Submitted by Blake Surina.
I look like an old white guy. Or worse. As one friend described me to a human resources representative seeking a reference, “I confirmed for her that you were a ginormous man with a patched eye and grizzled hooked arm. A gravel-toned, furrow-browed, spinner of marvelous adventures. He’s been known to gash a listener or two, as the hook flails about describing his 4th world deeds and adventures.” Most people that know me would say, “Yeah… that sounds about right.”
But neither my appearance (nor my friend’s description) describe me very well as I’ve been homeless, abandoned, lived in an orphanage (St. Anne’s), arrested, jailed, long shored, and worked in a head shop. In short, I did not have a lot of opportunities growing up. But, I did manage to work my way through high school and college. After college graduation I was offered a rare opportunity to work and train for the 1984 Olympics Games at the Olympic Training Center (USOTC) in Colorado Springs. My boss was Kenneth S. Clarke, the father of Sports Medicine in the United States. About me, Mr. Clark wrote: “He has the drive to “milk” everything he can from whatever he has a chance to do.” I am forever grateful for the opportunity to find my potential as an elite athlete and as an exercise science professional.
Later, as the Executive Director for the Exercise Science Center, I have reviewed articles for the American Journal of Cardiology, patented significant scientific advancements in exercise physiology, been elected to public office, became a published author and historian, worked as a respiratory therapist during the COVID pandemic, and trained dozens of regional and national athletic champions and record holders. I have made connections with hundreds if not thousands of renowned professionals throughout the world.
Now, when I finally I have built a resume that is substantial, and have had the time and desire to engage in public service, I find that I am marginalized by some folks as an “Old White Guy” who does not need to be heard from. This stings. I know that many persons of color and other folk have felt the same way or worse.
So, what happened is that I was recently rejected to fill a vacated seat on a city council because I was not “diverse” enough. My immediate reaction was anger in that my 35+ years of community service meant so little to the council. But a person I greatly respect said that diversity was a very important consideration for them and it was the right time for a change. After a short cooling off period, (i.e. a two hour walk), I realized my friend and the council were right – we need to know how a younger, diverse generation of disenfranchised folk sees things; and we need to know what they want to do to make things better. Nevertheless, I get chills thinking that some of the young lions waiting in the wings might just see me, an old white guy, as an ailing wildebeest to be picked off the back of the pack and done away with.
I agree that organizations and boards need to bring on younger, more diverse groups so that the “old white guys” don’t monopolize the power structure. But, it seems odd that just as someone reaches the apex of sound judgment, life experience, education, and relationships built over a lifetime with community shakers and movers, they are asked to step aside.
Still, I don’t plan to just step aside, even though I may not be anyone’s choice for board and political appointments because of how I look. I will start by passing along some advice provided by a 100 year-old member at my gym. He served in multiple wars and lived a righteous career as a community pastor wanted to give two valuable lessons to the young people out there:
First, he said, ”Many community elders have a plethora of life experiences and lessons they have learned, and can impart great wisdom to those who are willing to listen.” Second, “Don’t waste or take for granted once in a lifetime chances you are given. Many of us worked extremely hard for those few chances we were provided.”
And I will continue to offer my advice, insight, assistance and support to the diverse pride of young lions that will take us forward; and I have faith that you will do the right thing when your time comes.
And, as for the common complaint from the younger generation that the people in power “do not look like me,” that should be a good thing, as in the last few years we have put on a few pounds, lost hair in some places and grew new ones elsewhere. You don’t want to look like us.
Well all I can say is those that don’t want you are fool’s Blake Knowing you through the gym and talking to you I know that you are fair level headed and you care about people and the community you live in So it is their loss to not have you on their team
First and foremost I applaud you for being able to see the light from all the rays of the sun. I am also one of those individuals who is at the age that most people consider being beyond the productive years of life. I have traveled the world, I have seen many things, and I have done more things than most anyone would believe. I have led a very privileged life with many opportunities. Although I am not without regrets I would not change my life and the experiences associated with it for anyone else’s. Life has been good to me.
I have never had the desire to enter into the political world. I do not have the thought processes that would allow me to be good in that arena. Nowadays I try to find avenues that I can be of help to others. I spend time pushing back against those who are racists, sexist, and those who believe that they are deserving of privilege. I do not have a lot to offer monetarily. I do have a lot of experiences to provide some insight if others wish to know it. I have known those who have been homeless as well as those who have more money than they have brains. I have become aware that the American dream is no longer obtainable by a large majority who reside in this country. Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps is no longer a viable option for most if not all. The race for the dollar has corrupted this country and a majority appears to think that gaining money allows for any action, legal or not. I also realize that most of those who live here have it far better than those who live in other parts of the world. Most that live here do not realize just how good life is for them, but then they complain about the hardships of their lives. They do not understand that access to clean water, lights, safe food, and security is not the norm. I do not blame them as they are taught from birth that America is the best country. They are not taught to look at the whole world but to only be concerned with their local affairs. It is my firm belief that if Americans had the opportunity to travel and see the world for themselves they would have a different attitude. They would see how most of the world struggles just to meet the basic necessities of life. I am very encouraged when it comes to the youth of today however. I hope that what I see in them will bear fruit. I hope that they will end racism and the feeling of privilege that is so evident today. I hope that they will turn away from the race for the almighty dollar and begin to think of all those on this earth who still have to struggle every day. The earth is a big place, but it is also a small speck floating in the universe.
Again, I applaud you for seeing what is right. For giving other, more youthful, representatives of the people to show the way.
A huge paradox of the BLM movement is the presumption that all BLs are persistenly victimized by all WLs. As in True / False exams, “all” or “never” statements are typically False. Too bad racial profiling in the selection process is so common. There are plenty of super qualified “diverse” candidates so the appearance of race / gender being the prime consideration is a “Fail” in my opinion.
Our world is a better place because of “Old White Guys” like you. You and so many other devoted men and women brought our country through many difficult years and we are all the better for it. It’s unfortunate that we’ve come to a point in life where some younger folks want all of the rewards without putting in any of the effort. They consider themselves “underprivileged.” And what’s even worse is that some of those in positions of power seem to agree. It doesn’t sound to me like you came from such a privileged childhood, yet you managed to succeed beyond all expectations. We thank you for all you did to make this world a better place!
Never, Never, Never Give Up! We need many voices in leadership, including new, fresh voices as well as “older” voices of wisdom and sound judgment, honed by years of life experience and demonstrated level-headedness. Thanks for mentoring in your community.