There are no absolutes. However, most white people have one thing in common, like their president, they dislike criticism. Another truth is that no one is perfect, and accepting valid criticism is intelligent, and American.

Westport, Connecticut, is one of the most beautiful communities in America; it is also one of the wealthiest and whitest. The town leaders sponsored an essay contest; the topic was ‘white privilege.’ This seemingly non-controversial subject provoked more discussion by the town’s people than anticipated.

Residents like Bari Reiner, 72, say the question is offensive because the town ‘welcomes anybody who can afford to live here.’

“It’s an open town,” Reiner said. “There are no barricades here. Nobody says if you’re black or whatever, you can’t move here.”

There’s the rub; Reiner is out of touch with most of America. This statement offers a valid reason to offer the contest. Younger residents must become aware of what it means not to be white and privileged.

Harold Bailey, Jr. is the chairman of the diversity council. He said that he has been surprised at the attention the contest received from as far away as Singapore.

“There’s a lot more controversy around it than many of us expected,” said Bailey, a retired IBM vice president who is black. “Just the fact it says ‘white’ and ‘privilege,’ for some people that’s all they need to see, and all of a sudden we’re race-baiting or trying to get people to feel guilty. That’s not at all what it’s about.”

When I first read about this, my first thoughts were that understanding and communication is vital to a “United” States of America. African Americans who live in our inner cities understand their life experience, but have no concept of what it would be like to live in Westport. Conversely, Westport residents cannot relate to the lives of blacks in Detroit.

With a Trump presidency, our nation has reached a level of division not experienced since the Civil War. He is encouraging a separation of whites and minorities; heterosexuals and homosexuals; Muslims and Christians; the wealthy and the working class.

I am fairly certain that this was not the intent of those who planned the contest. It appears that they were seeking to invite their community into a discussion about the various lifestyles of all Americans.

I feel very fortunate. I grew up in Los Angeles in the 50’s and 60’s. I had friends from all races, religions and ethnic backgrounds. Only when I was stationed in Texas and Mississippi while in the United States Air Force did I experience racism and bigotry on a large scale.

When I moved to North County San Diego in 1977, I felt like the south had followed me. As the area grew, diversity began to grow. I had clients and friends from a diverse group of Americans, including financial status.

However, most Americans have not had the privilege to learn from a diverse group of Americans. This contest remains an excellent idea. Unity requires understanding and compassion.

Don’t allow Trump to further divide our nation. Nation’s are composed of people; governments are nothing more than a necessary evil. Trump must work for all 320 million of us, and cease his thinly-disguised support for the wealthy and the Christian religious right. America is not a white nation, and Trump cannot be allowed to force his fascist beliefs upon us. We are proud of our diversity; we are stronger and better informed for it.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo courtesy of Walking Geek

Follow me on twitter; @jamesturnagenov

My fifth novel, “Four More Years,” is available on Amazon