Raspberry on U.S. Racism and Changing People’s Attitudes

I am neither alarmed nor surprised by the views expressed by Raspberry. His contention that blacks are engaged in a fruitless endeavor to point out racism when they find it festering in their community, at their job or in their schools, is not a new idea. Indeed, back to our earliest days of struggle for liberation from slavery there were those who suggested a quieter, less confrontational path than direct complaint.

Raspberry’s position is buttressed by a growing legion of black pseudo-intellectuals. As Raspberry points out decrying racism in America is divisive, polarizing and acrimonious. Nevertheless, maturing for an individual or a nation is a painful process. America has not matured thus far even to the standard of its own Constitution, which bars the very discrimination we seek relief from today. The complaint of injury by an aggrieved party and the right to redress are fundamental American privileges. It is part of our tradition of due process for accused and accuser. Furthermore, victims of racism, sexism and anti-Semitism cannot heal the injury to themselves without the acknowledgement that public complaint provides.

Raspberry and his fellow black apologists are performing the worst sort of victim manipulation. The injured party is switched to the role of aggressor by way of complaining.

If Americans were to follow Raspberry’s flawed conclusions women, would still be restricted to the kitchen, Latinos would be stuck in fruit orchards, Asians would be laying railway track, Jews would be banned from private universities and blacks would be riding in our assigned seats to the rear of the bus.

DON JACKSON

Los Angeles