Another One Doesn't Ride the Bus

Did you ever hear the joke about the guy who got through high school just by the skin of his teeth? No one thought he'd ever amount to anything. And yet, twenty-five years later, he arrives at his school reunion, riding in a quarter-million dollar vehicle...a Greyhound Bus. Well, I was reminded of that story today.
I don't know if it's a flaw in my personality...probably not. But, I get really irked when people do stupid things. You're probably thinking that I'm about to start lambasting someone. You're right. Actually, a bunch of someones. It's the state NAACP and a group calling themselves Youth for Social Change. Have you heard how they plan to protest a decision made by the city's Commonwealth Attorney which cleared two police officers in the shooting death of a young man who fled on foot when police tried to stop him for a traffic violation.
I'm not irritated that these people think it's a cover-up. Maybe it is. Maybe not. Personally, I don't think so, but that's not the point. What flabbergasts me is HOW they plan to protest. Get this...this is priceless. They're encouraging the city's black population to not ride the city buses on Monday.
Now think about that. While riding a city bus is no disgrace, it doesn't really portray a picture of success. To my way of thinking, it'd be like if the NAACP encouraged its devotees to not cash their welfare checks this month, or not to use food stamps on Monday. Why do something that emphasizes a somewhat negative stereotype?
Maybe what this Youth for Social Change group ought to do is ask the citizens not to try struggling with police when they attempt to stop them. Maybe they should say, "Let's protest by not trying to outrun the law."
I know. I'm old fashioned when it comes to such things. But to say let's don't ride the bus just doesn't seem to send the sort of message I'd want to send. Now don't you go saying, "Well Steve, you're not black. You don't know how it is."
It is true that I'm not black. But I have enough sense to know a negative stereotype when I see one. And telling blacks to stay home from work makes about as much sense as that recent illegal immigrants day off. The one boycotting is primarily hurting himself, besides making himself look downright stupid.
If you youths want social change, why not make it a change that dignifies those you're supposedly trying to help. Don't hold up a banner in the newspaper that proclaims, "Hey, we still ride buses cause we can't afford an automobile." And, that's exactly what you're doing.
Listen folks, I may be lilly-white, but I can still give you some good advice. Just ask me. I've got plenty. For instance, that NAACP name. That's an idea whose time has come and gone. That's gotta go. Give me a call. Let's talk about it.