Is it because I'm black?

It is rare that I pull the race card but several events in the last week has led my to ask the question. Is it because I'm black?

This all started last week as sat appalled by Brett Baier of Fox News asking President Obama what he thought of Tiger Wood's affairs, I had to ask why would he ask the President of the United States of America what he thought about Tiger's affairs when our country is in the midst of a health care overhaul. Would he had asked that question of President Bush or President Clinton? I don't think so. And, what did he expect to hear? In my opinion he asked President Obama about Tiger Woods because of the color of their skin. What do you think? Do you think such a trivial question would have been asked to Presidents Bush or Clinton? Well,,, maybe Clinton, but that's another story entirely.

And then today, I was angered and embarrassed by a statement that was made to me. I was at a social media event when several participants started discussing where the next event would be held. A local restaurant that I had never heard of came up. I commented that I had never heard of the restaurant and asked where it was. The response I got form one participant was, "You should know where it is it's a soul food restaurant." I was shocked at the idiocy of that statement.

At the end of day, I do not believe that the person who uttered those words meant any harm. And that is the rub, the elephant in the room if you will. I am amazed how so many people say they don't see color and then they go and make a biased, stereotypical statement like that. It's okay to recognized others' diversities. It becomes a problem when you began to put people into a group or category. For example, because I am black, I should automatically know where the soul food restaurants are? Or making the assumption that because I am black, I like Soul food.. If you are wondering, I do like Soul food, and Chinese food, and Greek food,and Italian food and meatloaf and apple pie.

The remark that was made to me was no different than when a golfer announced on public television" I guess we'll have collard greens and chicken for Masters' Dinner" when Tiger Woods won his first Masters Tournament.

I am here to say, do not reduce me to the color of my skin, I am much more diverse than that. It is a shame that in this day and age that I feel the need to ask - Is it because I'm black.

Let me know what you think. Do you think I am over reacting? Do you think the comment about me knowing where the soul food restaurant is located was acceptable? I do not and I was livid.