"What great power than that of nonresponse, the power to let a small enemy sizzle in his own juices, to even feel a little sad at his frustration just as one is also complimented by it." (Steele, 532) This is great advice to anyone, even if it does not pertain to racism. This comment is a liberating piece of writing. Steele does a wonderful job of explaining racism and how it affects both people. I really enjoyed the fact that he laid no particular blame to a race. He holds both races responsible. What a refereshing look at such a subject. There were many things I agreed with him on. I enjoyed how he explained innocence and how it applies to both races. If one race is claiming innocence then more than likely they are experiencing some form of racism.
I really enjoyed the part where he explains how the people who were recently liberated in the civil rights era have not improved themselves. Steele has a way of looking at the facts and pointing them out in a logical fashion. I could see why in the introduction he is not liked by those of his race. How many people are willing to listen to the facts being interpretted to say that you have been given chances and yet you still refuse to follow up with them. He states the example of how so many of his people were dropping out of college. He also stated that this was much higher than that of the whites. He then realtes the idea that black on black crime is an all time high and the white's have not been around.
Steele then brings up the unthinkable. He states that the black people are concerned that they will lose their power of innocnce, thus losing the controlling power of guilt over the white man. I would have more empathy with a people that actually capitalize on all the benefits that government has to offer, than I am with a group of people that have won their independence and do nothing to live the dreams of great organizers and leaders before them. I have wondered what Dr. King would think if he was able to view the people of today compared with the circumstances he was presented with when he was alive. Would he lead the same pity party or would he be furthering the events to help all people be equal. I believe he would be willing to say that when he was alive there was never even dreaming of a black man for President. Steele is a brave individual for going against his race and the attitudes they have adopted. He may eventually be able to persuade the disbelievers that life is good and the oppotunities are endless.
Michael Moore & Rhetoric
16 years ago
I, like you, think Steele is very brave for bringing up some of the points that he does. I agree with him that alot of the problems that affect the afican Americans today have absolutely nothing to do with racism. I have often thought that there is in fact an awful lot of reverse racism that goes on today, so it was nice to have somebody break down exactly why and how it is done.
ReplyDelete