Who dun fault it be?

I promised myself that I wouldn't write any political blogs while overseas... In general, I've tried to stay away from reading the American news. I even refused to bite when insanity and anti-democracy struck in Iowa. But this, my friends, simply rubs me the wrong way...

Police officers have been suspended in Houston after allegedly distributing a guide called "wacha dun did now?" -- jokingly referred to as a "quick guide to ebonics." To quote the AP report:

The booklet billed itself as a guide to Ebonics, teaching the reader to speak "as if you just came out of the hood." It included definitions such as "foty: a 40-ounce bottle of beer"; "aks: to ask a question"; and "hoodrat: scummy girl."

I'm not sure if any actual racist or demeaning statements were made in the book, or if there were any racist illustrations. If the AP report is to believed, the book is simply an ebonics translation manual. Perhaps it is necessary? Lest I be labeled a racist prematurely, let's look at the following two situations:

A cousin of mine was visiting from Europe, and we were sitting in a cafe. She was learning English, and curious about her environment. Across from us was sitting a table full of young African Americans, clearly having a good (and loud) time. More power to them. When my cousin asked me what they were saying, however, I was honestly at a loss to translate. I had no idea. I simply couldn't understand.

Another time I was taking the bus from Cleveland regional airport to my apartment, when several young African Americans sat down next to me and began an animated conversation. I will honestly claim that despite my best efforts, I could only pick up one in ten words in the conversation. Generally, that one word was the "f" word.

Keep in mind, my parents were immigrants, and I grew up surrounded by dialects and accents -- deciphering the English language in its various forms and misforms is a bit of a specialty of mine. If I can't make it out, is some American-born white-as-they-come officer from the suburbs named Joe Macnamarra going to figure it out?

If only to add insult to injury, I have watched my parents demeaned for their accents more times than I could possibly count. This, despite the fact that they make an effort to actually speak the language of the country in which they live.

Now before you plaster me up as a bigot, let's return to the AP report once again:

It included definitions such as "foty: a 40-ounce bottle of beer"; "aks: to ask a question"; and "hoodrat: scummy girl."

It's accurate. It's true. It's part of a black culture pumped into every television set in America. Are the officers to be punished by simply repeating what they see and hear everyday?

What about the following offering from a San-Fran based hip-hop website?

http://www.riceplate.com/rap/rap.php

Racist?

What about:

www.urbandictionary.com

or even the following site, representing such "artists" as Dr. Dre:

http://www.atr-mixtape.com/cgi-bin/word-search.pl?l=E

Now WHO is the racist?

It is not our place to judge the men and women who put their lives on the line in dangerous neighborhoods every day, let alone the effects of the stress they must go through.

There are bigger fish to fry in this beleagured nation without inventing racism where it is not present.

Eyes on the Prize

Some blessings come unlooked for. Some favors are unwanted. Sometimes -- in the words of Paolo Coelho -- the Universe will do something seemingly harsh to knock us back on track.

Sometimes God is a severe father, yet he is always working for our own good.

When you spend time in the dark tunnel and see the light ahead, only to have it blotted out, it can be a terribly disconcerting experience. For the prayerful, peaceful supplications can become bitter accusations and harsh words. There are times that the words fail, and as you lie awake at night, all you can do is send your groans upwards.

...yet he is always working for our own good.

It's important to recognize those times in our lives when we are called to step back and reevaluate our existence. This has been the context of my summer, one of hard work and much thought. I still have the occasional sleepless night, but things are starting to come into focus.

When Jesus told us to turn the other cheek, I don't think he was encouraging pacifism or wimpiness. If you read the statement in context, it seems that the "strike" that Christ is referring to is a backhand. A dismissive blow, from a (supposedly) higher power.

I think that Christ is really saying: "when you are backhanded and told to desist, then rise and present your other cheek. Insist on being hit with the front of the hand, as an equal."

The other cheek is turned.

The hard work is over for a litte while, and now I have time to take my thoughts to the road. First, to the Northeast coast, where so many great American creative souls have found inspiration and consolation. Then, to Krakow, a seat of Kings and a nest of Poets...I am going to drink deeply of the Christian courage of my ancestors.

(I can hardly afford any of this, but it's exactly what I need at the moment.)

That familiar fire is returning in the pit of my stomach, the eyes are narrowing, yet the anger is diminishing. Focus. Joy. The rest of my energy will be used to embrace the blessings unlooked for. I won't let anger chain me to the spot where I was brought to my knees.

The other cheek is turned.

...and HE is always working for our very greatest good...