Boston Globe
Thursday, February 15, 2007

Understand what drives resistance

This is one variation of racism that will require ongoing efforts through the years to make a dent. It hits the local community at its core. The notion of unearned white privilege and entitlement is so much a part of what drives the resistance to change. It is over the head of most members of the majority culture.

St John's University in New York has not missed a beat since it changed its team name from "Redmen" to "Red [Storm]." It is important to keep at it, and not lose heart. Change occurs incrementally.

Orlando B. Lightfoot
Framingham
First vice president, South Middlesex Branch NAACP