Charles Krauthammer

In the following viewpoint, editorial columnist Charles Krauthammer decries the notion that Americans would benefit from more cross-cultural dialogue. Discussing people’s innermost feelings about race is not likely to bring about racial healing—and could even be harmful, Krauthammer maintains. He contends that racial prejudice is best countered by courtesy, education, and the enforcement of civil rights laws.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Krauthammer, what recent events reveal that America is obsessed with race?
2. What do civil rights laws mandate, in the author’s opinion?
3. What process assists the decline of racism over a period of several generations, in Krauthammer’s view"

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