Dean’s World Talks About Race
By Justin Gardner | Related entries in RaceDean over at Dean’s World asks a much needed question:
Have you ever noticed that nothing makes your average white person more nervous and uncomfortable than a blunt discussion of race issues?Why do you think that is?
In the comment sections, Highway Guy has an interesting thought:
I think it’s because it’s rare to have a blunt discussion of racism where people will ALWAYS realize it’s an academic discussion. If you get into that kind of discussion, even with very close friends who you have known for years, they could STILL take offense at something. And considering that racism is still considered to be a one-way street (white-on-black, if you will) by so many that have the voice of the media, and consequently by those who hear that voice, a frank conversation about racism is considered a minefield by white participants. I don’t want it to be that way, and I don’t intend to offend anyone, but it’s happened to me that others took offense where none was intended. That’s why it’s an uncomfortable subject.
However, I think Thief really nails it:
I will add this, though: as the evils of slavery and segregation recede further and further into the rear view mirror of history, fewer and fewer people of any race will have any practical experience with racism. It will become harder and harder to find examples of real racism. People and organizations whose existence is based on convincing people that racism is everywhere will look increasingly unhinged from reality. Maybe once the hucksters and paranoids lose their influence over the debate, we can finally get to that whole “not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” world that King dreamed about.
Again, bravo to Dean for asking the question. Let’s hope we can all start a dialogue on Donklephant about matters that are seemingly taboo, but in reality should be explored and discussed with as much vigor as the war on terrorism.
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