lamps
between barack and a hard place racism and white denial in the age of obama
p race is and always has been an explosive issue in the united states . in this timely new book tim wise explores how barack obamas emergence as a political force is taking the race debate to new levels . according to wise for many white people obamas rise signifies the end of racism as a pervasive social force ; they point to obama not only as a validation of the american ideology that anyone can make it if they work hard but also as an example of how institutional barriers against people of color have all but vanished . but is this true and does a reinforced white belief in color blind meritocracy potentially make it harder to address ongoing institutional racism after all in housing employment the justice system and education the evidence is clear white privilege and discrimination against people of color are still operative and actively thwarting opportunities despite the success of individuals like obama . p is black success making it harder for whites to see the problem of racism thereby further straining race relations or will it challenge anti black stereotypes to such an extent that racism will diminish and race relations improve will blacks in power continue to be seen as an exception in white eyes is obama acceptable because he seems different from most blacks who are still viewed too often as the dangerous and inferior other p tim wise is among the most prominent antiracist writers and activists in the us and has appeared on abcs 20 20 and msnbc live . his previous books include speaking treason fluently and white like me .