Is Racism Alive in Bronzeville?

The Opposite of O.J. - Life in Bronzeville and Chicagoland
Seen through the heart of an Irishman.

By: Sonny Scanlon

We’re not trying to bring up the past here, however, if you are reading this sentence right now then the headline obviously captured your attention and so we are now on the same page. Specifically, this page of this newspaper.

This is not an article about whether or not O.J. did it. That would be bringing up the past. We’re more interested in how history has brought us together today and where we are going in the near future, as well as the next ten years.

We have come to know that history has a way of repeating itself when you let it. To elaborate, just when we think we clean out one closet, the newest challenge pops up.

Let’s get back to the title of this article so you will continue to read. What the trial of O.J. did was prove that racism is alive and well in this country. The reality is that it does not matter whether you are African American or Caucasian.

As an Irishman, trying to survive in Bronzeville is not an easy task. Because of the color of our skin many people have asked us, or forced us, to leave their establishments. We’re not just talking about businesses. Add to the list churches, night clubs, and even the Harold Washington Cultural Center. Call it what you will but, white people, Irish or otherwise in an African American neighborhood makes the residents nervous. What is he up to in our neighborhood? Why does he ask so many questions? Why is he being so nice?

Yet an African American in White suburbia is often treated the same way. Because of the color of his or her skin, as well as the clothes they wear, they are often treated the same way. When is it going to change?

The answer is that there is no answer. It is what it is. Or, is it?

Racism is defined, according to Merriam – Webster, “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race”.

Now remove the word race from the definition and in its place use the word “ignorance”.
“A belief that ignorance is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that ignorant differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.”

Now, let’s see what Merriam-Webster has to say about the definition of ignorance.
“the state or fact of being ignorant: lack of knowledge, education, or awareness.”
Four Black men of prominence over the last 40 years, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Minister Louis Farrakhan, King of Pop Michael Jackson, and President Barack Obama all have a lot in common.

None of the above lacked knowledge, education, or awareness. In fact, didn’t Martin Luther King stand up for those very things? Louis Farrakhan has done the same, hasn’t he? Michael Jackson, same? Barack Obama, same?

In fact, at one time Farrakhan called the White man “the blue eyed devil”. Now, if he can change his opinion of White people then how come the rest of us have a challenge with it?

The Metropolis online article on Minister Farrakhan describing the plight of Michael Jackson was brilliant and he was very eloquent. Michael Jackson was a brilliant entertainer and his music will live on forever. It would be wonderful if all of us were able to live the words of one of his greatest songs. “ABC, 1, 2, 3; that’s how easy love can be”. Isn’t it really that easy?

Barack Obama is trying to get an economy moving that has spiraled out of control. Does anybody want that job? History has been made that an African American is now the President of the United States. He beat all the odds and now lives in the White House.
That is a phenomenal accomplishment. Right or wrong, he is the President and he was elected by the people of this great country.

By the way, one common denominator for all four men? They are all men of peace. So let there be peace on earth and let it begin with each and everyone of us.

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