Racism:
The Burden of the United States
My
experience in an Orlando Resort, Florida
Written
By: Joel Leon
“Racism,
because it favors color over talent, is bad for business” Steven
Pinker
Whatever your
opinion is about Stokely Carmichael and Charles Hamilton, two
militant founders of Black Panther Party, society must recognize that
they have brought a profound contribution to help millions to have a
better understanding of racism. They’ve revealed two great aspects
of racism in America: individual racism and institutional racism.
I was a victim of an
act of racism in Florida yesterday, the city of Orlando, at a very
popular, well renowned resort. I was vacationing with my partner, Dr
Johanne Louis, the kids and the rest of the family. To tell the
truth, the place was gorgeous: Golf course, Tennis courts, game room,
pools and spacious, luxurious, good customer service, great people.
On Tuesday August 22nd, we decided to go swimming, a usual
daily activity here at the resort. The rest of the family left before
me because I was watching the soccer game, opposing Napoli (Italy)
and Nice (France), so I promised to meet them right after the game.
When I arrived at
the pool, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. There were two
asian women with their white partners, several white families were
swimming with their kids comfortably, and I spotted my partner’s
children in the pool among them. I went into the pool to also enjoy
the time with the family. Suddenly, I realized that all eyes were
focusing on me. I wasn’t intimidated but curious. I realized that
all the white families started exiting the pool. At first,
considering the fact that we were living in a “free country”, I
didn’t associate it with nothing. By the way, I was vacationing
with the woman that I love dearly, I was in a mental state that had
little to see with negativity. I forgot for an instant that I was in
the south. The controversial south. Later in the writing, I will
share with you my humble opinion about the south of United States!
I am a native of
Haiti, the land of freedom for all. I arrived in the country of
Abraham Lincoln in January 1994, more than 20 years ago. I am very
grateful to the Unites States, because I could be a dead man today if
it wasn’t for the hospitality of US government.
After the coup of
September 1991, Haiti was like a huge grave yard. The military and
supporters were deliberately murdering people, most of them innocent,
or simply they were defending their democratic rights. We wanted the
return of democratic order in the country, meaning replacing Jean
Bertrand Aristide in power, the ousted legitimate president. I was
very active in that process as a believer in the noble democratic
principles. The US government saved my life by facilitating my
transition to their land. I am very grateful for that, although, the
State department and CIA were directly involved in the coup plot.
I am a 6 feet and 4
inches tall, black man, 230 pounds, walking in the pool of this
Grande resort, in the heart of the south among white folks. I didn’t
pay too much attention to those around me, as I saw Johanne and her
sister, Marjorie, were chatting at a table off the pool. I came,
said hi in creole, and went straight to the pool. Because that was
the purpose of being there, to swim. Suddenly, Johanne came to me
with the usual captivating smile, and said “ don’t you see all
the white folks are leaving the pool since you get in?”. Throwing
a rapid glance, that was so true, they’re emptying the premises
hastily. A big black man swimming in the same exact pool where “
authentic white folks” were having a good time, in the heart of the
nostalgic south, is, of course, not too familiar.
As a writer/thinker,
a color blind son of Haiti, that sad event would never leave me
indifferent, especially right after the incident of Charlottesville,
that left 3 dead. Sad event, unfortunately worsened by the Trump’s
rhetoric condemning both sides, while it was evident the racists were
deliberately attacking people. One thing I was really sure about
after January 20th, the presidency of Donald Trump would exacerbate
racial passion in America. I don’t believe that president Trump is
a racist, a true capitalist can’t be racist, Donald Trump is the
purest one. His angle transcends the small gumption of right and
wrong, or black and white, angel or demon. His perceptive vision is
crystallized in a single mental unit, profit and fortune. So, the
perception of president Trump is about how to conclude deals,
including with the devil. Regardless of his tweets and tough
narratives, the final point will always be gaining profit.
It is sad, 17 years
after the beginning of the 21st century, to see some folks
so self-centered about their small little person in a world where
diversity is more and more the definition of the life style is
pathetic. I read a couple books about this great general from the
south, Robert E. Lee:
“ How Robert E.
Lee lost the civil war” (Edward H Bonekemper III)
“Clouds of Glory:
The life and legend of Robert E. Lee” ( Michael Korda)
“Robert E Lee: A
biography” ( Emory M Thomas)
I read many articles
about him. In my own understanding, from October 12th
1870 (death of the general), to today, I believe the racists missed
to interpret, in modern time, the true will of Mr Lee, which in fact
was only, one country, one people, one land...He expressed that
feeling when he said “It is well that war is so terrible, or we
should grow too fond of it”. In vain search of hero to support the
lost cause, the racists are altering the personal story of a great
man.
While swimming,
having a great time in a sweet/warm/superb water, some white folks
chose to live hell off the pool at almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I
stayed in there for a long period of time, I wanted to teach them a
lesson. Except a couple of 2 old people stayed in with me, but
isolated themselves to a small part of the pool, the negro was having
fun. That must be terrifying!
While swimming,
playing with the son of my beloved Johanne, Jayden, I was thinking
how stupid to easily give up an ardent desire to have fun because of
a big/tall negro. Like I stated earlier, I didn’t have intention
to leave the pool, after around of 2 hours, timidly they’ve started
to come back in the water, because the big/tall negro refused to give
up on his desire to have a good time. Before I finally left, all of
them were back in the water, I was laughing to experience how
individual and institutional racism can make people stupid, missing
out and empty of their humanity.
In conclusion,
racism, bigotry, ultra nationalism...still have some long days left
before we bury them once and for all.
Joel Leon
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