Looking out: Wherever there is a human being

Wherever there is a human being

Wherever there is a human being

By Brandon Astor Jones

"Wherever there is a human being, I see God-given rights inherent in that human being, whatever may be [his/her] sex or complexion." — William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1897).

BAJ: What is your name?

SCH: Sam C. Hendrix.

BAJ: You are unusual in that you are a white man in the US prison system who talks and acts like a black man. Can you tell me why?

SCH: I was brought up in an all-black neighbourhood. All my friends were African-American, ever since I was small.

BAJ: Did you have any white friends as a child?

SCH: In school the white children would shy away from me because of who I played and associated with.

BAJ: What did you think of those white children?

SCH: It showed me that racial prejudice was being taught to them at an early age. My family has never stressed any [negative] racial issue.

BAJ: I am sure I do not have to tell you that there are both black and white prisoners who resent you for a host of reasons. For example, certain members of Aryan hate groups think of you as a "traitor to your race" and would like to kill you. Does that bother you?

SCH: No. Those who resent me have most likely had a bad experience, or, like I said before, it goes back to when they were children: their families were always pressuring them about who to associate with, who was acceptable, and to stick with their own race. Someone can't be born with racial hatred; it has to be instilled in them. Racism is a complex problem. He/she who is racist has a very inferior view of him/herself — feeling as though s/he would be looked down upon for being seen with someone of a different race.

BAJ: Are you fascinated by African-American culture?

SCH: Yes, but it's not just a fascination; it plays a serious role in my life. My thoughts are those of an African-American male. I guess if I had been raised by whites, things would maybe be different.

BAJ: Are you in any way ashamed of your Anglo-American roots?

SCH: No. I feel that if I'm ashamed of my roots, then I would be ashamed of my family. I guess the past has no real meaning to me. The simple fact is that it can't be changed, so I look to the present or future. That's where we can make a difference.

BAJ: William Lloyd Garrison was a white man who was the editor of the Liberator newspaper in 1831. He was the friend of many, not least of whom was the great black orator Frederick Douglass. Garrison's paper's motto was "Our country is the world — our countrymen are all mankind". Does that motto speak for or to you?

SCH: I can't say that I understand the first part, but as for the second, it is true. We are all living in this land together. The best possible solution would be to end all racism, but I can't see that happening because some people enjoy causing tension between the races.

BAJ: Do you have to fight very often as a result of your cultural and philosophical views?

SCH: No. Words have been exchanged, but never have I been involved in violence.

BAJ: Do you think African-Americans have been, or continue to be, poorly treated by Anglo-Americans?

SCH: Yes, they have been and still are. A black man voices his opinion and he is labelled an instigator, but when a white man states his opinion, people worship the words he speaks. My one wish is for the people of the world to see like my eyes see: "Wherever there is a human being, I see God-given rights inherent in that human being".

[The writer is a prisoner in the United States. He welcomes letters commenting on his columns. He can be written to at: Brandon Astor Jones, Georgia State Prison, HCO1, Reidsville, GA 30453, USA. For the first time in 17 years, Brandon has the real hope of his sentence of death being mitigated. If you can help by contributing to his defence fund or in other ways, please contact Australians Against Executions, PO Box 640, Milson's Point NSW 2061. Phone (02) 9955 1731, fax 9427 9489. Cheques can be made payable to "Brandon Astor Jones Defence Fund".]