My Dad, host of Power 1310's El Bembe de la Manana, and one of the coolest guys I know, is a staunch, rather militant supporter of Barack Obama. Every now and then during his call-in show, he comes across a caller who says something racist, in reference to the Obama campaign. But Papi is pretty quick to diffuse the situation, and return the show to a more positive tone. When asked why he doesn't more forcefully shun these callers, Papi manages to convince you that their sentiments are that of a minority of the Hispanic population, more specifically, an uneducated and probably disenfranchised cohort, who should be pitied, rather than abhorred. And rather than play into their game, he chooses to challenge their logic. But one can't help but wonder if these comments affect this man, with a black mother and a black daughter, more than he lets on.
Then today, I found this article: Racism alarms Obama's Backers. At first I was shocked and angered that in this century, people can cite someone being a, "half-breed" as a reason not to vote for them. But then I began to understand why the Obama campaign makes it a point to underplay the "race issue" and why Papi feels the way he feel. Yes, this is sad and yes, it should make you angry, but it's also laughable and it should make you wonder. Rather than hate these people, and launch a counter attack, we should take the time to educate and enlighten.
Because in the end Hope trumps fear, Knowledge trumps ignorance, Love trumps hatred.
1 comment:
So cool!!! I didn't know your dad was into radio!! It's great to see people try to redirect instead of get all pissy, that just perpetuate the hate.
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