Letter: Get tough on backing diversity

To the Editor:

The stewardship of creating a more diverse Red wing is at this point, in my opinion, being handled without any real clues as to a standard by which that could and should be accomplished.

I’ll explain.

How do you effectively change the minds of fellow citizens with respect to the lies falsehoods and stereotypes of racial prejudice? You challenge their beliefs and statements that are clearly expressions of prejudice.

In paraphrase, “The only thing needed for evil to win is for good people to do nothing.”

This challenge statement does not include doing or saying things not to offend people in your planning of events or festivals. It does not include an ice cream social-style of addressing cultural events.

The most truly effective way to make a difference is to present people with evidence that forces them to reconsider the truth of their prejudiced beliefs.

This is not accomplished by appeasement or endless meetings or discussions or merely having a title that says you are a representative of the cause of human rights.

What is accomplished by not doing a good job of this process or even worse completely omitting through intent neglect or otherwise inability to get this done?

Nothing. That is nothing of significance with regard to bringing an epiphany to an otherwise predisposed negative person or persons has been accomplished.

I firmly believe that people concerned about this community and its poor way of treating people of color would be more involved if they knew that their activity would make a genuine difference instead of superfluous committees, etc.

Lately there has been a glaring lack of representation of, among other things, quality African-American participation in Diversity Festival. This has led to it being labeled more of a Vanilla Festival than a Diversity Festival. (I promise I ain’t makin’ that up.)

I’m still waiting for this diversity thing to get done right for there to be effectiveness in making a difference and for Red Wing’s prejudiced citizens to emerge from the Stone Age with respect to how to stop being ignorant.

Donald Mayo

Red Wing

Tags: opinion