Omar Thornton: New Developments in Racism

It is hard to discuss a topic when it is something you are so passionate about and remain objective. Giving fair consideration to both sides will be difficult for me, but I will do my best. We are about to come upon the anniversary of Omar Thornton. Who is he? You might ask. He is a black man that went into his former job and took the lives of at least 5 co-workers he claimed were racist and then took his own life after allegedly being discriminated against and harassed at a deer distribution company in Hartford Connecticut. The owners of the company stated they did not know why he would do such a thing and that they never received a complaint before.

By definition, racism is a group or class of people in a position of power attempting to or discriminating against another group of people without power. This group or class can be ANY color. In laymen terms, racism is a poison passed from generation to generation stemming from the board room to the church pews. In today’s society, it is very underlying and over looked. While we judge others, by their actions we tend to judge ourselves by our intentions. Many racists could be well meaning people, but deep down lack the courage to stop passing on their ignorant hateful views. They now have to go to the same churches with races they may not like and smile in the sanctuary while feeding poison to their children at supper. Oh yeah, if you want to know how a person feels about you…look at their children. I child can only be honest. I encountered this many times while living in the great state of Texas. Racists are also like terrorist because you kill one and another is there to take his place.

Racism in Texas starts on the golf course. I learned this when I too had to battle harassment and racism at my job. There was a lot of back scratching and interconnected lawyers, officials, and regular joe neighbors that partook of this practice. The list goes on. My favorite part is how they have an interview panel made up of all races and they have people come in to interview. Only one person on the panel actually will have the authority to hire, what a joke. I had a case, but in the city I worked, no lawyer would touch it. It would hurt their network. I even sent letters to congresspersons of all races…nothing. I can understand Mr. Thomas’ situation, because once upon a time I found myself at the cross roads of taking matters into my own hands. I had that choice too. Pick up a gun or let it go. Place the value of my livelihood, name, reputation and family underneath seeing all the racist people dead. When I quit this job I cited racism as the cause even though my claims were “investigated.” The human resources department sent a letter of rebuttal stating they investigate all forms of racism, but they never followed up with me and I never looked back. Every now and then I pass through that town and see the same people and hear about the same problems. I just smile and go on my way. No racist is worth my family, freedom and overall quality of life and I don’t care what the color. And just so you know, I have lived in Africa…they don’t like African Americans that much either and probably worse.

Overall, my heart goes out to Omar Thornton, his family, the victims and the ones they left behind. Whether they deserved it or not, I am thankful that I have a Heavenly Father that will one day make all the crooked paths straight. This is where I put my trust, as I try myself to walk in love and teach my children to do the same.