Now that the eclipse is over - Racism is still with us

Certainly, it's a sad commentary on our nation, built on the exhaulted primcipals of "liberty and justice for all", that we simply can't get over the American Civil War (1860-1865). In fact, the war ended on April 8, 1865 with a surrender by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, in Appomattox, Virginia. So, why do we continue debating about the symbolism left by the very statues and symbols that the Union Army led by Ulysses S. Grant, defeated?

Gernall Ulyssis Grant and General Robert E.Lee at Appomattox Virginia, April 9, 1865

Here's an excellent commentary about this horrible and divisive blot on American history, an "echo" opinion, originally published in the Rochester, NewYork, Democrat.


Editorial: The racism we cannot see

Confederate monuments, like the statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville, are among the most visible reminders of the barbaric and immoral way in which many of our ancestors built this country.

But, the most dangerous remnants of slavery in America – structural and institutional racism -- are much harder to see.

By virtue of their invisibility, they quietly perpetuate the sins of our nation’s past, unnoticed and unchecked, generation after generation.

After several decades, these subtle remnants now pose an imminent threat to our country’s future. These forms of racism thrive everywhere, but we cannot even look them in the eye and fight back. Americans, regardless of the color of our skin, are woefully unprepared for this battle.

We were not given lessons on these complex subjects in school, even those of us who went on to earn advanced degrees. There are no public service campaigns helping raise awareness or break down these concepts so we can talk about them over dinner. While this Editorial Board has routinely written about these topics as part of our Unite Rochester initiative, it is impossible to do them justice in 525 words or less each time.

A few of us have never heard these phrases, and most of us are unable to provide good definitions or concrete examples. We can’t point them out, so it becomes easy to believe they do not exist. We cannot explain the grave toll they are taking on our economy, our health and safety, and our quality of life. We become defensive, rather than admit our inability to fully comprehend the harm they have wrought on a nation that is supposed to be so much more than it is.

This must change, or these forms of racism will continue to pull us all down!All of us need to be open to learning about structural and institutional racism. Our government and business leaders should be talking about it. Our mass media should be exposing it. Our researchers should be documenting it. Beginning at an early age, our children should be taking lessons on it. We should Google it, read books about it, share articles about it and talk about it.

The YWCA of Greater Rochester sponsors public workshops and other programs that delve into these topics. The Rochester Museum and Science Center often schedules activities designed to help broaden our perspective and understanding on these issues. Several of our community members have a great deal of expertise on the matter, and frequently take part in panel discussions and other public dialogue.


Here are some helpful links to get you started:

A glossary of terms

Rochester Museum and Science Center programming

YWCA of Greater Rochester racial equity programs

Surely, the above links are helpful to those who seek out advice, but it's a shame we still need this level of counseling.

In fact, the Civil War ended April 9, 1865 in Appomattox, Virginia.

Unfortunately, the Civil War ended, the August 22, 2017 solar eclipse came and went, but racism is still with us. 

Labels: Appomattox Virginia, Confederat monuments, Democrat & Chronicle, General Robert E. Lee, General Ulysses Grant