THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 12, 1994 TAG: 9410120010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
Over time, observations add up to form present-day reality. I think it is time to shed some light on the undercover racism that exists for the African American today.
All too often, the plight of the African American in this country is explained away as the unfounded complaining of inner-city malcontents. On the contrary, subtle racism in 1994 is even more dangerous than the ideology espoused by the blatant bigots who once fire-hosed peaceful protesters and stood on university doorsteps denying access to blacks.
What surprises me is the non-reaction that results when public statements (that represent a clear slap in the face to blacks) are made in reference to today's issues.
On a September 1993 Sunday-morning news program, columnist George Will suggested that American priority between Bosnia and Haiti should be in Bosnia because, as he put it, ``Our ethnicity comes from Europe.''
In an article recently printed in your newspaper, Senate candidate Oliver North presents a black cake and a white cake to the media while trying to make humorous reference to the possible endorsement of Sen. Chuck Robb by former Gov. Doug Wilder.
Is it me, or are these coded statements and public overtures just as divisive as the Confederate flag Ollie so passionately points to as being a part of Virginia's ``heritage''? The truth is that Virginians can feel as proud of the Confederate flag and its representation to African Americans as Germans can feel about the ``heritage'' of the Nazi flag and what it means to Jews.
Conservative members of Congress (and the media) demanded that black leaders answer up for racially offensive comments once made by members of the Nation of Islam. I demand answers from members of the far right for the racially offensive actions and comments either implied or directly stated heretofore, including the bigoted statements made by white racists at Ku Klux Klan rallies who protest and march under the Confederate flag.
This malcontent is waiting. Of course, there will be no answer; roaches run when the lights turn on.
JULLIAN C. BISHOP
Chesapeake, Oct. 5, 1994 by CNB