Issue Of The Week VII: The Audacity Of hope? Why Not The Audacity Of Honest Conversations?

November 2, 2010
Written by Janice S. Ellis Ph.D. in
National Collegiate Dialogue
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Obama Book cover

About race and ethnicity, that is.


Rather than just participating in a sporadic conversation born of out of a reaction to some incident beamed to us by satellite via our favorite medium of communication, or something we witnessed at work or play, we must willingly engage in whatever opportunity that presents itself as we go about our daily lives.


All forms of passive engagement only require a minimum effort on our part. To truly lift this cloud of color angst that hovers and hangs above us – some days high, some days low, but ever present – we must be proactive about it.


We must want to overcome our collective reticence, our fear, our conflict-avoidance syndrome, and get to the stage where race relation issues become a natural part of the national dialogue, both formally and informally. Whether these conversations occur in classrooms, coffee houses, community forums, or family gatherings – we need to cultivate a good appetite to learn as much as we can about other people and cultures.


Imagine what a meaningful and giant step that would be in creating a one world, one people concept.


However, we, as a nation, seem caught between two extremes: One, where we would like to avoid the topic at all costs, in nearly every domain – politics, the workplace, and even in the place where we worship. How can we forget the great lengths taken by then presidential candidate Barack Obama, and his aspiring cohorts alike, to suppress the issue of race in the protracted campaign season?


However, despite these efforts, the issue of race kept raising its head whether in bedrooms, around kitchen tables, or across the backyard fence.


Then we have the other extreme, where we want to either declare that history is prologue and there will never be true acceptance, or equality, among or across race and ethnicity. In that respect, we have the Rush Limbaugh’s, the Rev. Wrights, the black, white, brown, and yellow separatists groups, who are happy to always look for a forum to espouse and spew forth their openly racist pronouncements.


altIf we had any hope that electing the first African American President would broaden and make a national dialogue easier, then that audacious hope has cowered. The Henry Louis Gates-Jim Crowley Beer Summit at the White House cannot be all there is.


Where does that leave the rest of us – the silent majority of Americans? Some of us, no doubt, relate to both of the opposite ends of the spectrum as illustrated above, but there must be a large core group of us who are ready to be part of a new chorus, and willing to sing new songs of inclusiveness.


When will we flex our collective muscle, and stop tolerating platitudes, stop being passive participants in the intermittent parade of comments and analysis of pundits on talk shows and op-ed pages of the local newspapers? When we demand that our leaders view the issue of race relations in this country, and around the world, as just as important – if not more so – as the fight against terrorism, global warming, and illiteracy – all of which, left unattended, could lead to the demise of a nation…indeed the planet.


When will we engage in a national dialogue about race and ethnicity, and begin to identify in civil forums those issues that divide us, and impede our progress as a nation? When will we begin to identify, prioritize, and implement real solutions? WHEN?


At USARiseUp.com we are committed to provide a forum for all races and ethnicities to come together in our understanding of each other, with a goal of building stronger communities, cities, nations, and a better world. It is just a matter of time before we become a nation, and world of minorities.


We do not approach these challenges that haunted us for generations with rose-colored glasses, but we do tackle these issues with an unflappable and unswerving commitment to make things better. We look forward to taking this journey together because we truly believe…


What do you think?


 

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National Collegiate Dialogue

Comments

The importance of

Submitted by SAINTBON-1_0E43A74B on

The importance of acknowledging race is known to only a few. Those who see the importance are often more poractive than those who aren't. The topic points out that as citizens of the United States we must be proacitve about stopping racism. We should step in whenever we believe racism is occuring.It is essential that we all come together to form an alliance, ragardless of party, to make the US better for all citizens. We can put away our fears or prejudices and look into the future and make a difference.

Powerful Stuff

Submitted by mizbrown1 on

This article is really great in my opinion. I agree that hiding an issue does absolutely nothing in regards to overcoming. I do not think that stopping racism should be the first goal. I think that educating and discussing will ultimately lead to a better situation. I think a lot about my daughter who is a mixed child her father is black and I am white, and I wonder what her world will be like in years to come. I do not want her to see herself as the same as everyone else. I want her to know what the reality is and be an advocate for change....even if just amongst her peers. My friend tells her daughter she is just like everyone else...that everyone is the same...but what will her reality be like later in life when she realizes that isn't the case. When you talk about "race" folks get uncomfortable, especially the white folks. Many want to pretend that racism is a thing of the past and sweep issues under the rug. I say lets get real! Racism is an everyday current issue and people need to realize that progress can only be made if issues are addressed, not ignored simply because it may be uncomfortable.

The Post-Racial Society is a Detriment to Discussion

Submitted by SAINTBON-1_0D3F1F68 on

I certainly am proud for America for electing a black president. Though I disagree with his policies, his election was a step in the right direction in regards to race relations.

However, with his election, I feel that a concept of a "Post-Racial Society" has permeated the national dialogue. This is why I am glad that organizations such as this exist. Though I disagree with Holder, I believe that we are "a nation of cowards" when it comes to race.

In this nation, I feel as though race discussion of any sort is frowned upon. We feel that because we have elected an African American president, that the discussion of race is over. It is clearly not, yet because any attempt to discuss race is looked down upon as divisive.

We need to shed the shackles of fear and have an honest discussion on race, or else the progress that has been made will have been fruitless.

Though I disagree with the notion of one world/one people, the article is a well written call to arms to discuss the serious issues of race and ethnicity.

Beginning the Race Conversation

Submitted by SAINTBON-1_14F90470 on

President Obama’s election had so little to do with race for the majority of Americans that in today’s society we can forget the race issues are still very real in our country. The media did not focus on President Obama’s race during the election as much as I thought they would. It seems that most people want to keep silent when issues of race come up in the media or in everyday conversation because people do not want to think about ideas that are different from their own. People wish to sit on the sidelines and not have to worry about the problems of people of different races. The truth is that there are many problems that concern race in today’s society and these problems need to be addressed. People cannot simply blame the media for not addressing if the people are not addressing the problem first. People need to start the conversation about race before the politicians and the media can do anything about it. There has to be a conversation about the importance of different races in this country.

The Audacity...

Submitted by SAINTBON-2_05620AC0 on

This message is incredibly powerful. I for one would love to see our nation join together and become one. Unfortunately, I don't see this happening for a few generations to come. People are going to hold grudges against other people no matter how hard we try to get them to accept others. It's just the way it is. People discriminate without even knowing it sometimes. If people in our nation subconsciously discriminate, how on earth do we change that? It's like trying to tell a blind man to see. We all know there's something in our society that needs rethinking (racist issues) but we all fail to see it, or look past it. If we want to become more understanding of oters, the article is correct: we need to stop and listen to each other.

New Audacity

Submitted by SAINTBON-1_00861C00 on

This is a very powerful message that I can actually take a lot out of and learn from. It made me realize that some few people actually understand that importance of acknowledging race. The article states that we as citizens have to become proactive about stopping racism, but how are we supposed to do that if very few actually understand the real meaning of race? I am on the side that we has a country have to join together as one and form some type of alliance with each other. We need to learn to put our fears and prejudices aside and look at what it out in front of us. We have to stop wearing blinders and open up to the world and make a difference. We have to be the difference that we want to see made in the country and world.

It Needs Work

Submitted by SAINTBON-1_043D0492 on

Race is a scary topic to talk about for anyone, especially people in high media or political offices. Today's society is so wrapped around image and how people perceive their words, that any misconception can ruin a career. As good as politicians and people within the media are good at spinning stories, racial comments can stick with someone for the rest of their career; just look at Don Imus.
The media also can misconstrue what someone is saying about race and that can lead to a large negative impact on someone's image. Which no one would ever want in their particular fields.
So, to answer this question of when can we start to talk about race openly and implement solutions; the answer is: as soon as people stop caring so much about themselves, and their personal image, and they start caring about the larger picture. The picture that shows people of different races struggling everyday just because they are black or asian or latino. Solutions can only come after the discussion has started and that discussion is coming along very slow.

Me

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_30... on

In our society we are very self oriented. Meaning we do everything we can to make ourselves better and more successful. Race is an issue that no one wants to talk about because as a society we don't care about the "groups" of minorities and how they feel. We don't want to talk about it because it makes us look bad which in turn will hurt our standing in life. I find this especially true with upper class white people who deny that there is anything wrong or hurtful towards minorities.
I think that until people really start thinking about other people, not just themselves, we will never be able to talk about race and the problems that go along with it.

This article was very well

Submitted by SAINTBON-2_0DA66171 on

This article was very well written and made fascinating points, I hope that one day we will be able to live as one race; that is, human beings. I will do everything in my power, as should all individuals to make this dream come true. As for the president, I respect him for being our president, but he should have never been president in the first place. He is not a natural born citizen, he was born in Kenya and, thereafter, attained his citizenship in the United States, making him a naturalized citizen rather than a natural born citizen. Just a fruitful thought to consider...

I think this article was

Submitted by D.Ortega on

I think this article was addressing interesting points but I feel we will not be able to live peacefully as one race. There are too many stereotypes and tensions that rise when dealing with race and that is something that has been around far too long and has been proven that it will not change or be forgotten. Yes people are diverse more now than before but this is the peacefulness it will get.

The Appetite

Submitted by ABILENE_1D6F229B on

I like what this article has to say. One of the statements that really stuck out to me was the part that said “we need to cultivate a good appetite to learn as much as we can about other people and cultures.” I think this is absolutely true, but the question is how do we cultivate the want and desire within a person to take the time to get to know someone else? To reach out and really learn about someone’s culture and lifestyle takes time, patience and understanding. I’d say the majority of people do not care to learn about someone different than them. But if more people cared, “Imagine what a meaningful and giant step that would be in creating a one world, one people concept.”

From this article I

Submitted by ayeck on

From this article I understand that becoming one race would be a beautiful thing, but I do not seeing it happening in my lifetime or anytime after that. There is too much racism and hate still in today's society even if we don't think there is. But Obama on the other hand I think is a big step in obtaining that goal. Being a republican I'm kind of excited to have him in there. But like I said earlier just because everyone "becoming one race" may not be possible in our lifetimes, it doesn't hurt to get a start on it now.

Racism

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_52... on

Racism is a topic that is not mentioned as much in contemporary America. Some people would even say that it doesnt exist anymore, but the reality is that it does. I believe that the further we ignoring racism the more we fuel oppression among races. I have a optimistic view in this topic, I believe that some day we are all going to have equal social status among all races. Being realistic this might not happen in my life time but im pretty sure it will happen in the near future. So as Obama says we as a society if we dont want racism we shouldnt ignore it, we should make an attempt to stop it. Obama suggest that we shoudnt let racism to appear as normal, instead we should be proactive to ending it by interferring in any actions that deal with this delicate issue. Not only that but i think we should try to educate ourselves so we can see all the harm racism causes to society as a whole so people could hopefully see how important it is to put an end to this social problem.

This article or statement

Submitted by SAINTBONA-1_128DADB1 on

This article or statement brought up some very interesting points, some points that relate to our world now and in the past. Race has been an issue for many many years and affects all Americans. Many people believe that racism isnt an issue anymore when it comes to concerns of the people and the government. Racism "ended" many years ago but some people treat blacks different even though they arent supposed to. What gives those people the right to do that to black people, the only difference is that they have a different skin color than white people. Black people are still being mistreated in the economy by getting a job and buying stuff. The prices arent higher but the black people have a harder time paying for the same object a white person would. Racism is still in issue in the government, people made a huge deal when Obama became President of the United States. Many people are still racist and say that hes going to do a bad job because hes black. What does his skin color have to do with running our country? Nothing comes to mind for me. Obama has done a great job as president let alone the first black president. Our country was and still is in a recession but it could be worse, Obama has helped the country by starting programs to help people. Things could be a lot worse for our country and Obama has done a great job in avoiding that. Its still bad no matter what but things could be worse for us. Obama has other issues of concern that he has to deal with that President Bush didnt or avoided to do. Obama still has to worry about the war, global warming, oil companies and dealt with the oil spill in the gulf coast. Overall I think Obama has done a great job and his skin color doesnt affect his ability to lead our country. Other than racism our country still has to deal with global warming, terrorism and war. Even though racism has supposidly been dealt with its still an issue in our country and has to be ended once and for all.

Being Proactive

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_3D... on

This article brings up the interesting point that many of us are stagnant in our efforts to bring about change. Like the article has described, I have witnessed people who have became furious over something in the news but only choose to rant on about it. Many people think that being enraged is enough to bring a difference to whatever they complain about. Merely getting angry and talking about something is not going to get anything done. I believe that we need to be proactive if we want to get anything done. If we truly believe that something is injust we should do something about it. The "silent" majority of Americans described in this article doesn't refer to the silence we have in voice or conversation, but the silence we express through action. There are few people who make an effort to literally stand up for what they believe in. Things will never truly change unless we take action. In my classroom I hear other students talk about how their high schools were racially and ethnically separated. To make a difference in this issue, we need to break these barriers. Students should break their daily mold and take the time to sit in a different group, learn about different experiences that their fellow students go through. I don't think that equality is impossible, but I do believe it will take a lot of work and proactivity, no matter how small, in order to start getting the wheels of change going.

Race Dialogue

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_41... on

This message is very powerful and very important. We all have to take a step in order to make a change. It has been a long time since racism is rooted in the country. Things are greatly changed than it used to be. Yes, we have a great African American President but it doesn’t mean racism doesn’t exist anymore. There is no slavery but the existence of institutional racism is in large. There are so many things to get angry about racism; I believe its ok to be angry. At the sometime, let’s be open minded and start to educate the ignorant. To make a difference, it’s not only up to the President, we all need to learn from each other and be part of it. I remember I was in this class for discussion in Critical Race Dialogue, “Whiteness and Politics of Safety” by Dr. Zeus Leonardo, organized by Dr Elise and others . The whole class was so tense; silence took over the class with about 120 students. It was a very sensitive issue and for most of us we didn’t know how to address the issue in public. Thanks for open dialogue, one by one the student started to open up and started conversations. It was very eye opener and educational. I hope every colleges and universities do the same. I greatly support that open race dialogue is one way to make a difference.

the power of the truth

Submitted by SAINTBON-1_134203EB on

In my opinion many of the points that the article made were very true. The first being that there is still some sort of taboo over the conversation of race. People are afraid to discuss matters of race, for fear of not being politcally correct. I also agree with the two basic groups of people pointed out by the article, the people who try to ignore the matter, and the people with extreme views on this matter. I agree with the article in the sense that we need to stop listening to these political pundints and unite as a nation and collectively put a end to racisim. In my opinion the best way to do this would be through education, I would suggest that public schools dedicate part of their curriculum to educating their students on other races and cultures. This would help put a stop to the ignorance, which plauges the social fabric of our nation, and ultimately help ween out the stereotypes that lead to racisim.

a glance at the past..

Submitted by 1justicedreamer on

“All forms of passive engagement require a minimum effort on our part” It has been mentioned that there is little effort on the parts of individuals who decide to engage in passive dialogue over sensitive issues such as race. However, there is too a suggestion that passive may indeed be the only present form of engagement due to the repercussions historically associated with other, more direct forms of engagement i.e. direct, etc.. While passive is not as visibly progressive as a direct approach, it can and does have a beneficial role in our society.
“there must be a large core group of us who are ready to be part of a new chorus, and willing to sing new songs of inclusiveness” The visions laid out of a society free of race conversational fear would be a tremendous triumph. However, one example comes to mind. The intensive initiation of desegregating blacks from whites, while under good intentions, did not go as planned with a nation of citizens who were not on the same plan and ready to digest what all desegregation entailed. That is not to say that this was not a progressive measure realizing that there is a possibility that segregation might have still publicly existed without this government course of action, but it’s simply to show the possibility too quickly initiating a change of which all members are not ready or eager to participate in may hinder efforts for a more just society.

It is my hope that we as a

Submitted by ABILENE_1E293D88 on

It is my hope that we as a people can break out of these polar stances we seem to side with on the issue of race relations- or wherever we may fall along the spectrum of opinion. Something that absolutely must be considered when discussing the issue of race is the feelings of everyone else involved. It goes without saying that the speaker will conduct themselves in ways that suit their best interests, thus requiring that each participant of the conversation is cognizant that the discourse is at risk of offending someone. Being able to push above comments we would like to personally take to heart and remove our emotions from the situation as much as possible is integral. Another huge part of helping this race relations conversation move into something 'real' and 'honest' involves removing preconceived notions about the included parties from our minds. Experience is key, and I believe that forming personal relationships with people from diverse groups is the most effective way to learn about a race or culture. It is saddening to limit this conversation by deciding that it will NEVER improve; who has the ability to say that there is never room for the complete alleviation of such awkward conversations about racial relations? Let's hope for the best and allow ourselves to be vulnerable to conversations that could make a huge difference in the world.

Ignorance is Bliss

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_488F678 on

In our society today the issue of race is still a taboo. It has become a conversation that is rarely discussed. People are passive on the issue and ignorant to the conseqeunces. I agree somewhat that education of differing cultures is key in improving the issue of race. But Racism is an ideology which can be difficult to change although education could be a step to improve the issue many other changes need to be made. People need to want to make the change and if they dont want to it will be easy to reject the information given to them about issues of race. Our society is happy being ignorant in issues if they don't involve them on a personal level.

the taboo of racism

Submitted by SAINTBON-1_OF8D314C on

I feel that the article really brought up the fact that many people are uncomfortable talking about race relations. This is for many reasons, the main one being the fact that people are afraid of being deemed a racist if they accidently say something that is misunderstood. However while these people are afraid the lack of their voices enables racists to be heard. I think that the article does a great job of explaining that if we are to get rid of racism we must not be afraid to talk about it.

Article time

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_35... on

Race, no matter how it is viewed is a very touchy subject. Most of us do not want to be viewed as racist. (There are some who really do not care) So, whenever we speak, we try to speak in a way that does not offend the other “races or ethnicities” one is talking about. But also the minorities also do not want to offend the majority group. This article reminds me of a speaker that was at our school a couple weeks back, talking about “White Space”. He was referring to classroom issues talking about race. The thing is, when minorities want to talk about the issues and problems they have, they do not want to offend the students who are White, so they do not say exactly what they feel. But once they do, White students seem to get offended by the statement, and feel attacked. But it is not about them, it is about the social situation. I think there can be more honest dialogue once the majority group in the United States understands and grasps the idea of people of color have struggles that are a lot more complicated compared to them. Not that they need to feel sorry for them or anything like that, but that they have struggles that have emerged from hundreds of years of institutional racism.

Talking about race and

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_37... on

Talking about race and ethnicity, I know has been a tough idea to understand. I grew up to be very sensitive around the way I speak with other races or those of different ethnicity from mines, but as I grew older I came to realize that if I just treated others the way that I wanted those to treat me it would be better than to act certain ways to others and then another way to another. And I think that is how the majority of humans are today. They learn or think they have learned that there are ways that they should act towards a race and when they meet them they automatically turn on their acting skills and act according to the way they think they should act towards that race or ethnic. So I think that the only way that we can break down that wall of uncomfortableness about talking about race and ethnicity is to break down the stereotype of the way we should act with one another and just treat everyone like we would ourselves then we could take at least a step forward to actually talking about the prejudice and discrimination that we see going on without feeling like we're hurting someones feelings or making someone angry.

race is not one dimensional

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_3c... on

Race is not one dimensional, it is a complex problem that has multiple aspects to it. Like today's society nothing is flat and easy to understand, racism needs constant attention in order for progression other wise the any attempt at stopping it will be stalled. I agree with others have posted in this forum on how race is not one person problem; it is our nations as a whole. The idea of race was created to place people considered unequal under and imaginary line and its time to erase that line once and for all.

In our society we are told

Submitted by SAINTBON2_1059DA00 on

In our society we are told that talking about races is rude and can come off as ignorant so by us not saying anything we are left in this bubble, unaware of the things around us. Everyone is different wether it is by color, gender, sexual orientation, the list goes on. We cannot close ourselves off and say that we feel uncomfortable talking about it. Some may feel uncomfortable, but that isn't a bad thing. We need to get to know everyone as much as we can so we can grow a perspective of people and not generalize them any longer. Soon there will no longer be a dominant race, we will all be equal and then how will people feel? Only time will till I guess, but it wouldn't hurt to try to make a difference now.

Race

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_33... on

In this nation, I feel as though race discussion of any is taken in a negative connotation. We feel because we have elected an African American president, which the discussion of race should be over. It is clearly not over, because any attempt to discuss race is looked down upon as divisive. I agree that hiding an issue does absolutely nothing in regards to overcoming. I do not think that stopping racism should be the first goal. I think that educating and discussing will ultimately lead to a better situation. The way we’re able to talk about race is started by ending white space. We tend to be afraid to talk about race when whites are around. And in turn, whites are afraid to talk about race when minorities are around. That has to end in order for race to be an open topic.

Race has always been an issue

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCO_38... on

Race has always been an issue in the world whether it was 50 years ago or today. Some people just can't see that everyone is the same and that we are all human being but like other life forms on earth, we are unique in our own way. I think people need to flex their collective muscle and just face the world as it is. When Obama was voted President, you know, I know there were people out there who disapproved. Well, I guess it's like that with most president's, but I think because Obama was of African American descent, it was harder for him. Its like a deer being the king of the jungle instead of the lion. It seems weird, but it can be possible.

Race

Submitted by CSU-SANMARCOS_4... on

What is really the meaning of 'race'? To me it's just a label that's been socially constructed into our lives in order to place people in separate boxes and then determine who gets what and who doesn't. It's a label that enables us to classify people as "different" when in reality we are all of the same human race. It's important that people get educated on the importance of what race really is and that it's okay to get to know more about others cultures other than our own. If we step out of our safe spaces and challenge the norms our society would work in a more partnership model. I completely agree that our society is in a way scared of discussing race because they're afraid that what they may say about a certain race that's not their's will be taken in a negative way. That's how this issue goes about being ignored, people feel that either what's being said about their own race or what they say about other races will only lead to disputes so therefore people remain silent. I personally think that this is foolish thinking, if our society goes about never discussing racial issues and what not we will never understand the other side of the story. We need to be open minded about topics like this and step away from our safe zones and stop being ignorant about the situation.

How and where to start

Submitted by Jenny Divan on

Race is just a controversial and taboo subject as abortion or homosexuality, it's either a heated debate where nothing gets accomplished or it's the infamous white elephant in the room. To be racially aware and racially educated is such an important thing in this day because it's right in front of our face, every day we encounter and realize race is still an issue and there are those out there who fight for white dominance which isn't right. As a nation we have our first African American President which to me speaks volumes that slowly but surely we're not seeing color so much as we used to, yes it's still a problem and nothing is perfect but a sure step in the right direction to bring our society together in a more aware and tolerant people. I am currently taking a race and ethnic studies course at Cal State San Marcos in the hopes that we can all learn to keep taking steps to become an equal society where privilege is given to those who deserve it, and not just because you happen to have a certain skin color.

The conversation on race

Submitted by SAINTBON-1_134203EB on

I really liked the points that the article brought up, about how many people are afraid to talk about race. There is so much taboo around the word that people would many time prefer to just ignore it or look past it, as opposed to comfront the issue head on. What this article really pushed home was that the best way to prevent racism is to become more educated on other races, and to not be afraid to talk. This way we eliminate stereotypes through knowledge and we remove the "white elephant" by forceing conversation on it. I do believe that this country has come a long ways in the past fifty years, but i also believe that it still has a ways to go.

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