Recognizing Unconscious Racism

* Halford Fairchild (“Modern-Day Racism Masks Its Ugly Head,” Commentary, Sept. 11) avers that aversive racism manifests itself in opposition to programs and policies that seek to undo white privileges or provide advantages to blacks on the basis of historical discrimination. And that kind of racism is largely unconscious behavior. As we learned from Freud, unconscious behavior is impossible to quantify, and it is sometimes difficult even to determine its existence. Like electricity, we know it’s there because we are aware of its effect. Fairchild is right on track: Until we recognize it, we won’t be able to deal with it.

One point the professor left out: Racism is a two-way street. All of us are racists--some more than others. First we must admit our interpersonal deficiencies. Then we must work on straightening out and improving our relationships with one another.

CHARLES R. BARR

Upland

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It must be nice to be able to blame all your problems on someone else. People who disagree with policies that favor blacks above everybody else don’t believe in equal treatment, they’re racists. The AIDS epidemic isn’t the result of irresponsible behavior or lack of education, it’s because of racism. Fairchild said most people don’t even realize they are racists. Perhaps it’s true; he probably doesn’t think he’s a racist.

MARK ACTON

Sherman Oaks