Our new Attorney General, Eric Holder, has found himself in hot water with some comments that he made on Wednesday: “In things racial we have always been, and I believe continue to be in too many ways, essentially, a nation of cowards.” Pundits, particularly those on the right, have called these words “reprehensible” and “inflammatory.” While he actually said nothing new, it seems to be the fact that he used the word “coward” that has people upset. But which people? White people? Black people? Brown people?
Beyond this single statement, listen to this portion of his speech and try to find something that is outlandish.
What he said, in a nutshell, is that Americans are afraid to discuss race. What is wrong with making that claim? Is he off-base about that? He didn’t single out any group. Or are some folks assuming that he implied that only white people are the cowards? How would this be received if this was George Bush saying this? Or Bill Clinton?
Lots of people are saying that fifty million cowards seemed to have gotten beyond their fear and put an African American in power who would then appoint Holder as the Attorney General. However, he’s not discussing any singular act of racism or anti-racism or racial preference but, rather, the way we live our lives — which is to tolerate other races in our work lives but maintain very segregated personal lives. By the way, the data pretty clearly support him on this.
The overarching problem with Holder’s words is that white people don’t know how to interpret them–and so they return to the old script: “It’s a black guy speaking about race. So he must be critiquing us.”
Another element of the old script is that most any statement made about race from one group is going to offend another group. That’s exactly what Holder is talking about. So if we’re not a nation of cowards, we would just allow him his critique and keep talking to each other, don’t you think?
It would be really interesting to see the reaction of this speech if it was made by a white person. It is a similar notion to “only I can call my brother an idiot.” Self-deprecation is always taken more positively than insults from the other group. This is pretty close to what the Attorney General was talking about. It is way more difficult said than done, as we are a nation of cowards in that regard. We have been trained in the art of political correctness, and that “everyone is a winner,” to a point where we avoid uncomfortable conversation at all costs. This seems to be the road that our generation is going down. Ignoring differences is better than insulting differences, but it is still a far cry from equality. Our institutional laws are no longer obvious, are politicians no longer openly racist, and our schools no longer officially segregated. Instead, we have hidden laws of discrimination, politicians who will help some more than others based on race, and schools of mostly minorities with little to no funding compared to suburban white-dominated schools. In learning about America, we learned that we once were referred to as “a melting pot.” In an effort to prevent the claim that any cultures get lost in the mix, we are now a supposed “salad bowl.” This can also take on the meaning that we are segregated but all live in one location though. This claim that we no longer “mix” is a dangerous one, and something that we should not have changed our generic metaphor of America to.
We are going to have to re-confront race issues on a deeper level, and eventually we will. Obama’s presidency, while it may not fulfill MLK’s dream, at least puts it back on the table. Race is something that will be talked about far more in this presidency than in the last, which will be a solid progression for race relations. As these speeches come up more and more frequently, we will be able to talk about why we are cowards, or at least finally notice our cowardice in terms of race relations. Until it becomes engrained into our culture (television, news, schools), we will still see statements like this and believe it to be entirely false and negative. Once changes are made, we will see that this statement is a call to improve, to make our nation greater in the realm of race relations. This is why classes like SOC 119 are so important. We need to understand the importance and ease of conversing between races, ethnicities, and nationalities.
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I can definitely agree with our new Attorney General, Eric Holder, that America, as a whole, is afraid to discuss race. I do not feel as though there is anything wrong with him saying that. In fact, I believe it is true. You do not have to be a racist or bigot to be uncomfortable to talk about race. That really does not have anything to do with it.
I grew up in an extremely diverse high school. It was about fifty percent white, forty percent black, and the other ten percent included Europeans, Indians and other ethnicities. In a nutshell, eighty three countries were represented in my school. I see every single person of any race as equal. I came across many races and ethnicities through my four years in high school and have learned many things from that. I can look at and talk to a Chinese woman the same way I do to a white male. I have no problem with that. Most of us, as a nation, do not have a problem with this. But what Eric Holder is saying is that we do have a problem talking about race and racial issues to one another. Personally, I had no idea I had this problem. I thought because of what I experienced through my life it would be an easy task to, for example, talk to a black person about slavery. I realized this the first day of my discussion group here in Soc 119. I censored what I said because I was not sure whether I would offend kids of other races in the class of the pertaining topic. But I admit that it can be challenging to talk about race with other races. I believe that in some way, shape or form, we are all bias. We all are going to defend our own race one way or another. With biases come biased answers and responses. What we are trying to achieve is a non-biased nation of America.
“If we are to make progress in this area we must feel comfortable enough with each other and tolerant enough of each other to have frank conversations about the racial matters that continue to divide us,” Eric Holder said. I completely agree with this quote one hundred percent. The main goal is to be one with every race and ethnicity. Not being able to talk about racial matters with other races can indeed leave us stagnate in the pursuit of complete unity.
I have one issue with the Attorney General’s words. Why is he talking about race to begin with. The Attorney General’s job is concerned with legal affairs and is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States Government. I recommend that he deals with that instead of dealing with people feeling uncomfortable about talking racial issues.
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I think that its not fair to compare illegal immigrants into this country to completely legal Americans living abroad. There are at the extreme most 2 million Americans living abroad uninsured, and I bet a lot of these are living in countries where health care is nationalized and they are paying taxes. Here, there are millions and millions of illegal aliens who aren’t paying a dime in taxes and are taking health care from legal citizens. It is not a fair comparison. At the same time though, hospitals will treat uninsured Americans if it is an American, and these Americans don’t need insurance. If it is an emergency, the patien doesn’t need insurance, and this should be extended to foreigners legal or illegal.
I am really not that concerned about hospitals bills. In my experience, Hospitals overcharge for everything and make a killing off of it. I know they are all underbudgeted and in need of a lot of money, but it really is not at the top of the list of problems for me.
As far as the comment by the attorney general goes, he is right. Were not a racist nation, were a race avoidance nation. Nobody likes to talk about the subject in general because every comment turns into something racist or something overly defensive. A lot of times it isn’t necessary to talk about race. I think that we are a nation of cowards, but calling us a nation of cowards does nothing but further the problem.
I think that whenever a black person does anything, the focus is on his race rather than his character. Jackie Robinson isn’t remembered for baseball, he’s remember for being black. Same with Barack Obama. No matter what he does, he will always be primarly remembered for being the first black president, probably. That’s the problem. Were talking about being over race but were not over it, were obsessed with it. Were in a transition to a post racial world before, it was hate, but now its constant awareness. Its compulsive. Everytime anything is done we try hard not to be racist but in doing that we become obsessed with race. And that is a form of racism.
In our recessitations I feel like we are just talking about the same things over and over again each week and it gets really boring. I think were really grinding the idea of racism. We really need to take a new angle on it. I also think we need new and fresh conversation starters. I really like the activity we did today in class I thought it was funny and pretty eye opening. I think we should do more stuff like that in recessitations.
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I believe that Attorney General, Eric Holder’s comments on race are completely plausible. I think that most of the country are still “cowards” when it comes to the topic of race. I believe the outcry over this is because whites are feeling attacked. I, personally being a white American, do not feel that way at all though. I do not think that he is attacking us. And I do not see his comments as “reprehensible” and “inflammatory.” He is simply just trying to get his point across about the race issue, with the race issue being us stuck in our own race and by using “cowards” he got our attention- granted some people think not in a good way. I believe he is just trying to make the point that we still have a long way to go, even though we did elect a black (or half black, whichever way you want to spin it) president. I also believe it keeps going back to Martin Luther King Jr.’s and how it is still yet to be realized. Like Sam Richards said, it is merely a comment about how we live our lives. Yes, many of us have nothing against other races; we have no hatred for them, which is a step in the right direction. But yet we still go on living our lives basically only being acquainted with people of our same race. We are cowards when it comes to stepping outside of our comfort zone. We are afraid of actually breaking through the race lines and actually knowing or being friends with people of another race. We are afraid of meeting new people unlike us. At the same time though, this is just how we are you can’t explain it. We’ve been talking about it in my discussion group, and we’ve been discussing what draws you to people. It is hard to explain, some people said if they have similar interests or they are welcoming. But others, including myself, identified it as we are drawn to people like us and by like us I mean same skin color. It is just something we do without realizing it. So I believe the first thing we should do to fix it is address the issue. Now that I took notice about my being drawn to whites, anymore I am going to try to address it. Now it is at least in the forefront of my mind. And I think that is a step in the right direction- acknowledging the problem. I think that is all Holder was trying to accomplish- acknowledging a problem. Because once you figure out the problem you have a good chance of fixing it.
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I agree with Eric Holder. We are a nation of cowards regarding race relations and discussion of racial issues. I do not believe he is criticizing one racial group. He makes no mention of that in the clip provided. I could understand how some could think he is particularly suggesting that whites are cowards since he is talking about black history month, but I do not agree with this. He is right. It is much more comfortable to ignore the white elephant in the room. It is easier to avoid certain topics, especially that of race. I admit I am guilty of this myself. If I find myself in the company of those of another race, especially blacks, I automatically find myself conscience of the language I use and topics I bring up to discussion. I don’t want to say anything that would offend or upset the person of the other race. So perhaps even I, in some respects, am a coward regarding race relations. But I am making steps to change this- being in this class for instance. I am always pretty liberal, tolerant, and open to other ethnic groups and cultures. I think the point Holder was trying to make is that we should simply be more open and tolerant of others. We should be open and tolerant about the racial differences that for some reason divide up. We should not avoid certain topics just because they are uncomfortable. I think it would be different if a white man presented this argument. I would be a bit more surprised. I think white people are going to easily assume that Holder is criticizing whites. But if a white man made these statements, wouldn’t black people be just as quick to assume blacks were being criticized? And why is it automatically assumed that Holder is just talking about blacks and whites. Although he does not specifically mention it, I believe Holder was talking about people of all colors and ethnic backgrounds. And why is what Holder is saying so bad? He wasn’t accusing anyone of being racist or even intolerant. He was merely pointing out the white elephant in the room- race. I think more people should point this out and race should be talked about more openly. Yes, America has made huge progress in electing an interracial president. And yes, the demographical make-up in this country has seen and will continue to see a shift in future decades. Because of this, I think now more than even Americans should openly talk about the issues that somehow divide us. Education, activism, and conversation is the only way race relations can change. People like Holder are using their position of authority to make that first step. We should not criticize it, but join in the conversation.
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Yes our Attorney General called the American people cowards. I mean we can’t stop what we are doing and jump down his throat for his comments. In my opinion, he wanted to get everyones attention and explain how serious of a problem this really is. And we continue to ignore the problem and focus on little things. This man is making a speech about helping with the problem of racial tension and the large melting pot in society. It just so happened he used an offensive word for some people. So instead of focusing on the real problem he is trying to explain, we look to the mini details and flip out about him calling us cowards. Who cares? Do you really think that he truly feels that all Americans are cowards and are pathetic people? He is trying to get a good point across and we just let that go in one ear and out the other. He uses this language to truly express the importance of this problem in society. Him being African American certainly has a tremendous effect. And it is an example of our true racial feelings. We actually jump down his throat because we think he is talking to white people especially. White people assume this is directed at them because he is a different race.
Now imagine if Bill Clinton were to make these remarks. White Americans would take this as a wake up call since Bill is white and one of “them”. So white people must believe his remarks and listen to him. Again, if Bill were to make these remarks, I believe blacks would be the ones jumping down his throat and believe that the comments were directed at the black community instead of society as a whole.
White people need to imagine that this man is not black and really understand what he is trying to say. The point is incredible and is true. Do you really think that our Attorney General is hating his own country? And do you really think that this African American is racist against whites? Come on, it is pathetic. It really bothers me that people are actually getting worked up about him calling every one of us cowards. He is not singling out anyone in particular.
If we listen to what he has to say maybe together as a society, the majority of us can help fix this problem that will only grow and worsen. Instead of focusing and WAITING for other racial groups to make possibly racial remarks, we must listen to what they truly have to say and maybe it will make sense. If you come with a closed mind then there is no way we can fix anything.
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I very much agree with Attorney General Eric Holder. It’s not often that people of different races come together in a social environment to discuss their relations amongst each other. If this was a daily occurrence, Penn State University, and I am sure other universities as well, would not need to have a “race relations project” to ensure that people are discussing race and getting their feelings out. I am not quite so sure if I would use the term “coward” to describe Americans because we do not discuss race every day. It’s more that people are uncomfortable discussing this issue and may be worried that other people may get offended if they speak their minds. It may sound like I am describing a coward, but I am really not trying to. Some people, like me, really value how others view them so they do not want to offend them in any way. For instance, I am not going to be forthright about my opinions on race and ethnicity with a complete stranger because I would not want to risk offending them upon our very first meeting.
I think it was perfectly acceptable that Attorney General Holder described Americans as “cowards.” He has the right to free speech just like the rest of us do. Personally, I do not think he was pinpointing a specific ethnic group, and if he was, he did not announce it and make it clear to us. Maybe he even used the word “coward” to gain people’s attention and maybe make them listen to his overall message.
When Sam said in his original post, “if we’re not a nation of cowards, we would just allow him his critique and keep talking to each other, don’t you think?” I think he is totally on the ball. Again, I don’t know if “coward” is the word I would choose, but I guess it’s the closest description to what Holder is talking about. I think maybe people are just ashamed of what Holder is saying; they do not want to admit to being extra cautious when discussing race because then that would possibly mean that they are in fact a coward, or maybe it could mean that they are a little bit racist, and neither of those traits are valued.
I think that since it was a black man who came out and made this claim, many people, especially white people, would think that he was bashing them, when in fact, he was most likely talking to every race in the US. If a white man or woman had made this speech, it could have seemed very hypocritical to say something like that because if there were to be cowards in this subject, it would probably be the white people.
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I honestly find nothing that Eric Holder said to be offensive, and if someone or a specific group of people do find it offensive maybe it’s because they are a bunch of cowards and cant step up to the plate and admit it. I think it’s a good thing someone finally is bringing this issue up, because it seems as though many of our past presidents were scared to bring up the race issue. This whole speech was just a start to what we have to get used to. We can’t put race behind us anymore because we have a half black white president. I think that if George Bush or Bill Clinton were to say those exact words people would feel more comfortable with it, and I don’t feel as though that is right. I’ve seen many people claim not to be racist because they have friends at home or work of different races but I believe that if those same people were to invite that person over to party or have dinner with the family it would be a whole new story and many of excuses. I personally don’t have a problem talking about race because I am black and I have a lot of different friends of different races. So I like the idea that we can talk about race and not get offended. Like Eric Holder said we need to understand what black history is, because in high school we only talk about black people and what they contributed to this world in February, which is black history month, other than that we don’t really talk about the good things. We always seem to point out the bad things such as slavery and murders. We as a university need to do more things on campus to recognize black history or even black people. We don’t do enough and it is kind of unfair that even on black history month we don’t hold events to let everyone know what black people did to help PSU out. I feel as though our new attorney general should have the right to talk about this kind of issues because he is black who is an attorney who went through a lot to get where he is at now. I do feel as though people are cowards when it comes to race, I don’t think that people should feel any sympathy for my people because we are going to come out on top and no matter how many times we get pushed back down we always seem to get right back up. Now that we have people who are willing to bring up this issue is a good thing and people just need to open up and smell the coffee because like Eric Holder said sooner or later the world is going to become one race and I feel as though the whites are going to be the minority for once.
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Initially, I did not really think there was any word you could call a white person that would offend them (being white myself). As Sam’s class progressed and he said different things, I began to think about it more and more. It really is true that the one thing a white person hates to be called is a “racist.” We’ve been raised our entire lives to ignore race in general so as to not be seen as harboring negative racial stereotypes. Because of this when race does come up we immediately shy away from the subject. Black people talk very openly about their race (my friends at least) in front of me. My white friends do too, in their own company. As soon as another ethnicity enters the circle, most racial jokes and even acknowledgement of race seems to cease. Is it because we do not know where to draw the line, like what is funny to them and what is pushing boundaries? Or is it our simple fear of being labeled a racist, held in the same league as the Klu Klux Klan?
I’m hoping that this is what Eric Holder is referring to. Our nation in general, being taught to suppress racial thoughts in the public to such a great extent, despite what goes on underneath mentally, acts as though it hides a wound, a wound that when not tended to becomes infected and festers. In that way we are cowards. We fail to address the racial tensions mounting all around us and it is not until they are brought to the table on a grand scale that we can move past them. Once cultures come to an understanding of one another, we can hope to finally live together as equals instead of pretending that we all are and hoping for the best.
I think it is ridiculous that Holder is being attacked over such a comment too. When taking a step back though, Sam’s comment makes perfect sense as to why. When one race makes a racially charged comment, it is normally seen as condescending to another. Holder, being black, is truly most likely seen as taking a stab at white Americans here. In calling people cowards, he is making many white people squirm in their chairs because they know not to bring up race in their social circles. Therefore this “criticism” attacks something that they have known for a very long time. It is much like attacking a devout Catholic’s faith who has been since birth. They only know one thing, and that is the religion of Catholicism. That is how they worship their God and they’ve never done it differently. Then a person of Jewish faith comes along and tells them they are merely afraid to do something differently. Of course the Catholic is going to get defensive in such a situation.
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Attorney General Eric Holder spoke words that took many Americans out of their comfort zone. However, I do believe that Holder had a point. He did not speak out of ignorance and what he said was not completely out of line. I believe that what he had to say did not just apply to one race but to all races in the United States of America. I believe that we as a people have many issues when it comes to talking about race. What is appropriate to say? What is political correct? When do we cross the line? I do believe that Americans are afraid to bring up the topic of race because it has become so easy to offend people. I do not believe that Holder was completely off in saying we were cowards, but I don’t believe he used the right word. I think that by using the word coward he dug himself into a whole, and that there was a better way of saying the American people are scared to bring up issues relating to race.
I do believe that when talking about race people tend to really worry about being politically correct. I think that when people do worry about this it puts a strain on a person’s ability to talk about race. It is a subject that people tend to fell uncomfortable about because it is like uncharted waters for a person. I do believe that calling the people of America cowards was going a little too far, but I also believe that we are scared to go into the unknown. Talking about race is not a topic that most people want to bring up, and when it is brought up it is when you are around close family and friends. Because when you talk about with them you know where the line is and you know when you are about to cross it. I think now that Obama is president the topic of race is going to come up more frequently and I do believe this I a good thing. You can’t get over your fear of talking about something unless you get to talk about it. I think that having a black president will make it easier for the topic of race to flow easier. It is something that needs to be talked about in order to help this country become a better place.
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Holder says that given our nation’s history, it is somewhat understandable that we do not talk about racial matters. He goes on that a solution of this is to dedicate the month of February to black history month, and make it a point during that month to have conversations across the races. Does this mean I should only talk to someone who is not white during those short 28 days? Holder does not address any particular race and therefore, I feel that if the speaker was George Bush or Bill Clinton, the same views could be expressed regardless of the speaker’s race. Perhaps that white speaker, however, would leave out the call-to-action to a solemn responsibility of bringing all races together, but only mentioning a black history month. If the ideas that Holder express were to come true, the idea that our nation becomes free like our greatest president once dreamed, then February would not be the only month to discuss and be more open to explore the black race. What about the brown and the tan race? There is so much diversity within our country that in order to fully come together as a country and become an equal nation, we should learn the history of every race living and flourishing within America’s borders everyday of every month.
True, it is a black talking about race. White people who don’t understand what he is saying would just think we are being criticized. Because Holder doesn’t say “white people have racial issues,” one can’t believe that is his message. Holder’s message is that our nation as a whole has racial issues. We have learned to get along with people of different races in the work place but not in a social place. I suppose these are the words that racism provokes. I think racism will occur regardless of who talks to who. Generations before ours has adopted racism and our generation will get over it, when we do just that. Get over it. Regardless of what color someone is, don’t avoid sitting next to them on the bus. Simple things like that, I think will help out generation become friends with people of different races and eventually knock out racism. Laurie Mulvey talks about seeing people as the enemy and then turning around and seeing them as friends. I think that racism will become abolished in every degree, when people finally open up and decide that it’s okay to be friends with people who aren’t white.
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When Holder said that we as American’s, and more specifically, white Americans are afraid to discuss race, I could not agree with him more. We seem to have come a long way and believe that racism is in the past and we are free to discuss it, but this is just not true. In my discussion group yesterday, we had a very interesting discussion about whether or not we could walk up to a stranger and ask them what their race is and to then talk about it. The majority of us said no we would not do that, but once we got talking, the answers changed that we would like people to come up to us and ask us. I have had two very separate occasions where this has happened. Being the person that I am, I was not offended, but I know other people would be. And I do believe that there is a difference between ignorance in not knowing and asking to learn and ignorance in not wanting to know and assuming and most likely being wrong. I do think that because we have a black President who appointed Holder as the Attorney General gives them both a more sort of free reign over what they discuss, and race will probably be mentioned, as we can see. If this were George W. Bush or Bill Clinton, then no, this would never be discussed. This is because there is still the stigma that white people don’t know what colored people go through and they have no right to talk about it. That is why I think about the two separate occasions where I was called out on a race that people assumed I was. Because the one person was of color, she felt she could call me out and assume I was black. I know that I would never go up to someone and say, “I know you are Italian and we have to stick together.” Truth be told, I would be afraid to do that. The second time, someone assumed I was Hispanic and then told me that, “since I was a minority I could get a scholarship.” This person was white, and a teacher. I do not think that what he said was appropriate. I think this because I feel he was not insulting me, but insulting people of Hispanic origin implying that they would use their race to try and get by the easy way. With all this being said, I agree with Holder in saying that we are a nation of cowards. Anything one person of a different race says about the whole nation, every person of every other race will be insulted by it. We are all judged and I think that a lot of it has to do with not knowing. If someone asks because they want to learn, then I don’t see the harm in that. However, if you choose to not know and judge, then the cycle will not change.
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I agree with Attorney General, Eric Holder, when it comes to his views on Americans ability to move forward and be more open minded in regards to race. Before taking this class I never really spoke about race, of course racial matters have come up but I never really took the time to think and really analyze the racial issue in this nation. I think he is right, a lot of Americans do not feel comfortable discussing race, especially with people of different racial backgrounds. The fact that he used the word “coward” when discussing Americans ability to speak about race was very powerful. Of course being called a coward is going to upset people of all different racial origins but such a strong word has brought this controversial issue to light; and hopefully people will begin to speak more openly about race after hearing Holders speech. I feel that coward is the perfect word to describe Americans abilities to speak openly about race. It’s not that whites or blacks or Asians are cowards, we all as Americans from different origins are cowards when it comes to speaking about a controversial topic such as, race.
My race-relations group has spoken about this on several different occasions and we generally come to the same conclusion; our nation cannot move forward in the ideas of race until we are all comfortable to openly speak to people of our own and different races about controversial racial topics. Americans feel that they always need to be politically correct when they are speaking especially when it comes to race, so that way they don’t offend anyone. I feel that if we are so worried about being politically correct all the time we are never going to get anywhere when it comes to race. People need to learn to be a little less sensitive, on all sides, when it comes to talking about race. Be more open to discussing your race with someone of a different race and don’t feel that you need to hold back when asking someone of a different race about their experiences. Of course everyone needs to maintain a level or respect, as race can be a very sensitive issue for most, but our society needs to wean away from being politically correct and start being real when it comes to race; otherwise we are never going to truly understand each other.
I don’t think that Holder was targeting any specific racial group when he called Americans cowards I believe he was referring to all racial groups and, I agree with him. All different racial groups need to become more open with their neighbors of different races to truly understand one another and to make a real step towards closing this racial gap we have in America. I found it very interesting when Holder mentioned that in the work place all different races come together and work with one another but then in our personal lives we are all still very much still segregated. It really made me think, if we are so successful with interracial relationships in the office then why hasn’t that transferred into our personal lives?
Overall I feel that Holders bold choice of words was appropriate and even beneficial. His controversial words might have offended many Americans but at least he got Americans talking about race. Taking this course it has opened my eyes to a lot of things that I was very oblivious to before. It has made me think about race in my everyday activities and I feel that everyone in our nation needs to be doing the same as well. It is impossible to move forward with race until we are all comfortable with openly and honestly talking about our own race and those races that differ from our own.
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I think that we are a nation of cowards. I think Holder made a very accurate statement, and I don’t think any one group of people is more cowardly than any other. I say this because I’ve seen it on so many different levels and in so many different groups of people. The obvious answer is the white people. I’m white, so I’ve been there. Granted, now I’m very open about everything all the time, but there was a time when I didn’t feel like I could have a certain conversation or say a certain thing to a person just because they were of a different race. I think this is very common, and to some extent, it’s not all white people’s faults. Many white people would love to be in the situation that we get to be in every week in our discussion groups. They could talk to other people openly and learn about themselves and others. The truth of the matter is, that’s not how the world is. And the same goes for people of other races. I can give a perfect example. My roommate is black. I am white. We have one of the strongest and healthiest relationships because neither of us holds anything back. Just last Friday, I came home from work and knowing that she was having a party, I asked her to have a drink ready for me. When I arrived, I suddenly felt very awkward; something I should never feel in my own home. All of the people in my apartment were black, but this is not what made me uncomfortable. You see my presence as a white person in their all black party made them treat me very differently. They were watching Dave Chappelle and all of a sudden then wanted to change the DVD. I’m thinking, holy shit Dave Chappelle, this is hilarious! No one wanted to talk to me or act really friendly. So I asked my roommate to go smoke a cig with me outside (I know, boo to me), and we were laughing about how awkwardly funny it was to watch this sort of “reverse discrimination.” Needless to say, I just went on talking to everyone else and literally making them be my friends, making sure to say whatever I wanted to say, without trying to please other people or worry about what they’d think. After a few drinks, we were all dancing and carrying on, and one of my roommate’s black friends actually pulled me aside. He asked me how I felt so comfortable with people who were obviously so different, and whether I worried about what other people would think when I openly talked about my “white girl booty,” etc. I couldn’t really believe it, and I just tried to explain to him that because I don’t worry about barriers and color and things that don’t matter, no one else worries about them around me. He told me that he wanted to try to be more open and honest, without worrying about what other people would think if he laughed at Dave Chappelle, etc. The whole things was awesome because not so long ago I wasn’t that different from him. If we could all just stop over analyzing what other people say and how they meant it and just take it for what it is, then comments like Holder’s wouldn’t carry so much politic charge. It’d just be a statement.
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I can agree with Holder’s speech in a way because it is somewhat true. A lot of people are afraid to talk about race-that is in front of people of a different race. Many people have no problem talking about race to their friends or family. In fact, if you were to put hidden cameras in various people’s houses you would probably find that all people-black, white, Asians, etc-talk about other races in not so positive manners. Just like Sam Richards says every white person has that “one racist uncle.” However, I think that all people have that one racist member of their family; the member of their family that says all the racist comments about other races that float around in the back of your mind every time you see a person from that particular racial group. It is unfortunate but many Americans hide their true racial feelings to the outside world, or rather, they just hide it from other races. For example, if a black person were in a store full of white people it is very unlikely they would say something mean about a white person. However, if a black person were in a store full of black people then they would more than likely say something derogatory about white people because they feel more comfortable. If they were to say something about race in a room full of white people then it could start an argument or even a fight. In a room full of black people it is very possible the other black people in the room would nod in agreement or just not say anything if they disagree in hopes of fitting in with their black crowd. Speaking about race is one of those taboos that you learn as a child. I remember when I was younger I was not supposed to even mention the color of a person in public. Like, if I saw a white girl with a toy I wasn’t supposed to say “there goes a white girl with the toy I want” instead, I would be expected to say “there goes a girl with the toy I want.” My parents were teaching me to conceal the fact that I notice color at a young age. However, just because we choose to ignore we are different it does not get rid of the problems we have. In fact, I believe that trying to conceal our differences and being “cowards” when it comes to discussing race will only make the problem worse. Ultimately, racism relies a lot on stereotypes and if we can educate ourselves enough to challenge the truth of some of those stereotypes then we can get closer to actually eliminating racism someday. So this problem is not just one group’s fault. Everyone needs to stop being cowards about talking about race so we can make some changes and move forward.
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Saying that America is a nation of cowards, is really not so far off base. In fact, I really agree with it to an extent. American people, myself included sometimes, basically follow whatever trend seems to be in this particular season, I don’t just mean superficially either. It’s so hard not to though if you follow the mainstream media, even if you don’t follow, it still surrounds you. How does this fit in with our nation being cowards? Well, if people are constantly following the “social norms” as in, not questioning the norms and not questioning why things are the way they are. Why is it such a bad thing for someone to finally call out the majority of Americans?
I think the biggest issue with being called out, was who was doing the calling out. Many Americans aren’t used to being spoken to by minorities straight up. We’re always too busy being politically correct, and it’s time to stop that if we ever want to get past this racial divide that still exists. Political correctness is great, for not stepping on any toes, not so much for getting things accomplished. Being P.C. keeps real feelings and emotions from ever getting out, and if you can never get that out in the open, you most likely will never make any progress getting past your current views.
In all honestly though, I still would put most blame on the media in this country, this shouldn’t have even ever been questioned, but since it was a black guy saying this, it got blown out of proportion, naturally. The media helps keep these racial divides strong, they rarely focus on the good qualities of any race, it seems like it’s always just about what they’ve done wrong. The media doesn’t even just focus on the negatives of race, but the negatives of most aspects of life.
What if someone else made this speech/statement, basically a white man? I don’t know what the reception would have been. I don’t think this country is used to any race really putting a foot down and saying what needs to be said about race in this country. So I think no matter who would have said it, there would be plenty of people not sure how opt take it.
Overall, in order for this country to ever fully embrace our diversity, instead of shying away from it and either acting like it doesn’t exist, or discriminating against other cultures, we need to be honest with others and ourselves. No more trying to not offend people by not saying how you truly feel, or what you honestly felt. Get it out in the open and learn the real truth. We’re all in this together, and we simply do need to stop being “cowards” and talking about it, and moving forward together.
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I can see how a white person could interpret Holder’s comments as intended towards only whites. I can see how that might frustrate them and see it as just another black man complaining about racial issues. I can see how being referred to as a “coward” would only anger them. But Holder is right. Most people are uncomfortable talking about race with someone of another. This is a contributing factor to segregation. Yes, this country has come pretty far in terms of racism, but in my opinion, today, being tolerant just isn’t good enough. Too many times do people claim that they are unprejudiced, and then go off and spend their life with people of only the same race. They preach equality but choose to surround themselves with only others that look the same as them. This country is incredibly diverse, but it seems that there are too many segregated groups, almost like clicks in high school. I feel that we will only reach Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream when the thought of race is forgotten. When people will have friends of all different races and think nothing of it. When the world becomes color-blind. When people stop saying “we” when referring to their own race. And honestly, I feel that it really shouldn’t be that hard. If the only thing that separates me from another person is the color of their skin, then honestly, that is not much of a difference at all. One of the major things that stop people from integrating in their normal lives is the topic of racism. One person might be uncomfortable hanging around with someone of another race because they think the other person has race on their mind. But as Holder says, with communication, people can go a long way. Discussing race eliminates that tension or confusion. It would be a shame if white people cannot see what Holder is saying. Taking offense to his speech is completely missing the point, and downright dumb. Being a white male, I can understand exactly what he is saying. Although, I can speak for neither the rest of the white race, nor anyone of any other race. Do people of other races think that white people are “cowards” for not being more proactive on things racial? Do they think white people really do not want to talk about racial issues with one another? My impression is that although Holder takes of race issues, he is focusing on only the African American and white races. In the beginning he notes the “experience of black people in this nation”, as well as the fact that this is Black History Month. I have no problem with this focus, but I can see why some white people may take his “coward” sentence to heart. The fact is, he said “we” and meant it, which means that we must all make a larger effort to address race with others so that we may move forward.
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“In things racial we have always been, and I believe continue to be in too many ways, essentially, a nation of cowards.” I would honestly say that I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. I can’t even begin to understand why such a claim would get Attorney General Eric Holder into trouble? In my opinion, it’s the dirty truth whether we want to hear it or not. Must we always complain about things that we don’t want to hear? Of course, it’s America…we always have to issue our complaints. Before taking this course, I never realized just how much Americans really are afraid to talk about race. And we are, we really are. In just the past seven weeks of class, how many times have we come across the fact that we are very hesitant when it comes to racial issues? This hesitance is demonstrated mostly by white people who can’t seem to look racial issues in the face. But why? Whatever the case, be it guilt, ignorance, or lack of interest, this is a problem. How will we EVER bridge the gaps between our races and better this ongoing serious issue if we don’t suck it up and handle it, individual by individual? However, it surely isn’t only white people causing the problem with their hesitance to discuss race and the various other things they may bring to the table to contribute to the situation. It is everybody. Sometimes people of color make excuses for why they are treated certain ways or can’t do certain things. Sometimes people of color get so defensive about anything and everything a white person may say. On the other hand, some white people don’t ever take the time to stop and consider the perspective of those of color. Some white people dismiss virtually everything others say on the notion, “It’s a black guy speaking about race. So he must be critiquing us.” That statement in the blog was so true. Where is the open-mindedness in any of this? An open and accepting mind is really what each of us needs to discover in order to get anywhere with our issues of race. Just because we elected a black president into office doesn’t mean that we don’t have a long way to go, because the truth of the matter is that we do. It will be a very long journey if you and I don’t swallow our pride and recognize our faults and agree to move forward to eventually right our wrongs. If more people in our world had the experiences that I’ve had in just seven weeks of taking this course, we would be on a sure path to true change. It is putting the hesitance aside and really facing the issues that need to be dealt with and talking about them. When you’re in a fight with your friend, how do you resolve it? You talk about your problems. Sure it’s not pleasant, sure it’s not fun…but it’s what has to be done to make things better. We are and have been in a constant fight with our racial differences. There’s no better way to get to the bottom of such issues than to lay them out and talk about them. By doing just this in class and our discussion groups, I already feel so much more aware and have a much better understanding of a realm that was once very foreign to me. What can we do to expand this experience to our brothers and sisters on all teams?
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I do not think that there is anything wrong with our new Attorney General Eric Holder calling the American people cowards. I would like to think that our country has completely eliminated the racial problems that plagued our country during the 1960s and 70s and years before that, but that would be extremely naïve. Being in a race relations class I feel like anyone can talk openly about race issues, but once you leave the classroom and head into the real world the situation changes slightly. It is one thing for our class to be discussing issues like affirmative action, and a completely other thing to be talking about it in the workplace. Our class is made up of people willing and eager to get past the discomfort and any touchy subjects that may have happened in our country’s history. We recognize the mistakes that we made back then and, more importantly, look at the injustices that are still going on today. In the workplace, however, you are surrounded by a group of people who may have only one thing in common- the same boss that put you there. You do not know who is easily offended and by what they may take offense to. Not wanting to offend anyone and trying to avoid any conflicts, most Americans just try to be safe and not bring up race at all. In situations like these I can see how American’s of all racial backgrounds can be perceived as cowards. It is true that we cowards did unite to elect our first Black president, but this is not on the same social level Holder was talking about. While we fully support Obama running the country we do not have daily interactions with him. It’s almost like on the surface everything looks fair and equal but below the surface we are still struggling with the same problems that we have for hundreds of years. Obama can be our poster boy showing the world that times have changed, but until we follow this diversity through into our personal lives the problem is not solved.
I do not think that Holder said this to offend anyone. And I do not think that he was saying this merely to critic white people. Instead I think that he just wanted to get people talking, and if he gets people upset at least they are upset together. It is not just whites that are hesitant about bringing up race. There’s nothing like a shared anger to unite people no matter what their racial background. Maybe it was Holder’s plan all along for people to get upset; he obviously achieved his purpose because here we are talking about race.
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We are a nation of cowards, especially when it comes to racial topics. I mean, no offense, Soc 119, but we have to have a class just to talk about race. And even then, is there one person in lecture or in group who hasn’t been made uncomfortable by something that Sam or one of our TAs or anyone else has said about race? Do you really want to say what you think of your Indian neighbors when there’s an Indian chick sitting next to you? Like today (Thursday) in lecture when we were supposed to turn to the person next to us and say what we thought about affirmative action. Well I think affirmative action is damned unfair, but I was sitting next to a black guy. And I’ll be the first to admit that as a white girl, I felt a little weird telling that black guy, “hey, I think affirmative action is damned unfair.” That’s just me. But I really do think that a lot of us kind of have a problem (or if not a problem, a bit of hesitation) saying exactly what we think about race, especially to those of different races than ourselves.
Of course, I can’t really speak for other races. Seems like most black girls have a lot of sass, maybe they don’t have a problem telling white chicks exactly what they think of them, or what they think of the white race in general. At least that’s what it seems like in the movies, when the black cheerleader tells the white cheerleader to get out because crackas have no rhythm or talent or creativity and therefore don’t belong on a cheerleading mat or at a football game. But realistically, I can’t speak for other races. I really can’t even speak for anyone but myself. Perhaps Eric Holder was generalizing about the white race (but really, good for him? Haven’t we generalized others enough too?), and only the white race; maybe Asians don’t have a problem at all talking about Indians, and blacks could really care less about talking about Chinese-White or Japanese-American relations. Maybe other whites don’t even have a problem with this whole “race relations” thing. I just know that people, and Americans specifically (because that’s all I really know) are a little uncomfortable and reticent when it comes to bringing up and speaking their minds about racial topics.
Either way, no one really likes Bush or Clinton from what I hear (or at least they don’t respect what either of them says…must be all the verbal grammatical errors and stupid comments), so if one of them said what Holden said, I feel like a lot of people would have just been like, “Oh whatever, he doesn’t even know what he’s talking about.” On the other hand, that might not be what would go down at all; who knows?
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I can definitely see why Holder’s words offended many people. It offends the people who don’t know much about race and claim that America is truly equal. It offends people how trying to strengthen the race relation program. It offends people as a whole, as a community and as individuals. But was statement true? Are we really a nation of cowards when it comes to race? I think as a nation we are trying to understand each other, but we still have a long way to go, despite having a black man as a president, which is saying a lot.
For me, as a black man, here’s how I have to approach this problem we have with race. Yes, America clearly isn’t a fair nation, but my father has always told me that when you’re a black person in America, you’re automatically at a disadvantage. It’s just a fact. I can bet you that Obama’s road to being the president of the United States was tougher than any other road a person took on getting there. Being black, you’re gonna face adversity, whether you like it or not. The question is how you approach the problem. I’m not saying that blacks should keep their mouths shut and just work harder. That’s not the point. What I’m trying to say is that focusing all your energy on saying that the United States in unequal with race is not going to solve our the problem. My father does think that blacks are still treated unfairly, but the way he deals with it is by working twice as hard as his white colleagues because he knows that it’s the only way to get noticed in this workforce. Is it fair? Absolutely not…but that didn’t stop my father from working even harder.
It’s great that we have programs that stress the fact of inequality about race because those types of programs have effectively moved America forward in a positive way, despite America having a long way to go. But at the same time, us as blacks can’t just expect everything to be equal all of the sudden. That time by God’s grace will come eventually. But for now, we have to deal with what we have, but again, we shouldn’t just brush the inequality off, but rather take it as a challenge.
I believe what Holder was trying to say was that the nation of America avoids trying to talk about race because they’re fearful. I can’t disagree with this statement entirely. Having Obama being president clearly showed how race was being seen in America because it was shown nationally to the world, which is good because when race is shown on a grand stage, people pay more attention to it. As a nation are we “cowards”? In some ways we are, but at the same time, I believe we as a nation are trying to understand one another.
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Eric Holder’s speech on how all races need to communicate more and address the current racial issues that we continue to face in our “melting pot” nation seems to make sense. It does not appear as though he was solely addressing White people, but rather the nation as a whole. I agree that we must start talking about race rather than pretending that these issues have been resolved. I think a lot of the reasons people are convinced that racism is no longer a problem in need of addressing is because we do not see acts of racism in our every day lives. It is rare to come across a blatant, obvious racist because we have learned through the years that this is no longer socially acceptable. I think a lot of the problems occur behind closed doors. Sometimes my friends will utter a racist remark to me, thinking that I feel the same way or will laugh at their “joke,” when in reality it shocks me that I have friends who still display these feelings. I have talked about my race relation’s course with one of my neighbors and he has openly stated that he would never be interested in taking such a course. He is one of the friends who will make racist comments or jokes, thinking that they are harmless. He is proof that we still have a ways to go in addressing these issues.
I think courses such as Soc 119 are a step in the right direction toward talking about other ethnicities and addressing issues that have been pushed under the table. Unfortunately, the students who choose to enroll in this course, as well as courses similar to this, are ones who are open to discussion. They are the ones willing to look at themselves from another point of view and step into the shoes of other races. People who are still closed-minded and discriminate against individuals who are different than them are unwilling to be educated. Holder says that we must start talking, but he didn’t say how we could get people to listen. Many individuals, especially those coming from small towns or living in the South simply don’t want to address issues of race. They believe living in America, being friends with people of different ethnic backgrounds, and not overtly exhibiting acts of racism is enough progress. Maybe they are afraid to really step back and examine subtle thoughts or acts of racism. Perhaps they are comfortable in their own White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American shoes. It is not just White people who are unwilling to learn. Black people are often convinced that the White man has put them down and will continue to do so. It would be great for our country to start communicating about these subtle race issues, but first we need to find a way for people to listen. I do not have a solution, but maybe making a race relations class such as this one a required course could be a step in the right direction.
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I agree with the notion that people in America generally are afraid of talking about race. Before taking Soc 119, I really didn’t think that I had much to say in the race conversation; rather, I didn’t know what the race conversations could possibly be about. I thought “there are different races in the world, so what?” The topics we cover in lecture are really making me question more about race’s place in the world today. And, I would venture to say that most people in this country have not given much thought to how race has affected their lives. For example, often times, Sam talks about how the white skin he wears helps him in ways that he cannot understand. At first, I did not understand what he meant, or how this could have possibly been relevant to my life. But, upon reconsidering, I can see how my white skin probably has helped me. I probably have been given the benefit of the doubt and thought better of because of my white skin. All of my high school teachers were white. If I forgot an assignment at home, I usually felt confident that a teacher would believe that I had completed the assignment, giving me the benefit of the doubt. I cannot say for sure, but it is possible that if I had black or brown skin, teachers would be less likely to believe me. This is similar to the video shown in class today about the black and white man who spoke to the landlord. This video also serves as a prime example of the “fear” that most Americans have about talking about race. The landlord was quick to deny that he lied to the black man, and the owner of the building vehemently denied that any racism had gone on. She was visibly upset and her words showed her extreme self-defense.
I think when it comes to making racial comments, many white people quickly jump to self-defense. They feel that they may say the wrong thing, and others may see something in their words that they didn’t mean to convey. And, like in anecdote the first chapter of Making Peace Between Our Colors, one racial remark may damper a person’s reputation. Even the man in the video is being ridiculed for making a remark about the sensitive subject of race. What Eric Holder was trying to say is that we need to be more “courageous” and open up more about race. We cannot avoid racial issues, if we were able to speak more openly about race in general, we wouldn’t have to be overly defensive, and we wouldn’t feel offended by a single person’s remark on how the rest of us view race.
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Soc 119 has really opened my eyes to the way that white people view racism. I knew before that issues dealing with race make some of them feel guilty, but I did not fully understand the mental conversation going on and the offense taken. Sam really put into perspective the feelings and apprehensions that many white people have when confronted with the issue of race relations. I do not think that it’s right that he is now under scrutiny or receiving criticism because of his words. He had a very deep message to convey and I think that many people’s anger blinded them from seeing what he actually wanted to say. I honestly think that if he were white, they would not have come down on him so hard. They would have see him as someone who wants to make an honest attempt to improve race relations and unify the country. I think that it honestly becomes exceedingly harder to deal with such issues because of the fact that many people in power immediately get defensive and shut down. It does not matter how wise, experienced, kind, or fair you think you are or even actually are. Everybody can use a little improvement and people who are in leadership positions, or may be a little older and stuck in their ways never want to hear that they can conduct themselves a little bit better. Equality in this country needs to come sooner or later and it will never come if people will not even look at the issue with an open mind. There was nothing too radical in his speech that warranted such an outcry. He was speaking the truth but I’m not even going to be self righteous because I know that I have acted similarly under criticism. I have kind of locked up and stopped listening, but eventually, as I ponder on what I was told later, I understand that I have some room to grow to. Conditions and blatant racism in this country are not going to change over night because we are all human beings and we all have the tendency to be self righteous and think that we are always right sometimes. And there are a lot of very bitter people out there as well as people who are just stuck in their ways. I just hope that at the end of the day, Holders critics let the message of his speech marinate and eventually actually give what he said some serious thought. I think that when they do this, since his message is so compelling that they will truly understand what is going on. Holder was not even calling anyone out. He did not point his finger at any racial group as being at fault, so this just shows that his critics know that they are in the wrong because of the fact that they got so mad.
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After reading this article, the statement about “a nation of cowards” did not really affect me personally. It is obvious that there is still racism occurring everywhere. I think because Holder actually said these words in public, it probably hit a nerve with some people. He was basically saying that Americans are afraid to discuss race issues. In my opinion, this is the truth. I really do not see anything wrong with him making this statement because he did not directly choose a race and target them. I think because he is a black man, many white people took this statement and felt that it was directed toward them. Maybe the people who were bothered by this statement actually are the cowards who are not open to other races. Either way, we do need to start talking to each other and listening. No matter who it was directed toward, there is much truth in his words. People are afraid to confront each other in terms of racial issues, which keeps the issues locked deep inside. Currently, there are no more segregated water fountains or bathrooms, but there are still people who segregate themselves. After reading “Making Peace Within Our Colors”, I saw how segregated people acted in everyday conversations. The author described an experience she had when she tried to walk up to two Asian women. They ignored her and walked away. When are we going to start sharing our stories with other races instead of wanting to only share them with the same race? People are still so afraid to discuss their own race with other races. The thing that all people do not understand is that each race has their own fear of talking about this issue. Race is not an easy thing to discuss for anyone. This is why we need it to start happening. We are more all more alike than we think. If we open up discussions and start breaking away rumors and stereotypes, we will be more likely to concentrate on peace between us all. People who are afraid to talk about race, in my opinion are not the cowards. Some people may have a hard time opening up to other people no matter what race they are. I think the people who are cowards are the ones who ignore other races. The people who think that their race is better and do not want to listen to the stories and fears of people of other races. Although, I do think that if Bill Clinton or George Bush said this, many black people would assume that it was about them being cowards. In general, there are cowards everywhere. As I said before, these are the people who only want to listen to people of their own race. In opinion, we all need to change our ideas and start to become much more open-minded to all others.
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What is wrong with categorizing us as a nation of cowards? When it comes to race, I think it is certainly correct to say that about us. We are absolutely afraid of addressing these issues, and more importantly, of really doing anything about them. Yes, I do understand how difficult it is to fully comprehend all of the issues surrounding racial topics, and even more so, how hard it is to actually implement action. But I feel that most of us do not even bring it up. Well, we are a nation of mostly “white” people, so are we simply racist? Perhaps we do not discuss or act on race because it is yet another method that we use to keep those people of color in their places and maintain our position as the king of the hill. Or, maybe it is because we “white” people simply are unable to really understand the severity of race. As a white person, (and a male at that), I just do not know what anyone else is dealing with. Sure, I can imagine what it would be like, and yes, I have obviously been teased, ridiculed, mocked, singled out, excluded, and all the rest. But it is simply not the same. I have never walked into a store and thought twice about a look I was given by the white clerk. I have never been walking home from class at night and seen a concerned stare from a young white female as anything but a necessary precaution. We talked about this a little in my discussion group, but we did not really get to elaborate on it fully. In my opinion, I don’t think we, (by we, I mean us “white” people), think about it. And we don’t think about it because we don’t really know of its existence. It is really hard to feel passionately about something to which you cannot relate. It is like saying that I know what it is like to live and work in a brick kiln in Pakistan or a charcoal camp in Brazil. Sure, I can “understand” or “appreciate” the hardships that they must face, but it isn’t really on my mind regularly. It simply doesn’t exist. We only really consider that which we face on a regular basis. Race, for white people, as I can only imagine, isn’t a primary concern. But that is not to say that we are off the hook. Whether or not we are directly affected by the pollution of Lake Erie, we implement programs to maintain its ecosystem. Why then do we do nothing to aid in race related issues. I am only hoping that research is being done and that sometime soon, a successful plan will come into play. But until then, let us continue on as cowards, as we have correctly been categorized.
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First, I want to explore the idea that this speech would be taken differently if a white man- white man of power or not- would have made this speech. It would have definitely been taken in a more POSITIVE way, a more constructive way, if a white man or woman would have presented the idea that we are, “a nation of cowards.” I think this happens for just the reason Sam stated, that when someone of another race is talking about race, it always has to be seen in a NEGATIVE light, but in reality, in this instance anyway, this man, Eric Holder, is just trying to get us all talking about race. Honestly, I am sure after this speech, people have started to talk about race, but not in the way that Eric wants us to talk about race. It is impossible for us to be a “color blind” society, we are not going to just wake up someday and not recognize race, but people like Eric do not accept that. He is trying to create a forum that people of different races can take the time to get together and discuss race in a peaceful, but honest way. He is asking for ONE MONTH out of the year to be dedicated to these conversations. That is only one month out of the twelve months of the year, what is so hard about this? I honestly think it should be something addressed year round- I mean why not? Why is white history adressed so much more promidently than black history? It is just something that isn’t thought about and we needed Eric Holder to drop a word like “coward” to get people talking. To go past black people’s history, why aren’t Native American’s history addressed more? We, as a nation, are way more ignorant about their history and what we, as a white people, have done to them. How long is it going to take for someone to stand up and say that we are acting cowardly about Native American’s history, if ever? Like Sam said, all we need to be is cognitively aware of what is going on in the present, what has happened in the past, and what we hope to happen in the future. Honestly, knowledge and spreading the knowledge you know is one of the most important things we, as Penn State students, can do. It is hard because after class and after discussion groups, I always feel as though I should just leave the country and join the peace corps and physically try to change things, but deep down I know I could never do that. It is frustrating and kind of off topic, but I think I just have to take Sam’s advice and spread knowledge in a positive way.
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The comment made about Black History month, and how we don’t celebrate it enough and acknowledge all the people who helped make equality what it is today. My question and something that I guess kind of erks me is, why do we need a black history month to begin with? I am not racist at all and I do see everyone as equal, but we don’t take whole months to celebrate all the white people or asian people or any other race for that matter to acknowledge them or think about all they have done for our country to this day. I understand all about how slavery was rid of by some of the people recognized during this month and thats great, but I see no need to have a whole month dedicated to it, and then go on to bitch about how we don’t acknowledge them enough. Thats just dumb. No offense but it makes me mad because white people feel guilty enough as it is, not only that, the people growning up today in society have nothing to do with slavery. I sure as hell didn’t own any slaves, so why should I feel guilty? I shouldn’t yet I do because everyone makes you feel guilty all the time because of all their ancestors went through, not even them!
Yesterday in my discussion group, we talked about how one of the black kids in it attending school here, is here on a full scholarship souly because he’s a minority. I am here on scholarship because I did so well on my SATs and graduate 3rd in my class, so finding out that I worked my ass off and made it to PSU on a scholarship, only to discover that a kid is here because he’s a minority, granted he did work hard in school as well, that kind of pisses me off. When is our country going to stop treating people different because of their race only because we feel sorry for them and truely try to bring about equality. Until we start seeing everyone and treating everyone the same (not giving them benefits because they are a minority) our country will never be one truely after equality for all!
But i guess i’m just a big baby and shouldn’t complain. Again, I don’t mean to sound racist, but as Sam said yesterday in class, I guess I am one of those white people who are pissed off. Who just want it all to end and for black today to realize that they didn’t go through the same shit as their relatives 50 years ago, and that they are living in the best time this country, if not this world, has racially ever had.
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A central problem in the state of race relations in modern America is a false appearance of total equality. Although today people of different races no longer need to struggle to attain the same rights and privileges won by Civil Rights activists of the past, we live in a world that is separated by invisible cultural lines that serve to segregate America in its thoughts and relationships. The excerpt from Attorney General Eric Holder’s speech on race relations sums up some of the problems that we face today. In order to truly begin to form a society not bound race or color frank dialogue must take place in an atmosphere that is neither threatening nor judgmental.
The truth in Holder’s words is very clear as one begins to examine the social and cultural composition of American people. Some people have argued that by electing a Black president we have finally proven that racism or racial differences are a thing of the past. While I believe that for the most part people view others of different race as equals, there is an unfamiliarity that prevents them from becoming part of their personal lives; this is evidenced by the natural forming of social groups that usually are devoid of much racial diversity. People are gravitate towards things that are comfortable and familiar, and without regular open dialogue between races the polarization process continues.
In somewhat limited personal experiences interacting with people of different races, primarily African-Americans, I have always been aware of the potential to unintentionally offend someone. I believe that this uneasiness is a symptom of a lack awareness of what is acceptable to each person, and the defensive front people sometimes unintentionally put up. The reactions elicited by people listening to Holder’s speech are an example of this type of behavior. This speech was not meant to be offensive or even scolding, but a reminder that the battle for true equality is not won. Holder recommends frank tolerant discussion, and ironically he has become the victim of the intolerance one often runs into during racial discussions. I believe that the reaction for a speech of this nature would be similar had it come from George Bush or Bill Clinton, but possibly from a different section of the media.
People in today’s America are very defensive about being called racist or intolerant, and are very reactive to any real or perceived notions to the contrary. The use of the word ‘cowards’ in Holder’s speech is not directed towards any one group, but serves to illustrate the validity of his speech. This defensive wall is what Holder is referring to, and it is the main obstacle for growth in race relations and something to be aware of when holding conversations about race.
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I tell many of the people that I hate fake people. I like people who know and tell the truth. That is probably why I don’t have that many friends. It’s hard to find a person that is always truthful. I totally agree with our Attorney General, Eric Holder. The country as a whole is cowards. People don’t want to face the truth. Race is a tough topic to talk about to any person especially someone you don’t really know that well. Although it is though, it should not be neglected. Everyone is not the same race and there are differences among us, why is it so hard to talk about differences. It is a universally known fact that everyone is different from the next person. People don’t want to acknowledge that there is still a racial issue. As many people want to try to avoid the issue or act as though it does not exist, it does. And it is about time someone bring it up
Actually I am tired of people talking about it. I know that to solve any problem, you have to brainstorm. We have been brainstorming for over sixty or eighty years and nothing has changed. I know that we now have a black president but people still acknowledge that he is half white and he was raised by his white side of the family.
A coward is simply someone who lacks courage. In the Wizard of Oz, the lion was said to be a coward but eventually he noticed that he did have it the whole time. It’s hilarious to me. Coward is just a word, a couple letters that make a sound and the whole country is making controversy over it. Would it be better if he simply said people are afraid to address the things that are racial or people avoid talking about race? It is just a statement that was true. He was not directing it to anyone specific. He said a nation of cowards. Not specifically anyone, but various individuals in the nation are cowards. I believe the people who were upset about his comment were the ones that are the cowards. Many people don’t like to face the fact of who they are and the people who were mad were trying to cover it up. What is said is said and there is no way to reverse time and change what happened and he shouldn’t apologize because he did nothing wrong. He just brought something to the light that people are now trying to put on the back burner because we now have a black president. Just because he is in office doesn’t mean that race is not an issue anymore. I hate when certain people try to say that when a racial issue occurs.
What Mr. Holder said was great and I am happy that people want to discuss it.
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I agree with Attorney General, Eric Holder, as he commented on the cowardice of the American people when it comes to discussing race to an extent. It’s true that many Americans, not just white people, are uncomfortable with the topic. However, it’s also reasonable to an extent that people would fear this topic. Blood has been spilt over it, and people have died. To offend the wrong person, even if you weren’t trying to be offensive could have serious consequences.
His argument is legitimate, however. In Disposable People, it is explained that in order to bring slavery to an end, its causes must be identified. Just like a sickness, we must first find the roots of the problem in order to counteract it with a vaccine. So too must the races discuss each perspective in order to make all people more aware, of BOTH sides. I think that great progress is made in our discussion groups. I personally heard some stories from some of the black and brown people that were very upsetting. However, there is the perspective of the white person also. Both sides need to see each other’s points of view in order to start to understand the problem and work together. For instance, in a Race Relations Project discussion that I attended, a black girl commented that white people move out of their neighborhoods as soon as one black person moves in. Yes this is racist on the basis that since the family moving in is black, everyone assumes something awful will happen in the neighborhood. However, on the other hand, another girl commented that her family moved away once a black person moved in because it was after their moving in that her father’s store was robbed and held up at gunpoint by a black man. There are two sides to this argument: No not every black person would do that. In fact, most wouldn’t, but on the other hand, fear and risk are huge motivators. Why would the white man, hearing these kinds of stories, take the risk to stay when he has the means to move? Don’t get me wrong: I believe that it’s a very sad situation, and it’s not right, but there are definitely two sides to the story. This is why things do need to be discussed, so that both perspectives are taken in, and both sides have their thoughts acknowledged and respected. It’s not until respect is instilled that we can all work together.
Another comment that I would like to make is on the idea that whites assume that Holder is attacking them. On the other hand, in my very own Race Relations Project discussion, I made an honest comment about how I believed that racism existed in all races and against all races. Some are more harsh then others, but the rift between the races is not formed just because one race is prejudiced and the others are completely non biased. If racism was a one sided thing, the rift wouldn’t be so deep. I made the point that I’ve been judged on being white. People of other races might see me as sheltered and rich, when they know nothing about me but my skin. I believe that if a person of another race walked into the room, and in the two corners were me and a person of that same race, the people of the other race would feel more inclined to converse with each other than to converse with me. It’s not an evil intent, it’s what we know that we gravitate toward, and what we don’t know that we are more hesitant to approach (and are more likely to foster resentment against).
After making this comment, a girl of another background became offended basically making fun of my statement that racism occurs within and against all races. I resent the fact that whites are told that they don’t listen to other races sides of the stories, when here this girl was doing that very thing to me. It made me upset, but it was also somewhat comical that she was assuming I was being disrespectful because as a white person, I feel that I am very open to other races. One of my best friends is black, I’ve dated a black guy, I hang out with guys who are actually from India just about every weekend, etc. My list could go on. I was angry that she assumed I was racist but almost laughing at her ignorance. It was just ironic because here she was, implying only ignorance of the white race, when in her very statement, she was being not only disrespectful, but offensive and ignorant herself. This is why people are uncomfortable discussing race. There are ignorant people from every race who cannot be open enough to really listen to everyone instead of solely hearing what they want to, and there are people from every race who do discuss to really get to the root of the problem. In order to get past this, we need to hear everyone respectfully and truly consider them, not just throw out what we want to say and bash others without consideration for their points of view.
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I agree with our Attorney General, Eric Holder’s statement about our nation being one of cowards when it comes to discussing issues of race. Although it can be argued that people of all different races in our country have a hard time opening up and talking about race, I tend to feel that it is the white Americans that oftentimes act the most cowardly. Although I personally feel that white Americans tend to be the most cowardly on the topic of race, I do not believe that was what Mr. Holder was implying. I also feel that because Holder is black, people who are of a different race then he most likely took the defensive side. Sometimes it seems as if people naturally feel targeted if the person making the claims is of a different group or category than themselves. If it were Bill Clinton or George Bush making these statements, chances are there would be a group of individuals from a race other than white who would feel offended or targeted. It is almost like people are feeling targeted or guilty because that’s what they are, guilty. The truth is almost all individuals, some more than others, have a hard time discussing race and when someone like Holder makes a statement like he did, those who have this issue will feel targeted and get defensive.
Sam once said in one of his lectures that calling a white American racist is the worst thing you can call them. And the fact is that this is so true. Because of slavery, segregation and all of the horrible things we have done to the black American culture in the past, and all of the heat we have suffered because of it, we are all so scared to come off as racist in our day to day lives. Sometimes it seems like we try so hard to not be racist that we come off as ignorant. For example: individuals try to claim that they don’t even see race when the fact is we all have eyes and can all see the differences. I’m not saying that some races, or differences, are more superior to others, but I am simply acknowledging the fact that they are present. If these differences are present and it’s a known fact that we are all different for a reason, then why can’t they be discussed without feeling anxious, offended or intimidated? When we shy away from discussing topics that are so obvious, and often relevant, due to fear of the past, that is nothing more than the definition of a coward. To not discuss something that has shaped our nation and our culture in countless ways is simply foolish.
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So the media actually are making a fuss about this speech? Like seriously? I really respect Eric Holder for being bold enough to talk about this since many people seem to shy away from it because it is apparently the truth. Unfortunately, we like to be shielded from the truth and behave as if there isn’t a problem when there really is. Sam makes a very important when he pointed out that, Eric Holder was not attacking one racial group but the entirety of the citizens of the United States.
Many people have their own innate bias against other racial groups and even members of the same racial group are biased against each other. People like to put up the front while they are in public that they are generally accepting of everyone even if they are of different skin tones and so on, but as soon as they are in the privacy of their rooms or around others who are biased towards that same group of individuals, there you see their true colors and how hypocritical many people are. The fact that Barack Obama was elected president of this country does not automatically mean that people are going to throw their views out the window. Mr. Obama is a very remarkable individual who has set himself apart from many and deserves that respect. At the same time, Mr. Obama does not represent every lay man on the street or people being worked with in school or at work. So the sooner people realize his election does not mean total equality amongst Americans, they sooner we can work towards changing that.
I feel that in order to implement any changes in race relations, people must be able and willing to talk to each other and not just talk, but be honest and give their candid opinions on issues that truly matter to them. People are always being fake towards each other and may feel that their opinions may offend others which is why there has been no change at all. We fail to realize that, it is only when we speak to each other and recognize and explain our differences and similarities, that we can truly bond as a nation and propel to greater heights. One may say something like “ I have white/black/asian friends so I am not biased towards them.” But take these individuals who are a different race to you family and say you want to marry that person and see what will happen. Even sometimes within our selves, when it comes to things like marriage, we ask ourselves if the question of the person’s race does not come to mind before any other thing. It is there, we will realize that truly we are biased even if we do not openly express it.
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It is amusing to watch how people react to any statement that is not praising our society for their pride and solidarity. Any comment to the contrary or any awareness raised to the fact that we may have weaknesses is bound to bring back a slew of responses of outrage.
Beyond my amusement with people’s thick-headedness and arrogance, I find it quite surprising that admitting our problems when it comes to race relations is such a feat. Eric Holder claimed us to be cowards. Will we live to see another day? Get over it, America. If we weren’t cowards, Holder never would have mentioned race relations to begin with.
The problem with this country is that unless you are enrolled in an excellent sociology course, when do we have the opportunity to discuss race relations? It is not possible for our country to overcome all of its prejudices when there is a fear in talking about our fears. There’s no reason to point the finger at any group or race of people and claim them as the “cowards.” Until we move far enough along to not have to discuss racism, we are all cowards. The burden is on every citizen’s shoulders to work together and bridge the divide. I can say that I have done my part if I want to, but until the job is complete, I, as well as every other citizen, must continue to push for true unity among people. It is a cop out to say “well I’m not racist.” Maybe it’s a true statement, but just because I don’t have personal prejudices against people on the basis of skin color doesn’t mean I’ve completed my part in society.
As a people, a united country, we are expected to make great strides to overcome our weaknesses. It takes some longer than others for individual accomplishments, but isn’t unity about helping those struggling to catch up? Until we stop centering the world around our own personal happiness and success, the country will remain one of cowards when it comes to race. To find true equality in a nation, we must all be at the same level of understanding.
At this point, many people are still failing and some we could give straight A’s, so perhaps we need the smart kids to tutor the struggling. It’s all about working together and accepting those around you. It sounds so simple, which irritates me, because it’s not. We couldn’t all just choose to make a great change overnight, but we could start the process by setting aside personal pride and overcoming fear of the uncomfortable. It’s not hard to talk about once you’re asked, but in a society where we try to hide our injustices, it can be very difficult to find common ground to start a race-related conversation.
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Eric Holder’s speech in which he stated, “In things racial we have always been, and I believe continue to be in too many ways, essentially, a nation of cowards,” was a truly genuine speech in which he spoke about the truth of race relations in America today. Of course any speech about race is going to bring out controversy and debate. I feel that those who are angered or question Holder’s true intentions in his speech are those exact people who are the cowards he was referring to.
I could not agree more that what our country needs are people who are willing to sit down at the race table and talk. Every week after I leave my discussion session I think, this is what this country needs. More than books, more than school, more than the media, we all need to open our eyes to what others have to say and talk about our differences. Holder’s comments relate greatly to “Making Peace Between Our Colors.” In her book, Mulvey discusses opening up our boxes to the thoughts and opinions of the of difference races around us.
Criticism of Holder came due in fact to that many felt it was an attack on White people. As mentioned before, I feel that those who feel most threatened by this statement are those who need to open their eyes to the situation the most. An interesting part of this situation is to think about like Sam said, what if it was a white man saying this, such as George Bush or Bill Clinton or an Attorney General from a past administration who was white. Would these exact statements then be viewed as an attack on people of color? Would this speech even have of occurred? It is hard to know for sure, but I don’t think that someone of white skin would have made the comments that Eric Holder made. They would not have made such comments out of fear of being labeled as a racist. Not only would this not make them a racist, but if a political figure of white skin would support Holder’s statement then that would be a step in the right direction. Then we have players from both teams who understand that it does not have to be an issue of right and wrong, or racist and non-racist, but rather is a time when we all need to as Laura Mulvey would said, “open our boxes” and sit down and realize where the other side is at. We need to realize that we can no longer point fingers. We can no longer avoid the situation in fear of being deemed a racist. Holder’s comments are what race relations and “Making Peace Between our Colors” is all about- not being afraid, not being a coward, and talking about our differences and our opinions in order to understand those from a different race and realize that our differences are few.
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Race has always been a topic of debate and the way that people handle that discussion, whether black, brown or white, is the problem that Holder seems to be bringing up. It is extremely unfortunate that he as a black man is unable to say this speech that does not blame any race in particular, without it automatically meaning that he is blaming white people for not talking about race. I feel that he made a statement that was necessary and it’s similar to what we are learning in this race relations class. These are the statements and the questions that Sam Richards asks to the class everyday that are somewhat difficult to hear and often extremely difficult to answer honestly, but we are all in the same boat when it comes to this problem. I feel that maybe it seems that black people have an easier talking about race but this problem affects both races. This difficulty to speak about race is something that is holding our nation back from becoming united completely and that is what Holder was talking about in his speech. I think that this is something that needs to be addressed more often and the fact that Holder is black shouldn’t be a factor on whether or not it is important. Maybe I am being pessimistic when I say that if a white man said this speech it would be thought about more openly without automatically saying that he is saying this because he is white. I think that is why Sam Richards gets so far in his class without offending everyone. He is able to talk badly (or truthfully) about white people and after he says that stuff he gains the black people’s trust enough so as to not offend them when he speaks badly (or truthfully) about them. I suppose a black person could do the same thing if they were teaching the class but it would be necessary for them to go about it the same way by talking about his own race first and then moving on to the races. It is an automatic thing to think that a person of another race is going to judge or critique you but sometimes (like, I believe is true for Sam) there is a person who honestly doesn’t care about race and is able to see from others point of view easily and first, and also question everything they know to be true and see why it could quite possibly be false. This idea is something that is kind of new to me but I found that it is so important to have this outlook and mindset because there are so many things that the media tells us or that we have just grown up believing without being told why. If we don’t try and do this we could be leaving a lot of people shorthanded in the scheme of society.
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I found Attorney General Eric Holder’s speech to be far from “reprehensible” or “inflammatory” as many said. Like Sam said in the blog what he is saying is nothing new. From my perspective he is just saying what others fear to acknowledge. We are a nation of cowards. Whether your black, brown, white, or yellow we are all cowards. Unless something directly affects us we brush off what we hear or see especially when it comes to race. Holder is right, people like to get in their (what he called) “race protected cocoons” and like to stay there. Yes, we did elect a black man into office so we should be over racism because he is in office race, right? Wrong. However this is not what Holder is talking about but rather talking about how Americans live their lives. We might have elected a black man in office but that does not mean that there still is not fear between races. We might not directly show it in our everyday lives but there is still an unspoken fear between the races. For example, in the novel “Making Peace Between Our Colors” by Laurie Mulvey, she talks about race issues that still exist today. She tells the example I am sure all of us have experienced one time or another about an experience on an elevator where you are waiting to get on an elevator when the doors open to one white woman and one black man. She talks about the struggle deciding which person you should stand next to as a white person. If you stood next to the white women she would be a racist. However if you stood next to the black man it would be just to prove that you were not racist and comfortable with the whole issues of race. In the end you end up standing next to the white woman because you realize you should not stand next to the black man to prove you are anti-racist. If we lived in a world without cowards I don’t think this internal struggle would even exist because it wouldn’t be something than even cross our minds. This is the kind of thought that should not be entering our minds and something that we need to work to change within ourselves and others. I feel as if Holder is not preaching to white people but rather trying to build bridges between the two races. He talks about breaking out of our comfort domes and led America to a more open nation. Sam is absolutely right; whites don’t know who to interrupt a black man telling them the truth about themselves and in return cause more friction between the races. However, if whites and for that matter anyone who became offended after hearing Holder’s speech should take a step back and see where this man is coming from. He is not there to judge, he is not there to preach, but he is there to open our eyes to a serious problem of race that needs to be addressed and not shoved to the side as it so often has done before.
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I believe that Eric Holden was merely making a point and the criticism that he is receiving is being unfairly given. I agree with the statement that he makes when he says that when it comes to race, most people are cowards. The topic of race is a touchy subject that most people are reluctant to talk about. People are so afraid of being labeled a racist that they would rather keep their mouths closed and say nothing at all. Even the risk of offending someone is enough to stop them. The issue of race was plastered all over the news with the election of Barack Obama as the first black President. I think may people thought that by his election, racism would become a more widely talked about topic. For many people, that fact that he was elected was a hard pill to swallow. The fact that these same people are now being called cowards is what has everyone up in arms. Eric Holden simply stated the truth: many people are afraid to talk about race. It is the fact that he used that “c-word” that people are so offended about. When people heard Holden present this message, they took it has a personal attack that white people have not made strides in the world or racism. Personally I think that as a white person, we just do not know what to say when it comes to race and this is why we may come off as “cowards”. I know personally even in my recitations I sometimes find myself worrying about what to say and what to not say. And it’s not like I would ever say anything rude or racist, I just am worried about offending someone or someone taking something I said the wrong way. I would not necessarily call myself a “coward”, but I could be perceived as such. I think I would call myself cautious. I think if Eric Holden had used that “c-word” instead of coward, he would not be getting the backlash and criticism that he is getting right now. Coward comes off as a fighting word and people are more likely to take offense at being called that then cautious. I think he would have actually gotten a lot of people to agree with him if he had said coward. As to the question of what if George Bush or Bill Clinton said this, I am not sure what the response would have been. I do not think there would be this kind of backlash though. Coming from a white person, I think white people would be more likely to identify with this statement. I think that the fact that Holden was black made some white people take this as a personal attack. Hopefully this issue will die down soon, because I think there is no need for it.
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The comments made by Attorney General Eric Holder are neither outrageous nor hurtful, but rather almost dead on accurate. In this speech, Attorney General Holder acknowledges the elephant in the room that is race. He does not attack or assign blame to any one racial community but decides to address it as a nation wide problem, which it most certainly is. I admire Holder’s stance on the issue being not to sissy step around the topic of race but instead have frank upfront conversations, much like those which are encouraged in our discussion groups. The more open each racial group is with each other, the easier it will be to understand one another.
Another thing which I took from Attorney General Holder’s speech is that our interaction between races should not just be civil but even transcend that category of racial harmony into one of friendship. It’s almost most commonplace today for people of different races to be able to work together, go to school together, live in the same community, and carrying on our daily lives without disrupting the “peace”. But it is definitely time for our racial groups to mix socially and begin to interact with one another on a less formal level then that of business or education. Penn State is a perfect example of how races live and learn with one another but when it comes to a social scene or a table in the dining commons, a majority of the time segregation is present by choice of the racial group. I truly believe the only way for us to knock down this barrier is to listen and really follow through with Attorney General Holder’s suggestions of having frank conversations about race. Once we understand about each other’s ethnicities we well be able to get over the simple fact of skin color and view people for who they truly are. We as a society allow race to play to big of role in our lives, it really is only skin color.
I really agreed with Sam’s finial comment of “ So if we’re not a nation of cowards, we would just allow him his critique and keep talking to each other, don’t you think?”, it really does show how much power we allow the issue of race to play in our lives. The reason I think that Attorney General Holder’s speech is drawing criticism is definitely because of his use of the word “coward”. At first I viewed it as a harsh name to call an entire nation but after some thought and viewing it in the context with which it is use, the description is dead on. Coward describes someone who allows fear to dictate their own actions and thoughts, and for us not to posses the courage to discuss race with one another truly is cowardly.
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Attorney General Holder’s comments are correct. We, as a nation, are afraid to talk about race, regardless of our own personal race. While many white folk believe it’s just them and their white brethren that are nervous when discussing race, it’s actually true across most lines, at least while in mixed company, but it’s not so. Case in point, during last week’s group discussion a black girl in our class said she grew up in a black neighborhood but went to a white school and said all of her black friends would throw around the white stereotypes. When asked what those stereotypes were she wasn’t comfortable saying them out loud in front of a room full of white people, and understandably so. Eventually, after some prodding, she came out and said them, “White people smell like dogs when they get wet,” and, “White people always have these nice clothes but their shoes are always dirty.” The reaction from most of the white people in the class, needless to say, was pretty much laughter. Maybe this is from never really having to deal with racism first hand, but from my experience, white people pretty much just laugh at almost every white stereotype. Maybe that’s the way to solve it, but most other racial stereotypes carry some heavy and violently demeaning things, so joking about it is not the issue.
I know where the attorney general is coming from, during our discussion the “N” word came up in topic and one of the white members of the group said what has become a pretty hot topic of debate amongst black and white members of society, why is it considered OK for a black person to say the “N” word but not so for members of the white team? But then a good point was raised, why would a white person want to say that word anyway? It’s one of the most demeaning words of all time, but then again, as Sam said during the first day of class, it is a word, just like fuck, shit or asshole (I’m not going to get into the “C” word). Therefore the true meaning of the “N” word is in the mind of the person that says it and the person who hears it, so maybe they should be considered OK by everyone. Thinking about this debate makes me think about Richard Pryor and George Carlin’s take on the “N” word (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZCS5I80X-8) Carlin hits it right on the head, the word itself is not bad, it’s the context in which it is said that makes it bad. Just like guns don’t kill people, stupid people kill people (actually bullets kill people but that’s another discussion for another day). So essentially the ‘N” word is the gun of the racist bastard. But then you’d have to decide whether or not the person using the word is racist, but that’s almost impossible to tell unless you know them very well. So maybe if we actually open up our ears and listen to the context instead of just focusing on one word, actually listen to the entire statement, maybe we get past this debate. Obviously if someone is wearing a white sheet and a cone hat while burning a cross and uses it, they’re using it for malicious intent. But if someone just says, ‘What up my …?” Where’s the harm there? Then again, I don’t understand it because I’m white and probably considered pretty ignorant, so I don’t know. But from now on I’m going to use the word spaghetti to describe someone who is a friggin moron, a pain in the ass or just some dumb piece of shit whose only purpose on this earth is to steal the air we breath from decent human beings who actually do something good for this world. So if I call someone spaghetti, the world will know I truly hate that person. But do you think anyone will raise a fuss when I say spaghetti?
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In response to the entry that mentions Attorney General Eric Holder’s comments on “America is full of cowards,” there are a few statements I would like to make on my own. In many aspects, I agree with what Holder said. In modern society, a society that has come very far since slavery in early America, and the Civil Rights Act, sometimes I feel that America is full of cowards; but, the word “coward” may be a little too harsh when describing these feelings. In America today, I feel that many Americans are fearful and scared when it comes to talking about race because no matter how far we have come, we still believe that racial discussions can still be somewhat sensitive. When most do not attempt to bring up the discussion, then yes, sensitivity can still exist, which is why in today’s society, race should be a topic that is brought up in casual conversation in order to finally eradicate these racial tensions. I would like to mention, however, that many who believe that saying something about race automatically makes you a racist is a completely false and uncalled statement. Just because someone wants to discuss race or even mentions the topic, this doesn’t mean that you have to run and hide from the conversation because “someone” from said race may be lingering around. I feel a lot of these situations can arise in the workplace around a water cooler. I think that it is good practice and good policy for college students to take sociology, or race relations to be more specific, as a class in order to help rid the nation and the rest of the world of racial tensions or beliefs. Surprisingly enough, though, even with a black president that has recently become the most powerful man in the world, many Americans still run away from racial discussion because they think that “someone in the government” may be listening. But the fact is, that today, we have surpassed many racial barriers and a black man has become president! These tensions should not even exist anymore. Who the hell cares about the color of someone’s skin today in the most powerful country in the world? I just find it to be completely ridiculous that in the year 2009, after enduring history lessons and dealing with the topic of racism sine the country began in the 18th century that we still need to handle this issue as a people. Even though many in the deep south and other areas around the country may still grow up with racial beliefs because of family history or whatever it may be, but the truth is, the emancipation proclamation happened, slaves were freed, the civil rights act happened, blacks were given rights, so what the hell else do we need to do to end racism. Just end it now, everyone is equal in the new millennium.
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I am astonished, absolutely nothing in Holder’s speech could even be thought of as racial discrimination. He explicitly uses multiple times the word “we” to speak of the problem of a nation with a melting pot of ethnicities that all need to make an effort to transcend cultural barriers and communicate with each other. Ultimately he did not say anything that should be taken by any offensively. The only reason why some have decided to go up against this man is because they have made assumptions about the ideas he expressed. They took his words, added a few extra connotations and made him seem like a man that was directly challenging white people.
“So if we’re not a nation of cowards, we would just allow him his critique and keep talking to each other, don’t you think?”
The only reason why some white men decided to accuse him of being racist is because somehow deep down they feel guilty. If you have nothing to feel uncomfortable about, if you know you are being respectful to others regardless of race than no comment should engender this type of response. Only those that are afraid keep silent and never address issues of race. All these men that declare themselves strong and independent are not able to do the one thing they are most afraid of, going up against their true and deepest feelings. Even if one is prejudiced and biased, which lets be honest we all are in different degrees, we at least need to acknowledge that fact. If we understand that we have been socialized a certain way then we can start being more aware of what, in our surroundings, influences us most and how we can regulate it.
Furthermore what seems to keeps us divided are those crazy stories people divulgate out of their own personal reaction to a certain comment. It is dangerous because only a few might have seen the video but those few might interpret it in a contorted way. A video can be interpreted a thousand ways. This is why I do not like extremes and strong position on one side or the other. They prevent us from giving anyone the benefit of the doubt. So when we read, see, hear something we will exclusively evaluate it from the point of view of the little ideological box we’ve decided to join to feel more secure. Instead we should question whether our approach is truly right, if there isn’t any other way we could look at certain situations. People have an increasingly high tendency to take everything as a direct and personal attack on them. But ultimately a word is just a word and the connotations associated with it come from our own judgment and biases, which we should consciously try to control.
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I read this article and I couldn’t agree more with the attorney general and his statement that when it comes to racial issues we are cowards. I think that he is addressing this mentality of think but don’t speak that we have acquired as a culture when it comes to discussion. We would much rather accept everything that comes up on the surface and just bitch about when we are by ourselves. And when I say “we” I mean mostly white people. I have a lot of friends that have very strong opinions about race that are intelligent and reasonable. But when I tell them to voice it or discuss it openly with other people they get uncomfortable and shy away. Me on the other hand I like to open my big mouth and say how I feel, but most people get nervous. They don’t want to be labeled as a racist or cause a scene. I think that one of the biggest reasons that white people don’t openly talk about these things is because just being in that territory for them is a lose lose situation. We assume that just by being in the discussion and having a separate opinion about race makes them a racist asshole and that as a white person they have no basis for discussion on this topic. Why not? And the media loves to jump on black people’s band wagon and they love to scorn and undermine the evil white man and portray him as an ignorant bigot. Anytime someone even remotely makes an off color statement the feds are brought in. The NAACP and Al Sharpten will be notified and everyone will be outraged. When Imus made that comment on the air about nappy headed hoes it was everywhere and he almost lost everything for a comment that is said by every rapper to ever grab a microphone. But because he is white it is different. So we wonder why race is such a touchy subject, we’ve built it up as this war zone where there is no room for opinion. Just keep your head down and follow instructions, go back to bed America everything is fine your government is in control and we know what is best for you. I believe that if we truly had freedom of speech and discussed these problems we have and really lay all are cards on the table we would have gotten past most of it would have moved on as a society. Race discussion isn’t black and white there are shades of gray, we can’t spend anymore time pointing the finger at people. So I think that we are starting to head in the right direction, but if we don’t get past the initial insecurity and be honest with each other and stop leading secret lives we will never do anything but run I place.
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When I first read this story, I immediately thought about Mrs. Mulvey’s book, “Making Peace between our Colors.” One of the main arguments that she articulate’s in her book is that every race simply lives within their own race. We tend to not worry about race relations because we in our own race are perfectly fine. Although she was mainly talking about the white race, I can see where that could be applied to every race. It is called being close-minded. Because the issue of race is so “touchy-feely,” we tend to stray away from that conversation. These attitudes and actions are exactly what help to continue the problem between our races now. We all need to address the issue of race. We need to open our minds to other people’s perspectives, opinions, and feelings. We need to admit our flaws and what part we play in equation. We need to learn more than what our parents, teachers, family and friends have taught us; this way we can erase our ignorance. Until we can do that, we will be looked upon as cowards, and I believe this is the point that Eric Holder was trying to make. It is cowardly to not want change, because most of the time, people are afraid of change and that is why they do not participate in change. But, on the other hand, some people are simply stuck in their ways and do not wish for change. Those people are the ones you pray for. Race is a subject like religion, politics, abortion, or gay marriage. There will never be an agreement on these issues. People will never reach a common understanding on these topics. These subjects get deep, and many people do not bother to discuss these issues, so I can understand why Americans run away from talking about race. It is too complicated and quite frankly a headache. Like, every time I go over one of my friends house (their white by the way), we always end up talking about race. It’s like, the dude is overflowing with white guilt, and the chick just is not; they’re not racist, but during some conversations, I start to see a little racism slip off the tongue; and I get frustrated with my friend sometimes because, this might sound like a cliché but, she does not understand what it’s like to be black, so she will never be able to fully understand to articulate an argument to defend her race against my race. I mean, I do not believe that she should not not feel white guilt, but I just ask for her to understand and not try to act like racism and discrimination does not exist. The King of the Mountain philosophy is perfect in explaining why blacks or any other race other than whites feel the way they do.
But about Holder’s comments, it is inevitable to not assume that Holder was making his argument a black and white thing. Whenever this issue of discrimination and inequality is brought up it always seems to point in the direction of blacks and whites.
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I would agree that people are reluctant, afraid even to discuss race. In the blog when Sam said that 50 million people seemed to have gotten over their fear by electing Obama as president, I would have to disagree. Voting for a black man is not the equivalent of holding an open discussion of race. Even though a lot of people voted for him because of his race, I think that that is different than confronting their own innate racism. I’m not one-hundred percent sure where I’m going with that thought process, so I’ll leave it there.
I think that what Eric Holder said may have been a little harsh—that Americans are cowards. It also struck me what he said about blacks and their “stay in this country.” Like they are just visiting and testing the waters. Part of what segregates blacks in modern society is the “race card.” It really gets on my nerves when people play the race card. It is a handicap, when things get too hard, and they can’t handle everything society dishes out, they automatically point to racism. I’m not saying that blacks are the only group of minorities who do this. Asians so it, Indians do it, Hispanics do it, everyone does it. And if you’re not a minority then you point to reverse racism, affirmative action, etc. I’m also not saying that in some cases people aren’t perfectly justified in flashing the race card. In class the other day we were talking about how there were thousands of identical resumes sent out, and some with “white” names like “Bob,” “Sue,” “Brett,” and some with minority names like “Akhil,” “Taisha,” etc. and there was a significantly higher response to the resumes labels with white names. There is definitely racism in the world, and the race card is there. But people have to be more careful when they use it. Society as a whole sees it as a crutch, as an unfair advantage that is used whenever you want to end an argument, because nobody has a comeback to being called racist. And they see it in that light because that is how it is sometimes used. We need to stop using that excuse so flippantly, and then people will see it less as whining, and more as a legitimate argument.
I guess I just proved my first point, about how people are afraid to discuss race. They’re afraid of being labeled as either whiney or as racist. I guess we all just have to stop putting labels on each other and open up channels of communication. As Holder said, we should use February, Black History Month as an opportunity to foster a dialogue.
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Ebony Martin
Soc 119
2/28/09
American Cowards
In relation to what is mentioned in the commentary regarding the Attorney General, Eric Holder, I heavily disagree with the statements that imply that Eric Holder was referring to white Americans in his speech regarding that Americans are afraid to discuss race. I think in general, on the contrary to what some people believe this is true. And the fact that Mr. Holder was an African American who made that statement, if anything I think that it was taken out of context. The truth on more than one occasion is generally pushed to the side and disregarded for what it truly is and I believe that in order to actually decode what is, we must look past the biases and lean towards how to effectively initiate change addressing the things that we tend to hide about ourselves.
Perhaps the main discussion here is whether or not Holder is referring to white Americans as cowards, and with the deepest regard, I must admit that he is not! If anything he is addressing the fact that we, as Americans are all cowards until we hold ourselves to the absolute understanding that there is a detrimental problem that confronts our nation more so now, and possibly in the years to come.
In terms of race relations, I feel as though a lot of things are tossed out according to race. Most commonly in the U.S, a lot of people feel that race and ethnicity are never a topic of discussion because there are so many different viewpoints regarding it. However, I don’t feel that by ostracizing the topic altogether, that the differences among us will go away. In class, we talk a lot about how in race relations, true revelations come when there is a cognitive dissonance that resonates with those who believe that they know otherwise.
If anything, I think that the very disturbance of the issue is more pertinent in the argument rather than that of the actual issue. I think if people addressed why they feel uncomfortable about certain situations, then maybe it would actually be better in certain circumstances to resolve it. However, I feel as though many people like those who do not wish to neither address nor confront issues such as these, it will take more than just the mere thought of resolving the issues to actually construct a resolution that will set precedents for resolving future circumstances.
Lastly, I believe that it is necessary to address these issues on both sides of the spectrum, not just black and white. Indeed there is a race issue in this country and I feel as though if strides to protect the welfare and consideration of other peoples within our nation aren’t addressed, then this might perhaps be just the beginning of a long standing issue regarding race relations.
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I believe that in today’s society no matter what way you phrase it or bring it up, the topic of race will always have the same reaction. Here you have a very intelligent man pointing out the obvious and people are over reacting. If he had made a statement about how we live our lives ignoring the growing poverty problems in the world people would agree, say something about it, then forget about it. People always react to the subject to race in such an odd way. White people deny being racist, hate that black and brown people “complain” to much, give and example on how they are not racist and then continue to allow racism in everyday life.
I personally believe that if we really tried, racism could disappear tomorrow. However, there are many people who are too afraid. There are many white people who do not want to lose the white power, they thrive on it and abuse it. Also, there are many white people who are afraid that black and brown people may reverse the racism on white people. They are legitimately afraid that if they lose power they will be punished for what their ancestors did and what they have done in their own lifetimes. Would that happen? Maybe. Should it happen? No. But why do they freak out so much when the topic of racism comes up? Why should they react so badly when Attorney General Holder makes a simple, brief and true comment about racism in today’s society. He was not singling out any particular racial group. The fact of the matter is no one should be racist and no one should allow racism to occur. Too often people, whites included, she others being racist and do not step in to stop it.
White people are not the only racist people in our country. I have seen black, brown, Asian, Hispanic and everything in-between be racist. I have seen black and brown people especially being racist against white people. They automatically assume every white person is the same, judging them off what some of the worst racist white people have shown. They display some of the same exact racist acts against white people that they complain about all the time. I believe that is the biggest irony in race related topics in today’s society.
The Attorney General is simply saying that we ALL are too afraid to speak up. We are too afraid to stop it. We simply allow it to continue because we do not believe we can make a difference. One day, assuming the world does not end in 2012, every person in the world will have the same color skin. While racism still exist then? I hope not.
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I feel as though Attorney General Eric Holder was pretty dead on with his speech about race. This isn’t just about one particular group, but as people we have to be aware of what’s going on and how to identify racism. Not just black people, brown people, white people but all people. I think the reason why we look at it as though whites do not see it is because most white don’t see it. I feel like most whites don’t take into consideration that some things are affected by racism because they themselves aren’t affected by those same racist circumstances. Not only do I feel that whites are unaware, but so are blacks, browns and many others. Sometimes I just think that poor blacks and browns that are affected go to work just to get money and by the time they get home they don’t even think about the “why” factor in the work force or the community. They’re so busy working harder than the upper class they don’t see the disadvantages. I personally think as a majority blacks, browns, and asians are forced to work harder than whites in America’s society because we have to adjust and conform to who controls society which are whites. With that being said, although I feel we work harder it doesn’t always mean the hard work pays off. For some odd reason I feel as though if the commissioner of the NBA were black the NBA would still be there because the commissioner would be making decision based off of what whites think are acceptable. I think David Stern is makes decision based off of what White America thinks is acceptable and this way of thinking is what makes the money. Athletes I feel still don’t understand this that they are pawns and who wouldn’t see it when you’re making $80million. Tommy Hilfiger took black styles and made money off of it because he can do that. He’s white and he had the money to do that. Who was going to tell him he couldn’t. Everything that blacks do it seems that there has always been a white man behind the scenes saying, “no let them do that” or saying “WE can make money off of this or them”. Look at how many rappers there are and how many of them own record labels. Once you look at that then look at how many of those labels are owned by bigger labels where the CEO’s are white. They’re the big dogs. How do blacks have a black history month and have the lowest graduation rates. That’s because every day is white history day just nobody talks about it. It’s really bad what’s going on man. I always want to know what going around me, I want to know my rights, and I want to make my money whether it’s legit or not because I’m always two steps behind everybody else and the bad thing is I don’t have it as bad as a lot of others out there do. I feel in society somebody’s always going to try to have their finger on me and what I’m doing and my goal is to see to it that nobody ever tells me what I can and can’t do especially if it because of racial reasons. The sad thing about society is that the whole time were racing to get ahead of each other and once we think we have finally won we realize the whole time we were running the wrong race. There was a much BIGGER race that we should have been running. Even sadder is when we realized that we end up just settling for that little race that we won. I’ma try and go after that bigger one though.
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I think that what he said did have its points. It was true at least in my opinion because we as Americans should be one of the most outspoken about race since we are viewed as a melting pot. I think that we often times don’t want to be put in the position of being looked at as a racist even if we did not intendt our words to be looked at in that way. I for one usually am quite comfortable talking about race and I am a white female. I think that white people tend to shy away because of the point that Dr. Richards makes, we feel guilty or are afraid of being viewed as a racist. Listen, if we live in fear of what others think then there is no room for progression. We need to stop being to anal and just let people identify as to what they feel comfortable with and call it how it is. I dont think that the speaker should have used the word cowards because generally when you ae trying to get a point across to a group of people and you want them to pay attention you should shy away from cutting them down, he should have instead made an understanding of where we are now without the name calling. It also came off as condescending and people obviously will stop listening after that.
I think Americans tend to be pretty sensitive people, we get offended pretty easily and remeber it. I think that an intesting thing to look at is when there are clubs designated on campus to certain races. I mean if we had a white people club on campus everyone would be runnign around screaming KKK, so I think that is kind of unequal that there can be an Asian club or a African American club. Now really my problem is that if you arent of these races you look like an idiot for joining and not that there isnt a white club because that isnt my point. I think these clubs should exist but that there should be more diversity and mixture of the people’s in these clubs.
Getting a little off topic I think that this video proves many things about how this country works. We do claim to be a melting pot but whats the point of saying this is we dont actually blend our colors and realize that at the end of the day we are human. I know that we have come a long way but there is still much progress to be made and one way to do that is to simply just live your life without seeing color. This is easier said than done but it can be done.
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Well in my opinion, the people that got mad about Holder’s comment about Americans being cowards are not used to hear a Black Attorney saying a word like this, just the work makes any person gasp. But if they get the meaning of the word coward in the whole sentence they might not be as mad. I honestly don’t think he said nothing wrong, but to let people know that they need to confront race because it’s part of America. Another thing he didn’t say who where the cowards, they might be Black, White or Asians or everybody. Race is a topic that not only Americans but everyone in America shouldn’t be afraid of talking about, because it’s something that exist and we can’t hide it, so the best way it’s for us to talk about it and deal with it. I think that because he is Black that didn’t help him keep the people with the word coward happy, because like Sam said imagine if it would be Bill Clinton or George Bush instead. If it would have been one of them I don’t think White people would think the word coward was for them, but I think everybody would agree about talking about race and not to fear about it. Race is always spoken the most by people of color because they are the one more expose to it, that’s why being a black man saying that Americans are cowards bother people a lot. I like the fact that he said that word because now they are going to argue about the fact that he is not afraid of expressing himself like that, and if Americans aren’t cowards then what’s the problem with him saying that word. Just in general, it’s going to be really hard for White people to get used to the word race, because they are always going to be the majority in the USA, plus they are always seen as white supremacy, so the people that are affect by race it’s the one that talks about it because they are the one being affected by it. So If I was white I’m not going to care about race, what for, if me being an American is perfect. Most of the people live like America are just fine how it is and we all get along; well when everyone goes home is not like that. Because we all different we all started in a different place, different environment so not everyone is going to think the same about race. So Having a General Attorney saying this word is really impressive, and once again I’m happy he did, because since Americans are not cowards then let him speak.
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