Man I knew I forgot something. I forgot to acknowledge your apology. For that I must apologize myself. So yes indeed brother, I forgive you and I consider us reconciled. Moving on.

If something else is required, let me know.

I still wish to converse with you over the phone. I believe that in that medium we can avoid assuming one another’s mood or intentions. This is the reason that I placed my e-mail above so that we could pursue clarity and closure in this situation. At this point we stand as two Christians at odds with one another and it may be that we don’t have to be. In fact, I’m sure of it. However, if that is not something that you desire to pursue, then I will make my final comment on it now and leave you with either the last word and/or the option of contacting me directly.

You are correct to assert that I remain unrepentant over my comments as it has yet to be demonstrated to me that I have sinned or was even wrong. I did, however, apologize if your feelings were hurt, back in comment #40.

I’ve attempted to explain to you that I had no preconceived notion as to what you thought nor what “white people in general” think but you have refused to accept my explanation. I have attempted to explain to you that my mentioning of my resume was done out of another consideration, which I will flesh out later, but you have refused to accept that explanation also. Since you have accused me of simply attempting to justify myself (a justification which I don’t need to offer to you), it may be that at this point you have too much “righteous indignation” invested to actually accept my sincerity. But I will try anyway.

Here’s what I was thinking when I decided to give that now infamous resume. In my experience, the ones who are usually raising those issues or making those arguments are individuals who are doing nothing in their own behalf to better their situation. (By the way, I also thought that this experience may be something that we have commonly shared) Instead of job hunting like the rest of us, they would rather sit around complaining that no one will hire them. They have defeated themselves before they they start, by refusing to try. But when asked why they aren’t working or why they are in the condition they are in, they are quick to blame “the man” or “the system”. I wanted it to be clear (and not just to you but to anyone who was reading my post) that I’m not on of those types of people. For me, any lack of advancement can be attributed to an unwillingness to compromise morals, conform to an expected standard, and/or fully apply myself. In that I accept full responsibility. And all successes are God’s doing. That’s my personal perspective on my current state of affairs.

Based on this fact, I believe that I am able to be objective when describing discrimination that some DO in fact face. I don’t have a personal axe to grind, even as a person of color, simply because again I accept responsibility for the opportunities that I squandered. But not everyone had the opportunities that I had. Even those who might have lived next door to me. Even though I am to blame for my own situation, it is not the same with others. Hutch, someone has put in just as much effort and even more than me, but was unsuccessful in their endeavor because of discrimination. A discrimination that was more common than not. I guess I just wanted you to acknowledge that.

So there’s my explanation. Take it or leave it. Consider me a racist, bigot, and even paranoid if you like. The fact remains that my conscience is clear and I have been honest. Maybe I wasn’t very clear about where I was coming from but I was honest.

I have come to the conclusion that the offensive comment that you remain unrepentant about was not knowingly made to insult me personally. But it does prove that you have a biased viewpoint of what white people in general think about black men.

Your comment regarding your employment situation also proves my assertion that racism is no longer institutional in America and that it is a rare and individual condition and not at all the dominant attitude.

BTW, Lionel at least partly agrees with me on that.

I have already answered your vague questions about inner city schools, government and business with my statement that racism is not institutional.

I never said that black people should just need to get over it. The fact is that I know some never will and that is a shame. In some cases it completely understandable depending on how up front and personal it was for them.

I did say that the hope is in the future and that My generation (GEN X) and the (Y Generation/Millennials) are as a group very color blind.

BTW these two generations are larger than even the Baby Boomers, GEN Y has been called the Echo Boom as they are a huge group.

We judge people by the character of their conduct not by the color of their skin.

You do indeed stereo-type white people, but I should not have called you a racist.

For that I would like to ask you to forgive me.