>Leland,
>
>all in an atmosphere of an integrated, accepting society, it would be hard for racism to take root.
>
>Christians and Muslims lived side-by-side and kids played together before the Ethnic Cleansing began in Bosnia. And weren't caucasians beaten up after the Rodney King cop acquitals because they were the same color as the cops? A cynic might conclude that racialist tension still lurks close below the surface...

I don't have much of a sense why the Ethnic Cleansing in Bosnia took place, whether it was racially motivated, politically motivated, religiously motivate, or perhaps some combination of these. I just know that atrocities take place all over the world, and I feel helpless to stop it.

I agree that there is still way too much racial tension in America, too many extremist groups, too much hate and fear, all of which lead to discrimination. Thank God for the American Constitution and Bill of Rights that call for equality, freedom, and the right to due process for all Americans.

Racism is learned, and at a very early age. The best way to refute the myth of racism is to integrate the children at the earliest age possible, so they can learn, play, grow, and form friendship within all the diversity that make up America. Then, when the new generation of kid grow up without any walls of racism, this enlighten generation can carry forward a society of even greater freedom from prejudice through their kids in a like manner. Unfortunately for us, once racism is learned at a very early age, it is hard to change. This mean our generation may be doomed to live with racial tension until a new, more enlighten generation comes along.
>
>This was the America of only 50 years ago, so I think to a very great extent, racism is learned at a very, very early age, where the target of racism has been excluded.
>
>History shows that the fat cats always try to exclude the underprivileged masses. Today US citizens criticize Mexicans for crossing the border to earn $ in menial labor to try to make a better life for their families. This is seen as a moral stance by some here. But in 50 years, perhaps we'll have a disapproving 'ism to describe that sort of behavior that will seem little different from previous waves of discrimination.

We have all the power and resources needed to live in peace and harmony, we only need to learn that all human life has worth, and should be respected.

Regards,

LelandJ