It is beautifully ironic that a white man from Parma can say racism is a “cancer” and call Rodney King a “crazed gorilla,” all in a matter of two paragraphs [Letters, July 18]. The real threat to race relations isn’t the racist who says “I’m a racist!” It’s the one that is racist and doesn’t even realize it.
I am always amazed at those who have such a definitive stance on issues for which they have no true insight. We’ve had hundreds of years to develop this cockamamie “reality” of what black and white people are and what each does.
See, to black folks it’s no secret that when Johnny White does wrong, he’s just a bad apple. But when Johnny Black does wrong, it’s an indictment of all black people. I’d like Mr. Gross or Mr. Djukich to navigate those waters. The psychology attached to each action and reaction is greatly overlooked.
How would Mr. Djukich react if he was held accountable for Rodney King and O.J.? But this is our reality. I’m sure white people have it bad in America, because the liberal media doesn’t like you guys. Awful, right? Regular Joes like yourself — who can’t disseminate between good and bad when it’s black and white — make it hard for black people in America. We are just like you fellas — we want safety in our homes, good schools for our children, and the comfort of knowing that the boogieman isn’t gonna carjack us.
Robert Hill
Euclid
This article appears in Jul 25-31, 2007.