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Racism

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“Racism” is truly mankind's ugly shame! It's unfortunately well-with us in today's so-called "modern world" of the twenty-first century!! I discussed many of these same arguments at more of a macro-level in my Author's Notes for an earlier Tanka I wrote and posted on 29 Aug 17 under the title of "Demagoguery." Suffice it to say, "demagoguery" and "racism" go hand-in-hand and must be called out in American society and in all other societies worldwide for exactly what they are and for all they do in their horrible attempts to destroy the very fabric of our collective human society, and as they seek to corrupt both the heart and soul of mankind. Racism and Racists must be resisted at all costs!! We can and must do better than this!! (Gary Bateman – December 3, 2017) (Tanka)

Categories: angst, dark, discrimination, evil, hate, hyperbole, and prejudice.

Racism Mankind’s ugly shame— False superiority! Ignorance supreme . . . Evil, wrong, and destructive . . . We must stop this prejudice! Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved, December 3, 2017 (Tanka)

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Vera Duggan

Date: 12/30/2017 7:14:00 PM

Hi Gary, like Connie I totally agree with you, this is why the world is in such a mess, My son is married to a beautiful Indian girl and they are such wonderful people, how can anyone dislike another human being, being them black, yellow or white, I just don't understand, thank you for this delightful little piece Gary and give my love to Ingrid and a happy new year my friend.....Vera. x

Gary Bateman
Date: 1/1/2018 9:17:00 AM

Hi Vera, Thanks so much for your read here and for your wonderful comments. You've hit the issue right on the head with what you say. Beside the color bias that unfortunately still exists, there are also issues at hand concerning what country one's spouse comes from. My wife, Ingrid, is German and I'm an American. There are certain people who think one has to marry someone from the very same country that they are from. Being a former Army commander, I had to deal with all sorts of situations at times that would bespeak types of bias that were just plain unacceptable. Very sad indeed. Our Best Wishes for the New Year to you and Peter!! Gary

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 12/30/2017 4:10:00 PM

I agree with your wise words in this great poem Gary! I wish you a wonderful New Year! : )

Gary Bateman
Date: 1/1/2018 9:07:00 AM

Thanks Connie!! I'm very glad you liked the message of my Tanka here. All The Best . . . Happy New Year!! Gary

James Horn

Date: 12/18/2017 6:03:00 AM

Trump is not prejudiced. One of his best friends is a black and the other a Jew. You are lucky you don't have to put up with our national news here. Nature of Prejudice by Gordon Alport has been my favorite. It is amazing all the excuses people give for being prejudiced. Self-fulfilling prophecy is my other favorite. People defined things as being terrible with Trump and lo and behold you know what happened.

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/18/2017 11:26:00 AM

Hello James, I appreciate your viewpoint here. It's worth pointing out, however, that Mr. Trump is not Angel -- not by any stretch of the imagination. He's a Narcissist and a Master Flim-Flam Man who has no business being president. The USA has lost its dominant historical role as the Leader of the Free World. Not Good!! Not Good at All!! Cheers, Gary

Fj Thomas

Date: 12/14/2017 10:35:00 PM

If only we could. Words of wisdom here.

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/15/2017 6:10:00 AM

Hello Shadow, Thanks for your comment here. If only we could -- most certainly. A very difficult issue for sure!! Cheers, Gary

Donna Loughman

Date: 12/10/2017 3:57:00 PM

Well done and well written! Our souls have no color and we are all one in Christ! Thank you for posting-:)

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/10/2017 4:25:00 PM

Hello Donna, Thanks for your gracious words and comments here. You're 100% spot-on too with your reference to "Our Souls." Best Holiday Wishes to you from Ingrid and me here in Germany!! Gary

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 12/9/2017 10:52:00 PM

Well said and of perfect truth, Gary! Powerful tanka and poet notes. Keep the love and knowledge flowing. Excellent poem. Love and smiles always.

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/10/2017 11:47:00 AM

Hello Freddie My Old Dear Friend!! I'm very pleased you liked my Tanka here on "Racism." Perhaps this is one that Mr. Trump and the likes of others like him, should take the time to read and deeply reflect on. This issue is very much at the center of politics here in Europe with the recent ascension of many of the ultra right-wing parties into the political process. Pray for love and hope -- always!! Best Wishes, Gary

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/9/2017 10:39:00 AM

Gary, a rousing rebuttal to ugly racism. Your strongly stated sentiments are rooted and shared from your peace-loving and beautiful heart and soul and I completely agree with your wondrously written words. A truly great write my friend. Warmest wishes to you ~Susan

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/9/2017 5:39:00 PM

Thanks Susan for your very gracious and committed comments here concerning my Tanka write on "Racism." It seems like Mankind will just never learn with regard to the cancerous nature of racism and the effects it has had on modern societies today. (I've been off-line the last few days with PS, which is why I'm just now responding to your note here.) I'm glad you enjoyed this poem Susan!! Best Always, Gary

Maria Williams

Date: 12/9/2017 6:19:00 AM

Indeed - why don't they give peace a chance instead of inciting the people through conditioning and fear - effectively rabble rousing and seeding prejudices. This is why we love Japan as they are such peaceful, industrious people just looking for the good of the collective. After all we are all humans with the same emotions, thoughts and feelings - and some like to spoil it. So glad you wrote this Tanka Gary...Maria

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/9/2017 5:52:00 PM

Hello Maria!! Thanks for your note here on my "Racism" Tanka. Susan Ashley similarly commented above too!! I know what you mean about Japan. At one time, certainly before "Trump," the USA was doing much better than most of the countries with regard to Racism. But we all know now that that is not possible because of the shady problems going on in his administration. We must, therefore, always hope for the best outcome to get this terrible societal risk and scourge defeated, once and for all!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Arturo Michael

Date: 12/6/2017 9:09:00 AM

The word itself promotes hate... I guess it's stronger, now that it's dying out...probably to be replaced by indifference...a much worse state...I think it wonderful that you touched this subject...All the best Gary

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/6/2017 10:00:00 AM

Hello Arturo!! Thanks for your read of my Tanka here. This is a subject that's been on my mind for quite a while. I'm very pleased that you liked my approach with this subject. Let us all hope and pray for the best results for our fellow man, and that racism is finally confined to the dust bowl of history!! Best Wishes Always, Gary

Silent One

Date: 12/4/2017 8:48:00 AM

How sad that it still exists and probably will for a long time.. As humans we should treat each other equally regardless of colour and creed... Great sentiments..

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/5/2017 3:46:00 PM

Thanks Silent One. You are right here with everything you say. Maybe there is still a chance for Mankind. Best Wishes Always, Gary

Joseph May

Date: 12/3/2017 1:20:00 PM

Very true Gary...they spread hate and violence and must be resisited

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/3/2017 1:43:00 PM

Hello Joseph, Thanks for your read and comment here on my Tanka. You have wise words for sure. The hate and violence spread by these groups must always be confronted first and foremost ,and they must be called out for who and what they are!! Best Always, Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 12/3/2017 12:25:00 PM

- Yes, "We can and must" ... not tomorrow but today ! - Great written, Gary - Best wishes for a peaceful evening :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/10/2017 4:20:00 PM

Anne-Lise!! We've got a lot of snow now here in Northern Germany. Oh Joy!! Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 12/6/2017 9:41:00 AM

NO SNOW :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/3/2017 1:39:00 PM

Hello Dear Anne-Lise!! I certainly agree with what you say. Time will tell. We can only hope for the best. (We just got our first snow today here in Germany. I can only imagine how much snow you guys have in Norway!! Best Greetings from Ingrid and me!! Gary

Vijay Pandit

Date: 12/3/2017 11:33:00 AM

Well said Gary--I agree with your sentiments--delicately presented!

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/3/2017 11:52:00 AM

Thanks Vijay!! Thanks for your comment!! I'm particularly stirred up about this topic especially with the continuous mindless vitriol of race-baiting and racial slurs spread by the likes of Donald Trump in the USA, and amplified further by a number of various extreme right-wing parties and their leaders in Europe in attempting to subvert and disrupt democratic institutions and good governance. All of these bigots and racists want to return Mankind to the Stone Age!! Some progress, eh?? Best Always, Gary