THE SERMONS OF Barack Obama's former pastor have become part of the presidential campaign this year. Some people believe the pastor's words are incendiary.And yesterday, in Philadelphia, Obama spoke to the nation about race relations in America:
"The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through – a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American."
There is a danger in journalism and journalists perpetuating stereotypes. How do we avoid such situations?
Many media outlets tried to cover the story by talking about the differences between predominantly black and predominantly white churches. Does that only further the divide between people, or does that help create a better understanding?
Read the full text of Obama's speech and leave your comments below.
2 comments:
Monica Sellecchia
Ok, so why does everything have to boil down to race relations? Obama is beating a dead horse and everyone just needs to get past all of this race turmoil. Like he said, "we will never be able to come together and solve [other] challenges." I totally agree! The power of the media is being used in an unnecessary way of harping on this issue way too much...we as journalists need to start bringing people together and not splitting them apart through our coverage and writings. The differences between each individual is what makes us unique and when it comes to labeling, I am totally against it. Yes Obama has every right to address this issue and try to clear the air of things because you know, his butt is on the line, I mean, he's running for president. However, in order to actually get passed it, the subject just needs to be resolved and everyone should move forward.
Do we get past it by ignoring it or discussing it?
- George (the teacher)
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