A new study of U.S. census data reveals that wealth gaps between whites and minorities in the United States have grown to their widest levels in decades. Once again, an ongoing problem that has been consistently ignored comes back to haunt us. We cannot expect real progress to ever occur through band-aide legislation that does nothing but suppress the problems. Rather, we need to honestly face the roots of aged old thinking, and truly work towards healing.

Below is a link to an interview from Democracy Now about this recent revelation. It’s not a great interview, but relevant enough to inspire further investigation. A great book addressing this issue is The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the US Wealth Divide by Meizhu Lui.   

www.democracynow.org/2011/7/28/wealth_gap_between_minorities_and_white

Recently I read an article with a term that I had never heard of before, “a complex idea called racial resentment”. What is that you ask? “…it’s the idea that the reason why blacks don’t get ahead in society is because they don’t work hard enough,” said Daniel Byrd, research director at the Greenlining Institute. The article goes on to explain that that may be the reason why many Americans are not willing to support Obama’s healthcare reform. I wonder if those Americans who harbor racial resentment understand what white privilege is. The article entitled, “Surprising Way Race Colors Attitudes To Health Care Reform”, can be read here: www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/race-health-care-reform_n_832783.html

Recently Chris Matthews interviewed Sal Russo, Co-Founder of the Tea Party Express, in regards to a speech that Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn) made, where she makes reference to the history of slavery in the US. Bachmann was asked to represent the Tea Party Express in responding to the President’s State of the Union speech. The exchange is fascinating, and revealing on many levels. Some choice moments of the video are when Chris Matthews says, “slavery and race is the San Andreas Fault of American history”. Also, after Matthews repeatedly tries to ask Sal Russo, “what’s the history of slavery in America?” Russo finally responds, “your question is irrelevant to what the issue is of the day”.

If It Takes A Village To Raise A Child, Who Will Raise The Village?

An African-American who grew up in an urban ghetto speaks with a fellow from
a Long Island suburb that was born into a cop family. Yes, there were obvious
disparities in the way the Police are viewed, based on different experiential
perspectives. Yet being both kind and thoughtful, educated and perhaps most
important, artists; a conversation could be had and thoughts could be heard. Being a
Police Officer is a tough job that most people would never want to do. Agreed. Police
aren’t paid nearly enough. Agreed. There are split second decisions and difficult
situations that would challenge the smartest and most well adjusted amongst
us. Completely agreed. And yet, Houston we have a problem. Statistics regarding
profiling, criminal justice, and rates of incarceration are thought provoking. As well
as simply the jarring disconnect in the status of Police PR, depending on the color
of your skin. The fact is when a cop walks his/her beat, they walk with a uniform,
a badge, a weapon, academy training, perhaps a good amount of professional
experience and their entire personal history. Where they were raised. Who raised
them. What their relationships and experiences were with police growing up. What
their relationships and experiences were with persons in authority. The list goes on
and on. The village that raised the child will always be a part of that child in some
fashion. Then, what happens when the village teachings are flawed, incomplete
or insufficient in some way? Here’s another question, when should learning end?
Does it? Should it ever? Whether you like it/ acknowledge it or not, the community
will always be an effective instructor, regardless of the quality of instruction. It is
time we accepted our collective responsibility and took conscious control of our
environments. As always we must be the change we want to see in the world. It is
never too late.

Check out Malcolm Gladwell’s thoughts here: Video

Dark skin. Light Skin. Which skin is in?

In May of this year Anderson Cooper visited four schools in both New York and Georgia to conduct a study on children’s biases towards skin color. The article, posted on the CNN website, explored why most white and black children chose lighter skin in the most positive light, leaving us to ponder the perception of our “evolved” society.

Yes this study raises questions, many that rise above the traditional topic of stereotypes and prejudices, but the subject that is illuminated is what lies at the core of this examination, the subject of influence. One child remarks that in today’s society most people see people for who they are inside, yet many of the other children interviewed projected a strong opposition. In an age where some claim that race is no longer seen as a hindering difference or a categorical disadvantage, one must wonder what these children have heard. What have they seen? Who have they been talking to?

Skin, a tapestry, in all its beauty and strength can become unwoven and frayed by those who tug at its weaves; leaving it tattered, unwanted, forgotten, and devoid of it unique design. It is in our best interest to find out who is doing the pulling.

Read the article and watch the three videos here.