Racism in America

In response to the article written by Powledge, the answer is emphatically No ! Any words spoken or written by blacks that denounce white people are not the product of bigotry and cannot properly be compared to the bigotry demonstrated by whites. White bigotry is born of ignorance and hatred. The words of some blacks, both prominent and not, are born of anger and frustration. This frustration has led to the desire for separate facilities.

When we are denied input into such seemingly trivial areas as preparation for college graduation and high school prom ceremonies or when that ever-present “glass-ceiling” prevents us from obtaining better economic positions, we, as a community, have every right to create our own prom ceremonies and our own businesses.

Yes, whites control the economic base in this country, but black America’s dollar is pretty powerful. It spoke loud and clear during the ‘60s boycotts. The frustration Powledge confuses with bigotry and the separatism he confuses with segregation are simply a form of boycotting. Boycotts will become a thing of the past only when black Americans can walk into any door and receive equal, unbiased treatment.

MADELINE K. SMITH

Los Angeles