Issue Of The Week I Fall 2011-2012: Whatever Happened To The National Conversation On Race?

To me the biggest issue of racism is that most people are either uncomfortable to talk about racism or some people refuse to think they hav ever had a racist thought. I think everyone here can be honest and say we have had a few racist thought and not becase it's really what we think but because of society.

I think that people need to be honest and express their true oppinions on racism and more will be accomplished and people will understand racism and its causes more.

I think people are afraid to open talk about race because they are afraid of coming across as racist. If I as a white person want to talk about race, people will probably automatically assume I want to talk about how I am superior. White privilege can easily be misconstrued as White Power. Just because I am aware of my privilege should not mean that I am ok with my privilege or believe I have a right to be privileged. I think that open dialogue about race is a must because people, especially those of color, should see that I am not okay with the current situation.

Often, the hardest part in discussing issues on race is the start of the conversation. If a group of understanding people get together, and agree to listen and be listened too on how they "truly feel" about race issues, then much can be accomplished. Sometimes people say what they believe others want to hear in order to not feel uncomfortable, but that does not solve any problems. In order to make progress on these issues, I believe people have to be truthful, and not be afraid to speak their mind.

I think may times people are too worried about being "politically correct" to say what they really feel. People are worried about being judged if they don't agree with other around them so they don't speak their true thoughts. Also, many people in this country like to just brush race off as a non issue. They believe that in this day in age and in this country that everything should be fine when in reality it is not. We need to keep bringing awareness to racism in America.

The first thing I believe is important for us to understand is that the government, no matter what color the president is, is not the solution to the race problem in the United States. Racism is individual and cultural. Although, our government can throw a little rock in the pond, we have to decide to be the ripple effect. Nelson Mandela is one of the best examples of this. He became the president of South Africa after apartheid was abolished, but racism was still a thick cloud over their country. He said, "I cherish my own freedom dearly, but I care even more for your freedom." We have all heard a little something like this before, "Love others more than yourself," anyone? Jesus taught / showed us that to lay down your life for another is what it means to live and until we decide to do that in our own lives, and catch our community, our state, and our nation's attention by how we treat, how we love others who are not like us, nothing will really change.

“Whites continue to feel blamed and are unclear what they can do to create change”

This quote from the article seemed to describe how I feel when it comes to discussing race. Like many other young, white Americans, I do feel fairly uncomfortable when discussing race. I’m on a step team at my university that is prominently black and we often joke about race. People tease me about how “white” of a dancer I am, or that my skin glows in the dark compared to theirs. I’m very hesitant to joke back because I don’t want to cross a line or offend someone.

As I reflect on this, I seem to have come across my answer to Dr. Katz’s question: What shape should [race conversations] take? Conversations about race should happen in casual atmospheres like a dance rehearsal or coffee shop. From my experience, when people try to arrange formal workshops or panels of professionals to talk about race, the stakes seem to heighten. Being politically correct becomes more important than actually talking about what is important. Casual conversations in small group settings make things more personal and real. Use opportunities like mine to ask the questions you’re really curious about. If it makes you more comfortable, joke about it: “Can I ask you a question about being Black/Latino/Asian/etc? If you want you can ask me a question about be white too! I might even teach you some of my “white” dance moves!” Not that I think race is a joking issue, but I think we should try to relax a little so that we can get down to discussing what really matters.

As a "white American" myself, I take offense to the part of the article claiming that "many white Americans see no reason to bring up issues of race because everything is 'fine the way it is', and that racism is no longer an issue." I believe that with ANYTHING in life, racism included, there is never an issue until someone makes it an issue. I am beyond annoyed with the American pop culture and the popular phrase "why, because I'm black?" when something does not work out in the best interest of an "African American" individual. Saying such things immediately makes race an issue out of something that probably otherwise wouldn't have been an issue. I'm not saying that there is no racism in the world today, because as long as there are people on this planet, there will always be some groups that do not agree with each other. We just need to go about handling our disagreements in a healthy, nondestructie way. As humans, it is often easy to stereotype based on impressions and experiences. I will admit that I am indeed guilty of this and it is something that I think we all could use a little work on.

Growing up in a title one public school district, I saw many different races and others actions upon the subject. While I did not become aware of skin color until high school, my friendships did not reflect racism. In elementary school I had African American, Asian, Hispanic and even Native American friends within my close group of friends. It was not until high school when I saw "typical" racial stereotypes. While I had an understanding that not all stereotypes were accurate, sadly enough many were. From the article above when I read about the unemployment rate compared between African Americans and whites I had a flashback to high school. This memory triggered the daily occurrences when I saw students, primarily black and Hispanic, smoking weed in the bathroom or skipping class to make out behind the school. However we do not take in account those actions when we tally up the unemployment rate. I am not saying this is always the case but that is my gut reaction when I see those percentages. What we should take into account is the people who want to make something of their lives. These are the people who need to gain the respect that they deserve. I feel like instead of seeing color we as Americans need to differentiate between the willing,hard workers. It all boils down to how an individual treats themselves. If they do not give themselves respect, then they should not expect it from others. Actions should be the first thing noticed when sizing up someone, not the color of their skin.

It seems that a lot of people are afraid to address the issue of race, it is almost a taboo subject. I think most people that are not of color do not think about race being an issue in their daily lives. I think these people think that if race is not being discussed then we should leave it alone. I did not realize race was an issue until the third grade when I started going to a public school in a school district with very few white children. I remember the day I realized that people were different colors. I was five and I asked my mother why people had different colors of skin. She simply told me that God made people all different shades of brown and you were a combination of your mother’s and father’s skin colors. This was the only time race was discussed before I started going to public school. I think this is the way it is with most White Americans, they do not view race as a major issue in their daily lives. I think a lot of people see issues with race relations having ended with the Civil Rights movement. I cannot speak from the perspective of a person of color, but I can speculate that maybe they do not think it will do any good to discuss it because it seems no major changes have been made in recent years regarding race relations. I think it would be difficult to bring up this subject and discuss it openly without offending anyone, but I believe it is something that needs to be done. We may need to find a new approach to discussing race relations. I hope that someday Americans can actually do this and work some things out and we could help close the gap between the races.

It is refreshing to not look at the list of all the presidents and see a common pattern, yet unfortunatly you can not just look at it without having a small reaction as to the fact that Obama is not white, and therefor a deviation from the norm. I do believe that many Americans believe that because Obama is in office that this is the end of racism, but any one can tell you it has made no effect, infact I belive it might have made it worse. America was based on Freedom, and adding an "awarness" week for racism MAY be a good idea, however because Americans have freedom, some will choose to act out during these awarness weeks or not participate. The possibility of talking about how we must end prejudice and racism can be meant in a positive aspect, however it can easily turn upside down and cause even more tension.lose/lose?
Irritating a rash can cause it to spread.
It is sad that only some can truly stop acting this way, and others are filled with it. We all have been born and grown in different environments and have different beliefs and no one is ever truly right because how do we exactly know what IS right and what is just right because we were told this? Feeling is all we have, our Gut is all we've got.

I feel that racism is not talked about much because people shy away from it so much. We are afraid to insult anyone and don't want to start an argument with anyone that thinks the problem of racism is non-existent. However, the problem does still exist. That is why we should be talking about it. We should never let it slide when someone makes a racial slur or some kind of racist joke. It is mean and insulting to everyone. People get hurt by these things, so we need to make it clear that racism is not acceptable. People get uncomfortable when race comes up, but that means it is not talked about enough. We need to be okay with saying things that will show others that racism is a terrible thing. Only then can racism come to an end.

In my opinion, the conversation on race will always be controversial. Since the times of slavery until the recent times now, whites have always been the dominate race and have the most influence on our country. Though racism has come a long way since earlier times, I agree with this article in saying that there a still many problems with equality between races. As far a solution goes, I don't think there will be one any time soon. I think that the colored race has become satisfied in a way with where they are at now compared to our conditions in the past. I do think there will be another push in the equality movement but not for a while.There will have to be a major controversy or event to spark a change. There will also have to be a leader or group of people who can convince the race to take a stand.

One major thing that has probably lessened the national conversation on race was Obama being elected into office. That is something I feel that African-Americans have pushed for, for quite some while. By putting an African-American in office they have crossed a huge milestone. It says alot not just to African-Americans but all other races in the United States. Although Obama is in office now, other issues will continue to rise. Maybe Asians will start ruffling feathers and push for one of thier own to be in office soon. Maybe women will rally and want one of their own in office. The trouble isnt what people want but what people do about what they want. As long as people are unsatisfied (which will probably be forever) we are going to have conflicts and issues about race, gender, age, etc. I feel these kinds of things are inevitable. We are not perfect and we will always be fighting about something or another. The world is not a perfect place and the best thing we can do to make it a "better" place is to shine our lights as christians and do what we can to ensure peace, love and equality.

Although i do agree with the fact that there is still racism in our society and that whites are to blame for most of it, but i also think that colored people are not far off from the way they think about white people too. Yes, in the past white people have neglected and abused colored people and treated them with discrimination and racism but that still does not give the colored people that are racist against whites a reason in this day and age to be racist. On the other hand, as white people in America's society we do need to do more to help out the colored population, we are all people and we all deserved to be treated the way we would want to be treated. The thing is this has to go both ways because it really does fly both ways in my eyes. Not only with whites being racist to blacks and blacks feeling a negative vibe towards whites, but it alsot involves more minority groups like hispanics . All in all we all need to do a better job and work together against racism!

This has been an issue; it is an issue that has progressed over the years. Even while in today's society with having friendships with others of different races and ethnicity, having interracial relationships, and family of choices it still seems that "racial discussions" arise intense feelings/emotions and can make the setting uncomfortable.

That is the "only" way that this issue will ever be resolved is to talk about this issue despite those uncomfortable feelings, listen to all perspectives and come together to resolve it. People have to stop placing blame on each other and continue moving forward. Letting go of resentments and older ways of thinking when being raised or brought up, are what is going to enable progress with this issue.

Our society has to realize and agree that the outside appearance of an individual is not what counts, it is not what differentiates people from each other anyway- people differ due to personality, interests, hobbies, heritage and culture.

As a young black woman, I have been exposed to many racially conflicting and hurtful experiences. It is sad to be raised in a home where color is not seen and as you grow older, the "great divide" can happen as early as the 1st grade. I can remember being made fun of as a little girl because I was the black girl who talked and acted like a "white girl." What does this phrase mean? What does this insinuate on blacks and our culture in general? I find it outrageous for a child to be ostracized strictly on the basis that he/she is acting or sounds a certain way. Why is it out of the norm for a small black child to sound like they are being educated instead of using Ebonics and other forms of slang and ‘ghetto’ language? My peers in the first grade always made me feel like I was an outcast and we were just 5 and 6 years old. I believe that this just goes to show that prejudice attitudes are learned and can be unlearned over time, but we as people of all colors and nationalities have to rise up and be the change that we want to see. Racial tensions cannot be resolved in a passive manner, but yet handled directly with first off love/ consideration of all people and firmness. I can honestly say that as a society, we have come a long way in accepting people who do not always look like ourselves, but concurrently, what are we doing as a people, as a nation to help do away with hatred of other races? Though it is constitutional for those to have freedom of speech, why can’t it be unconstitutional when freedom of speech becomes focused on hate and hurting others? What are we to do when groups like the Ku Klux Klan are still very real and are allowed to make their wishes of being superior public?

Though I alone and with the help of others may not be able to stop hate groups completely, we can help the younger generations understand that there should be love between all kinds of people simply by educating them and modeling to them what should be. We can start a change simply by educating ourselves and being open to things we do not always know. We were all created in God’s image, and therefore are his children; so be the change you want to see and start a conversation that can ultimately bring us all closer together.

Sadly, Racism is still alive in America today. Although there are many interrelationships here today, we are still faced with discrimination and prejudice towards different races. Growing up in a home I was raised to believe we are all created equal. My relationships with others has not been affected because of skin color. Some of my closest friends are not the same race as I, and that does not bother me. I don't understand why it is so hard to accept people of other races or color. Many people have a hard time talking about this issue of racism, but in all reality, it is an important issue in our world today. We need to be aware that there are still some people who do show discrimination towards others and that needs to be addressed. I think we should start being honest with ourselves and really try to address this issue and solutions to how to end racism!

Do un to others as you have them do un to you. The world is not a fair place, but it would be better if people followed the golden rule. I agree with the fact that African Americans are still having to deal with racism. Having said that I don't think its something that White people think of often, simply because they don't have to deal with it as often. We need to embrace the fact the people are different colors because that is how God made them. Also that the color of your skin doesn't determine you are on the inside. Your moral standings is the person you are not your skin color. We need to become comfortable with admitting that racism is a current issue before we can start addressing it.

Is it possible that the reason why no clear progress is being made is because neither side chooses to see that there is a path to racial equality. I feel like the reason we lack progress is because we decide that we have been able to cope with the problem we currently face for so long that its just easier to face the devil we know. We usually choose not to admit that there are things we all could improve on. I believe that to be a problem because for me as a white male, I have always been told that I am the problem even though it make many personal strides to see myself as equal with my brethren of color. I take it very personally when someone calls me racist when I am merely making a sociological observation. I think people need to understand that whenever someone makes the suggestion that someone is a racist or prejudiced to any other person despite their biological makeup, they need to fully contemplate the consequences of what that might provoke out of the other person. The blame game needs to be thing of the past, now we need to find how we uncover the solution.

What most individuals don't see are the facts that racism is still in existence today. We can discuss hours on in about our thoughts of racism and how it has effected our lives, but the real discussion should be how we should handle those still expressing their feelings of racism through acts of hate crimes. We can talk about the past, but the past will still remain the past tomorrow. Hate crimes are very much visible so more in the southern United States. I believe implementing a more harsh punishment towards acts of hate crimes will decrease such an act. Discussion can only get you so far, its the actions we try to implement that will determine how much racism plays in our lives now and the generations to follow.

Since racism has been around for so long and the fact that we are still talking about how it is a problem, I don't believe that there will ever be a day when somebody comes up with a reasonable solution. Racism comes from deep down inside and is acquired from interactions and experiences with people from opposing races. It's the same concept as making first impressions, when one is offended by another they are going to try to minimize contact with that person, therefore, not giving them the amount of opportunities needed to change their mindset. Combine that along with the amount of people in the world today and I don't see any possibility that racism will ever be nonexistent.

This has been a huge issue that has been untouched for quite some time. When Obama was elected, many white Americans were outraged because of the fact he was black. This was and still is a problem people have with him. People like Donald Trump are asking to see his birth certificate to prove that he is a US citizen just to kick him out of office. With all of this being said, I believe that we need a new attack on racism in America because I believe it is getting out of control once again. I have a few friends who are white and dating African Americans and their parents are furious because that still have the judgment that we need to stick to our own race. This country accepts all races and creeds and nationalities, but just as long as they don't "bother" others outside of their own race. Obama needs to call more attention to these frightening issues before it becomes a huge political mess and divides the country once more. The fact is racism is not dead and won't be if we do not sit side by side and put them to rest.

I believe that racism is still alive. Like the article says African Americans are still having to deal with racism. White people don't think of it as often because it doesn't affect them as much. I think the United States has come a very long way from where we used to be with racism. There is still a lot of room for improvement. We have to work as a group so that together we can decrease racism. I think communication is the key.We have to be honest with each other. It is good to know how people feel and what is bothering them. Then we can try to find a solution to the problem.