What America Needs Right Now

OZY Family, 

If recent weeks have proved anything, it’s that America is at a crossroads. The violence at the Capitol, a fierce debate over who has the right to be heard on social media and a tense transfer of power have the country on edge. I firmly believe that the 2020s will be the new 1960s, and that they’ll be filled with tectonic social, political and economic shifts. But first, we’re going to have to learn how to talk with one another again.

That’s why I’m so excited about “Real Talk, Real Change,” the special episodes of The Carlos Watson Show we’re producing in partnership with Chevrolet. The first one focuses on the American Dream. Listen to former Gov. John Kasich talk about rural Ohio and Trump supporters “who feel like they play by the rules, they’ve worked hard, and they’re getting nowhere.” Were some of those folks driven by their feelings of disenfranchisement to attack the Capitol? 

Who is truly to blame when racist attacks take place? Former NBA star Jalen Rose says that “white silence is violence,” meaning white Americans need to be active allies to stamp out systemic racism. 

I wonder about the voices of forgotten communities when I hear fearless comedian Aida Rodriguez speaking hard truths: “I cannot afford to shuck and jive right now.” And I’m hopeful when reflecting on Bill Gates’ take on how “there’s room [for the government] to have more equity and still [have] the magic of our competitive economy.” This makes me wonder what a new brand of capitalism could look like.

We are only just scratching the surface with these tough questions. In the coming months, we will be examining health, education and what it means to be an ally. I want to know what tough questions you’re asking, and where you want us to turn for answers. Please write and share your thoughts with me.