Senator Reid did not use the brown paper bag…
In southern Louisiana, as I am told through family stories, a paper bag was used to determine entrance into some of the most exclusive events of the black bourgeoisie. Lighter than the bag, you were allowed in. Darker, you were left out.
Unwittingly, Senator Harry Reid placed me back there mentally with the recent publication of his remarks…wondering why anyone would care to make that distinction between shades of melanin. Without casting judgment on those who fall pretty to making “occasional” untoward comments, how can we remedy the problem of categorizing people based on color (or shades thereof)?
I’m not giving Harry Reid a pass, but I have not heard him make such comments as he addressed the National Urban League Legislative Policy conference or while working with his rather “chocolate” senior aide.
My recommendation for politicians has been sensitivity training. But who is going to train the countless African-Americans who made determinations about then Senator Obama’s ability to run based on all manner of stereotypical traits. I don’t even have to say them, because the phrases are popping up in your head as you recall sitting around the TV watching CNN and wondering if he could actually beat Hillary (or anyone else for that matter).
Let’s start with a dialogue with your friends, family and in your groups. Yes, break away from the TV and discuss it. Talk to the person sitting next to you at work, or the person ringing up your groceries. It all starts with you.
And besides President Obama is okay with it. 😉