A Theory’s Basis

With reference to Patrick Goldstein’s article, “Public Enemy and a Psychiatrist’s Theory of Race” (April 29):

One must understand the stratification of American society as well as its music to appreciate the rationale for the inclusion of a booklet of Dr. Frances L. Cress Welsing’s controversial theories in Public Enemy’s latest album, “Fear of a Black Planet.”

Rap music has evolved into a sophisticated form of political expression that for the first time has given a voice to America’s permanent underclass. This form of communication and dissent can be understood the world over, regardless of education.

Dr. Welsing made reference to a cover story in Time magazine about the changing racial composition of America. There clearly had to be reasons for that story to be published in the first place. Also, a Los Angeles Times Magazine article (April 29) quotes a figure in the Young Americans for Freedom as saying, “This country will be a third-rate power if more women don’t get married and have kids.”

One does not have to be a psychoanalyst to read between the lines and appreciate the real meaning of such a statement. Is it the fear that minorities will not be able to adequately manage the political system and its infrastructure once they become the majority race? Or is it, as Dr. Welsing suggests, that racism is a response to white fears of genetic annihilation, thus the push for a higher white birth rate?

Controversial theories are nothing new: Dr. William Shockley calls blacks intellectually inferior and Japan’s prime minister says the United States is diminished by its large minorities.

In the face of such seething consciousness, one can understand not only Public Enemy, Dr. Welsing and a host of other theorists but the rising tide of blatant, unhealthy social behavior that challenges us all.

Being offended by a rap album or a psychoanalytic theory is one thing, but paying attention to and recognizing the foundations upon which these expressions are based is the real issue at hand.

DR. ROLAND S. JEFFERSON

Psychiatrist

Los Angeles