Yesterday, I wrote about how we should not listen to white people when they say it’s not about racism, because they’re not the “experts” who really experience it.
However, we should also beware of going too far in the other direction: sometimes it really is not about racism.
I have often had discussions like this with my clients:
“That cop is a racist!”
“Why do you say that?”
“He treated me terribly and gave me no respect!”
“I know this particular cop very well. Trust me, he treats everyone like that.”
Sometimes people are a jerk to you not because of your race, but because they’re jerks. Or maybe it’s because of your dress or attitude. A white guy dressed as a thug and acting like a gang member also doesn’t get a ton of respect.
But there really is racism. Obama talked about how, when he was a Constitutional Law Professor dressed in a suit, he still couldn’t get a taxi. Black business leaders find themselves being followed in stores despite looking like professional CEOs in all respects. The fact that blacks get arrested for drug offenses in bigger numbers than whites despite drug use among whites and blacks being pretty equal is another good sign. There are plenty of other examples.
All I’m saying is: Racism absolutely exists and it is something people deal with every day. Just don’t automatically assume every time you’re treated bad it’s because of racism. I have friends who hate Obama but it’s not because they’re racist. They hated Clinton too. They hate all liberal politicians. If Obama was 100% white, they’d still hate him.
For that matter, I can’t stand Al Sharpton, Clarence Thomas, and Herman Cain, but not because of their race. (And if you think I supported Obama because of his race, well, you might want to ask if you are the racist, unable to see anything but a candidate’s race to determine why anyone would vote for him.)
However, if your main criticism of Obama is that he’s a Kenyan Muslim who doesn’t look like a “real American” — well, I think that’s a pretty good sign it isn’t just his politics that have you angry. And if your protest includes a Confederate flag, you might as well stop pretending.
Seriously. I’m sick of watching white people debate whether there is still racism.
I’ve ranted before about how we tend to listen to people who already support what we previously believed as opposed to experts who may challenge our assumptions. 
It bugs me when people listen to TV commentators to decide whether climate change exists, or pay attention to celebrities to determine whether they should vaccinate their kids, or read blogs from angry gun owners to interpret the meaning of the Constitution.
Deciding that racism is over by talking to all your white friends is on par with these mistakes. Listen to the experts.
Some time ago, when Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State — one of the most powerful people in the friggin’ world — she was at a forum about foreign policy and the conversation went like this:
MODERATOR: Which designers do you prefer?
SECRETARY CLINTON: What designers of clothes?
MODERATOR: Yes.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Would you ever ask a man that question?
And she was absolutely right. The press always seems to talk about what female politicians are wearing, as if they are movie stars or something, and as if that mattered one bit.
Good news, everybody! We have finally reached equality, because the right-wing media has decided that it matters very much what male politicians are wearing, too! They’ve criticized Obama for wearing a tan suit recently, because tan suits are … um … well, I am not sure why. Presidents aren’t supposed to wear tan suits or something.
I am not making this up.
But hey, at least they’re discussing his fashion choices, which is just as important and relevant as which designers Hillary Clinton likes! Equality at last!
By the way, because you know I was going to, here’s a collection of previous Presidents wearing tan suits.
Yes, we tan!
I have another blog where I interview writers. I concentrate mostly on fantasy and science fiction writers, since that’s what I mostly read (and write), but every once in a while I get the opportunity to interview musicians who have written books (or writers who have written books about music).
My favorite so far has been with Howard Kaylan. Howard was the founder of The Turtles and then later went on to sing for Frank Zappa (as well as Flo and Eddie). 
He wanted to be interviewed by phone and we had a great conversation. He is just as funny to talk to in person as his music and book was. He appreciated the fact that I knew his work and we probably could have talked for another hour but I had to leave.
Another phone interview was with Tommy James. You remember him! Crimson and Clover, I Think We’re Alone Now, Draggin’ the Line, Hanky Panky, Mony Mony — his songs topped the charts over and over in the 60s. He was very friendly and his book is good, too!
May Pang only wanted to be interviewed by email, and ignored some of the questions I had asked her about her relationship with John Lennon, but if you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll want to read this one.
I also interviewed Alan Goldsher by phone. He’s a session musician whose latest book is the autobiography of George Benson. He wrote a hilarious book called “Paul is Undead” about the Beatles as zombies and we had a great talk about writing, Beatles, and music in general.
Music has been very important to me in life, and so I’ve been honored to interview these people. Have a look!
Some wise guy started Facebook and Twitter pages under the name of “God” and has been dispensing wisdom and humor for a while now. But this latest is the best. 
“God” began a campaign to buy billboards in the hometown of Westboro Baptist Church (those bigots who hold up “God Hates Fags” signs) which says “God loves gays.”
It’s still going on, so more billboards may be raised. You can donate here.
Why should the right always get to decide what God says, after all? The thing that makes the tweets extra special is that they are that they are not mean-spirited or anti-religious at all. You could easily imagine God saying these things. (Well, except for the profanity. Well, maybe the Old Testament God.) After Robin Williams’ suicide, “God” spent a lot of time counseling people to get help for depression and otherwise has actually made some very caring posts. Hm, maybe it is God after all.
So let’s share in some of “God’s” recent tweets both funny and insightful:
Life is fair because it’s unfair for everyone.
I had nothing to do with the cure for ebola. You should thank the doctors and scientists for that.
Dear Humans: This is your weekly reminder. Stop killing each other! Please and thank you – God
I challenge you all to the “don’t be a douche” challenge! Do you accept?
If all religions advocate peace, then why aren’t their extremists extremely peaceful?
Dear Terrorists: There are no virgins waiting for you in Heaven. None. Take care – God
…and one I definitely agree with:
You don’t have to be religious to be a good person.
