Racism in America

In response to “One Nation, With Liberty and Justice for the Few,” by Julianne Malveaux, Commentary, June 25:

As a white male it is impossible to truly feel the pain and suffering that African-Americans endure living in the United States. Though, emotionally, I will never experience the effects of racism, intellectually I know it exists. The profound disgust that Julianne Malveaux has for our Pledge of Allegiance is enough to prove that.

I cannot help but believe, however, that her hatred for “hypocritical” American ideals, as enunciated throughout the pledge, is misguided. To classify the United States as racist simply because racism takes place here is ludicrous. In this country, regardless of race, people are legally equal, an ideal and reality for all Americans. This is not to say that economic and social disparities do not exist. Obviously, they do. But if racial equality on a social level is to ever take place, legal equality must come first. In denouncing our Pledge, Malveaux ridicules the very ideals upon which true racial equality is hinged.

I hope and believe that someday we will witness a society wherein its members address each other without regard to skin color and ethnic background; and I believe it will happen in the United States, where there is “liberty and justice for all.”

DOUG DENNINGTON

Pomona