THE shocking events that unfolded in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend stunned a modern world that wanted to believe racism was a thing of the past or reserved for over zealous police in troubled cities. Suddenly, racism was alive, re-asserting its demonic vehemence when white supremacists led by the KKK staged the Unite the Right rally protesting the removal of a statue of confederate Gen Robert E Lee and were met by counter protestors.
Scenes of violence and hatred exploded like the lava of an erupting volcano.
Millions watched online and on TV as hatred spewed forth its effluent. Brawls broke out. Cops met angry protestors with shields, tear gas and pepper spray. Two policemen monitoring the violence from overhead were killed instantly when their helicopter crashed. A car driven by a 20-year-old man described as disillusioned, misguided and a supporter of the neo-Nazi white supremacist movement plowed into a crowd of counter protestors, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer, a paralegal who devoted her life to the fight for human rights and justice. In all, 34 people were wounded, 19 suffering serious injuries.
It took the state of Virginia years to reach the decision to remove the statue at the heart of the anger and conflict, a statue that symbolised the Souths defiant defense of a slave economy. The debate over its presence or removal raged in full view of the public.
In the end, right won out. Historys evil must be remembered lest it be repeated, but it need not assume a place of honour in a state capital that is home to its flagship university, one designed by the framer of the Constitution, Thomas Jefferson.
What happened in Charlottesville and American President Donald Trumps refusal to lambast the KKK, neo-Nazis and white supremacists shook a sleeping public accustomed to so much protection for equal rights that the underlying need for that protection had slipped out of mind and sight. If it re-awakened the reality of racism in its most heinous form in the United States, it also sent a message to The Bahamas.
In The Bahamas, the evil of racism is much more insidious. Rarely openly displayed, its existence is caught in the glare of an eye when a black Bahamian does not realise a white Bahamian sees. It shows up in unpredictable places where instead of a wave or greeting there is an unexpected icy stare. Some vow it is alive in pricing, the same goods or services sold at different prices depending on the consumer or the community.
In The Bahamas, where whites make up less than 15% of the population, was it anti-white racism when the Bahamian flag was designed with the aquamarine, black and gold? Here, in the governments own words, is the description of the symbolism: Black, a strong colour, represents the vigour and force of a united people The omission of white as a colour on the flag has long sparked controversy and the late Norman Solomon excused it by saying that the white welting holding it together represented the minority segment of the population. Mr Solomon, a former UBP politician and progressive leader recognising the need for majority rule, refused to be insulted by the flags design but for others it has remained a sore spot for more than 40 years.
If the hate and bitterness that spilled over in Charlottesville by people who felt displaced was misplaced, it touched a sensitive nerve that triggered 24-hour coverage of an issue so painful and raw it refuses to hide its ugly head.
In The Bahamas, while this weekends events were a reminder, there have been improvements but we still have a short way to go. Most Bahamians work, live and play together without issue. They show the respect they should to people with whom they interact. Many would not even remember if the last person they spoke to or did business with was black, brown or white.
Fortunately, we are far ahead of our neighbour to the north. Bahamians are largely colour blind in the best sense.
But we must not ignore the undercurrent that influences decisions, makes immigration issues tougher and builds resentment. In addition to time mending and blending all, there is only one strategy to make certain that someday there will truly be One Bahamas. That solution is to treat each person as if you could not see colour. If the young man accused of stealing a pack of cigarettes has to be shackled going to court, so should the former Cabinet minister accused of extorting thousands of dollars.
If a developer snubs his nose at the government and tells it to leave the project alone, that developer should be apprised of the rules and should he not wish to abide by those rules that everyone else has to abide, he should be invited to do business elsewhere. The clerk who steals must be prosecuted in the same way his boss must be if there is a Customs violation.
Racism will never vanish until we vanquish the differences with which we treat people. Eradicate the difference in treatment and the resentment that breeds racism will, finally, be a lesson for history classes. This is one evil that we can put to rest and say Sleep well and for a very long time.
Read the original post:
Editorial: Hidden Faces Of Racism In The Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune
- Mixed fortunes for USA and France in 4x400m heats at WRE Bahamas 24 | News | Bahamas 24 - World Athletics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Olympic qualification the main goal for global stars in Nassau | News | Bahamas 24 - World Athletics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- World Athletics Inside Track Podcast back in The Bahamas | News | Bahamas 24 - World Athletics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- How to watch Wayde van Niekerk live on 4-5 May at the World Athletics Relays 2024 in Nassau, Bahamas - Olympics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- JJ McCarthy And His Viral Fiance Are Currently Dominating The Bahamas - Outkick - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- World Relays in Bahamas includes Bailey, Peoples, and Holmes - Razorbacks Arkansas - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24: Preview, schedule, track stars to watch and how to follow the event live - Olympics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- What To Watch At The 2024 World Relays In Nassau, Bahamas - CITIUS Mag - Citius Mag - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- WRE Bahamas 24 preview: Netherlands and USA seek more 4x400m success | News | Bahamas 24 - World Athletics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- EVERYTHING READY FOR THE BAHAMAS 2024 WORLD ATHLETICS RELAY - Panam Sports - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Former FTX Executive Ryan Salame Agrees to Forfeit $5.9 Million Bahamas House in Plea Agreement - Blockchain.News - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- USA's Paris Olympics Tickets Almost Snatched Away From Men's 4x400m Team After Suffering DQ at Bahamas Relays - EssentiallySports - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Airline debuts service between PBIA and Abaco, Bahamas - WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Is Sha'Carri Richardson Running at World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24? Everything We Know about Team USA's Lineup - EssentiallySports - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Canadian men's 4x100 relay team races to silver in World Athletic Relays in Bahamas - CBC.ca - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- World Relays make a triumphant return to the Bahamas - Trackalerts.com, track and field news website - Trackalerts - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Margaritaville Bahamas cruise offers trips to Key West fall of 2024 - Palm Beach Post - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Lewis, Charlton and Hughes join Inside Track Podcast | News | Bahamas 24 - World Athletics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Former FTX Executive to Give Up Bahamas Property Worth $5.9 Million - The Tech Report - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- The Most Expensive Home in The Bahamas Just Sold for a Record $40 Million - Robb Report - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Bahamas: Contest for leadership of opposition party heats up | Loop Caribbean News - Loop News Caribbean - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Disney Cruise Line details the Junkanoo theme at new Bahamas destination - Travel Weekly - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- WRE Bahamas 24 preview: rivalries renewed in women's 4x100m | News | Bahamas 24 - World Athletics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Bahamas Mixed Relay squad punches ticket to Paris Olympics | Loop Caribbean News - Loop News Caribbean - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- World Relays start today in Bahamas | Sports - Jamaica Gleaner - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- World Relays are happening this weekend in the Bahamas - Athletics Illustrated - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 set to showcase star-studded cast ahead of Paris Olympics - caribbeannationalweekly.com - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- J.J. McCarthy, Fiancee Enjoying Vacation In The Bahamas - The Spun - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- "GROSS OVERSIGHT:" BAAAs apologizes for naming of "Haiti-Bahamas All-Star team" - EyeWitness News - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- WRE Bahamas 24 preview: clash of global title-winning teams in men's 4x100m | News | Bahamas 24 - World Athletics - May 6th, 2024 [May 6th, 2024]
- Cruise bound for Bahamas rerouted to Boston because of storm - CBS Boston - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Cruise ship originally headed for Bahamas to stop in Portland due to storm - NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Inside Lionel Richie's Star-Studded 'Dancing on the Sand' Weekend In the Bahamas - PEOPLE - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- 7 Top-Rated Bahamas All-Inclusive Resorts You Should Book - TheTravel - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- December Cruise To Bahamas Rerouted To Canada - Jalopnik - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Alaska Airlines starts flying to the Bahamas from Seattle and Los Angeles - The Points Guy - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- You Can Now Fly Nonstop From Los Angeles to Nassau, The Bahamas - Caribbean Journal - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- THE BAHAMAS AND ALASKA AIRLINES CELEBRATE FIRST-EVER NONSTOP ROUTES CONNECTING WEST ... - Yahoo Finance - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Cruise ship originally en route to Bahamas docks in Boston due to weather - CBS Boston - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Cruise Ship Originally En Route To Bahamas Docks In Boston Due To Weather - Patch - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Alaska Airlines Launches First-Ever Routes to Guatemala and the Bahamas - Business Traveler USA - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Kickin' It With Q: Cowgirls in the Bahamas (E.5) - Oklahoma State Athletics - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas hotel resort review - The Week - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- A Black Girl's Guide To Celebrating Junkanoo In Bahamas - Refinery29 - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- The Bahamas and Alaska Airlines Celebrate First-Ever Nonstop Routes - eTurboNews | eTN - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Live from AMERICANAFEST 2023: Brennen Leigh & Bahamas : World Cafe Words and Music Podcast - NPR - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- World Series of Poker Paradise part of growing sports scene in Bahamas - Fox News - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- TCI young men performing well at Blazer Elite Sports Academy in The Bahamas - Turks and Caicos Sun - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Royal Caribbean Closes In on New Resort in Freeport, Bahamas - Cruise Hive - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Bahamas: Spilligate'23 concert featuring Burna Boy postponed - St Vincent Times - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- Snaresbrook Manor is a Luxury Oasis in Governor's Harbour Bahamas - stupidDOPE.com - December 19th, 2023 [December 19th, 2023]
- KU falls to Bahamas in rematch, 87-81 - KUsports - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- Lindsay Shiver's alleged Bahamas lover downplays plot to kill husband - New York Post - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- 5 Reasons To Visit This Lesser-Known Island In The Bahamas - Travel Off Path - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- Ohio or the Bahamas? This kayaking paradise has crystal clear water - 614NOW - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- Eric Gordon to reportedly represent Team Bahamas - Eurohoops - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- Sebastian Walcott Is the Rangers'and the Bahamas'Future - D Magazine - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- These Are The 10 Best Things To Do On Grand Bahama Island - TheTravel - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- WHAT'S NEW IN THE BAHAMAS IN AUGUST 2023 - PR Newswire - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- Deandre Ayton, Kai Jones to rep The Bahamas at Olympic qualifiers ... - Loop News Caribbean - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- Reliving the Legend: Michael Jordan's Bahamas Pick-Up Trash-Talk ... - Landon Buford - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- For Mayor Adams, Any Day Has the Makings of Flag Day - The New York Times - August 8th, 2023 [August 8th, 2023]
- MAKING HISTORY: 80-member team named for the CARIFTA Games - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- Bahamas geography, maps, climate, environment and terrain from Bahamas ... - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Bahamas | Culture, Facts & Travel | - CountryReports - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Bahamas government structure and political parties. - CountryReports - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Is Bahamas a poor country? | - CountryReports - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Bahamas Population and Demographics from Bahamas | - CountryReports - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Bahamas interception of sea-borne Cuban migrants jumps in 2022 - January 17th, 2023 [January 17th, 2023]
- Bahamas national football team - Wikipedia - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- LeBron James Sipped Champagne and Vodka All Night Alongside Katy Perry in Crazy Bahamas Party in 2010 - EssentiallySports - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Hidden Worlds and The Islands of The Bahamas Bringing Awareness to Ocean Conservation - South Florida Caribbean News - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- 'Smoking a big spliff in the Bahamas': Nick's 10-year plan, and why his 'secret weapon' has him high on life - The Roar - December 23rd, 2022 [December 23rd, 2022]
- SBF's parents visited Bahamas prison where he's in custody - Business Insider - December 18th, 2022 [December 18th, 2022]
- Alex Rodriguez and Jaclyn Cordeiro share Instagram video of their stunning private vacation in the Northeastern Bahamas - Sportskeeda - December 12th, 2022 [December 12th, 2022]
- @realGeorgeHotz More Than Just a Polycule in the Bahamas, That's for Sure! - Latest Tweet by Elon Musk - LatestLY - December 12th, 2022 [December 12th, 2022]
- Bahamas' Attorney General Defends Country's Regulatory Regime Amid FTX 'Debacle' - CoinDesk - November 30th, 2022 [November 30th, 2022]
- Dayton regroups with two home games this week after 0-3 finish in Bahamas - Dayton Daily News - November 30th, 2022 [November 30th, 2022]
- The Bahamas' Club Med Columbus Set To Reopen This Month - TravelPulse - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- UH, U of the Bahamas partner in island sustainability, disaster risk reduction | University of Hawaii System News - University of Hawaii - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]