OPINION — Segregation is back. But this time not in the Jim Crow South.
Instead calls for segregated educational facilities have sprung up all over the country from an unexpected source. Militant African-Americans are demanding segregation’s return, aided and abetted by craven college administrators and the liberal media.
Recent examples show how widespread and bold these segregation demands have become.
- California State University, Los Angeles offers segregated housing for black students at the request of the school’s black student union.
- The University of Connecticut, the University of California, Davis, and the University of California, Berkeley, followed suit.
- University of Wisconsin black students have demanded free tuition and housing.
- At the University of Michigan, a student group that previously complained about the lack of racial “diversity” and “inclusion” has now requested a safe space on campus reserved for students of color to gather.
- At the University of Missouri, only students of color were invited to participate in a “die-in” protesting the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson.
- Harvard now holds separate commencement ceremonies for black students.
This madness – and it is madness – is enabled by progressive college administrators who suffer from “white guilt.” The Urban Dictionary defines white guilt as “a belief, often subconscious, among white liberals that being white is, in and of itself, a great transgression against the rest of the world for which one must spend their life making atonement.”
In a National Public Radio interview, Shelby Steele, the African-American author of “White Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Era,” said that since the 1960s civil rights movement, the pendulum has swung all the way from white supremacy to white guilt – a condition he says is just as harmful to black America.
Steele explains that white guilt has allowed African-Americans, and especially African-American leadership, to play the race card. He says blacks are quick to see racism even when it’s not there, because racism claims give them power over whites.
The Black Lives Matter movement provides a vivid and current example of black leaders playing the race card.
Do all lives matter? Or do only black lives matter? Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley were shouted off a Phoenix stage in 2015 for daring to say “black lives matter, all lives matter.” The New York Times catered to the movement’s blatant racism and to white guilt by claiming that broadening the phrase to include others diminishes its focus on blacks.
Another racist phrase loved by militant blacks and progressives is “white privilege,” the claim that white Americans enjoy a great number of unearned privileges. If you disagree, you are by definition a racist.
Dennis Prager’s article, “The Fallacy of White Privilege,” demolishes this claim convincingly. He concludes:
The assertion turns out to be largely meaningless. And, more significantly, it does great harm to blacks. The left has become the only real enemy the black has in America today.
The Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision was a watershed in this country’s race relations. The court ruled that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”
Liberals today have completely turned their backs on Thurgood Marshall’s victory and on Martin Luther King’s vision of a colorblind America. They have abandoned the moral high ground and their roots in the great civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Instead, grasping for political advantage, liberals have embraced identity politics. A New York Times editorial stated that for the Democratic Party “group identity is a doctrine and group grievances are to be nurtured and exploited politically no matter the damage to civil discourse.”
Identity politics and white guilt motivate affirmative action and diversity programs. These programs are, in fact, subtle forms of racism. Instead of advancing African-American interests, Shelby Steele argues they send the message that blacks can’t improve themselves on their own. Worse, they have empowered a generation of black leaders demanding government favors and – amazingly – a return to segregation.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts hit the nail on the head when he said, “The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.”
My definition of a racist is someone who judges others by their race. To me, that makes many on the left racists. They claim they are working to end racism by promoting the best interests of blacks. But in fact, they are stirring the pot of racial discontent, perhaps inadvertently or more cynically, for political gain.
I denounce racism in any form. I have no doubt that too many African-Americans have experienced overt racism from bigoted individuals. These actions are despicable.
But thoughtful Americans should also condemn the left’s subtle racism that has exacerbated racial divides, not healed them. Witness the new breed of black student segregationists.
I embrace Martin Luther King’s vision for America:
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character.
Howard Sierer is an opinion columnist for St. George News. The opinions stated in this article are his own and may not be representative of St. George News.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2017, all rights reserved.
Segregation was an awful plight of American history. Much has been accomplished to abolish segregation of races, and religious groups. Now we have the progressive groups intent to destroy America and its accomplishments. Blacks, Muslims, and even Mormons supported by racists and bigots turn the clock back to times left in the past.
Of course, we’ll have to hear from the leftists what a great idea returning to an ugly past is; all in the name of ‘social justice’ that provides no justice at all for the country as a whole.
Good job, finally something to agree with. It’s pure fantasy to believe difference in races is only skin deep. There’s a reason why so many countries in Africa are the way they are, and that reason has to do with the people that live there. I’ve known and liked many blacks and have nothing against them, but generally they do far poorer than other races in academic study. Once again there’s that sacrilegious and taboo subject of study, which is studying the IQ of different racial groups. High criminality among young black men I believe has more to do with race than circumstance, also. I’m not saying blacks are dumb and criminal in general, but there’s no easy fix for these sort of issues in the “black community”. Also agree, “the liberals”(democratic party) have gone off into lala land with identity politics and race relations. That’s the fundamental problem with the dem party; they gone away from economic justice into pet issues, identity politics, e.g. the gay and transsexual agendas, etc etc. The repubs have done an abysmal job reining in pet issues and identity politics, also, and have not kept the dems in check. As usual the repubs stay focused on being the party of corruption and excess, and their primary agenda of empowering the super-wealthy elitists.
hows that for a rant 😉
I don’t think there is anything that genetically makes blacks IQ’s lower (or Asians IQ’s higher). In fact that idea IS right out of the classic racists playbook. That thinking is what led Margaret Sanger to try to eliminate blacks through eugenics and mandatory birth control (how ironic that the left idolizes her now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBFEyN0sAqQ).
But I do think there are circumstantial considerations that certainly affect it, like nutrition, exposure to chemicals or toxins, access to schools and education, etc. And I think there are cultural considerations (parental involvement, attitude, hope, etc) that affect it as well. These aren’t limited by skin color or geography. You take a white kid from 2 brilliant parents and drop him in a 3rd world slum somewhere (you know, like Chicago, Baltimore, or Mogadishu) and he’s going to have a horrible chance of upward mobility, just the same as anyone else.
“I don’t think there is anything that genetically makes blacks IQ’s lower (or Asians IQ’s higher)”
The science I’ve seen says otherwise. Unfortunately there isn’t much study bc the subject is just flat-out taboo in academia. Why do they claim so much ‘affirmation action’ is needed for blacks and so little for oriental asians, for example. Imagine if blacks had the same degree of academic success as oriental asians. If more studies were done I think it could benefit society as a whole. What we have now is a denial of reality. Giving ‘affirmation action’ to blacks is a bit ironic in the sense it is saying we should expect less from them as a race , but then they claim their underachievement is solely because of socioeconomics. I say more study needs to be done, but once again…
As far as the yt vid there. Is it even possible to assimilate people such as this into a civilized society? I say likely not. Young black men such as him usually end up in the prison system.
oops, that would be for the video down below in other comment
and also *Affirmative action not affirmation action. I can fully blame autocorrect for that one 😉
Not a bad job there Comments…
Democrats have been the party of corruption and excess since before the Civil War. Get familiar with history, and, not the revisionist fake garbage. As a history major I can learn ya. lol Obamacare did a nice job empowering some of the super wealthiest….the pharmaceuticals and continue with the aid of Rinos, not conservatives, to make sure they maintain that party or take us completely down the toilet with single-payer. Pet issues? Republicans/and or Conservatives are supposed to do something about it. The Democratic party keeps offering free stuff they will never be able to provide without destroying America (in the process); this appeals to the ignorant, lazy, and those who love to play victim. The progressives/liberals promote this 24/7. By the time the dummies who vote for Democrats realize the free stuff is quite costly in more ways than just money it will be to late. So stick to your divisive I hate Republicans and enjoy the ride down while the rest of us work to save ourselves and hopefully the country.
Black people are requesting segregation? That’s what the list shows.
Ohhhhhhhh I get it, it’s not segregation they want it’s privelidge.
White guilt- oh yes! Obama was the leader of the “white guilt” club…made sure all us white folk were put in our place. I was not raised to be racist or to hate anybody. I am white and there are alot of jacked up white people….just sayin’ I don’t like Obama and it’s not because he’s black. I love Trump and it’s not because he’s white. Make America great again!
LB, I think about the only reason you love trump is bc he’s white. What other reason would there be? He’s a TV show clown billionaire elitist that made it to the highest position of power. I liked things he said on the campaign trail, but Looking at it now, I think most of that was just telling people what they wanted to hear, as any politician will do to get votes.
Also, obama, as a mulatto man, had a very unique worldview that I think most of us would have at least some problems with, and I’m talking about some of his views that I think he has BECAUSE he is a mulatto. trying to make that clear, 😉
He makes me laugh!
I think he’s doing a fine job and if people would just let him go and do his thing, great accomplishments would be made. So what-he spouts off! ?
Depends on if you watch CNN or FOX. They tell 2 different stories.!i turned off the news. As for his tweets? I find it’s a method to his madness- he gets you looking here(tweet) while the real thing he is doing is over here (overturning crap and signing things) he looks erratic but it’s really methodic- genius!
There is plenty of REAL racism left in America, but most of it isn’t found where people traditionally think of racism. Instead it’s found in people like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y3Cd9gnvlw
Martin Luther King said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character”, but that is the exact opposite of the efforts of many today, including the Black Panthers, Congressional Black Caucus, La Raza, etc.
102 people were shot and 15 were killed in Chicago last weekend (http://abc7chicago.com/news/102-shot-14-fatally-in-chicago-over-july-4-holiday-weekend/2184156/). That has nothing to do with guns and everything to do with culture. #BlackCultureMatters
Unfortunately character, truth, facts, personal responsibility, and self-reliance no longer seem to mean anything among large segments of the black community. There are way too many listening to Al Sharpton (the profiteering, race-baiting fake reverend) and far too few listening to C.L. Bryant (the genuine, truth-speaking real reverend). If the problems that led to all the shootings in Chicago (and many other challenges facing the black community, like teen pregnancies or poverty) are to be fixed they’ll have to be fixed largely through efforts within their own communities. Chicago and Baltimore are absolute proof that liberal policies are not the solution.
If you set the race aspect aside, modern black culture actually is completely toxic. A big part of the problem is their culture. Idolizing of thugs and criminals and making them martyrs? Ironic that most of the “BLM” movement’s martyrs actually are thugs and criminals. The question is: how to clean up these sort of very deep issues?
Your right, Liberal policies are NOT the solution.
Take a look at what California is doing….
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) – Over objections from sheriffs’ unions and the California Police Chiefs Association, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee took a step forward in making the Golden State a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants.
State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon, D-Los Angeles, said his measure, Senate Bill 54 or the “California Values Act,” is intended to prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with what he calls the “Trump Deportation Machine.”
Opponents call it a “sanctuary state measure” that goes against federal immigration law and obstructs the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to do their job.
Let’s see how this idiotic and rediculous liberal measure effects this state.
Martin Luther King said:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character.”
Abraham Lincoln, said:
“My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of Earth.”
Two great men yet, opposite skin colors, but, completely related in wishing for the same values that will (hopefully) hold this nation together.
I had no idea how many really true-to-the-bone racists there were in this country, until we elected “The Donald.” The birth certificate thing made it clear Donnie was a total PoS, and a racist, but I had now idea Obama had brought soo many seething racists to the surface. Policies don’t create the kind of hatred we’ve been seeing for years now; it takes something that goes much deeper to who you really are. Just like with Hitler, Trump won’t suffer for what he does; Americans will. And everyone has a cheap assault rifle to bring to the 2nd civil war Alex Jones & Dennis Prager keep predicting!
I just don’t see the Donald being racist or the people that voted for him. What I do see are people calling him racist because of building a wall, stopping illegal immigration and travel ban. That is not racist. The country was going in the wrong direction with no protection for Americans and Obama was turning this country into unAmericans and gays first and working Americans last. And people call Trump names like racist, gay hater etc. terrible just terrible. Get legal and be part of America. Destroy Isis. Keep America and Americans safe.
If they want to be segregated let them move to St George.
Racism is alive- just ask any Native American, they will tell you.
Racism will always exist, it’s human nature. Racism and religion are grounded in one basic tenement. We are better than you and my religion is the one true religion.
I don’t know anyone more blatantly racists than Maxine Waters and Al Sharpton. They exploit their blackness to demand special treatment. Yes, black racists who hate whites.
Sadly, Blacks have failed to take advantage of affirmitive action and other programs designed on the false premise that punishing Whites would elevate Blacks and make up for past discrimination.
Giving preferential treatment to Blacks only made them feel more entitled. It didn’t change the reality of culture and genetics.
If anything, Black bastions like Chicago are getting worse. Black on Black murders daily. Blacks killing police. Democrats enabling this with support and rhetoric. The shame of urban Black culture is not only the crime but also the economic irresponsibility.
Now Blacks want to segregate themselves so they can perpetuate failure with little scrutiny. Full integration means taking full responsibility. Have Blacks ever really wanted that? Playing the victim is much easier. Hating Whites is the ultimate cop out.
No Blacks alive today have ever lived under slavery, nor their parents or gradparents. Whites have been pulling for full equality because it’s the right thing to do for society. I don’t know anyone White who chooses to descriminate against skin color. I know plenty who can’t accept a Black culture that promotes welfare abuse, cop assassination or identity politics. 99% of Blacks voted for Obama because he identified as Black. Not so with Whites voting for Romney.
Racism is manufactured to advance a political agenda. It is divisive. Like Morgan Freeman says “don’t call me a black man and I won’t call you a white man, we are just men.”