As I listened to a mid-morning programme on i95.5fm yesterday, I had to shake my head in disappointment. As he responded to a caller's remarks about what was said by speakers at a recent UNC meeting, the host alluded to people of black descent in the People's Partnership as simply being used for a time. He said once these individuals have outlived their usefulness they are discarded.
Does the right to freedom of speech mean as a media personality you have to make such comments that can divide us more? Does being outspoken require you to add to the tension that exists between the two major races during election year?When are we going to stop pointing fingers at each other or allow past mistakes to act as excuses for current, unforgivable behaviour? We already have enough division without more divisive voices further placing a wedge between us.
I also listened to several other callers to the programme who spoke of race, particularly about the supposed wrongdoings of East Indians and the woe of Africans. I know I could have easily switched to another station, but I listened on with the hope that the host would somehow give some objective view or disallow such negative comments to be aired. But he did not. He simply agreed and continued with the programme.
I really am saddened by the fact that we still have people in this country who allow false notions about race to rule their lives. But then they pretend as though they are all about unity.I hope that members of the media realise how much power they have and would use less biased and race-based comments. We don't need any more misconceptions spread.
Breanna Lewis