Opinion - Columns - Julie Lynem

Published: Sunday, Aug. 02, 2009

Julie Lynem: Despite much progress, racial divide persists

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Whether you agree or disagree that Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates’ arrest for disorderly conduct at his home was racially motivated, this much is true: The incident has touched a raw nerve in America and once again raised the question: How will we ever come to terms with race?

A good place to start is by acknowledging that these attitudes persist in the first place.

In previous columns, I have lauded our progress in putting aside differences and promoting tolerance. I’ve argued that the election of an African-American president is proof of this progress. And yet, for all of the strides we have made in unloading centuries of racial baggage, I believe that some people continue to underestimate the frustration and anger that many African-Americans and Latinos feel when they are targets of racial animosity.

They say it’s an overreaction when complaints surface from people of color that they have been followed by security in the shopping mall, denied access to a community swimming pool or pulled over by police for seemingly no other reason than the color of their skin.

They say those who complain are too quick to cry foul, and that they’re somehow “playing the race card” when they call attention to injustices.

I can tell you from personal experience — as someone who has felt the sting of discrimination and who has had relatives and friends share these stories — that these incidents happen all too often and are not easy to forget.

Michael Blank, attorney with California Rural Legal Assistance in San Luis Obispo, said it’s not uncommon for young Latino and African-American men in our county to be singled out as gang-bangers for simply dressing in hip-hop clothing.

Fortunately, it is being addressed, he said. The Paso Robles Police Department, for instance, has a program that encourages police officers to get out of their squad cars and make contact with youth, an effort to cut down on the false assumptions and stereotypes.

Many people, Blank said, haven’t had personal relationships with people of color, and it’s this personal connection that can change attitudes.

“I think if you talk to someone who is different than you are, you will find that you have more in common than you realize,’’ Blank said.

“It may sound silly…but be nice to each other,” he added.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the Gates-Sgt. James Crowley interaction, it’s that we’re not yet sure how to resolve the complex issue of race relations.

So, kudos to President Obama and Vice President Biden for negotiating the Gates-Crowley peace treaty.

Reports from Thursday’s Rose Garden meeting have been positive, with both men saying they would agree to disagree, and move beyond the arrest.

It’s a step in the right direction for these two men and an important symbol of reconciliation for us all, but I’m afraid that it’s going to take much more than a cold brew to bridge the racial divide in America.