President Obama has been roundly criticized for not doing enough to address the issue of race in our society. At the beginning of his presidency, there were many who were hopeful that seismic changes in our country’s racial landscape were in the offing. Talk of a post-racial era was naively supported by the fact that we now have an African-American President.
In a recent speech made by likely 2016 presidential candidate, Jeb Bush pressed for “adult conversations” on a broad range of big issues. These issues, according to Bush, target how the federal government works, and whether it works to open up opportunity for all. Not surprisingly, talking about race was not included, and yet this conversation could indeed contribute to greater opportunities for all, including people of color.
Having an adult conversation on this subject, especially one led by a white President or a white presidential contender would be welcome. While white privilege allows white politicians to ignore race, white privilege also provides a white President with the luxury of being forthright, without people accusing him or her of having a hidden agenda. While we have criticized President Obama for not doing enough to move this conversation forward, this conversation needs to be embraced by Presidents of all parties, races and backgrounds.
In Race Matters, American author, philosopher, and activist Dr. Cornel West states emphatically that our society has never engaged in a sustained and meaningful national dialogue on race. Derald Wing Sue, noted author on the subject of race and microaggressions, refers to the lack of “race talk” as a “conspiracy of silence.” A U. S. President, especially one who is White, could help to set this conversation in motion.
Very interesting :). I am glad to see you are feeling better