Re: Be proud for the person, not what he looks like | |
The race problems in this country can't be solved by simply ignoring race altogether and pretending that racism doesn't exist (Stephen Colbert's "I don't see color" is a great example of this attitude - ignorance doesn't eliminate the problem).
I know for me, it's easy as a white, male, middle class American in the predominantly white state of Iowa to not even be confronted with race as an issue on a daily basis, whereas for people of other races, this is a daily issue that they must deal with.
Perhaps blatantly making accomplishments such as Smith's and Dungy's a fireworks display in the media isn't the best way of dealing with racism, but I agree with jmb that we need to recognize just how difficult it has been for such individuals to succeed in an organization that is owned and controlled predominantly by white males. Until we recognize race and the effects that historic white power and control have had on our organizations and culture, then we will continue to see people as Smith and Dungy as the exception to the norm - and more fireworks as well.
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