The issue of race has plagued the United States since its beginnings. Although strides have been made, we have still failed to come to terms with it. During the Clinton administration, many hoped for a national dialogue on race, but it did not occur in any significant way. Some want to believe that a “post-racial” America came into being with the election of Barack Obama as president, and yet that is far from the reality.
Some recent events point to the fact that our conversation on race may even be regressing. As commemorations of the Civil War sesquicentennial begin, many want to reshape that chapter of our history to minimize the role of slavery in the divide of our nation. News commentators continue, on occasion, to make racial remarks about Obama: as recently as June, Eric Bolling of Fox Business commented on “hoods in the hizzy,” and when a leader from another nation visited Obama, the question was raised whether they were discussing diplomatic issues or playing basketball. Yet there is no major outcry about this. No public disgust. Only a few lone voices even noticed.
So the conversation about race in America has nearly come to a halt—and, in some cases, shifted into reverse. Why?
Several factors may play a role. There is no national agenda to address racism in America, and little leadership or voice on the issue. From the White House to organizations to schools, people have gone underground with voicing their concerns about the gap that still exists for People of Color in the United States. White American liberals who once marched alongside African Americans and other People of Color have slipped back into their own worlds of comfort (for some) and economic struggle (for others) – not seeing across the racial divide to how they are impacting People of Color. In many ways, People of Color have given up hope that white America cares or will listen. There continues to be a deepening of the mistrust across racial groups that has been inherent in America’s racial dynamic. After the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, and institutionalized racism, African Americans do not see any evidence that white Americans are open to having a conversation about race or taking actions that will lead to substantive change.
Differences in perception also factor into the equation. Typically, for people in a privileged or “one up” position, many white Americans see no reason to bring up issues of race, because “everything is fine the way it is.” According to many if not most white Americans, the United States has come so far in race relations that the need for the conversation has disappeared—especially when compared with the need for discussions on issues such as the economy and health care.
Many African Americans and other People of Color have a different perspective altogether. As people impacted daily by the vestiges of institutionalized racism, they see the extent to which racism remains embedded in U.S. systems, institutions, and attitudes. Many see little or no progress in race relations and find it difficult to believe that any conversation will make an impact. Meanwhile, they experience daily the economic disparities attached to race, with substantially higher rates of foreclosure (8 percent compared with 4.5 percent of whites, according to a 2010 study of recent borrowers) and unemployment (8 percent for African Americans versus 4 percent for whites, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Minority Health).
The sheer difficulty of the conversation may also account for the lack of discussion on race. Whites continue to feel blamed and are unclear what they can do to create change. People of Color continue to feel frustrated and not heard when they bring up issues of systemic discrimination. Whites often want to look at the issue on an individual level (“I don’t discriminate”) whereas People of Color often will see the impact of race and racism at the group level (“This happens on a daily basis because of the biases and discrimination that still exist in our systems”). It takes hard work to untangle the effects of racial differences and the role they play in our lives as whites and People of Color.
As a society, we have made significant progress in race relations, and we have a long way to go. But it will be difficult to move forward unless we bring all our differences to the table for a sustained national conversation in which all perspectives are heard. This conversation cannot simply replicate the dialogue of the 1960s. Rather, it must take into account the changes since then: the progress we have made, the elements of racism that still permeate our society, the perception (held by many People of Color) that whites won’t change, the desire (on the part of whites) to believe we are in a post-racial America, the simple fact of how deeply ingrained racism is in our thinking and mindsets.
In short, we need to come together differently – sitting on the same side of the table to find ways to address the vestiges of institutional racism together. Collectively and through dialogue, we must come to terms with understanding the price we all are paying by dragging around the legacy of race and racism.
How important is this conversation? Why has it virtually disappeared? What can we do to restore it? What shape should it take?
What do you think?
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Author Bio: Judith H. Katz, Ed.D.
For more than 30 years, Judith H. Katz, Ed.D., has helped Fortune 100 companies address systemic barriers, foster inclusive interactions through the 12 Inclusive Behaviors, leverage diversity, and foster strategic culture change. As Executive Vice President for The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc.—one of Consulting magazine’s Seven Small Jewels in 2010—Judith has created numerous breakthrough concepts in organization development and transformation, including (with Frederick A. Miller) Inclusion as the HOWSM as a foundational mindset for higher performance. The author of the landmark book White Awareness: Handbook for Anti-Racism Training, she has co-authored (with Frederick A. Miller) The Inclusion Breakthrough: Unleashing the Real Power of Diversity and Be BIG: Step Up, Step Out, Be Bold. In 2007, Profiles in Diversity Journal named her one of 40 Pioneers of Diversity.
Comments
If more people discussed and
If more people discussed and explained their thoughts on race, maybe there would not be such a gray area. If we want to end racism or even racial conversations turned bad, we need to discuss the issues and come to a common understanding. We are so focused on segregated based on ethnicity and what color our skin is when reality is we are the same- we are all human beings. We may have different beliefs, norms and traditions but this land was built on combining cultures and becoming one.
I totally agree with you,
I totally agree with you, people need to realize that color or ethnicity has nothing to do with who a person is. Differences should be embraced.
Agreed. We are so quick to
Agreed. We are so quick to label someone as soon as we see them. We say people are of certain races or refrain from it not to offend them, but reality is we do not know a person based on looks unless we actually get to know them.
Stop the pity party
On the other hand, there is a numbers game. All five world-record breakers for the 100m dash in the past 15 years have been Black. The Boston Marathon has been won by Blacks without fail for 10 years. The last five world record times for the 800m have been set by Blacks. It might be for cultural reasons, or personal reasons, or family emphasis on athletics, or circumstance or any number of other reasons, but the bottom line is, Blacks HAVE outperformed Whites in track events. That is a substantiated fact, not a “stereotype”. This doesn’t mean EVERY Black runner will beat EVERY White runner. But when a White Olympic runner is bent over the blocks and looks across the line, he has a good, probabilistic reason to be worried when he sees a Black competitor. And that isn’t racism.
Why are you so ready to believe that groups don't follow loose generalizations?
Agree
I agree with you when you say that "more people should discuss and explain their thoughts on race". In addition to having people talk about race and racist issue, I think people need to be educated about these matters. I believe the problem is that people have not been taught both sides of the story. In school, history classes only teaches society one side of the spectrum as opposed to both sides. History only highlights one race but should include both sides of the stores like what happened to both the Cowboys AND Indians. If people were taught when both sides to the story when they were younger, I think they would be more open to other races; thus elevating the problem of racism.
I think that the issue of
I think that the issue of racism is sort of danced around a bit in when people come together to discuss issues. I think it's something that most people are really afraid to cross boundaries in discussion. I think it is hard to people to imagine being in a position where you have little to no rights, because we are all so used to having all these different freedoms. However, collective discussion is needed to make clear what is sometimes not understood by people, that everyone is equal.
Learning to be white
I agree with you statement and feel that the only way to avoid this is for ALL people, even white people, to realize that they too belong to a race. In reading and listening to Frances Kendall, it has been brought to my attention that white people, myself included, have felt and acted as if they do not belong to a race; therefore, they have no place/business discussing the topic. Few people actually enjoy discussing a topic they have little to no information on with someone who is, in their eyes, very knowledgable on the subject. I believe that this is the first step in addressing the lack of race discussion in American today. White people must begin to see themselves as white, not 'the norm.' Once we white people actually understand what it means to be white, much of the pressure to stay neutral or removed from discussions on race will be lifted.
There is a lack of discussion
There is a lack of discussion regarding the race issues because certain people cannot completely grasp the idea of living under such oppression. People are not interested because they feel as if the topic doesn't apply to them, so they turn the other cheek. I think you are 100% when you say that everyone should realize they belong to a race and think about what it would be like for them to be discriminated against in the media and in social situations. Maybe then, people who are unwilling to talk about racism, will discuss their opinions.
Maybe it's in the language...?
See, when we dish out stats such as "blacks are this %" and "whites are this %" and "asians are this %" - we automatically create a race issue - rather than saying "America has %" in unemployment - and "America has % of uninsured" - and "America has % of the population on welfare" -- we create our issues as a whole rather than segregating the races off the bat. If we stopped acting as if there IS another race besides the HUMAN RACE - we could stop a lot of this debate - President Obama is the president, he should not be always regarded with shock as "the black president" - For some ODD reason, we think this kind of language is OK - we need to stop acting as if it's OK to segregate each other with language first so we can stop "looking for it" in action.
Language
This is a really smart observation! I had never considered just how large an effect that media and language can have on perpetuating segregation and races issues. Like you pointed out, seeing statistics and surveys that look at Americans as groups of people instead of as a more unified society may be one of the issues that has stymied the flow of productive race conversations.
The same could be said for the way we describe the people of our nation; often, we refer to "African Americans" or "Asian Americans" or "Mexican Americans" in everyday conversation. And yet, we rarely hear "Irish Americans" or "Italian Americans" referenced. It's just "white." I think, inherently, breeds more racist behavior. Why is it alright to designate certain people as being "less than" just Americans by inserting a separate, defining word in front? This sort of language, which is extremely pervasive, is also limiting the discussions on race.
discussing racism
Many people have stopped talking about race because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing and being offensive.It is important to talk about it so that people can come to a better understanding about it affects us all as people and not just beat around the bush. Many times people judge someone based on their ehnicity and the color of their skin and then when they finally get to know the person they realize that they are many things that they have in common. I think that sometimes language that can be racist has become accepted in todays society and people dont say anything about it because they dont want to get caught up in arguements but if we begin to say something when we hear things like that, things can change.
Open Discussions on Race
I completely agree with you that one of the main issues about creating an long-term, ongoing discussion about race stems from political correctness. People are terrified of being offensive or stating potentially controversial opinions, so in many cases, they choose just not to say anything at all. Or, if controversy DOES arise, the person responsible for the remarks is not taken to task for his or her statements; he or she is instead vilified. And, again, discussion shuts down. That's definitely not productive.
If Americans want to foster an open (and more importantly, HONEST) conversation about race relations here in the United States, then people need to be able to listen to these "offensive" statements. By doing so, counterpoints can be brought up, discussion can begin, and minds can be changed.
One of the most recent examples of this that I can think of is the firing of Juan Williams from NPR after he made comments about feeling slightly nervous about seeing people in "Muslim garb" at airports after the events of 9/11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=V0BSDLuIXZc#!). Instead of using this as a launching pad for racial discussions, NPR fired Williams and effectively closed down the pathway for a discussion that could have done any number of things, perhaps even helping to resolve tensions felt toward Muslims.
Language
I completely agree with you that "if we speak up about racists remarks, things can change." The more people allow racists remarks to be said, the more racism will linger in society. People shouldn't be scared to comment about what they feel is incorrect, even if it means to start a little argument. If a little argument arises from not allowing racist remark, think of it as an opportunity to educate the person making the racist remark. Provide them with insights as to how their racists remarks are incorrect.
The media also really goes
The media also really goes too far as to what should be considered discriminatory and racist. Sometimes the media encourages language that really shouldn't be used to describe race.
Media
I also think media plays a very important role in describing race. Media, especially in this technologically advance era, is very important because it helps instill and reiterate values and beliefs into societies minds. If we can get media to not portray stereotypical characters on tv, make small racist remarks, then racism in America would greatly decline.
I completely agree, children
I completely agree, children are very impressionable and they learn what they see. If they see ignorance in the media, that is what they are going to portray as they get older. It doesn't help either that some parents endorse racist messages.
Lack of money, increase of problems
Many people know that when money is tight, tensions are high and individuals are more prone to be stressed. I believe the economy is one of the biggest linkages to why racism is increasing. When the United States is in increasing debt it is easier to blame another class or race for "using all the money" or "wasting money." After and African-American was voted president, Americans seemed to say ok we can sleep well now that everyone is represented. This is far from the truth because having an African-American president has had no impact on racism. It still exists everywhere and will continue until people in government, celebrities, or individuals whose voices are heard start a huge national campaign or draw attention to programs to diminish the difference. Until people have job security, health benefits, and monthly paychecks will they actually stop and observe racism, race, and the way others are being treated. We are such an individualistic culture that it would be nice to talk about race right this second, but Americans are more concerned with their house payments and personal financial problems. So I believe the economy is the contributor to a lot of the recent racism and also the barricade keeping everyone from focusing the the issue of race.
I agree with you that,
I agree with you that, because Obama has been elected, the majority of America feels as if the racism problem is now fixed. This is extremely far from the truth. In the 235 years that America has been a country, we have yet to elect a president that is anything but white (or black, in Obama's unique case). If America has become a country that is so over racism, why can't we say that we have had a Chinese-American president, or a Mexican-American, or an Indian-American one? Why is the majority of congress and the senate white? The percentages of these people who represent the United States are so disproportionate to those who actually live in this country, which makes it unbelievable that society seems to be content with leaving things the way that they are. Sure, people may be concerned with more imminent problems, like bills, but people should have the capacity to focus on more than one problem. Racial disparities should be high on the priority list for everyone in America so that a more equal country can be developed.
I would say that the
I would say that the conversation about race does not receive attention. Maybe growing up as a white female in the West, I have not been exposed to these conversations. The first time really bringing it up into depth is actually in one of my current college courses. I feel that this subject deserves more attention than it receives. Many people mostly young adults did not grow up the way our ancestors did with race being a huge problem, so I think that maybe the younger generation doesn’t know how to approach the situation or is ignorant towards the topic. I feel that the more this topic is brought up and taught, then the younger generations may be more open and aware of what is happening and can change and make a difference.
3 generations removed
Perhaps because of the recent history that the United States has had regarding racial issues, people today are less likely to talk about it. Our grandparents experienced the intense and hostile segregation that took place in the country up until the 60s. We are only three generations removed from the extreme, overt violence that took place, which means that our parents grew up in homes that may still have been greatly effected by these experiences. I, for one, grew up in a home that did not talk much about racial differences. My parents taught me to be "color-blind" to different races-- that we are all, for all intents and purposes, the same. I am probably not alone in growing up in this type of home-- not a racist home, just a neutral one. I think this probably resulted in the way that my parents grew up, from my grandparents' feelings toward the racial tensions that existed during their lifetimes.
Although racial discussions have, essentially, disappeared for the time being, I do not think it will always be this way. I think our generation, being far enough removed from the tensions that our grandparents experienced, are in the perfect position to start up the conversations again. The time is ripe for racial discussions to begin again, and maybe even to start another revolution; although society today has improved greatly from the 1960s, we do have a long way to go before all races are treated equal in America.
Why I See It
I think I clearly see racism within people and institutions because of my race. Being African-American I think I notice the injustice a little bit more than someone who is white. I wouldn't say that I'm out looking for it, but I know it's there even if it's not being discussed. I feel race issues need to be discussed. If we continue to pretend that racism and inequality are no longer relevant just because we have a black president then we will just be stuck, never moving forward.
"Equal"
I recently moved into a new apartment downtown where the population is supposedly more evenly distributed among races. Yet I do still notice a certain segregation: in the apartments I live in, most of my direct neighbors appear to be white. Across the street, however, is a run-down apartment complex that is low-income housing. The building is significantly older, the exterior is falling apart, and most of the tenants appear to be people of color. It's interesting and humbling to see that even as I move to a supposedly more "equal" area, the influence of race is equally as apparent.
I agree with the author that typically white individuals want to view racism and privilege on an individual level. We are quick to say, "I'm not racist, I have friends who are African-American" or identify ways in which we are sympathetic to people of color. We are quick to become defensive without the willingness to have an open, honest look at our lives and the privileges we have. While I may not openly or consciously discriminate against people of color, I am able to recognize the ways in which my skin color has benefited me. To be honest, this makes me sick to my stomach. This is one of the reasons I am willing to have this conversation, to engage in this uncomfortable dialogue.
Different types of racism
I wouldn’t say that Americans are neglecting the problems of racism, but rather are oblivious of the intensity this has in our society. Now more than ever people are aware of the difficulties that minorities have and are still undergoing. This does not mean that most Americas are accepting of different races, but they are aware of minorities and their cultures.
Most of the time people only focus on racism between whites and blacks. What goes unnoticed are other discriminatory actions towards different minorities. Now day’s racism is seen everywhere and in every form, from politicians to students. Instead of just talking about racism in general people should explain why they feel the way they do about a certain race and come to an understanding of each other. People should be more inform of what is happening between races. As rational human, we should be more accepting and learn that stereotypes, racial jokes and ignorance only hinders society and inhibits us from achieving the goal of equality within races.
I agree
I agree with you that all of the stereotypes and the racial jokes are effecting this problem. What makes it even worse is that now these are being passed down to kids at younger and younger ages, so they think these stereotypes and jokes are ok. They don't know how offensive these are because they hear their parents and their older siblings saying them. I also liked it how you thought about ways to fix this problem. It is important for people to get out their feelings and express why they feel that way about a particular race. Most of the time, they won't have an answer.
Racism As Part of A Blanket Issue of Disicrimination
Maybe the way to approach the "problem of racism" so that it is seen as more than just a societal difficulty between blacks and whites is to create an unbrella of all issues of discrinimation. Traditionally, one of the main problems with enacting social change through the Femanist movement or Civil Rights is the resistence to join forces. The people involved seemed to think they were fighting for different rights. The truth is that racism, sexism, heterosexism and other types of discimination are all about the same thing; equal rights, protection and privilege within our society. If we all joined forces on all these issues, it seems to me that we would create a very large force to be reckoned with. This could create a situation whereby those who attempt to maintain the status quo would have a much more difficult time resisting the necessary change.
Absolutely
I also agree with you that we are not just fighting one war, with discrimination but the longest and largest war is racism...and i also agree that we should all get together and fight against discriminatin as a whole..the problem is that if something is not affecting someone then they are likely not to be bothered with it...such as gay rights if you're not gay then how much time do you actually think about or look into what gays or going thru or even attempt to do something about it...same as handicapped if youre not handicapped how often do you worry about handicapped people haveing enough parking spots or all business being handicapped accessible...probably not much... and the reason is because it doesnt affect you...so for white people to want to know more about racism and do something about it on their own is probably not going to happen and the reason is because they are not affected by it so why bother...and im not saying this about every white person there are exceptions to rule.. but for the majority they will never fully understand what it feels like to be of color, because they can never walk a mile in a black persons shoes. They can only assume.
"One of Those People"
I believe the main cause of the lack of discussion about race in modern America is that a large majority of people who believe it should be discussed have grown worn and jaded by being told they are "one of those people" every time the subject of race is brought to attention. "Those people" being of all different racial, economic, social, religious, and every other category you can think of who to some extent see the effects that systemic white privilege has on not only people of color in America, but also white people in America. While being worn and jaded by the reaction of others is definitely no excuse for a lack of discussion, it is human behavior that must be considered. Hope is found in believing that different people and events will cross paths throughout life and be reminded and rejuvenated of their duty to strive toward helping others understand the racial issues and injustices that plague our society today.
I See It Too
What I get when I bring up any issues around racism with my white friends is that: 1. "There is no issue, we have a black president now."; 2. "This was a problem for previous generations, we don't have a problem now."; and 3. "What do you mean racism? If anything, I see reverse discrimination going on!" All of these comments are frustrating to hear. What it really means is that, since racism is not currently a problem in their lives, there is no problem. If I can't see it, it doesn't exist. I've decided that, because of the information that I have recently learned in my Privilege, Power and Social Difference class, I'm going to attempt to get them to see thier privileges and perceived entitlements instead of talking about "the problem" of racism. Maybe this approach can help to create the "common understanding" and open discussion that some of you were talking about. I guess I'll give it a shot and see what happens.
I agree
I think you kind of hit the nail on the head. If I can't see it, it doesn't exist. I have always felt that I have treated people of color with the same respect that I would any other human being. I really felt rather offended to begin with that people would say that I have privilege simply because I am white. I felt that I could not possibly be part of the problem because I have never had ill will towards someone of color in my life. But I really am part of the problem because I haven't recognized the systematic privilege that is wrapped around our daily lives. I think the key really is to make people more aware that racism is not over just because the Civil Rights movement of the 60s is over.
Racism
First off, I think it is very honest and brave of you to admit that you think you are part of the problem of racism. I understand completely what you mean when you say "I I felt that I could not possible be part of the problem because I have never had ill will towards someone of color in my life". I used to think the exact same way until one day when I had an epiphany. One day I realized that although I did not have ill will towards anyone of color, I would allow people around to say things about people of color. I soon came to realize that by not stopping my friends/family from saying negative things of about people of color I am part of the problem. If I allow people to continually speak negatively about people of color, the issue of race will continue people these ideas and attitudes about people of color will be carried through from one generation to another. It often times aggravates me when people think racism is over because we are not in an era of Civil Rights and because we have a black president. People need to realize that that although we have a black president racism is not over. Having a black president is only one way to get people more aware that racism is still prevalent in society. I think the time is now to start talking more and more about racism in order to disprove the racist beliefs that people have.
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