I didn’t think I would be talking about embattled LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling so soon after my first editorial about him a couple weeks ago.
I especially didn’t think I would agree with a statement he made relative to African-Americans.
As CNN’s Anderson Cooper interviewed Sterling earlier this week, Sterling ranted about a number of things that were completely irrelevant to the subject at hand, including his unfair and inaccurate criticism of Magic Johnson. However, in the midst of Sterling’s comments, he said something that some could interpret as unfair or perhaps racist, but I interpret as true … slightly.
Sterling’s comment was, “Jews when they get successful they will help their people. And some of the African-Americans … they don’t want to help anybody.”
Aside from the “the African-Americans” reference, Sterling has a slight point: some (the key word is some) Blacks do not help other Blacks. It is a reality that most honest Black people will admit is true. And it’s something that our community has grappled with for years.
Before you threaten to take away my Black card, hear me out.
By no means am I condoning Sterling or the offensive comments he made relative to Blacks. What he said was not only racist, but also despicable and incredibly offensive to a demographic that largely supports his team and the franchise in general. Sterling is a troubled man who is in need of an incredibly talented public relations firm that will keep a tight leash on him while providing him with effective strategies moving forward. Sterling has a proven track record of discriminatory acts and statements against minorities in general and even individuals with children.
However, as difficult as it was for us to hear, when Sterling made the comment about some Blacks not helping one another – it rang true in our community.
I happen to know dozens of African-Americans who use their power and influence to help others along the way, but such kindness is not always the standard.
Sectors of the Black community suffer from a crab in the barrel syndrome: when one person is trying to advance and get out of the barrel, there are others who don’t want them to succeed so they pull the motivated ones down to stifle their potential. While this is a reality for individuals, it also happens relative to Blacks in business too.
When was the last time you purchased something from a major retailer when you could have actually purchased it from a local minority vendor? How often have you passed a minority-owned restaurant to eat at a well-known franchise? Are you likely to mentor someone who is talented and has great potential, or will you ignore them because their skill-set and motivation threaten you? Do you gossip or make up rumors about an individual because you are jealous of them or simply because you don’t like the joy and confidence they exude?
My questions could go on and on. The point I am attempting to make is that as a culture, we have a history of not supporting one another and that needs to stop.
I am not asking anyone to enable a person, rather I’m asking that you lend a helping hand, offer some sound advice, and support the initiatives of your brothers and sisters locally and globally. I believe there needs to be a level of personal accountability always. We shouldn’t expect things to be given to us without putting forth a heartfelt effort.
If I was a restaurant owner with a dirty establishment and rude employees, I couldn’t expect Blacks to support my business simply because I am Black. We all have to have sound products, whether those “products” are tangible things like restaurants or clothing lines or if those “products” are intangible things such as great customer service or a hard work ethic.
This week I had an interesting conversation with a man who I respect and admire considerably. He is someone I consider a close friend and he happens to be white. During our discussion, we talked about some of the experiences and challenges of Blacks. My very compassionate and fair-minded friend asked me sincerely, “How can we make it better.”
I looked at him appreciative of his willingness to not only learn, but also actually do something to improve the plight of all people and I told him, “We just have to do what we can individually and collectively to make things better for others.”
It’s that simple.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
