Jim Schwartz, the Arlington (VA) County Fire Chief, has found himself being called a racist. The issue is regarding comments made to firefighters about what types of conduct are and are NOT welcome in their firehouses.

Chief Schwartz says he was explaining to firefighters what types of conduct are not welcome in the firehouse but one excerpt in particular, “not wearing a white hood and dancing around a fire,” is stirring controversy.

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Other examples focused on keeping political arguments out of the firehouse but several firefighters who preferred to keep their identities concealed, are asking, what kind of context would make the chief’s racial references acceptable?
The excerpt above is from WUSA9.com

I think that the Chief might not have picked his examples the best and that if he had to do it again he would probably change his examples or wording. HOWEVER, I do not think that this makes him a racist.

The term RACIST is being thrown around way too much. Many people who enjoy using this term misunderstand the damage it can do when used out of context.

I mean really, down deep in your belly do you really feel as though this comment makes this guy a racist. Hitler and Mussolini were more Facists than Racists but they are very similar. White Supremacists and Black Supremacists are examples of Racists. Jim Schwartz…not so much.

Webster’s Dictionary defines racism as: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

The real truth is that there are too many people out there who have too much time on their hands. Jumping up and down screaming racism (in cases where it does not apply such as this one) is not beneficial to anyone. Think of the boy who cried wolf. Many people are getting sick and tired of hearing it when it DOES NOT apply. Who will be there to listen when someone is a racist and does make a racist remark and someone tries to call them out?

And before I start getting all these comments about how I am insensitive, I am not. I am very sensitive to the issue. I also have a keen understanding that prejudice on race, creed, sex, etc. can go all kinds of ways.

There are so many other tactful ways of asking for an apology if the statement was interpreted as insensitive. The more professional course of action would have been much easier to understand and give credence to the opposing point of view.

Furthermore, I bet many of the ones crying foul don’t even know who Bill White is. He lives in the same State as Arlington and I wonder if the people attacking Chief Schwartz have given the same time and energy in attacking Bill?

One sidenote, you will have to look up Bill White yourself, I do not want to give him anymore attention that I have too. He does not deserve it.