With all of these things going on here in New York City, ask yourself if you think that this is a true story or not. Do you believe that African-American guests were barred from entering this establishment, which was holding Teri Wood's book signing? Personally I believe that it's possible that these black people, guests of this African-American woman were barred from this club at her book signing. There have been too many incidents of racism and racial profiling for me not to believe that it is possible. Racism and prejudice is running rampant here in New York City, and to deny that it exists would be like denying that slavery existed in this country.
Recently a Baton Rouge official refused to marry a couple because they were of different races; he deliberately broke the law. http://topics.treehugger.com/article/09N29BDesmef9
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/10/jindal_mary_landrieu_want_offi.html
When I hear or read that a certain club has allowed African-American celebrities, minority icons into their club, and that they have also allowed gays into this club, to me that doesn't mean that they're not racist. It only takes a few to disobey what is written in the law, and if they are White, chances are that they're more likely to get away with their blatant actions of discrimination. Look at the racial temperament of this country right now; we have an African-American President, but there are many Whites who resent this. Only yesterday, Wednesday, October 21, 2009, there was a threat to his life.
http://wcbstv.com/national/john.brek.threat.2.1263887.html
It is shameful that things continue to be like this in 2009, but this is the United States of America. Look at the history between the African-American People of Color, who were bought, stole and forced into slavery in this country. In my book "Born In The Wrong Country," I speak of discrimination, which still exists on many levels right here in this country. The book also addresses the abuse and pain caused by discrimination.
As an African-American man of color, who is gay and an epileptic, I see the rage on some of the White peoples' faces as I walk down the street. If looks could kill, many of us would be dead. Make no mistake, it's not just White people, it is also Black people and Hispanics that harbor prejudices and the list continues to grow. Many people would rather not discuss racism, discrimination and prejudice, but not discussing them won't erase them; they will only continue to fester. As long as people continue to hide behind discrimination in this country, and in New York City, people are going to continue to act out. People will continue misbehaving as long as they can get away with it, especially if there isn't any real punishment or reimbursements to be paid out. Unfortunately some people get hurt by many discriminatory acts, some are injured in blatant attacks and others are murdered. Today discrimination seems to be climbing at a much faster rate. The government makes funds available for Anti-Terrorism; there should be some funding for Anti-Discrimination. Police now have special training; many people right here in this city and our country need training.
You see people try things, and as time goes on they become more daring. Allowing some African-American celebrities and some gay people into establishments doesn't prove that an establishment is not racist, that can be used as a cover. Many of these African-American celebrities that are allowed in have money, so just because some Whites may be seen kissing and hugging these African-American celebrities, or are thought to have sex with them, hold hands or seemingly bond together with different ethnicities, or even have flings with people of different sexual orientations, doesn't mean that they're not racist. We all have some prejudices, but when they are blatantly displayed to the level that they interfere with someone's livelihood, then they should be swatted like a fly on the wall; they should be made to pay compensatory damages to the highest degree.
Before this incident I wrote a poem entitled, "Have You Ever Been Turned Away?" When I wrote this poem I was thinking of when I was growing up, but I knew when writing it that it was not just about yesterday; some things have changed, others haven't, and what I wrote about still has relevance today. When I heard about Teri Wood's book signing incident, I was reminded of my poem and how I felt; this incident made wonder how she must feel, so I've included it in this article.
Have You Ever Been Turned Away? By Milton Lee Norris
Have you ever been turned away from a door that was opened,
But once you arrived they closed it in your face?
Have you ever been turned away from a simple water fountain of which the water flowed, but once you arrived you were told you could not drink there?
Have you ever been turned away from a toilet which takes in waste,
Yet when you tried to expel your waste, you were told this was not for you?
Have you ever been turned away from a restaurant or diner that refused to serve you food, and though money wasn't a problem for it was the right color,It was your face that was the wrong color?
