| My descriptions of Western culture mention that we | | | | This is not to condemn them, this is how they anchor |
| believe in democracy, women's rights, the separation | | | | their identities. Our notion that we should not |
| of Church and State, and individualism. People are | | | | discriminate on the basis of race is noble, but it is only |
| surprised to hear that these are not universal beliefs. I | | | | ours. We should, however, be very proud that our |
| explain that Americans often incorrectly think their | | | | laws, unlike those of other countries, actually forbid |
| values are universal. But when I describe the West as | | | | racism. |
| anti-racist I really get indignation. "Surely we are very | | | | Until the United States and for much of our history, |
| racist" comes the reply. Silence follows my response | | | | most nation's identities were based on race. German |
| that we are amongst the least racist places on earth | | | | was not only a type of citizenship, it was a race. |
| or in history. While Barack Hussein Obama's campaign | | | | Japanese is a racial designation. I can tell you what a |
| has gotten the issue into international news, we need | | | | Filipino looks like. I cannot, however, tell you what an |
| to set the record straight; Western nations like | | | | American looks like. We are the exception to the rule |
| America lead the world in the fight against racism. | | | | in that we are not race based. The traditional Indian |
| Americans, again, too often fail to take notice of the | | | | caste system is largely based on color. And in |
| rest of the world's difference. Korea is very racist. My | | | | countries like those of Latin America, to the extent that |
| wife is Korean. Walking there we have had strangers | | | | they have it, mobility is much more constrained by race |
| stop us and tell her she is a disgrace. At a jazz | | | | than it is here. Western nations are pioneers in the |
| concert two years ago rocks were thrown at us. That | | | | concept of a race-blind society. |
| is their culture. I do not bring this up to say we should | | | | I am bragging. Yes I am. But this is necessary. While |
| condemn them or invade them to make them follow | | | | racial discrimination is illegal here, while we have |
| "human rights." I bring this up to say that such behavior | | | | affirmative action programs to help minorities, while we |
| would be considered outrageous beyond belief here. | | | | even have an African American candidate for |
| Even if we were brave enough to whisper support for | | | | President, we still hear that America is a very racist |
| such thoughts, we would be rightfully scared of acting | | | | country. This results from our comparing ourselves to |
| on them. In our society, I am proud to write, few things | | | | some unattained ideal and NOT from the rest of the |
| are worse than to be called a racist. | | | | world. While Barack Hussein Obama is running for |
| But racism is not just about attitudes. Korean, Chinese | | | | President and getting race discussed, it is important to |
| and Japanese laws are overtly racist. If you are not of | | | | note that he is running. That he is considered a viable |
| the proper racial category you cannot become a | | | | candidate to be our national leader is remarkable. |
| citizen of these nations without marriage to one of | | | | Those who would take this point of pride from us |
| them. If you marry someone from the right lineage and | | | | need to be confronted with a factual comparison. |
| wait some years you might be able to get Asian | | | | While the world watches our elections it is important |
| citizenship. But even then, your "mixed-blood" child | | | | for us to brag that America is among the LEAST |
| would not be allowed in the army, they may be | | | | RACIST NATIONS ON EARTH. This fact should be |
| excluded from public school, and many government | | | | proudly featured in any description of the West. |
| and private jobs will be impossible for them to attain. | | | | |