Shelby Steele On “How America's Past Sins Have Polarized Our Country”

Recorded on January 25, 2018
Shelby Steele, a Hoover Institution senior fellow and author of Shame: How America’s Past Sins Have Polarized Our Country , joins Peter Robinson to discuss race relations in the United States. Steele tells stories about growing up in segregated Chicago and the fights he and his family went through to end segregation in their neighborhood schools. He draws upon his own experiences facing racism while growing up in order to inform his opinions on current events. Steele and Robinson go on to discuss more recent African-American movements, including Steele’s thoughts on the NFL protests, Black Lives Matter, and recent rumors about Oprah Winfrey running for office.
About the Guest:
Shelby Steele is the Robert J. and Marion E. Oster Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He specializes in the study of race relations, multiculturalism, and affirmative action. He was appointed a Hoover fellow in 1994. Steele has written widely on race in American society and the consequences of contemporary social programs on race relations. Steele holds a PhD in English from the University of Utah, an MA in sociology from Southern Illinois University, and a BA in political science from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Related Resources:
• A Sick Hunger for Racism
• Black Protest Has Lost Its Power
• The Exhaustion of American Liberalism
• End of the Line for the Shame Train
For the full transcript go to
www.hoover.org/research/shelb...
Interested in exclusive Uncommon Knowledge content? Check out Uncommon Knowledge on social media!
Facebook: / uncknowledge
Twitter: / uncknowledge
Instagram: / uncommon_knowledge_show

[@jasonemile7163]

As a black man who was a troubled youth, raised by my Grandmother, I have never been under the impression that I was inferior. I was taught that as long as I apply myself I could be whatever I wanted to be. Today, a Iraq Veteran, MPA degree holder, and a father of two boys, married, living in a well established mixed community-in GEORGIA of all places, I am 100% with Shelby’s point of view, he and Sowell-my heroes. There viewpoints are on par with my late Grandmother.

[@bw3240]

Sir, as a brother vet, and a man I would like to tell you OUSTANDING, for the achievements in your life. It lifts my spirits to see men be men taking care or self and family and returning a small portion to our great country. Thank you, somewhere out there a young man is watching you and you sir are now leading the way.

[@keltonhutchison5951]

Those men are National treasures and need to be recognized and honored as Great Americans...who happen to be the stalwarts of the Black Community....with Conservative principles and logical brilliance....True brilliance

[@mc8847]

Jason thank you for being a patriot what can we do to effectively share this to fellow Americans that passionately disagree with this?

[@dimitrisemizarov7900]

Great to see your thoughtful comment. They are my heroes too. The big questions is: why isn’t our voice heard? Why is black America “represented” by victimhood activists?

[@oneldelorbe9490]

Damm I wish I had that upbringing. And I’m not black.

[@InsertNameHere73894]

These interviews are intellectually pleasing, yet emotionally peaceful. I adore calm discussions in academic settings.

[@joebrowser775]

Peter Robinson should be mainstream. I'm really impressed by the way he interviews people, it's so refreshing to see an honest interview.

[@WinstonLorde]

Peter Robinson is a superb interviewer; he has a talent for getting at the logical atoms that give rise to his subject's viewpoints and, to go in the opposite direction, for sketching out the overarching metaphysical commitments that inform those viewpoints by asking just the right searching questions.

[@rsandhu02]

The best that I've seen

[@vafamf]

This is an outstanding interview with a brilliant man. Very germane to what is happening today. This interview and other interviews with Dr Steele need to get out.

[@1492tomato]

Every time I watch a brilliant presentation such as this one, I'm reminded that the people who need to hear it most won't come near it.

[@azendaythemanoflove]

I stand with this brother.

[@richcampus]

..."... for years I prayed for freedom but freedom never came ... until I prayed with my legs ...".. Frederick Douglass

[@isaiahdillard4598]

First time I've listened to professor Steele. Extremely impressed and respect this man and his views are enlightening. Great interview

[@ezratay1]

There are younger voices that espouse in what Mr. Steele, Justice Thomas and Mr. Sowell views. We don't get the air time like the race hustlers but we are here.

[@ezratay1]

I need to correct myself. The interviewer said prominent African American's. My small band of associates are no where near prominent. Hahahaha.

[@astrogirl9987]

Thank God for that!🙏

[@_aeruo4804]

Immediate experience is where it's at. We all need to treat each other like human beings and respect each others dignity, and that is always most powerful face to face and in our everyday lives.

[@jrippee05]

Brother, we need to give you all the airtime you want.

[@jiveturkey9993]

Ezra Taylor thats good to hear.

[@fy4729]

Holy shit, this man just gave me an entirely different view on affirmative action. I'm really learning a lot and enjoying listening to these different points of view.

[@fscap811]

PH Goat That is the purpose of unfettered dialogue, this used to be the way that colleges conducted discourse and then decided that only the liberal viewpoint was deemed acceptable to talk about. Does no one see how much similarity there is between left wing Dems and post WWI Germany where Fascists opposed any dissension and the truth was whatever they said it was and the news media aided and abetted this groupthink.

[@t3drill]

Please take some time to listen to Dr. Thomas Sowell. He is by far the one man that has the most to say and the best way to explain things.

[@tonycatman]

The biggest wake-up call comes when you put yourself in the shoes of a victim of affirmative action. You work your balls off, and you eventually get a job on the board as director of a decent sized company. Everyone you ever meet thinks you are a diversity hire. Worse still, you can never tell yourself if you were a diversity hire. In Thomas Sowell's autobiography, he tells of how enraged he was when he found out he was a quota when he had been assured he wasn't. He quit his job immediately. Treating a fellow human being as though they have special needs based on their skin colour is a disgusting way to act.

[@tomasneel1980]

PH Goat listen to his interview with Peggy nunann on pbs .... he totally condemns his own kind.... truth hurts.... now read the book of Mormon

[@PAVANZYL]

PH Goat: It's called freedom of speech. Welcome!

[@nascar0509]

I believe that the saying goes "it is easier to lie to people than to convince them that they have been lied to."

[@MrBqualls100]

I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Shelby Steele, Thomas Sowell and Walter E Williams. I wish so badly that more people would listen to them, read their writings and just think about what they’re saying, and realize the truth and wisdom they have! I’m so thankful for them!

[@doctorlarry2273]

@spot light Sorry - you are the ignorant one. These guys are brilliant and know history. They know the facts, you only know victimhood strategy. I know the history as well, and these gus are spot on.

[@ShaAllahShabazzMBA]

Brother is making some excellent points. I am reminded of the Book of Exodus. The children are constantly questioning why they left Egypt.

[@joeiiiful]

Shah-Allah Shabazz. Your point is outstanding. Thank you.

[@zapkvr]

The "brothers' did no such thing. The bible is a myth. For christs sake.

[@TheWhitehiker]

Good analogy.

[@kimberlyphillipssmith7956]

I've read all of Shelby Steele's books. He's a very wise man.

[@anonosaurus4517]

We have to fight for this country and culture, people. This man, his words, and what we've fought for and died for in the last 150 years cannot be thrown away. We have to FIGHT for these things, and for each other.

[@rustywrench100]

And our weapons are not physical because the warfare is spiritual! 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

[@AdamBalbo]

Amen

[@serpentines6356]

@Daniel...I agree. It's quite a challenge since so many people are going along with the common MSM, BLM messaging. Now, people are taking a knee all over the place. Girls soccer teams, all kind of teams. People are doing it so much it really doesn't mean anything. It's just like a cult religion now. For me, it seems like one of the best things to do is to stand up for people's free speech rights. Many people are getting fired for not going along with the BLM messaging. When I can I talk to those I disagree with. I tell them about people like Thomas Sowell, and Shelby Steele. All I can do is try. I am also a great supporter of historical art. So, how all these people were allowed to vandalize so many sculptures across the country is quite pathetic.

[@ctruth6185]

America has always been a lie for African-Americans. The way things used to be 150 years ago is nothing AA will join anyone to fight for restoring.

[@Hunter-ql1xf]

Shelby Steele is a brilliant man, a national treasure!

[@pebbles9908]

My daughter and I have a "STRAINED" relationship because I'm of the thinking of Dr. Steel, Jason Riley, Sowell, and Williams. She called me stupid and ignorant....imagine a child calling her father such names...

[@robrock6966]

Two years ago and more important than ever.

[@rushgeddy1599]

The demand for racism exceeds the supply

[@Christie0521]

He saw it coming. Most be horrible for him.

[@thebluedoorstep647]

Freedom starts with the individual and their state of mind. Bitterness is a prison.

[@velmaking9199]

RACISM is the real prison..you got spectrum..hate bitterness ignorance..will lead to madness...

[@adamcampbellart]

Freedom is Responsibility. Discipline, honesty, and a goal-oriented imagination are necessary for motivation to embrace freedom as the opportunity to succeed.

[@marlonblade007]

The fear of freedom... That's powerful! 👋🏼😎😭

[@diamondheart11]

The powerful truth, wish many people knew and understood this.

[@anthonymagliaro4791]

I could listen to Shelby Steele for hours. He's a great writer and even more a great intellectual, particularly on this issue....

[@Lizo128]

Excellent discussion. I have believed this for a long time now. What a mess we all are in and the majority of Black Leaders keep pedaling the worn out and destructive messages. How is this mess ever going to be turned around?

[@jaylandman4359]

Sadly most young people, particularly blacks don’t know who Shelby Steele is.

[@adrianocolle265]

This guy just made my A-list of 'common-sense brilliant minds'!

[@Honey-vz1qq]

I saw this coming when I was six years, almost 60 years ago. My Shetland sheepdog pup pup taught me that skin color is just a description when she had puppies that were all different colors. Right then and there I realized that the sin of slavery was going to bite us all in the butt. I wrote an essay about it when I was in the 6 grade. 11:45 Lord Jesus, the man must have read my essay because he took the words right out of my mouth.

[@LynnTharp1971]

Another wonderful interview. I've never heard Mr. Steele speak before and it was a pleasure.

[@chiefsittingstill6061]

Good job, thanks. I look forward to the MSM interviewing Mr. Steele --- something tells me it will be a long wait!!

[@jajones-ford2226]

Listening to these words of TRUTH from Shelby Steele truly make my heart sing .

[@AdamBalbo]

This guy is brilliant. Shame this perspective is not more widely heard

[@WinstonLorde]

Professor Steele is outstanding.

[@neneodonkor]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Was inspired.

[@ericu1196]

This man should have been President!!!

[@phoebelee55]

It’s my pleasure to hear you Mr.Shelby Steele... thank you

[@email2hector]

As a minority I find this as a great reflection in the underpinnings of current condition of minorities. I learned a lot!

[@CornFedZ06]

Amazing interview. Hoover institution somehow still survivng in the Bay Area boggles the mind. Thanks!

[@victoriapowell6318]

Wow - insightful and intelligent man. I have been saying for years that this "shock of freedom" thing is exactly what is wrong.

[@maykelvaldes4348]

We need more people to listen to him. His message and knowledge is true power..thank you

[@frmichaelbishop6026]

Mr. Steele has said many things with which I agree, especially that black leaders are hustles taking advantage of white guilt. At a former job one of my coworkers told me, "You don't know who you is" because of my church and another coworker asked me about my membership in my church, "Don't you feel out of place there?" My answer was that the only place that this is an issue was there at work. I have been saying for years that we black Americans have opportunities and I back up this with my own life. I hold a BA from Merrimack College, an excellent small liberal arts college in Massachusetts and a Master of Divinity degree from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, one of the best Orthodox seminaries in the world. In both places I was clearly in the minority but NEVER felt different or discriminated against. There is nothing that I accomplished that another black male could not had accomplished if he really wanted to do so. Thank you, Mr. Steel [and others] for our comments.

[@robrock6966]

The Race Fatigue comment is happening right now.

[@ConsiderCulture]

Just an amazing interview with Shelby Steele! Recently, after seeing him on a news program with Ta-Nehisi Coates, I thought he may have lost a little of his punch, but then I realized that it was an edited program. It made him look bad, but here, giving him an unedited interview, he looks sharp as a tack! Thanks Hoover and Uncommon Knowledge! Great work. And a salute to Mr. Steele. You are certainly one of my heros.

[@trulydisgusted4680]

Wow! Just blown away by Shelby Steele. This was an excellent discussion.

[@rickgordon1056]

Thanks to Uncommon Knowledge for this insightful interview! I have posted it on my Facebook page because it needs to be shared!

[@petesmith8362]

Thank you Mr. Steele, your a great American! God bless you Sir.

[@lighthouse3957]

Such a wonderful interview, learnt a lot.

[@spacevertex]

What a refreshing voice!

[@lindamaxey3827]

God bless you!

[@lolee1234]

Thank you Mr. Steel for having the moral courage to speak the truth about personal responsibility and individuality. This is something African Americans must come to realize before change occurs in their lives: one by one.

[@alicetodd1699]

Great talk great interview, do glad someone saying it so well about both black and white. Maybe it will become the new norm. I'm from the baby boomer era. 1955 born and am refreshed to hear Dr. Steeles message and take on these subjects

[@amorse6848]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have told my children time and time again “you are not victims. You are responsible for your future not the government. “ This ideal that all blacks must agree with the BS that’s pushed by the media which is basically think less and the government will provide more is absolutely ridiculous. Sir, I’m impressed by your willingness to say what many black Americans feel.

[@alexsmith5280]

This interview is simply outstanding.

[@Jsmith2024]

I've heard of Shelby Steele, but never heard him speak until this. I am very impressed. Thank you for this wonderful interview.

[@gottadancedkm]

Thank you for an excellent interview. Wisdom America needs to hear to finally heal.

[@erichenry2286]

I am utterly ashamed of myself for never following Shelby Steele or Walter Williams as I have more prominent names like Thomas Sowell and Larry Elder among black conservatives. Well Mr. Elder's video that I watched earlier has forever changed that and I cannot wait to get my hands on their novels.

[@pavlovsworld9122]

Guilt does not a criteria make for good decisions. Great argument on affirmative action effects. What I've always loved about the constitution is it leaves responsibility up to the individual- to make his or her way based on our own determination. Freedom is a challenge. The shock of freedom is a great insight I never considered. Thank you so very much for some clarity Mr. Steele

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

Wow! What an interview. Thank you Mr Steele for this frank and open dissection (more than a discussion) of this fraught topic. Very relevant here in South Africa. Much respect for this gentleman, and thank you Peter Robinson, as always, the best.

[@heatherwhitaker2509]

Amazing speaker and educator! Brilliant mind. I am so glad I found this interview.

[@cfbd1641]

Loved this interview. This is one smart fellow.

[@carlapieters1092]

So Nice to hear this conversation. Thanks you. Greetings from Holland 🌷

[@QuesoGr7]

As a black guy surrounded by black tribalism, he's echo so much of my thoughts on the black community and just identity politics in general. Especially at the 29:00 mark. Holy shit is this a breath of fresh air!

[@jomgelborn]

Wow. Thank you for this video. One of the most powerful I've ever seen.

[@cmcphee]

amazing interview with Shelby Steele. Thanks Peter!!!!

[@stevn845]

mehn this Steele guy is so succinct and clear in his explanations. I see it clearly now. thnks.

[@louiseking4519]

A brilliant man, think of what his parents did to make sure they helped their children. They did it, look what they achieved, a brilliant son. But, remember they did not burn, loot, demand statues be removed. Also they had strong FAMILY BONDS a father and a mother.

[@RMBOYD81]

Mr Steele says it so well

[@dswellhauser]

Powerful interview

[@jasonbrooks4371]

Great guest!

[@misterkel10]

Reading White Guilt currently. Essential reading. I learned more about race relations in 24 hours, than in my whole life before. Thank you, Shelby Steele. I owe you a debt.

[@hanoo63]

extraordinary man

[@evehbuchanan-cates2519]

Bless you Shelby Steele! As always, you are incisive, cogent and analytically correct. The younger voices ARE coming forward; an excellent turn of events. You, and others such as Thomas Sowell, Glenn Loury et al., are the foundation of those younger voices.... please keep doing what you do so well. On behalf of the World, thank you.

[@DannyTrussell]

Thank you Shelby Steele.

[@MrJnash59]

Ka boom. Excellent commentary

[@MK-pt9zt]

That Frederick Douglas quote was prophetic. He knew it back in the 1800s. Wow.

[@worsethanjoerogan8061]

I'm a big fan of Frederick Douglas. He's an excellent example of why the victim narrative today is bullshit. He managed to become a distinguished abolitionist despite being born a slave and dealing with real discrimination unlike anything we see today.

[@Doutsoldome]

Excellent! I'm buying this gentleman's books right now.

[@moniesincere5083]

Listening to this in 2023, its amazing how revelant and accurate he is!

[@ezratay1]

Bravo, bravo.

[@Rickta90]

Incredible!

[@davidpatton7298]

Well thank God, I have found another man to emulate and glean more truth from his words. Well said, Mr Steele, bravo.

[@jaymaxey8188]

He honestly is speaking truths throughout this entire interview and it’s shocking to see a man that once lived in this type of segregation still can see the segregation which is supposed to be gone.

[@pseudopetrus]

This Steele guy is smart, his concepts are subtle but when you think about them, well they have merit, a way to move ahead. Putting your energy towards something that will lead to a more meaningful life.

[@hew2001]

I am in awe of Dr. Steele, brilliant man and great interview.

[@rustywrench100]

I pray that these truths go a long ways to help people...of all colors... understand that with freedom comes great responsibility. My conception of the issue was skewed in that, as a caucasian, I was thinking that I was doing the "right thing" by patronizing my minority neighbors but it seems now I was either enabling irresponsibility and or at the same time, causing resentment by "babying" them. Speaking truth in love is only really possible with the Spirit of God, not man alone. I am learning a great deal about our fallen human nature by studying God's Word and in a practical sense, by hearing what circumspective people...of all colors have to say. It's a shame that when intelligent people speak truth, they are either villified, ignored or worse yet: have their voices silenced, by those who would rather perpetuate a problem for their own gain, instead of being part of the positive force. Thanks for this eye opening interview!

[@stevn845]

mehn this Steele guy is so succinct and clear in his explanations. I see it clearly now.

[@bnowak1582]

Powerful stuff. Thank you, Dr. Steele!

[@widmer64]

Wise voices!

[@IllicitGreen]

this is incredible.

[@jeffreyanderson2092]

Awesome!

[@janayr1920]

I appreciate his well-thought out opinion. This interviewer is excellent and I see where Mr. Steele is coming from. I too believe in agency and self-determination, however, it’s important to note that Black people aren’t imagining Republicans in North Carolina, who according to a federal judge, targeted Black people with “surgical precision” in their recent voter ID law. You can believe in self-empowerment and acknowledge some of the things he has mentioned and still recognize these types of systems at play.

[@anitagraf4865]

Yet another excellent interview! I’m loving these so much. I really appreciate the thoughtful, intelligent, educated discussion of these matters and the conservative viewpoint. And I appreciate learning from these amazing thought leaders. I can’t figure out how I got through even a graduate degree in economics and never knew of Sowell. I took many classes as an undergrad in Black history/studies, and I never knew of these illuminaties!!

[@frmichaelbishop6026]

At Baltimore Community College twice during one semester a professor stated that black people are oppressed. Between those two events, I stated that black people are not oppressed. I have been saying for years "You can do anything you want," exactly what Dr. Steele said at 19:45. I have done exactly that and then some. I was the first black male to attend my undergraduate college and I made it through because the college made sure that I was successful as long as I did what was expected. Today I hold a master's degree because my cathedral in Washington DC supported me financially and now when I can, I go back there to serve as a ways of saying thank you. At the time, there was only one other black adult male in the parish. Other people also helped me.

[@lindareboh-king1064]

Candace Owens is a person who is example of not being. A victim and waking up others.

[@trevorpeters4358]

I love finding new people on here. Live free or die.

[@frankrichter4480]

Excellent interview and so true

[@joebrowser775]

16:36 - this is truly eye-opening

[@kaneo3243]

In addition to the shock of freedom there is also the stupidity that freedom brings about. Yes, you are free to do bad by yourself but that badness makes your life a wasted one.

[@jeannekohlbush3323]

Thank you for such a thoughtful interview.