July 9, 2009

No Swimming in the Post-Racial World

Posted by Nina Jacinto at 12:37PM

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In the post-racial world, 65 black children from a Northeast Philadelphia camp were banned from The Valley Swim Club because, according to swim club President John Duesler, "There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club."

In the post-racial world, the day camp's membership to the private club was automatically refunded as a result of complaints and questions raised by members as to why there were black children at the pool.

In the post-racial world, racism against people of color is still affirmed, particularly in areas in which white people feel they have socioeconomic leverage. Club members who expressed interest in barring black children were met by a club President who seems to agree with these racist attitudes.

In the post-racial world, a black child can be well-behaved, have permission to be in a certain space, and just want to have a great summer, and can still have their character judged and rights rescinded because of their race.

In the post-racial world, there are still communities who fear integration, who feel an anxiety about people of color, and who feel justified in expressing these concerns. There continue to be spaces in which to voice hate and disdain for "other ethnics."

In the post-racial world, some communities are still segregated and disparities still exist.

In the post-racial world, parents of black children have to help their children cope with racism not because it's something they should learn about, but because it's something they need to know to survive the day-to-day.

In the post-racial world, there is at least an outcry, a call for action against this instance of discrimination, and an investigation into the claim launched by Philadelphia Senator Arlen Specter.