Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Latest So-Called National Conversation on Race

Frank Rich says it best in his latest NYT column:

THE comforting thing about each “national conversation on race” is that the “teachable moment” passes before any serious conversation can get going.
The one thing Frank doesn't say in this column and the one thing I keep thinking every time we have one of these "national conversations on race" is that until everyone is ready to have an honest conversation about race, everyone can shut up about it. Until everyone can start the conversation from the premise that structural inequality, institutional racism and skin privilege exist and govern much of what happens in this society, everyone can shut the fuck up about it. Seriously SHUT. THE. FUCK. UP.

Because trying to prove to a disbelieving person that these things exist and exert influence over everyone's lives every. single. day. is like trying to reason with the birthers. It is an exercise in futility and a good way to drive oneself insane.

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