Stephen Henderson, in his column last Sunday ("Racial attitudes that Obama must address"), confronted issues that are critical in America -- more critical, even, than the election of Barack Obama. Indeed, one reason I support Obama is that I believe his candidacy will open discussion of what has been hidden behind a facade of political correctness.
Unfortunately, the very use of the word "racism" has clouded the issue, because it reinforces a climate of judgment and blame, while blocking rational thought and objective analysis. That is not to say that flat-out rejection of racial hatred should never be expressed. That sort of bigotry cannot be addressed any other way. But the kind of intolerance expressed by the Free Press reader requires a different approach.
Henderson's comments, like those of Obama when he addressed the Rev. Jeremiah Wright issue, lift a veil and reveal attitudes that are not spoken in mixed company. The next step is harder to take.
But problem-solving begins by identifying the problem. And the problem is that many people do not trust others who are in a different group. To acknowledge this without judgment is not the same as condoning it. Truthful analysis requires the open mind exhibited by Henderson when he visited the Free Press reader and approached her without pejorative conclusions. Instead of accusing, he asked what was behind her attitude. The next step is not to attack her stereotype with bitter words, but to confront them with new experience.
Henderson did this as a black man visiting a white woman. Obama does the same thing when he "visits" America's streets, homes and businesses. His presence alone, however, is not enough. He must also deal directly with this attitude by initiating discussion of the hidden attitudes that are justified by faulty logic and emotional satisfaction.
I commend Henderson for his column and believe that Obama will meet the challenge.
Peter A. Pascaris
West Bloomfield
