Can We Test for Racism?

CNN"s Paula Zhan special entitled,"Skin-Deep: Racism in American” reports that 80% of people polled believe they are not racist. On the other hand, 80% believe racism is a serious problem in America. So if no one is a racist, than how do we explain the belief that racism is a major concern for Americans? It seems, racism is some one else's problem. At an individual and personal level, we always find ways to be "right" about the way we live our lives and the other guy is "wrong" in the way he or she lives their lives

If you are wondering if you have racial biases, recently a group of social scientists have developed an on-line test called the Implicit Association Test (IAT). This test is quite controversial and at present is being used only as a method to further more discussion on race. The IAT measures implicit attitudes and beliefs that people are either unwilling or unable to report. If you have a preference for certain types of people,supposedly this test can measure that distinction.


Test or no test, racism continues to raise its ugly head in both the private and public lives of Americans. It is not limited to the uneducated but shares an equally ugly heritage with the more privilege and learned of our society. Outbursts of violent racist ranting and raging are familiar events on and off the big screens and performances stages around the country. Michael Richard's recent "rant" opens the old wounds of racism. Again, we are asked to believe that these outbursts are single one time occurrence and do not represent any deeper societal sickness. But do they?

If we define a racist according to the dictionary as “a person with a prejudiced belief that one’s race is superior”, does that mean people of color cannot be racist? Or are we just exhibiting internalized racism. Racist constructs exist where there is a perception or the reality of power and influence. And since people of color, as a whole, do not have power in any real mass way, we are constantly reacting to racism as opposed to being inherently racist. We show all the signs of decades of oppression and repression that eats away at the core of who we are.

For example, I was visiting an exclusive country club with a friend, and while walking through the dinning hall ,an elderly white man asked me to get him a drink. I politely responded, "I do not work here" and under my breathe I said, "Why don't you get me a drink." Some part of me, may have wanted to go nuclear on him. Another part of me, understood that his personal life orientation has allowed him to act or react in certain ways. Years of conditioning has allowed a certain insensitivity to develop. Unless we are constantly and diligently working towards self–awareness , white Americans will continue to make these mistakes and non-white Americans will continue to be in the reactive mode.

Whites and people of color, all need to talk about racism: to look at its repercussions and consequences. We need to reconcile our pain and hurt. And lastly, we need to transcend our shame and guilt of the legacy of slavery and slave-holding.
Do you have racial preferences?

Take the CNN test and write me back. Let me hear your thoughts on race, racism, and reconciliation.

It's Just a Game, Right?

Over the course of this weekend, I saw two very violent movies: Mel Gibson's Apocalypto and Edward Zwick's Blood Diamond. Each movie, while very different, told important and meaningful stories about life and death. They both challenged the audience to stretch its understanding of humanity but left horrible imprinting of violence as a way of life.

It is the notion that we cannot tell a story, solve a family dispute, or resolve a global conflict without violence that greatly disturbs me. It suggests that civilization has not progressed beyond an "eye for an eye" and a deeply held view that vengeance is a basic human need to be expressed by any means necessary.

I worry that our children see vivid images of violence as models for solving disagreements, managing conflicts, and navigating timeless tribal tensions. I worry that they study video games to lean how to mane, bully, and kill. I worry they learn that self-control and constraint are signs of weakness and fear.

We have no clearer example than Rick Warrens 'Left Behind External Forces' violent video game targeted at the Christian youth market and aimed at converting or killing Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, gays, or moderate mainline Christians. Warren, who promotes a dominionist Christian theology, leaves no room for tolerance, understanding, and reconciliation.

Violence as a way of problem-solving seems to be ingrained in our culture. As an example, President Bush ordering the death of Saddam Hussein's family to Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen calling for the assassination of Fidel Castro to Pat Robertson, the founder of CBN and controversial religious leader, calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. These highly visible leaders support and promote violent actions as a way to deal with conflict or opposition.

It is highly likely, that while watching FOX, CNN,or CBS, one of the talking heads will unashamedly, call for the death of some enemy of the US. They do so without any thoughts or hesitation that such a call will be answered with more violence. Unfortunately, in our society violence is sanctioned and glorified.

What influence will games like Left Behind External Forces have on our children? Where do we draw the line and how can we reduce the glorification of violence in our society? Where are all the "real" states persons who are willing to denounce unnecessaryy violence in the media ?

Study War No More

The long awaited and much hoped for Iraq Study Group Report is out: making its way through the halls of think tanks, political pundits, talk show personalities, experts on all sides of the political and religious divide, and into the hands of ordinary war-weary citizens around the country and for that matter, people around the world.

The report stated: “Because of the gravity of Iraq’s condition and the country’s vital importance, the United States is facing one of its most difficult and significant international challenges in decades. Because events in Iraq have been set in motion by American decisions and actions, the United States has both a national and a moral interest in doing what it can to give Iraqis an opportunity to avert anarchy.”

It has been hard for me to forget this administration’s polices have been the fundamental reason for the destabilization of the region. It is hard for me to forget that we went into this war without getting assistance or support from the regional players and now we are asking for their partnership in finding solutions to matters of security, governance, and terrorism. It is hard for me to forget that Mr. Bush mislead the American public about the reasons for war with Iraq.


In the ancient days of old, the ruling Kings and Queens would call in their religious and spiritual advisors to guide their leadership and war decisions. Apparently, Mr. Bush does not need any guidance, spiritual or otherwise. It has even been suggested at times that he is in direct consultation with God and believes that God is directing his actions in Iraq. Well, if this is true, than God is doing a lousy job of fighting evil, riding our world of terrorists, and ultimately, bringing freedom to Iraq.

Which then begs the question, “Is God on our side in this war?” I would argue that God is always on the side of justice, righteousness, and peace. The US has lost its way in Iraq and with its Middle East policies. It is unclear how the country will find its way back home: home to civility, to truth speaking, and to peace making. To do so, requires open discussions, candid and frank assessments of all sides of the issue, and an admission that maybe, the US made a mistake in Iraq.

Interestingly to note, I wonder what advice our religious and spiritual leaders would offer Mr. Bush? I think we would be hard press to find a spiritual giant in our land that would not demonize the enemy or re-affirm Mr. Bush’s war against terror, or call for the assassination of an opposition leader.

To Bus or Not to Bus



The Supreme Court is wrestling with voluntary integration plans in public schools in two cases: Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1, 05-908 and Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education, 05-915. The question before the court is do the policies of these two school systems represent student diversity or other names for illegal racial quotas? The precedence for the case is the 2003 Supreme Court ruling that permitted the limited consideration of race to attain a diverse student body on the college level. That case was hotly debated and narrowly decided with the help of Justice Sarah Day O’Conner.

With the retirement of Justice O’Conner and the addition of Alito and Roberts, the court is likely to render a different opinion. Chief Justice John Roberts has already expressed concern about making school assignments “based on skin color” and not “any other factor.”



Obviously, every child in America is entitled to the best education and the best environment to learn. But even in the richest, industrialized country on the planet, the playing field for many of the country’s schools reflect the poverty and marginality of those who are poor and under-educated. And, unfortunately, we will continue to leave children behind because we simply choose not to allocate enough educational dollars. So, not surprisingly, our schools system has become separate and very unequal. Race and its imprints of racism do matter. We are not yet a society where the field of opportunities have transcended the color of one’s skin or the vocabulary of one’s cultural expressions, or the class one attains.



Some would argue that we no longer need the safe guards of laws, diversity policies, and affirmative action programs and would like us to believe everything is all right. That argument is putting our heads in the sand and perpetuating racism, poverty, and a growing disenfranchised population.



Spiritually, we have the opportunity to explore our deep seated fear “of others”. The Supreme Court and prominent educators have all agreed diversity in the school systems brings a higher quality of education. We have the opportunity to challenge the collective fear “there is not enough” of life to go around and be shared by all God’s creatures. We have an opportunity to be free of fear and hate: to honestly look inwardly at our values, to have a national discussion on education and race.