Is America Too Obsessed With Race? Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates Live at NYC’s Village Underground, March 20

Some claim that America has become overly concerned with race, to a level of obsession, pointing to things like critical race theory and diversity, equity, inclusion programs, which they fear could ultimately prove detrimental to the nation’s more egalitarian aspirations. They argue that notions of race are often too broad to be useful, while the fixation on it divides those who might otherwise find common ground. Others counter that, amidst lingering racial inequalities in wealth, education, employment, housing, mobility, health, and rates of incarceration, a raised consciousness plays an important role in recognizing and correcting such imbalances. On Wednesday, March 20, Intelligence Squared U.S. returns to the Village Underground stage to debate the following question: “Is America Too Obsessed With Race?” Press are invited to attend.

Arguing “YES” is Kmele Foster, co-host of The Fifth Column podcast and the co-founder and executive producer of the media company Freethink. Foster was one of the signatories of the Harper's Letter on justice and open debate, alongside more than 150 people, including Salman Rushdie, J.K. Rowling, and Noam Chomsky. He is an outspoken libertarian critic of cancel culture, the Black Lives Matter movement, and political orthodoxy.

Arguing “NO” is Nsé Ufot, activist, community organizer, and the chief executive officer of the New Georgia Project, a voter support and legal action nonprofit organization founded by Stacey Abrams in 2013. In 2021, Ufot was named one of Time's 100 Next, a ranking of emerging leaders thought to define the next generation of leadership.

The “Is America Too Obsessed with Race?” debate will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:00 PM ET (5:30 PM doors) at The Comedy Cellar at The Village Underground (130 W 3rd St. btw 6th Avenue and MacDougal Street), then air soon after on the syndicated public radio show and podcast "Intelligence Squared U.S." Reason editor-at-large Nick Gillespie will serve as guest moderator. Media can email raypadgett@shorefire.com for access to the in-person event.

ABOUT INTELLIGENCE SQUARED U.S.
Intelligence Squared U.S. was founded to address a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. Through its award-winning live debates and associated programming, the nonprofit organization serves as a model for responsible media in a new age - fair, intelligent, nonpartisan - while restoring critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to public discourse. Recognized as "Best Podcast Event of 2022" by Adweek, Intelligence Squared U.S. reaches millions through multi-platform distribution, including public radio, podcasts, video live streaming, newsletters, interactive digital content, and on-demand apps. With over 220 debates and counting, plus additional podcast and video content, the organization has encouraged the public to "think twice" on a wide range of provocative topics for over a decade. Intelligence Squared U.S. was initiated by The Rosenkranz Foundation, which continues to provide major support.

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For more information on Intelligence Squared U.S., contact Ray Padgett (raypadgett@shorefire.com) or Mark Satlof (msatlof@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media.