I have been doing a lot of thinking a lot about racism lately. I monitor our Next Door for micro-aggressions. It’s frankly stunning. And our fair city, Portland, OR, continuously engages in institutionally racist behavior, particularly around housing and policing issues, even as it pats itself on the back as the People’s Republic of Portland.
Eleven years ago, a very different era in race relations than today’s “in your face” racism, I was invited to write a column about institutional racism for the Spokesman Review. Upon reading my column, however, the Spokesman declined to print it, touching, as I suspect I did, a little too close to the truth of the matter. But, despite its datedness, I believe that column remains relevant to our current era. So, if you are so inclined, click and read. Thanks!