not so simple

If only the problem of healing America's racial divide were as simple as electing a black president...

While I often appreciate Eric Zorn's columns, I think he's oversimplified the problem in this one. Electing a black president would be one step towards healing. Obama's speech was another step. But these steps would be only the beginning of a dialogue, not the final word on the subject.

There is bigotry on both sides of the fence that has to be overcome. It won't be easy and it won't happen quickly. Much of the bigotry that existed back in the 1950s is still there, albeit in more subtle forms. Until we, as a nation, decide to grow and change, this will continue to hold us back.

The cultural differences between mainstream white culture and mainstream black culture are substantial and very real. Some individuals are in a position to bridge that gap. Listening to their perspectives can promote greater understanding of our differences.

After all the controversy you have heard about Barack Obama's pastor, Rev. Wright, have you taken the time to go beyond the post-9/11 sound bites shown on Fox News and seek out the context for those comments? Hearing those short snippets in context changes the message considerably.

We need to talk on a nationwide scale, not just for a day, but for as long as it takes. But talk isn't the only piece of the equation. To have a real dialogue, we also need to listen. If we only talk but do not listen, we may be under the illusion that we are making progress without actually doing so. We need to understand the context of what we are hearing, and take time to learn more if we do not yet understand.

beginning a dialogue

When Barack Obama tackled the difficult subject of our racial divide in his recent speech, the topic was already on the radar at a local high school. One more step in the right direction...

a time to heal

The racial divisions that continue to plague our country need to be healed. Too often, we are afraid to discuss this difficult subject, with friends of the same race or other races.

Barack Obama's Philadelphia speech sent the right message about this thorny issue. The speech is a long one. Please take time to listen or read the text. It's worth taking that time.

I grew up with a mixed legacy of racism. I've lived in mixed neighborhoods for most of my life, having friends and neighbors of many different nationalities and races.

My Mom's parents did not believe in racism. Their Polish family and the black family next door became like one big extended family. The grandmother of that family, still alive and kicking at 91, is like another grandmother to me. I consider her daughters to be my aunts and her son to be my uncle.

My Dad's parents were the opposite, often making bigoted comments about our n***** neighbors and being less than thrilled about visiting our neighborhood. I've always taken pride in the fact that Dad did not follow in their footsteps. In his later years, he enjoyed time volunteering at a community center in a poor black neighborhood, coaching basketball and teaching crafts.

We need to keep speaking out, tearing down the walls that divide us. We have the power as a nation to choose a path to healing. Barack Obama's words can help begin a dialogue to aid in that process. It begins with many smaller dialogues.

Each of us can talk with our family members, children's teachers, neighbors, anyone. Teachers can include the idea of healing in their lessons. Ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, and other religious leaders and teachers can promote the idea of healing. Parents and grandparents can talk with their children.

Spread a million seeds and many of them will take root. The power to heal comes from individuals choosing to help it happen.