How can you call yourself a Christian and not speak out on or even recognize the inequalities and discrimination still present In this country that stem  from the privileged and unaccountable attitude of mainstream America. I understand all Americans do not share this same ailment but many if not most do. To attribute the circumstances of today’s black Americans as simply an unwillingness to conform and the makings of their own work ethic, character, education, or lack of, is a grave injustice and one that any logical human being with after or foresight would deem as ignorant if not simply just abhorrently evil, unless they lack the capability of comprehending and viewing the history of America without veiled shades on. The idea of such ignorance or the guise of, infuriates me to point of disgust with my fellow Americans. The occurrence of a black president did not end all racial problems in this country. If anything, it made them worse. Now Americans have more, whether valid or not, reasons to ridicule, criticize, and discriminate against black Americans even more. The disrespect that has been shown to this president is unprecedented. Nixon never received as much criticism and he was impeached. Acts of treason by congress and senate all occurred simply because of the unwillingness of the Good ole boys club to appear to be taking orders from a black man, or anyone who is not a  Anglo male for that matter. Loretta Lynch, the first African American female Attorney General has had the longest confirmation period from the senate ever recorded. 166 days total. I read a blog article about the two faced Christian a few days ago. The message was received instantly.

For the sake of humanity we must learn to understand and accept each other. There is a cycle of poverty that is perpetuated by the practices of systemic racism in America that  Some don’t know exists or either refuse to acknowledge it. It starts in our school systems.

Schools are the socialization agent that was put in place well before the inception of this country. Our children learn their roles in society, and are educated or given the tools to succeed, in an ideal educational environment. In low income, high minority populated areas, this Is not the case. Schools are poorly funded, teachers poorly trained, paid and evaluated on job performance, and students are not afforded the same learning experiences as more affluent communities have. Often minority children are placed in special ed, or non-college preparatory classes and just pushed through the systems. College is rarely an option so the chance for a career and getting out of that cycle of poverty is slim.

We all know it is a fact that minorities and especially young black and Latino men are more likely to be convicted of the same crimes that their majority(white) counterparts but given a harsher sentence. I have personally seen how second chances from the court system are given to non-minority offenders more often than anyone of a minority race. 0 of 11 residents in a rehab center in a county where over 50 percent of the drug arrest are minorities but the prison population of minorities soar to over 70%. Mostly simple possession cases. All in a system where prisons are privately owned and earn profit when they stay full. You tell me if the discrimination or unfair treatment is obvious.

After having a record getting a job isn’t that easy, especially for convicted felons. Most have to take low level jobs or resort to crime again. Yet we judge those who have to survive by any means necessary. By no means do I condone criminal activity or violence against anyone for any reason other than defense of self and others. But not understanding why someone would act out in such a way is just as barbaric as the act itself because it is a conscious decision to ignore the wrongs and injustices being committed, have been committed, and the effects of those acts, to mankind by mankind. So again I ask, Am I My Brothers Keeper? Are You?