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Open Phones: Race Relations
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
We take your phone calls on race relations in America, following the New York Times/CBS News poll released today.
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Comments
It's basic"
Michelle Obama receives a privileged education and she is still angry. From a white's perspective her situation is an emple of how far we have advanced
Stop talking about race. Its a pointless exercise, most of us don't understand race so all we will hear are people crying foul and others complaining that no one understands them.
Proximity and inclusion is the key. Too many whites and blacks don't include one another socially. It makes a huge difference. It challenges deep seated racism. You have work it. If you are white and don't have any black friends. Think about that and make an effort to include people in your life that are not white.
Whites seem to view race relations in terms of changes that have taken place while blacks view the situtation in terms of the inequality that remains.
What a foolish thing to say Arthur! Why so you people insist on labeling her her "Angry"
we are still living in segregation
As an African-American who grew up in Europe, I would say that treatment in the US is BETTER. I speak German fluently, I act like a European, but I still sometimes feel anxious and worry about my safety in some areas in Europe.
I know that there are still problems in the US, but I do feel that I am free to be who I am, to pursue a PhD, to marry my white boyfriend, and to discuss who I am openly in this country. That is a rare gift. Trust me!
Race relations remain in trouble because we tend to focus on the uniqueness of each group of people and celebrating how we are different; whch does nothing for bringing us together.
We need more focus on how we are alike and what we have in common
From Open Left comes a brilliant skewering of the utterly absurd NYT headline on this: "Poll Finds Obama’s Run Isn’t Closing Divide on Race":
"The NY Times and CBS News have conducted a poll which finds, like ones they've done in the past, that whites, blacks and Hispanics have different perceptions about race and racism. This time, however, they have someone to criticize for his failure to heal these rifts: Barack Obama.
"Obama, despite having an African father, a white American mother and a winning smile has failed to bring the country together.
"For some reason, black Americans are still more likely to see racial problems in everyday life than white Americans. Clearly, this is Obama's fault.
"In other news, men and women, as revealed during the Democratic primaries, sometimes perceive things differently. And who is to blame for this persistent divide? That's right, Hillary Clinton. Despite her femaleness (and positions sometimes perceived as manly) people of different genders still see things differently.
"NBA fans have starkly different opinions on which teams have the brightest futures. The blame is squarely on former Senator Bill Bradley for that.
"Finally, century after century has gone by and people still can't agree on religion. Another failure of leadership brought to us by Jesus.
This caller is good. I love the Fabrije egg comment! Awesome! You go girl! My sentiments exactly.
Carlo FYI..a lot of Black people could care less if they have white or non-Black friends ands that is confusing to whites.
Thus the problem Black, white friends..it should just be FRIENDS period.
But it is not and THAT my friend is the problem with American race relations.
Race relations in this country stink, plain and simple. I see and hear racist remarks from all sides all the time. It's not even always "aside', as it were, but open and blatant. I certainly think racism will affect the election without a doubt. Racism is ingrained in the American psyche and it will take a much longer time than we had hoped to see it disappear if at all.
I think race relations are generally bad. Not horrible, but not very good. I just think about the media coverage of Obama and all of the issues he still has to deal with. He gets raked over the coals because of Rev. Wright while McCain doesn't have to distance himself from Rev. Hagee and others. I have a terrible feeling that McCain will win because a lot of people won't vote for a black man. They'll deny it of course.
BTW, I think you'd get similar responses to a poll about females in the workplace. Those in power, i.e males, think it's better than it is.
Lets not forget how other people of color are treated. Also no one wants to hear your personal anecdotes.
The survey has a very skewed sample - many more white people were surveyed, (1338 whites, 297 blacks). As a white person, I agree that the terms are what makes the difference - without out right public conflict, white people may feel that relations are good, but white people are blind to the subtle discrimination that non-whites face every day.
Kira you are the first Black European that I have ever heard express that sentiment. I have always heard it was different.
I noticed the crowd shot at the All Star Game last night and all were white, compared with a good percentage of blacks and Hispanics on the field.
It's true; I never move for African Americans on the subway.
...What?
(This is not to say that I think race relations are in any way good in this country. It's just a really odd critique.)
NO MAN SITTING!!! I disagree with the caller, I see white / black young men behave exactly the same when it comes to subway etiquette. I personally hate POLE LEANERS!!!!
That comment about men spreading their legs on the subway? BLACK MEN DO THAT TO ME! They won't bring their legs in, while white men do. So it's equally bad relations all the way around.
What is this lady talking about? People of ALL colors are rude on the subway! Welcome to NYC! Ha.
#19
Did ever occur to you that people lean on the pole because they have a back problem and no one will give them a seat so they lean on the pole so they don't collapse. Not all disabilities are visible.
I want to add that whites and black people need to work together to address issues that keep us apart.
Robert is right.
The issue I have is that discussing race instantly makes people uncomfortable. Getting to the point where we trust one another to be friends is the challenge.
To add to Zahara's comment, this morning I was riding on the train and an orthodox man kept opening his legs more and more. I thought I was going to be pushed off my seat. I think it is gender related rather than race related.
Dear Brian,
How you perceive race relations depends on how you view them. On the one hand things have never been better. The Democratic party is poised to nominate its first black candidate. Black media moguls such as Oprah wield enormous power. From this view point things look rosy.
However, at the personal level things look very different. For example, a white person might reflect on how many black or latino people have been over to eat dinner recently. Or a white person might reflect if s/he ever had a serious personal relationship with a person of color or even casually dated a person of color. If not, then how would a white person feel if his or her child dated a person of color?
These very personal examples highlight the depth (or shallowness) of recent gains in race relations. In the abstract, where nothing matters personally, it is easy to see progress. However, at the personal level (where all change actually begins) there is much work to be done.
Accra Shepp
As long as white folks are on top they will believe that everything is "just fine as it is"
since black folk havent gotten their 200k in a bank , we feel that things are not as they "oughta be". America is changeing ... and I do believe that if Baracjk is elected that it wil change PERCEPTIONS to SOME EXTENT. Look at the movie Hancock and look at the 3 main characters. Kinda liek Barack, Hillary and John Edwards no? (either way the white guy is reduced in role!
We DO have a fabrege egg down there! lady it HURTS when you have to squeeze them! I wish women could have what we have for a week .. we would be much better understood.
Obama did defend Muslim American when discussing the New Yorker cover on Larry King. Here's what he said:
"Well, I know it was The New Yorker’s attempt at satire. I don’t think they were entirely successful with it. But you know what? It’s a cartoon, Larry, and that’s why we’ve got the First Amendment … You know, we’ve—one of the things when you’re running for president for almost two years is, you get a pretty thick skin. And, you know, I’ve seen and heard worse.... One last point I want to—I do want to make about these e-mails, though. And I think this has an impact on this New Yorker cover. You know, this is actually an insult against Muslim-Americans, something that we don’t spend a lot of time talking about. And sometimes I’ve been derelict in pointing that out. You know, there are wonderful Muslim-Americans all across the country who are doing wonderful things. And for this to be used as sort of an insult, or to raise suspicions about me, I think is unfortunate. And it’s not what America’s all about."
I don't know how well anyone can gauge this. I have on numerous occasions been accused of being rude to someone because they are black. That's not the case – I'm just a jerk.
They other night, my friend went to read a parking sign, a woman a few more feet away took this as my friend not wanting to walk past her on the street because she was black and started swearing at her.
I really don't believe racial relations will improve until Americans (on both sides) get thicker skin and stop assuming they know the reasons people do the things they do.
Senator, soon to be President Obama cannot cure race relations in this Country. (whites are still to envious to let that happen) He can only start the conversation which he has done.
Obama did defend Muslims and acknowledge how offensive this smear campaign is to them. Last night on Larry King.
One thing I think is ignored in this is the age of the respondents. I'm 26, and I feel like my generation is much more open-minded than that of my parents as we haven't experienced the more overt effects of racism. I'm also mixed - white and filipino - and those like me are always growing in numbers. Barack Obama is a strong topic in this discussion nation-wide, but he's incorrectly categorized as a "black" candidate, when in fact he is bi-racial.
The Muslim unemployment rate in the UK is so high (Manchester, Birmingham) because they are all on the dole - the government hands them money and they take it.
What about plain old statistics? If you're a member of a majority race, most of your encounters will be with other members of the same race and you'll have fewer chances for a negative race relationship to emerge. If you're a member of a minority race, more of your encounters will be with members of a different race -- which means more opportunities to experience negative race relations.
compared to other countries the us and nyc is unique in how well races get along just fine.
class relations getting worse, can't see it in nyc since everyone is either rich or hiding...
I'm a 67-year-old black American. Race relations are as good as one could expect in light of the history of our country. My basic criterion is equal opportunity. Clearly individual experiences will vary, but it seems to me -- certainly an unscientific observation -- on the whole, that blacks are more equally represented in America society today than ever before. Obama's soaring success, so far, seem to me to be an indisputable indication of improved conditions in this country today.
The caller from England points out a view that seems consistent with that of my non-American friends. Race relations aren't excellent, but they are likely better than that of most other diverse nations. Especially in Europe, the sizable Muslim communities are largely ignored and not included as part of the country by the white majority.
I agree with this caller. Whites still see themselves as better than the rest.
Eric that is crap I am 25 and when this generation starts having Children and paying mortgages they will start to hate each other too.
I believe we are exporting racism.
I realize that this question is about race relations in the US particularly around the elections but I have just returned from 18 months in Asia and we are exporting racism. I was Penang talking to a middle-aged local artist and he used the word nigger. I was shocked. Couldn't even imagine where he learned it or where he picked up the racist attitude towards Black people.
When I was in Nepal, some man late at night was knocking on my hotel door. In the morning I spoke to the manager about it and he kept referring to the guy as Black. And I repeatedly had to insist that the guy was not Black. He was saying that in that area they didn't let Black people stay. Implying that Blacks were bad. It was again shocking to witness.
Where did they learn this?
Whites seemingly have almost no interest in black culture and certainly never notice when there is a lack of black representation in any field. They only notice race when it 1) makes them look cool to acknowledge or 2) interferes with their desires.
Merely an observation but I and my pregnant Black/Native wife live in (north- west) Brooklyn - supposedly a poster child for liberalism and enlightenment- and we've noticed that other minority women who are pregnant/just given birth always acknowledge her with a big smile while the pregnant/new mom whites make sure to avoid eye contact, let alone smile.
NYC and outer boroughs - suburbs, too, are segregated. It's obviously not enforced by law, but by circumstance, at the heart of which is racial inequality.
what about chinese, indians and other minorities? why is it that usually these groups are not seen to have an attitude but blacks are!
As a white woman with a similar amount of education as the caller's daughter - (I finished two semesters of law school and went to a fancy undergrad) - I had a tremendous amount of trouble finding a job in NYC. I ended up working as a waitress for a year in order to make ends meet.
I'm not discounting the caller's view about racism. I am certain that her perceptions are more than correct. However, in this troubled economy, people of all races and ethnicities are having difficulty in finding a job.
My wife and I moved from Manhattan to what seemed to be a perfectly fine black/Latino neighborhood in northern New Jersey a few years ago. I soon learned what the phrase "naive liberal" was all about. My neighbors seem to be doing fine financially, yet I have never experienced such blatant hostility in my life--windshield smashed, rocks thrown at me, trash dumped on my lawn every week or so. I've come to realize that there is no such thing as "reverse racism. There is only racism, regardless of its source.
Eric, I agree with your post 31. I have been screaming that on every conversation. He is BI-RACIAL!!!!!
White Mother + Black Father = Bi-racial offspring!!!
I would PAY for the results of one of your unscientific polls of your guests and callers regarding which cell phone carrier they use.
Rob is correct, he is a jerk... not racist just a jerk. I am a jerk sometimes too and it takes one to know one.
It was said by either Rush Limbaugh or Bill O'Reilly but it was said...the restaurant situation, that is.
Kathy post 39 - that is because the immigrants follow white american lead and they have no respect for minorities/non-white either! They buy into the stereotypes same as the whites.
I used to think race relations had come a long way, and then I had a child and learned more about our public school system. Why are white parents in the PS 282 school district hesitant to send their children to an excellent, well-run, predominantly minority school? What can it be other than entrenched, though unconscious, racism? We regularly expect minority children to be comfortable being one of few children of color in various settings, but so many white parents are reluctant to ask the same of their children. I think de facto segregation will continue as long as this continues. Fortunately, there are parents who are pushing against the status quo, but I'm saddened by how long it is taking.
did race relations improve under david dinkins?
it was bill o'reilly that made the comment about eating in a restaurant and people acting normal.
As much as I personally believe that the country is in a better situation--and let's acknowledge that in 100 years we've come a LONG way--I am still hearing tales of a country that is segregated and appallingly ignorant.
I just had a lengthy chat with an African American man who fears that his children are having their culture sidelined in favor of other ethnic groups--his solution is to send his kids back to his predomninantly black community where he grew up back in Oklahoma.
A person I worked with told me about how in Tennessee, blacks kept to their places, whites kept to their, with nary a meeting in between.
I just think that folks can deal with "the other" in an abstract way--but when it comes to the day to day, outside of most urban areas--they stick to their tribes and shade their perceptions accordingly.
It was O'Reilly talking about a meal at Sylvia's ...
I think that Robert from Park Slope is correct in stating that views on race relations are based on race.
Nonetheless, when I attended NYC schools in the 1960s, society -- even NY society - was segregated. Black and white students did not socialize with one another, and there were vitually no blacks in the workplace or in visible positions in the media. That is very different today; my son attended school in NYC through the 10th grade and had both black and white friends, African-Americans serve in management positions nation-wide, and an African-American will be the Democratic nominee for President.
Admittedly, I'm white and see the progress rather than the distance left to go. I am encouraged, however, by the progress in my lifetime. When I voted for Jesse Jackson in the 1980s, he had not a prayer of a chance to win. I believe that Barack Obama will be our next President. It's not perfect, but it's progress.
As a woman of color living in NYC, that last caller (Muriel?) made me feel sick. Her attitude is a major part of why race relations in this country and city are so bad. White folks don't know how to take responsibility for their privilege and check their entitlement to other people's experiences and culture. We don't need more liberal humanist "we're just people, why can't we all just get along" attitudes. Just because there is no overt racism in this woman's world does not mean that there is any racial JUSTICE or that other people do not experience overt and dangerous racism in their every day lives.
I think that the earlier caller, when she mentioned the subway example, was just simply trying to point out the sense of entitlement that white people (men, especially) seem to have when occupying public space. I have experienced the same thing -- white men making space on a subway for some people and not for others. The racism embedded in the thought process about who should get the space is not obvious enough for most white folks to see, but believe me, it's clear as day for most people of color when it happens to them.
Numbers don't lie:
Whites and blacks use drugs in about the same proportions; self-reported drug use within each population is about 11%.
Yet, among people actually arrested for drug possession, 25% are black.
Among people actually convicted for drug possession, 50% are black.
Among people actually incarcerated for drug possession, 75% are black -- and in California, 90% are black and Latino.
We can talk about our subjective feelings until the cows come home, but numbers like these don't happen in a society that has equality.
its no surprise that race relations cant be good when policemen unjustly kill people of one race without consequence and the priveleged race does nothing to correct this.
It was said by the super-jerk Bill O'Reilly
I am a "white" person in Manhattan who definitely feels outraged by news of people being stopped "driving while black", inequalities of goods and services available in different neighborhoods. I am also, though comfortable with, and grateful for, my friends and associates who are black (or other), very aware of the different sort of language that we speak and how far we need to go to really understand each other. These are the issues I would like to see addressed to consider race relations improved.
This discussion clouds race relations with class relations, but they are intrinsically intertwined in America due to its history.
Outside of segregation, which could be largely class based, there are plenty of other situational things. Where someone sits on the subway… Whether or not a lady clutches her purse a little tighter when a Black man walks by… Being followed or questioned when shopping in certain retail locations… There are many subtle forms of racism that White America tends to be wholly unaware of.
Aaron, I don't care about my own heritage, why would I care about anyone else's?
http://mediamatters.org/items/200709210007
jade -- are you white or a person of color? because i feel that white men are more likely to close their legs for other white people and less likely to do so for a person of color.
The remark that Dennis attributed to Limbaugh was actually made by O'Reilly. I guess, to Dennis, all those right wing white guys look alike. ;-)
Diversity does not exist just because you sit in a restaurant next to a person of color.
Men sitting with their legs spread on the subway is hardly a pressing topic (though it's high on the list of pet subway peeves), but ... I've lived here since '99 and the vast majority of men whom I've seen sitting with their legs spread-eagle have been black and the only men I've seen to demonstratively refuse to put their legs together so someone can either sit or sit without her neighbor's leg grinding on hers have been black. If I had a camera phone I'd have a doozy of a picture from one morning last week.
Just sayin'
About immigrant Chinese and other minorities ( I speak CHinese)
They are calling you "white devil" and foreigner behind your back in your own country! they DO have similuar resentments!
At the risk of errantly reading tone in a posted message, the hostility I perceive in most posts by "the truth" will only perpetuate the problem, not move it towards solution. If I have misread, I apologize.
I'm a white, middle aged woman. The poll esults don't surprise me, becuse most white people are in denial about race in this country. For them to acknowledge that rcism still exists, they would have to accept thweir own racism. I believe every white harbors racist attitudes- the battle is to reocgnize it in yourself and fight it every day- something most whites don't do.
It is all based on what our reality is. Most blacks are still angry because of unequal treatment. White people do not have to face the same issues.
I'm sorry that Brian picked up the comment on the skewed sample. If they made a random sample of people anywhere, you would expect to have fewer blacks than whites!
post 51:
very well said!
More on the Bill O'Reilly comment:
"Discussing his recent dinner with Rev. Al Sharpton at the Harlem restaurant Sylvia's, Bill O'Reilly reported that he "couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia's restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City. I mean, it was exactly the same, even though it's run by blacks, primarily black patronship." O'Reilly added: "There wasn't one person in Sylvia's who was screaming, 'M-Fer, I want more iced tea.' "
http://mediamatters.org/items/200709210007
truth
aren't most 'blacks' in this country bi racial?
The integrity of personal responsibility is the key to blacks advancing themselves as individuals. Justice is in the courts, high and mighty. Sharpton is a financially interested demagogue mired in race baiting for his business model and making this such a large issue. Angry people are angry because they choose to be angry, whether they are black or white or anything else.
Ask most white people, especially Republicans, why Blacks are poorer and you'll usually hear them say "they have to try harder".
This is the problem - one race having to try harder cannot be a policy for equality.
Those of us who are of privileged often take for granted the benefits. The average white person can more often count on his or her friends and family more often than a the average black person. As a white person, you have a better chance that a relative can help you out if you are struggling. For a black person, this is less likely.
I stand corrected. Obama is bi-racial, and also multi-cultural. A big problem in America, and a legacy of slavery and racism, is that we reduce everyone to "black" or "white," ignoring differences in heritage and culture. This is happening to Obama and, above, I fell into the trap!
Race relations are generally bad. Improved from the 50s and 1900? yes. But still unacceptable. Deeper education and information about our social and economic history and present would give us, especially whites, a better understanding of non-whites' experiences; we might actually empathize. But in the least, we might just listen to others' stories and experiences. I know many white males who individually were disenfranchised growing up (with little grasp of our national history) and who simply cannot and almost will not accept that a group of people now has it harder than they do. We need to talk about race with its personal implications in a less personal and less defensive way. But then again, we'd have to learn how to communicate better in general.
Although Barack is Bi-racial he identifies himself as black.
Also, I know two (white) people who knew Michelle Obama at Princeton, including one of her former (white) roommates. Michelle was aware, not angry, and was well-liked and respected by all. This "angry" stuff is total racist b.s.
This country is very much segregated. If you have any doubts go to any HS cafeteria or any big corporation dining room and you will see whites sitting with whites, blacks with blacks and asians with asians.
Another very interesting place to observe this: your local mall Groups of whites with whites, blacks with blacks and asians with asians.
Finally, white-flight still very much alive. In the last 10 years, Tenafly went from a mostly white town to mostly Korean these days, for example.
One word.
Katrina.
It says it all. Race relations are not better getting worse.
Also I think Obama will be the next President which is only good for him and his friends but black people I've talked to said he's going to be assisinated before the election or after.
Maybe I'm naive but I he govern poorly for 4 years then voted out of office.
Just to make a point - I understand the proportions used (80/20?) but that shouldn't be necessary to get the opinions of the so-called "entire" white/black community. Therefore, the African-Americans have a smaller, and therefore less useful sample of voices.
ladies
the lge thing is cause they like to touch u has nothing to do with race.
legs closed gays or in love, legs open horny.
Simple: All of us achieve success or not achieve success based on the combination of who we know and what those people think of us (smart, fun, annoying, etc.)
When you are African American, most white people will have a suspicious if not tainted feeling about you. It's probably not conscious for most of them, it's just a feeling. That feeling however is the difference between recommending someone for a job or a promotion and not.
An over-supply of actual ability can compensate, and some affirmative action programs may compensate at about 2%, but the fact is: everyone is forming cliques, and it's harder for an African American to become part of the clique.
Some minorities actually have an advantage, depending on what the perception of that minority group is by the particular clique.
I think relations are fair-good in NYC except for a few bad black apples. I'm a Clinton supporter who will vote for Obama while hoping that his election will not empower more bad guys to act even more agressively and ugly that they sometimes do now.
The caller misattributed comments to Limbaugh which were actually written in a NY Post column expressing, " amazement at the civil decorum" of a lunch-time crowd at Sylvia's, while he was in attendance with Rev. Al Sharpton!
On the "family jewels" go to the met and study the anatomy of the Greek classical art, then go to the African Carvings exhibition and study the anatomy of the African art. I think you wil understanmd why white men are more inclined to be able to close their legs. Artists draw and sculpt what they see.
by the way what about class here.
some whites don't like 'trashy' people white or black.
Rosie, I don't know in which high school cafeteria your kids had lunch, but my kid brought home friends of all racial backgrounds, and he was not "special" in that respect. Maybe Manhattan is an island in more ways than one, but I saw a huge difference between his school experience and mine back in the 1960s.
I'm really surprised at the content of the conversation here. It seems to me that the big problem here isn't race relations so much as class relations. "Driving while black" may still be a crime (as one caller stated) but only because it's still a crime to be poor. I think Brian is right in that we do define race relations differently. The middle class tend to look at what opportunities a social group is given while the poor tend to look at issues like social justice and the law (both of which effect them in a disproportionatly negative way). If there were equal numbers of black and white people in poverty a lot of stereo-typing would be useless, and I think the results of surveys like this would be different.
As a black woman married to a white man, I can honestly say that race relations have come a long way. HOWEVER, we have quite a long way to go as a society. I won't bore everyone with the long list of the discrimination that I have faced. It has become common place to me. My white husband, however, is constantly surprised and angered at how his wife and children are treated. He is even more surprised that the same treatment is completely absent when he is alone. A white man finally seeing his white privilege.
The poll makes sense but why is it white and black only? When has this country ever been just white and black. We're oddly obsessed with each other to the point that we don't even know there are other people in this country.
Think about this for awhile :
In Hollywood, if you're White, you can play a White role.
If you're Asian, Black, Indian or whatever, you can play an Asian, Black, Indian or whatever role.
If you're half-Asian, half-Black or half-Indian, you can play an Asian, Black or Indian role.
Anyone see the movie 21?
I am a white male who just returned from a visit with my parents in North Carolina. I got into a frustrating argument with my 80-year-old stepfather because he used the "n" word. I felt shame and sadness as I tried to explain (not for the first time) why this was offensive. At times I wonder which is more important: forgiving a loved one's ignorance or arguing every time it happens. It's easy to forget the stronghold this type of thinking has had over less urbanized parts of the country.
Pomeranian..my confidence brushes up against your insecurity and I am "hostile" angry if you will in your eyes.
FYI.. I am a mirror, I speak the truth and I will address you head up, my tone is reactionary..meaning, I will let you set the pace for my response, and hopefully you can handle the truth!
hjs...yes it is true our lineage is mulit-racial..but i was speaking about Senator Obama.
Race relations are getting better. I am amazed at all the white people who I thought would never vote for a black man, are going to. At the same time, many, many white people who identify as members of the Democratic Party will not vote for Obama simply based on his race. The US is not there yet. As a white woman living in a primarily black neighborhood, I can honestly say that I am friendly with most of the people I encounter and they with me. Unfortunately there is a barrier that prevents real relationships from forming between most whites and blacks. It requires an openness for difference which most folks seem to shy away from. I do hope that a President Obama would help in breaking down these barriers. I wonder if our own relations improve from within, if we will begin to see positive change in our foreign relations, too.
I am multi-racial.
Race relations in the United States are poor. A clear example of this would be the 300% increase of incarcerated black men during post-Civil War reconstruction when the American government criminalized vagrancy and petty theft and provided few economic opportunities for blacks. This legacy continues--60% of incarcerated people are black and 13% of the American population is black. THAT IS RACISM, that is poor race relations. Black folks have little social control, white people have constructed definitions of criminality. So, white people are the ones responsible for this incarceration.
Good race relations are the recognition that race is a false construction that was established to control people as capital. But on a simple, social, interpersonal level it is the acknowledgment that race not only exists, but influences our every interaction with access to power and to each other. In this recognition it is vital that white people stop invisibilizing whiteness and the power of whiteness--step up, claim how powerful they are, shut up, and let people of color lead...and as white people teach each other about racism and race relations.
This thread is closed.
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