Listen to it!In America's struggle with race, one man is trying to keep it real. His website dares to post the questions we're afraid to ask out loud. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, the quest for racial understanding from the founder of the Y-Forum. Also, the sweet and sorrowful history of Billie Holliday's revolutionary song Strange Fruit.
Harvard Law's Randall Kennedy (who is African American) is the author of the notoriously titled "Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word." He talks with Steve Paulson about how the N-word has been used historically in America. And we hear some comedy clips and music that use the word.SEGMENT 2:
David Margolick is the author of "Strange Fruit," a history of the revolutionary Billie Holiday song. Margolick tells Jim Fleming who wrote the song, what happened the first time Holiday sang it, and what it's lasting impact has been. And, of course, we hear it performed by Billie Holiday. Also, Philip Milano is the author of "Why Do White People Smell Like Dogs When They Come Out of the Rain?" and founder of the controversial Web site, YForum.com. He tells Anne Strainchamps his goal is to increase understanding between the races. He thinks we have to have a full and open discussion of all the embarrassing, niggling questions the races have about each other before we can make real progress toward harmony.SEGMENT 3:
Alexandra Fuller was the child of white farmers in the former Rhodesia. Her memoir is called "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood." She tells Steve Paulson that she didn't understand racism as a child, but letter rejected the values of her parents who despised all Black Africans.Cassette copies are available at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 02-03-03-A.
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