Multiracial social networks needed to quash racism in U.S., professor says

Sorry, but I never bought the argument that whites were self-censoring in the first place.

This article--not quite a book review, nor an in-depth analysis--fails to mention the role that AM talk radio has had in continuing to spread divisive, race-based opinions in the '80s, '90s, and this current decade. Rush Limbaugh is tame compared to what Bob Grant used to get away with saying, and nary a corporate sponsor was willing to reign in these comments until they generated press attention (i.e., gloating over the death of a Black cabinet official in an airplane crash). Grant stated he wished Haitian refugees would "drown," insisted they came here for welfare and otherwise lambasted this small and not well-established community. His comments about ( or should I say, against) Black Americans were no less charitable, yet his program ran for years and the FCC failed to take complaints about it seriously.

There were no broadcasters in any major U.S. markets attacking Jews with impunity. Nor were there any major Black broadcasters ranting against whites airing throughout the U.S. (Indeed, Wendy Williams recently made history as the first Black female radio host to have her show syndicated.)

Similar to the radio airwaves were our broadsheets, where affirmative action, court-ordered busing, integrated housing, exclusive private clubs and their membership policies, open admissions in universities, and a slew of other topics were discussed by writers (who were usually white) without even a hint of censorship.

Television talking heads were usually male and white, and research shows that even now few ethnic minorities have penetrated their ranks.

When Dave Chappelle had his epiphany--and I still don't get why he walked away from a 50 million dollar contract with Comedy Central, but that's just me--he chose to walk away. Yet had he shown a bit more sophistication he might've used his pull to become a powerful producer (like Tyra Banks, Suzanne dePasse, Oprah Winfrey or Sarah Jessica Parker). He then could have had some say over the staff and production crew. For all I know, that crew member's still laughing at his expense.

Social networking is well and good, but many of us live in segregated neighborhoods, attend de facto segregated schools and attend churches that are not integrated. It's the "social" part of social networking that presents the stubborn challenge.

How do we have dialogues and frank discussions when so few of us currently interact with people of different backgrounds in a meaningful way?

Just my thoughts on the matter, Chello.