Well, we’re down to the wire. In a few days, America will make history, and the world will laugh or celebrate.
What the 2024 presidential election has shown, however, is that we have work to do.
This year’s election has opened up some cans filled with worms that need to be exterminated.
It has also shown that some other cans need to be opened— the ones that result in consequences and repercussions for unconscionable actions.
Prior to the election, I don’t recall ever hearing of Le’Veon Bell. When I did hear of him, what I heard made me want to find out more about the women in his life, beginning with his mother.
I wanted to apologize to her because I knew she was going to hear some terrible things about her son.
I couldn’t think of anyone I knew and respected who would condone what he did.
I felt ashamed because a Black man was being openly disrespectful to a Black woman and I wanted him checked immediately.
For those unaware, Bell is a 32-year-old former NFL star from Ohio. A supporter of Donald Trump, he posted a picture dressed in a t’shirt with pictures of Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris with the words, Trump or the Tramp 2024, across his chest.
The picture almost brought me to tears.
You see, I am way over folks disrespecting Black women. It hurts that we continue to be the brunt of everyone’s disdain.
Why has the Black woman, over time, been the one that takes everyone’s abuse?
And I wanted to hear a loud outcry and condemnation of the photo.
As an issues-over-individuals person, I don’t want to attack Bell; however, I did want him to know the shirt was offensive, misogynistic, and a total disgrace.
Then you have Trump, who has no problem with the shirt.
While I am not surprised, I am so disappointed that childish, nasty, racist, and stupid behavior is going un- checked.
Instead of attacking the issues, we have the likes of Bell’s shirt garnering news time. We must do better.
If you aren’t repulsed by some of the attacks, then walk into the room where you brush your teeth and look into the mirror to spot the problem.
Clearly, the work is just beginning because we can’t continue down this road of self-destruction. Someone has to work on stopping the madness.