Synopsis
When icebergs collide, the first impact occurs below the surface. Similarly, conflicts regarding racial/ethnic differences clash beneath the surface of one’s complexion. Despite the presence of an African-American president in office racial, ethnic, and religious tensions in the country are running high. The fallacious image of a placid racially harmonious iceberg hinders the United States’ ability to address the collisions occurring below its surface.
At the turn of the twentieth century, fresh from the abolition of slavery and the start of Jim Crow, African-American scholar W.E.B. DuBois stated the nation’s history would be marked with problems along color line in the new millennia. This work presupposes that the problem of the twenty-first century remains the notion that the United States has moved beyond race. But in “post-racial” America, race does indeed still matter.
The United States of America: Then and Now
During the post-World War II emergence of the cross-cultural communications field, white Americans, specifically white males who served as international businessmen and U.S. Foreign Service officers , shaped cultural identity in the United States (U.S.). This perception was strengthened within the nation when the 1940s census solidified groups once considered ethnic, such as Irish, Scottish, Jewish, and Mexican , which consequently widened the racial divide between whites and Blacks, and made smaller racial groups, such as Asian and Arab communities, invisible.
Fast-forward to the present and a country that once only saw itself in black and white, lies in sharp contrast. With so many races, colors, and cultures in the U.S., many deem the U.S. as "post-racial," because today large numbers of people see the U.S. as having broken away from its historic binary paradigm of race.
To examine whether the U.S. has evolved past race, it is important to examine the nation’s current culture. Through the paradigm of critical race theory, we can deconstruct a society historically molded by a dominant white culture, the relationship of the “I” and the “Other” continues to prevail between whites and communities of color in this country. The legacy of the white dominance in American culture determines how it views the “Other,” subsequently affecting citizens’ reactions to migration, changing racial/cultural norms, and balances of power in the country.
Post-Racial: The Problem of the 21st Century
“…For the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color-line.” W.E.B. Dubois .
The Twentieth Century saw many changes brought on by social movements. Civil rights, women’s rights, and gay rights movements changed not only the laws of the land, but dictated what behaviors and what languages were acceptable in American culture. Blacks in the United States went from colored to Negro to African-American, feminists largely adopted a new spelling of women to womyn, thus removing the male identifier and establishing a separate feminine identity, and homosexuals from queer (derogatory) to gay and back to queer (affirmative).
For many, the Civil Rights Movement represents the dominant symbol of these changes, as many movements spawned from its successes, and in the United States, race has long stood as a major identifier in shaping the culture.
Therefore, on November 4, 2008, when American citizens voted an African-American to the presidency of the United States by a large majority, many believed the election of Barack Obama showed American society and the world that it had finally overcome its “racial problem” and entered into a new “post-racial” phase.
But has the U.S., in fact, solved its race problem of the Twentieth Century? If so, does “post-racial” America present a new problem for the Twenty-First Century?
What we call “post-racial” America may in fact be “extension transference” in an attempt to control and redefine the changing racial/cultural make-up of the nation . While “extension transference” often allows us to “…solve problems in satisfactory ways, evolve and adapt at great speed without changing the basic structure of [its] body ,” it, conversely, may bind and restrict cultural identity. “The instruments we have created are like ill-fitting shoes. By creating extensions that don’t fit, or don’t work, humans have failed to develop some of the most important aspects of their own psychic and physical potential .”
The Post-Racial Iceberg
“When icebergs float together in the ocean, we first notice the tips, whereas they actually collide underwater.” Gary Weaver
The “iceberg analogy of culture” seems to perfectly describe the present-day cultural dynamics in “post-racial” America, which, at its tip, a watershed national election appears consciously to have achieved racial equality, while subconsciously it stirs fears of the “Other” living within the culture that lies below sea level.
Cultural identity and thought patterns are colliding under the surface in society, politics, and media. Much of the protests against the first African-American President, like the tea parties have been criticized for harboring racist overtones, and represent an openly expressive resistance towards the “Other” in the nation’s highest position of power. While Chris Matthews’ assertion during the January presidential address that he “forgot Obama was Black for an hour;” conveys a more subtle expression of how stereotypes of the “Other” still dominate, along with Senator Harry Reid’s statements that presidential candidate Obama benefited from his lighter skin and absence of “Negro dialect.”
As a heterogeneous society constructed as of a nation of immigrants from every part of the world, many believed the election of President Barack Hussein Obama would effectively ease and/or erase the racial tensions that have marred the nation’s history. However, over the course of President Obama’s first year in office, we see that our initial thoughts and perceptions of change in a society that has moved “beyond race” may take more time, care, and intention than first thought.
The Collisions in the Dominance of Whiteness
The “I”
Reid and Matthews’ comments are a prime example of how “the largest part of culture is inside our heads and unconscious—beneath the water level of awareness. ” Without being cognizant about the implications of their words, they reinforced white American culture as dominant and, therefore, identified Obama as the “Other” who happened to distinguish himself individually from his collective group. Largely due to “…the pseudo-universal category of whiteness that hides its specific values, epistemology, and other attributes under the guise of a non-racialized, supposedly colorless, “human nature. ”
It is this precise “guise” of humanness over whiteness that allows MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews to “forget” about President Obama’s blackness. As a white male operating as the “I” in the United States, persons of color like Barack Obama, represent the “Other.” Therefore, in his “praise” of the president’s message Matthews saw Obama for (perhaps the first time) as an individual devoid of race, consequently making him his equal and therefore no longer as the “Other.”
Moreover, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s gaff reveals how the very words we use reinforce cross-cultural norms of white dominance. “…[Certain]language names, institutes, and enforces an almost universal belief in the mental and moral superiority of whites in the United States .” Therefore, in Reid’s comments of President Obama possessing “no Negro dialect,” his language effectually denigrated the speech of Blacks as converse to whites, and therefore, inferior.
The “Other”
“In the past, becau
se of a large power differential, only Blacks had to adjust to whites during interracial communication .” In Senator Reid’s comments about Barack Obama’s ability to move in and out of his “Negro dialect,” he not only reinforced this antiquated notion, but also derided what is referred to as Blacks’ double consciousness. For African-American communities in the United States, this ability to switch in and out of white culture’s language and norms evolved out of necessity in order to maintain one’s in-group African-centered culture, while surviving in the dominant out-group white culture. DuBois writes, “It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his two-ness, an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two un-reconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn sunder .”
By constantly “looking at one’s self through the eyes” of whites, communities of color in the United States consequently internalize their oppression; therefore legitimizing the relationship of the “I” and the “Other” through their passive participation.
Continuing along these divisions of race, power, and privilege, is the push to accept non-whites into society by seeing past their race. In Twentieth Century “racialized” America, it seemed as if “…it was impossible for Americans to accept the black man as one of themselves, for to do so was to jeopardize their status as white men .” In his comments about forgetting President Obama’s Blackness, Chris Matthews demonstrates his attempt to communicate in a direct, low-context matter, his acceptance of the Black President; however, in a higher context, he implied that an African-American could not give such a speech .
Herein lies the problem with post-racial America, should we praise those for looking past race, therefore allotting us the same privileges that whiteness brings with its guise of colorless humanness?
Conclusion
By exposing the discrepancies in “post-racial” America, through a critical framework it is possible to begin identifying inequalities within the culture to dismantle the structures that help to keep them in place. Whereas Americans once believed the “post-racial” declaration represented the shift in our cultural consciousness, through its deconstruction exists, the possibility that it may represent another “ill-fitting,” social construct, one that blinds us from real growth towards multiracial/multicultural equality. Our confinement to a neatly packaged model that excludes race from the American cultural dynamic may stunt societal progression. In fact, the cultural collisions of the iceberg may be inevitable and even essential for progress.
About the Author: Jamila Aisha Brown is an Executive Master's Degree Candidate in International Service at American University. She is also the Founder and Principal Consultant of Global Awareness Project Consulting, LLC a progressive firm that specializes in cultural, socio-economic, and political issues of communities of color worldwide.
Sources:
J.N. Martin and O.I. Davis, “Conceptual Foundations for Teaching about Whiteness in Intercultural Communication Courses.” Communication Abstracts, 25, 3 (2002): 298-299.
J.N. Martin and O.I. Davis, “Conceptual Foundations for Teaching about Whiteness in Intercultural Communication Courses.” Communication Abstracts, 25, 3 (2002): 302.
W.E.B. DuBois, “The Soul of Black Folks.” Chicago: A.C. McClurg & Co., 1903, http://www.bartleby.com/114/.
Edward Hall, Beyond Culture. (New York: Anchor Books, 1976), 4.
Edward Hall, Beyond Culture. (New York: Anchor Books, 1976), 29.
Edward Hall, Beyond Culture. (New York: Anchor Books, 1976), 5.
Gary Weaver, “Contrasting and Comparing Cultures” in Gary R. Weaver, ed. Culture, Communication and Conflict. Rev. 2nd ed., Boston: Pearson, 2000: 73.
Gary Weaver, “Contrasting and Comparing Cultures” in Gary R. Weaver, ed. Culture, Communication and Conflict. Rev. 2nd ed., Boston: Pearson, 2000: 73.
J.N. Martin and O.I. Davis, “Conceptual Foundations for Teaching about Whiteness in Intercultural Communication Courses.” Communication Abstracts, 25, 3 (2002): 299.
J.N. Martin and O.I. Davis, “Conceptual Foundations for Teaching about Whiteness in Intercultural Communication Courses.” Communication Abstracts, 25, 3 (2002): 299.
G.W. Musambira, “A Comparison of Modernist and Postmodernist Accounts of Cross-Cultural Communication between African societies and the United States” Howard Journal of Communication 11, 2 (2000): 152.
W.E.B. DuBois, “Of Our Spiritual Striving,” in The Souls of Black Folks, (Chicago: A.C. McClurg & Co., 1903) http://www.bartleby.com/114/1.html.
James Baldwin, “Stranger in the Village,” in Notes of a Native Son, (Beacon Press, 1955) https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/gjay/www/Whiteness/stranger.htm
Nada Korac-Kakabadse, “Low and High Context Communication Patterns: Towards Mapping Cross-Cultural Encounters.” Cross-Cultural Management 8, 2 (2001): 6.
Comments
race problems
Race has been and still is an issue in today’s society. No matter how hard people try to change the way things are there is always someone or a group of people that want to cause trouble. There have been social movements in the past to try and change the society of our country and some have carried out well changing what needed to be changed. Other times social movements don’t work and it takes time or the government to get involved to change what needs to be changed. There have been social movements for civil rights for black men and women, women civil right movement to have equality in jobs and rights compared to men and gay civil movements to let gays have rights and not be judged. The people have spoken and have elected the first African-American president, many people have taken this as a sign that the country isn’t racist any more but that isn’t exactly true. There are still people in the country that judge and discriminate against people because they have a different skin color and are different. The norm of the countries culture was set many years ago by white people, white males to be specific. At the time white males had rights that they didn’t need to work for; other people such as women or African-Americans have had to earn their rights. White males shaped our countries cultural identification many years ago and it has changed no matter how hard people try. Even though it looks like our country isn’t racial we are far from it, the iceberg analogy is accurate enough to say that our country looks like it isn’t racist but it actually is people just don’t say or don’t see it. “Under water” is where the racial statements are exchanged and where no one can see things happen. It won’t be long until our country comes out of a racist existing era but how long will it take for that to happen?
Overall it is a solid essay
Overall it is a solid essay that makes excellent points. I find the iceberg theory to be quite poignant. While racism (sexism,homophobia, agism) may not necessarily manifest itself outwardly, there may be lapses of the subconscious in which some truly stupid and ignorant comments are made.
While racism can be completely overt and emphasized, as evidenced by the Klan and the Neo-Nazi movements, it can be more subtly ingrained in the minds of the dominant class. As the article alluded to, Liberals (those who run on the mantra of being in favor of civil rights), such as Matthews and Reid, made incredibly patronizing comments, standing from their perceived pedestal of white superiority. To be fair, former president Bush mad similarly patronizing comments, comment "He's articulate" when referencing Obama. This seems to be in the same vein of Reid's comment, though much more subtle and less overtly racist.
Overall, I believe that Brown is correct in the assertment that the notion of a "post-racial" society has blinded further progress. We have become afraid to aknowledge race issues, for fear of making gaffes of the Reid/Matthews/Bush variety. However, until we as a society are willing to take the time to discuss the difficult issues, we will continue to be trapped in this illusion (while subconsciously holding our own prejudices)
There hasn’t been Change
I believe that Brown is correct when he mentioned the notion of a postal racial society has blinded further progress. We as a society fear participating in conversations that are about race. We want to be politically correct and not offend anyone, but we’re steering away from the reality of the problems. Instead of being afraid, we have to step out of our comfort zone and acknowledge these problems head first. We’re trapped in our own thoughts and can’t express what we feel because of the space we’re in. this reminds me of white space. Whites feel comfortable talking about race among themselves, but when other groups are present, things get quiet. If any more change is going to happen in regards to racism, we have to collectively come to rationalizations that we’re all in this country whether someone likes it or not.
I think it is important that
I think it is important that society realizes the prevalence of racial issues and the fact that it causes our nation to be torn apart. Though the dominant group varies on what group of people they want to dominate, degrade, and discrimnate against in order to prove their superiority; there are a couple of things that are certain; For one thing, it involves the dominant white culture and the "other". As Brown states, the dominant white culture only sees the binary of "I" and the "other." Brown is also true in saying that our minds subconciosuly see the dominant white culture versus the other. It is important for us to distinguish and become aware of groups individually,this would be a good step towards the path of equality. If other races were recognized, instead of being distinguished as just "other", this would show that there isn't a binary between just white and another group. Whites shouldn't be the only group that is given a name. We need to recognize the struggles that each group go through and unite as one to fight against what holds us down. This brings me to another certain outcome of white superiority; the fact that there are those who seek equality and justice and will take a stand and fight against oppression. We need to realize that many people are held back in life just because of their race or culture and that some (WASP) benefit in life from their color. Society was based on WASP supremacy and continues to be controlled by it. We need to fight for our rights, our happiness, and our ability to choose if we succeed.
Post-racial America does not
Post-racial America does not exist. Although people elected Obama, many people opposed a black man being in the White House. People constantly look at the color of his skin, even if they support him. It is the same type of ignorance that leads people to vote for him because of his race. People should elect him if they think he can do a good job. Either way you look at it, race played a huge role. It will continue in future elections. People argue constantly on television about black vs. white. If our society needs to even bring it up, then clearly it is not "post-racial" if there is emphasis on it. People do consider this "other" perspective. There should be no "other" but unfortunately there is. We must all be blind to race because that is the only way our country can succeed.
I completely agree. After the
I completely agree. After the election was over, all we heard was that we have the first black president and we also have people saying "my president is black". Now, before people already start hating me, I think it's huge and very important and a great thing that Obama, given his "race", was elected, I don't think that is what we should focus on. I never wanted to focus on Obama's skin color, but that sure seemed like the only the media wanted to focus on for awhile. In political discussions, you almost can't answer the question of "who did you vote for?", because my response always landed me in the "racists" category. First off, I am not racists, I just didn't agree with his politics and that should be all of it, and the last time I checked were we not electing a president? But I couldn't believe somebody would honestly believe that I voted against him because he is darker than I am. That was the first thing that popped in this person's mind and it saddens me that people immediately think race is the only reason why one person wouldn't support another person. I'm not foolish enough to think that people didn't vote for him solely because of this fact, and that's sad too. But, in my opinion, we never should have sold him as the first black president, he should just be another president, or did Obama run for Mrs. America (a competition that still is primarily based on looks alone)? He's just another man who ran for president and race should never have been brought into question, race should never be brought into question period. Race does not define a person, and it's just the racists who try and do that, I'll wager that 90% of Americans define a person because of race, because they bring "color" into it, and that's the true crime and problem in America.
America is not a post racial
America is not a post racial society. This essay provides many examples of why this is true. The ice berg metaphor is perfect for today's situation because in many ways blatant racism has decreased immensly and has been replaced by a racism that is kept in ones mind or comes out only in private situations, rather than blatant racism like seperate water fountains. This article also brings up a good point that this new type of racism is still unacceptable and just as bad as the blatant racism. The essay also points out that just because we now have a black president people are thinking that out society has become post racial. This is obviously not true because there are people who voted against Obama simply because he was black. There were of course others that voted for him because he was black and then there was the other group, which is hopefully the majority that disregarded race and voted on which candidate they felt would actually do the better job in office. Overall this essay did a good job of evaluating this idea of a seemingly post- racial society.
Not Yet Post Racial
Society as a whole is not yet post racial and may in fact never be post racial. Racists will always exist, whether they admit it or not. Subconscious racial thoughts might never go away because of the influences we have around us daily. The media has the biggest portrayal of race in our society, and everyone is involved with media in one form or another. The media gives subconscious ideas to children and even adults about accelerating racial differences. This articles mentions the election of Barak Obama. Some view this as a huge significant advance towards a post racial society, but that's on the surface. What is Obama actually going to do to reduce racism in the country? Just because one African American made it to the white house, doesn't help the millions of others who have prejudices performed on them daily. America is a long ways away from being post racial, but it is some what closer.
There is no such thing as a
There is no such thing as a “post racial” America or society. There is no dismissing that electing a black President was a step forward but a complete transformation, no. No matter how many African Americans we have in Congress or anything else, there will always be racist people. Today, most of the racism is behind the scenes. Racism and racists’ do more behind the scenes than out in the open anymore. There have been numerous attempts made to transform today’s society into a “post-racial” one. But even with all of those steps being made, for some reason there will always be a group of people who have that sense of hate and resentment towards African Americans. In fact, Barack Obama’s election as President has actually made the racists even more angry. This decision baffled those people, wondering “how could this happen.” There were numerous assassination threats made on President Obama, but luckily none have been attempted yet. I do believe that the election of Barack Obama was a good step forward, but also in the eyes of racists a major step backward.
Not so fast...
Yes racism does exist and yes there are people who hate Barack Obama being president because he is black. However, most people probably 98% of people do not think of him as a black man before they think of him as our president. I do not agree with him on many policies but I do not dislike him because he is black. It is too easy to say that everyone is racist who does not like him. This is the same tactic that is used by Liberals when they attack the Tea Party.
What is Post-Racial?
America is the farthest thing from a post-racial society. No matter how much and how hard we try we will always have and be a racial society. There is someone that will always be racist. People need to stop looking at skin colors and look at what is really under that and what people are really like. It isn't far to people who get treated like crap because they are of a different race. Everyone should be treated equally regardless of skin color. There also shouldn't be the "other," but it is something that is always going to be around which is really unfortunate.
There is no thing as a post
There is no thing as a post racial society and America is far from it. even though America is so diverse I think that makes it more prone to racism. people are always going to have their own opinions about others and stereotype people. this is something that is never going to disappear because people judge books by their cover. and racism will always exist.
Not yet but tiny rays of hope
We are a decade into the twenty-first century and on the surface some things appear to have changed regarding racism. The highest profile change most of us have seen is the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. However, this historic event is just a dot the size of a period, on a picture that is as large as the United States. The problems of racism aren't based on individuals but on groups as a whole. Barack Obama is considered the most powerful man in the world, but no matter how powerful he is only one man. African-Americans as a group have some time before a post-racial America is realized. I hold out hope that long before the twenty-second century arrives we will see vigorous changes for the better concerning race in this country. As the U.S. witnesses a major shift in demographics in the next twenty-five years maybe more eyes will be opened, minds enlightened, and a change will finally come to a country we can all call our own.
I don't think we have become
I don't think we have become a post racial society. I think our progress of becomeing a post racial society has acctually digressed after the elcetion of President Obama. As Brown said it's like ice-bugs colliding. On the surface it may seem that we have become a post racils society(the election of an Africa-American president) for example. However, racism is just more covert now.
We Need Diversity for Progression
In this article, many interesting topics are discussed. This articles seems to be about the need for America to accept that there are and always going to be people of different races in the country. People need to realize this fact and also realize that this country is supposed to be filled with people who are different from them and have different ideas about how life should be lived. This is the point of America. America is supposed to be a melting pot of different kinds of people. The Founders knew this and they knew that America would be a great country because it would be able to progress because of all the interesting perspectives that people are presented. But today it seems that we may have lost the way. Instead of seeing different races of people coming together to learn about each other, we see race as two impending icebergs slamming into each other. This image is very disturbing when it is compared to the issue of race. The point of this country is to have all different kinds of people living together. We are not supposed to hate each other and we are not supposed to be afraid of each other. Anyone who lives in this fashion should realize that they are not supposed to be living in this country because they have completely lost the point of this country. The fact that we are all different and diverse should help us progress.
color blindness
I think a big problem in society is colorblindness. Colorblindness reinforces the racism that has held people below the ceiling. The reason for this is because not everyone started the same in society. People of color started differently then white people. White people emigranted here, and created the culture we live in, well people of color had to adjust to white culture, and in the process lose their identity. Colorblindness is seen has opposite of racism, but it reinforces it. To recgonize race is not to be racist, but a realist.
post racial
The whole idea with the iceberg and its relationship with race is that there is more there than you can see. An iceberg has 90% of its mass under water, in this article they discuss how it is the same with racism. What i get from this article is that there will never be a post racial america. In the article they discuss how there is so much racism that we cant see that there is too much of a distance to go for a post racial society. Although racism has come along way I also believe that there will never be a post racial society in america. Also there are still hate groups all around the United States. These groups and their racist ideas don't just go away over night they are taught to their children and then taught to their children. For the most part racism sticks in a family although there are many exceptions im sure its just a generality.
Response:
It seems that a lot of people believe that the election of Barack Obama as the President of the United States is a milestone of a new beginning and the ending the racial problems of the United States. In my opinion, I hate to say that these racial problems have yet to be defeated. It is inevitable that there are always going to be people out there who will look at people or think of other people differently because ideas have already been wired in their subconscious, due to the long history of Racialization in this country. People think that racism has been long addressed and gone, and that people of color who are in a disadvantaged situation or less fortunate are just not responsible enough for their lives but in reality there is more to this than just self-determination. A common standpoint from racial realists is that racial problems are from the past and the people of color nowadays have not assimilated--- and that is the problem. To refute this idea, the author of this article, gave us a perfect analogy of the cultural flow in today’s society through the iceberg metaphor: Obama’s victory equates to racial equality. The icebergs are the two racial groups that come together above sea level but in reality, they are colliding underneath sea level. People have to look beyond the superficial. An election of one African-American president does not solve the problem of racial inequality. The fact of the matter is that people still have this fear in their subconscious of the people whom they categorize as the “others”. Instead of recognizing those other groups, they categorize them as the “others” and expect them to assimilate and acculturate to WASP ideals. It may seem that racism is not too obvious anymore and the truth is, it isn’t. The fact is that racism is covert and is more of a group position, driven by economic reasons of white accumulation. Even though how hard people try to assimilate and acculturate, things are not going to be better unless the people who categorize other people as the “others” start recognizing them and start giving them a chance to succeed by not discouraging people of color to accumulate wealth and resources. By recognizing also the struggles of the different groups of people of color and injustices from their oppressors, we are one-step closer to entering a new “post-racial” phase.
Post Racial
Quite frankly, racism will always exist. Until the generation of those who were treated unfairly, and those who treated others unfairly die out, there is no way that we will overcome racism. The idea that President Barack Obama paved the way for more African Americans post election and loosened racism is ridiculous. Barack Obama was not chosen to become President of the United States because he was black, he was chosen because he possessed qualities of a President who wanted to bring change to the United States. Although this does help others in the African American community understand that Obama's presidency is an example of what African Americans CAN do, this does not alleviate the issue of racism. I honestly believe that things may have gotten worse post his presidential election. Until people begin to realize that racism is an issue, it will never be resolved. I also really enjoyed the authors iceburg analogy, it was very eye-opening and a perfect example.
Post Racial America?
America is in no way a post racial society. America has come a long way since slavery but the effects of it can still be seen today. The issue and discrimination of race began because of slavery and still is present. I liked the analogy of an iceberg that was used in the article. Yes we have a president who is African American but the fact that this was even talked about shows that race is still an issue. Though people may act like electing a president who is of color is overcoming a racial barrier does not eliminate the unsettling reactions and discussions beneath the surface. If we were in a post race society this would never be a topic of debate. The major issue that we have in our country regarding race is "whiteness." It is because of this that there are still so much inequalities and injustices. Many people have to act "white" in order to fit into the image of the dominant culture. This eliminates and destroys the value of ethnic diversity and feeds into the vicious cycle of white privilege. The only way to become a post racial society is we need to get rid of white privilege and celebrate ethnic diversity. There can not be a dominant culture in a post race society. Yes we have come far since the days of slavery but we still have a far way to go in order to move towards a post racial society. The first step is to admit and realize we are not post racial and understand the growing problems our society faces on the daily. We have to listen to the stories of those who are discriminated against and join in their outrage. This outrage and anger should be used to fuel the fight for equal opportunity and treatment and to get rid of "whiteness".
The analogy of racism in the
The analogy of racism in the United States compared to Icebergs colliding under the water where you can't see it happening is a perfect way to describe the racial issues in the United States. I see it almost as the top of the water are the new generations who don't technically see the color of someones skin as a determinant of someones success, and under the water is the older generation who can't get over their naive views, and that's why the icebergs are colliding under the water. the older generations can't get over the past.
Post Racial? Really!?
Firstly, I feel this essay is far too passive with regard to the reality of race within US society today. I strongly dislike the passage in the first paragraph that talks about despite the fact that we have a Black President we still have racism. ??? I do agree with the iceberg analogy and how racism today is mostly covert, but I still have a huge problem with with the fact that their main argument is that we are making progress because of the election of Obama like its magic and poof all the systematic and institutionalized racism that has existed in this country since its founding is just gone! No. Race is everywhere. It is ingrained into our society and of course socially constructed. Racial inequality exists within income, employment, residence, and political representation, but are communicated in a covertly racist way of placing blame on people of color for not taking responsibility for their lives.
I'm not sure its wise to promote "not seeing color" either. The entire problem with colorblind racism is that it says that being race conscious and having policies and practices that incorporate color are wrong and interfere with the precious free market. How can a society exist and prosper when it exists on the fallacy of a meritocracy and refuses to aid its poor? Oh, its because capitalism says its fine for the rich to keep on getting richer on the backs of poor people ((usually people of color.
Not completely feeling the post racial idea
In my opinion, the notion that America has become "post-racial" in some way is a bit premature. I'll agree that huge steps for racial equality have been made in the past century, but prejudice and stereotyping definitely still exist. The election of Barack Obama simply means that he garnered a majority if the electoral vote, not that America as a whole has moved passed the issue of race. After his election, racist death threats came flooding in. Although white supremacist groups may not be accepted in mainstream American Society, they still exist. Obviously and thankfully, the threats were not carried out, but they showed that at least some amount of Americans were unhappy with Obama's election, based solely on racial grounds. I'll agree that the American public has widened its view of race beyond that of black and white, but now a line dividing the minority and the majority exists. This can be seen in college admissions as well as in the evaluation on prospective employees. It may not be as outright as it has been in the past, but race can still play a role in acceptance, as far as universities are concerned.