If we can't change hearts and minds then what else is there?

[brer cat]

3. That is a very good point.

From my perspective (I'm almost 70), a lot has been accomplished simply by integration of schools and neighborhoods, as inadequate and spotty as that has been. I attended all white schools; my granddaughters attend schools with a very diverse student population. The only black people I knew were those who cleaned houses or yards; their closest friends are primarily black and Hispanic.

Yet I see exactly what you are saying. My granddaughters are tolerant, but they lack sensitivity, even awareness of the racism that is around them. They notice that some students stay in all white groups; they didn't notice when we attended high school registration that all the faculty present was white. They are smart girls, but when I asked "what is wrong with this picture?" at the registration, they didn't see it.

I think that tolerance is largely a product of the environment at home, church, etc. but sensitivity requires education. It would be both appropriate and enlightening to include it in school curriculum. Whether it could be enacted is another matter, but I agree with you.