A Reliable
Voice in the
Community

Volume 6
Issue 32
Oct. 21 - 27, 2009

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Why all the fuss?

Racism has once again reared its ugly head.

For the past several days, the nation has heard the story of the Louisiana justice of the peace who refused to marry interracial couple Terence McKay, who is African-American, and Beth Humphrey, who is white. Keith Bardwell, an elected judge in the eastern part of the state, said he “recused himself from performing the ceremony” because he feared for the couple’s future children.

“I didn’t want to put the children in that position,” Bardwell said, citing what he “knows” about the hardships children of mixed relationships may face. His comments only intensified public uproar and prompted Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal to call for his removal.

Bardwell did apologize for not wanting to help the couple and said he referred them to someone else. He just personally did not want to have any part in blessing the union. McKay and Humphrey were later married by another judge.

This was and still is a really sad incident that only seems to fuel the racism that despite what some who wear blindfolds may say, is alive and well in the world today.

But to be honest, I am somewhat surprised that people are so shocked about Bardwell’s actions.

Yes, racism has reared its head, but the head is still attached to a society that continues to be shaped by fear, misunderstanding, ignorance and elitism. We make a fuss over this and other incidents — same-sex marriage, religious persecution, age discrimination and more — but we should never lay down our bows and arrows of equality.

There are many who fight the fight 24/7/365 when others grow weary and frustrated. But when frequent and heavy arrows aren’t aimed at the “head,” causing it to not lift and to spew hateful remarks or provoke intolerant actions, the body of society only grows bigger.

I know firsthand how tiring standing up for what you believe in can be, but I don’t give up. Even when my actions slow down and words may be a whisper, I still keep talking and pushing for change.

When you grow weary, rest, but don’t stop.

When your voice becomes hoarse, find a physical method to fight for change.

And never wait for racism to rear its head before you place an arrow in your bow.

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