PETE VANBAALEN: When words still hurt

I came across an article printed in the Bloomington Herald Times earlier this month, discussing racism in Indiana . It caught my eye, not because of the topic but because of a quote within the story from Greensburg Mayor Frank Manus.

The column, written by Mike Leonard, discussed the term “sundown towns” and the sad fact that many of these so-called towns still exist in areas like Indiana . “Sundown towns” refer to towns where minorities are not welcome or safe after sundown.

Racism is a sad part of our history. We have a chance to avoid those mistakes in our future and improve the future of our children. I especially hope that is the case, since my son is an African American and I want him to grow up in a better world than I did, or my father before me.

Elected leaders, no matter the level of office, are expected to uphold a higher standard. They are representatives of the community they serve. As is often the case, they are the spokesperson for that same group. Frank Manus has been under the glare of the media spotlight frequently the last few months, with many outlets wanting quotes from the Mayor.

The first time I met Mayor Manus, he told the group he spoke in front of that he never prepares a speech ahead of time. He speaks from his heart, and says whatever comes to mind. I flashed back to that remark when I read his comment in the Mike Leonard column. Referring to racial issues in the city of Greensburg , Manus said, “I think there might have been something way back when, but, hell, we don’t have anything like that now. We have several colored people who live in the city.”

Was this comment from his heart, as he said in front of the Rotary Club several weeks back or was this just a comment made by someone unaware of the vulgarity of the term “colored people.”

I met with Mayor Manus this week to ask him about the comment. He was shocked that I was offended; saying he didn’t realize it was an offensive term. Manus and I continued our conversation, with Frank awkwardly using the term “African American” as we moved along. I believe that Manus will, at least publicly, try to use less offensive terms in the future. But the damage is done.

The leader of Greensburg made a racially-insensitive remark. When confronted on it, and I believe I was the first to bring it to his attention, he didn’t realize it was wrong and offered no apology.

I’m not on a hunt to trash this man. I believe that Frank Manus is basically a good man, who dearly loves the town he has been elected to serve. In this one case, at least, I believe he has done a disservice to the city of Greensburg and its residents by painting a picture of ignorance and a lack of solid judgment.

I’ve heard it said many times that “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” The same is true with this situation: Ignorance of what is offensive to say is no excuse. This is especially true in this day and age where sensitivity to others through the media has been very prominent.

Whether Manus, or anyone else, doesn’t realize the term “colored people” is a demeaning remark is inconsequential now. Given the backlash that has been heard, I hope that all that read this now know it is wrong. The best thing to do now is apologize, and learn from the mistake.

I hope that is exactly what Manus will do. Be a leader for our city and make it clear that the use of such demeaning terms is wrong. Frank Manus can continue to move the city into the future by showing that we, as a community, have learned from the mistakes of our past.

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