Black Vs. White....In A World of Gray

Just a few days ago, a couple of young skinheads were caught for plotting to kill Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, and then killing 88 people, and 14 African-Americans.

A couple of months ago, when West Virginia held its Democratic Primary, an elderly woman said that she would not vote for Obama since his middle name is Hussein, and "she's had enough of Hussein" (note: way after Saddam Hussein was executed).

During the South Carolina Primary, a man said that he doesn't think the United States is ready for "someone" like Barack Obama.

The people of the United States of America: get over yourselves.

But this goes much further than the presidential election. This is about the American workplace, the nightlife, who we talk who...who YOU judge.

Who are we to judge somebody by the color of their skin, ethicity, sexual preference and the like? Do you think you're better than me for the simple fact your skin is white and mine is black? Am I better than you because I was raised in the North and you're from the South?

People are going to look different, proven fact- and no one can change that. What I am saying, is that we can change how we look at today's world. There are SO many perspectives out there, why limit ourselves to looking at the surface? When that happens, you are doing yourself and the issue at hand a monstrous injustice.

Prejudice is a very hard mental block to overcome. And that's okay. But to allow that to poison one's way of thinking goes against the very reason America is here today. To be able to challenge a different opinion (or even your own) and to figure out ways of innovation and start a new wave of thinking is how America reached the status of superstardom.

What would be in your kitchen right now, if George Washington Carver was immediately discredited on his use of peanut butter because he was black?

Where would our families have settled if the Italians, Irish and Germans were banned from working on the U.S. railroad system?

It just boggles my mind when I see, hear and read people who hate the very people or ideals that put clothes on their back, fed their children, and gave them the life they live. Is that how one should show thanks to elders? I may be wrong, but I would have to politely disagree.

The world is far from black and white; and for the sake of argument and to tie in the title of the article; the world abounds in a world of gray; in what we see, in what we read, interact with, and decipher. Theories must be tested, and facts are usually created when there is limited information to denounce it.

Look beyond the surface of people, issues and ideas; and learn how to challenge your own. I am far from perfect, and I know that I may be the last person to write something like this, but the challenge has been made to EVERY institution in America.

Our news system: It won't be news if media acted like the watchdogs they are supposed to like uncover pieces that will educate Americans. Who cares about McCain or Obama switching to stump speeches. Tell me something substantive: go over their voting history instead of how many houses someone has. How many bills have they sponsored, co-sponsored or endorsed? What is their view on the prostitution bill going up in California? And beyond the election, what is each utlity system doing about the energy crisis? And how will that affect owning a home? These are the questions and answer the public needs.

I could go on, but I encourage others to get into a debate about such topics that were brought up in this article. America was built and strengthened with conversation like this; and it would be disappointing to see America's foundation crack and fall with the extreme and utter lack of debate.