I think episodes like this are actually important. It seems like once every couple of years, some startling example comes up that shows us that we still aren't where we think we are on racism, that we still have a lot of work to do.
There will be a story on an all-night restaurant asking black patrons to leave, for instance. Or a story about a minority not being allowed in a private club (or a woman not being allowed in a men-only club). Or this story about the swimming pool. And it shakes us up a little, because we'd like to think we're farther along down the path to eradicating racism than we really are.
These stories get our attention. And if it changes things, then it's all for the good. At least now we can say to that little boy who was so upset, "Don't listen to those people. You can grow up to be President."
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I think episodes like this are actually important. It seems like once every couple of years, some startling example comes up that shows us that we still aren't where we think we are on racism, that we still have a lot of work to do.
There will be a story on an all-night restaurant asking black patrons to leave, for instance. Or a story about a minority not being allowed in a private club (or a woman not being allowed in a men-only club). Or this story about the swimming pool. And it shakes us up a little, because we'd like to think we're farther along down the path to eradicating racism than we really are.
These stories get our attention. And if it changes things, then it's all for the good. At least now we can say to that little boy who was so upset, "Don't listen to those people. You can grow up to be President."
July 13, 2009 - 8:51amThis Comment
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