Solving? Improving? Race Relations Over a Cup of Coffee?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Starbucks’ Flawed But Wonderful Plan To Tackle Race
From the article:
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s bold decision to encourage his baristas to discuss race relations with willing customers has filled me with shock and awe. I’m in awe of his courageous and good-hearted attempt to do something to bring about better awareness of racism. I’m in awe that he’s willing to put morality above profits. I’m in awe that he’s willing to endure the snarky ridicule and lame coffee jokes from pundits as well as the inevitable death threats from clueless trolls. All with nothing personally or corporately to gain — and a lot to lose.
This is just my opinion, for what it’s worth.
I personally think there is potentially going to be a lot more to lose than gain.
I guess the first question would have to be, “Will people be willing to agree that they don’t agree sometimes?” And…be fine with that, and not get into name calling, shouting matches or, let it escalate into violence? And at least acknowledge, there’s always going to be the possibility this could get ugly. Real ugly. Though, I personally and sincerely hope not.
I don’t think talking casually about race relations/racism with strangers is going to help. It’s a sensitive subject like religion and politics, only much more so. It’s personal and painful. We all know that. It’s certainly, not a subject/conversation for the faint of heart.
There may be a time and place, but I seriously doubt Starbucks is it. Not that you can’t talk about the subject but being coerced? Though well intended, I think it’s a bad idea.
You may be surprised to know though….I hope I’m wrong.
And how are the poor baristas going to approach the subject, “Hey, while you’re waiting…What do you think about race relations and or, racism in the U.S.?” Seriously, lol. I’d think they were nuts. I think I’d be like, “Listen, I just came in for my overpriced, burnt coffee and I’m not in a mood to chat, okay?” Lol, I’m kidding of course. I would never say that. Nor, pay for overpriced burnt coffee.
I don’t believe you can force a conversation. Especially this conversation. I would think you would have to be sensitive and understanding to the other persons feelings and views. Whoever they are. And in turn they would have to be sensitive and understanding to your feelings and views. That’s a tall order. Not everyone is capable of doing that.
“If” I were to have a conversation of this nature then there are a few people I would feel comfortable enough with to talk about it. Good people, thoughtful people.
The truth is, I believe that what we experience on this earth is as a result of mankind’s sinful nature. Not one person, not one race of people, not a country, or continent, or even the world itself. Mankind. I do not look for mankind to right itself.
My hope….is in Jesus.
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.