I had recently written about Racism and thought I understood a little. In the last 2 months with several new incidents and movements, I've come to realize that I did not understand at all.
And so I found it very interesting when I came across this talk by Rich Benjamin "My road trip through the whitest towns in America". Its a must watch.
And then I came across something even more interesting. TED had created a playlist, seemingly to answer my question titled, "Talks to help you understand racism in America". So instead of writing what I think, let me ask you to watch them all.
http://www.ted.com/playlists/250/talks_to_help_you_understand_r
Mellody Hobson: Color blind or color brave?
The subject of race can be very touchy. As finance executive Mellody Hobson says, it's a "conversational third rail." But, she says, that's exactly why we need to start talking about it. In this engaging, persuasive talk, Hobson makes the case that speaking openly about race - and particularly about diversity in hiring — makes for better businesses and a better society.
Clint Smith: How to raise a black son in America
As kids, we all get advice from parents and teachers that seems strange, even confusing. This was crystallized one night for a young Clint Smith, who was playing with water guns in a dark parking lot with his white friends. In a heartfelt piece, the poet paints the scene of his father's furious and fearful response.
Nate Silver: Does racism affect how you vote?
Nate Silver has data that answers big questions about race in politics. For instance, in the 2008 presidential race, did Obama's skin color actually keep him from getting votes in some parts of the country? Stats and myths collide in this fascinating talk that ends with a remarkable insight.
Vernā Myers: How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them
Our biases can be dangerous, even deadly — as we've seen in the cases of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner, in Staten Island, New York. Diversity advocate Vernā Myers looks closely at some of the subconscious attitudes we hold toward out-groups. She makes a plea to all people: Acknowledge your biases. Then move toward, not away from, the groups that make you uncomfortable. In a funny, impassioned, important talk, she shows us how.
James A. White Sr.: The little problem I had renting a house
Fifty-three years ago, James A. White Sr. joined the US Air Force. But as an African American man, he had to go to shocking lengths to find a place for his young family to live nearby. He tells this powerful story about the lived experience of "everyday racism" — and how it echoes today in the way he's had to teach his grandchildren to interact with police.
Bryan Stevenson: We need to talk about an injustice
In an engaging and personal talk — with cameo appearances from his grandmother and Rosa Parks - human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson shares some hard truths about America's justice system, starting with a massive imbalance along racial lines: a third of the country's black male population has been incarcerated at some point in their lives. These issues, which are wrapped up in America's unexamined history, are rarely talked about with this level of candor, insight and persuasiveness.
Alice Goffman: How we're priming some kids for college — and others for prison
In the United States, two institutions guide teenagers on the journey to adulthood: college and prison. Sociologist Alice Goffman spent six years in a troubled Philadelphia neighborhood and saw first-hand how teenagers of African-American and Latino backgrounds are funneled down the path to prison — sometimes starting with relatively minor infractions. In an impassioned talk she asks, “Why are we offering only handcuffs and jail time?”
Stew: "Black Men Ski"
What happens when a black man visits Aspen? Singer/songwriter Stew and his band are about to let you know.
At the end of it, I've understood. That I don't understand and maybe never will. But that will not stop me from continuing to read and watch more on the subject and maybe one day, I'll get it and be in a position to have a strong opinion on the subject. For now, I think that there are issues. Complex issues. Issues that the extremists on both sides are hijacking with rhetoric and positioning to serve their own political agendas.
I think its time the silent majority to no longer be silent. And weigh in to make the world a better place.
And so I found it very interesting when I came across this talk by Rich Benjamin "My road trip through the whitest towns in America". Its a must watch.
And then I came across something even more interesting. TED had created a playlist, seemingly to answer my question titled, "Talks to help you understand racism in America". So instead of writing what I think, let me ask you to watch them all.
http://www.ted.com/playlists/250/talks_to_help_you_understand_r
Mellody Hobson: Color blind or color brave?
The subject of race can be very touchy. As finance executive Mellody Hobson says, it's a "conversational third rail." But, she says, that's exactly why we need to start talking about it. In this engaging, persuasive talk, Hobson makes the case that speaking openly about race - and particularly about diversity in hiring — makes for better businesses and a better society.
Clint Smith: How to raise a black son in America
As kids, we all get advice from parents and teachers that seems strange, even confusing. This was crystallized one night for a young Clint Smith, who was playing with water guns in a dark parking lot with his white friends. In a heartfelt piece, the poet paints the scene of his father's furious and fearful response.
Nate Silver: Does racism affect how you vote?
Nate Silver has data that answers big questions about race in politics. For instance, in the 2008 presidential race, did Obama's skin color actually keep him from getting votes in some parts of the country? Stats and myths collide in this fascinating talk that ends with a remarkable insight.
Vernā Myers: How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them
Our biases can be dangerous, even deadly — as we've seen in the cases of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner, in Staten Island, New York. Diversity advocate Vernā Myers looks closely at some of the subconscious attitudes we hold toward out-groups. She makes a plea to all people: Acknowledge your biases. Then move toward, not away from, the groups that make you uncomfortable. In a funny, impassioned, important talk, she shows us how.
James A. White Sr.: The little problem I had renting a house
Fifty-three years ago, James A. White Sr. joined the US Air Force. But as an African American man, he had to go to shocking lengths to find a place for his young family to live nearby. He tells this powerful story about the lived experience of "everyday racism" — and how it echoes today in the way he's had to teach his grandchildren to interact with police.
Bryan Stevenson: We need to talk about an injustice
In an engaging and personal talk — with cameo appearances from his grandmother and Rosa Parks - human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson shares some hard truths about America's justice system, starting with a massive imbalance along racial lines: a third of the country's black male population has been incarcerated at some point in their lives. These issues, which are wrapped up in America's unexamined history, are rarely talked about with this level of candor, insight and persuasiveness.
Alice Goffman: How we're priming some kids for college — and others for prison
In the United States, two institutions guide teenagers on the journey to adulthood: college and prison. Sociologist Alice Goffman spent six years in a troubled Philadelphia neighborhood and saw first-hand how teenagers of African-American and Latino backgrounds are funneled down the path to prison — sometimes starting with relatively minor infractions. In an impassioned talk she asks, “Why are we offering only handcuffs and jail time?”
Stew: "Black Men Ski"
What happens when a black man visits Aspen? Singer/songwriter Stew and his band are about to let you know.
At the end of it, I've understood. That I don't understand and maybe never will. But that will not stop me from continuing to read and watch more on the subject and maybe one day, I'll get it and be in a position to have a strong opinion on the subject. For now, I think that there are issues. Complex issues. Issues that the extremists on both sides are hijacking with rhetoric and positioning to serve their own political agendas.
I think its time the silent majority to no longer be silent. And weigh in to make the world a better place.
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