It’s not a matter of skin color- it is a matter of skin thickness.

Prior to the extensive media attention to the remarks made by Don Imus, the Rutgers women had not been his fans, and a large percentage of these young women, (if not 100%) had not even heard of Don Imus. With that in mind, the level of offense taken by his remarks should have been minimal at best. These young women know what they are; they know what they have accomplished; and they know their own goals. Their lives are not validated by Don Imus or any other human being. Nothing has been snatched from them. Their accomplishments are still valid.

In comparison, each time a derogatory remark or degrading comment is made about George W. Bush, if public apologies were demanded and as much hoopla was made through the media, all journalists, comedians, or other news personalities would be targeted to be fired at some point.

The fabric of effective comedy makes fun of people…black people, white people and every color between. Making fun of people within a comedy venue, though potentially offensive, is meant to entertain and instigate laughter. The social dilemma with Don Imus’ remarks, and the level of insult taken by the Rutgers Basketball team is not a matter of the color of their skin- it is a matter of the thickness. When a black person makes a remark about black people, it is considered comedy, but when a white person makes a remark, it’s racism. Why is that?

I asked a very close black friend to explain that to me and this is what he said. “When we call each other the “N word” we are talking about the person we are looking at, but when white people say the “N word” they are referring to all blacks.”

From my perspective, that explanation in itself implied that either black people have the ability to look into the minds of white people on a psychic level in order to ascertain the intent and context of their verbal expressions; or there is a huge chip on their shoulders that fools them into believing they are inherently being victimized by all white people. The first time I ever heard the term “knappy-headed” it came out of the mouth of a black person. Never before had I heard it from any white source.

When Al Sharpton brought his own daughter onto the set to face Don Imus, the explanation given by my black friend was clearly demonstrated. Don Imus didn’t know Sharpton’s daughter, had never met her before, and knew nothing of her life; but due to the remarks he made on the air about the Rutgers women, Sharpton implied that Imus referred to the entire black female race.

If an injustice is done by anyone- regardless of race, that warrants an apology, the person against whom the act or deed was done is the only one that deserves the apology- not their entire race or gender. The person to whom the apology is owed, is the only person(s) qualified to accept the apology and/or forgive the offender.

If any news personality, for example, makes a derogatory remark, comment, or opinion about George W. Bush that is inappropriate and he or she owes an apology- he or she owes the apology to George W. Bush and should not be expected to visit all white schools, white churches, and other white institutions to apologize to the whole race for the inappropriate indiscretion.

Society is not nearly as victimized as the media contends. The media is responsible for sensationalizing and intensifying situations and embellishing facts to invoke inflamed emotional responses by a vast audience. It’s the stuff ratings are made of, but that doesn’t make it appropriate. I wonder how many would advocate that Donald Trump and Rosie O’Donnell visit groups that may have been offended by comments exchanged during their cat fight. Since they are the same race, it was widely assumed that they meant the comments for each other and no one else.

In order to overcome the divide created between races, empowerment is found first in being comfortable in one’s own skin. Personal choice provides an enormous potential to be validated only by God and not the ramblings of anyone outside the self. Pre-conceived notions are rarely synonymous with reality or fact. Merely assuming through pre-conceived notion that all white people secretly dislike all black people doesn’t make it fact. Brush the chip off your shoulders and focus on your goals. Media attention will not affect your ability to achieve a higher standard each day, but your behavior and the way you react will play an important part in the final outcome of your own personal excellence. Stand up for what is right- even if you are the only one standing.

Americans of all races, colors, religions, and creeds are protected under the Constitution of the United States with regard to freedom of speech. Judgment (above and beyond matters of law) resides within the sole jurisdiction of God. With this idea in mind, Don Imus did not break the law even though his remark was inappropriate. He apologized- it’s time to move on. Imus didn’t take away the glory of the Rutgers women- the media did.

Be careful judging Don Imus… lest ye be judged.

Rock and Gem Show Draws Bakersfield Rockhounds

Have you ever picked up a rock and wondered what it was? At the Rock and Gem show held March 23-25, 2007 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, vendors from all over the U.S. were available to answer questions and offer their wares which ranged from rough, uncut gemstones to finished jewelry and beyond.

The setting was indoor-outdoor with the outdoor vendors situated in a campground-like pattern resembling a large gathering at a national park. Awnings lined the lanes to cover and protect the pieces offered. The awnings also provided shade for the vendors on a beautifully sun-drenched weekend. The warm weather was perfect for this event — not too hot, not too cold.

Frank Sterling, 82, of Sterling Enterprises presented gemstone and mineral specimens along with a large variety of handcrafted gemstone spheres ranging in size from about 2 inches to well over 6 inches. Frank showed me a tray of hand-sculpted gemstone pendants artfully created by his bride, Lavonia, which included an exquisite Fire Opal which had been wire wrapped in Sterling Silver.

Lavonia had a large variety of wire sculptures available for sale. The Sterling’s ‘RV-front’ store offered hospitality, fine craftsmanship, and affordable masterpieces to the many visitors that came by over the course of the show. They even offered a taste of honey so tasty that leaving their booth without purchasing a jar proved impossible for me. Frank even gave me a wonderful Calcite sphere which he personally formed.

JS Gems operated an indoor booth offering lapidary equipment, jewelers tools, and many hand-crafted jewelry pieces created by Susana Wease. To see the many tool options available to those interested in extending a fascination for the lapidary arts to a more hands-on involvement, go to jsgemslapidary.com where you will find everything you need to get outfitted in lapidary equipment at discount prices.

Digging for buried treasure, winning items by purchasing chances on a spinning wheel, multiple drawings for great prizes and especially the opportunity to mingle with lapidary experts offered activities to excite visitors of all ages.

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History presented local artifacts from Kern County including fossils, teeth and bones from Sharktooth Hill. Kern County is home to over 100 square miles of fossil beds from the Miocene Epoch. The purpose of the Buena Vista Museum is to promote the scientific and educational aspects of earth history, particularly paleontology, geology, anthropology and biology. The museum promotes public education by preserving and displaying the natural history of our area through public education, research, and by serving as a repository for fossils and other natural history items. The museum is the repository of the largest collection of Sharktooth Hill Miocene fossils in the world. For more information, visit sharktoothhill.org

Sometimes a box (or bucket) of rocks is not synonymous with the lack of intelligence. At one booth, you could select a rock for $15 and the vendor would cut it in half for you. If there was nothing inside of any beauty, you could select again. In some cases the rough exterior of the selected rock would reveal exquisite geodes or other gems with many rings of color clearly visible. The whole process reminded me of relating to other people. Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting through the rough exterior to reveal the real jewel inside. (though I would not advocate cutting anyone in half.)

As I left, I wondered what fun the vendors would have when the public went home. I had a great time at a great show and can't wait to attend the next show May 5th and 6th at the Kern County Fairgrounds.

For pictures taken at the show, visit stoneagejewels.com/Show307

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It’s not a matter of skin color- it is a matter of skin thickness.

Rock and Gem Show Draws Bakersfield Rockhounds