University of Arkansas at Little Rock

25 Comments Add your own

• 1. Gerald Driskill  |  February 3rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm

  I am looking forward to learning from others in responding to this question. My first take, one I am seeking to implement in my own language, is to cease using the word race. I do not find the term productive. Ethnic groups, cultural groups…other alternatives are most useful ways to help us think in terms of commonalities and difference.

• 2. LaVerne Tolliver  |  February 3rd, 2009 at 4:13 pm

  I believe that the president can either be proactive and charter a plan for dealing with the issue of race and ethnicity or - and I hate to use a binary approach, but I believe it’s somewhat necessary in this case - he will be forced to respond in a reactive mode. Many people from various perspectives are already raising the issue. I believe that it is necessary to address it, even embrace the subject, in order to move toward a richer and more positive and constructive future.

• 3. Jeffrey Nash  |  February 3rd, 2009 at 10:38 pm

  President Obama addressed the issue of race in American in his campaign speech, “A More Perfect Union.” All of us should to listen to or read this speech. In it, Americans were treated to a honest, well thought out and informed view of the significance of race in American society.

  President Obama should keep the issue of race alive on the public agenda, and work to help us understand the complicated ways that issues of race are entangled with residential segregation in our cities, with crime and poverty issues and, especially, with educational opportunity and achievement.

  We have a great opportunity to untangle prejudice from preference, to have honest public discourse and to come face-to-face with how race has divided us for centuries and may continue to do so, even with a president of African and American heritage.

  Obama’s election present us with two clear paths to follow: 1) we can pronounce that race is no longer an issue for Americans of good will, and fail to appreciate the subtle yet profound ways that race influences all aspects of our lives, or 2) we answer the president’s call for a “more perfect union” and keep race issues in their political, social and economic contexts so that they may be identified, understood and overcome.

• 4. Johnny Gilbert  |  February 18th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

  President Obama has a unique opportunity to tell his story and give a voice to people and programs that would offer productive dialogue regarding an issue that no one wants to talk about.

  This not the time ignore the issue. Just because an African-American is the President of the United States does not mean that racism has been defeated. On the contrary, one can never conquer the enemy unless they have the courage to face him on his own ground. The issue of race, racism and all of its implications are staring at the people of this nation.

  What will we do with this gift that beckons us to reach out to others that are different from us to listen and try to understand?

• 5. Adjoa Aiyetoro  |  February 19th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

  It is important that President Obama address issues of race directly. He has already indicated that he wants to address issues of disparity in the criminal punishment system, most particularly, the disparity in sentencing for crack/powder cocaine and issues pertaining to racial profiling. The only way that we can become the society that he envisions is for him to directly address issues of race as well as issues of class. With the exception of his speech on race in Philadelphia during the campaign, he has been much more outspoken about issues of class. I know there were numerous strategic reasons for that, including perhaps not wanting to be perceived as a president for a narrow constituency. Yet, now that he is on the job he can demonstrate that addressing the racial divide in this country is essential to having a healthy, thriving United States.

• 6. Ryan Spears  |  February 19th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

  I’ve never thought about it so I don’t have a specific answer right now. He has a lot of influence. So he, like anyone else with the power/ability to do good, should have at least some ethical obligation to act for that good.

  It seems to me that there could be another option between ignoring the issue and directly addressing it. What about ‘indirectly’ addressing it. Maybe a combination of all three is needed.

  In general, it should be addressed. He has the ability to influence many through speech and example.

• 7. Mark Krain  |  February 19th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

  The most important thing President Obama can do is to restore the U.S. Department of Justice to its rightful role of enforcing Civil Rights law. During the Bush years the Civil Rights unit of DoJ was almost eliminated and disempowered to act vigorously and continuously to enforce Civil Rights Laws and Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA)laws. Under its new chief, Attorney General Eric Holder, an African American, DoJ can be effectively restored to this role. It will require recreating DoJ’s Civil Rights unit and hiring maybe 100 or more attorneys capable of aggressive Civil Rights and EOAA action. It also might require replacing all of the Bush appointees to the regional DoJ offices. In the Bush years they were instructed to pay little attention to Civil Rights and EOAA lawsuits. Most minorities now simply disregard DoJ as an effective instrument for pursuing their rights. That has to be changed.

• 8. Shelly Berry  |  February 19th, 2009 at 6:29 pm

  I feel that race still needs to be addressed and I also feel that the President has the power to influence this. On the other hand, I do think that this is a sensitive issue and the attitudes of many Ameicans are still unsure of what the future holds simply because of race. I do not think that it would be wise of President Obama to “Directly” address this issue. It will come across wrong. I think that subtle and as mentioned before, possibly “Indirect” measures should be taken. I think that when most people think of race they only think of black/white. There are a lot of harbored feelings there when this issue is so much more broad than that. I think that this question in and of itself needs to be a little more specific. What aspects of race are we even talking about? As long as we use the terminology race and continue to discuss the differences, how can we ever expect to be equal? What exactly makes one “race” a minority and how long must it be seen that way?

• 9. David Akers  |  February 19th, 2009 at 7:22 pm

  Race relations have been a source of debate in this country since its conception. Policy debate, legislation, and constitutional scrutiny have served to both advance, and regress race relations over the years.

  President Obama, by expample, has proven that Americans of mixed ethnicity can attain any goal that they aspire to. His case proves the point that this can be done through education, rather then ethnicity and legacy.

  My hopes are that President Obama will work to provide educational opportunities to all Americans regardless of race or economic backgrounds. Rather than micromanaging race relations, which further draws divisive lines, I hope he focuses on equality for all.

  My hope for American citizens, is that we can learn from his example. In doing so, adopt a new standard of excellence for ourselves and others, not bound by race, but rather by performance.

  I believe that keeping this issue front and center will serve to level the playing feild in the job market. Equal education/vocation access will positivly impact all aspects of society (health care, civil rights, economic disparities, crime, etc.). This should have a self-correcting effect on race relations.

• 10. Maleah Summerville  |  February 20th, 2009 at 2:17 am

  President Obama does not need to address this as a question of race as in black or white, red,or brown. He should address it as a socioeconomic question as in are you rich or our your poor. Are we not all the same until someone wants to know what your average yearly income is like when you want to buy a house or car? So to answer your question no it should not be a question of race!!!!!! Socioeconomic status people, that is the question?!

• 11. Stephen Robertson  |  February 20th, 2009 at 9:36 am

  I am truly confused by the question. Is the idea that Obama should confront the issue and devise some “plan” to deal with racism? There can be no 12 point plan to resolve an issue of this level as there can be in, say, the resolution of unemployment. This issue arrises and must be dealt with on an individual level. Government cannot and will not change the mind of individuals through any enforced act or bill. On this issue, and many others, I feel government is not the answer (on that I urge everyone to take a closer look at what steps our governement is taking to expand its reach). So I ask, what can be done by president Obama? Awareness? That takes care of itself. Who isn’t aware of racism and its effects on our society?

• 12. Jonathan McNally  |  February 20th, 2009 at 10:13 am

  Obama needs to hit this topic head on like a frieght train. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for settling the racial unrest in America, but this sickening love affair with Obama and his “blackness” has got to go. Fact of the matter is, people are different; always have been, and always will be. I f we can accept that for what it is, then race won’t be an issue. I believe race is an issue still because WE make it an issue. All we need to do is quit worrying about who came from what descent because none of that matters in the here and now. Who cares if Obama is black mixed with some red, white, and blue? Race is an issue in America and will continue to be as long as we all focus on it. Obama took in 96% of the total African American vote. Sure sounds peculiar to me, but surely people wouldn’t vote for him just because he’s “black.” Or would they? McCain didn’y take in 96% of the Caucasian.
  Obama needs to hit race head on and set a few things straight early on. The complaining has got to come to an end. As long as we keep crying over the differences between us, we will never stand as one. Screw Iraq! Lets’s fix the battleground here at home first. Let’s also recognise Obama for the intelligent young and ambitious person he is as he leads our great country, instead of arguing about what color he and the rest of us are.

• 13. Stephen Robertson  |  February 20th, 2009 at 10:28 am

  I feel the only true way to solve this problem is education and a strengthening of the moral fibers that tie Americans to America. I was raised to believe that black and white (because these were the major constituents at the time) hold no definition to who a person is. This is a very true statement. However, what does define a person is there actions. It seems that more and more entertainment is a driving force for our children to determine violence and malice as what is cool. Too often I hear lyrics that are derogatory to women and how being shot is a right of passage. It is also known that some prisoners see jail time as the same. What has happened that a trip to jail or being shot or killing someone can ensure your place in a group? I am a person who believes in the freedom of speech through and through, but without a moral foundation and a constant view of our children’s interests, they can easily be misled. I suggest a restructuring of our morals. Starting from the foundation, our children, we, as responsible parents, should provide for them alternate role models which can sculpt a clear, unbiased view of how one should act in society. There really is so much more to this situation than just morals, but I think this would be the best place to start. I also feel that government involvement will only worsen the ever increasing angst that is held between the races of this country. So…what should Obama do? Nothing…perhaps focus on where the issue arises in life and indirectly, as Mr Spears stated above, improve those conditions to redirect or remove the the anger that leads to racism.

• 14. Byron Daniels  |  February 20th, 2009 at 3:23 pm

  In my most humble opinion, race is the third most sensitive issue of all time. It is ranked in the top three under religion and politics. More people have died because of religion and war than any other entity known to mankind. One man robs the bank because he feels the system owes him something. Another guy steals from another guy because he believes “an eye for an eye; tooth for a tooth.” Even the murderer thinketh he does God a favor.

  Race is also one of the silliest reasons for fighting. It is just as silly as two lovers in a quarrel over whose superior, man or woman? And the reality is: we both need each other. No one can say “black did this.” We haven’t done anything alone. Dr. Martin Luther King did not do anything by himself. Behind all of the picket signs and civil rights protests, there was some white guy behind the Supreme Court bench who saw things the same way. SO, let;s give credit where credit is due. Even a puppy can only go so far if placed on a leash.

  The dog can run and run thinking it is free when suddenly, WHAM! The dog hangs about his neck. So, let’s not try to go too far without taking those who are carrying us along with us. This race is won equally and must be celebrated equally. Before we go further, thank and show appreciation to the others who have helped us thus far. And futhermore, the best way to deal with the issue on race is by having the courage to face it. You cannot hit a target that you are afraid to aim at. Neither can you win a race if you do not know where the finish line is located.

  When the issue comes up, talk about it and don’t just try to bury your thoughts. Things might get out of line. If they do, it is O.K. to stop it once you have had enough. However, remember, a lot of blood have been shed; many tears have been cried; and many souls have been trapped since the time this ordeal. And I am afraid there may be many more before we can get to the place that we want to be.

• 15. Donald Burnham  |  February 20th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

  I wish Obama could ignore the issue of race and just be a President like the last 43 Presidents. Sadly I don’t think it can work that way. He has become a symbol for African Americans. He has become a symbol for Africans, and many other people around the world solely because of his ethnicity.

  I think he will address racial, ethnic, and cultural issues in his own time because I think he knows people expect him to. Right now though, I’m glad he’s focused on fixing the country. I think he’s legitimizing himself in the minds of most Americans by doing everything he can to address our countries most pressing problems, the economic recession, and our foreign relations.

• 16. William Gray  |  February 20th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

  David Akers is right. Here and on the “meaningful encounter” board. (And I wonder why the committe decided to pidgeon hole it to experiences outside of the classroom and workplace. Do they not count?) Education defeats ignorance and invites interaction. The problem is that education is steadily becoming a means based segregation. Which affects people across the spectrum. FinAid.org took the years from 1958 to 2005 and showed that through any 17 year period the average increase in tuition was between 6 and 9 percent per year. Which is 1.2 to 2.1 times the general inflation. Then add books which are cheaper almost anywhere than the campus bookstore and then, if it is a resident campus, add room and board. And ask yourself what is the aim of the university. And then ask who does this exclude.

  So the best thing our President can do is make education, as health care, a right for all Americans. And not a privilege. Which would have a positive affect upon race relations. And, besides, what is more important for a democracy than an educated citizenry?

• 17. Cora Blocher  |  February 21st, 2009 at 3:57 pm

  Unfortunatly, American society proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that race discrimination is alive and well in America. The stories from across the country of the increase of hate crimes and racial slurs after the presidential election proved my statement. I agree with Dr. Krain on the actions necessary concerning the DoJ. I seems to me that Race is just a small window of civil rights attitudes that need to addressed. Our society will be much better off when society would start looking at everyone else as human beings.

• 18. Teressa Carter  |  February 23rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm

  I also beleive that the issue of race needs to be addressed. President Obama is the right person to attempt to address this very sensitive issue in our country. In fact, in the very short time he has been in office he has already forced Americans to take a hard look at themselves and their attitudes towards race. This is so important because a lot of us are not aware of our biases and prejudices, and if we are we are not willing to face how damaging they are to our country.
  After reading the comments, I would like to point out that I personally do not find anything wrong with being aware or our racial differences. In fact, I would like to see people, especially African Americans, embrace more of their heritage or attempt to learn more about the culture/country of which their ancestors originated. In my opinion, there is too many people assimilating to the European/American culture and way of life. The sooner we realize that we will not end racism by diminishing the cultural differences that makes us unique, but by accepting and respecting them, only will we begin to travel the road to equality.

• 19. Jonathan McNally  |  February 25th, 2009 at 1:09 pm

  Follow-up from post #12 in response to following posts.

  Yes, thats what makes America a wonderful country: the ability for an individual to practice and claim whatever race/ethninticity/culture etc they wish. Racism is the notion that one of these races/ethninticities/cultures etc is superior to the other. This has nothing to do with people “embracing” their heritage or “learning” about thier ancestors. It is only when one lets their race/ethninticity/culture etc that they practice put a chip on their shoulder towards other individuals because of their belief systems or skin color that we have a problem. People these days are quick to slap the term “racism” on to many instances of disagreement between people when it was really nothing more than a simple diasagreement. More often than not, people dont get beat up and robbed because they were white or brown or hispanic; they get beat up and robbed because they apparently had something that someone else wanted. People generally dont get short-sided by the government because they are white/brown/hispanic. They get short-sided by the government because they refuse to help themselves. Unfortunatley this world is never perfect,people do get singled out because of their religeon or skin color and are victims of this horrible problem of racism. Everybody else who complains about it, should be (in my opinion) disgusted with themselves for taking advantage of other people’s misery and using for thier own gain. Racism is alive. Racism will always be alive on some level as it is impossible to have 100% compliance or agreement on things like this. Somebody is ALWAYS going to hate someone else for petty reasons. What needs to be addressed by Obama is the gross abuse of the term racism and who is affected by it. In my humble opinion, most of the people who scream racism are crying wolf and have latched on to the back of those affected by this problem and increased thier burden. America has gained the reputation of a “melting pot” of races/ethninticities/culture. So, to me, this means that I am free to be who and what I want; I encourage people to research their past. Find out where you came from and who you are related to and then…………….leave it at home. Once you leave the sanctity of your own home, you have entered into the “ethnic melting pot” that is America and have no reason to complain about our differences. Racism is not the problem at all. Its people who embrace racism. Wouldnt be much of an idea if nobody ever thought about it, now would it?

  Peace

• 20. Ryan Spears  |  March 2nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm

  Well, with all the federal money that is being sent to our public schools, Washington can pretty much force those schools to do just about whatever they want them to do to address this issue through the education system.

• 21. Fred Bump  |  March 9th, 2009 at 10:38 am

  Now that Obama has been president for several weeks, I am surprised on the minimal amount of discussion on this topic. Everything that I’ve read about him has to do with how he’s handling the position, not his color. I believe this stems from how unsatisfied the public was with the Bush administration. We’re to the point where color is not the issue; it’s whether or not he can pull us through these hard times. I feel that he is the man for the job no matter what his color is, and I’m excited to see what perspires from his administration.

• 22. Joseph McElderry  |  March 16th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

  To a certain extent, I doubt Obama is worried about it. Which would be more productive in reducing racism: Obama taking advantage of his position to reduce racism, or Obama being a black president that pulls us through what some call the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression? If he can do the latter, then I’m sure many people will have increased respect for blacks. If he does try to focus on racism, then there will be some sort of backlash that is counter productive at reducing racism. I’ll explain. How does one feel when he is told he is racist? He feels a certain amount of reverse-racism and feels like he’s being discriminated against. Not very productive. How does one feel when they have to be careful not to be racist and watch what they say or do for fear of being accused? That certainly doesn’t encourage blacks and whites to hang out together and get along.

  To a certain extent, I don’t know what Obama could do if he tried. A lot of present day racism, which is different from racism of the 1950s and earlier, depends on individual knowledge, maturity, and how people were raised. It’s tied to our culture not necessarily to race.

• 23. Jonathan McNally  |  March 19th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

  well put #22. couldnt have said it better myself.

• 24. Corey Thomas  |  April 8th, 2009 at 8:28 am

  Our President should focus on leading and uniting this country. He should not focus on those things that polarize us the most. Race is a social construct created by people who are dead and gone. It amazes me how we continue to carry the torch for them.

  What good is going to come out of our President addressing this social construct? Will hate and “race” superiority groups like the KKK, Skinheads or the Aryan Nation cease to exist? I doubt it.

  Our President is but one person and we cannot put at his feet the very issue that hundreds of thousands of people have failed to effectively address themselves. Let me get really specific. If we want the issues of “race” to cease and desist in the state that houses the national headquarters for the most notorious hate organization in the U.S. and maybe even the world then it is up to us…not the President!

  A change of heart is a matter of personal choice and is not a matter of law. Our President can address the issue as much as he wants but until the people make the conscious choice to make a change then the problem will still exist. We have found ways to get around the law for years. Have you ever hear of the “exceptions” that swallow the “rule of law”? Hmmm…Also, take a close look at the law governing employment discrimination. Now weigh that against the law governing “at-will” employment. Very interesting in deed!

  My point is simple, no matter what our President does, if individuals want to find a way around the fix, they will find it.

  Our President should focus on those things that bring us together which includes social justice. The unjust disparities speak for themselves and thus he does not have to attempt to make any sort of profound statement concerning them. The change starts with us. Right here!

  What’s very interesting to me is that some individuals want to task our President with addressing issues that we have yet to effectively address ourselves. Let’s give our President solutions and not more problems.

• 25. Jack Coop  |  April 30th, 2009 at 6:41 pm

  History will not judge President Obama based on his direct efforts to improve race relations in America. Instead, history will judge him on his success domestically and abroad. If he is successful ending the recession and can responsibly remove us from two wars abroad, he will probably be viewed positively. This success (or failure) will determine whether many people believe a black person can be an effective president and leader; however, this is a foolish conclusion. Mr. Obama’s work as president should not be a referendum on the capability of black people to perform important duties, like being President. Instead, it will be important to consider Mr. Obama as an individual rather than as a representative for all black people. His success is not necessarily indicative of someone else’s future success nor would his failure be indicative of anyone else’s potential for failure.

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