Racism

I didn't realize when I was watching Hey Hey last night and looking agape at the television at a very poor taste and non-funny Red Faces act (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmaF7Pys7OI), that today a whole hornet's nest of emotions would be stirred up for me.

A long time ago, in my previous life, I was married to a black man.  This made any hint of racism a whole different world.  People I never thought were racist, or worse people who didn't think of themselves as racist, came creeping out all over the place.  Most times comments were preceded with, "No offence, but...." or "Don't take this personally, but....".  In many cases comments were made by people who had no idea I had a black husband.   People who probably had enough sensitivity to never say anything offensive to a black person's face, but because I am white didn't even realize what they were doing.

I'm not here to sermonize about racism.  I don't believe there is anything I could say that would sway people's opinions one way or another.  I just want to say it makes me sad.  I am still shocked and amazed at people's insensitivity.  But that's just my problem, really.  I've always been too sensitive, about everything, and I just don't understand how others can not be.  It wasn't the Hey Hey act that I am most saddened by, it is all the discussion it has raised, particularly on Twitter.  So many people saying it is just political correctness gone mad, or that everyone needs to lighten up.  Perhaps it is just human nature, a way of feeling superior, protecting one's self, I don't really know.  I only know I am very sad today.