#BringBackOurValue

On yesterday, I came across a photo on a website that showed Republican Ann Coulter holding a sign that read #BringBackOurCountry. She was sporting a pout undoubtedly intended to mock our First Lady, Michelle Obama, whose photo shows Mrs. Obama holding a sign that reads #BringBackOurGirls.  While the FOTUS's display is, of course, in response to the kidnapping of more than 300 Nigerian schoolgirls on April 14th, by the radical Islamist group Boko Haram, Coulter seizes the opportunity to take a shot at the President and/or Democrats with a political statement that seems an ill-timed, tasteless opinion that makes light of the situation in Nigeria.

Based on Coulter's views and opinions, I could only wonder if she would feel differently had this atrocity taken place in a European country. While I am definitely aware that there are non-blacks in America, and around the globe, who are disgusted with the crime, I still question if she would be more sensitive toward the subject if the little girls were mostly blonde and blue-eyed.  Interestingly enough, Coulter is said to either have dated, or is currently dating 1970s African American comedian and actor Jimmie Walker (best known for his role as J.J. Evans on 70s sitcom "Good Times").  I became intrigued with how he felt about her distasteful shenanigans. Did he chastise her for a political statement whose timing suggests a level of cultural insensitivity? Did he ask if she would have done the same thing if the little girls looked more like her? Did he laugh and tell her that she was brilliant? While I am careful to not spend too much time beating him up for her actions, I was just curious how a black man who is dating the white subject at hand, deals with or addresses such a situation.

As I gave further consideration, I asked myself,  "What is the value of little black girls?" Is it an even exchange for prisoners? Is it a few hundred dollars, or is it something more? For further consideration, these girls were abducted while attempting to learn as much as they could in an effort to become better citizens. Their willingness to do so illustrates, to me, something worth more than dollars-it illustrates their parents' (and their own) desire for a better quality of life.

In wake of Coulter's foolery and insensitivity, I echo the sentiments of Mrs. Obama, and others with compassion who suggest #BringBackOurGirls.  In addition, I dare to take one step further as I lament....#BringBackOurValue.