Jindal: Racism persists because minorities cling to their heritage

Louisiana Gov. Bobbie Jindal (R) has blamed minorities who refuse to give up their "separateness" for the continuation of racism in America.

In a Politico op-ed marking the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, Jindal noted that racism was "one of the more tragic features of the human condition."

"I do believe however, that while racism still rears its ugly head from time to time, America has made significant progress in the half century since Dr. King’s incredible speech," he wrote. "But not all the news is good. In another respect, we have taken some steps backward."

Jindal accused minorities of placing "far too much emphasis on our 'separateness,' our heritage, ethnic background, skin color, etc. We live in the age of hyphenated Americans: Asian-Americans, Italian-Americans, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Cuban-Americans, Indian-Americans, and Native Americans, to name just a few."

"Here’s an idea: How about just 'Americans?' That has a nice ring to it, if you ask me. Placing undue emphasis on our 'separateness' is a step backward. Bring back the melting pot," the governor opined.

But in an interview on Sunday, Jindal did not object as NBC host David Gregory praised Jindal for being "the first Indian-American governor."

"I want my children to have those same opportunities," Jindal replied. "This is the greatest country in the history of the world."

Watch this video from CBS' Face the Nation, broadcast Aug. 25, 2013.

(h/t: Think Progress)