Race, a topic that has been brushed under the rug for far too long, still seems to be too taboo to discuss openly.

I believe the topic is still very touchy because there are many who still say all the wrong things that are offensive and rude.  Also for many people, race, is a common day denominator that affects everyday living.  Racism has become more institutionalized event though it is less acceptable in the blatant form when two people are face to face.

To date, there still has not been a uniting force that has clearly addressed the issue without dichotomizing it.  I believe that a central figure head such as Obama could help with this.  He could serve as a symbol of all races coming together and taking part in the American dream.  I feel it would be in American societies’ best interest if Obama did speak honestly about how both Black and White Americans can feel, but why new generations should focus on American National Identity.  Instead of concerning ourselves with looks and causing a weakening separation we can become stronger working together and appreciating one another with the understanding that all people are original.  There are obviously some issues of the past that should be discussed and understood (even emplimented into history lessons in school) .  With a clear idea of past and present injustice we can move forward more equipped to understand race as it exists currently and to again more forward.  Finally as a majority we must understand how the past has come to create the present and what we can do to move away from institutional racism altogether.  It is important we begin moving on, accepting all types of people as equal human beings with free will, and continuing the vision of the land of opportunity.

If issues are addressed and education systems are re-formated to instill new values in children , older generations will soon die out, and new generations  will naturally have a  more forward mindset.

-KV