Ethnically Speaking by Larry Meeks

Dear Larry: I was reading your column this morning regarding the man who is trying to create minority friendships. I really liked your answer.

I don't have many minority friends, and I am not a racist. I don't have minority friends because those friendships just haven't blossomed because of my way of life.

I have home-schooled all three of my children since birth, and we just don't meet many minority home-schoolers. However, my oldest son plays on the local high-school basketball and track teams, and he has many diverse friendships. So friendships are made based on the people we meet, not the races of the people.

Larry, you mentioned "white guilt." What is that? I only have heard/read about that term a few times, and I am not sure what "white guilt" is all about.

If "white guilt" is what I think it is, I have absolutely no "white guilt" over anything that has been done to other races by white people. All races have discriminated against other races throughout history. I believe the other races that did wrong do not need to carry their historical guilt.

My Mississippian great-great-grandfather apparently owned 100 slaves. Do I feel guilty about that? No! That happened long ago, and I was not involved. Thankfully, slavery was abolished, so our family history of slavery ended with my great-great-grandfather.

It's time for "white guilt" to stop being heaped upon whites. The current white population does not owe any reparation for past slavery; we should not be held responsible for what our ancestors did.

Yes, there is still racism in this country. But more and more, I read about black-on-white racism. What is interesting is how this type of racism seems to be excused, and my children have noticed this.

No matter how many times I tell them that a person's race doesn't matter and what matters is the person's character, they see it is race, not character, that matters.

People such as Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Louis Farrakhan and now Pastor Wright constantly are adding fuel to the racism fire.

I wish we all could see each other for what is in our hearts instead of the color of our skin. All racism is damaging to our country and our people. — Robin

Dear Robin: Thank you for your letter and observations. You have a good grasp of "white guilt."

Let me add to your understanding. Whites feel guilty and responsible for their forefathers' treatment of blacks. That feeling of guilt makes whites want to lean over backward to correct this historical stain of slavery and the years of "Jim Crowism" in America.

Because whites feel guilt and remorse, they have this desire to be punished and make amends. This emotion causes whites to enact laws that discriminate in favor of blacks and now other minorities. This emotion also causes whites to tolerate black behavior that otherwise would be considered unacceptable.

Blacks know whites have this overpowering need to assuage their guilt, so they prey upon the situation. Blacks know how to evoke racism at the drop of a hat, and whites will take down to avoid this intolerable label.

The problem with this situation is it is out of control. Many times, blacks are treated like misbehaving children instead of being held accountable. Blacks throw temper tantrums, and whites, instead of holding everyone to the standard, will find excuses for blacks.

This situation must be changed because it will condemn blacks to a permanent second-class standard. Whites will feel good about correcting a historical wrong, and blacks will continue to exploit their advantage.

It is time for America to demand one standard for all groups.

To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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