Pros and Cons on ‘Being White’

I have to agree with Pierre L. Van Den Berghe, a professor from the University of Washington who deals with ethnic relations, who says, “seminars on diversity exacerbate American’s preoccupation with race.”

Our diversity is and should be in our uniqueness as individuals regardless of our race. Saying “I am proud to be white” or “I’m proud to be black” is meaningless and irrelevant. It does more harm than good. Why should I feel proud of something I had nothing to do with?

The fact that our ancestors were good or bad contributes nothing towards solving the problems we all face today. Being born into a particular race doesn’t give anyone the right to be proud of that race. It can only perpetuate racism as we know it.

BENNY WASSERMAN

La Palma