Let's Talk About Race - Day 27

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Why should racism end Sucheta?

“Why should racism end?” you ask, I say because our brains can lie to us.

Let’s put our brain to work…

Look at the two figures shown here. Tell me, which of the two circles in the center is bigger?

You all might say the one on the left is bigger but the answer is neither.

This is called the Muller-Lyer Illusion. Experiments in neuroscience have shown that our perceptions are guided by the context and the context can fool us. The kicker is not all cultures show equal sensitivity to this. For example, researchers found that people in different parts of the world react differently to the Muller-Lyer Illusion. When things are clear and obvious we process them effortlessly; however, when things get complicated, vague or ambiguous we rely heavily on the context. Race is anything but clear and we have trained our perceptions and beliefs based on the context. Only we can change our brain.

On the bright side, children are less sensitive to this kind of illusion than the adults. And context sensitivity is a skill (just like baseball) that can be developed with sensitivity training and practice.

Thanks for the opportunity to share this.

- Sucheta Kamath

Sucheta Kamath (Founder of Cerebral Matters)

Sucheta, founder of Cerebral Matters (www.cerebralmatters.com), is an expert in strategic learning and the brain. As a trained Speech-Language Pathologist with specialization in Neurogenic Communication disorders, she runs a successful practice that offers solutions to Executive Function problems. Sucheta's work is inspired by her spiritual practice of introspection and self-awareness.

Let's Talk About Race - Day 26

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Why should racism end Barbie?

It is not the color of our skin that separates us but our behavior that gets us in trouble. If they choose to follow this pattern of behavior then they will continue to get in trouble. It has nothing to do with the color of our skin but all about our actions. A change of behavior would help end racism!

Barbie Brown

Let's Talk About Race - Day 25

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Why should racism end Jeff?

CJ,

Here are my reasons why racism should end. I gave more than 3 because they are short.

Folks, please contemplate these reasons for yourself and come to your own conclusions.

1. It is an abomination to God!

2. It’s hurtful.

3. It divides people unnecessarily.

4. It benefits the ignorant, the evil and the wicked. (We’d don’t need that!)

5. It’s just plain STUPID!

I know these are not the most scientific and philosophical reasons. I know I could have gone deeper but sometimes less is more. These are reasons I FEEL. Trust your feelings America, if it isn’t right, it isn’t right! Racism is not right!

Jeff Johnson

@GetJJNow

Let's Talk About Race - Day 24

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Why should racism end Jamie?

So when you asked me to do this it was very hard for me to do since I haven't walked a mile in your shoes. I have never experienced racism towards myself so it's hard for me to speak on it.

I would love to live in a world where any person can go anywhere and be themselves. I would like for people to be able to go where they want and be seen as a person of God rather than skin color.

Jamie Palmer, The Lovett School, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach

Let's Talk About Race - Day 23

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Why should racism end Sean?

I think racism should end because it leads to injustice and confusion. Dr. King and other Civil Rights leaders have paved a way for us to live without it not to mention the thousands of lives lost for it. It's time to let it go.

L.E.A.D. Ambassador Sean Warren, North Atlanta High School c/o 2017

Let's Talk About Race - Day 22

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Why should racism end Casey?

Racism should end because Jesus died for our sins and He commands us to love others like He loves us. For me it goes back to the gospel. Until people get the gospel message, racism and every other sin will exist.

Casey Cavell, D-BAT Atlanta

Let's Talk About Race - Day 21

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Why should racism end Mackenzi and Mackenna?

I think racism should end because we are all human beings with flaws. God made us all in his image, so everyone should be equal. I also think racism should end because everyone deserves an equal chance to be something in life, no matter what they look like. They shouldn't have to worry about being discriminated against because of the color of their skin. And besides, if you read the Bible, everything started in Africa near the Euphrates River, so we are all connected in some way. -Mackenzi Stewart, age 13

Racism should end because I wouldn't be able to play with some of my friends. Also racism should end because slavery has ended. -Mackenna Stewart, age 7

Let's Talk About Race - Day 20

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Why should racism end John?

1) because there are enough forces unified against ALL OF US from outside our borders for us to allow anything to destroy us from the inside.

2) because it is time people of all races stopped identifying themselves as part of a group and instead celebrated their own individuality.

3) because we live in a country far more diverse than our parents and grandparents grew up in and we should have learned from mistakes made by all sides in the past.

John Kincade

Co-Host of "Buck and Kincade" 12-3pm ETon 680 The Fan in Atlanta weekdays

Host of "John Kincade Show" on CBS Sports Radio 6-10am ET nationally on Sundays

@JohnKincade on Twitter

L.E.A.D. Ambassador Cameron Tucker introducing John Kincade as keynote for Dinner With Champions 2014

Let's Talk About Race - Day 19

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Why should racism end Marcus?

1. It holds back the growth of society as a whole.

2. It causes unnecessary conflict amongst people.

3. It is morally wrong to hate or harm a person especially based purely on the color of their skin.

Marcus Hodge, L.E.A.D. Ambassador c/o 2013, SW Dekalb High School, Southern A&M University

Let's Talk About Race - Day 18

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Why should racism end Ashley?

My friend, CJ,

Three reasons why racism must end:

1. Without racism clouding our view, we will be able to see our different colors for what they are – indicators of perspective and insight, and use this knowledge to evolve our global society in positive ways.

2. Imagine what we as a nation could achieve with our collective minds together unfettered, no one holding or being held back. The creative drive of Americans is astounding; let’s tap its potential.

3. Every human being has the inalienable right to feel safe in her neighborhood, in her car, in her home.

Thank you for asking me to contribute,

Ashley Grice, Leadership Atlanta c/o 2015

Let's Talk About Race - Day 17

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Why should racism end Cedric?

Two reasons racism should not exists today:

Being a minority, I have faced unreasonable discrimination. Racism blocks communities from helping each other which ultimately gives this nation a negative reputation of setting limitations to certain ethic groups. It's very hard being a black male; I want to surround myself around other ethnic groups, but I always feel a sense of uneasiness because I fear racism will become an issue. Racism demotes a human being, changes their lifestyle and lowers self esteem. I believe we all should be accepted and all expectations should be the same- no matter what the color of someone's skin.

Cedric Reed, L.E.A.D. Ambassador, New Schools at Carver c/o 2013, Georgia Highlands College

Let's Talk About Race - Day 16

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Why should racism end Patty?

My three reasons why racism should end:

1) Racism goes against everything God intended. And if you're not a God-follower (either Jewish, Christian or Muslim) then it goes against one of the basic values of society--the value of the individual.

Jesus quoted the Law, Leviticus 19:18, when He said "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." You can't obey God, you can't say you love God, and believe that one race is better than another simply because of skin color.

2) Racism wastes time. Time is a great equalizer. I have 24 hours, you have 24 hours and neither one of us knows how many 24 hour periods we'll have on the earth. With all the pressing needs in the world today - modern day slavery, sex trafficking, abuse of children, lack of clean water, hunger... the list goes on - are we REALLY going to waste time on hate? Because I'll tell you right now, ain't nobody got time for that!

3) Racism forgets the individual. We are all unique. To hate or even to "merely" dismiss an entire race of people because of something like color means that you think somehow we are all the same based on our race or gender or things that are outside our own control. Sure, there are stupid people who are white, black, Asian, whatever - but there are wonderful people of all shapes, sizes, colors and genders.

Patty Rasmussen

Let's Talk About Race - Day 15

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Why racism should end Armaan?

1) All men are created equal. There should be no reason to look down upon another person because of their skin color.

2) Racism should end NOW because the younger generations need to understand the importance of treating everybody the same way. Once a person, or generation grows up with one perspective of the world, it's incredibly hard to change their thought process. But growing up without racist ideas can end racism.

3) There is only one person who can judge another human being; God.

Armaan Painter, 11th grader

Let's Talk About Race - Day 14

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Why should racism end Shota?

Coach CJ, here is why I think racism should end:

I do not want my kids to think that they are unlucky because they look a certain way. I want them to be proud of who they are, and live in a society where others will not judge them based on their looks.

Shota Yasuda, 11th grader, Diamond Directors client

Let's Talk About Race - Day 13

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I find it interesting that most people want to talk about HOW to stop racism rather than WHY we need to stop racism. Although it will take a significant effort to change, learning more about racism and how it affects people, ending the denials about the existence of racism and raising children with nonracist beliefs by discussing ethnic differences and celebrating diversity rather than of trying to teach color-blindness are just some of my ideas of HOW. The WHY is a little simpler, we live in a multicultural society and racism generalizes and divides people unnecessarily. We need to embrace and better appreciate our societal diversity and start talking about ethnicities rather than race.

Scott Prigge, L.E.A.D. Board Chairman

Let's Talk About Race - Day 12

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Why should racism end Terrance?

Racism isn't natural. It's not true. Truth is defined by one source as “sincerity in action, character, and utterance”. If we are indeed of God, the bible states in Job 34:12 Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. Racism is a huge virus that plagues humankind and started from people who used it to their advantage (for resources, labor, etc.).

There was a study performed which had previously been done on adults--on children. And they found something interesting: the racial sensitivity of the amygdala doesn't kick in until around age 14. What's more interesting is once it kicks in, it doesn't kick in equally for everybody. The more racially diverse your peer group, the less strong the amygdala effect. At really high levels of diversity, the effect disappeared entirely. The authors of the study write that ''these findings suggest that neural biases to race are not innate and that race is a social construction, learned over time.'' In an effort to get back to what is true...primal even...we must extract what is untrue from the everyday. Therefore racism should end based upon the premise that it is unnatural...a social (man-made...corruptible) construct.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

But test everything; hold fast what is good.

Let's Talk About Race - Day 11

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Why should racism end Charles?

A SUCCESSFUL team is comprised of many unique individuals all pursuing common goals. The vision is clear and defined. The name on the front of the jersey is important, but a team’s core values come from the commitment represented by the names on the back of each jersey. Individual differences and biases are put aside and replaced by a greater challenge that unites all. Individually, a person is not judged by ‘what’ he or she is, but rather by ‘who’ he or she is. Character is what counts most. Teams with the best chemistry typically have the greatest success.


Charles Cobb, Director of Athletics, Georgia State University

Let's Talk About Race - Day 10

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Why should racism end Gary?

Racism should end because it is a baseless artificial system of segregation maliciously created by mankind. Educated individuals understand and recognize that all human beings are the same species descended from the same ancestors and that their physical features only came about as a result of years of exposure to localized climates. To judge a person based on the color of their skin is just as illogical and absurd as judging your biological brother in a completely different manner just because he has returned back from a trip to the beach with a sun tan. Despite the difference in his physical appearance, he is still your brother!

Gary Jones, educator

Let's Talk About Race - Day 9

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Why should racism end Mike?

Here are a few reasons why racism should end.

During one of his public debates with religious leaders, Jesus was asked to explain what he considered to be the most important commandment. Jesus named two commandments as being above all of the rest; "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" and, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus was then asked to explain the meaning of "neighbor." Jesus did so by telling the parable of the Good Samaritan. A summary of the meaning of the parable is that a person's heart, not race, is what makes someone our true "neighbor." The importance Jesus places on a person's heart, rather than race, in explaining the meaning of the greatest of all commands, is a great reason why racism should end.

Racism is based upon a prideful presumption that one race is in some way superior to another. We learn in the Bible that God hates pride. (See for example Proverbs 8:13.) Racism should end because pride is at the very core of racism.

The greatest enemy to humankind is Satan. Satan is the chief racist in the universe, because he hates the entire human race. When we exhibit racist attitudes, we are actually imitating our greatest enemy. Now, who among us actually thinks that's a good idea? Racism should end!

Mike Moye
Moye Sports

Mike Moye with L.E.A.D. Ambassadors at Turner Field

Let's Talk About Race - Day 8

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Why should racism end Derrick?

Without racism, the person best qualified would have a better chance to succeed which means we all benefit. People would try harder knowing the playing field was more level even though sometimes we confuse racism with favoritism.

Derrick Stafford, NBA referee

Let's Talk About Race - Day 7

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Why should racism end Donald?

Hi CJ,

Here are three reasons why I feel racism should end:

1. Equality: A person's ability to succeed should not be based on the amount of pigment in their skin or the continent or country from which he/she originates.

2. Innovation: With as many needs as humankind currently has, shouldn't we be using every resource available to us? The greatest resource we have is the mind. Every day we waste intelligence and innovation because we turn our back on people, just because they are different. How sad for all of us.

3. Competition: You want to get better at anything? Unleash competition. It is a driving force in humans. You want to win? Dig deeper in your grades, art, sports or business. If you want to make yourself better, then compete against everyone. That means no one gets excluded

Dr. Donald Green

President, Georgia Highlands College

With Donald at my alma mater Grove Park Elementary School, Atlanta Public Schools

Let's Talk About Race - Day 6

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Why should racism end Robert Nibbs?

CJ,

Three reasons why racism should end:

1. Racism is built on a concept of fear, hatred and ignorance and absolutely no one benefits.

2. If you believe that people make the world go round and are committed to happiness, love and peace, then racism never fits into the equation.

3. Racism diminishes our potential for greatness.

- Robert Nibbs

2015 Class Leadership Atlanta

Let's Talk About Race - Day 5

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Why should racism end Brad?

CJ,

Racism serves no purpose and is absolutely wrong. Racism offers nothing but pain, resentment, anger and distrust. Unfortunately, you cannot simply end racism. There is no way to ONLY be “non-racist” in the same way that there is no way to make a room “un-dark.” Just like racism, darkness is the absence of something; not the addition or existence of anything. To illuminate a room you must add light and to eliminate racism you must add respect. Share the light of life by respecting others and you will help develop respect-FULL people. Be a positive force of change by replacing racism with respect.

All the best and remember…Always Play IV Each Other…in everything we do!

Peace and Grace,

Brad

#APIVEO

Click here to learn more about APIVEO.

Let's Talk About Race - Day 4

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Good morning Coach CJ,

Here's why I think racism should end:

1. Racism should end in order to bolster the economy of the United States so that America can regain its position as a prominent world leader.

2. Ending racism will improve the quality of life for generations to come.

3. Ending racism would be a major step for America to atone for slavery and all of the things that came from it, like Jim Crow Laws.

I appreciate the opportunity to share, Coach!

Austin Evans

2014-2015 L.E.A.D. Ambassador (New Schools at Carver c/o 2015, Texas A&M fall 2015)

Let's Talk About Race - Day 3

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Why should racism end Crystal?

Dear CJ,

I surveyed my staff and clients, and these were the top three answers on why racism should end. Ultimately, the question everyone was asking is, 'Why does racism exist anyway?'.

Racism should end because...

1. It's not of GOD!!!

2. It's pure ignorance to hate someone because of the color of their skin.

3. It's 2015 and the world is too diverse for this type of primitive foolishness. Now that we know better, we should do better.

Crystal Gresham Giles, Owner
The Gresham Giles Salon Staff and Clients
greshamgilessalon.com

Let's Talk About Race - Day 2

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Why should racism end Susan?

Hi CJ,

Racism is a system of oppression which treats people as more or less privileged based on the color of their skin.

I don't believe in this system.

I don't believe in oppressing anyone, much less a whole group of people for centuries.

Why is my skin color considered more favorable than yours?

I don't accept that this inherited system is immutable.

I want to live an anti-racist life.

I want to inhabit a world where people value each human life.

If we talk openly about racism, we can stop oppressing each other, and we can end it.

Thanks for the opportunity to share this.

- Susan

(Susan Grant, Leadership Atlanta)

Let's Talk About Race - Day 1

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Why should racism end John?

CJ,

This is a tough one for me, because the reasons that racism should end are too numerous to count....

Here is part of the issue -- there is a line in one of Yoko's favorite movies -- it says, essentially this, "the greatest trick that the devil has ever played is convincing the world that he doesn't exist." Imagine that, there are some people who actually believe that racism no longer exists, thus it is impossible to talk with these people about why it should end. Anyway, here are my three reasons why racism should end:

1) Racism should end because any effort/system to sort humanity on a basis for which humans have no control is arbitrary and contrary to any natural law that suggests we all originate from the same source(s).

2) Racism has persisted through many generations, the current form of this prejudice is only related to and not identical with its form of origin; proof that ignorance is as adaptable as intelligence.

3) Racism should end because I need whoever has the cure for cancer, or the reasoning that indisputably rationalizes world peace to stand up and be heard no matter what his or her skin color is.

I look forward to your posts -- good luck with the project.

Cheers,

John

(John Hammond, Leadership Atlanta Class of 2008)