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"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32
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Author:  Gerald V. Todd
Bio: Gerald V. Todd
Date:  May 29, 2015
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Topic category:  Racial Issues

Taylor vs. Taylor - A Study in Black Attitudes

Today a black lady wrote in my local paper, extolling the First Lady’s racist Tuskegee speech; “In my opinion, blacks cannot be racist because racism denotes social and economic power, and they don’t have that.” Certainly, the First Lady has social and economic power which she misuses with impunity. The writer, Ms Taylor admits, “blacks can be racist, but it’s not as pervasive because it doesn’t have racism at its root.”

We all have an innate need for a sense of worth, even superiority. The seven deadly sins sprout from that human fault line. These know no bounds of race, gender or ethnicity. Some play it out with snobbery, others with destruction and thievery, with ostentatiousness, by slaughter of innocents. Failing these, some sink into despair in a drug induced fog. No new sins, just new spins.

Today we’re overwhelmed with divisive “progressive” nonsense defined as Diversity – even to paying “Diversity experts.” This leads only to racism, sexism, homophobia and Islamophobia. Few in my lily white/black/Hispanic/Asian circle has time to worry about silly isms, ists and phobias. Except for an STD propensity group, if anyone has O+ blood, I could accept a transfusion. Sadly, Tennis great Arthur Ashe died of an STD contaminated transfusion.

Then I met Taylor – her first name. I dropped off some water saving technology data at a CSU/Bakersfield office yesterday. The Manager wasn’t in, but I was served at the counter by a young black lady with an infectious smile. I asked if she was a student – “Yes!” Major? Theater and English I recall. What do you want to do? “I love to act!”

We kicked that around for a while, when I asked if I could make a comment that might sound racial. She said, “Sure!” I asked if she noticed who is getting a major portion of roles in movies, TV and commercials. (My wife watches Oprah.) She said, “Yeah, but what kind?” Certainly not porn. Blacks are getting great roles – even in solid family portrayals – police chiefs, one thing Hollywood is doing right.

Why is this so? Because as a defense against years of being put down, they have developed a natural tendency to act in delightful and powerful roles. Catholics and Jews before them still tolerate a lot of societal abuse – producing great comedians and writers. A priest told me it is what builds character – “…trials beget patience, patience begets faith, faith begets virtue – which is its own reward,” It is the meat of our personal training programs to meet greater challenges ahead.

I told Taylor she has the personality and drive to succeed in whatever she does. I suggested she seek employment where she is gifted - not just for “a job.” She already knows where that is and will certainly pay her dues – even fail and rise again. She just has to handle the bumps with the same bright smile and handshake she gave me as we parted company.

Go for it, Taylor – and bring some folks of like gifts and any color with you. Our world needs your style of beauty.

Gerald V. Todd

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Biography - Gerald V. Todd

Jerry is a retired engineer with strong experience in environmental innovation which he still applies today with 2 clean water and energy saving technologies. His life avocation in writing and study of philosophical and biblical themes as they apply to the body politic's spiritual warfare. He survived stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2006; now in excellent health. A graduate of the University of Illinois (1958, Industrial Engineering), Jerry had post graduate studies at both the University of San Francisco and the University of Santa Clara in California between 1961 and 1963 (Logic, Marketing). As co Founder and seminar presenter he was awarded a Ph.D. in Philosophy at Valley Christian University operating under California private-post secondary statutes for mid career student, VCU was the pioneer external degree school for mid career students. Its course structures were picked up by several well known Christian colleges. Hosted local broadcast radio and TV shows, "Religion on the Line" and "The News Firm" (jointly with wife, Joanne), respectively. Jerry has published several books that are available at Amazon. Jerry is available to speak as a visiting lecturer at the high school, college or community organization level. Jerry is married 55 years to Joanne Dean Todd – 3 children, 8 grandchildren.


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