Although it pains me to write this this video needs to be talked about.
If you were one of the students in this video don’t feel bad. This kind of ignorance is not uncommon. First, he probably could have gotten those answers on any college campuses or urban street for that matter. Second, in the editing room, it is very easy to take footage and make people appear any way that you want — ask anyone who works in reality TV. Third, he asked leading questions that were designed to be inflammatory. “Would you feel more comfortable dating a black guy who acts like a white guy, or a white guy who acts like a black guy?” There is no way to answer this question without sounding racist. Fourth, he was dressed in black face; it was a joke and the media has taught us that racial stereotypes are funny.
Don’t be sad. Dave Ackerman shamelessly exploited you for his own purposes. It doesn’t make you a horrible person. Ignorance is a personal responsibility. You have the power to change it.
ROB SKIDMORE
Alexander, N.Y.
