King’s dream hasn’t been realized

Where do we stand since Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech? I recognize progress but see stagnation and some backward slides. Some problem areas:

Judicial system: Two recent stories highlight shortcomings. First, people with criminal records lack job opportunities but whites who have criminal records not only get more interviews but jobs over blacks with similar resumes who do not have criminal records. Second, NYC stops/searches people whose “furtive movements” (entirely subjective) account for blacks and Latinos being stopped/frisked 90 percent of the time yet yielding the same ratio of contraband as the few stops of whites.

Affirmative action: The affirmative action movement initially had broad support. Understanding this coalition could not be overcome without much fighting, I believe the divide-and-conquer tactic came into play and white women were allowed entry to points that many white women abandoned the movement, some even criticizing it. Their entry into some venues probably came about because of above tactic.

Case in point: sports where black males dominate - football and basketball - collegiate/professional levels - count the number of white women on the broadcasts as opposed to black males, yet no mention of affirmative action. Imagine if black males had comparable numbers in white women-dominated sports. Screams of affirmative action would echo from all corners.

Voting rights: Actions of conservative governors may deny millions from exercising that right. Many “happen” to be black.

Dr. King's dream, while closer, is still but a dream.

Thomas Sass

Iowa City