Color Blind

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asked of white was that they ‘acknowledge’ the lived reality of black people, and recognize that discrimination, past and present, is not merely ‘in the minds of black people,’ but a real problem to be addressed.” This quote ties in with the previous example of white anger, and shows how Obama takes different courses of action in order to appeal to the white community in any way possible to obtain some sort of progress in the fight against racism. The way the quote is phrased – “All he asks,” suggests just how simple yet cautious he is being towards whites, and how he is asking for them to not necessarily even put any real, physical, effort, but to just open up their minds and be more considerate towards the other race. He does this purposely, in order to help the nation stay at peace while still being able to muster up any sort of advancement in the conflict.

In regards to a statement from the text, “In other words, white people’s fears and prejudices towards black men are acceptable, or at least not as offensive to many whites, as Wright’s mere recitation of factual American history.” The quote compares two problems in a way that doesn’t necessarily cancel the other out, but instead shows how they are both equally hateful. It shows the ignorance of the white community again, however, it also shows it in Obama’s former pastor. Wright’s speech and announcements greatly offended many people, in turn, made Obama ‘saddened’ towards his opinion, to the point where he distanced himself, and contradicted Wright’s thoughts. The author uses this incident and compares it to white logic – how in their point of view, their prejudice is not as offensive, or at least not as notable or outright as Wright’s claims, which in a sense, allows them to justify their wrongful actions.