The Enduring Power of White Guilt with Shelby Steele

Professor Shelby Steele will join us for a conversation about his recently released documentary film What Killed Michael Brown? and an examination of his argument that race in America is used as a means to power.
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.
In 2006, Steele received the Bradley Prize for his contributions to the study of race in America. In 2004, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal. In 1991, his work on the documentary "Seven Days in Bensonhurst" was recognized with an Emmy Award and two awards for television documentary writing - the Writer's Guild Award and the San Francisco Film Festival Award.
Steele received the National Book Critic's Circle Award in 1990 in the general nonfiction category for his book "The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race in America" (HarperCollins, 1998). Other books by Steele include "Shame: How America's Past Sins Have Polarized Our Country" (Basic Books, 2015), "A Bound Man: Why We Are Excited About Obama and Why He Can't Win" (Free Press, 2007), "White Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Era" (HarperCollins, 2006) and "A Dream Deferred: The Second Betrayal of Black Freedom in America" (HarperCollins, 1998).
Steele has written extensively for major publications including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He is a contributing editor at Harper's magazine. He has also spoken before hundreds of groups and appeared on national current affairs news programs including Nightline and 60 Minutes.
Steele is a member of the National Association of Scholars, the national board of the American Academy for Liberal Education, the University Accreditation Association and the national board at the Center for the New American Community at the Manhattan Institute.
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.
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[@mikeroagreschen5350]

Wow. I did not expect such profound truth about race to emerge from any institute of higher learning. Thank you. This was outstanding.

[@robinwcollins]

Extraordinarily good. Shelby Steele has consistently made clear what has been obscure. I read the essay in Harper’s that was the core of his 1990s book, and it challenged many assumptions I had. 30+ years later he is as good as ever.

[@AaronVriesman]

For future reference. Shelby Steele begins 4:21. Identity and power 27:20. Affirmative action has been a disaster for black America 42:01 Black students will say to me "You're the real thing" 43:15 Race is empty. Why can't we accept that? Because we all want power. 44:09

[@jpete3027666]

The problem with many public policies is the lack of studying outcomes and results. It is largely based on serving emotional needs only (and winning votes). It’s not surprising and this is a fact the policies implemented by LBJ haven’t worked.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Yes....yes....YEEEEESSSSSS!!! I'm only 23mins into this and Mr. Steele is speaking as if he is reaching into my brain and is spreaking aloud the conclusion I've come to over decades of research, learning and serious contiplation! I just started watching this serious, as I tinker in my lab working on some projects to see what my hometown university is up to. I must say, I was a bit cynical going into this expecting to hear the ideology that's become all to prevalent and what I believe dangerous. But, I'm constantly trying to challenge myself and my beliefs. Imagine my surprise when I hear such a rational and logical argument that I happen to agree with. Wow.

[@catsandcrows8880]

I don't feel the least guilty, there's no reason to. I'm proud to be European, and I don't like nor do I want certain immigrant groups ruining my culture and country. And I'm not alone.

[@Bobrapbahizi]

How about when you actually brought those very groups against their will?

[@Bobrapbahizi]

@@-_a-a_- that would be ok if only they were not perpetuating what their forbearers did.

[@a.d.4536]

@@Bobrapbahizi you and I were not born then now justify them flooding on there own here and disabling it.

[@a.d.4536]

@@Bobrapbahizi "Have we reached the ultimate stage of where some people are held responsible for things that happened before they were born, while other people are not held responsible for what they themselves are doing today?" - Thomas Sowell “When slavery is mentioned, too many people think of whites enslaving blacks. That is not even one-tenth of the story of slavery, which existed on every inhabited continent. The very word "slave" derives from the word for some white people who were enslaved on a mass scale-the Slavs-for more centuries than blacks were enslaved in the Western Hemisphere.” Thomas Sowell "More whites were brought as slaves to North Africa than blacks brought as slaves to the United States or to the 13 colonies from which it was formed. White slaves were still being bought and sold in the Ottoman Empire, decades after blacks were freed in the United States." Thomas Sowell

[@lamonicajones7543]

Thomas Sowell is not an accredited historian and his fable about Black history is far from the truth. During the Transatlantic Slave Trade there were no know recording of any White cargo on board and also there were no known slave ships that sailing from Europe carrying human cargo to sell. Over 12 million documented enslaved human cargo were forced to make the voyage where many died, committed suicide or murdered. The insurance companies paid the policies on the deceased cargo so no money was lost. I don’t understand why you are quoting this man who is speaking about the slave trades that occurred overseas with only 1 million people were involved mostly woman and children.

[@anonosaurus4517]

I read Mr. Steele's book "White Guilt" recently. It was excellent, and everyone in today's America needs to read it.

[@daviduhr9187]

Powerful. Thank you.

[@jeanettejamison1045]

My black neighbor use to tell us, "White You're Right, Brown stick around, Black Get Back!"

[@Mrlimabean01]

40:30 be a good host, let him finish his response

[@samuelpotter6919]

They may have been pressed on time, but I agree that Dr. Carrese should have repeated the last sentence for Dr. Steele to respond.

[@samuelpotter6919]

@ 45:05 "Would you do that to your own kids?"

[@hiotis75]

This video should be seen by everyone who has a child in a school.

[@denisdaly1708]

im a social psychologist, and there are thousands of peer reviewed research articles demonstrating prejudice. i would encourage the video presenters to read, especially research.

[@serpentines6356]

Gadz, the social scientists are loony as hell these days. All common sense has been knocked out of them by " education.'

[@concilium1]

Post one that doesn’t use disparity of outcome as “evidence” of bias.

[@stevenriften7561]

By blaming whites for everything...as always.

[@lamonicajones7543]

@@concilium1 Let’s look at the research on resumes and names and how an ethic name with job qualifications did not get call backs while white names with no qualifications got call backs. One would think that a resume is not racial nor prejudice but a study conducted where White applicants and People of Color swapped the names of their resumes and received call back. Example that one.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

When did Mr. Steele ever mention prejudice or lack of. Every ethic group has an element of prejudice. Blacks certainly have them towards not only whites but Mexicans and Asians. The Chinese still despise the Japanese over Nanking. Of course their are prejudices and racism. However, the topic was white guilt and on that topic Mr. Steele made the very ration and clear argument that not only due those prejudices still exist but now they are working in reverse and doing much more harm than good? Jeez.... Isn't that obvious. Did you listen to him. White guilt today effects policies that dehumanize and continue to hold the black community back? It tells them that they are not smart as, tough as or as capable of whites in our society so the must be given certain advantages and, enfirced by the federal govt, to be made equal. That is the core issue here. Our policies and the Democrat and liberal leftist movement is still telling blacks thst not only aren't the equal but never will be. Furthermore, they are stealing the agency from blacks and breeding hopelessness. After all...as a psychologist, what do you think it does to the mind of young black teenaged boys minds when the media and a political party and movement tells them the police are "actively hunting them"? Especially when statistics show that it's absolutely not true. I think you really missed the entire point. More over, the fact that you cited a study that's become a talking point....a propaganda piece used for politically purposes shows your aren't serious about the issue and are more influenced by ideology. Where Mr. Steele and I likey agree on regarding Malcom X, in his later career is... The Black community will only improve and succeed in America, truly become equal, when the black community decided within it's self to change it's culture. Put more simply, they shouldn't and can't rely on white people, the ones that oppress them for so long, to fix their problems. It can only happen by blacks for blacks! Now, of you do reply (comment was a year old) please don't try the systemic racism in America argument. It's false. I have simple example that disproves it. Nigeria immigrants to America, and their 1st generation children have an higher per Capita house hold income than white America. They are typically 1st or second on this yearly govt report, trading places with Asians. Asians as in India and Pakistan. A commonality with these Nigerians in America is a the cultural importance of education. Nigerians typical run about 20% or more with graduate degrees and over 40% hold undergrad degrees. What does this tell us? These immigrants are still held back the past slavery issue in America as they weren't her to suffer it and they don't see themselves as victims. Their culture understand the universal truth thst knowledge equals power. Leaders in the black community shows be screaming from the rooftops and reminding the black community that they are just as capable, just as intelligent and have the same potential as these Nigerians and... They can success in America. The Jewish community has obviously learned this and has contributed not only to America success and has helped make the world better for everyone. The next Einstein or Madam Curry is in the black community. But...we may never find out if we keep telling them to be hopeless because American and white are terrible and hate you and if we continue to allow them to continue to slaughter each other in our major cities. They aren't animals that we're responsible for. They are humans and humans no different than anyone else. It's time white America stops treating them like it. Even if we think we're helping them. They don't need our help. They just need us to get out of their way and stop filling thoer minds with hopelessness and dispare!

[@welllsaiddddd]

the black man left his family all on his own

[@zeddez1005]

White guilt? Don't you mean AMERICAN guilt? Why as an Irish person should I bear the guilt of the English or Americans because I share the same skin tone?

[@samuelpotter6919]

From what I've gleaned from the talk, is that they are talking about the majority of American society. This means that Irish people, like people of color, are not a part of that historical majority and should be aware of the fact that this "white guilt" is also directed to them, as people who were at the short end of the stick: the focus of the racism, hate, and segregation. However, it should be noted that people in other countries also hold their own guilt and should not be discounted. They have their own trials that white Americans do not understand, and tend to lump together. However, someone who was historically the target of discrimination and hate should understand that the color of our skin may be the same and that people will forget that your people (Irish) did not have the same authority that my people (European descent, white, w/e) have. No one will immediately know you were Irish and will assume by the color of your skin: because humans assume. Also, it is generally understood that if you are not a part of the "group" that is being spoken about, you should already know it. You, unfortunately, are showing the guilt that is being spoken about in the talk.

[@OldTerrible]

Lol we have no reason to feel guilt. We didn't invent slavery we ended it in all European countries. Slavery has existed throughout history by all races.

[@QuatMan]

Because you enjoy all the benefits because you share the same skin tone.

[@goldenhoneybee8128]

Because EU has agreed to bring in 1 million Native African and Middle Eastern 'refugees' into Ireland...which only had 4 million citizens. Look around your cities. Native European gen tiles (white people) have been targeted for degredation (and elimination?) all over the world. It doesn't matter to these global corporations\communist organizations\banks, etc if the white people being degraded are of Slavic origin even though Slavic is where the term slave came from because they had been enslaved for centuries by Middle Easterners. The Irish have been horrifically abused as an ethnicity...and yet they've been targeted as vicious racists if they complain about the ethnic replacement\cleansing of the indigenous Irish people in their homeland.

[@QuatMan]

@@goldenhoneybee8128 It definitely isnt ethnic cleansing. The truth is that Europeans worldwide do not reproduce fast enough to keep their societies going. And since Europeans are already a global minority, it is inevitable that, unless they are all having 4-10 children per family, they wont be able to sustain the number of people necessary to keep cities functioning. Thus the reliance on people from around the world.

[@Nimbus495]

Huh?

[@welllsaiddddd]

the 13th and 14th amendment had nothing to do with white guilty..it ended the arguewment the founding fathers started.. all men are created equal

[@7basement]

THANKS ..and can be used with other cultures ---white mistakes

[@davidkillen2207]

What White Guilt?

[@denisdaly1708]

i would encourage the video presenter here and anyone else, to take the IAT test on the harvard website. its free, and it measures implicit prejudice. i am always astounded at the low education levels of people who make videos like this.

[@serpentines6356]

Ok, so people have "implicit prejudice." There is also, guilt, and "white guilt." I know I have certain "implicit prejudices", but I don't need others throwing their own prejudices at me, or seeing BLM signs every day. I think BLM is a horrid organization, and has gotten people killed, but I have to look at my neighbors BLM sign every day. That is her right, and free speech. But, what about mine? I put up a very colorful, hand-made, pro-Israel sign with Trump's name regarding the Abraham Accords, and it got stolen, twice. I have no idea who stole it. I have to look at others political agenda every day. I would like a break from it. I have "implicit prejudice" against people who think they have a right to come into the country just because they feel like it. I have an "implicit prejudice" against allowing people into this country who are not vetted properly, and commit crimes, and terrorist attacks. One of the worst, "implicit prejudice" are the academic idiots doing away with merit based education, and wanting to dumb down everybody, especially blacks.

[@concilium1]

That test doesn’t measure anything. It’s pseudoscience.

[@Jammer-gm6sq]

Ha. Shelby Stelle and low level of education? You're funny.

[@Ender1337otron]

Nice ad hom, very impressive. What's next, a strawman? Maybe a red herring or two? A non- sequitur maybe? Oh I know, why don't you work in a good virtue signal next time? Don't mistake education for indoctrination. ;)

[@lamonicajones7543]

Great point. Just like I don’t understand how Shelby Steele and others always mention Affirmative Action in jobs and colleges however I have never met a student nor co worker (myself included) that has stated they were awarded Affirmative Action admissions or employment. I just want to find one person who can honestly say they knew and were told directly their acceptance was because of Affirmative Action.

[@globalblakafrakanempowerme4050]

What about the amerikas as a pertinent structure of anti afrakanism

[@serpentines6356]

Huh?

[@concilium1]

Specify.