Quote:
Originally Posted by shinerbock
A couple of things:
I think you're right that it isn't attempted. However, I don't think that changes how it would be received. Hell, the entire GOP is labeled by even mainstream democrats as a racist party. I'll get to the lack of trying in a moment, but I just don't think you'd have big time media outlets getting starry eyed if McCain had made a speech that included some of the things Obama's did. Even worse, actually, I think they'd reject it and trump up the controversy, fueling the cries of racism and prejudice that would surely come. Look at the people who speak out about busing and affirmative action now, almost all are granted no credibility by the mainstream media, regardless of their motivations. So in that regard, I certainly think society rebukes white people who make statements like Obama did.
However, I do think you're right that white folks are afraid to try. I'm not particularly concerned about the issues Obama raised that bother whites, but I think our failure to speak openly about them is indicative of the racial fear that plagues white America. We're so focused on not looking racist that we'll not only avoid speaking our mind, we'll throw other white folks under the bus so that we can point to them and say "look, I took out one of my 'own,' surely I'm not prejudiced!"
I just don't think the environment is favorable for that kind of speech from a white person, unless it is completely safe and merely represents the white community taking responsibility for the problems encountered by black Americans. But, ultimately it is the white people who cower in the corner, they're the ones who make the final decision to stay silent and not engage in honest discourse.
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Part of the reason why I hate hearing someone say, "I'm not racist...I have black friends..."
There will never be such a thing as a 'safe' environment...MLK and Malcolm spoke out in far more dangerous environs back in the 60s and ultimately sacrificed thier lives....40 years later if there are those who are still afraid to speak may only have themselves to blame for the environment to come out and speak on it.
Regardless, something must be done...we are at a point where there are more minorities here than there ever was...more people of differing beliefs and if it's not addressed now then someone else will set this country back.
Now and tomorrow is not the time to be afraid to take step