Sunday, March 23, 2008

Can we talk?

So...all week long there have been serious talks about race because of this election cycle. I agree, it's an important topic in American life, it is a conversation that needs to be had, and is long overdue. I will probably be labeled racist for saying what I say next, and I am definitely not racist, but label me as you will. I am sick of hearing about race in America because of this election.

Why am I sick of hearing about it? Because, we aren't talking about all those other things that are happening that need conversations. Sexism, Homophobia, Classism - just to name a few.

We aren't talking about SEXISM in America. Come on, we all know Hil's getting the crap kicked out of her in some corners for no reason other than she's a woman - She doesn't show emotion, she's a bitch - she cries, she's too emotional. It's still an old boy's network, and if you don't talk, walk and piss like them, you don't stand a chance. Sexism my friends. Why are all of the strong women in politics accused of being lesbian (Hillary, Condie, etc)? Just because they're women in a man's world? Sexism (and a little of the next topic) my friends.

We aren't talking about HOMOPHOBIA. We all know that one's out there too...when a little boy can be murdered because he wanted another boy to be his valentine we need to have a serious conversation about homophobia. It's better to be a murderer than thought of as gay - great, go to jail - when you're bent over in your cell, let's talk about which is better, shall we? How come I pay my taxes and I am still a second class citizen that can't get married (unless I marry a woman)? How come it's not okay to race-bait, but it's still okay to gay-bait in the political world? Huh?

We aren't talking about CLASSISM. We aren't talking about how the rich are getting considerably richer and the poor are getting poorer, and the middle class are disappearing. What will happen when the divide is too great? What will happen when there are only the haves and the have nots? Who gets to wait in line for bread and toilet paper then?

I'm sick of talking about racism in america. I'm happy to talk about it...really, I am, but only when we start talking about sexism, homophobia and classism in the same context. And, then, only after we've had some serious discussions about what we are going to do to stabilize the economy, and end the war in Iraq and the senseless slaughter of our troops. (again - support our troops with all my heart and patriotism, but I don't support the war - so go ahead and call me un-patriotic...I've been called worse.)

So - come on America and our politicians, are we really going to talk about things, or are we just going to give some great sound bite speeches and call the problem solved. If you're going to talk about racism (sexism, homophobia or classism for that matter) you'd better be prepared to do more than talk, and give me ways you're going to fix the problem. Until then, it's just talk.

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