"The cultural perspective is what is important here. Humans are tribal animals. Having a 'different' culture is usually viewed as insulting/infuriating/dangerous by the majority culture … Wright's intemperate words are especially powerful because he is Black and describes himself as preaching from a perspective of Black Liberation Theology. This sets up a powerful hierarchical situation. White culture tends to resolve perceived conflicts by forcing the other tribe to lose. I think this is underscored by the complete lack of attention paid to similarly disturbing quotes from Sen. John McCain's self-described spiritual advisers, Revs. Hagee and Parsley (do a web search on their names, but be prepared for some really troubling comments). Because they are white men, they're not perceived to be from 'other' cultures and therefore are not perceived as a threat."

Here are DiversityInc readers' thoughts, unedited:

"The furor over Rev Wright says we have a lot of emotion and a long way to go to have a society where we interact with people based on the 'content of their character' and not the color of their skin. I believe we need a concerted effort by people of integrity to set racial understanding as a goal and to start discussions around the country with those who are willing and courageous enough to engage honestly in them. This is an issue that virtually every country on earth is burdened with and if we, in America, can make strides in this area, we could be a beacon of hope, peace and tolerance for the rest of the world. It only takes determination, courage and truth. Here's to hoping that America's better angels can prevail. 

--Carole Tyson

"It's not often that I think someone has hit the nail on the head but your comments regarding the win/lose mentality that impacts all ethnicities within the American culture is dead on! In order for someone who doesn't readily have access to the media to have a voice you must speak in the accepted 'norm' or those who have the medium will consider you a threat!" 

 --K. Grey

"One of the basic diversity principles is the notion of dominant and subordinate group membership. The reality is that dominant group members, in this case on race we mean White people, are generally unaware of what it's like to be Black. For most Black people and for White people, who have taken the time to improve their understanding, would not be so surprised or offended by Rev Wright. While his views and ways of expressing them might be disagreeable the underlying experience leading to this perspective would be understood and frankly supported. [Sen. Barack] Obama's speech on race and the exposure of these issues in this election should help our timid society finally engage in the dialogue we need on race. I certainly hope so." 

 --Hayward Bell

"I live in Chicago and am an African American Christian. Rev. Wright does not represent me and I am deeply offended to anger at the suggestion that either he or his belief's represent me or my perspective on anything. When I go to church, I am going primarily to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how I can live a better Christian life. While I do recognize the historical and much needed role of the African American church on social and political affairs, Rev. Wright's perspective and delivery are antagonistic and damaging. They offend black, white and people of decency and common sense alike! He has done possibly irreparable damage to someone who he once saw as a spiritual son and has proven to be the single biggest 'road block' in Sen. Obama's quest for the White House. I refuse to give Rev. Wright's behavior and yes, his antics the credibility of a description of the cultural divide. Personally, I consider his actions disgusting from the perspective of the damage he has done to someone whom he once claimed to love. "

--Elverage Allen

"What it says about America is that we have freedom of speech and of religion. Reverend Wright spoke from his pulpit. It was recorded and exploited. In speaking from his pulpit he represented himself to his parishioners that Sunday morning. He did not speak for them; he preached his belief to them. The media turned this into a campaign issue. Reverend Wright felt he needed to defend himself and 'his' beliefs. This is America he can have his beliefs. I am quite sure in doing so he did not represent many of his parishioners. Senator Obama told us Rev. Wright did not represent him in that speech … He does not represent all black people. He does not upset all white people. This should not divide us. He is an American with an opinion … Let's keep race out of it. If we could do that it would not be an issue. Or should we put a camera in every pulpit in the country. Somebody's got to be saying something we can spin into news. We must stay above the mud slinging the media likes to perpetuate. DiversityInc should be part of the solution, not part of the problem." 

 --Lilly Buckwalter

"Until America comes to grips with its past and the reality of the present, it is doomed to live in a state of outrage every time a Rev. Wright speaks."

 --Alfred Joseph

"The only way the gap can be bridged would be for the media to stop using the race card to manipulate world events. Rev. Wrights' sermons were from some time ago and have been retrieved and displayed at a time such as this to weaken Senator Obama's presidential endeavors, and increase ratings and media sales. It is not s[o] much about Rev. Wright's behavior as it is about discrediting Senator Obama. I will also add that although much of what Rev. Wight speaks of is true, the forum (church) and the timing of the release of the sermons are unsuitable and have damaged race relations, the political system, and the body of Christ." 

 --Sandra Cunningham

"What White America does not seem to realize is Black Americans live in two different worlds every day of our lives, White America and Black America. It isn't noticed by White America until something like the Rev. Wright fiasco is blasted across the media airwaves nonstop, then they are forced to pay attention … The majority of White Americans don't have a clue as to how Black Americans live or what we do once we leave our jobs in White America every day. Believe me we are different. Black Americans know much more about White Americans than they know about us. We are forced to know about American history, which is mostly about White Americans. We are forced to live by rules/laws that work better for White Americans than they do for Black Americans."

 --Sharon McDonald