Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Obama's Speech on Race Relations in America

My daughter Julieannah attended Penn State on a full academic scholarship. She graduated with Honors in 2002. Julie graduated with a double major and a minor in Spanish. In spite of her hard work all of her life she experienced racism and discrimination in this “great” country. America must look racism in the face and not blink. We can come together for a common cause and address all of the problems that currently face this nation.

Julie’s October 18, 2000 letter the Daily Collegian

Letter to the Editor
Racism quickly becoming important concern at PSU

I am deeply concerned about the article that appeared in the Collegian yesterday. The article, regarding the most recent incidence of hate mail, quoted Penn State Police Services supervisor Stewart Neff as saying,” Little things are brought to our attention that perhaps at other times might not have been reported."

Mr. Neff, if you did in fact say that statement then pay close attention as I attempt to educate you and the Penn State community. By minimizing a problem that is so prevalent on this campus as well as an issue that is apparent in this nation and globally, you are providing an excuse to further ignore a serious problem. Racial incidents, gay bashing and anti-Semitic deeds happen every day. The effects that these hateful actions have on individuals are not negated based on your perception of what constitutes a "big thing." Either it be a student who was told that she can not enter a party at a fraternity house because no blacks are allowed, or a Latino student who was asked by a professor "Why do you people keep having so many kids?" a hateful and non-tolerant environment affects people's self-esteem, their ability to focus on their studies and ultimately their safety.

I am encouraging and challenging every person on this campus to realize that racism is a colossal problem at Penn State, to start with yourself and evaluate how you truthfully perceive "differences", and to speak out on hate crimes. For all of the people who have experienced racism, you are not alone. Participation in dialogue about racism and continuously reporting incidents will help.
Julieannah
Junior-Marketing and International Business

Vera Richardson is the author of “A Case of Racial Discrimination and Retaliation Real or Imagined.”
http://www.lulu.com/content/1362173



6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank You Obama.

Instead of just only addressing Rev. Wright and your lack of judgment in attending the church for 20 years to try and paint yourself as a "uniter" and not a divider.

You take the time in your speech of addressing private matters like barbershop talk, your white grandmother's prejudice (not racism), OJ Simpson, Affirmative Action, etc...

Do you realize that Wade Connerly is using your presidency to put initiatives to end Affirmative Action for minorities and gender in 5 key states: AZ, CO, MO, etc to name a few.

You talk about OJ. Come on, leave OJ alone.

Racism is defined as a race thinking one race is superior and another one is inferior.

Prejudice is a preference for one race over the other.

You, I and others have prejudices. Your grandmother had prejudices.

Rev. Wright is a racist.

Your better argument should have been the first amendment - freedom of religion, assembly, association, expression.

Private matters on prejudices are allowed. Publicly discussing this to try and save your own ass politically is opening up pandora's box and ruin us for good.

Didn't you teach constitutional law? Aren't you a lawyer?

Vera Richardson said...

Do I smell the scent of a dead rat? I have read that racist talk show supporters are writing comments on black blogs to cause problems. The fact that they find it necessary to attack Blacks this way is proof that they are shaking in their boots. They realize that change is coming to this country and they don't know what to do.

Anonymous said...

Good Job on your speech Senator Obama,you can't please everybody

Anonymous said...

Is it a wonder how unbelievers can seek to dictate to believers how to trust in God?
Can you imagine the boldness?
My guess is if anyone let alone Senator Obama, listens to this bable; Christ died on the cross for nothing.
Barack`s only obligation to the unbelieving population is to assure them that, he holds the best interest of the country . And he is free to worship anywhere he chooses. And pastor Wright is not the head of the church Jesus is and if people don`t know him they really ought to seek to.

Anonymous said...

Good speech but why'd you throw your white grandmother under the bus?

Anonymous said...

white liberal paternalism is pandering to special interest groups while patronizing to black racism.......all for a vote. Obama does the opposite and this is why the Deomcratic Party will loose again next election. The Party hasn't changed.