AG Holder: U.S. A "Nation Of Cowards" On Race

WASHINGTON — Eric Holder, the nation's first black attorney general, said Wednesday the United States was "a nation of cowards" on matters of race, with most Americans avoiding candid discussions of racial issues. In a speech to Justice Department employees marking Black History Month, Holder said the workplace is largely integrated but Americans still self-segregate on the weekends and in their private lives.

"Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and I believe continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards," Holder said.

Race issues continue to be a topic of political discussion, but "we, as average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race."

Holder's speech echoed President Barack Obama's landmark address last year on race relations during the hotly contested Democratic primaries, when the then-candidate urged the nation to break "a racial stalemate we've been stuck in for years" and bemoaned the "chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races." Obama delivered the speech to try to distance himself from the angry rhetoric of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Holder cited that speech by Obama as part of the motivation for his words Wednesday, saying Americans need to overcome an ingrained inhibition against talking about race.

"If we're going to ever make progress, we're going to have to have the guts, we have to have the determination, to be honest with each other. It also means we have to be able to accept criticism where that is justified," Holder told reporters after the speech.

In the speech, Holder urged people of all races to use Black History Month as a chance for honest discussion of racial matters, including issues of health care, education and economic disparities.

Race, Holder said, "is an issue we have never been at ease with and, given our nation's history, this is in some ways understandable... If we are to make progress in this area, we must feel comfortable enough with one another and tolerant enough of each other to have frank conversations about the racial matters that continue to divide us."

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In a country founded by slave owners, race has bedeviled the nation throughout its history, with blacks denied the right to vote just a few decades ago. Obama's triumph last November as well as the nomination of Holder stand as historic achievements of two black Americans.

Holder told hundreds of Justice Department employees gathered for the event that they have a special responsibility to advance racial understanding.

Even when people mix at the workplace or afterwork social events, Holder argued, many Americans in their free time are still segregated inside what he called "race-protected cocoons."

"Saturdays and Sundays, America in the year 2009 does not in some ways differ significantly from the country that existed almost 50 years ago. This is truly sad," said Holder.

Matt Miller, a spokesman for Holder, said later the attorney general used "provocative words to be clear that Americans of all races should stop avoiding the difficult issues of race."

Andrew Grant-Thomas, Deputy Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Ohio State University, praised Holder's general message but said the wording of the speech may alienate some.

"He's right on the substance, but that's probably not the most politic way of saying it. I'm certain there are people who will hear him and say, 'That's obnoxious,'" he said, adding that what was missing from Holder's speech were specific examples of what painful subjects need to be addressed.

Hilary Shelton, vice president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, called the speech "constructively provocative."

"Nobody wants to be considered a coward. We've learned to get along by exclusion and silence. We need to talk about it. People need to feel comfortable saying the wrong things," said Shelton.

Holder is headed to Guantanamo Bay early next week to inspect the terrorist detention facility there. Obama has assigned Holder to lead a special task force aimed at closing the site within a year.

Holder's Justice Department will have to decide which suspects to bring to U.S. courts for trial, which to prosecute through the military justice system, and which to send back to their home countries.

Comments

[richardofOrange809]

You can not examine the intent of each person you interact with daily you must rely on there truth and goodwill to navigate through our modern world. Can a person of color feel secure when being served, or being given information that it is honest and accurate? Why did a counter person address the only white patron at the counter first when you have waited 5 minutes and the clerk refused to make eye contact? Did the clerk at a 7-11 place your change on the counter deliberately, is it just there habit? In a local newspaper TV schedule book, it lists “In the Heat of the Night” Starring Rod Stieger and other actors are listed but Sidney Portier is not?
The joke a father tells around his dinner table among family, is private but the attitude which is taught at that table spills out the door with his children when they go to school. A nurturing exchange between parent and child are ones our society may live with but its fruits become Supreme Court cases. We are brave in the light of political correctness, but cowards when teaching our childrens generation, “yes i have prejudices they are wrong” my son or daughter “you must do better to make your world better fairer more secure”. “Do not inherit my attitudes.­”
Unfortunately this will become the next great social divide in this there century.
The solution is in that alone time, just you and your mirror....

[Mover]

"In a country founded by slave owners"

I think you overstate your case. Slavery was a part of the world scene and this continent long before this country was created. The fact that many prominent colonialists, who later became the founders of this nation owned slaves is no argument for or against this country's founding. However, those same men who owned slaves omitted any mandate to continue to the practice of human bondage. They did just the opposite by establishing a constitutional representative government that incorporated a totally alien concept to the rest of the world: A government for and by the people. A government that has limited power over its citizens, while the citizens had ultimate power over the government through the vote.

Anyone who believes that pointing out the mistake of slavery as some sort of excuse to discount the founders' actions as anything other than what was in the best interest of the people is only trying to prejudice your attitude towards them.

[goodtomeetyou]

AG Holder stated a reality that needed to be said. There's never going to be a perfect time to "go there."

[Mover]

Every day is a good day to go there.

ANyone who says otherwise is just trying to fool everyone again.

[StuntDummy]

The timing was terrible too. Right now what is on people's minds is the economy. People of all races are losing their jobs and worrying about where the next paycheck is coming from. So its not exactly the best time to bring up an issue like racism and challenging people who are already stressed out with phrases like "nation of cowards".

[SethBLiNK]

Agreed. Even agreeing that racism is still and issue and we should assume the problem is solved by the election of Obama... it is certainly not a priority. I think most people... black, white and brown... would like to see the administration tackle the economy first, second and third. Then the health care crises, the war in Iraq (and Afghanistan) and then global warming. All of those thinks would rank higher on most people's priority list than addressing racism. Which is why the extremism of Holder's words is so distressing.

[StuntDummy]

Also, by working on all those other priorities that you mention together, we would also be helping to close the gap between the races through collaboration.

Its not like we can talk our way out of racism.

I've been always been an advocate against prejudice of any kind. I was born with disabilities and its been an issue I have been dealing with all my life.

One thing I have learned is that you can't get people to accept you by focusing on your differences. People learn to accept you when they can start to see that you are just a regular person trying to make your way through life just like them.

[Matthew Hirman]

Racism IS an economic issue, so this may in fact be a better time than ever to face up to it. Who will be hardest hit by this economic crisis? Black Americans have always lived with an economic crisis caused by racisim which has prevented them from building up the same reserves of wealth and thus leaving them more vulnerable to a variety of ills. Might this not be an opportunity for us to recognize that fact and then begin working together to create a new economy built on equality and justice that would benefit us all?

[StuntDummy]

Also, by working on all our other priorities (economy, global warming, war, etc) together, we would be helping to close the gap between the races through collaboration.

Its not like we can talk our way out of racism.

I've been always been an advocate against prejudice of any kind... racism, sexism, homophobia, religious persecution, etc etc etc.

I was born with disabilities and its been an issue I have been dealing with all my life. One thing I have learned is that you can't get people to accept you by focusing on your differences. People learn to accept you when they can start to see that you are just a regular person trying to make your way through life just like them.

We can not get past racism by focusing on our differences and having a "talk" about those differences. We have to talk more about our common grounds and focus on those things... until people don't even see those differences anymore.

[KansasWrangler]

I tried to find a way to respond - to vent my anger at Holder - but felt he was unworthy of response. I let this guy do it for me.

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/ggraham/2009/02/19/im-a-racist-coward/

[CurtTX53]

Thank you for sharing that article.

Take care, Curt

[chnge2012]

The second amendment was put in place by the framers in the event an out of control govt. had to be stopped, with this administration the citizens should exercise their right.

[Turtleposer]

I'm all for the Second Amendment. My only regret is that us liberals hadn't used it to stop the out of control Bush Administration. Is spending US taxpayer $ good only when it gets spent on a fraudulent war in Iraq? The wiretapping and other violations of Americans' freedoms happened on Bush's watch.

[Poboy]

It seems to me that if you walk like a coward, talk like a coward and act like a coward then by golly you must be a coward.

If this does not apply to you, then why take offense.

Touched a nerve?

[SethBLiNK]

Because he didn't say there are cowards among us. He said we are a nation of cowards.

And because he heads the DOJ, the very department that makes caution in the discussion of race a wise policy for most.

When you encourage people to talk bravely and honestly about racism, you are encouraging many of them to say things you will disagree with. He didn't just say that smart and openminded people needed to share their thoughts.

The laws of the land as they relate to workplace behavior are such that a person whose "honest" views are racist or sexist is best off keeping their thoughts to themselves. So telling people they need to break the bounds of politeness and let it all hang out is sending a mixed message.

Eric Holder is the leading justice official in a nation where "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is the official policy of the Military. He was the White House counsel in the administration that passed it. Perhaps he should show the kind of courage he talks about and tell Robert Gates that the Military's policy in this issue is counter to every tenet of civil rights he believes in.

Don't talk to us about cowardice. Show us how you aren't one.

[Poboy]

How can anyone look the history of race in this country, and not conclude that we are a nation of cowards as it relates to the issue of race?

We had over 200 years of slavery, close to 250 years.

We as a country had 100 years of official racial separatism, apartheid.

Yes, whites have been cowards, especially the good liberals, who never could go all the way to full and complete rights for African Americans.

Some could accept the full frontal brutality, like during the heyday of lynching.

Some could accept the water hoses and the dogs and police with their batons.

Some could accept the quiet discrimination, as long as it wasn't the in your face kind.

But there were some who were willing to die for equality, like John Brown, or who put themselves on the line, like William Lloyd Garrison. These were a very few.

But on the whole, whites have been a big disappointment on the issue of race.

They would rather not deal with it, while those of us who suffer under the weight of it press forward.

[Quotidien]

What's unfortunate is that Attorney General Eric Holder's "nation of cowards" comment stole attention away from an otherwise brilliant speech.

I have been going back and forth on this for days, and I now believe that he should have chosen his words more wisely. Sometimes people try to motivate others by issuing insults - kind of like the high school football coach or the military drill sargeant or the personal trainer calling you a fat slob.

Mainstream America is not aware of the amount of tough love that many Black people grew up experiencing which we later learned to appreciate. This is one of the reasons why Jeremiah Wright is so villified by the White community.

But in this case, I think his comment was a little over the top, even though I support his overall message.

[Lizard72756]

For a person as high profile as our Attorney General to use such language, while holding federal employees hostage, goes right along with the comment’s and action’s of the Reverend Wright and those of former Cabinet appointment Jocelyn Elder’s too. They may believe in their hearts that what words come from their lips are truths (in the general social sense), however, when they throw these inflammatory words in the general direction of John public; well of course we take offence. What may be true about a few individuals or groups, does not necessarily make it a truth for me or family or friends I associate with. It is inappropriate language and irresponsible to conduct oneself in such a manner. It is sorry when people get into a position where they have the stage light and use it to regurgitate personal feeling’s in such a way that merely reflects back at what they are attempting to broadcast e.g. the bigots and racist’s which they are condemning, will use it against them and those they are attempting to defend. Such behaviors are indicative of ignorance more glaring than those they are attempting to slander i.e. don’t you look smart now and boy didn’t you help your President when you said that…

[baddadd47]

I could care less what holder thinks and the rest of you shouldnt care either, this guy is AG nothing more and he works for me, I would never consider taking any moral advice from a politician EVER.

[SethBLiNK]

This got posted as a separate statement. I meant it as a reply to your comment, Freedom.

I just checked out your profile. You've made 8,000 posts and you have 55 fans. That's a lot of fans. Says to me that you must get a lot of love and affirmation from your posts here.

Along with that affirmation. Some people disagree with you. Some of those people are idiots. For example, for every time you've identified yourself as a black woman on this blog, how many people have asked you, why you "have to say you're black?" If you've mentioned your color in 1,000 of your 8,000 posts and you've gotten that response a couple dozen times, means there are a couple dozen idiots reading... or maybe three or four who post the same response a lot.

My point is... that doesn't make this a blog of racists or cowards. It makes it a blog whose membership includes some racists and idiots.

And guess what? Eric Holder WANTS those people to express those idiotic opinions. He didn't say only smart racially insightful people need to express their opinions. He said we all need to break free from the shackles of politeness that bind us and express our honest opinions. Some of us, to be honest, are racist. For a racist to freely express his racism, by Holder's definition, is honest and brave.

I just don't think the guy has thought this out.

[leeannethethird]

either Eric Holder is a loose cannon and is not the man for such an important job, or Obama is too inexperienced and naive for his job.

[mcle3002]

Why is he a loose cannon for speaking the truth about America? Americans, of all colors, are too scared to speak up about race and racism. You seem to fall into that camp.

BTW, I probably will pay more taxes than you ever will so please don't talk to me about hard work.

[noudidnt]

or maybe you're wrong about both.

[Freedomscap]

Let's see: when I say, I'm a black woman and blah, blah, blah. People on this so called blog site say: why do you have to say you are black.

Let's see: when I say: blacks aren't r2cists. Others say: yes they are. They don't inquire as to why I hold that opinion.

Let's see: when I say, blacks have held the moral core for this country: People write: you are r@cists.

And you say we don't have a problem discussing r@ce and this is a so called liberal/progressive site.

Can we say: issues and you don't even realize it.

[mpreston504]

Freedom,
I appreciate your view and obvious knowledge on this subject. I think that you can't make a vast generalization about any one group of people (religion, race, nationality, etc.). I think that you are right in that there are still people in this country who are racist and do not talk about it, but at the same time there are many people who are open and can discuss things in a civilised manner. That is why Holder's generalization is offensive.

Also, I would never say that that "blacks are racist" because that is a completely untrue generalization, just as I would never say that "whites are racist". There are white racists, and there are also black racists. I think that to deny that any black person could be a racist is actually a racist comment. Although I would love to hear why you feel that way, and perhaps you can help me to see your point of view.

I do agree with your statement about holding the moral core for this country. The African American church has been the greatest catalyst for social change in the U.S. over the past 60 years.

[Freedomscap]

Everytime, I try to discuss racial issues on this so called liberal blog, you guys take offense and/or resort to name calling.

What does that say?

[SethBLiNK]

I tried to make this reply last night to another one of your comments, but for some reason it posted as a separate comment.

So, Freedom... is that really true? Everytime? And who exactly are "you guys." I see you've posted 8,000 comments and picked up 55 fans. I know that not all 8,000 are about race, but can you really say that every time you post about race you never get affirming responses and only get people who take offense and resort to name calling?

If that's true, I applaud your persistance.

I just know that I tend to remember those who disagree with me more than those who agree with me, and I'm familiar with the desire to lump all my critics into a "you guys" group, but I don't think that's always the case.

My guess is that you probably have as many or more fans as detractors and your detractors are not the monolithic machine you envision them to be.

[lbjranch]

Ok I basically know three things about Eric Holder now: 1. He's AG, 2. He had something to do with Marc Rich, and 3. He called us all cowards. This guy is tops in my book!