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Racial Sensitivity Training for All: Barack Obama's Solution?

By Annette, published Mar 22, 2008
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Michael Richards, who played Kramer on the hit TV show Seinfield, was doing a stand-up routine at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood when some black men started heckling him. He blew up and said to "throw his ass out, he's a nigger." The black men responded by calling Michael Richards a "cracker-ass." Don Imus, a national talk-radio show host made some insensitive remarks towards the Rutgers women's basketball team calling them "nappy-headed hoes." Jesse Jackson strongly suggested through media outlets that they go through racial sensitivity training and Reverend Al Sharpton pushed the issue.

I'm not saying that what Imus or Richards said were right, but is what Reverend Jeremiah Wright said not equally disparaging toward a white man? Why aren't Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton not urging him to go through racial sensitivity training as well? Why aren't they saying anything at all? Basically, the only thing I've heard Al Sharpton say is what else do you want Obama to do that he's not responsible for anything his supporter's say.

Reverend Wright's statements fuel racism that is in direct conflict to Trinity United Church's mission statement, which plainly states that their mission as servants of God is to address and eradicate the problem of the color line. The Black Value System that Wright teaches is supposed to help his congregation define themselves, not to make them look down on others as being inferior or make them feel that they are superior. Do his remarks, such as when he said that rich white people rule America sound like he's teaching black separatism?

In response to Reverend Wright's statements, Obama said that he was like the uncle that said embarrassing things. That I can relate to, but then Obama referred to his grandmother as a typical white person because she reacts how most white people act when they see a person of color walking down the street towards them. Personally, when I walk down the street and see anyone that looks like a thug, whether they are black or white, I will move to the other side of the road.

Racial Sensitivity Training for All: Barack Obama's Solution?

A Black and Whte Issue?

Credit: Stock Photo

Copyright: Annette Burkett

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Very well analyzed. I wish more people would recognize that this is such a small minority (but a very vocal one-thanks to the media) that brings the black/white issue up all the time. In my everyday life, this doesn't come up! Great job, Annette!

Posted on 03/31/2008 at 10:03:49 AM

 
I agree there are major differences in the way racism is handled when it's directed toward white people. As for the Wright issue, race aside, I'm more concerned about his strong anti-America statements. Can you imagine someone saying those things from the pulpit, or anywhere else for that matter?

Posted on 03/26/2008 at 2:03:46 PM

 
very good read and so well written!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on 03/25/2008 at 6:03:07 AM

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