Prevalence and influence of racism

Re “Racism -- fact or faith?” Opinion, Dec. 23

It does not follow, as Shelby Steele suggests, from the decline of white supremacy that we have become a virtually colorblind society. On the contrary, our institutions continue to be tainted by prejudice.

One window on continuing discrimination is the criminal justice system. From racial profiling to judges and juries who impose the death penalty, we see indicators of biased sentiment. Our courts, law enforcement agencies and prisonindustrial complex may not intend to be white supremacist, but you wouldn’t know that by the results.

DAVID HOWARD

Ojai

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Of course racism exists today. Individual prejudices are not cured simply by public decree or a politically correct atmosphere. But Steele is correct that the prevalence and influence of racism is nothing like it was 30 years ago.

We live in a society that revels in political correctness, though it is very refreshing to see that the degradation of others passed off as humor is no longer tolerated. We need to make sure, though, that this doesn’t expand to monitoring people’s thoughts, racist or not.

Society’s pressure to not be racist will not change a Klansman’s views, but it may keep him from demonstrating them. Once we demand that people “think” correctly, a more dangerous intolerance has reared its ugly head.

TOM PULA

Sunland

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Sometimes learned academic types get their heads so high up in the clouds that they lose sight of what’s happening on the planet.

Here in south Orange County, I often hear the “N-word” used in reference to African Americans as if it were the generic equivalent of “black.” And that includes the assumption of that word’s acceptance by me, a white person, as being OK. When I let someone know it’s not OK with me, I usually get a “what are you, holier than thou?” quizzical expression.

When an educated African American states, “We must acknowledge one of the most profound achievements in recent human history: the death of white supremacy,” I fear that someone may believe it.

DAVID GOLDENBERG

Laguna Niguel

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The results of repeated studies indicate that prejudice and racism are deeply ingrained in our consciousness. These operate unconsciously, without overt thoughts that would be recognizable to the person. The implications are profound.

ROBERT E. GRIFFIN

Forty Fort, Penn.