A caller, a black man, called Politics Done Right with an uplifting story that is especially prescient in Trump’s vision of America.
This incident taught this black man a lesson
We discussed the good that can come out of the racial wounds that Trump opened . A caller, a black man, had a great human story that dispels stereotypes.
This week’s show was titled “Trump’s scab opening presents an opportunity we must take to eradicate our infection.” I wanted to explore the good that could come out of Trump’s nurture and fertilization of xenophobia and racism.
We had a large number of callers calling in with various opinions on the state of racism in the country. I pointed out that we must be honest with the conversation and must dispel myths. I said that one of the biggest myths is that the South is more racist than the North. A caller took exception to that reality.
Another guest, James, came to the rescue and offered an anecdote. He recounted a story about his car breaking down on a desolate country road in Mississippi. James was approached by a gang of White boys. He feared they would harm him. He said he knew he would be drug behind their truck with a chain. Instead, the young men used the chains to pull his car to town. To his amazement the treatment he received to get back on the road was more than anyone could expect. Listen to his story. It breaks down stereotypes.
This story is similar to one told by a friend of my wife, a very sheltered White woman. Her car broke down in a black neighborhood on her way home. She was terrified when several black men approached her. It was not the best of neighborhoods. The young men got her a tow truck and stayed with her to ensure her safety. It was a learning experience for her as well on how dangerous stereotypes are.
Dispelling myths are an important part of solving our racial distrust and disharmony. We need leaders who are willing to go all in and not fall for the short term gains fuelling racial hate can effect.