Glad that Obama is talking about race

Everyone is upset about Barack Obama and his pastor.

Upset about what? That he spoke about our country having race issues or the fact that he actually brought it up? Anyone who thinks racism doesn't exist in America isn't paying attention.

I know, this is a hot topic, no one wants to believe it, and we've turned into a society who raises our children to be "color blind" and hushes them when they make comments about other people who look different from them. One can discuss race with others -- it's a necessity in our world of so many nationalities and ethnicities. But first and foremost, we much acknowledge that we all have different beliefs, stereotypes and prejudices for and against others. The next step is working to become comfortable enough in our beliefs to discuss them, and to challenge the ones that are damaging to ourselves and others.

I once heard that "stereotypes exist because enough people perpetuate them". It's unpopular, I know. But we really need to soul-search and remember where these beliefs came from and how dangerous they can be.

People often say "I don't have a racist bone in my body," but one has to realize that we all have beliefs and stereotypes, be they positive or negative, that are put into place or challenged when meeting others. It's within races, communities and sexes, and we need to start disowning these prejudices that have become part of our societal framework.

I'm truly in support of Obama talking about race -- I'm glad someone is.

A book I would recommend to everyone is Beverly Daniel Tatum's "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria" (1997). I guarantee it will be eye opening and start you thinking about our racial differences and beliefs.

Arwen Lynch

Naperville