To achieve even a consensus on the discussion requires an understanding of and respect for different points of view.

The National Issues Forum and the Kettering Foundation have authored an outline on how to tackle racial and ethnic tensions. The outline suggests three views on race:

• Adopt a color-blind approach to public policy. Many Republicans and Libertarians would embrace this option. It suggests that "we will all benefit if we stop seeing everything through the lens of race." Public policy should avoid racial preferences. Expressed in various ways -- ranging from Bill Cosby's admonitions to fellow blacks to politicians who assert the time is over for race-conscious legislation of any variety -- this is a sentiment polls show most Americans hold to some degree.

• Encourage ethnic groups to develop their own identity. This is a polite way of saying "black power" or "La Raza." "We must allow minority communities and schools to set their own course, even if it means accepting some self-segregation," the Issue Forum's manual states. Omali Yeshitela of the Uhuru movement in St. Petersburg, FL, for example, argues that blacks need to protect their property and freedoms from white society, and that integration is tantamount to "treason."

• Complete the work of integration. Aggressively attack the disparities of race. Live, work and learn together. This is the liberal alternative. It still remains the battle flag of the Civil Rights Movement, and it's main argument is the vast financial and social disparities between minorities and the white majority in America.

Want to talk race? Would you take one of the positions outlined above? Or do you have a view entirely your own? Comment on John Sugg's blog at www.johnsugg.com.