It takes a major transformation of the heart, to move away from the urge to seek revenge for past wrongs, and this is especially true, when it comes to racism that keeps cropping up, despite remarkable progress over the years.

Deeply rooted negative attitudes that linger with so many people of all races and creeds, are not easily erased, and most people who desire harmony and peace, are aware of those who have a problem shaking off the shackles of darker times.

Bermuda is facing many serious problems that need urgent collective attention, and it is high time we as a people move forward without allowing negative attitudes to overshadow the good that most Bermudians yearn for.

Moving on does not mean having to pretend that there was or is no racial injustice. Instead it is the ability to place events in proper perspective, in order to avoid being psychologically stuck on a page of history, that should have been turned long ago.

In our small intimate society, it seems we still have those who for some reason would rather use racism as a tool to plant fresh negative seeds that divide, instead of pushing for greater closeness between races at a time when togetherness is vital.

It is difficult to understand, how anyone could make remarks as reported recently, even in the heat of discussion about the political climate in Bermuda today. It is troubling to believe the term, house nigger, as alleged, was used. However the incident goes far beyond that.

As adults we are responsible for handling our words carefully, despite strong feelings. We have young people of both races going to school together, working and playing together who should be learning by example to become good positive citizens. Racial negativity breeds mistrust and often leads to a renewed bitterness.

One of the most shining examples of rising above such attitudes in recent times, was the clear positive outlook that Nelson Mandela displayed after he was released from a lengthy prison sentence. That sentence was for opposing racial injustice and his determination to eradicate such practices from his homeland South Africa.

He won admiration from people around the world as he walked from his cell into the sunlight of freedom without dragging hatred and bitterness or harbouring the urge to seek revenge against those who has wronged him by trying to smoother his dream of a better life for all people of South Africa. Surely we here in Bermuda, should be able to learn something from that.

It is not how big the conversation is, but how sincere and positive it is that will lead us to the higher ground of understanding and tolerance.

Demeaning remarks about one another, no matter what the circumstances or who is making them, can only be a setback to those trying to improve our ability to view each other as equal partners, in building a more unified Bermuda for all to enjoy.

Some even wonder whether we are capable of moving away from seeing almost everything in terms of black and white. There is also a perception that keeping the issue of racism alive, is designed to benefit a particular political group. That perception has been around for years, mainly because The Progressive Labour Party is generally thought of as representative of blacks, and United Bermuda Party viewed as representative of the white population.

Although there have been significant changes over the years in the make-up of both political groups, that thinking to a large degree is still alive today.

With the emergence of a third political party, the Bermuda Democratic Alliance, who so far appear to be appealing to Bermudians of all racial persuasions, a fresh approach could at last be a wake up call for those who for whatever reason, use race as a tool to gain the upper hand.

The political arena can be cruel at times, but with Bermuda facing difficult economic times along with escalating crime, there is really no time to be sidetracked by racially-sparked infighting. Too much is at stake to play games with words. Bermuda will succeed only by pulling together with honesty, decency, and respect for each other irrespective of race.