Letter to the editor: We've made much progress on racism

Professor Elwood Watson’s column “The Pull of Racism in America” (Oct. 17, TribLIVE) contends that “many Black Americans are more inclined to believe race is an intractable factor in our society and has an unshakeable grip on all people.”

Intractable, unshakeable grip? Not so. While there will always be some racism, I believe person-to-person interracial relationships have never been stronger. As recently as a generation ago, interracial dating and interracial marriage and children drew looks. Now it is common.

To build a more level playing field, federal and state laws have been passed to ensure fairness in employment, higher education and housing. Foundations and corporations fund education, and charities give millions to make life better economically for all races.

Regardless of race, most believe and interact daily with others guided by values such as “treat people the way you want to be treated.” They are not bound in daily life by an unshakeable grip of racism.

Much progress has been made in reducing racism. If the professor is doing his job, he should also be writing and telling students the good side of the racial equity and relations story.

Scott Brown

Greensburg