I think one assumption that's often made is that racism is somehow "natural" and we have to learn to get over it. Having been fortunate enough to grow up in a family which, despite plenty of problems, never had a word to say against other ethnic, religious, or national groups and then, as an adult, having worked in a highly diverse elementary school just outside DC where these things were non factors in the friendships kids formed, I think it's the opposite: prejudice, which I think of as the dehumanization of other humans, is learned.

But for now, we have to deal with these sensitivities very seriously and carefully and never say anything that might possibly offend anyone - or once in while, lighten up and sign off with something so goofy and yet heartfelt as...

"Brother of another color..."

-PMM

Sent by Paul Martin | 10:08 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Good Luck! News & Notes

Sent by BlackinUSA | 12:25 AM ET | 08-16-2007

"Colored" Language

The last time I heard that word used was watching Byron Hurt's PBS documentary on Hip hop: Beyond Beats and rhymes. Hurt was interviewing some folks on the street about their thoughts on hip hop. One of the people was a twenty-something Caucasian guy who said he loved Hip hop but used the "colored" term in describing African-Americans. For other viewers' sakes, it was necessary for Hurt to ask him what he meant by "colored" but the Caucasian guy got defensive.

As for me, I will not dignify such a person with a discussion. My reaction would be based on a popular song "You're out of touch, I'm out of time."

Sent by Moji | 10:33 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Interracial Relationships Segment

Blogger L.N. Rock comments on black women dating outside of the race were those I would have normally ignored as someone who just wants to spark controversy for controversy's sake and not one based on objectivity. But that would have made me ignore Jim Collier, who deserves major "props" for debunking the theory of folks like Rock who think just because you offer a different perspective, it must mean you're dating or married outside your race to appease a significant other.

I love facts because they trump subjective feelings. The fact is, based on the 2006 U.S. Census data, 70 percent of interracial marriages were by black men married to other races. Though the number of black women married outside their race have dramatically increased since 2000, this segment of society is minute compared to their black male counterparts. So how come L.N. Rock did not think of those brothers decisions as "suspect, if not traitorous?"

Sent by Moji | 11:29 AM ET | 08-16-2007

Interracial Relationships Segment-
The notion that any person should only marry within his or her race is an archaic mentality along the lines of "Whites Only" signs back in the day. So many Black people in this country along with other minorities fought for years for equality in this nation. Looking at the strides made and still making, some how now, we are to stay segregated in our lives and communities. This doesn't jive with this cat. I am over simplifying this issue, but hopefully my point is made.

Sent by BlackinUSA | 1:18 PM ET | 08-16-2007

Interracial relationship segment. First let me address the comedic relief part.
L.N. Rock is an amusing fossil. Him and those of his Jim Crow ilk are insignificant. Ok, so some idiots label people traitors. Then what? Answer: nothing! So it's really just (black) red-neck thinking by those desperate to make themselves relevant.

I can't believe that in the 21st century many Blacks have yet to evolved to the point of embracing the idea of individual sovereignty. A Black man or woman's life is for them to live.

However I will say that being in an interracial relationship (I just didn't have the privilege of segmenting potential mates..one category: women) and witnessing the intensely negative reaction of African-American women (as oppose to the more global term-Black women and there is a difference in reaction)it begs a contemplation. After having spoken so vehemently and quite nasty at times, against interracial dating/marriage for so long; to now have to consider the options for themselves creates quite a conundrum. Finding egg on the face and having to eat those words will take some adjustment to be sure. I can only wish a cathartic occasion to ease the transition.

Sent by Jon Jeter | 5:11 PM ET | 08-16-2007

I was discussing the segment about Silva Glover and her son with another African American. When I expressed my bewilderment at the thought that people still used the word "colored" he had a totally different reaction. He said black and white people of that generation use that word often and are not offended by it. For me when I hear the word "colored" it takes me back to a time of whites only and personally I just dont want to go there.

Sent by ronnie | 8:44 PM ET | 08-16-2007

wow
it got kind of heated on this segment, as usual. I don't remember who said this quote but he said something to the affect that when there is a shortage of men, polygamy is the solution that is shouted from the rooftops. When there is a shortage of woman, it's every man for himself. or something like that.

personally, I don't think that there is a smaller gene pool of brothers. I think that a good number of woman don't look for men outside of their social circles. Let's face there is a sharp class divide in our community.

Sent by Dan Tres Omi | 10:22 PM ET | 08-16-2007

I am an educated married mother of 2 beautiful young black girls. While I pray that they are able to find a black man to marry one day, I recognize that the numbers are simply not in favor of that happening. I tell them they can bring home ANYBODY that they love and who treats them well, is hard working, employed/employable and supportive.

The number of black women who are "drying up" waiting to be with a black man are staggering. To heck with that. At the end of the day it is about love, companionship and partnering for life.

Sent by Leah El-Amin | 8:37 AM ET | 08-17-2007

Why is it anybody's business who I fall in love with, decide to spend my life with and marry? Forty years after the landmark Loving v. Virginia US Supreme Court decision that struck down state laws prohobiting "inter-racial" marriages we should be celebrating the fact that people can marry whomever they want. As an African American male with two beautiful college educated and successful single sisters, what is most important to me is that they find men who will love them, treat them with respect and honor, and become life partners. I don't care what color they are. Peace.

Sent by E | 11:30 AM ET | 08-17-2007

Almost everything Ken Zadnichek said in that interview was contradictory, i.e. not caring about protesters with HIV coming to his facility, yet the toddler he claims he wanted to protect by not allowing him to used the facility. But when he said 'colored' he lost all the false shields inwhich he was using to defend his actions.

Sent by Carol Ozier | 2:40 PM ET | 08-17-2007

About time NPR put on a brotha who keeps it real!

It seems that all the commenters above are whites involved in an inter racial relationship so they have blinders on regarding your guest LN's underlying key point. The whole issue of white superiority. I underrstand his apparent anger. This guy had to listen to these other two Acting White bloggers talk about how white men are superior to black men.

A have to wonder about a black man like the blogger "Acting White" who would love to see sisters in the arms of white men.

You have to wonder as well about sisters who just love white men.

LN's has a quoute on his blog from a black Harvard professor who said:

When someone says, `I can't find a Black man so I'll get me a White man;' or if they say, `All Black men are this or that,' that is frequently a rationalization when they actually are seeking out the White person because they feel that Whites are superior."

Sent by Anonymous Black Man | 3:23 PM ET | 08-17-2007

I think that the comments about interracial relationship are outdated. Personally the idea of "Traitors to the race" sicken me. That type of thing I leave to the Aryan Nation.

Growing up on the fringes of society socially, let alone "black" culture, I have to search every day for women who share my interests.

One of your guests had it right when she commented that older, educated, black women were searching for men they had things in common with. I'm falling in step with that attitude. Black, white or brown, we're all looking for people with whom we can form a connection, regardless of skin tone.

Sent by Brian Fields | 3:14 PM ET | 08-21-2007

Wrong Anonymous not all the 'commenters' above are White. And nowhere in the discussion did I hear anyone say White men were superior to Black men. Words matter try listening to what is actually said and not what you apparently believe. And what MAN worries about 'sisters being in the arms of White men'? You can only have one! Instead of wondering about sisters who love White men. You should ponder how you come to your conclusions and what the 'real' is in keeping it real. After reading your (un)reasoning I know why you chose anonymity.

Sent by Jon Jeter | 7:53 PM ET | 08-22-2007

I am glad that someone spoke to Anonymous. I'll just add that we should be able to have a discussion on any topic without personal barbs or false statements.

On the subject of interrracial dating, let me speak from my experience. There are very few African-American men to choose from. There has to be a LARGE ENOUGH pool so that all individuals have choice and can hope to wind up with a mate with compatible interests. The present pool that African-American women face only allows us to choose a Black man (versus some other ethnicity). So what happens to personal integrity in our choices, to personal happiness?
I may fall in love with a Chinese man. If we love each other, treat each other well, and we have compatible interests then he is my perfect mate.

Sent by A. Gabriel | 1:46 PM ET | 08-24-2007