Commenters responded to a recent Atlanta Forward leadership blog on discussing racial matters. Here’s a sampling of reader comments:
JZBingham: It's hard to believe this is still an issue, but I can't help but think it's somewhat overblown by the media. There are so many examples of people getting along I see in my daily life. Nowhere is this evident if you look at the media. It's very unjust to bias the population with news clips that skew toward racism in order to justify political goals. That's all I see these days. The racism that exists, in my view, comes from those who use it to their advantage. Just like the "War on Women," this is a topic that gets attention and drives home the political agenda of those who benefit the most. The day murders in Chicago get as much attention as the Zimmerman/Trayvon case is the day I'll have respect for what the media tells me is an issue. Their bias proves racism is a cover for their agenda.
Starik: Slavery, segregation and Jim Crow were ugly. I haven't yet been to the new civil rights museum, but I'll be disappointed if there's no section on Georgia politicians' handling of race between 1950 and 1970, including some of the J.B. Stoner-for-governor TV spots. The current era of affirmative action, frivolous discrimination lawsuits and the treatment of anybody who speaks incorrectly, even in private, isn't pretty, either. An honest discussion would be helpful, and I wish the AJC had a regular blog on race. Look at the "Get Schooled" blog. A considerable number of the posts discuss racial issues. It's instructive to see what people think.
SAWB: Based on my experience, most white people simply want to move past race. While we may not be as sensitive as we should be, most members of my generation and younger have been taught to see everyone as equals. So when some people attack everything we do or say as racist, it's difficult to process. If I support less government, why is that racist? If I purchase a handgun, why is that racist? If prefer to live in a community with low crime and good schools, why is that racist? The truth of the matter is, none of these things are racist, but often times, they are used as examples of racism. Much of this is the fact that calling a white person "racist" can automatically silence him or her and win the debate. Many people of color have learned this tactic and use it to their advantage.
