Not Everyone Ready to talk about Race

Barack Obama's speech, which everyone except right wingers like Sean Hannity, who for some reason has a special animus toward Barack Obama, felt was an important statement about race in America, called for the beginning of a conversation on the topic. Many of us believe it is a conversation we need to have. My denomination has made this an important part of its identity -- we are an "anti-racism, pro-reconciliation denomination."
But, as an LA Times article entitled: "Talking about Race: You first" points out, not everyone is ready for the conversation. Many want the issue to go away. They, mostly whites, wonder why minorities don't get beyond old slights and get on with things. Minorities, on the other hand, still feeling that a glass ceiling is present, feel that they're not being heard, nor will they be heard.
There is deep seated resentment and bitterness in every community. There is a willingness for all of us to act upon stereotype, to believe the worst about the other. It is a necessary conversation, but it won't be an easy one.

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