can we resolve them.

Let’s face the reality that the grapevine works well.

There are always rumors about what someone said, about bad feelings and about who did what to whom.

Such rumors can easily become distorted and exaggerated. After all, most of them are based on incorrect assumptions.

Only when we become willing to engage in honest dialogue will we clear up misunderstandings and reduce the resentment that can all-too-easily blossom into full blown racism.

Why not say clearly, “Yes, it’s about race and I want to discuss it freely and openly.”