Show Notes

• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 11/9/2009 11:53 PM UTC

  OUR COMMON GROUND . . . RACE TALK with Courage and with HOPE
  

  OUR COMMON GROUND with Janice Graham
  

  Talking RACE with HOPE and in COURAGE
  

  
  

  

  
  There is a prevalent misconception that racism is a self-contained problem. The myth goes like this: unless a hooded clansman is burning a cross on an African American family's lawn, the United States is not dealing with traditional racism. Our country has transcended race, since the election of President Obama, this myth says. Furthermore, race is only a relevant factor when something overtly hostile happens to our leader, who happens to be black (not that any of us notice, since we have transcended the problem of racism). The myth leaves no room for discussions of institutionalized racism, or the acceptance that race and racism are always in the room with us, and not just when President Obama delivers nuanced, thoughtful speeches about them.
  
  

  

  
  
  

  Race has infrequently been addressed in this fashion possibly because it removes racism from the territory of crazy, right-wing protesters and delivers the blame to larger institutions like the private health care industry, and the United States government at large. It's one thing to make fun of Rush Limbaugh's ignorance, it's another thing to ask multi-billion dollar industries to change their racist practices, or accuse the entire government of being rotten at the foundation. Such accusations would earn a dissenter the title of "race-baiter," or one who "plays the race card." These kinds of platitudes are usually euphemisms for "You're making me uncomfortable. Don't rile up the black folk. Shut up."

  
  

  

  As much as white Americans hate to admit it, we are always talking about race, even when we're not poking fun at Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck. Race and racism will play a huge roll in the health care reform debate, and not just when Joe Wilson is the topic of discussion. Rep. Donna Edwards has said that proposed legislation overhauling health care would likely address racial disparities in education and health among children. Let's hope so. At least then the discussion of race and racism may reap some productive rewards instead of more empty chatter about Joe Wilson's motives.

  
  
  At OUR COMMON GROUND with Janice Graham, we examine our world and nation, the socio-economic conditions of our community and collective interests in the context of race in HOPE and COURAGE. We provide insight, information, ideas and concepts as the basis for constructing the bridges that will take us safely across.
  
  

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