Blog #9 "Race Matters" by Cornel West

        The topic of race relations is always a heated subject in American discussions. Race affects every person in this nation and no one is a racist for being aware of the fact. Whether the intent is positive or negative the differences of races are always present. The article "Race Matters" by Cornel West talks about the social injustice that occurred back in Los Angles, 1992. In Race Matters, Cornel West describes not only the state of race relations in this country, but also some causes for the thinking that perpetuate the cycle of distrust and fear. Race Matters offers some of the most intelligent, concise and controversial commentary on race. Race Matters is not just another summary of race relations in this country.
         One of the main reasons this article differs from others is that West does not allow his membership in the African-American race to hinder his view. In addition, he ignores the prevailing concept of political accuracy and speaks freely. Race Matters is an insight into many of the stereotypes, misconceptions and clashes caused by race. He describes race from multiple angles. By discussing race in a historical, social, sexual and political sense, he is able to produce some uncommon assessment on the forever variable state of race relations.
          Cornel West easily illustrates the idea of discrimination in America through the explanations of white supremacy. For Example, “This vicious ideology and practice of white supremacy has left its indelible mark on all spheres of American life- from the prevailing crimes of Amerindian reservations to the discriminatory realties against Spanish-speaking Latinos to racial stereotypes against Asians.” White supremacy has held racial progress back from not only African Americans, but from all people of color. All people of color are feeling the inequalities that white supremacy compel onto other races. In addition, “No other people have been taught systematically to hate themselves.” White supremacy has taught the African American race to hate who they are as a people. The problem of interracial hate has slowly but surely started to tear the African American race apart. Furthermore, “Yet the legacy of white supremacy lingers- often in the face of the very denials of its realities.” The main people who deny the existence of white supremacy are the people who are under its aptitude. The power of white supremacy is still alive and strong in America.
        According to Cornel , African Americans are divided into two camps , the liberal structuralists and the conservative behaviorists . West goes to observe , unfortunately , these two camps have nearly suffocated the debate that should be taking place about the prospects for black America. This disunity among the two schools of thought of black race is the most unfortunate aspect of the African Americans. He touches the borders or spirituality when he pleads to “replace racial reasoning with moral reasoning". Thus moral reasoning becomes the second important concern in Race Matters by Cornel and this approach is his positive contribution to the possible solutions for the problems of African Americans . The main issue with most of the black Americans is that they are being destroyed by the inner conviction of uselessness . Economic prosperity can not compensate for this loss .The fountain of hope and love has to spring forth from the hearts of the blacks as for their internal relations first and disposition with the white race next.
        I see similarities between Chapter 9 and "Race Matters" by Cornel West because it discusses the importance of race and how Americans perceive it. Race is something we can all relate to, due to the fact that America was build upon by foreigners and immigrants. It also talks about the inequality and imbalance between the various racial groups. It also breaks down the key differences and terminology for concepts such as "race" and "ethnicity" and "nationality".