Colorstruck

Exploring race bias in our everyday lives.

by Tami Winfrey Harris

Bimbos, pimps and angry black women: The problem with reality TV

A couple times a week I am entertained by a parade of ugly stereotypes: Sapphires, dumb blondes, "spicy" Latinas and dusky, hyper-sexed, buffoonish lotharios. Yes. I watch reality TV.

And the popularity of the genre tells me you just might watch it, too.

I admire a good ghost story. I love that glance-behind-you-and-make-sure-the-closet-door-is-shut chill that lingers for days after hearing a particularly delicious spooky tale. But I am not so fond of the demonization of the traditional spirituality of people of color. Read More

What's so wrong with "sounding black?"

What is so wrong about "sounding black?" The answer should be "nothing all all." And so, it is well worth exploring why typically black speech patterns--no matter how close they are to the standard--can provoke such strong and often negative responses. Read More

Does religion breed racism?

A recent study found a positive correlation between religiosity and racial bias. But is religion really the problem here or is it something else? Read More

Ending racism starts with accepting bias

We have biases. That is not the problem. The problem is that these prejudices too often remain, in the words of opera singer Marian Anderson, "...like a hair across your cheek. You can't see it, you can't find it with your fingers, but you keep brushing at it because the feel of it is irritating." Read More