I have always imagined such a color chart would have representative skin color samples from the deepest black to the fairest, lightest skin possible. This imagined chart would thus, include every skin color and combination in orderly rows like the paint chart at a home center. Everyone’s color and skin combination would fall someplace on the chart. Someone, someplace in a brightly lighted government office, (they don’t have to worry about electric bills), has determined that whoever falls beyond a certain point would be ruled dark enough or light enough to be or not be covered by the various quotas or special programs. Who is that person?  The one that decides where the color line is.

My best friend and I have the same educational background. We have roughly the same ‘time in grade’ in work experience and the same professional certificates. We work at the same trade in friendly competition. One day recently, after a BBQ, my friend remarks that he thinks he will bid on the XYZ job. I mentioned that it was a large job and he would have heavy competition from a couple of big companies in the area that would be hunting such large contracts.

"I think I’ll bid it anyway," he said, " because I can be ten percent over and still win because I am a minority company."

Well, he didn’t get the contract but it did set me thinking. How is it possible that we both have the same situation but my friend could get contracts for ten percent more than I, for the same work? Why should his children, (he has none but if he did), get a place in line with many schools of higher learning, because of his or his children’s skin color. When the young people go to sign up for these schools, do they have to provide a color match to apply? Did my buddy have to go in for a skin inspection in order to bid that job? If my skin is one shade lighter this year than last when I had a vacation will it move me on the color chart?

The other day my grandson of 13 decided he was going to go on a date to the movies with a young lady of the same age. He went, with some other kids, and had a good time. (A future date is in the making) The next day, my Grandson came to me and asked if it was all right that his young lady was of mixed blood. He had been the butt of some rather nasty remarks. Of course I assured him that it mattered not a whit and if he choose her for his friend and she wanted to go to the movies with him he should ignore any comments made by others. It was more important that she was his friend than where she fell on the color chart; or where he fell for that matter. (As a follow up, the next week the young lady’s family informed the lad they didn’t approve of the situation. How do you spell racism? A couple of kids going to the movies with friends?)

I still wonder who it is that decides just what point divides the country into black and white. I suppose we will soon have another set of charts that will point out if or how much Hispanic one is. Or how much Native American one is.  Even though I was born here in this country, and as native as anyone else,  I don’t think I am Native American enough because my parents were born here but my Grandparents were all born in the Netherlands. Your family could have been here for  400 years and it wouldn't make a difference. Perhaps, one day in the future, there will be an extra large chart with divisions by genetic makeup. That way we can all be sure of where we fall in the makeup of citizens of the United States. Our laws and programs would be able to pinpoint participants more precisely in order to steer the population better. Can you imagine just competing based on how good your company is or how well you did on entrance exams? Could you win that job on your own abilities or do we have to have a race blank on a work application? I suppose it doesn’t matter if one has no pride, how that promotion was gained. But it has to hurt, knowing that ones peers will always question if the promotion was for talent, color, race or gender. While serving in the Navy, my superior was a real expert in our rating. A large black man I respected greatly, for his leadership and skills. I learned a lot from him. He gained his position by passing the exams and earning the promotions. There was never any doubt about his qualifications. Some years later, I enlisted in the Army. After a few years I applied for a Warrant appointment for which I was well qualified due to civilian skills as well as military. Right after the conclusion of the last of several interviews, the president of the selection board pulled me aside and told me I was extremely well qualified for the post and would be selected and approved but that no appointment would be forthcoming. All six appointments were to be made to minorities or woman. A minority female would only have to apply to be selected. Qualifications were secondary. He was right. A letter did arrive announcing selection and a paragraph that no open slots were available at present, etc. I did not re-enlist and left the military with fourteen years service. This was years ago, but things change.

I submit that this foolishness has to stop. After all, a skin color chart seems so antique, and one could make a mistake in a subtle shade of color and then what? What happens if one changes gender? Is there a different chart? Lawsuits to follow I suppose. This dividing of the nation by race is unconstitutional and should be ended. Treat all citizens the same! If the races are ever going to live together, this has to happen, or we too, are in danger of dividing into tribes. Can’t we all just be Americans? Wouldn’t it be nice if our Representatives and Senators were to look at what is best for America instead of what is best for ones own race? One look at Iraq should show how things could turn out.

Oh, yes! If you ever find out who the person is that decides the dividing line on the color chart, let me know!