Racism always ignites an avalanche of emotions from all directions, with people on both sides of the issue often going overboard in venting views on how best to move to a new day of inter-racial harmony, understanding, and cooperation.Most of us who lived through the darker side of segregation also had many experiences that clearly showed that there were always people, on both sides, who knew in their hearts that such a practice would never stand the test of time, and bravely found ways to keep the light of hope burning for a better day.These people, black and white, who refused to carry the excess baggage of bitterness and hatred toward one another, are seldom mentioned when this subject rears its head. It should not be swept under the carpet and there is nothing wrong with a healthy discussion on where we stand today, but too often it is a question of one group being automatically right, and the other automatically wrong. With that approach, any discussion, big or small, can quickly turn into a verbal tug of war over who can paint the bleakest picture of the dark past of racial injustice. It is as though over the years there has been no progress. Nothing could be further from the truth, even though we know there is still much work to be done. It sometimes seems as if racism did vanish from our society, some on both sides would be caught carrying excess baggage of resentment, bitterness and negative attitudes over a period of history no one can change.When will we as a people reach the brotherhood table where all can see each other as equal, regardless of skin colour, political or religious persuasion?The unstoppable march to a more diverse society here in Bermuda, where character and ability are the key components for success, is well underway.With our small population, it is illogical for any group, black or white, to huddle in separate corners discussing the faults of each other, and expect to emerge in a wonderful spirit of social harmony. If we keep thinking divisive thoughts, we will remain divided.Nothing we do today will change the evils of the past, but collectively we have the power to shake off the them and us syndrome, provided we are willing to dispose of that excess baggage that prevents us from having a clearer vision of a better future through cooperation and a desire for a healthy, peaceful society. It has been over 60 years since the Second World War ended and the world has undergone dramatic change as nations that once were enemies later became friends. Despite this new chapter, there are still pockets of those who prefer to prolong hate as seen in neo-Nazi groups that have tried to halt progress.Even in the United States, which has elected a black man as President, the nation is still confronted with hate groups that believe only white people should have rights. The nation itself rejects that repellent posture from people still locked in attitudes that contributed to their civil war that resulted in hundreds of thousands of lives lost.With an election somewhere down the road, if racism is allowed to be a key issue, it could turn out to be a distraction from pressing issues such as crime, unemployment, housing, health care and of course the economy. Most Bermudians are concerned about these every day challenges and what the leaders of the day intend to do to bring about effective change that would alter a direction many people are uncomfortable with. Our democracy provides for diverse views on issues of the day and that is healthy.We must never be afraid to express our feelings on various subjects, but we should be mindful that bitterness and anger are negatives that tend to divide rather than unite. That is easier said than done, but it is worth thinking about.