I was reading another thread where Slavery was mentioned. I struggled, but found myself unable to continue.

I found myself wondering how many other whites have this problem?

Austrians and Germans have a similar "problem" in discussions when it comes to "our" Nazi-past, yet I don't have a problem at all discussing, and if necessary derailing the discussion a bit to address the issue.

Mistakes were made in our history. Slavery was one just like the whole Nazi-movement was one. I believe that both have had too big of an impact on how the world is today to just sweep them aside, eventhough it might seem the "comfortable" thing to do. How should you we learn from our mistakes if we do not fully understand them?

If the comparison is completely off point it shouldn't be too hard sweeping it aside with a counter-argument. If it is relevant to the point, then I'll gladly elaborate the point brought up, and I think that's the right thing to do.

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If the issue was discussed in a "learn from our mistakes" way then you would be obviously correct.

However IMO the topic is always raised in a "let's use this club to beat you with" mindset.

If both sides can converse honestly and admit to fault on both sides for the perpetuation of racism, then it should not be a difficult issue to discuss. In fact, the more dialogue between races, the better. Misunderstanding and suspicion seem to be the result of avoiding the issue. I am often "accused" of being "brutally honest". I can not see any brutality in honesty unless it is coupled with judgement that is not open to the possibility and ability to accept that I can be wrong. If one is never wrong, how can one continue to learn and expand? The views I present as a white person perciving the issue of racism is allowing myself to be put on a chopping block desperately wanting to be wrong about how I believe blacks see whites. If one black person can see just one white person who is willing to really talk TO, and not AT one another, then there are now two less people in the world who harbor erroneous perceptions. If that can be achieved, I don't care what name I am called.

It's probably better to read or listen to what the other person is saying about slavery (in this case), think about it coming from their point of view, and then continue with the discussion while making your point about why you believe that point of view to be wrong without dismissing it.

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I could imagine that white people would feel uncomfortable about slavery, especially since their ancestors are usually portrayed as the villian. I think at the same time "some" white people get very offended when blacks seem ungrateful. Particularly in the case of reverend Wright and Al Sharpton, they get offended when a black person even suggests that things haven't gotten much better.

I find Al Sharpton entertaining, not maddening. What is maddening is that I never hear any blacks stand up and tell him to shut up, because I think he is hurting their cause more than helping it. I don't think anyone will ever accuse him or Jesse Jackson of being fair minded "brainiacs".

That a mighty big if you got there...

The problem is how often, either because you are reading something or listening to a televised debate or speech or because the person you are talking to is not willing to have a real discussion, the oppertunity you want is not a viable option.

It's not difficult for me to listen even after slavery is brought up in a debate/conversation.
To me it's a valid part of history.
I also happen to believe that what happened then influences what happens now.
Thus, if millions of Africans immigrated here in some other fashion than slave ships, perhaps it would 't have taken as long to get basic equal rights.

So I believe there is a connection there and one that needs to be discussed.

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"If you can't do something smart, do something right."