IS AMERICA A RACIST NATION?

"You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it." - Malcolm X

Nothing so sums up the purpose of this blog than the above quotation. As someone who has waged a personal war against racisim for the past 45 years while simultaneously maintaining a deep and abiding love of country and especially for the ideals of the founders, I want take a dispassionate look at the state of race and color in America.

Supported by several DNA studies, an argument can be made that race itself is a social construct rather than a reality based on genetic differences. However attractive this is as a concept, it does nothing to advance the discussion of the realities we all face. Recognizing this, I will use the commonly accepted definition of race focusing on the black/white relationship.

The nature of racism is the belief that one group of people of a certain racial make-up is superior to other groups of differing racial make-ups. By virtue of their "superiority" they are deemed to be allowed to gain economic, social and political power. We have all been subject to or heard of individual acts of racism; the black man being unable to hail a cab, or the famous police action of pulling over a driver who feels his stop was based on DWB (driving while black). To make a judgement of whether a country is racist however, the nation must be viewed not from individual or anectodotal actions but as a societal or governmentally based phenomena.

In order to make a fair determination of whether America is racist a look at the extent of representation of blacks in the institutions that make up the country is called for. Blacks make up approximately 13% of the population in the U.S. True equality of opportunity would therefore be attained if blacks were represented in the nation's institutions at that level.

America has attempted many changes in law and society to battle discrimination. Affirmative action has been an attempt to ensure equal opportunity in employment, education and housing. Television and movies have changed both format and story lines as well as casting decisions resulting in the general public's recognition and acceptance of blacks and other minorities in positions of power and authority.

Is there an institutionalized opression of groups based on their race? A CNN poll taken in December 2006 revealed that 84% of blacks thought racism in America is a serious problem while 66% of white Americans agreed. A more recent Rasmussen poll of July 31, 2008 indicated that 85% of Americans would vote for a black for president. Do the above results reflect the reality or do they simply highlight the respondents perceptions?

In the areas of politics, it is clear that blacks have successfully run from both parties and at all levels from city, county, state and federal levels across all demographics. Likewise, in the entertainment, news and sports fields, blacks are represented in highly visible and executive levels. Researching these institutions did not result in any disparity or unequal access.

A review of U.S. Census Bureau statistics reveal that in some areas America has honored its commitment to equal opportunity but has fallen short in others. The most current U.S. census report issued in 2002 reveal that blacks have made significant advancement from the previous report of a decade ago in the areas of employment and education with 26% of all managerial positions in non-farm businesses being held by blacks. 80% of blacks over the age of 25 were high school graduates with 17% holding a bachelors degree. In a society that praises the entrepreneurial spirit, the results are less impressive. Only 7% of small businesses nationwide are owned by blacks. Median income for blacks in the workforce is $18,000 below that of whites. Projections tend to show that this gap is closing and may be halved by 2010, when the next census is taken.

If there is any area that highlights the disparity between black and whites it is in the criminal justice system. Bureau of Justice reports that the likelihood of a black male going to prison is nearly 8 times more than for whites. One of the reasons pointed to is the difference in charging policies practiced by district attorneys, or their equivalent. Blacks are more likely to be charged more severely than whites arrested for the same offense. One of the results of this is that blacks are sentenced to longer prison terms and on release have a more difficult time finding gainful employment.

It would seem that the question of racism in America cannot be answered in simplistic terms? Statistics would seem to show that the country has made dramatic improvements since the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in altering many of the institutions but there remains a way to go in others. The fact Americans of all races are having the discussion and are working towards true equality could be an effective argument that America cannot be called racist at its core.

The above article addressed only certain features of racism and could not, based on space, cover the subject in a comprehensive way. Racism has become a national obsession and is not limited to black and white issues but influences how America deals with all aspects of diversity.

Racial reconciliation is a shared responsibility amongst us all.

The Edge