Letter: Success requires setting race aside

I am responding to the IBJ article [CICF to tackle stench of racism, July 27] stating that CICF is trying to correct racism. I question whether racism actually exists today.

During the ’60s, I heard stories of discrimination against black workers in the past, and our family was greatly concerned, as were most people.

Growing up in a mixed neighborhood, everyone was generally treated the same.

My first job taught me professionalism, which my boss provided, and I appreciate to this day, with our different colors not even considered.

However, that was not the case when I went to work for the federal government, where the official policy was advancement prioritized by color.

After returning to the private sector and 40 years of work experience, I can honestly say that I never saw anyone exhibiting any racist opinions or actions at work.

Everywhere I went, people saw people, with decisions based on merit, not color.

I have observed that financial achievement is based on various things, including how one is raised and how hard they work. Intelligence and education are less of a factor than having good social and communication skills. Grammar, and speaking skills are also very important, along with the willingness to work 50 to 60 hours a week.

What about poverty?

Up until the age of 10 I knew poverty, which meant constant hunger, cold, and walking to the USDA food handouts of food staples, such as flour and cheese.

What I gained was self-reliance and perseverance, both of considerable value.

What about race?

Since we were poor and white, there was no one telling us that we were “victims,” or stirring resentment that would interfere with my belief that success was possible.

My experience has taught me to value everyone, and truthfully, there is only one race, and it’s the human race.

I believe more of our neighbors will succeed, once the manipulation of statistics is no longer a tool for those with their own agenda. A vast number of choices and circumstances, and sometimes luck, determine financial outcomes. There is no pervasive and unseen societal attitude that controls income.

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Steven Frazer