Stop Talking About Racism
Racism in Fairhaven. Really?
Recently I watched an interview with the great actor Morgan Freeman. He was asked: “How do we stop racism in America?”
Freeman eyed his interviewer with a steely stare and replied, “Stop talking about it.”
And that’s when it hit me. We as a society are always talking about it. I think it’s time we stop.
Don’t misunderstand me. Racism is a very important issue, not to be trivialized or marginalized. It needs to be discussed, but in the right forum or in its proper time and place.
This leads me to the curious case of Selectman Leon E. Correy III. He’s talking about racism in Fairhaven, so hence we are now talking about racism. Again. Apparently racism at such a high degree that he will not seek re-election. Relentless racism. In Fairhaven. Really?
Is this the same racist Fairhaven that elected him? How could that happen? If we are so “relentless” in our inherent racism, then how is voting in a black man even remotely possible?
The answer is somewhat simple. In a town of 16,000 residents, 95% of which are white, it would be impossible for us to vote him in and be racist at the same time. Are there a few racists in town that aren’t comfortable with a black elected official? Of course, but that’s true in any predominantly white town.
If you think we’re done talking about racism in Fairhaven, think again. This leads to a second curious case, the one of Angie Lopes Ellison. She’s another town official, in her case appointed as Town Administrator. She checks two boxes. She’s a woman and she’s a woman of color. And if you lose sight of this…don’t worry. She’s more than ready to remind you.
Again, how could such a racist town be able to appoint a person of color? (If you’ve lost count, we’re now at two people of color holding high positions.)
Did it ever occur to her that the reason people give her a hard time is not because of gender or race? It could simply be 1) she’s not from Fairhaven and 2) she’s not very likable and brings hostility and tension to the workplace at the Town Hall and not the other way around.
If a few ignorant people seem racist, both Mr. Correy and Ms. Lopes Ellison need to look away and embrace the rest of the citizens who have embraced them. They both need to toughen up. They’d be surprised that racism subsides when you don’t continually bring it up. If they perpetuate the racism narrative they end up stoking the fire and the few racists have them beat. The racists live rent free in both their heads.
To Mr. Correy: please stay and run again. To Ms. Lopes Ellison: please lay down your sword. You both ultimately will be judged on merit, not race. Stop living in a constant state of victimhood. Put away your race cards, stop talking about it. Heed the advice of Morgan Freeman.
Robert Costa, Fairhaven
•••
Click here to download the 0307-24 issue: 03-07-24 CausewaySidewalk
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
