Category Archives: Uncategorized

Tom Brady…all that different?

I have no idea what Tom Brady has been going through as far as trying to balance twenty-plus years of playing in the NFL and being there for his wife and children.  And yet I do know what he’s been … Continue reading

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The N-Word: When Can Whites Use It?

“The N-word “is arguably the most consequential social insult in American history, according to Randall Kennedy, a professor at Harvard Law School.  Two decades ago, he wrote a book simply entitled n—–: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word. Throughout … Continue reading

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Why Howard U:  A White Guy Explains (Part Two of Two)

With a year of teaching under my belt, I started thinking about getting my Ph.D. in sociology.  I was teaching a full-time load (five courses) at Baltimore City Community College.  Married a couple of years earlier, I was a new … Continue reading

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Why Go to Howard U:  A White Guy Explains

Howard University’s The Illtop Journal, sponsored by comic genius Chris Rock, opened with a piece titled “white student’s guide to howard u.”  Chuck O’Fay, the name given for the author of this humorous piece, describes some observations he made as … Continue reading

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A Relaxing Summer Vacation without Aggravation Is Still a Luxury for Many Minorities  

Woodbine Cottage, Lake George NY “Modern hotel, air conditioned, television, good food, variety of amusement sports. Protection for the Negro traveler.  Contact Samuel ‘Pinky’ McFerson and his wife Dorothy (proprietors).” Protection for the Negro traveler?  In Lake George, a resort … Continue reading

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Awareness, Acceptance… Something’s Missing When It Comes to Autism

In recent months, there’s been a push by the autism community to replace the word “awareness” with “acceptance;” to move on from simply promoting awareness to bringing about acceptance and inclusion of individuals on the spectrum.  What’s the big deal … Continue reading

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Will Smith did a “bad thing,” but he needs our help

In his recent blog, “Will Smith Did a Bad, Bad Thing,” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar argues that the actor’s slap at the just held Oscars perpetuated racial stereotypes.  And while I agree, I only agree to a certain extent.  It’s all too … Continue reading

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Students Make Themselves Heard:  The Central Park Exonerated Five:  Part 4 (of 4)

Previously: As a White professor teaching sociology and diversity at a Historically Black College (Baltimore City Community College), I often dealt with sensitive and potentially divisive issues. Roughly 3 decades ago, one of my Intro Soc students raised a tough … Continue reading

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Students Make Themselves Heard:  The Central Park Exonerated Five: Part 3 (of 4)

Previously: As a White professor teaching sociology and diversity at a Historically Black college (Baltimore City Community College), I regularly dealt with sensitive and potentially divisive issues. This particular day, one of my Intro Soc students raised a question on … Continue reading

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Students Make Themselves Heard: The Central Park Five :  Part 2 (of 4)

Previously: As a White professor teaching sociology and diversity at a Historically Black college (Baltimore City Community College), I often dealt with sensitive and potentially divisive issues. This particular day, one of my Intro Soc students raised a question on … Continue reading

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