Guest Editorial

Whoa....Wait Just A Minute,
I'm Not What You Think I Am
By William Javier Nelson

W.J. Nelson A recent movie starring Michael Douglas made a mercifully short round of the theaters and quickly went into cable and video. It was called Falling Down and it highlighted Douglas as an off-balance guy and his mad-as-hell-and-won't-take-it-any-more dealings with what passes for daily aggravations in modern Los Angeles. One of the main character's more interesting encounters in the film is with a gentleman who happens to run an outfitting place catering to racists and anti-semites.

Mistakenly sensing that Douglas' alienation and frustration with "the way things are" come from the same feelings and beliefs as his, the outfitter takes Douglas in the "back room" where Douglas sees that, unlike him, this guy is really a racist. To say anything else would tip off too much of the movie for those who have not seen it, but suffice it to say that this theme -- of people misreading others' real beliefs and intentions -- is not all that uncommon in this day and age.

Many of us (myself included) have raised critical questions on how the "race" game is played in the U.S. Because I may not parrot what the NAACP says, does that mean that I would not react sharply and assertively against discrimination directed at me or others? It would certainly be a mistake (misreading) to think so. I don't believe I have ever said anything to indicate that I would not (myself or in a group of like-minded people) use every legal means I could to ensure equal opportunity.

One very important phase of the Civil Rights movement has been nearing completion for some time now. There are now laws on the books (unlike some other countries). It is now time to exercise the opportunities safeguarded by those laws. Don't look surprised. I can reel off any number of nationalities (which are "non-'white' ") that are doing just that right now.

I think if we of the multiracial movement examine our consciences as well as our own experiences, most of us will come to just about the same conclusion: that racism is wrong, that discrimination is wrong and that everyone should have the same opportunities, regardless of color. It just so happens that, because of our position and our slant on the "racial" situation, we will have to face accusations about our sincerity, as well as how we see ourselves. To this "problem" I say, "So What?" Others have worse ones.

I am far more concerned with all of us maintaining our vigil against racism, discrimination and oppression, as well as encouraging others to do the same.

William Javier Nelson, Ph.D.

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