Note: I've gone back and read, and re-read what I wrote and have edited in hopes that what I'm intending to say/imply is coming across clear(er).
***
Been thinking about this over since late Monday when I got sick, so if I sound a bit disorganized, just speak up and ask me to clarify. I’ll make every attempt.
Boy 1 shouts "You're wrong!" as Boy 3 (class president is speaking).
Boy 2 shouts something as girl 1 (other race) accepts award.
Okay...so, you're probably wondering where I'm going with this (admittedly) simplistic example.
Racism = Belief = Motive (for said racism).
For one to truly believe that either case was racially based would mean you would have some knowledge of the individual's motive/thought pattern/intentions, etc. - (mens rea for short). Ideally summed up: Person A holds (racist) belief A, which leads to Act B, which leads to conclusion C. Ultimately, you would have to know the person well to know what they're thinking; all anyone can do is best guess, right? Though I dare say it isn't much that one at least attempt to analyze the situation before making rash remarks, like calling someone racist.
It's unfortunate that we're a society that mistakes pride in southern history and/or it's cultural highlights (which I'm proud to say that it's richness runs in my veins*) for the lingering venom that does still exists. We're also a society that mistakes northern liberalism (which I applaud as much as southern history/culture) )and other things (personal pride, youthful vanity and naiveness) for a heartfelt ideology.
In fact, it's sad because such barriers get in the way of communication, and with communication - nothing survives; just look out how our body is built (central nervous system/autonomic reactions, brain signals, etc.)
(*Minus minus slavery imho.)
Anyways, setting aside the possibility that the previous bit could become a tangent...
Was Kanye West being racist? How about Wilson? I doubt it with either of them; West, though I like two of his songs, has a tendency to be a dumbass. Wilson, likewise, has a tendency to be a dumbass, but of a congressional status.
To cut to the chase, both sides - the ones who say that Wilson is racist, and likewise West is racist, lost at the game of slap jacks; Their hands were out there, and when they saw what they thought was a Jack, they jumped on it…only hurting themselves.
That being said...
Does an issue involving two or more individuals who are of a different categorization's have to be always be because of such distinctions?
We're too quick in slapping the label of racism onto events like these and others - but we are also too quick (erring in both cases I feel) in ripping it off like a bad band-aide. Just as misapplied and abused the term racism can be and has been, it's just as easily not used when it is perfectly apt and is legitimate.
At the end of the day, I think people are just sick and tired of those who throw it around. Those very people, ironically, gut "their cause" and the truly legitimate cases there are; a step back is taken, therein many more are needed to make up the lost ground.
Communication is key; I'm finding that out more day by day.
~AJ