Grave Error

Yesterday, I posted an interesting article by Jonathan Capehard on racism in America. Today, I was just describing to some of my Spanish co-workers how Don Imus was fired from NBC for his racist and chauvanistic statements about the Rutgers women’s baskball team. I brought this up to discuss how racist remarks are treated differently in the U.S. and in Spain — in particular those of Luis Aragonés. Luis Aragonés is coach of the Spanish national team who, when trying to motivate one of his players during a practice session, called a black French player a “negro de mierda”. According to my co-workers, the use of these words: (i) did not make Aragonés a racist just because he had used the word “negro”, (ii) were used in jest, and (iii) they were not offensive. Their inability to see the inherent racism in Aragonés’ statement boggles my mind.

Nevertheless, what I have noticed is that the U.S. notion of “political correctness” and “offensive speech” does not coincide with those in Spain, and that the American standards are considered by the Spanish as exaggerations and often times hypocritical. I am sure, though, that with increased immigration in Spain people will be forced to become more sensitive.

Without sounding to pro-Washington Post, here is another excellent Op-Ed. Eugene Robinson explains how Amus’ words are unacceptable, how there is not in fact a double standard, and why Americans are no longer accepting racist slurs as mere inoffensive humor. Diversity is not only good for business, it is also the reality. Continue reading →

Some of my friends in Spain complain that I always criticize Spain’s shortcomings and never those of the U.S. I do not think this is necessarily true, but I do admit that I am a strong proponent of the US political system (though not necessarily of its politicians and it government’s policies). In fact, in terms of the strength and effectiveness of democratic institutions there is absolutely no comparison. Be that said, the U.S. has a massive problem that was very well described in an Op-Ed piece by Jonathan Capehart today in The Washington Post on the legacy of America’s Curse.

One thing that often disturbs me here in Europe is the total self-denial of racist undertones in the way people speak and think about different cultures and ethnicities. What would be considered racist statements in the U.S. (ie, the ones that made Don Imus lose his job this week), are not considered offensive in Spain — the Spanish national team coach made similar statements last year and remains scandal-free and happily in his post.

Europe should learn from the lessons of U.S. history lest it face the same destiny. The U.S. is a perfect example of how waiting too long to cure racism, even in its subtlest expressions, will have dire consequences for generations to come.

Here is Mr. Capehart’s article on the legacy of racism and how some states are trying to make political amends through contrition. Continue reading →

Of course anything that you read by George Will must be taken with a grain of salt. He is a die hard conservative pundit. Nevertheless, this article does bring up some real concerns about the ways in which serious environmental issues are being addressed. For example, the obvious problem with Kyoto is that it requires huge amounts of investment for a very small environmental benefit, not to mention the whole hypocricy behind its ratification. The next problem is that we often think or are convinced that certain environmentally friendly alternatives do not pollute. Well, my friend, everything pollutes. The question is where.

In any event, here is George Will’s article from today’s The Washington Post. Continue reading →