Black Barbershop Patrons Stand Up For White Woman
This episode of John Quiñones’ ‘What Would You Do” is telling. It shows the basic goodness of people. It shows that real prejudice is abating. It shows that more and more folks are willing to stand up for fairness.
There was one disconcerting point made evident in the exercise. It really demonstrates a flaw in a large party of humanity. It is the fear of standing up and bucking what one believes is the prevailing thought.
As soon as the barber was rude to the white woman in the first skit, a patron reacted. She displayed courage and poise and came to the white woman’s defense. She was fearless as she showed leadership against prejudice. One could see her receiving tacit approval from the other patrons. It was as if they were relieved that someone stood up. Their discomfort immediately switched to visual and body language support.
Sadly in another skit inasmuch as most disapproved of what the black barber was saying, they remained quiet. Even after the white woman left they said nothing. It was as if no one wanted to be the one to jump out of an implied fold that was non-existent.
This is a general problem with all people of different races, gender biases, ethnicities, and cultures. Most people are tolerant. They just fear stepping out on a limb to defend against the racist, sexist, homophobic, or other intolerant person. People gravitate away from conflict which usually leaves the platform for the minority of bigots to dominate. We see that in our politics. We see that at our churches We see that in our corporations.
If more people got the courage to step up to the plate, not only on racial issues but socio economic issues, society would be much more tolerant, inclusive, and fair. Everyone must go out on a limb and step up to the plate.
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“…most Americans have evolved and are tolerant” !?? Is that what we do? We “tolerate” people who differ in some way(s) from us? This description of the video shows we have a very long way to go in embracing people of all races. When we tolerate something we are putting up with something.
The dictionary states the definition of tolerant is: “To allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.”
If we are patting ourselves on the back for being “tolerant” we should be ashamed. At this point we should be color blind, not tolerant. Those people who didn’t speak up yet stated they were glad someone else did are no different from those who will tell you they dislike people dating outside of their race but won’t speak up on that. Unless one is willing to stand up for one’s beliefs, having the beliefs is useless. Think of it. How can anyone sit by and watch people being treated badly if, at heart, one disagrees. If you’re comfortable not saying anything then your feelings are pretty meaningless.