Group Explores Race, Economy, Violence

Concerned about increasing racial tension, violence and the troubled economy, a group of about 90 teachers and students met Thursday in Anaheim to learn how to promote a more tolerant attitude toward the Southland’s rapidly changing society.

Nine speakers during the daylong event recommended everything from watching less television and acknowledging that Third World countries hold the key to the American economy, to abandoning the pursuit of diplomas and focusing on “hands-on” training.

“Orange County is going through an enormous evolution as a society . . . so it is not very surprising that we are having problems with tolerance,” said author Joel Kotkin, who spoke as part of the colloquium sponsored by the Southern California Leadership Center.

The key to a more peaceful and prosperous society is to embrace diversity and change, not resist it, Kotkin said.

With the Cold War over and Southern California’s defense industry on the skids, Kotkin told educators that the United States must sell more of its products to Asia and Latin America in order to survive.

In philosophy as in trade, Kotkin told educators, Americans can learn from Chinese culture, which he said emphasizes family values and entrepreneurship.

“You have to think more entrepreneurially about your life in general,” Kotkin said. “You can’t think, ‘I’m going to get a job and hold onto it for life,’ ” he said.

Small companies and self-employment will be the wave of the future, he said.

While Kotkin focused on the economic reasons to accept diversity, author and film critic Michael Medved blamed the television and film industry for selling violence and adding to the stereotypes that create ignorance and misunderstanding.

Americans are “hypnotized” in front of violent television programs for the equivalent of 13 years during their lifetime, Medved said.

“To do away with violence in television is important,” said Masako White, a Japanese language teacher at Brea-Olinda High School. “But what we really need is to watch less.”

Sharina Jacquett, 13, and Cherise Lathan, 11, both of Aliso Viejo Middle School, agreed on the need for less violent programming and complained that African Americans are still portrayed as comedians on many TV shows, including those written and produced by blacks.

The girls said “Def Comedy Jam,” the sit-com “Martin” and “In Living Color” are prime examples of blacks playing the stereotypical comedian.

“They’re there to make others laugh, and laugh at you,” Jacquett said.