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Racism in the Age of Obama
Experts Says It's Time to Dump Racial Family Stereotypes
| Source: Author Anita Royston
SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - December 2, 2009) - In an era that has seen an African American
elected president, it seems difficult to believe that racism is still
alive.
Recently, Louisiana Judge Keith Bardwell refused an interracial couple a
marriage license because "most of black society does not readily accept
offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society."
"Let's not forget that our President is the son of a white American mother
and a black Kenyan father," said Anita Royston from Five Sisters Publishing
www.5sisterspublishing.com, co-author of "Our Black Fathers, Brave Bold and
Beautiful!," and the grandmother of five healthy bi-racial children.
"According to the US Census, there were 1.67 million interracial married
couples in America in 2002. Compared to two decades ago when that number
was only 697,000, interracial marriage is more than just a sign of the
times. It's a statistic that trumpets the fact that love trumps race."
Royston believes that the story about Bardwell's refusal, which led to his
recent resignation, is not the rule, but rather, the exception.
"In this world we are more alike than different and our essence and
experiences should not be diminished, devalued or ignored because they are
opportunities to learn," Royston said. "In addition, all of us can draw
inspiration and wisdom from one another regardless of our socioeconomic
status, ethnicity, gender, race or marital status."
Royston also believes that the United States is at a critical point in its
development as a culture, and that it is time to stop using stereotypes as
a way of defining minority cultures.
"Race is a subject we dance around in society, but we need to dispel the
dangerous stereotypes that threaten to unhinge our American culture from
within," she said. "Stories of strength, wisdom, challenges, fears,
failures, transformation, survival and triumphs happen in every race, in
every corner of the world. We still grapple with the reality of an
African-American president and his sometimes struggle to gain respect from
the American people."
About Anita Royston
Anita Royston is an education consultant specializing in engaging family
and community involvement in the educational environment. She is currently
working in Sacramento with the Roberts Family Development Center and CA.
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs).