| Font Size |
"Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and we, I believe, continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards," Holder said in his speech at Justice Department on the occasion of Black History Month.
"Though race-related issues continue to occupy a significant portion of our political discussion, and though there remain many unresolved racial issues in this nation, we -- average Americans -- simply do not talk enough with each other about things racial," he said.
"It is an issue that we have never been at ease with, and given our nation's history, this is in some ways understandable," he said.
The month of February is observed as Black History Month.
Holder's comment immediately generated heated debate in the US media, specially the television news channels.
Holder said one cannot understand America without understanding the historical experience of black people in this nation. Simply put, to get to the heart of this country, one must examine its racial soul, he observed.
"Even as we fight a war against terrorism, deal with the reality of electing an African-American for the first time as the President of the United States and deal with other significant issues of the day, the need to confront our racial past and to understand our racial present, and to understand the history of African people in this country -- that all endures," Holder said.
If America is to make progress in this area, people must feel comfortable enough with one another, and tolerant enough of each other, to have frank conversations about the racial matters that continue to divide the country, he said.
As a nation, Holder said the US has done a good job in melding the races in the workplace. "We work with one another; we lunch together; and when the event is at the workplace during work hours, such as this, or shortly thereafter, we socialise with one another fairly well, irrespective of race," he said.
But this interaction operates within certain limitations, he argued. "We know, by ‘American instinct’ and by learned behaviour, that certain subjects are off limits and that to explore them risks, at best, embarrassment and, at worst, the questioning of one's character," he said.
Discuss this story on expressindia forums
|
|
OK
He is forthright RIGHT... he can also add that America is the most 'paranoid;' country....
There is a canny similarity between blacks in America and muslims in India, low in education and high in crime. A successful American black man desire a White trophy wife, so does a successful Indian muslim man desires pious Hindu wife. Tremendous social-economic reforms are requiered by both nations to bring this minority into the main stream.
AG Holder is right, but not for the nation as a whole. In fact it's the black community which is coward in not accepting that racism was legally abolished many years ago. What is that makes recent immigrants like myself succeed while millions of black citizens fail to rise beyond their ghetto status? Two words - hard work! It's noticeable that hundreds of Mexican immigrate (even if illegally) to this great country with scarce resources and a language handicap, but very quickly settle down into manual labor jobs and earn decent livings. But our black brethren are comfortable only with state provided welfare. Having been raised in India, I can see an uncanny resemblance in the Muslim community's pessimism and that in the black community. Both are being let down by their leaders who ironically have progressed commendably through hard work and resourcefulness. Racism isn't extinct, but it's unfair to label a nation based on the acts of a dwindling minority.
This world is full of reasons cooked by humans to separate themselves from the others. This is a cowardly act, as it is designed to fool our own conscious whether one is superior or inferior to other. The correct vision is gained when one looks toward the Almighty, and then try to find a reason whether one is superior or inferior based on race, religion, colour, sex or any other method of discrimination. Unfortunately, people are still devicing coward's ways of discrimination. We have to look into our own context, rather than comment on others, who are already on their way to correct path. The biggest discrimination in our country is not based upon race or religion or sex or caste, but it is economic discrimination. How many times can we count someone who is able and rich coming forward to teach or help the one who is a destitute and lives next door or works as a labourer day and night in our houses. To be a VICTOR one has to understand the cowardness WITHIN. Worst cowards-terrorists
Its 9:44 in morning and I have work to do. Still I am writting this comment. Martin Luther King fought a peaceful war for Black after almost 200 years when US has gained independence. There are some people in this thread who call Indians coward. Indians already had presidents from almost all minorities which exists in India. First think what you are writing and then share it on public podium. Else keep you mouth shut.
To my mind USAmericans are too cautious and considerate for not to remind the plight of black community which was shameful for humanity.If they don't talk or discuss about that is only not to refresh the old memories and sratch the wounds.Mr Holder should take it as positive sign of integration and unified society.The world wants to forget and start with(which infact has already started)with new well civilized society and Mr Holder's critic has only negative impact.He shouldn'd have any excuse to say,yammer,especially now when the Prez and he as first black Atorney General are greatest examples of black and white discussion.Without that Holder and Obama wouldn't have been holding these highest posts.Such statements cuase more differences and resentment.Whites have shown the whole world through action how they feel and treat the black community which they think need no words.He has chosen wrong topic at wrong time to achieve some kind of popularity,sad he is no good for this job.
Yes mr. holder u r absolutely right that american is coward in every aspect of life. it is an irony that they scared of danger to their life but seem to be happy when they kill the people of other country.Before 9/11 they were supporting terrorism all around the world particularly, in afghanistan against ussr.
Black people who use their race as an excuse are the real cowards. If a person wants to be treated equal in this or any country, they need to live in the present and let their actions justify who they are as a person, not dwell on the past. You want to talk about racism in America, how about the fact that because my skin is white I am automatically partially responsible for slavery hundreds of years ago? Never mind the fact that my ancestors came here on a boat from Ireland far after the days of slavery. How about the fact that if I apply for a job along side a black candidate who is less qualified, a law will keep me from gaining that employment 9 out of 10 times. Its not like my ancestors had it easy living through countless conflict and famines, maybe I should start using this excuse to expect people to treat me differently...but no, clearly I am the coward...
Holder is all wet....
We are a country at war. It is a known fact that in order to win a war, you must study past war campaigns, and study the people you plan to make war against. Study their habits, weaponry, lands, climate, industry, friends, enemies, etc., so you can have your way with them. Knowing the past will always give you the upper-hand. Without this knowledge, you are destined to loose. It is the same message with racism. The South was built on the backs of slave-labor. Knowing the past provides opportunity for a profound future. Ignoring the history of racism is the same as turning your back on America...we all loose!
I could care less about racial issues. However, it amazes me that in regards to something I have no control over (slavery) the constant reminder gets thrown in everyone's face by the black community. It has been about 150 years since slavery ended, and about 50 segregation went away. Neither of these I was even around for! The reason nobody engages in this type of conversation is because the black community would go into an uproar if an intelligent conversation took place about this subject. The reason racism won't die is because people like Eric Holder won't let it become a thing of the past. Looking at the oppression of the blacks is an embarrassing fact of the white past; just let it be a thing of the past. This type of activity will never again become the norm, so let it go! Again, the ONLY reason racism won't die is because the black community won't let it. I find it amazing that the first black Attorney General chose to soap-box this issue!?
I strongly object,to the words of the Attorney General,calling Americans a nation of cowards.This title was,is and will belong to the Indians.All the attacks since 60 yrs. and we have just, not retaliated,hence we Indians are cowards.
One can see the history written and rewritten in America with due respect of time. This time also one can see this.Things take time to change. If people can elect Barrack Obama as their nation president then it is to be assumed that days are not too far when all the blacks of the country will get their due respect.Instead of blaming its better to prove our worthiness so that people can know our value.
If this fellows statements had any truth , US would not have a Black president, Black AG, Black generals etc... These guys are just ungrateful
The assertion"the black people are ungrateful" must be from a white and that is what proves the AG's statement.America is a country of immigrants, and all including the whites should be grateful to God for being in America.
Though I am firm believer of equality and NO racial discrimination. BUT I personally feel it is genetically and in mankind mindset and eye pleased of superiority of white over black . White as a color is eye pleasing then black and I think this makes the difference even for a non racial to have tilt in favour of white.
Maybe, but there is probably some real advantage to being black, or else we would all be white...Actually on second thoughts, I've seen lets of black chicks who are REALLY pretty - especially the ethiopians and eritrians...Also other colors such as vietnamese (Yellow) are filled with pretty ones...Anyway, what more can I say. Search the nets...