Racism, Comedy, And Hope For Haiti

Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at the age of 35, and continues to be the youngest male to ever win the prize. When he was assassinated on April 4, 1968 the world was robbed of the most effective human rights icons of the 20th century. As a powerful speaker and a spiritual leader, King gave people hope of a new tomorrow.

47 years later and being watched in a much different world, King’s speech still evokes emotional responses from his viewers. Regardless of nationality, religion, or opinions King masterfully crafts an invitation to share in his dream. While we have yet to make King’s dream a reality, we can safely say that King has left behind a legacy to be proud of and hopeful for.

When asked my opinion of racism in our generation, I say I’m optimistic. Disclaimer: I’m a white male and I went to high school in suburbia. Racism is a universal phenomenon, and is found wherever there is human culture. It’s ugly and often ignorant; it harms people and damages communities. You see it everyday in a variety of ways, and it will be a long time before the echoes of America’s past can no longer be felt. Everyone can be a victim of racism, and it is a wretched feeling to be judged due to how you are unfamiliar and different from another.

I believe that entertainment icons like Eminem, Dave Chappelle, Aaron McGruder,Trey Parker & Matt Stone have opened the mainstream of our generation to new viewpoints and cultures. How did they get us to open up these new views? By making us laugh at both the stereotypes and politically correctness that run rampant in our culture. Between the awkwardness that exists in a politically correct world, and the ignorance of the worlds still based in stereotypes, these artists invite you to share their dream, and make fun of everyone equally while laughing together.

Borders will always get be crossed, feelings will always be hurt, mistakes will always be made. But to forgive, laugh, and work together and respect every person’s human right to be them self, we would bring Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream that much closer to a reality. We have the tools, and I think our culture is ready to mature to a new level. Should you have the day off I encourage you to seize this opportunity to do what you can to help Haiti, an area truly in need of the compassion and collaboration King fought for.

image: LWI