Racism exists, not a laughing matter
I read Garin Hovannisian’s column “Ethnic change
shows racism still exists” (Jan. 26), and was compelled to
respond. I appreciate his writing about a very sensitive subject by
using satire in order to prove his point. In addition, unlike many
others, I must respect his views in the name of free speech, even
if I don’t necessarily agree with him.
My point does concern how the article made me feel. And I must
say that the article disturbed me quite a bit ““ it appears to
reveal a lack of knowledge of the experiences that individuals of
color have gone through because the tone set forth in the article
sounds condescending, making light of events that occur even
today.
Now, I must agree that many people use the word
“racism” rather loosely. And yes, racism is not nearly
as prevalent as it was when I was growing up in the ’60s and
’70s.
On the other hand, racism does exist and it does affect certain
aspects of society. To quote Larry Elder as a spokesman of black
thought is to be disingenuous, for many blacks disagree vehemently
with him.
And the mention of Clarence Thomas, Condoleeza Rice and Colin
Powell does not necessarily sit well with the majority of the black
community, as many feel they have lost touch with the needs and
problems of the urban black who feels disenfranchised and condemned
to a cycle of poverty, crime and hopelessness.
However, the area that most concerns me is his patronizing of
the concerns of people of color for equal views of their history.
Mentioning Roman and Russian history, while perhaps funny to some,
reminds too many black people of how often their views have been
ridiculed and dismissed by such flippant remarks.
My own experiences remind me that, while our country has made
great strides, it still needs to go further in making this a truly
color-blind society. Minds do not change suddenly from earlier,
entrenched practices; 20, 30, even 40 years is still too soon to
declare what was first a separate-but-equal society a truly
integrated place.
Adrian G. Haymond Financial services manager, Office of
Instructional Development