WASHINGTON (CNN) – Eric Holder, the country’s first African-American attorney general, called the United States “a nation of cowards” Wednesday for failing to candidly talk about matters of race.
In a speech to Justice Department employees commemorating Black History Month, Holder said average Americans remain uncomfortable with race-related issues and need to do more to confront them head on.
“Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and we, I believe continue to be in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards,” Holder said.
He said Americans often “retreat to our race-protected cocoons,” a tendency that inhibits fruitful discussion that might lead to racial progress.
“This nation has still not come to grips with its racial past nor has it been willing to contemplate in a truly meaningful way the diverse future it is fated to have,” he said. “To our detriment this is typical of the way in which this nation deals with issues of race.”
Holder said Black History Month itself “is given a separate and unequal treatment by our society" and suggested that February should offer a chance not just for commemoration, but also for frank dialogue between races.
From CNN Politics
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Eric Holder proving once again that fools come in all colors.
Race matters hurt the dear legacy of this country, we are told to get over slavery, racism doesn't exists anymore, the matters of race bring up a troubled past that somw would like to forget. I was fortunate to have my great-grandmother and great-grandfather alive to tell me stories of what happened in the past not fictional stories but factual events....................... I agree Mr Holder.
We are. As a male hispanic, I have had my run-ins with racial comments and stereotypes, and people who felt uncomfortable when I would bring up the issue of race. For God sakes, Europe was the central HUB of slavery for hundreds of years and they have far better Race Relations than America, which I always thought of as Free Country.
Hey Eric – How about you tell your African American race-baiting friends and their congregants to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY and stop blaming everyone else (read: white people) for their problems??
The African American community is rotting from drug dealing infestation, black-on-black crime, kids dropping out of school, lacking parental supervision or involvement.
The only man willing to speak the truth is BILL COSBY. And your "community" villifies him for it!
I agree with him. We need to have a serious and ongoing dialogue about race.
Truth hurts....
WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an "eye-opener" Mr. Holder. Ht the ground running. I love it.
Your statement is so very true. Keep on talking, I am listening.
AWESOME
The man right is Most people are ignorant because of fear.
Great point. I know many blacks do not see the point in talking about it and I assume many whites feel the same way. However, when we do deal with it in the US we always see improvement a la the Civil War and Civil Rights movement. Both battles saw more money in everyone’s hands, new consumers, and innovations. So to deal with the issue makes business sense.
Truth Hurts!
But hey; as any truely intelligent and reasonable American knows; first you identify the problem, now we fix it...right?
Identifying that there is a problem is the first step to recovery.
Nothing wrong with that.
I agree A.G. But I also think that racism is "almost" non-existent among Generation X & Y. It still exist, but kids and young adults being raised this day in age mingle amongst all races.
WOW,
This is one great american. Baracks guy is going to drive a wedge between people. Mr. Holder appears to be a very biggoted man and a racist. This is a very bad day in politics.
A bunch of racists just elected a black man as president of the United States of America and he calls Americans cowards.
This is terrible. I can not feel hope and change with these kind of blatant biggoted statements. This is a very very sad day.
obama is the coward,for god sakes the republicans led by fox news is calling him a monkey with that cartoon,they called him a socailist,they called him a terriost,they called him a radical,but at the same time obama keep kissing their butts,now obama is not for the fairness doctrine,hes for the fisa bill,obama has invited gregg back to the whitehouse,obama is a butt kisser i just wish the liberals will see it like i do
I agree with Mr. Holder......and I'll go on to say that racism is alive and well and thriving in our country....and I didn't realize it until JOhn McCain and Sara Palin used it to their advantage during the election.
I would like to know when will we have a WHITE History Month?
The Atty general is calling the whites in this country cowards -- now that is a racist remark --
The Atty general is calling the whites in this country cowards -- now that is a racist remark --
WHEN IS HOLDER GOING TO ASK FOR REPARATIONS?
Loving Savannah GA! My family never told me anything about race issues down there. If we cannot deal with it in our own family, how can we deal with it as a nation. It would be great to have a conversation about race. Holder makes a Great point. I know many blacks do not see the point in talking about it and I assume many whites feel the same way. However, when we do deal with it in the US we always see improvement a la the Civil War and Civil Rights movement. Both battles saw more money in everyone’s hands, new consumers, and innovations. So to deal with the issue makes business sense.
I can see the Right Wing posters' heads starting to explode as they type frantically to post why they aren't racists, and why diversity programs are not fair to white men, etc, etc, ad nauseum.
Mr. Holder is completely correct, unfortunately.
View the vile, hateful, and obscene things posted about our President and First Lady on almost all of these posts (especially the ones about the First Lady's clothes). Never was such language allowed on these public forums against any other President, Dem or Rep.
Holder is correct..however, it is difficult to talk about race in this country as some people are just over sensitive on the subject. Years ago a group of friends, off all races were discussing a subject related to African Americans..One of the African Americans in the group became angry over the question( at the time the subject was about a white person who agreed with Bill Cosby about black families taking responsibilty for their actions). This person told the white person that they could not talk about such issues unless they were black. This group of friends fell apart as the African American friend soon came to claim everyone was racist and that he was the only one in the group allowed to speak on black issues...even to raise a question.. So if Americans would get over the crazy part..like the supermarket ad...then we could have a dialouge. But we continue to create our own problems when its okay for one race to use the N word...but not another nonsense...You would think Obama winning would have helped...but its really made it worse...especially among those with preconcieved notions on race.
as a caucasian male I completely agree with Holder's statement and that all american people should talk more openly about race. Just don't talk about other races as if you were underminding them, thats when it become a problem.
Eric Holder is absolutely right. I'm African American and there is still a lot of racism out there. It's really sad.
I am a white male and I think Mr Holder is way off base. To generalize like this is insulting. Blacks like Al Sharpton were labeling white voters racist when 80% of them voted for Hillary CLinton over Obama; and he was silent when 99% of black voters voted for Obama. Holder ought to concentrate on not letting any more terrorists go free -– and should avoid playing the race card - seems like Obama did that to Hillary very deftly -
You are a Coward MR holder!Get out from this beautifull land Coward....I .you area Dangerous man.People this guy is very scary
So, what your saying is that we should do away with all the ethnic history/recognition months/weeks/etc.? That is fine by me, maybe that will cut costs that are being needlessly wasted.
I support Obama and Holder fully, but let's be real: as a white irish catholic heterosexual male, I'm pretty much not allowed to talk about race or gender or sexual orientation without risking a scarlet letter.
Holder is right on the money. From my experience as a facilitator of racial dialogue groups I know its very difficult for people to ge out of PC language and truly open up and talk frankly. You hear people talking about race card this and that when people start to talk about race. That completely shutsdown any conversation and people can go back to hiding their thoughts and feelings.
BTW thanks Alfred for proving your own statement true with your comment. There is nothing foolish about what he said or means.
Okay Eric, instead of black and white, let's use smart and stupid. You unfortunately, fit in the latter category
I'll second Alfred's fool comment. Holder should realize people have better things to do in life than think about someone's race. I hope having a bi-racial President isn't going to bring out the wacky comments in people as this guy just did.
He's very right. Nothing foolish about it. Many whites would like to think that because THEY personally aren't racist or don't realize they are racists that it must not exist. That is tantamount to thinking that because WE are Christian or consider ourselves to be Christian that other faiths aren't real. Not talking about it won't make it go away. And it tends to prohibit those who are negatively affected by it to not address it because many will retaliate against them for bringing up the "better left unsaid". He is correct and we need to take our heads out of the sand, because we can't fix a problem we won't address.
I agree with you on that subject. During the election I experienced a lot of racism. I believe that racism is why the stimulus bill had such poor participation. It's sad.... I think it's The Forty Acres And a Mule Syndrome.
Mr. Holder is correct.
It is only white bigots who refuse to acknowledge the problem by denying that the problem exists in the first place. However, many, many whites have died for the freedom and civil rights of blacks and other minorities.
Unfortunately the bigots mask themselves in the guise of legitimacy and emerge as talk show hosts, editorial writers and cartoonists who hide behind freedom of speech. The NY Post, with their racist slur against President Obama, is a great example of this.They contribute greatly toward keeping racism alive, and the honest discussion of it stifled. Corporations support them by supporting their talk shows and media outlets by buying their advertising time.
We the people can demand change and stop them dead in their tracks if we boycott the corporations that support them with their advertising dollars, and stop supporting the politicians who manipulate us by using religion and "morals" to continue their hate-fill ways.
you may be right mr. holder, and the republican party is a good example, most of them are racist.
I am sorry Alfred, I think the only fool here in this situation is a person like you who would make a comment like that. America is a nation of cowards when it comes to race and race relations. Mr. Holder speaks the truth and those that don't want to acknowledge the truth all always find ways to say silly things like the sentiments expressed by yourself. All minorities that have been oppressed are told to get over it and move on. People cannot just get over a system that was set up to keep groups of people down.
Ya know, I don't spend too much time thinking about race lately. I'm more concerned with how I'm going to keep making my mortgage payments after I lose my job in 1.5 wks. How much courage did it take to burn all those women and children in Waco Mr. Holder? Weren't they mainly white women and children Mr. Holder? Surely you weren't involved with that were you?
This just might bode poorly upon the Bush administration. If Holder takes this point of view, then actions accounting to in-depth investigations can only be the result. Why would someone say such without being able to back this up with appropriate actions? To say such words only means that actions will come which points to further insights into judicial actions deemed unfair or illegal. Hence, expect investigations into the Bush administration if Mr. Holder's words can be parsed accordingly! That is unless the New York Post's intrudes in here and that is reason enough for his words!
Mr. Holder is right. But his appointment is a move forward. Hopefully, intelligence will shine over all in this new, fresh, bright, diverse administration.
"failing to candidly talk about matters of race"
So he missed this last election when Obama brought race up in some form or another in most of his speeches? And his followers talked of little else but the historic election?
The only people afraid of race right now are those afraid to express any criticism of our president for fear of being clled racist.
This is going to get ugly – no politician can keep all their promises and Obama has made it clear he will blame race to avoid the image of failure. And he has his surrogates ready to whine.
wow.
I agree with Mr. Holder. While his comments were stern, I think what he says is true. As a white male, I myself have underlying stereotypical characterizations of other races and I believe a more open discussion is necessary if we are going to overcome this. But its going to take ALL sides of the issue to listen, understand and overcome. Political Correctness is the theme de jour and I find it is often the "Cocoons" we escape to. We need and open, frank discussion. Say whats on your mind. Get it out in the open. Overcome it.
The NY Post is not coward on the race issue. It's brazen cartoon sattire has drawn Al Sharpton's tongue. I guess business is slow so it uses controversy and distaste to bring attention to itself.
Guys on CNN what about this don't you agree with it? You think Obama being pres and Holder being A.G changes anything. And he did say Americans not White Americans so bring down the controversy level a bit
ha!!!
what a joke.
whenever we talk about race someone somewhere gets offended by something and then there are all the race baters and then the protest...and so on and so on......
the first black this........the first women that.........
I look forward to the day when the first of any race to do this that or the other thing does not matter or even makes the headlines. That will be the day........
until then everyone will be in line for some type of grip
Holder must be talking about himself.
I am not surprised after all it is the Blacks that always bring up the race issue.
Why Can't the black people move on?
What more do you want?
Look at the government handouts and see if the majority of benefits do not go to blacks.
Look at disability payments and see if the majority does not go to blacks.
It is time for the blacks to put on their big boy pants and help carry the load in this country instead of constantly complaining about something.
It is time for you to give up the slavery issue, none of us living ever owned slaves so drop it and move on .
I totally agree, Mr. Holder. Just reading the comments on some of the CNN blogs reveal very quickly the racist beliefs that many people hold and some of what I see written (nasty stereotypical comments about President Obama) shows how far we need to go to even begin to think we are "post-racial." I know that I have to be careful with some of my own stereotypical thinking (i.e., why does it seem like all nasty comments from Republican politicians are spoken with a Southern accent?) and I need to re-evaluate my thinking so as not to be guilty of the same thing that I accuse others of perpetuating. This country is not ready for an honest debate on race and while I have seen improvement over my 58 years, we still have a long way to go.
holder is right.
This is a most unfortunate statement. One of the reasons that whites avoid race issues is because of statements like Mr. Holder's. I have a lot of black friends, I socialize, visit their homes and discuss race and haver read considerably about race. Nonetheless, it is extremely difficult to conduct a conversation on race with many black people because whites end up getting called racists at every turn. The onus for being"cowards" lies more with black people than that group is willing to admit. Calling people cowards is not a way to encourage civil discourse. It also does enormous harm to President Obama who has been above this type of language and has been dealing with the problems of all Americans in a respectful and civil way. Maybe he made a mistake in his choice of Attorney general.
I am completely surprised by this comment; Mr. Obama ensured his campaign was not about race, but about a nation in need. I am Caucasian and voted for, campaigned for, knocked on doors for Mr. Obama and as I stated, his cabinet begins to bring race into the picture? I hope and pray Mr. Obama gets a handle on this issue and informs his cabinet, this is not about starting race issues and lose focus of the real problems this nation faces.
Thank you
Tony
Alfred E. Neumann just proved why Eric Holder is 100% right.
I do think things are getting better though – they certainly have just in my lifetime – and as President Obama says we can continue to perfect our Union.
Good for AG Holder for speaking out on this. I hope he doesn't apologize – he shouldn't.
Freshly appointed, and already running off at the mouth.
Mr. Holder,
Hooray for your strong comments on American's who cannot find it in their hearts and minds to just look at "people" as members of the world we all inhabit......equal in all ways. I am a 68 year old white widow who has often been chastised in my life for NOT seeing and treating other humans as lesser in some way. I hope I do not close my life without seeing a much better world view on race, not only in America but around the world. Thank you again for your plain talk!
Race is a dead issue. We have a black president, the most powerful man in the world. What else do you need? You owe me because my kin 250+ years ago was a slave. Bull.
Black History Month is given an separate and unequal treatment by our society? Tell me when is Asian History month? When is Hispanic history month? When is Native American history month? You are right it is separate and unequal, the others arent promoted like Black History month is if they even exist. The unequal part is that Black History month is made a big deal compared to any other that may exist. Quit whining, yes horrible atrocities were done to black people systematically in this country for far too long and yes there are still morons among us that long for those days but you will never be able to make everyone "see the light". Quit playing the victim card and accept that there are people of all races that dont like people of a different race. Its not a one way street.
'Holder said Black History Month itself “is given a separate and unequal treatment by our society" and suggested that February should offer a chance not just for commemoration, but also for frank dialogue between races.'
GIVE ME A BREAK PLEASE! you have Black History month and B.E.T, I certainly don't see a White History month listed on any calendars nor W.E.T in my TV guide, and there's no Miss White America beauty contest or the White College Fund. If we were to implement these things than you and the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will be crying racism! So don't start laying some meek lame B.S. excuse why we should be so accommodating when you're not. And unless you or your father just came over on a boat from Africa, the only Black politician that can truly call himself an African-American is Obama.
@ Alfred:
If you think that race is no longer an issue, I'm sorry to tell you to wake up.
I won't let it define me but pushing it under the rug is not an option when I still get judged by the color of my skin and by the stereotypes people won't let go off.
I agree with Mr. Holder. I am not comfortable talking about racial issues. I like to think of myself as someone who looks beyond race and judges people on the content of their character, but I also grew up in the south and was raised by parents who were somewhat racist. It's a hard thing to completely overcome.
As a white male born in this country about 51 years ago,I have seen a lot of progress in this area,at least that is what I have read and heard,unfortunatly there are those who do live in the past, that being said,everytime I hear of a matter of a racial nature its always on the side of the blacks or the hispanics,I am not prejudiced,but I do wonder why there is no White history month or a fund set up for only white college people call it the naawp,or lets have a chamber of commerce just for non blacks,that would go over big,most minorities have achieved what is fair for all,lets keep looking in that direction instead of dwelling in the past and rehashing old topics,we really need to move forward and forget the past,these stories of relatives gone by being slaves are just that...gone by..lets move forward people
Unfortunately Mr. Holder there are those stereotypes out there that ruin it for everybody else and they come in all colors and races.
he is absolutely right, and I am thrilled to hear it said out loud. I am sick and tired of white men telling people of color and women that they are imagining race and sex issues. Get over your entitlement and actually LISTEN to what people say (and yes brown people and women are PEOPLE whether you like it or not)!!
Another racist remark by an Obama official.
As a white 50 year old male, he is absolutely right. All you had to do was listen and watch the people waiting to see McCain and Palin. It's all on Youtube. The racial slander and disgusting behavior exhibited by these people was a disgrace, and made me embarrassed to think that this was still the consensus of White America. However, it goes both ways. I heard just as many racial slurrs from people of color regarding McCain and Palin. Not to mention how easily all races tend to bash gays. America has a lot of growing up to do. I hope the newly elected president was a start.
And this to one of the first non-African countries to elect an African-American as President.
I thought the election fo B.O. resolved all that?? Maybe he can sign the Reparations Bill next so the government will have another excuse tfor another round of handouts.
As a white 50 year old male, he is absolutely right. All you had to do was listen and watch the people waiting to see McCain and Palin. It's all on Youtube. The racial slander and disgusting behavior exhibited by these people was a disgrace, and made me embarrassed to think that this was still the consensus of White America. However, it goes both ways. I heard just as many racial slurrs from people of color regarding McCain and Palin. Not to mention how easily all races tend to bash gays. America has a lot of growing up to do. I hope the newly elected president was a start.
Harsh language, but true.
a lot of barve men and women fought and gave their lives so this clown can run off at the mouth.............cowards?? sell crazy somewhere else
He's right that we are cowards to the extent that white folks are afraid to make critcal remarks about blacks even when they are justified. We are cowed by political correctness and no longer willing to speak the truth even while we watch black crime destroy our inner cities and our schools and make our neighborhoods unsafe.
Technically, Eric Holder is right....americans dont like talking about race issues because they are cowards.
talking about race in the cocoon of your closet is NOT talking about race issues or having a friend or sister or brother in-law who is white, black or hispanic!
we need to confront race issues head-on, not in the month of February but all year long!!!!
we need to unite, and NOT divide America by race!!!!!!!!!
Using the race card and labeling people racist if the story is too close to the truth is why people won't engage in talks about race. During the campaign it was not uncommon to be labeled a racist if you did not agree or vote for Obama though over 90% of blacks voted for him. If over 90% of whites voted for McCain, you bet that would be a racial issue. What a crazy world we live in. Holder is a hypocrite.
If folks like him wouldn't constantly bring it front and center, we'd be much further along than we are now. Why not get rid of Black History month? Or, at least give every other hyphenated group a month of their own.
A white person can't criticize a black person without being called a racist, regardless if the criticism is strictly based on one's actions. That's the problem.
Is there a white history month, or a Mexican history month or a Japanese History month? Who's being racial, expecting better than the rest of society. There are black only colleges but if there was a white only or a mexican only college we would be called racist. People in America need to be AMERICAN period. NOT AFRICAN AMERICAN, MEXICAN AMERICAN, JAPANESE AMERICAN. Whites have gotten past that, we are just Americans, don't expect special treatment and are tired of being blamed for something that happened generations ago. We aren't Polish American or Russian American or swedish american, we're just plain AMERICAN. IF ALL THE ETHNICS WOULD JUST GET BEYOND THEIR OWN SKIN COLOR THEN MAYBE EVERYONE ELSE WOULD. President Obama's father wasn't from Africa, so why is he called African American, because you've looked at his skin color. Look past it.
As a white male who marched with Dr. King I would appreciate an apology, those police dog teeth were quite sharp and their handlers carried some PRETTY big clubs!!!! Fire hoses can rip skin, too. Maybe Mr. Holder should have been there to witness our "cowardice".
As an African American, I agree there are very serious areas of racist practices in companies, institutions, schools, government and people through out the US. More then some people want to acknowledge. However, to slam the entire nation at this time in history is not right.
If the entire Nation was like this we would not have a Black President today. There's nothing worst than getting blamed for what someone else has done wrong. Your're only apart of rasism if you turn you head and allow it to continue. A lesson WWII should have taught all of us or the United States the big (US)!
Good for him-The White Elephant has been noticed. Even during the campaign the hegemonic racial attitude was very much in the for front.
Race matters every single day-I am Mexican but can pass as white. It is very interesting what kind of comments I hear they are cruel and not very spiritual. I love telling them I am Mexican-they just freak out. My father was very very dark and he was treated terrible for a good long period of time. He was in the Army in WWII and he was still not allowed into specific diners. Why? Because of his race and color of skin. American has such an emphasis on race-other countries do not exceed in this race issue as we do.
What the hell?? So what exactly does he want? Isn't good to know that our AG thinks of us as cowards! WoW didn't take him long to dog Americans! Can't wait to see what he has in store for us!!!
I myself think that race is playing a big role in Oboma presidency. All eyes are on him trying to look for any and every mistakes he might make. This is so unfair, Bush was not under this kind of pressure his first month in office. Oboma is doing a good job. I know there are people that just can"t wait till 2012 to try and vote Oboma out of office because of his race.
SHAME ON YOU AMERICA
Attorney General Eric Holder told the truth. It was blunt but none the less true. America has not faced up to it's race issue like countries in Europe. People say that racism does not exist in this country but it is just as present today as it was 10 years ago. I grew up in the 50's and 60's and I will admit that we have made progress but many refuse to accept the reality of the fact that racism is wrong and that "ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL".
i applaude those that have accepted change and chalange those that have yet to allow themselves to see people as "PEOPLE". We all have histories and cultures in all races and that includes the white race and we should all be proud of our culture.
Couldn't agree more! We have let stereotypes dominant our opinions of each other for far to long! Well said Mr. Holder.
What because your black you deserve more, were is the frame of equality, which you deserve what you get. There are illegal people from Africa they are black; President Obamas Aunt is one of these individuals.
There are more white collar crimes committed today by black, look at Senator Burris from Ill., white, Asian, India, and others which are directly passed on to the constituents of the USA...
The main reason that America is a nation of cowards is because certain races get whiny and sometimes even violent when some topics are discussed. Most people would rather not deal with the headaches involved so the "cowardice" continues.
Race is an emotionally charged topic. I've witnessed a number of fellow co workers, who attempted dialogue on the subject and expressed their viewpoints, only to be labeled as racists and fired. If we are a nation of cowards, Mr. Holder, it is due to the consequences of the policies that hang over our heads.
I can't stand Sharpton but that cartoon is definitely racist. If the artist can't see that perhaps he should consider another line of work. Maybe he was on steroids.
...why do i have a strange feeling that most minorities are going to agree with Holder and many whites are not. As a black male, I agree with him. Being the "other" forces you to deal with race.
Wow, I didn't know Rev. Al was in the justice department. guess he missed the fact that the messiah won the election, Michael Steele won the election to head the Republican Party.
This new guy, oh yes, the one who said Mark Rich was ok to get a pardon, despite not paying taxes and such, is now in charge of racial trials and such.
Now if the great messiah fails, I am sure holder will be the first to hollar racism, just like Rev. Al. where is Rev. Jessie in all this, oh yes, I know visiting CA and his child out there.
Jon, all that you wrote about the problems within the black race is DOUBLE that of the white race. Basically you don't know what you're talking about. And for the record, there are a large number of black people who agrees with Mr. Cosby. Now white American needs to find someone to speak the truth about the white problem.
America has a pathological anxiety--it is demonstrated in the past--it exist in the present--and it will exist in the future-unless America changes it.
take a hike mister.
I find it interesting you took the assumtion that Holder is talking about Whites when he said "Americans are Cowards"-what that tells me about you-is you believe Americans are only white-
Mr. Holder – Please stop the wacky comments! Past is the past stop talking about it and get better.
TO COWARDS TAKE A HIKE!!! Obviously, you are having a serious problem with reading!!! He said AMERICANS not WHITE AMERICANS!!! At least get it right before you criticize the Atty. Generals point.
Thanks but no thanks. Although his comment is insightful even during down economic time race will rear it head. See, when thing aren't going well American we play the blame game. I live in a racially mix area and I love it. I have Mexicans, White, people from the middle east to say life is algood if you have a job, good neighbors, schools and opportunities. But the sad truth is not everyone can wear the same shoes and at the same time.... As my friend will often say we must take baby steps ..............
@ AKRON, OH:
Shame on you, America? Uhh...we elected him.
I strongly disagree with these statements. The issue of race is in the mind of the individual. Some people, like this gentleman, perpetuate race as an issue because it is in his mind. My generation does not feel inclined to openly discuss race as an issue because we dont think of race in those terms. To us race is not an issue but a fact of life. It is about as important as the color of your hair. We were not around during slavery or the civil rights struggle so we don't have an issue or hold ill will toward a particular race. We need to do away with the "race issue" as our 44th president has clearly show us you can be ANYTHING you want in this country regardless of the color of your skin.
He is, of course, aware that whites have been browbeaten to the point where they think saying anything critical of "minorities" is illegal.
On the other hand, Holder may end up hearing things he won't like. I'm ready to air my grievances.
I hope the inevitable "hate" speech laws aren't retroactive.
@Paul, Riverside, CA:
Numerous "progressive" European countries have fined and/or jailed people for saying things that are deemed racially offensive. Such is the price of having "far better race relations."
A nation of cowards led by a gang of gutless thieves (from both parties). How did we get here? It is time for change but I'm afraid this isn't it.
Mr Holder, with all due respect, I don't think you want to go there. Even your own color have, or maybe I should say show, little respect for each other. Don't take what I say the wrong way. I have, and have always had, great respect for the black race and believe they deserve a respectful place in society but when your people use ethnic dialogue that is unacceptable in society as a whole, to address each other, how does your race expect the rest of society to accept that ?
Before you place the blame on society as a whole, try working on your race to improve their own image of each other. Ask them, especially the young crowd, to learn to respect themselves first and then work on respecting other people. That takes a lot of work, to learn to respect ones self, but until your younger generation can accompolish that, by getting an education (even if it is very hard to do) abiding by the law, getting a job and becoming a valued member of society, the rest of the world will only keep judging you by what you (your youth) say they are.
I am so proud of President Obama and did work very hard in his campaign and I do believe he will be the best president we have had. As you know HE worked day and night and gave up so much personal time to accompolish his journey. I know that he will not be the last black president this United States will have, but the black youth MUST take this same hard journey President Obama has taken IF they (and you) are to arise to those great expectations.
TO BE FAIR:
Hiding behind illogical, irrational hatred and disdain based on the color of a person's skin, their gender or sexual orientation? COWARDLY.
Hiding behind the ability to claim victim status, pointing a finger, failing to take responsibility for self-determination to the extent possible and perpetuating a culture of learned helplessness? COWARDLY.
Holder is correct.
"Even black history month itself is racist".
They gave african americans the shortest month. Whats up with that.
I think we need a white history month. March.
We also need a Mexican American month. May
Chinese what month do you want? Eurotrash Month, Eastern block month, Canadian month, Arabic month, Japanese need a month, We need to think this out. Everyone deserves a month...
Mr Holder, when the country is trying to survive, why are you trying to divide it even more???
I try to see America as the Melting Pot...all of us who are here LEGALLY are Americans, regardless of color (...and other ACLU terms...). When you throw out comments like this, you are just as dividing as someone waving the "Rebel Flag" saying the south will rise again.
This is 2009...When you call Americans "Cowards" regarding race, you are just another bigger part of the problem, regardless if you are the AG or not.
Getting real tired of the poor me attitude some have. Stand up be men and women, get a job, pay taxes, stay out of trouble, be a responsible parent and that goes for white and black and you'll be treated just the same as any other person. Stopping trying to fine the easy way out!
@ Charles, Tempe
Well said, I couldn't agree more.
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The conditions of Black folks in America can be directly linked to how White folks are feeling during any given decade. When whites are comfortable blacks are unemployed, crime rates go up, and education suffers. That is because you folks are in the majority and legislate your way into our lives. How can a majority blame a minority for conditions that are beyond our control? It is the whites who don’t want to have a real conversation!
Hey TCM, you better get down to the Winn Dixie and get one of those funny antennas so you can watch TV after Feb 09.
Yet another winner appointed by Obama
Sohpia it's called a freudian slip and it DOES highlight the problem even more than does the blog post. That being that racism is still alive and well in the US.
I believe that the promise of America is that we all have at times achieve the necessary courage to deal with our problems, but social and economic... the sense that we are a nation of cowards because our national dialogue on race hasn't obtained a better footing is nonsense... the fact is that we are a mix of 300 million people from the entire world... we represent every country of every part of this world and yet we still manage to respect and recognize our rule of law... I am part of the minority but I refuse to use it as a croch; I work just as hard as anyone and I deserve just as much respect and I try to do the same to everyone else regardless of whom they are... but to call us cowards is I believe too much and I also believe that to advace the discussion is not just to seek acknoledgement but to seek solutions that will benefit everyone that will eventually get us in the right direction
@ M, who said "being the 'other' forces you to deal with race"
You know, there's a lot of honest people out there who have a legitimate fear of being branded with an -ism solely because they fail to agree with the hardline position of whoever is claiming to be a victim of that -ism. That's not cowardice...it's pragmatism. I could just as easily claim that "being the 'white one' prevents you from dealing with race." As usual, neither side seems to understand that their rhetoric contributes to the problem by preventing honest and open discourse.
Great challenge to the American people.
How we respond will prove him right or wrong.
It seems like Bill Cosby is bighting the hand that made him so much money. When he started out it was blacks who went to his movies because whites were too racist to do so. Now that he has made $ he thinks it is time to put us down in public. Do you remember the kids in Fat Albert? That is the same people he is now turning against.
I think this is the time to get it out in the open. Our President is black for God's sake. Holder is right Americans are cowardly when the race issue comes up. We treat it like a weapon and give the issue names like "race card"
ERIC HOLDER,
I would consider YOU a coward, if you do not go after the Bush administration for their various transgressions. With all that's goin on in the world and our country, the topic of conversation is race? We just elected a black president and have much bigger fish to fry.
I know you are going through a lot over there but would you shut up and do what yer paid fer?
Gee – I guess the AG isn't proud of being an American? Even MICHELLE finally came around, Eric.
What do you want?
An apology from Africans that sold their fellow countrymen into slavery?
Reparations?
Funny – I remember it was millions of WHITE men (cowards?) that died to free black slaves.
Jon in CA, DITTO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gbrown2 February 18th, 2009 3:10 pm ET – No, he's talking about white Americans. He's obviously got some axe to grind. He makes it look all plain and generic, but his true (for lack of a better word) colors will come out eventually.
The flushing of America continues.
As attorney general you are not supposed to see the color of skin and let it affect your opinion of people. I have no problem with the speech, but I have problem with it coming from the attorney general.
Holder is right about the need to address the issue of race ... but wrong to blame the whole country. Lots of us, especially in the South, have been working to create meaningful engagements on race for years.
Where has he been?
Using negative talk like that is never helpful. It puts people on the defensive (as is clear by all these defensive comments). I hope that Mr. Holder uses more INSPIRING language next time he tries to teach Americans to be more brave about discussing race. It's easy to be a critic.
Perhaps people would be more open to talking about race without the likes of Al Sharpton labeling everything with which they disagree with as racist, no matter how far fetched that accusation may be.
America is "a nation of cowards..."
I love it! E. Holder is correct about his observations but it's not just one race or two ethnic groups who are guilty of this mindset. The USA is more than just black and white, muslim and jew, christian and mormon. Native Americans, Asians, Hispanic, bi-racial, and other people in-between and who distinguish themselves either racially, by religious belief, or some other sub-standard grouping are here and need to always be remembered in the dialogue.
Quite frankly, I get tired of hearing about the black man's plight. Seriously, what plight is there? Black folks have come a long way since the Civil Rights Movement. Many African-Americans are professionals with advanced degrees. They are corporate and political leaders, teachers, etc. True, there are MANY who are still very ghetto and choose to stay in the 'hood. However, most A-A choose to be lawful folks just trying to earn a living through honest and peaceful means.
C'mon. Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics, and even Anglo folks are feeling disenfranchised these days, moreso, now in today's America. So yes, let's be honest about race relations and how far ethnic groups have come economically, professionally, and other ways that advance causes and personal welfare.
Maybe, the first step is by recognizing that racial lines are divisive and calling ones' self by ethnicity alone does not a person make.
We would all agree that racism doesn't only come from white folks.
It also comes from others who are not white- who are bitter and feel hatred toward whites.
Wouldn't we all agree??
How dare you Mr. Holder. How dare you.
To Jon in Ca.
Mr. Holder is 100% true but people like you don't want to discuss race in this country because you want to believe your sterotypes that all us colored folks are lazy and looking for a hand out from the government. That is why so many people hate Michelle Obama because she doesn't fit your sterotype of a black woman so you make her out to be angry and mean.
He's right.
Hey Eric, we don't talk about it because there is no need to. The civil rights era is over the good guys won. There is even a constitutional amendment. Quit complaining and get back to work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with Holder and I'll be glad when the black people get over themselves and quit trying to make everything that happens to them racist. I think as a country we look at the actions of a person more than the skin color. No matter if you're black, white, red, or mexican if you act like an idiot and don't care about other people you are a loser. Nothing to do with race.
I'm not offended, and I'm a white American. The reason's simple. Truth is truth. Eric Holder told the truth.
I am not sure if talking about it will help. America does have freedom of speech, so those who want to speak up can, without retribution.
How do you want us to talk about it?
Maybe in your position, you can expose some of the injustices. I am just not sure what you have in mind.
And I say that as a White American.
The very fact that people in these comments want to say that the "past is past" and not discuss it at ALL, speaks volumes. We need to get a dialogue going, not sweep things under the rug.
What a joke!
Obama mania killed any chance of an authentic race discussion. He has effectively and single-handedly killed any chance of racial healing or discussion!
I was brought up in the sixties, watched the marches on TV, was raised primarily in a rural, white community. As I grew older, I followed my heart. I really don't see the world in colors but by values and morals. I choose my friends because of their heart, not their skin color. As I grew older, I taught in primarily minority schools for 20 years, and ended up adopting 2 African-American children. This was not based on any law or demand. It was based upon my heart and what I thought that "my God" was asking me to do at the time. I do not like to hear all of this racial bickering all of the time. It's nauseating to me!! Everyone should be able to look at the past, and move on...we must move forward...to look backwards is debilitating.
As a White male born in this country 81 years ago and having served the country honorably during the time of war i don't need Eric Holder or any of his racebating buddies attempting to direct the content of my conversations with my circle of friends.
I don't care if you're purple or green, have stripes or polka dots – how you live your life is more important.
This sounds like a political ploy – distract the public with something like this while something else gets slipped by whether by Executive Order of the President or through Congress.
He could have found a better way of saying this. no need to have made such confrontational remarks on an already sensitive issue. maybe that was his point, but honestly....
Oh boy this one is going to be good. A black guy calling Americans cowards (Black and White). As a educated professional african american I'm just going to sit back and see how this goes. No comment from me on this one.
Talking about race in this country just means blacks telling whites what racists they are. Whites aren't allowed to talk about race. Whites aren't even allowed to say the word "race" because it's considered racist just to say it. Frankly, I'm tired of hearing blacks complain about race.
Oh, by the way...I'm black. Just not one of those whining "we shall overcome" "kill whitey" blacks. God, I am tired of this new administration already, and I HOPE the American people will vote for CHANGE in 2012. I don't even care who's running on the Republican ticket (well, maybe except Palin) – they're going to get my vote. I've never voted Republican in my life, but I will in 2012. Obama is a liar, and I'm sorry I ever voted for him.
Jon in CA February 18th, 2009 2:41 pm ET
Hey Eric – How about you tell your African American race-baiting friends and their congregants to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY and stop blaming everyone else (read: white people) for their problems??
The African American community is rotting from drug dealing infestation, black-on-black crime, kids dropping out of school, lacking parental supervision or involvement.
The only man willing to speak the truth is BILL COSBY. And your "community" villifies him for it!
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OK I can't help but comment. Hey Jon, when was the last time you were in the White community?
To all that are confused about Race in America, look at the story in Bellaire, Texas. A black kid gets shot in his own driveway, getting out of his own car by white police officers. The police officer refused to believe he was driving a nice SUV. instead of really considering racial profiling was a factor the police jump to defend against it. Let's have a real conversation about it. Why be cowards and deny racism again and again? Why claim that it doesn't happen all the time? Why call it playing the race card? What's wrong with asking questions and talking about it?
Holder is right because things like this happen and people want to claim to be color-blind and not racist instead of really having dialogues and admitting to racist actions. Its not easy to do and many of these comments reflect the coward attitude of not wanting to talk about it. Get real people its not in our heads.
He is right since there is no Indian American month, in Irish American month, no German American month...... February is discrimanting against unity and is discrimanting agains blacks by singling them out.
Cancel it to treat them equally to every one else.
I can tell by a lot of these comments that we are not were we should be and we still have a long way too go. I heard a lady say that Abe Lincoln should have sent black people back to Africa and just maybe the Native Americans should have sent the white people back to where they came from.
All a person needs to do is read the posts here to know that Holder was right on the money.
Why would anybody feel so threatened and upset by his statements unless they knew, deep down, that they were true.
Look at these posts. They SCREAM "Defensive".