Although these OU fraternity students are responsible for their individual racist behavior, this type of behavior didn't start with our children.

America, we have a problem. The latest publicized incident reflecting blatant racism happened on a tour bus filled with fraternity brothers from the University of Oklahoma. The University's president, David  L,Boren, handled matters swiftly and appropriately.  He is to be commended. However, some argue that innocent nonparticipants are being unfairly punished. But as the slogan goes, "If you see something, say something." Nobody did, and because those "bystanders" said nothing, there was tacit agreement and they stand accused. Nobody said, "Stop this madness" and those appearing in the video seemed comfortable with the racist chants.

President David L.Boren agreed that, while deplorable, this type of behavior is not an isolated incident. It has happened in past eras and even today such tacit participation in racist behavior continues. It was acceptable during slavery and it happened again during the Holocaust as an entire world looked on. Before discrimination of any kind becomes blatant, somebody sees something but says nothing. Before such behavior became deplorable, somebody saw something but said nothing.

Racism is an ugly word and an ugly wound that affects an entire society. In reality, racist behavior has never disappeared. It exists and is perpetuated within established institutions or it has simply gone underground. And while we put band-aids on psychological injuries or lock the problems behind bars, we continue to maintain institutionalized racism in a society that promotes and supports "separate but equal" as well as "integrated but unequal." It's a miracle so many young people survive and grow into adulthood. It's a miracle most young people remain positive enough to stay out of jail, find jobs, and fall in love.

Despite blatant and subtle acts of racism and degradation, most of us manage to stay focused in order to survive and even thrive. What our young people have today is resilience despite all else, but even resilience can wear thin.  Even the best products have an expiration date and even the best protective gear can fail.

It's time we faced the real problem of racism in our society, and although these OU fraternity students are responsible for their individual levels of participation, this type of behavior didn't start with our children.