A word prompt to get your creativity flowing this weekend. How you use the prompt is up to you. Write a piece of flash fiction, a poem, a chapter for your novel…anything you like. Or take the challenge below – there are no prizes – it’s not a competition but rather a fun writing exercise. If you want to share what you come up with, please leave a link to it in Sammi’s Comment Section.
Word Prompt
Perplex
Challenge
Neither of these lovely people are the one in my story. Just a couple of friends I made on a recent trip to Israel. Glad they didn’t have a problem with short people. 😉
SPICE OF LIFE
Recently, an African American friend, an artist for whom I have great respect, and I met for coffee. Inadvertently I said something he perceived as racist. He made a crack about how (white) people say they don’t see color when in reality they do. I don’t know if he meant to hurt or perplex me, but he did send me on a soul-searching expedition.
My friend is partly correct in his assessment. The fact is, I do see color. And I appreciate the brilliant rainbow the Ultimate Artist has created.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
It is good that you and your friend can have the open conversation. And the problem with the words we use, they have different connotations and allusions for different experiences. In the words of some singer, ‘I’m just a soul whose intentions are good; oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood’. (Who was that?)
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Dear D,
Yes, this friend and I have had some good open conversations. And he is a marvelous artist and is the one who really lit a fire under me to get back into my art. The song is by The Animals. 😉 Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, yes, The Animals! It’s come to this, people quoting the animals; wise perhaps. I am glad he has pushed you in your art.
As some People say,
Shalom
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Open communication about blind sport and tender spots is the key for healing histories we did not create but were a part of – as victims or perpetrators or the perception of either. I’m glad he spoke up. I’m glad you listened. It is not about blame and shame, I believe, but about acceptance and compassion and awareness and sensitivity. Of course we all of us ‘see’ color. All people of all ‘colors’ see colors. The question becomes what we make of it, what we do with it, how we communicate it, what it tells us, how it informs us, and whether it biases us. Here’s to the rainbow of the human race and experiences, Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
i do enjoy an honest exchange with people of different backgrounds. Judging from conversations he and i had after that, I doubt he aimed at me personally. Your comment articulates my own thoughts so well. Thank you for that.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Me so glad! 🙂 xoxo Na’ama
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Good story. Misunderstandings can and DO definitely arise. I personally don’t think it’s a bad thing to see color. I agree with you about the ultimate artist and I feel like I can appreciate different colors of flowers or skin or trees or animals or whatever without being in anyway against them.
Shalom,
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
I do think it’s good to see and APPRECIATE color. If we were all the same how boring it would be. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s too easy to inadvertently say something which some consider racist in these times. What’s acceptable today will be offensive tomorrow, it’s hard to keep up. Most of us see colour, it’s how we see it and how we interpret it that differs.
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Dear Keith,
We have become hypersensitive, haven’t we? Interpretation is the key. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Perplex. What a confusing word. I am dumbfounded in how to use it. It baffles me so I will leave to you wordsmiths. Good story.
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Dear Jan,
Perhaps you should construct your own blog. 😉 Thank you. 😀
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Dear Rochelle,
I am sorry to say that there is far too much racism on both sides. So much so that people often misunderstand a statement. That’s on him not you. You have nothing to be sorry for.
Even if you are not wrong, but for the sake of the friendship, a good apology and an explanation of your point of view, should go a long way. If he is a friend, he’ll listen and forgive.
If he’s not, have lunch with someone who is a friend and have a good time. Let them remind you of what a wonderful person you truly are.
Love and blessings,
Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
My friend and I have talked it out. He’s a good man and we have much more in common than differences. Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Deer Rochelle,
Good to hear. It’s It’s sad to lose a good friend. I’m glad you get to keep this one.
Blessing,
Phyllis
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Dear Rochelle,
I remember us discussing this conversation. I love that you turned it into a micro story! Well done, my friend. And yes, the world is so much better for the rainbow of colours created by the Great Power.
Shalom and lots of colourful love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I thought you might remember this. Not sure why perplex brought to mind buy it was my immediate thought. Maybe it’s because this man perplexes me in more ways than one. 😉 Glad you liked my story.
Shalom and lotsa rainbow hugs,
Rochelle
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No kidding
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