Black people are human beings with brains just like everyone else, regardless of the color of their skin. To say that black person cannot be racist is, in fact, a racist view of black people. As a clinical psychologist, I can say unequivocally that all people are biologically programmed to differentiate between themselves and others by “grouping” people into categories. For those who are educated, categories are simply that. It’s ignorant to say that you don’t see color, if you have working eyes, you can tell someone is black or white. The question is whether or not you understand that stereotypes are socially constructed lies designed to oppress others.

I am white. I am also Jewish. Black people get more discriminating in this country then Jews, partially because you cant always tell if someone is Jewish. But antisemitism is alive and well in this country and I cant. even count the number of times that I have hear comments made towards me or in front of me that blew me away, made me feel worthless, and infuriated me. Black people experience significantly more racism because color of skin is more visible.

I work in Detroit and a lot of my clients are Black. As sad as it makes me to say this, there is some truth to claims that Black people have it harder when it comes to functioning in predominately white areas. It is more difficult to get a job, black men are more likely to be arrested simply for walking down the street and being searched on grounds of being suspicious, and black people experience racist comments and attitudes on a consistent basis. It breaks my heart to see my clients struggling to leave bad situations (I am not saying that all black people are in bad situations, but I specialize in the rehabilitation of criminals, so my clients typically are) , doing their absolute best, and getting the raw end of the deal, while my white clients do not experience the same amount of adversity in general.

I can understand why many black people feel ambivalent about connecting with white people. But just like all black people are not lazy and incompetent (in response to a previous comment, I call white people lazy an incompetent all the time, white people absolutely use those terms to describe other withe people), all white people aren’t ignorant and racist.

Ms Sunshine, I just want to say that your comments are insightful and you articulate them well. Which is why many of us as black/hispanics still struggle at effectively communicating with not only each other but everyone else. But the core of all this as youv’e stated lies within the relationship that one has (or should have) with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! And even then many fall short because we incorporate our politics on the pulpit which damages the purpose of the gospel. That said I pray that you continue to be that light for others as well as our fellow Black Americans. Because God is no respecter of persons. And the faster the Jackons and Sharptons of this world realizes that, the better equipped many uninformed Blacks will be in life.