Racism in America

In the clip from "Katie" that we watched on racism in America, Travis Smiley said that racism is an "intractable" issue in American society that people are afraid to talk about. While his discussion of the issue did not include much tangible support or suggestions on how to open a dialogue about racism, he made some valid points.  The fact that many people deny that racism is an issue demonstrates that racism is so ingrained in society that people do not notice it.  Many of the traditions and institutions in society are rooted in prejudice.

An Associated Press poll taken in 2012 reported that 51% of Americans hold "explicit anti-black attitudes," a statistic that is up 3% since 2008 (CNN). This CNN article also argues that racial ideas affect the way landlords treat tenants, teachers treat students, and police treat people.  Race is so difficult to talk about because people are afraid of their own prejudices.  Every person wants to deny that he or she has some falsely-held beliefs about other races. The fact is, many people hold prejudices that they don't even realize.  Desensitization to racial slurs, ignorance about cultural traditions, irrational fear of race differences, income gaps among races, and affirmative action are all examples of how racism (and even reverse racism) infiltrates society.

If, as Mr. Smiley says, racism is an intractable issue, I believe it is time to begin the dialogue among the races on how to solve this issue. A conversation about race is difficult because not everyone is understanding.  When people are honest with themselves and open to change, a meaningful dialogue about race could occur.   Mr. Smiley failed to present ways to open a dialogue about race in America.  While I agree with him that race is a serious issue, I disagree with the way he presented the issue to Katie Couric.  His conversation with Katie Couric could have provided a model for how people should conduct conversations about race.  Their conversation was one-sided.  A legitimate and honest conversation about race involves hearing the perspectives from all sides of the issue.

Luckily, young people are more respectful of race differences than older people.  There is a song in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "South Pacific" that says that prejudice must be carefully taught.  I believe this is true.  Prejudiced views would not exist unless parents and society passed them along to their children.  For the intractable issue of racism to be rooted out of society, people of all races must make a conscious effort to live accepting, open, and honest lives.  It is not easy to question one's beliefs and viewpoints, but it is healthy and important to evaluate views and consider why we hold those views.  The conversation on race must not be a one-way conversation.  Blacks, whites, and people of all other races must communicate their feelings about prejudice and listen to opposing viewpoints.

 I don't know the extent of racism in America and I don't know how to fix the problem, but I do believe there is an issue and that change begins with each person. Everyone must be conscious of prejudice and make an effort to evaluate his or her own actions and determine if they are fair and just.  The realization of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream depends on every person being willing to change his or her attitudes about race.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/01/opinion/brazile-race-sununu/