A new show on FX entitled Black. White http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/blackwhite/main.html .

A new six-part documentary where individuals take on different racial identities and live lives as an "African-American" or as a "Caucasian". Such an eye-opening look on the way racism is still being played out in America and how we still treat people based on the way they look. For example, a bar scene where a White bartender expresses his opinions on minorities freely in front of an African-American woman. A scene where a white woman calls an African-American woman a "beautiful Black creature". And so on and so on. I can go on and on, but I think it's so important to watch this show that I won't divulge any more scenes. This shouldn't be on cable, but on one of the major networks.

But, would many Americans want to watch this show? Doubtful.

people are not able to destroy these stereotypes because diversity is becoming non-existent in schools and neighborhoods. More and more families are separating from each other, raising their children in homogenous environments where stereotypes are developed and thriving. Growing up in a suburb, I have heard these stereotypes from many people. They start out as little whispers, private jokes shared between close friends. However, they come out in full force during economic downturns and rising job competition. For instance, at the local Polish-American center, the conversation always focuses on immigrants and minorities and how they are not as "hard-working as their grandparents" and they expect everything to be "handed out on a silver platter". I listen to these conversations, without saying a word or voicing my own opinion.

This is where part of the problem arises. I care deeply about social justice and civil rights and I should speak up and not care about what people think. However, it is so difficult when the stereotypes and indifference are so powerful that no one really cares what you think or say. This is what makes the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina so difficult to watch and endure. We send out money and clothes to those who need help, which helps the problem temporarily. But, when we need to work on the problems that need long-term solutions, such as racism, people run away and refuse to do anything about it. Oppressed individuals are powerless and there are not many powerful venues for people to talk openly about race and racism, allowing the problems and inequities to persist for the future generations.

We need an honest discussion about race relations in America!