Seriously CNN, how can you report this like it’s a “news” story? Is it really that shocking? I know my jaw dropped in amazement. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus…and yes he’s racist too.

I mean, I know that some people like to think that racism has been eradicated. And, it is true that America has come a long way in its journey through slavery and civil rights. But, any minority in this country can tell you that racism is far from gone. It goes both ways too, from current affirmative action battles in the supreme court, to poor black AND white people hurt by Hurricane Katrina…it’s there.

I’ve already said a lot about the issue of race, and I think that prejudice hurts everyone. From a socio-economic standpoint…you’re kind of damned if you do, damned if you don’t. If you’re poor, then you have to fight and struggle to make it. It’s a daily battle of survival, and many people choose to “give up” at an early age and become just another statistic. If you’re born rich, then you never had to struggle and don’t know the meaning of hard work. Everything has been and will be handed to you with ease. If you become rich, then you’re a sellout and forgetting your poverty-ridden past. Really, nobody wins.

To me, racism is something that I encounter every day. Not necessarily directed towards me, but in watching others interact. I can feel it when I listen to how people talk to others, say, the hispanic person who comes to clean…or the middle eastern man that you’re ordering food from. Anyone with a heavy accent is told to “speak English” and learn the language, to be in this country.

Isn’t one of the good things about America, the fact that it IS a melting pot? There are millions of people here from other countries…and let’s not forget the fact that in the early 1900’s, many Irish and German and other immigrants (who were white) were looked down upon for their accents and customs.

There is still that white person who clutches their bag a little tighter walking by a group of young black men. There is still that young black man who hangs his head a little lower and keeps his eyes to the ground walking through a room full of white people. There is still the hispanic doctor who is asked if they are a nanny while they are out with their friend’s children. There is still that lawyer who is asked “when the real lawyer” is coming, or who is constantly second guessed in their ability. There is still that middle eastern person who walks through an airport and is questioned more firmly, while people look on and think “terrorist.” And, as we all know, there is still that minority who gets wrongfully killed by police. Although, it can happen to white people too. None of these situations may have been intentionally “racist”, but when it comes down to it the intent doesn’t matter, it still happens…and it’s still wrong. People like to point fingers, and say “not me” when it comes to issues of race…but I think we’re all at least a little guilty. Even in the CNN article I initially noted, the headline says that Americans are finding racism…in others.

I am sure that everyone has been the subject or perpetrator of discrimination or racism at some point in their lives, it’s just a matter of whether or not it’s a daily issue, or something you just read about in the news and think, “hmm…that’s too bad.” But, the more important question is, what are you doing to fix it? How are you making it better? And when will people’s attitudes really change, as opposed to just saying what you should to be politcally correct? Sure, nobody wants to think they are, or be labeled as, a racist person. But, as with the changing face of our society…racism is more than white hoods and exclusive societies…it’s a feeling. A feeling of judgement, and a feeling of fear. For everyone.

Just a few thoughts from last night:

1. Of course VA would have a recount. Crazy close.

2. Maureen Bunyan = worst anchor ever. Through the first 15 minutes of the 11:00 news on channel 7, she forgot the names of the Virginia Senate candidates, stumbled through the results news, said stupid commentary about one candidate “winning by a landslide” (I mean, can you just report the fact - that wasn’t even like smart speculation) and also said “uh” more times than I care to count. Seriously. Do some research and learn your candidates - even if it’s just the correct name. I know you’re just an anchor but GOD. It was painful to watch and made me want to gouge my eyes out.

3. Also not suprising is the marriage amendment passed as a YES in VA. I think it’s more than a religious/moral type issue though in the long run - had it been banned and companies had to recognize all domestic partnerships (gay, straight, whatever), then it would have also had an economic and business impact. Employers forking over more money to cover whatever your partner was etc… - so I think that had something to do with it too.

4. Does anyone know what hotel in Tysons Webb was at last night? Also found it funny the Fenty camp was closed by the live 11 pm newscast…the reporter was talking in front of an empty tent that was deadly quiet.

5. Looks like the Dems will take over both houses eventually - once all the votes are counted (and recounted) and in. That’s pretty interesting. How can people say voting doesn’t matter and such when you have proof in this election (and also in the Presidential elections in 2000 and 2004)?

Man, watching returns last night made me again wish to be involved in politics and media. I would have loved to have been in a newsroom last night - or at least at the parties! Haha.