Political Correctness - Good or Bad?

Political Correctness - Good or Bad?
By Kevin D. Moore

As with anything good, too much of it can be bad. Unfortunately, this may have happened or is happening with Political Correctness (a.k.a. PC.)

I must admit that I have been very happy with the kindlier gentler world that has resulted from the internalization of PC by my fellow brothers and sisters of the human race in America. Of course, for me, being PC all the time has not been easy. I have had my share of missteps just like anyone else.

For example, I once stated that someone was deaf. I was immediately informed that I was not being PC and that the more appropriate term was hearing impaired. Upon realizing the error of my ways, I immediately changed my verbiage. The good thing was that being PC would help me not to offend anyone. However, I was later informed that stating that someone was hearing impaired was not PC and the proper term was in fact deaf. So here is the bad part; I am now confused! I do not know what to do or say. I was trying not to be offensive but was anyway (depending on whom you talked to.)

Fortunately, my resolve and desire for the greater good (being PC) were not derailed by my confusion. This is especially true given the goodness that has personally been bestowed upon me. As a Black American, this goodness was manifested in the way that people addressed or referred to me. Specifically, I am for the most part no longer openly referred to as being a Boy, Colored, Negro, or the "N" Word all terms that I find offensive to some degree given their past history. And, thanks to PC, these words have almost been eradicated. This is a good thing!

But as I mentioned earlier, too much of a good thing can be bad. For example, from a cultural perspective, many White Americans have said to me that they are afraid to say things reference Black Americans because it might not be PC. More importantly, they are highly concerned with the backlash that they may experience for not being PC or the pain that they may inadvertently cause.

Unfortunately, this concern or fear to say the wrong thing is creating an environment where people are more unlikely to openly discuss issues, differences, or observations with respect to people. Without this dialogue, there is a tendency for people to continue to misunderstand each other, not improve relations, and limit social problem solving.

In other words, we must communicate with each other if we ever hope to make this world a better place. In lies the problem. To improve communications, it is important to be PC so as not to offend. But it must be balanced. Too much PC can backfire and limit communications.

That's where courage comes in. You and I must be courageous enough not to allow PC to limit our dialogue with others.

Is there a greater possibility of offending someone through our courage? Absolutely!

Will it be worth it in the end? Absolutely!

Copyright © 2007 Knowledge Driven & Moore LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Courageous Conversations: The Importance of Interracial Dialogue

Courageous Conversations: The Importance of Interracial Dialogue
Friday, December 14, 2007; 10AM (Eastern)

What would you do if you could ask any question you ever wanted about a group of people but were afraid to ask? What if the question was perceived as offensive, stupid or politically incorrect? Would you ask it? In order to promote inclusion and build bridges of understanding, we must be able to engage in courageous conversations that challenge untested assumptions. On this episode of Diversity Matters™ Kevin Moore, author of Did You Ever Wonder Why Black People Do the Things They Do? discusses the challenges and opportunities in interracial dialogue. Kevin is a Chief Information Officer with the Federal Government, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, a graduate from West Point and President of Knowledge Driven & Moore. Join co-hosts Judy Seidenstein and Richard Friend in this lively conversation by calling in with your questions, stories and comments at 866-472-5790. Listen to Diversity Matters™ live or on demand at http://www.diversitymatters.info/.

Please tune in!

Richard & Judy
Diversity Matters is a forum for lively conversation about issues of diversity and inclusiveness. Through conversations with a wide range of key thought leaders and practitioners in the field, the show provides cutting-edge ideas, resources and tools that enable people and organizations to leverage diversity and inclusiveness for high performance. Copyright (C) 2007 Friend & Associates Inc. All rights reserved.

What In The World Is An African American Anyway?

What In The World Is An African American Anyway?
By Kevin D. Moore

This question was recently asked of me numerous times by White Americans, White Europeans, Black Americans, and others. The funny thing is that I have wondered this too. However, the interesting part about this question is the fact that people are asking it in the first place.

When I think about it, something must not be right. I don't recall ever hearing anyone ask what is an Italian American or German American. So why would anyone ask what is an African American?

I think the first aspect of my wonderment is that I can't seem to figure out how or when I (a year long tan American) stopped being identified as a Black American and started being identified as an African American. I'm sure someone has the answer.

Unfortunately, it is a little fuzzy to me and it seems to be a little fuzzy to others as well. For myself, I'm pretty sure it has something to due with some of my ancestors who probably came from the continent of Africa so long ago. I'm also pretty sure that it has something to do with people wanting to be politically correct. I'm not sure how politically correct it is since I'm a little fuzzy about its use. But, this is what I know.

First, I am an American that happens to be black with some ancestors who are more than likely from Africa.

Second, I recently met a man from Nigeria (a country on the continent of Africa) who is a US citizen. During our conversation, he informed me that he is an African American or more accurately said a Nigerian American. Needless to say, after he pointed out that he was an African American, I began to ponder the use of the term as it applies to me.

Third, I recently met a White American who lived in Africa for 15 years. Believing myself to be witty, I said, "Wow, you are an African American." I was not prepared for his response. He said, "That's funny because my 19 year old daughter speaks the language and considers herself an African American given that since the age of four Africa has been her home. Once again, I began to ponder the use of the term as it applies to me.

Fourth, some White Americans were born in Africa and consider themselves African Americans. Once again, I ponder.

Fifth, a White Frenchmen recently said to me that he has African friends in France and they simply don't understand why 4th and 5th generation Blacks in America are called and considered African Americans. Good question. As stated earlier, I continue to ponder.

So, based on what I know, the second aspect of my wonderment is that if I'm an African American then what in the world are all these other people. They all seem to think they are African Americans. To be honest, I don't mind sharing this identification but these other folks do make me ponder.

Although, I can't speak for everyone else, I'm perfectly happy with being identified as an American first who happens to have a year long tan (a.k.a. Black.)

Right now, it doesn't seem that I have much of a say in what I am identified as other than the fact that I continue to ponder.

Copyright © 2007 Knowledge Driven & Moore LLC. All Rights Reserved.

“The Allan Handelman Show” (FM Talk 101.1 – WZTK) “North Carolina's Superstation”

November 28, 2007 3:00 PM (Central) - “The Allan Handelman Show” (FM Talk 101.1 – WZTK) “North Carolina's Superstation”

All I can say is "WOW!" I was a guest on this show for 3 hours. The show was so good that the phone lines were swamped and some of the callers actually were "on hold" for over an hour waiting to ask questions. I can truly say that all involved (i.e. Listeners, Callers, Allan (Host), and Me) were trying to make a difference in America and our relations with other. Many stereotypes, myths, and perceptions of Black people were addressed. Unfortunately at this time a Podcast is not available; however, below are some questions and comments that occurred during the show.

Question: Are colleges preparing Black athletes for the challenges they may be faced with once in Professional Sports? (This questions was a result of the recent tragic shooting death of Professional Football Player Sean Taylor)

Comment/Question: A Black male caller, who is a Manager, believes that things are not right in the manner he is treated by his White Co-Manger and White Supervisor. He stated that he is the first Black person to serve in this Management position and cannot understand what the problem may be other than having something to do with his race. He asked for my opinion. Unfortunately, there wasn't a great deal of information; therefore, I gave the only answer I could (which had nothing to do with the issue of White vs. Black.) Sit down with your Co-Manger and Supervisor and discuss your concerns.

Question: Why don't Black people wash their hair?

Question: Why are some Blacks told by other Blacks that they are acting White for speaking proper English?

Question: Why are Blacks bad tippers?

Question via e-mail: Why do some Black people purposely walk too close to you?

Comment/Question: Some time ago, a White man and two of his Black friends went to a predominately Black Bar to observe a Pay Per View Fight between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson. He stated that he and his friends were cheering for Evander and the majority of people in the Bar were cheering for Mike. Everything was fine until Evander starting beating Tyson. Once that happened, he said that the atmosphere in the bar changed reflected by his two Black friends being called Uncle Toms. He wanted to know why this happened.

Question: Why doesn't Black people's hair get messed up?

Question: Why do some Blacks sag their pants?

Question: Why is it that Blacks speak with an accent?

Question: Does your book address the fact that not all Blacks will act or react the way you do to questions? Answer: Yes.

Comment/Question: A Black man was concerned that my book might being doing a disservice to Blacks and may not address the realities of what challenges Black people were facing and are still facing. So his question was, "Is your booking doing more harm than good?" He admitted up front that he had not read my book as of yet. Answer: Read the book. In other words, "Try it, You'll like it."

Question: Why do some Black men urinate standing up in a public bathroom with the seat down? (This question surprised both the Host and me.)

Question: Why do Blacks support another Black person if the evidence shows that the person is clearly guilty?

Question: Does your book address complexion issues among Blacks? Answer: Nope. I'm saving that for another book.

Question: Why are Black people so loud?

Question: Why don't Black people view/value Dogs the way White people do?

Question: Why do Black people call themselves African Americans when many are 4th and 5th generation Americans?

Question: Why do Blacks say "Axe" instead of "Ask"?

Needless to say, it was an interesting radio show. I believe that the show has caused many people to look at Black people and themselves in a different and positive manner.

Should White People Be Scared To Give Black People Compliments?

Should White People Be Scared To Give Black People Compliments?
By Kevin D. Moore

The answer is “no.” White people should not be scared to give Black people compliments. However, one probably wants to “think before speaking.”

The reality is that there are many White people that are scared or apprehensive to give a Black person a compliment for fear that they may say the wrong thing. In today’s politically correct environment, society as a whole doesn’t want to offend others. This is especially true for Whites given the recent backlash felt by some well known Whites who have made comments about Blacks that resulted in a great deal of negative press and counter comments.

Two such examples were the comments made by Bill O’Reilly (host of “The O’Reilly Factor” on Fox News) reference Sylvia’s Restaurant (Black patroned and owned) in Harlem and Senator Joe Biden’s comments about Senator Barack Obama when asked what he thought of him. Neither Bill O’Reilly nor Senator Joe Biden was quite prepared for the negative responses they would receive from the Black Community. To make matters worse, both men have stated that they absolutely meant no offense by their comments.

Given the media attention of the backlash, is it any wonder that White people are scared or apprehensive to give Black people a compliment? This fear was recently demonstrated to me by a White man who recently sat next to me on an airplane. Ironically, sitting next to him on the other side was a Black female. All three of us were very friendly and felt very comfortable with each other. We were a Human Oreo Cookie. Given the comfort level experienced by the three of us, the man in the middle decided to relate to the lady and me a story and then ask a question that had been bothering him.

He began by telling us that he recently saw a Black lady in a store whose jewelry and skin color, in combination, were very striking and beautiful to look at. He wanted to give her a compliment about how beautiful the combination was but he was afraid that somehow he would offend her in some way, shape, or form. He wanted to know from us if it would have been ok to give the lady a compliment.

Although, I immediately wanted to answer his question, I felt it would be more appropriate and enlightening if our fellow travelling Black female were to respond first. Actually, I didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. This lady didn’t need any prodding and was very quick to respond. She said that it was good that he didn’t make the compliment because he probably would have offended her. The primary problem with his potential compliment was that he included the lady’s skin color.

She asked him if he would have made the same statement to a White lady in regards to her jewelry and how great it looked with her skin color. He said no… he wouldn’t say that to someone White. Next she said, then why would you say it to someone Black. She explained that the Black person would probably feel that she was being slighted in someway given that she probably realized that he more than likely would not have made the same comment to a White lady. In other words, “Beauty is beauty.” If he were simply to say, “Wow, your jewelry looks great” that would be fine and would not be offensive.

Let’s look at the earlier example I used reference Senator Joe Biden and Senator Barack Obama. When questioned about what he thought of Senator Obama, Senator Biden basically said that he thought Barack was clean cut, nice looking, and articulate. Now, here is how a great number of Blacks viewed the comment. “What?” “All Presidential Candidates should be clean cut and articulate!” Why would Barack be any different? As a result, a comment that was probably meant to be a compliment was viewed as insulting and offensive.

Needless to say, our White traveling buddy was glad that he didn’t give what he thought was a compliment which could have caused an unintended negative reaction. Another way to say it may be, if it’s not good for the goose (White people), than it’s probably not good for the gander (Black people.) Simpler stated… if you wouldn’t say it to a White person, than you probably shouldn’t say it to a Black person.

We all just have to “think before speaking...”

Copyright © 2007 Knowledge Driven & Moore LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Noose – What’s The Big Deal?

Noose – What’s The Big Deal?
By Kevin D. Moore

Hey, come on. It’s a practical joke! What’s the big deal? No one really means any harm by it. Hmmm.

Unfortunately, there are some people in America that actually believe that displaying a Noose in a tree or on a doorknob or anywhere, for that matter, is ok and is not harmful. To be honest, depending on who is saying it, I understand their position. That doesn’t mean I agree with it but I do understand it.

To further clarify, the major concern I have is that some of these people are thinking and saying this for one of two reasons. The first is out of ignorance but I truly understand. The second is sinister and just plain wrong!

Starting with the second reason, there are people who are purposely displaying the Noose to make a statement that things should be back the way they were when Black people were slaves in America. They long for the days of the oppression and lynching of Black people without any concern for negative outcomes for themselves (e.g. jail time.) They long for the days when the displaying of the Noose would strike fear into the heart and soul of Black people. These people truly understand what the Noose represents to most Black people and they want to exploit that to further their beliefs and desires.

Now the first reason is definitely much different. And, please don’t get me wrong when I say that I understand it. I say this because although I understand it, I don’t like it. In actuality, I’m really angered by it. However, every time I start to get angry, I recall these sayings “He who is without sin...cast the first stone...” and “Pot calling the Kettle black.” In other words, don’t be a hypocrite. I recall these sayings because I have done the same thing that the first group of people have done. That is, I said things out of ignorance that others were extremely offended by. Needless to say, my ignorance didn’t make me a bad person and it doesn’t make others bad people. But once we become aware of our ignorance and the damage it can cause, we now have a choice.

Slide over to the dark side and its sinister ways or lift the vale of ignorance and concern ourselves with the feelings of others. Like many Americans of all colors and creeds, I choose “concern.” And when it comes to the Noose and it being a practical joke and not being harmful, well...the bottom line is that it is extremely offense to many Blacks given our history and what it represents. “To be, or not to be” concerned: “that is the question.”

Copyright © 2007 Knowledge Driven & Moore LLC. All Rights Reserved.

“The Moffitt & Frankie Show” (101 The Fox – KCFX (FM)) “Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station”

October 17, 2007 7:00 AM (Central) - “The Moffitt & Frankie Show” (101 The Fox – KCFX (FM)) "Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station" This was a great show! Moffitt & Frankie led the way… Many questions, many answers. I truly look forward to appearing on this show again in the future.

Click here to listen to the Interview on “The Moffitt & Frankie Show”. Look for Friday, October 19 Ever wonder why…? and my picture in "October 2007".

“The Jim Korhan Show” (95 WASB) “The Revolution Is Now”

October 14, 2007 9:20PM (Central) - “The Jim Korhan Show” (95 WASB) "The Revolution Is Now"

Wow! What an Interview… This was an Interview like no other. I’m a little speechless. Thankfully, I wasn’t speechless on the air.

Upon welcoming me to the show, the Interview started with the Host informing me that he and his co-Host/Sidekick, prior to me joining, were discussing why Black males have a certain large body part (and I don’t mean nose…). They said that they were told by one of their Black friends that the answer was “Government Cheese” (a.k.a. welfare cheese). This Interview was like being at an amusement park. It was one continuous wild ride!

One of the themes mentioned throughout by the Host was that White people are scared of Black people. I responded that one of the reasons I wrote the book “Did You Ever Wonder Why Black People Do The Things They Do?” was to alleviate the perceived fear of Blacks by educating and informing others about Blacks. What’s funny is that after the Interview it was mentioned by the Hosts that they were a little scared just talking to me. I think they were joking…I hope…

And as usual, the use of the “N” word by some Blacks came up again… After this discussion, the Host informed me that he wanted to start his own rap group and call it “HWA” (a.k.a. Honkies With an Attitude) in much the same manner as an earlier Black rap group called “NWA” (a.k.a. “N” word With an Attitude).

As part of the “N” word follow on discussion, the Hosts discussed their frustration with being able to use this word with their Black friends but that they had to constantly look over their shoulders because one never knows who (especially Black people) might hear you and then want to punch you in the face.

Like I said in the beginning… Wow! What an Interview…

“TALKBACK” with Chuck Morse (AM 1280 The Blend - WEIM) "Total Radio for the Heart of New England"

October 10, 2007 4:00PM (Central) - “TALKBACK” with Chuck Morse (AM 1280 The Blend - WEIM) "Total Radio for the Heart of New England"

During the Interview, the Host (Chuck Morse – happens to be White) stated that the contributions of Blacks in America are truly awe inspiring given the challenges they have had to face. He also felt that given the number of Blacks in high positions (e.g. Senator Barak Obama, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, and a number of other Blacks) people are more informed than they were in the past reference the difference between Whites and Blacks.

I basically agreed that people are more informed; however, there is still work to be done… To prove that point, I mentioned the fact that I was once asked within the last 12 months by a White male “Why Black People Shoot Their Guns Sideways”. I stated to this man that I had never seen anyone Black shoot a gun sideways and asked if he had ever personally observed this. He responded that he hadn’t personally observed it but had seen it in the Movies and on TV. Hmmmm….

The Interview lasted about 30 minutes with a number of questions and answers. Definitely a good dialogue… Unfortunately, the archive of the Interview is not available at this time. Will let you know when it is.

“After Midnight” with Rick Barber (News Radio 850 KOA) – Denver

October 4, 2007 4:00AM (Central) – “After Midnight” with Rick Barber (News Radio 850 KOA) – Denver

This was a really good show. We discussed a number of questions. The conversations (from the Host – Rick Barber & Callers) were constructive not destructive or confrontational.

Some of the questions were:
- Why do Black people use the “N” Word?
- Why do Blacks feel it is ok to demean women (e.g. Isaiah Thomas and Music Videos)?
- What does “Acting White” mean when Black people say it about each other?
- Why is it that White people must watch everything they say so as not to offend anyone?
- Why are Blacks lost in the past?


To listen to the archived show, click LISTEN and look for the below two “Parts”:

Thursday, October 4th 3AM Part 1
Our guest this hour: Kevin Moore, motivational speaker, race relations expert and author of Did You Ever Wonder Why Black People Do the Things They Do?. We examine the realities behind black stereotypes.

Thursday, October 4th 3AM Part 2
The second half of our entertaining and fascinating interview with Kevin D. Moore.

Upcoming Live Radio Interviews

October 3, 2007 3:30PM (Central) – “The ShOw” with Scottie McCall (WBNW 1120AM) – Boston

You can listen to the Interview at the below link:
http://www.wbnw1120.com/


October 4, 2007 4:00AM (Central) – “After Midnight” with Rick Barber (News Radio 850 KOA) – Denver

You can listen to the Interview at the below link:
http://www.koaradio.com/main.html

The Sandy Rios Show (Interview) September 28, 2007

I definitely enjoyed being a guest on the show. Sandy’s guest line up was interesting. First to be interviewed was me (your’s truly) and then Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, Chairman of GOPAC. Needless to say, given the current events involving race and politics, there was plenty to talk about.

Here are some of the questions that were asked of me:
- Did I watch the PBS Republican Presidential Candidate Forum (September 27, 2007) and what did I think of it?
- What does the Black Community think of Alan Keys the only Black Republican Presidential Candidate?
- How do I feel about the fact that Whites in the media (e.g. Bill O’Rielly) must watch everything they say so as not to offend anyone?
- How do I feel about Jesse Jackson’s comment about Barak Obama acting White reference the Jena 6 controversy?
- What are my feelings reference a great deal of money going to support the War in Iraq when it could be used here in America?
- How do I think the U.S. Military did and is doing as far as integration?

You can listen to the Interview at the below link:
Download MP3 Fri 09/28/2007 Hour #1: Kevin D. Moore re: his book Did You Ever Wonder Why Black People Do the Things They Do?

Live Radio Interview - 28 September 2007 4PM (Eastern) / 3PM (Central)

On Friday, 28 September 2007 at 4 PM (Eastern) / 3 PM (Central), Kevin D. Moore the Author of "Did You Ever Wonder Why Black People Do The Things They Do?" will be a guest on the Sandy Rios Show – WYLL-AM 1160 "Chicago's Christian Talk". You can listen live at “www.wyll.com” Tune in, should be pretty interesting!

Did You Ever Wonder Why Black People Do The Things They Do?

There are approximately 215 million White Americans in the United States that may have seen firsthand, observed on TV, viewed in the Movies, and/or have been told that Black Americans do things that are quite different (e.g. stereotypes and myths) than the things they do. In a politically correct business and social world, many of these differences go unexplained. Unfortunately, these unexplained differences sometime foster a world of miscommunication, misunderstanding, and strife.

To help combat these problems, I authored "Did You Ever Wonder Why Black People Do The Things They Do?" The first book in a series of “Wonder Why” books, this book is a quick read, much like the "One Minute Manager" and "Who Moved My Cheese". It is informative, thought provoking, and humorous. I came up with the idea for the book as a result of my travels for business where on many occasions, people whose tans were not as good as mine (Whites) would ask me questions about people with good year long tans (Blacks). Almost to a person, after answering their questions, they recommended that I write a book. At first glance, it may seem that the main purpose of this book is to focus on our differences.

For example, some of the questions that were asked and answered were:
• Why do black people never wash their hair?
• Why do black people have natural rhythm?
• Why are some black people so well spoken?
• Why do black people use the “N” Word and no one else can?

Although, I address these questions and others, the underlying purpose of this book is to show that once the differences are explained and understood the reader will realize that we are all more similar than different thus hopefully bringing us all closer together. It doesn't matter what color you are or where you are from, this book (available wherever books are sold, including online) will foster honest and positive communication between people at a time where understanding and the appreciation of different cultures is so important.

Together we can make a difference! Therefore, if you have a question, observation, and/or comment please let the other readers and I know. How can we ever hope to make the world a better place if we don’t talk and communicate with each other openly…