A teenager in Denver repeated Kenneth Clark's doll experiment recently. View the sad and frustrating results at http://www.komotv.com/home/video/5001856.html?video=YHI&t=a.

The shocking hurtful truth is that race still matters consciously and worst of all subconsciously. If some of us, as African Americans, feel disdain towards ourselves, then how does everyone else feel about us? Really, how does the world view us? What do people think of the average African American? Not stars or heroes, but the average Joe walking down the street?

What thoughts do you associate with the average black man? Be honest.

"Race" is not a scientific term, but a cultural one. It can't be defined emperically. Any phenotypical trait (dark skin, curly hair, etc.) ascribed to one race is not universal among that race; and those characteristics can be found in other races. It is important to understand that we are 99%+ the same. Culture, geography, and climate create the wonderful tapestry that is the HUMAN RACE.

And I love the differences, especially the tasty ones. On a typical day I might have green tea with Polish rye toast and smoked salmon for breakfast, sushi (ebi, unagi, saba) for lunch, and enchiladas pacificos for dinner. But I digress. [I must be hungry.]

We can all help reduce conscious and subconscious racism in America. Open up dialogues. Get out and meet people. Discuss racism and other tough issues with your friends and family. Ignorance festers in silence and isolation.

Happy Black History Month!