How can we expect positive change if we continue to view problems as outside of our own? It's one thing to express compassion, feel sorry for those going through crisis, but unless it involves a loved one, or is directly connected to us, we seldom say more than, "Well, that's really too bad the people of Katrina are suffering?" Or, "The inner cities and the struggle those children face is really a sad thing." Why is it that we as Americans, often have a self v. others mentality? It's generally their problem, until Grandma Mary or Uncle Larry is suffering a similar Katrina fate. Or until a friend is jobless, homeless and in need of assistance. Only then, when it's connected to the self, does it become our problem.
The report from the Pew Center on the States found that one in 100 adult Americans are in prison, one in 9 of those are adult black men. How can we expect many in the black community to rise from historical systemic failures, if they're never given the proper education their counterpart privileged white kids receive? The numbers are staggering and tell a very real story; it goes without saying, school drop-out rates directly reflect the likelihood of prison time served.
When do we begin to say, this really is my problem? When do we say, all children deserve a good start to life? Better yet, when will we start believing it. Sadly, and a true reality, there are children who have yet to be born who will suffer a historical fate they never had any control over to begin with. Is this their problem too?
Tolerance of such discrimination, along with sheer ignorance, whilst sitting in our self-indulgent privileged world is no excuse for a poor "that's too bad" response. Save your breath, authentically connect and lend out your hand. They need us.
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