Regarding the absence of black voices in this forum: Yes, that's a problem - but it also assumes that in any discussion of race/racism, "we" will be talking about "them." Historically, "they" have not been the problem; the dominant (white) sector of society has been the problem.
then let's stop talking about "them" and start talking about "us." us has a big role here and perhaps it's time to start owning up to it, whether one considers himself racist or not. in fact i propose that those who say they are not racist are indeed further from being not racist than they are able to admit because, you know, one of their "best friends is black," or "im voting for obama so how could i be ..." etc. and so forth.
