Recently, I saw an editorial in the Boston Globe (September 21, 1986), in which there was comment on a suggestion which Andrew Young evidently made about choosing a new United States Ambassador to South Africa. The editorial says, “A converted racist would be the ideal person to deal with the bigots in Pretoria.” Continue reading “A “Converted” Racist?”
Learning about Racism from Students
For several years I have taught an undergraduate course at Boston College, titled The History and Development of Racism in the United States of America. Teaching is always a mutual exchange, so it is no surprise that each semester students teach me about racism. Continue reading “Learning about Racism from Students”
Diagnostic Tools for Work Against Racism
Blatant racism continues to grow in strength during this twentieth century Post-Reconstruction period. The KKK conducts training for a race war, unhindered by our government. Four hundred whites in Philadelphia chant “We want them out,” when they see blacks moving into “their” neighborhood. Continue reading “Diagnostic Tools for Work Against Racism”
A Higher Education About Racism
In recent years I have talked with people from over thirty colleges, mostly in the New England area. These people include students, administrators, and faculty whose points of view in regard to racism differ considerably. From what I have experienced, seen, or heard about, here I will share anecdotal data which will illustrate some of the forms racism takes in those college settings. Continue reading “A Higher Education About Racism”
A Context for Understanding the Current Attack on Affirmative Action
We have heard a number of calls in recent months to rethink and to redefine Affirmative Action. They have come from a variety of sources, including editorial writers, political leaders, government agency heads, professors, economists, and corporate executives. Whites and people of color, men and women have joined a small but vocal chorus. Continue reading “A Context for Understanding the Current Attack on Affirmative Action”