As the president of the Fayette County NAACP Branch, I am compelled to rebut the recent editorial response submitted by Sandy Johnson of Fayetteville entitled, “Is there a double standard favoring blacks in racial issues?” dated May 24, 2000.

In her response, (assuming “Sandy” is a woman) Ms. Johnson makes several statements disparaging the NAACP's goal of defending the civil rights of all American citizens, but particularly those of minorities and others who are disenfranchised and discriminated against.

Sandy Johnson makes several comments, which not only demonstrate her own bias against minorities, but which also demonstrates how misinformed she is about the NAACP and other organizations. Needless to say her perspective was quite indicative of anyone who speaks out before they know the facts of the issue. (Open mouth and insert foot.)

Here are the correct facts for Ms. Johnson and others who think like her: 1) there is an organization called the NAAWP.

2) The NAACP was organized by both whites and blacks solely to protect all citizens' rights, regardless of the person's color or ethnicity.

I regret that your feelings and opinions stem from the school incident with a “black guy,” but from what you tell of the incident, it appears the system did work since the tribunal found both you and the young man guilty of school violations. (I'm sure the investigation found that you did more than just raise a hand to protect yourself). In this case it proved the old adage that “two wrongs do not make a right.”

3) Ethnic television programming and other mediums of ethnic identification and product labeling are intended to positively reinforce self-pride and racial identity for African-Americans (who may lack them due to negative racial stereotyping which permeates throughout various regions of America).

This serves not only to minimize the stigma young African-Americans develop through low self-esteem and an inferiority complex taught by some misdirected educators, it also serves to educate Anglo-Americans and other cultures of the richness of our (all humans') diversity and the synergism that can be gained by experiencing perspectives from other cultures.

There is more to be gained by Caucasians experiencing “positive” activities of other cultures (not just black) in our attempt to assimilate into a harmonious society than ever before because there is little alternative other than to live in a state of constant bigotry and disharmony. This is the foundation of fundamental Christianity and other principles in the unification of mankind.

We all have the responsibility to appreciate each other's differences and our similarities (and there are more of these, Ms. Johnson, than your youthfulness has allowed you to experience).

The intent is not to discriminate against “whites” but only to gain access to all the great things America has to offer, unlike the injustices of the past.

I do not condone any racial discrimination or negative stereotyping of any ethnic group, and that, Ms. Johnson, is the reason for the NAACP and any other organization that exist to level the “playing field” for all people: to educate those who are misinformed, and to foster a better understanding of our racial differences. I hope I have done this for you.

Please do not hesitate calling me directly at 770-460-9934 if you have any questions. I look forward to your favorable response.

Rev. Edward J. Johnson

President

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