VIDEO: CNN Tests Children On Racial Bias

I watched the report of this study, and it seems to me that some of the conclusion miss the point. What I mean is that one of the researchers interviewed spoke about how “diversity” should be taught and used as a vehicle to bridge the differences. He observed that the “more diverse schools are also schools where children ‘self-segregate’ and this is something that should be avoided.”

The point that is missed is that Black families don’t want “racial integration” but want “integration of the benefits” of being an American citizen. Walking down the street, a person will always see ethnic differences of color, and other characteristics. The notion of a “colorblind society” is a fanciful self-delusion that is not easily engaged in by anyone. Those who say they are colorblind, are most likely privileged whites who have assimilated all others in their minds according to white (Eurocentric) standards.

Children will always reflect the reality that surrounds them. The current reality is that white children are socialized to think they are better and superior. Black children are bombarded with messages that make them feel excluded, or bad, or inferior, and therefore, want to be more like those who are not.

My experience is that “self-segregation” is a source of strength when access to all other resources are open and unrestricted. People always want to be among those most like them — in social class, ethnic heritage, family relationships. So, in any given cross section of people, there is some “self-segregation” based on natural preferences. The only reason it is perceived as bad is the horrible legacy of 400 years of slavery that “forceably segregated those of African heritage — and continued the practice of exclusion well into the 20th century.” While other ethnic groups were “self-segregating” for upward mobility — Poles, Germans, Italians, Irish, etc — Blacks were forceably segregated to our disadvantage. Why is there no outcry about these examples? The are all white! There is a perception left over from slavery that the “slaves will revolt and ravage innocent White folks.”

It is a suspension of disbelief that a few changes in the civil rights legislation of the mid-twentieth centruy could erase 400 plus years of exclusion. I am insulted when the advocates of a post-racial colorblind society use Doctor King’s “content of their character and not the color of their skin” quote to decry affirmative action and any self-help initiatives by Blacks to accelerate our progress. It is impossible for anyone to look at the structural inequalities and inherited white privilege to conclude that Blacks are competing on a level playing field. The odds are stacked against most Blacks and will be so for a long time. Those of us who want to see more progress and close many of the gaps — economic, education, employment, justice, wealth — must work to overcome the potential negative impacts on our children. First, we must acknowledge the reality of what our children see, and continue to work to overcome the negative perceptions of themselves that emerge. This must be done within the Black community. Outsiders won’t do it. And to quote an old slogan — “It’s a Black thing — you wouldn’t understand.”

Roger Madison

This so called study did not prove a point to me. Kids are color blind, until told otherwise. I too am color blind until someone reminds me differently and a “Census” makes me choose who I am suppose to be. I have to share a story(like that’s a surprise). I had a woman who called in and said that her sis borrowed her car and got into a accident. The insured of the vehicle(our client ) said the woman was ok at the time of the accident and a few hours later called the number provided. Someone answered the phone and said that she was in the ER (the person my insurded hit). My/our insured said it was a black person wanting “extra” money for a claim. Her sis hit a vehicl? My insured said if she uses a chiropractor or occurs bills on my policy and being she is a black woman wanting a pay out “I am not going to be happy”. LOL. I guess when she sees the pictures of my kids on my desk of my black kid she must think it came with the frame. LOL. She/this women has been to my office on several occassions. Insurance companies don’t decide to not make or pay a claim based on whiteness, lack of whitness or too much “blackness”. If you have the coverage it will be paid. If you wrong someone your policy will pay up to the limits of the policy. I sitll laugh at my insured that thinks that because her sis hit a vehicle and it was her sisters fault that because the girl is black that she is trying to milk the company she has her insurance is with. (Of course it’s a sad laugh).

This whole color blind stuff is BS, as well as all this race intergration. Its all a trick by white people to dilute, and confuse us. Great article! !!!!