News Chat Moderator: Welcome to our live chat about racial issues with Dallas Morning News columnists Steve Blow and James Ragland. James and Steve are here to answer your questions, and we'll be including some questions from e-mail as well. And it should go without saying, but let's keep the discussion civil, please.

From e-mail: How in the world can you have a discussion on race relations between two people and completely ignore the largest minority in Texas? Have your "honest" conversation about race, but its about as useful as fur coat in Texas in the middle of July without including the Latinos!

Steve Blow: That's certainly a weakness we recognized going in. Jokingly we said we wished our colleague Jacquielyn Floyd were Hispanic so we could have a nice tri-ethnic conversation.

From e-mail: How in the world can you have a discussion on race relations between two people and completely ignore the largest minority in Texas? Have your "honest" conversation about race, but its about as useful as fur coat in Texas in the middle of July without including the Latinos!

James Ragland: Fair question. I touched on that concern in one column in which I said that race relations in America is still defined largely in terms of how blacks and whites are getting along. But we basically decided to write from personal perspectives – as a white columnist and a black columnist – and personal experiences, a construct that I think served our purpose well.

Charles: I can't believe how few people are signed in! I thought there would be 100.

James Ragland: Please note that we also indicated that we know these initial columns weren't definitive in scope or even in breadth of experiences; we simply hope they will jump-start future conversations between us and among our readers. We could probably write another series of columns on immigration alone and the impact it's having in North Texas vis a vis public policies, local politics and, as you point out, race relations in general

From e-mail: I've been wondering why most Americans insist on classifying people as either black or white when so many African-Americans actually have a mixed race background.

Steve Blow: It's certainly true that we oversimplify things in a huge way. But I guess it boils down to how we self-identify. I've got a good dose of Native American blood in me. I'm proud of it but have never really identified myself in that way. Obama is black because he considers himself black. At least people get a choice now. It used to be that a drop of blood was all it took to be deemed black.

Charles: Thanks James and Steve for getting this going. We have to start somewhere. Do you think the people that need to hear this the most will even read the paper or connect to this dialogue?

Steve Blow: Charles, that's always something we ask ourselves in the newspaper business. We realize we primarily reach a more educated, more attuned audience. But you would be surprised at the great breadth of opinions among that group.

From e-mail: I've been wondering why most Americans insist on classifying people as either black or white when so many African-Americans actually have a mixed race background.

James Ragland: That's an old construct – the old one-drop rule (you know, if you've got one drop of black blood, then you're black and only black) – that's slowly beginning to change. Even the U.S. Census Bureau, for example, has reformed the way it asks people to identify themselves. That's a start. As America begins to come to grips with its past and continues to judge people based on the content of their character and not just the color of their skin, that will become more and more irrelevant. Helps to have people like Tiger Woods, Halle Berry and Barack Obama on the scene to underscore the point.

kr: I have always been too shy and scared to discuss race relations with anyone other than another white person (and even then only a select few). I always feel like any opinion or feeling I have is not valid because I have personally not suffered race discrimination, and honestly I feel like if I said anything I would be labeled ignorant. Why did you two feel like you could discuss this issues openly with one another?

Steve Blow: kr, I think friendship plays a very big role in our ability to talk honestly and frankly with each other. Your awareness that your experience is key to your viewpoint is enormous. With that attitude, I think black acquaintances would be happy to talk to you about how their experiences have shaped their views. To me, the key is where your heart is. If you are accusatory, the conversation isn't goingn to go very far. If you're seeking understanding, that will carry you a long way.

Chuck: amen

From e-mail: It seems perfectly acceptable to have a Black Entertainment Television, Miss Black America, United Negro College Fund and so on. If we substituted the words "White or Caucasian", people would be up in arms screaming racism. Isn't this a double standard? Why is this not considered racist?

Steve Blow: A little historical perspective is the key to this common question. Those things arose because all other similar organizations were "white" without having to put that in the title. How many years was the "Miss America" pageant really the "Miss White America" pageant? I think those things survive because there is still value and enjoyment in celebrating our respective heritages and ethnicities. Nobody is bothered that the Italian-American Society puts on a festival and crowns a princess and such.

Charles: Thanks James and Steve for getting this going. We have to start somewhere. Do you think the people that need to hear this the most will even read the paper or connect to this dialogue?

James Ragland: Charles, I can already tell by the emails I'm getting that some folks who need to think to think more critically about race relations in America, and specifically about how blacks and whites see each other (not to mention how Latinos are changing the dynamics of the discussion). Some folks are real sensitive about us even broaching the topic; they're of the mind that we ought to leave well enough alone. But I think if you're coming from a good place, if your mind, heart and soul are focused on improving our collective lot, there's little harm in treading these waters and potentially much to be gained.

whitewoman68: How are white people suppose to talk to black people when words and actions have different meanings? Like the "smile monkey" incident that got a man working at Southwest hired from his long time job when he meant no harm, was just being friendly. And how can it be justified that a State Rep. got him fired. I watch every word that I say to my black neighbors because I don't want to offend.

Steve Blow: I understand your concern there. It does seem sometimes that we have to choose our words so carefully that we end up not really having a conversation at all. Again, I think it's about establishing friendships first and letting natural conversation evolve from that. And if you accidentally give offense, I would hope a sincere apology would be all it takes to move on. We do have to get over the "gotcha" mentality in which we're just waiting to catch another person in a blunder.

kr: I have always been too shy and scared to discuss race relations with anyone other than another white person (and even then only a select few). I always feel like any opinion or feeling I have is not valid because I have personally not suffered race discrimination, and honestly I feel like if I said anything I would be labeled ignorant. Why did you two feel like you could discuss this issues openly with one another?

James Ragland: kr, that's an excellent question. Basically, it starts with trust. Steve and I trust that neither one of us is afraid to speak openly and honestly, and our relationship was forged over time, not overnight. That's how the conversation must develop in America. We need to hear not just from so-called leaders standing up and preaching to us; we need to hear from each other. This is something we can all practice in our private lives, or at least make an effort. I never got angry, for example, when people would say to me, "You don't look/sound/act black." My usual retort was, "How many black people do you really know?" In other words, I knew/know plenty of black folks who don't fit the stereotypical bill. Let's get to know each other.

Charles: I am a 64 year old white man who was raised in Houston, TX. In the 50's and 60's I was aware of segregation but did not think much about it. Being raised in a Christian home I was taught that all are created equal. I hated the N word when I heard it. I did not become racially biased until the last 20 years in Dallas and the numbers that James gave this morning regarding imprisonment, single moms, drugs, etc. I think it is going to take Godly black men who set good examples that young people want to emulate to turn this around in the next 50 years.

Steve Blow: Charles, I think it's real easy to let ourselves start seeing only the bad and then letting that represent a total group. That's dangerous territory. When you see a white criminal on TV, you see an individual. When you see a black criminal on TV, you see a race. That's something we have to combat within ourselves. True, there's way too much crime in impoverished quarters of the black community. We can't be shy about addressing that. But there's also so much success in the black community to see and celebrate.

Aaron: i think the morning news ran a good peice in sunday points a couple weeks ago, wherein a young writer from austin i think, described the feelings of blacks as associated with their histories, and things of that nature. it was eye-opening for me. i think it would help alot of people understand things. do either of you know of the article or have an opinion on it?

Steve Blow: Aaron, I'm sorry but that doesn't ring a bell for me. But it sounds like a great example of how open, honest communication really does move us all forward. That's what James and I have been trying to do in our series.

From e-mail: It seems perfectly acceptable to have a Black Entertainment Television, Miss Black America, United Negro College Fund and so on. If we substituted the words "White or Caucasian", people would be up in arms screaming racism. Isn't this a double standard? Why is this not considered racist?

James Ragland: This is a good question, one that I've been asked time and time again. Many of these color-coded organizations were formed at a time when blacks didn't have full or any access to mainstream organizations that were on the same mission, such as the Miss America pageant. Others, such as the United Negro College Fund, I would hope are self-explanatory; but essentially, they were started specifically to leverage funds and support for gettingwith

whitewoman68: I had many black friends at work. When we were talking and another black person walked up to us my black friend would turn away from me like she was doing something wrong by talking to me. How are you suppose to be friends when it seems like we are considered enemies? Why limit your "chat" to 4 days? We need continuing discussions.

From e-mail: Does the fact that over ninety percent of Blacks have voted for Obama in the presidential campaign, while others have split their votes somewhat more evenly, indicate that Blacks vote primarily along racial lines instead of voting based on issues? If so, does this indicate that Blacks will skip the November General Election for President?

Steve Blow: In this first race of a viable African-American candidate, sure, I think it's normal to expect Obama to receive huge black support. But remember that blacks initially supported Hillary in big numbers. So they didn't jump to Obama merely because he's black. Like many of us, they waited and listened and gradually learned more about him and liked what they learned.

Aaron: Yes thanks! it was written by Todd Robberson, called 'The Original Sin of Slavery.' very well writted and by one of your colleagues.

Tee: I'm from Ohio, but have been in Texas for years. It seems that race is a bigger issue down here. And the black/brown divide in the Dallas areas is shocking – how can two minority groups (blacks and Hispanics) not get along better?

Steve Blow: Tee, the black/brown issue certainly adds a dramatic new dimension to race relations. And here in Texas, especially. Here's a white guy's perspective: On paper, blacks and browns might seem like natural allies as racial minorities. But they are also natural competitors in the fight for jobs, political clout, etc. That's going to lock them in a strange relationship. There's no doubt that the influx of Latino immigrants has pushed down wages and made entry-level jobs harder to come by for blacks. I think that's a source of a lot of street-level friction.

jworthy: good point Steve B, Im glad you brought that up because the mass media politicos would suggest that black/brown "tension" is something that is unique to blacks and Lations

kr: Tee - I'm originally from Ohio as well. I've noticed when I go back to visit the race issue is just as prevalent in Ohio as it is here. I think the problem still exists everywhere in this country.

Steve Blow: Aaron, now I know the essay you were referring to. You're so right. It was great.

chadryan44: Can you explain why, as for as the EOA, the only class that seems not to be protected is white males under 40? I have had numerous situations where I felt I was injustly judged by my age, but since I am male, and I am not a minority, I have no recourse whatsoever. How is this not also a form of racism? or Segregation?

Steve Blow: This is a tough one. I think it's an example of the real-life fact that all of us deal with prejudices. I don't doubt that youth is held against you. I don't doubt that if I were job-hunting today, being 55 years old would work against me. That's just a taste of what blacks have had to deal with for centuries – being judged before you even enter the room. We'll never get a perfect fix but we should keep striving.

whitewoman68: How are white people suppose to talk to black people when words and actions have different meanings? Like the "smile monkey" incident that got a man working at Southwest hired from his long time job when he meant no harm, was just being friendly. And how can it be justified that a State Rep. got him fired. I watch every word that I say to my black neighbors because I don't want to offend.

James Ragland: ...(Sorry guys, I had a slight technical problem. And I'm sure Blow had something to do with it.) Where was I? Oh, yes: Some of these organizations, such as the United Negro College fund, were started to leverage funds and support for such endeavors as getting more black students in colleges and keeping the doors of these historic institutions open. I've said before that it may be time to re-visit some of these organizations to figure out if there's still a need. BET, for example, was a good enterprise when it started because it offered blacks images and themes that they weren't getting from other places; sadly, it sold out and, sad to say, became what so many well-educated and cultured black folks came to despise about what they found on other channels – black exploitation. Real quickly, I must say that once you study the history and roles of these organizations, you won't find them nearly as off-putting as the names might suggest.

yarbtly: Neither of you have touched on Affirmative Action. It is an issue that has really divide our government agency.

Steve Blow: Yikes, affirmative action. Now there's a minefield. I can certainly see the arguments on both sides of this one. On the one hand, we need to be aggressive in trying to remedy 400 years of oppression. On the other hand, hiring based on skin color flies in the face of what we're trying to accomplish. I think it has been a useful tool in giving us a jumpstart toward a more just society. But I think it's also something that should be phased out as quickly as practical. I would hope that business and government would begin to see there's a natural strength in a diverse workforce and would make that a priority on their own. Probably wishful thinking on my part.

Charles: I am a 64 year old white man who was raised in Houston, TX. In the 50's and 60's I was aware of segregation but did not think much about it. Being raised in a Christian home I was taught that all are created equal. I hated the N word when I heard it. I did not become racially biased until the last 20 years in Dallas and the numbers that James gave this morning regarding imprisonment, single moms, drugs, etc. I think it is going to take Godly black men who set good examples that young people want to emulate to turn this around in the next 50 years.

James Ragland: Charles, we need more folks like you! America, not just black America, at times seems to be losing its way as we begin to embrace the ideology of relativism. There are some absolutes. There are right and wrong ways of doing things, of living your life, running your business, etc. Until this generation of black folks, each prior generation could be proud of the upward trajectory of achievements in so many areas. This generation is a mixed bag, and you've touched on one central reason why: Our moral foundation is collapsing, and we're seeing a steady erosion of core values – hard work, emphasis on education, strong families – that's undermining black progress in disproportionate numbers. That's why I stressed in my final installment of our series that we need the mainstream media to focus as much on black progress as it does on black pathologies; we need to see and hear from the role models you mentioned.

News Chat Moderator: Just to let everyone know, we'll be winding down the chat at noon, in about 10 minutes.

jworthy: James R, you are so right about BET...it used to be a source of pride and accomplishment for the black community...now it's been perverted....funny that it wasn't until the network become trashy that the "value" went up in the eyes of American investors...how odd...I have my reasons for why this is so based on well documented historical references but I'll let that slide for now (unless someone wnats a private chat on what I think on this...

jworthy: I dont think most people even realize that the whole concept of "race" was established during the period of the Atlantic slave trade. It was used primarily to justify the "Hamitic Myth" that blacks are the decendents of Ham who were cursed and therefore are fair game for exploitation since they are an acursed people...

Chandler Vaughan: As journalists, do you see any significant improvement in the dominant Anglo culture's understanding of the sheer complexity of the African-American experience, and how that experience shapes the present?

Steve Blow: Chandler, I think we're making progress on that. Slowly. One of the great benefits to me of this dialogue with James and with readers has been a reminder of just how important that is. I have to remember and recognize that we all have different experiences and we all process those experiences in different ways. So there's certainly no one way to think or be. We just need to keep talking and, above all, listening.

eagle99: Steve, you mentioned during your discussion about the Allen cheerleaders that it seems that some blacks just play the race card. I would like to highlight, that your imagery of the race card reduces the complex conversation about race to a game.(seriously, no gotcha stuff) Recent stories have emerged of Obama canvassers being treated rudely and out-right threatened during there canvassing. The many people that are reacting so negatively to Obama based on his race, are also co-workers of many Blacks, store owners, etc... It is my belief that those individuals extend their thinking about Obama to everyday Blacks that they work with, sometimes it comes out explicitly and sometimes not, as I have experienced both myself. My questions are: Who qualifies when “playing the race card” is not playing at all but just a lived experience and how would you qualify someone that is racist if they are subjecting towards blacks but not cursing or swearing racial epitaphs.

Lee: The fact that blacks kill other blacks like it is going out of style! In 2005, according to the US Department of Justice, at least 93% of the approximately 8,000 blacks murdered in the USA were murdered by other blacks. This means that in only one year, almost 3 times as many blacks were killed by other blacks than the number of blacks murdered by ALL the racist lynchings in the entire history of the USA COMBINED!!! Another obstacle is their seeming predisposition to rape and murder. Blacks make up only about 12% of the USA but make up over 52% of the murderers and over 34% of the rapists in our country. Most of the blacks that are committing these crimes are males, so that means that less than 6% of the population is committing a VASTLY DISPROPORTIONATE amount of the violent crime. You can't blame it on poverty - West Virginia is one of the poorest states, but it also has one of the lowest crime rates.

Steve Blow: Lee, these sorts of statistics are why I'm so grieved by the dysfunction that has gripped one segment of the black community. That's why I'm so eager for black leaders beyond Bill Cosby to get out front in talking about it and tackling it. This kind of dysfunction goes hand in hand with extreme poverty and hopelessness, regardless of race. We have got to find a way to help lift folks up out of their self-destruction.

From e-mail: Does the fact that over ninety percent of Blacks have voted for Obama in the presidential campaign, while others have split their votes somewhat more evenly, indicate that Blacks vote primarily along racial lines instead of voting based on issues? If so, does this indicate that Blacks will skip the November General Election for President?

James Ragland: Black voters are smarter than folks give them credit for. Blacks tend to vote for Democrats because they're of the mind that the party best represent issues that matter most to them. The GOP must do a better job of identifying what those issues are and selling the party platform to blacks who, on so many fronts, embrace conservative values but eschew the party's rhetoric and approach. Lots of folks are still angry at the exploitation of the "welfare queen" stereotype, for example. Anyway, some black folks were divided early on about Barack Obama – until they realized that he's the most viable black candidate to come along in history. I think most black folks see him as a break-through candidate, meaning that he not only might make a good president, but could very well elevate the perception of blacks and their potential – and even elevate our discussions!

yarbtly: Why is it that an asian student can walk into 3rd grade with limited English, and graduate at the top of her/him class in nine years?

Steve Blow: The home.

jworthy: Lee–-since you are quoting statistics, you might also want to do a quick search on what race of men make of most of the online predators....white men....

kr: Steve - so true

Chuck: The home, excellent answer.

CB56890: What are your thoughts on 'Leaders' who need racism to remain in power? What would Sharpton do if there wasn't any? doesn't resolution impact his influence?

Steve Blow: From where I sit, some of these leaders are definitely stuck in the victim mindset. Pulling the strings of power in that way has worked for them, so naturally that's hard to let go of. I would sure love to see some young dynamic new leaders emerge. I think Obama definitely represents a new generation in that "victor, not victim" mold.

Chandler Vaughan: As journalists, do you see any significant improvement in the dominant Anglo culture's understanding of the sheer complexity of the African-American experience, and how that experience shapes the present?

James Ragland: Chandler, in a word – yes. The more we flip back through the pages of history and reexamine the context of people and events that shaped it, I think we all gain a keener appreciation for how we all ended up in this chat room. One of my disappointments, I suppose, is that so often when I hear folks being so critical of black progress and expressing dismay that blacks are disproportionately represented in so many negative categories, that they don't acknowledge the deep hole from which blacks have been trying to extricate themselves for centuries. There's still very little black wealth, for example, even as the black middle class continues to grow.

Steve Blow: Well, we're getting the high sign that it's time to wrap this up. Thanks so much to all of you for joining the conversation. You have made it a good one. James and I really hoped our frank and friendly conversations here in the newsroom might inspire others to take a risk and engage in more meaningful conversation. I hope we have succeed a bit in doing that. Thanks again.

News Chat Moderator: All,

News Chat Moderator: It's time for us to wrap things up. Thanks to everyone for joining us.

James Ragland: Must say that I really appreciate all the great questions we got, and I'm sorry that I couldn't get to more of them. That was the fastest hour ever. We must do this again soon. I feel like I've gotten to know Steve a little better by doing this in such an open way. I hope you've gotten to know both of us – and each other – a bit better, too. Thanks again.