Mayor Nutter calls for race relations inquiry following widely criticized article

If dialogue was the purpose of this month’s controversial Philadelphia Magazine article, than mission accomplished. It sure did get people talking. Now, Mayor Nutter has requested an inquiry into the state of “race relations” in Philadelphia.

Straight from the Department of Pot Stirrers, the story, Being White in Philly, was widely criticized for its bigoted characterizations and perpetuation of negative stereotypes. The article purported to speak for an entire shade of residents while decrying an entire culture.

Just to make sure there’s not turmoil bubbling under the surface, the mayor requested an inquiry into the topic.

In a letter sent to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, Mayor Nutter asked that we use the opportunity that this article gives us to “conduct a more comprehensive, fact-intensive evaluation of racial issues and attitudes,” not just in Philly, but nationally as well.

Rue Landau, the executive director at PCHR said in a press release that she shares the mayor’s concerns regarding the “racial insensitivity” portrayed in the piece. PCHR has agreed to take up the mayor’s charge and in order “to address the purported state of intergroup relations” voted to host their next public meeting out in the community.

What better place than an area that has just recently transitioned back into a budding commercial corridor – the neighborhoods of Fairmount and Brewerytown.

The meeting will be held from 6 – 8 p.m., on Thurs., April 18. The exact location is still to be determined. Members of the community are encouraged to attend and share their personal experiences, perspectives and recommendations for change.

Just like my mother would say, “let’s all be on our best behavior.”

We wouln’t want to allow Philly Mag to think they were right, now would we?