Work to close racial divide in the nation and the Valley

Work to close racial divide in the nation and the Valley

A recent conference in Youngstown brought to the surface the ugly monster of racism that continues — in ways subtle and not so subtle — to degrade American life and culture.

Organizers and participants in the Jacob’s Well Symposium on Racism in Youngstown merit kudos for dealing with the oftentimes unspeakable topic of racism in a year when race and the racial divide have gained significant attention. More formal and informal dialogues among blacks, whites, Hispanics and other races ought to continue in this historic presidential election year.

Barack Obama’s successful quest to become the nation’s first black nominee of a major political party unites the best and worst worlds of America’s experience with racial attitudes. On the positive side, Obama has gained substantial majorities of white voters in white-majority states as he sounds a message of unity and change.

On the down side, exit polls in many states showed a disturbingly large margin of black and white voters who said race of the candidate played a role in how they voted. In an unscientific poll this month on Vindy.com, 34 percent of about 1,000 respondents said race will have an impact on how they vote for president in November.

Beyond politics

Lingering racist attitudes, of course, transcend politics.

In religious circles, one black woman who attended the recent Youngstown conference said she visited a predominantly white church and was told by a member that she did not belong there. In education, an increasing number of urban school districts have become resegregated. In business, blacks continue to lag woefully behind in earning potential. In some suburban neighborhoods, an invisible yet understood “No blacks allowed” sign remains firmly planted on many well manicured lawns.

All of which, however, does not undermine the fact that America has made strides in recent decades toward bridging the racial divide. Clearly, however, that bridge needs stronger fortification.

Toward that end, Obama’s candidacy has created a national discussion on race and racial stereotypes. We’re pleased that the Mahoning Valley is taking an active part in that dialogue.

As the conference illustrated, such dialogue begins with recognizing the problem. Participants predicated their discussion on acknowledgment of racist attitudes and behaviors. Members defined racism as “ill treatment based on color,” “a cultural desire to stay with like people,” and “a system of devaluing a person because of color.”

All of these definitions lack rational foundations and have undercurrents of bias, distrust and, sometimes, hate.

That’s why local discussions on race must not stop at talk. Actions, regardless of how little or seemingly insignificant, must follow.

One of our community’s most respected leaders, Youngstown Diocesan Bishop George V. Murry, has articulated concrete means that people of all faiths can use to fight racism: Make contact with people of other races, shun racist jokes, identify racism in the community and devise a plan to combat it.

As the campaign for president intensifies, race will no doubt remain a strong talking point. Americans should seize this opportunity to continue the dialogue and heed the bishop’s advice.

If followed, 2008 may well go into history as a year in which racial barriers tumbled not only in politics but in many other facets of American life.