Beginning in September 2010, USARiseUp will launch and host a ongoing conversation, the National Collegiate Dialogue on Race Relations. It is an unprecedented and historic undertaking.
The purpose of this major initiative is to foster a sustained conversation about race relations in America. Such a conversation is necessary to bring about an honest assessment of where we are, stimulate active engagement in the development of constructive strategies, and ignite the level of commitment to take actions on where we need to go. Such a broad and sustained conversation is paramount if we are to achieve real improvements and advancement in the conditions of all humanity.
We are inviting colleges and universities from across the country to become a part of the sustained conversation, ultimately functioning as agents of change – the effects of which can be seen in the broader society.
USARiseUp is the only online magazine that is “About Us-All of Us.” We have contributors representing all racial and ethnic groups from all across the nation and abroad. The magazine and website covers a broad platform of topics that tackles the tough issues surrounding race relations as it seeks to fulfill its mission to achieve better understanding about our differences, celebrate our commonalities, and build a foundation to tackle those issues that continue to divide us.
USARiseUp is a convenient reservoir of information, a conduit, and a “gathering place,” to explore real solutions in our efforts to become a more vibrant and inclusive society.
Comments
I think the National
I think the National Collegiate Dialogue on Race Relations is a very good idea. It will let people speak there mind about how they feel about race relations in America. It will be interesting to read what people around the country have to say about it.
Race Relations
I concur that the National Collegiate Dialogue on Race Relations is a good idea and is about time that this dialogue take place. For an industrialized country not to have this type of forum only perpetuates the ignorance about the importance of race relations in the U.S. Few times the media (CNN) has taken steps to showcase programs on race that inform the community on race stereotypes as well as contributions made by members of Latinos and African-American communities. I believe we need to know and discuss issues that impact many ethnic groups. Although many people feel uncomfortable discussing issues of race, this is a dialogue that we must have. The inability or avoidance in discussing issues of race only places people of color as "a problem" and not the solution. Worse yet, people of color are not fully integrated into mainstream society due to this misperception. In society, everyone has problems no matter where they come from yet they are not labeled as a “problem.” The issue is that we operate in a colorblind society that is in denial of the impact of race. Zeus Leonardo, from the University of California, Berkeley, concludes in his article titled, “The war on schools: NCLB, nation creation and the educational construction of whiteness," states, "The contours of color-blind discourse include:
1. Race and racism are declining in significance.
2. Racism is large isolated, an exception to the rule.
3. Individualized racism as irrational and pathological.
4. Individualized success and failure.
5. Blames people of color for their limitations and behaviors.
6. Mainly a study of attitude and attitudinal chance, rather than actual behavior.
7. Downplays institutional relations or the racialized system.
8. Plays up racial progress.
9. Emphasizes class stratification as the explanation for racism.
10. Downplays the legacy of slavery and genocide (as long ago).”
For the reasons above, we must have a dialogue on race.
National Dialogue
This is the best step ever we as colleges can do to make a positive step toward having a society that recognizes everyone and every race with peace and hope. This is an amazing experience; I am truly excited to read other people’s ideas on how to make our society one society. The ideas of having everyone hopefully being equal in the end with no oppression and no oppressors and hearing all the ways people believed this goal can be accomplished. I can't wait to discuss topics from whiteness to assmilation. I am also happy there is finally a safe space online where people can talk about how they really feel about race relations.