Step 2: WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT RACE RELATIONS IS NOT A ZERO-SUM GAME: The presumption that America is a zero-sum society, that if one race advances another must regress, accounts, in large measure, for the often illogical reaction to programs that aim to help minorities. Such thinking even explains some of the hostility between members of so-called minority groups. Can only one person of color rise within a given organization? One hopes not. Does an increase in Latino clout portend a decline in black’s well-being? It shouldn’t.
Unfortunately, we have too often revealed in political rhetoric that puts across the opposite message; and have to often rewarded those who exploit our anxiety and insecurities – as opposed to those who demonstrate the willingness and ability to harness our faith in each other and in ourselves.
Ellis Cose
November 24, 1996, Newsweek