Crime and Race

This past spring, a merchant shot a customer. This past summer, a merchant shot a robber. This fall, a robber shot a merchant’s daughter. What can we say about this? Are these racial tensions or manifestations of a sick society?

Our leaders claim that they are racial tensions or cultural hostilities. But they are not racial. They are sicknesses of our society. We should not blame “race” for the pain and heartache brought forth by individuals. We must not ignore the fact that it is our responsibility as people to make our world a better community.

I’m a black man. Well, maybe African-American. No, I’m a Negro. Well, maybe colored . . . whatever the case, I’ve been wondering just where our leaders have been leading us. Is it the promised land of racial equality? Is it the promised land of equitable economic prosperity? As a homey might say, “No, I don’t think so.”

My mother has always told me that whenever she was asked a question pertaining to her “race,” she always wrote “human.” I refuse to look at anyone in any other way. Please, won’t you join me.

M. LAWRENCE DICKERSON

Los Angeles