Comments on: Transcript: “RACIST LECTURE” of Sonia Sotomayor in 2001 at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 31 May 2009 03:39:01 +0000

I am more convinced than ever that there is clear bias in this woman. She is very articulate and well-read but seems to have forgotten that there was a hispanic on the high court in 1932. In an attempt to improve upon the wise old man saying, she brings a polarizing and clearly biased opinion to the table. The assumption is that no white male has ever had it as hard as she or any other Latina. People are responsible for their own success or failure. Being of a minority (Latina, Afro-American or any other…) has a set of challenges. It only makes you wise if you learn not simply live through it. I will not be convinced otherwise as I am on of those “wiser” minorities she discussed in her rambling message. Articulate but short on wisdom. (No offense…I just disagree. 1st Amendment, look it up.)

By: pippop120

pippop120 — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:51:39 +0000

Who? From the clues given in the venue, the occasion and her opening remarks, I think the audience was largely new lawyers (or possibly law students) who are Hispanic. I also expect they have a similar history to Sotomayor’s – they are starting off on a life that is very much different than their parents’. Likely their parents didn’t attend Harvard, Yale, or Princeton. I think people with that background often think of themselves as the “other” in a new culture and may want to choose which of two cultures to most identify with. I’m reminded of the story in Sheehy’s “Passages” about the lumberjack and Italian cooking.

Sotomayor’s advice, speaking as an elder to a new generation, was to not renounce their cultural heritage, and indeed it can be a strength. While recognizing that it was white men that reached the Brown decision, she supported the idea that a wide variety of life experiences (including living in two cultures) gives a person an advantage in understanding and probing the facts of cases before lawyers and judges. I expect that message was most appropriate for her audience, and I hope they found it inspiring and motivational – finding comfort in their identity, with assurance that they can have significant, meaningful lives as lawyers.

The main quibble I have with her speech is the use of the word “confused” relating to our image of ourselves. I think a better choice would have been “tension” or “paradox”.

Typos:
“nonminorites” should be “nonminorities”
“For all of us, how do change the facts” should likely be “For all of us, how to change the facts” or “For all of us, how do we change the fact”

By: THE CRAVE

THE CRAVE — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:33:25 +0000

we may all be products of our experience and DNA but the question is, will Sotomayor make a decision through the eyes of the Constitution’s original intent. All things point to no.

By: THE CRAVE

THE CRAVE — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:31:15 +0000

I would be interested to know who you thought it was most inspiring and motivational to in the audience?

By: Ken Germanson

Ken Germanson — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:58:37 +0000

A very thoughtful speech and one that puts into perspective what ALL judges bring to their decision-making. We are all products of our experiences and heritage; what is important is the ability to have “empathy” (yes, that’s THE word) for the views and experiences of others. Judge Sotomayor seems to show she strives for that in her own decision-making, as we would hope the white male judges do as well.

In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court makes rulings that affect ALL, including Hispanics, women, American Indian, Hmong, etc. We white males are now a distinct minority, you know.

By: pippop120

pippop120 — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:57:11 +0000

She has a very interesting perspective on her gender and heritage – that it requires her to be more self aware and introspective, always asking “who am I?” I envy the audience for being there in person for this inspiring and motivational speech.