In a recent NPR interview, the discussion was about the flare-up of racial violence that has taken so many Americans by surprise. Those who thought they were living in a “post-racial” nation since the election of our first Black president have been caught unaware. How long has this been going on?

“Is it always going to be thus?” the interviewer asked.

His guest replied with what he called “morbid optimism.”

“When I and everyone older than I are dead, there will be no more racism. It’s something generational that has to run its course.”

Really?

Should we believe that our efforts to teach our children to love all equally have worked out as intended? Is it true that whatever racism persists lives on in just a few recalcitrant adults? Are our children now all color-blind? Are they less aware of racial difference than we were at their age? Is our agenda working?

Please join in the conversation at kidsandrace.com. Let me know what you think.