First I would just like to say that R. Dyers essay The Matter of Whitness is a real thought provoker for me. Oh my gosh, I'm White! Dyer is 100% correct in his observation that White Americans type everyone by their race except themselves! Hmmmm. This whole discussion is correlating very well with my Psy120 course, MultiCultural Psychology.
Who could ever read Dr. King's famous speech without reacting emotionally to his stunning words. Thankfully, times have changed since he changed us. It was deeply satisfying to see President Obama stand at the same spot on the mall, the day before his inauguration, and speak to a more racially mature America.
Progress has righted some wrongs from the past.
But I know that I am sometimes uncomfortable with a person of or another race. How much is it really a discomfort with multiculturalism? Do I react to the color of a persons skin, or is it just the strangeness of their culture that causes feelings of dislike and/or fear? Maybe some of both. Can I have an open discussion with a person of the African American race about our differences?...probably not, I'd be too afraid to ask the hard questions... like, what is it like to be you? Do you prefer to be referred to as "African American" or "black"? Do you dislike me because I am white? What questions would you ask me?
Well that' what progress is about, I guess. Take the risks, ask the questions, try to understand....change.
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