Shelby Steele’s Views on Blacks

I would have preferred not to respond to the opinions of Steele, leaving them to lie in the realm of an exchange of mutual admiration between him and the George Wills of this society. Since the press persists in promoting his views, this time with the reinforcing quote “something that everyone feels,” I can no longer afford to ignore him.

I hold my job as a direct result of the federal mandate to hire more minorities. My sense of self-esteem is in no way threatened by the knowledge that I am here because my employers were forced to moderate their racist practices. I have the opportunity to observe the performances of my white colleagues firsthand and am not one bit troubled with self-doubt about my abilities in comparison.

I am astounded that in the America of today the notion that the forces which determine the racial makeup of the work force is colorblind as Steele suggests. It is incredible that one in his position could be advocating that the affirmative action programs of the government should be abolished.

For The Times to continue to trumpet the self-aggrandizing mouthings of this designated authority can only serve to make the struggle of minorities to overcome the racial barriers that deny them equal access to a system that cannot and will not accommodate them more difficult.

ROBERT JORDAN

Camarillo