Eric Holder is the Man!

For those of you who don't know, there has been quite an uproar recently over Attorney General Eric Holder's recent remarks regarding race and racism. During a speech to Department of Justice employees, the new attorney general called America a nation of cowards because of our collective refusal to have REAL dialogue about race relations with people who don't look like ourselves. He went on to assert that many Americans self segregate and on the weekends or weeknights immediately resort to hanging out with their comfortable group of friends, who often times look like them. Immediately there was a public outcry, saying that Holder's remarks were insensitive, racist, and downright uncalled for. Most of this outcry has come from the far conservative right. But forget what all the political pundits and talking heads are saying, what is really at the heart of the issue?

First off, American's need to grow tougher skin. Holder did not call any individual a coward. He was referring to our collective refusal to talk about the state of race relations in America. There is an unhealthy assumption that a dialogue about race or racism has to be a negative thing. Our country has made great strides since the civil rights movement, and not simply because there is a Black man sitting in the oval office. But really pause to think about Holder's comments, Holder is not calling people who don't have serious conversations racists. If he were then that allegation would implicate 90% of America. I often don't have serious conversations with my multicultural group of friends. Does that make me racist or a coward?

In this politically correct society, an allegation of racism, sexism or any other bias is really hurtful. America has been plagued by these problems for so long that they are now a taboo subject to even mention, let alone have open and honest dialogue about. We all have our prejudices one way or another, its apart of being human and living in a society still recovering from hundreds of years of legalized and widespread white supremacy. But if the shoe doesn't fit, then don't where it.

The vast majority of American's are not racist. This is a fact to be celebrated and not ignored. Americans are so obsessed with being politically correct and with being accepted that they jump on anyone who seems to be upsetting the status quo. In short, the cowardice comes from society at large and not necessarily at the individual level. An honest dialogue could open people up to perspectives that they may not have seen before. As I mentioned before, many Americans already are diverse in their relationships and associations so having honest dialogue shouldn't be a far stretch. More importantly, the dialogue could dispel certain myths that many Americans have, pseudo-truths or outright lies like, "there are more African Americans in prison than in college" or "All Asians like and are good at math" or "All White people listen to Coldplay". On a more serious note, an honest discussion could help address real societal problems like the continuing racial disparities in educational achievement, socio-economic status, and the infamous justice system.

America has come a mighty long way in race relations. But there is still work to be done. Holder is simply trying to facilitate change, not step on the toes of every self-righteous and patriotic American. After all, we can all benefit from having some friends that don't look like us.