I often wonder why the issue of race has been brought up much lately, and with such emphasis in the media. Especially during this year's race for the White House. Race is more and more, earning a spotlight in the media.  Sadly, in various parts of the nation, the issue of race is still a problem. But, to counter that, many places stand above the fray as exemplary examples of how one should treat his fellow man.

Just a few days ago, I made a trip from Memphis to the Appalachian Mountains (southwest region) and the differences between both areas are day and night. Race is still an issue in Memphis, of all places. Martin Luther King Jr. fought hard to let this nation and the world know that people should be judged by the content of their character and that a person's skin color should NEVER be judged. But sadly, I've experienced the latter in Memphis too many times.

In the particular part of Appalachia where I visited, the surroundings are not only beautiful, but the people are as well...in that their spirits are humble and friendly. They still believe in Christian tenets..."do onto others as they would do unto you." I felt God's presence in this beautiful area and it is reflected in the people.  I had interesting conversations with complete strangers and the whole time, we were engaging in conversation as people...one on one. As Americans.  In other places, I've experienced an awkwardness and silence as if the person I'm speaking to does not want to talk to me.   The air is tense, and there is also a spiritual struggle on my end, but when I spoke to the people of Appalachia, I NEVER had that problem.

As I was getting ready to leave the mountainous region, I lamented the return home because of what I knew I was going to face.  More of the same...people who are too stuck on themselves and narrow minded to look past skin color.  Coming back to the Memphis area, (or going from day to day) I tend to think at times with certain people, upon approaching them to speak with them, "Will they hold a conversation with me without looking at my race?"  "Will they see ME instead of the outer package?"

Why must I go through this? Why must someone look at me as if it is a problem that I am sitting with someone else who is of another race?  It's a HUGE letdown, because I know in 21st century America, we are supposed to be further along than this in race relations. 

And as Christians, we ought to be living according to what we believe. So racism on the part of the Christian...if you say you are a Christian and then behave in a manner as to throw a stumbling block in someone else's way, it is deplorable!

What is wrong with us? Can't we learn from the past...that racism tears up a nation and leaves an ugly scar?

Don't get me wrong, racism exists regardless of what race a person is. I've seen it come forth from black people as well as white. It's ugly no matter who harbors ill will towards another human being because of their skin color.

It's a shame that the people of Appalachia seem to be the butt of jokes from Hollywood and are looked upon as being "backward" or hillbillies (I'm recalling a particular Saturday Night Live skit).  From what I've seen, they have integrity and love for their fellow man. 

I will switch now and speak of another positive example of brotherhood I saw today, May 15, 2008, on CBS's The Early Show...

Morehouse, a historically black college, is graduating its first white valedictorian Josh Packwood. Packwood described the bond he and his fellow graduates had and while watching the program, I could see that. This is historic for the school.  The president of Morehouse, Dr. Robert Franklin commented that historically black colleges "always operated on a non-discriminatory basis" and was happy about the occasion.  Josh Packwood had the grades and he made history at Morehouse.  

I wish that everyone would look beyond the outer package, the human body (which isn't perfect to begin with) and learn to connect with people based on their character.

I'd like to see peace in our nation. I'm talking about the kind of peace that resides in the hearts of men...the peace that radiates from a person and the fruit of that is kindness towards others and overall happiness.

The only way we will get past the race issue is if we all started treating each other like family...a family of American citizens. As a black woman (it's obvious) but an American first, I hope that we all can think and change the course we are on in terms of race.

Thank you to the people of Southwestern Appalachia for showing me there are still people out there who are REAL and are truly engaging and warm towards their fellow man.

Related Video:

Morehouse College graduates White Valedictorian: CBS

*Felicia Benamon is a conservative columnist who writes from a political perspective, but occasionally deviates to write about other concerns facing her country.  A patriotic American, Felicia hopes to motivate others to be more conscious of the current state of affairs in America, and to hold true to the wonderful traditions that make America great.

Felicia comes from a military background and is proud to support the men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect American citizens and who reach out to help those in need across the globe.

Write to Felicia at: FeliciasDesk@aol.com