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Perception is the progenitor of reality. In other words, how you see determines what you see. In America, more than anywhere else in the world, perception is the purview of the media. If what you see is night after night a parade of minority perpetrators, then you view minorities in general being perpetrators. If in the movies the hero is always the White person, with minorities either being “the bad guy” or playing a subservient supporting role, then you believe these are their proper roles. Most of this is ‘suggestion’ that becomes part of the subconscious.

What happens when the message changes? There is no question that Will Smith has done more to make Whites view Blacks in a more normal perspective. He is typically portrayed as an everyday guy who just happens to have a darker skin.

The Obamas have academic achievements from the best recognized institution. Nowhere is there mention that they are not just as intelligent as the best Whites in this academic arena. In fact this is “the elitism” the opposition tries to use against the President.

But the most important view is how Americans unanimously recognize accomplishment. The American measure is wealth and business success. The Conservatives embracing Herman Cain as a full member in the Capitalist club speaks worlds about perception.

American perception is in flux. The political polarization, the recession, and the wars have shaken the American self image. It seems race perception is also on a fault line.