Obama says it's not about race
Arthur W. Hunt
Issue date: 9/23/09 Section: Viewpoints
We should not be surprised that he does not want to make race an issue in important policy decisions. He correctly understands that most Americans want to get beyond race and instead focus on solving the country's problems.
Does this mean racism no longer exists? Of course not, but it is a bit of a stretch to say, as Carter did, that the overwhelming portion of people who are vocal about health care reform harbor negative feelings for the President because of his skin color.
David Brooks of the "New York Times" wrote an opinion piece last week in which he provided some firsthand proof for the lack of racism among those who are currently making themselves vocal. While jogging in Washington D.C. he found himself among thousands of anti-government "tea party" protesters. Nearby there was another gathering consisting of several thousand Black Family Reunion Celebrants.
Brooks noticed the Tea Party protesters mingling freely with the Black Celebrants. The Tea Party people were buying lunch from the Black Celebrants, and even joined them in listening to a rap concert.
Brooks, who observed the two groups for sometime, said, "I couldn't discern any tension between them."
Perhaps we have turned a corner on race. Let's hope so.
Dr. Arthur Hunt is assistant professor of communications and faculty sponsor of the National Association of Black Journalists at UTM.
Does this mean racism no longer exists? Of course not, but it is a bit of a stretch to say, as Carter did, that the overwhelming portion of people who are vocal about health care reform harbor negative feelings for the President because of his skin color.
David Brooks of the "New York Times" wrote an opinion piece last week in which he provided some firsthand proof for the lack of racism among those who are currently making themselves vocal. While jogging in Washington D.C. he found himself among thousands of anti-government "tea party" protesters. Nearby there was another gathering consisting of several thousand Black Family Reunion Celebrants.
Brooks noticed the Tea Party protesters mingling freely with the Black Celebrants. The Tea Party people were buying lunch from the Black Celebrants, and even joined them in listening to a rap concert.
Brooks, who observed the two groups for sometime, said, "I couldn't discern any tension between them."
Perhaps we have turned a corner on race. Let's hope so.
Dr. Arthur Hunt is assistant professor of communications and faculty sponsor of the National Association of Black Journalists at UTM.
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