Balancing the scales

[jackelgull]

I have noticed that some people on these forums feel that race is being brought into everything whether it deserves to be brought into it or not, and I get the frustration- the race card has become a tool to be exploited. But I don't think that the reverse, ignoring history, will work. And here is my belief, even if we do reach equality and the handicaps that minorities have experienced traditionally vanish, we shouldn't stop talking about them. Because once progress has been made and the desired state has been reached, it isn't going to always stay that way. America needs to work hard to keep its promise of equality.

So I feel that every time someone yells racism, even if it isn't justified, it serves an important function in reminding us that it did exist. And I know that it feels like something that has been drilled into our heads, but think of it this way- there are three hundred million Americans-most are smart enough not to need the constant reminders but some aren't. So I guess my point is, to what extent do you think America needs to remember the injustices of the past? Do you feel the current use of the race card is helping America remember that there was a racial issue and that it needs to be addressed or is it turning more Americans against the idea that the struggle for equality hasn't ended and will likely never end?

 

[Timsup2nothin]

Look, I was raised by an outright and almost shameless bigot. Every time I open my mouth there is a chance something racist might pop out, and I appreciate it when someone says 'hey, you need to take a close look at what you just said'.

My opinion is that almost everyone says racist things, and almost no one wants to be a racist.

 

[Arwon]

The concept of a "the race card" is a pretty pernicious one, really. I can't see that it has any other purpose other than shutting up people who point out inequality and context to a given issue.

 

[Colonel]

The history of racism is all fine to be taught in schools as history, true instances of racism should be punished (if it is outside the confines of the law, if not Free Speech trumps). BUT, every time there is an instance of white on black or black on white crime, or any color for that matter it doesn't need to be brought up unless there is a reasonable assumption that a hate crime has occurred at which point it should be fully prosecuted under applicable Federal law.