I'm Black, You're White

Shelby Steele's essay suggests that the end of racism begins with conversation. The night he describes in California is a good example of what I observe to be happening today, in regards to this issue. One thing I have learned is that I will never understand the struggle an African-American must deal with. I think many white people today do not feel as if they are racist, and therefore think they are "innocent," as Steele puts it. Obviously none of us alive today are personally responsible for the conditions the average black American is born into, and I think the question we should be asking ourselves is not "who is to blame," but rather "what do we do to fix it?" I estimate a major cause for racism against whites is the fact that many of us presume our own innocence, and therefore do nothing. Steele suggests blacks handle our presumption of innocence by either bargaining or challenging it. I agree with Steele that talking about these issues, although it is awkward, is the only way for everyone to come to an understanding. Hopefully one day we will all be on common ground, and they won't have to bargain or challenge.