There's that moment at a crazy party when things threaten to get really out of control. Somebody knocks over the stereo, or gets too drunk and starts a fight, maybe drugs of a dubious origin enter the scene. Everyone theoretically wants the spark of danger — knowing that a topple into complete chaos might be imminent — but it's not always really as cool as it sounds. It can just be awful, as in the case of the Project X-inspired "spring break rave" in a Houston mansion that resulted in a fatal shooting as cops tried to break it up. (The gunman was not a cop, but a partygoer who shot somebody in the back of the head and then fired into the crowd before escaping on foot.) Whether this will end, or just encourage, the supposed trend of teens throwing Project X-themed parties in abandoned and foreclosed houses remains to be seen. Unlike warehouse events or punk house shows, the purpose of a Project X party isn't music or collectivism. It's pure nihilism and indulgence. Which is not to knock nihilism, indulgence, or teenagers. It's just to say that none of those things are as glamorous as they tend to be portrayed in movies or magazines. Parties that look like the craziest, most raucous shit of all time in pictures are often very boring in real life. (This kind of goes for people, too.) That's the dirty secret of party photography. What looks like the most fun ever in a photograph might actually be "fun," the forced appearance of pretending to enjoy something you know you are supposed to enjoy.

Our “Postracial All Stars” are politicians, personalities, artists, athletes, etc. who are best at helping us deal with where we are on race relations today. They keep it real, when others can’t. A Barack, a Jon Stewart/Daily Show, a Chris Rock, a South Park, a Lorne Michaels, a Modern Family, a Louis CK (mentioned below), as past and current examples, don’t ignore the “race” elephant in the room. Nor are they cornered by it. They show us old racial profiles in new contexts (i.e. rappers using the n-word, who are young white females). Or a new wrinkle in the current conversation (NBA millionaires premised as "plantation workers"). They are actively engaging, often embracing the nuanced scenarios of today. And making it fun for us to keep tabs along with them.

See, now you get it! This week in order to kick off 2012 proper we’re honoring some of the new blood: herewith, a lineup of Postracial All Stars from 2011.