Racism runs deep in the human psyche

I commend Felicia Dickson on her thoughtful, well-chosen words about one of the violent actions in our community [“Just Say No,” Feb. 15 Xpress]. Her first illustration and her experience/confession were very good.

Some weeks ago, a letter in the Asheville Citizen-Times argued that opposition to President Obama should not be construed as racism. Is this innocence abroad or self-delusion?

Racism runs deep in the human psyche; he or she who claims to be immune is kidding him- or herself. The undercurrents in the political discourse are rampant. True, there may be legitimate arguments against the president’s regime, but such statements as the “food stamp president” are a mere part of the malodor coming from the partisan wrangle.

— LeGrand Smith
Asheville

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3 thoughts on “Racism runs deep in the human psyche

  1. andreaG

    [QUOTE]Racism runs deep in the human psyche[/QUOTE]

    I also agreed on this statement. I guess racism is already part of our culture.

  2. Billy Gruff

    “If they don’t look like us…they ain’t us.” That old sociological adage probably kept people alive for thousands of years.
    I am sure there are bigots who merely hate the President because of his skin color. I’m also relatively sure they are in a vast minority. Disagreeing with the policies of the President cannot be dismissed as simple racism and as a trump card to bypass a difference in political philosophy.

  3. Matt Mercy

    Wow. I am always amazed at the incredible courage displayed by Xpress readers. Going against the grain and speaking out against such an accepted and popular thing as verbal racism? Hats off to you!

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