Wow, the last time I heard that statement it was 1969 in a small town in Illinois. The word used was the N word and it was accompanied by a definite sneer and a wink.
I hope you didn't spew your coffee all over your screen, when you read the caption, this was part of a comment I received on a watermelon pic that I posted. It prompted me to reflect and post this rambling - opinion piece.
It was the same week they had a race riot in the nearby city, people were shot and killed, houses burnt and the city mandated a 9pm curfew.
It was the same week I learned at the office never to refer to a black woman as a black woman. The proper term I was told is - the woman in the red dress, or blue dress .......
That weekend me and a co-worker went to the fair together. We returned to the city on the last bus to find a curfew in effect. All other buses had stopped running, leaving me stranded, because not too many taxi drivers wanted to operate under these conditions and I lived too far out of town anyway.
The black girl (there, I said it) called her boyfriend to pick us up. He was clearly unhappy to see us both at the bus station together. He refused to give me a ride, deeming it too dangerous, as he told us about the killing and shooting and burning in the city. He admonished her for hanging out with me in the first place; giving me sideways glances that let me know he wished I'd disappear from the face of the earth. Then again, perhaps it was just the flickering in his eyes, a reflection of the fires he had witnessed only minutes ago.
She convinced him to wait, while I called my MIL, who had been worried about me, following the reports of riots and violence and shootings on TV. So at around 12:30 that night, a cab dropped me off at a relative I had never met before, who lived in the city and had agreed to take me in for the night. She came out on the porch and quickly ushered me into the house clicking and clucking over the foolishness of youth.
My husband called from Vietnam and his comment was, " I thought I was supposed to be the one dodging the bullets. "
Still in 1969-70, back at the office one day, we watched in fascination as the walls of the glass cage rattled from the loud exchange that took place in the manager's office. Two Black Panthers had come to protest the proposed firing of a black employee. The two young men looked like title contenders in a boxing match, for a moment we all thought they would launch at the manager across his desk.
That was the first I heard of the Black Panthers.
Fast forward to about 1975-1976. We lived in Texas. I was not having any luck finding a reliable baby sitter. A co-worker who had just bought a house down the street told me her Mom was moving in with them. Since she was already taking care of her own son, roughly the same age as mine, this would be a perfect opportunity for her Mom to make a bit of extra money.
The next day she told me with a sheepish expression on her face that her Mom had given her an emphatic, "NO". She could tell I was really disappointed and I told her I didn't understand why, that my son was a good kid and wouldn't be much trouble. In the end she confided that her Mom who was a retired school teacher had refused on the grounds that my kid was white. She had experienced enough in her lifetime, she was tired of dealing with whites. She came from somewhere in Georgia and was simply over 'serving' the whites, remembering the overwhelming prejudice she had suffered all her life.
It stung, because no proclaiming but I'm not like that, I don't even understand all this black and white crap would change her mind. I tried to impress upon her that I grew up in Europe. I told her that while I hear you talking about separate water fountains, bus seating and even bathrooms for black and white, I don't comprehend it.
For her Mom it was still reality, because she lived it for so many years and I suppose in retrospect, that bus seating must have been the least of her bitter encounters. Even through her daughters voice, I could hear her relief of leaving 'servitude' behind her and her pride and joy of having a daughter who did well and a son-in-law who was in the Air Force. Never one to give up easily, I walked over to the house to plead with her Mom, but I only succeeded in making her uncomfortable. I realized her decision had nothing to do with me personally. It was an understandable reaction to the circumstances she had been forced to live under.
We have come a very long way in this country since then. I understand why Oprah doesn't want the N word used and I think I understand why the kids today practically embrace the word in some of today's music. For them, it's just a word, they haven't lived the implication behind it. I think they believe they can change the meaning of the word by using it in a different context and have succeeded to a degree. I tend to agree with Oprah, the meaning should not be changed or watered down.
2008 - Obama is a serious contender for president, but I've recently heard someone say, that if Obama became president it would be a disaster for the white people, indicating that she was afraid of 'payback' or was it 'equality'?
- I find it ironic that Obama is touted as the first 'Black' running for president, conveniently ignoring the fact that he is half white. On the other hand, maybe I'm missing the point and it is actually a triumph and a big step forward for a man in politics in America; to allow the media to expound on his black heritage over his white heritage.
- I am worried that he will be shot by some nut job and I am concerned about who he chooses as his vice president who would then become our president.
- I'm looking forward to a nation that will in another generation or two be mixed enough to the point where black and white have lost their meaning.
So fellow gatherites - these were my ramblings for today - feel free to join in with your comments, but please remember to be civil.
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Comments: 89
I know that is not the point of your article. At my age, 58, I have seen the inequities to which you refer. I remember the "white only" signs. I remember the "colored only" signs over some of the water fountains. I remember the very first time I ever ate in a restaurant in which a black person was eating...being served is more accurate. I was 14 years old. I graduated from high school in 1968... we had not had a black student in our public school. This was in Memphis, Tennessee and 1968 is the year that Martin Luther King was murdered in Memphis. I remember the curfew...enforced by the National Guard.
I hope we are putting this behind us. The scars are deep and the memories are vivid but as the new generation assumes its place..those scars and memories will fade.
The candidacy of Barack Obama is monumental in scope. Few of realize the historical significance of his candidacy and the same goes for the primary....A woman and a black man in a run off for the nomination of the Democrats to run for the presidency? Astounding.
Thanks for your essay. I needed to hear a reasonable voice today.
the last big racial slur I felt was at work in about 1989 when a fellow employee ( one up the ladder I might add) at the hospital where I worked Comes running down to the ER and says " I don't want to scare you since your here alone and all, but that accident thats coming in. Well this place is going to be full of black people they are colored "
After I pulled my chin off the florr all I could say was "So!"
Not even a year later that same person saw me in town with my inter-racial cousin, and never spoke to me again
I actually thought about this the other evening, when I saw his commercial. I realized that he is no more black than my boys are, and it is very rare for anyone to refer to them as black or white...they are just boys of the world.
Anyway, I have only spent a little more than a decade pondering about this black/white thing, but I sure have seen my part. I really think a lot of it comes down to xenophobia, as the "black" and the "white" world are so separate in many parts of the U.S.
I have a distinct memory of high school in Florida being extremely segregated, when I attended in the mid 90s. The neighborhood I lived in was mostly black, and when I became best friends with the girl next door, she was looked upon with frowns.
College (00-04) was a little better in regards to the segregation, but still there was a big wall in between the black and the white student and only rarely did students climb the wall.
I'm currently the only blond person on my street (I had to think about how to define myself for a second), but it is hardly anything I think about. In the beginning, I felt a few looks, but I think that after a year we have all become neutralized:)
My son went to a very mixed pre k, where the kids and the teachers were all colors and spoke many different languages. I hope this is the future, that it is just a matter of being different, but that everyone is still accepted for who they are.
It had never occured to me that not all children received the same education. Then I learned about the system of taxation for schools and that poorer areas simply didn't have a great school with lots of programs and extras offered for the kids.
JR - it never ceases to amaze me that there still is so much separation. I got an earful when I was in Europe about the latest outrage of how the government dealt with the poor and the blacks in Louisiana during Katrina. All the world saw those pictures.
Overall though there has been plenty of improvement. I remember friends of ours in the military, around 1970-71, who could not go live in their small hometown, they had to move to Chicago, so they could live in peace, without harrassment.
At least those days are over.
On a broader scope, the people of this world have always carried the mantel of class. One lording over another for whatever reason seems playable at the time.
Perhaps being human we can't live in harmony with all other humans because we can't function without having another human to belittle or rule over.
Anyway...Rose, this is a honest recall of our land in turmoil, but I'm afraid the period of discrimination isn't over.
Robin - thank you, my thoughts exactly.
Rodney - maybe one day - peace:)
Chris - Haven't seen any purple around here, but I understand where you are coming from. That separateness has to go.
Katherine - thank you for your comment, I suppose we still have a long road ahead of us.
Connie - thanks for chiming in:)
rose, thank you so much for your continuing support, encouragement, prayers, and comments on my articles, images, and videos....you are a invaluable friend and i am lucky to have you...have a beautiful day!
I heard a Caucasion WSJ writer and journalist, Douglas Blackmon, interviewed on Bill Moyers last week - he wrote a book called SLAVERY BY ANOTHER NAME, on how blacks were enslaved by whites for many decades after emancipation - put into jail and workcamps on trumped-up charges that basically continued the economic benefits of slavery that business owners in the South were so angry about having been taken from them. Here's a link to the story:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/06202008/profile2.html
This is the hidden shame of America. Some people get very angry about how blacks have not "done better" after being freed from slavery, why there are such high crime & poverty rates among blacks. When you know the real story and put yourself in that place, it's akin to being down in a hole, and someone hands you a rope that's too short....and when you keep grabbing at it, they keep pulling it away. People who think blacks are on a level playing field with whites then or now are delusional. It has nothing to do with ability or aptitude or most times even desire. When someone keeps tugging the rope away, it's much harder to even get to level ground, never mind much higher than that.
"""There is such a phenomenon called "white privilege." Too many whites sit back and claim that they were victimized by this person or that person and then cry foul. The system is set up in your favor. There is nothing to complain about.""""
I think the gay community should quit their endless cries of grievances then when they really should be feeling sorry for Black people huh Joe?
Thank you for what you described as your
"ramblings for today".
It's always good to share and express yourself.
My experiences, observations and concerns are and were as I related them, but I had the distinct feeling that you did not like how I perceived it. That is okay.
It was the white experience of a European in America.
How would I know without contact with anyone black in America? How would I know when all I get - even in an environment where all you have to do is hide behind your keyboard in cyberspace - is a comment like "it's always good to share and express yourself".
That is the separation I experience and speak of. Sue above was speaking about the colorblindness of her kids and their kids. I see that too and that is where my hope lies.
How about giving me the courtesy of an open dialogue?
When I leave to go to Europe in August don't you think that people will discuss politics with me? Asking me about the elections in America? It's an important event in history and it is watched by the world. They will ask me, because I live here.
I can assure you they don't know either what it means to be black in America.
So, I invite you Lady Neetah, to go ahead and say what's on your "collective" mind, because like you said it is always good to share and express yourself.
I promise you that I am genuinely interested in what you have to say, but I do not care for innuendos such as you left in your post. To the contrary I would prefer your input, because an exchange of opinion and experience is always a good thing.
As far as the Europeans, they don't use colour the way Americans do. I communicate with some of them; this is moreso an American phenomena, not a European one, and for someone who claims to be so cosmopolitan, you should know this.
They abhor the racism they see in this country, but oh, I forgot: they don't say that to White Americans -- this conversation is one that is held privately with US (yep, there's that word again -- US.
You mention the election and Barack Obama. Tell me one time, just one time that HE initiated the conversation on RACE and/or COLOUR on his own
or
Has it been always brought to him through circumstances and situations that he has had to address, and then has he brought it up.
Barack Obama has tried to make his candidacy about issues facing all Americans and NOT about his race and/or colour.
I want no dialogue with you, because your ears are closed, and it seems to me they have been closed for decades.
The "WE" I speak of are those who have listened to "your" stories for decades, and heard this same ole chatter for decades -- it's nothing new -- and we have grown weary of your thinking that it is new.
I appreciate your coming out and expressing yourself; it is good for the spirit and good for the soul, but DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CALL ME TO BOOK FOR YOUR SHORTCOMINGS.
YOU invited people to comment; I merely accepted your invitation and I made a comment. If you did not want honest comments, you should have qualified your statement to say so in the first place.
Again, thank you for the post.
It isn't what I expected at all, since I was looking for dialogue and I am sorry to hear you do not want dialogue with me. That is your prerogative. Considering that you have already made up your mind about me and who I am, that is okay.
I prefer that you came out and said what you felt needed to be said, instead of the comment you made at first. Now I know what you meant and in my opinion you missed the point of my article altogether.
The N word was a recount of what happened - no more - no less, it's history, it was not meant to offend. To me there is a world of difference between what was and what is.
My apologies. I will change it to the N word.
Thanks for commenting!
If you don't understand what white privilege is - you need to grow as a human being. To live in this society and not get it is to be blind to reality. Reality is a nice place to be. I recommend that you consider your lot in life and realize that others don't have the same rights that you do.
To me this is an excellent piece and worthy of intelligent discussion.
Intelligent discussion was exactly what I had in mind:)
Ellie - thank you - points well made, and yes it would be lovely.
Samantha - thank you, it's nice to be considered a friend:)
Sue - thanks, that is exactly what I see, the colorblindness of our kids and grandkids. That is where our hope for the future lies.
Jeff H., Jun 26, 2008, 5:07pm EDT"
Jeff - true, hidden in dialogue and recognition, but certainly not hidden in practice.
I followed Sandy who followed Sheryl although I did see Sheryl commenting here as well.
Rose, I think you did a good job explaining your experiences. I only think it's offensive to those who didn't read it objectively. Some people see "N word" (not even the full word!) and assume prejudices. You do not hate black people. You do not call for white supremacy. You merely conveyed some circumstances which confused and enlightened you.
I particularly enjoyed your bullet points - as they are all things I have considered as well.
Thank you for this article.
Sandy - thank you for dropping by, you are spot on - I wrote about the history we lived.
I do believe and it is echoed in the many comments here, that they are not just my own concerns and I am glad to hear you have considered them as well.
I did develop a good relationship with the younger officer who was eventually promoted to sgt. and discovered that he went to military boot camp at Paris Island for Marine training in the 60s and they were segregated . . . and freely used the "N" word . . . not that basic training for the Marines is a cup of tea anyway. So he had seen some real racism. Later, that same officer found himself at gunpoint by criminals . . . it was looking bad for him, but he survived uninjured after losing his badge, wallet, etc. to them. He resigned and I haven't seen him since.
I've seen the dark and ugly side of racism. Close-up and personal. But what I absolutely adore about Obama is the grasp he has on this pivotal and complex issue meshes so very well with my own. We were born the same year. He recognizes the problems remaining AND the progress made. BUT . . . he also knows that the average white person does NOT feel the benefits of any assumed priviledge. Skin color simply doesn't help the average white guy who, like the black, red, brown or yellow guy DOES have the same dreams and aspirations . . . DOES want his kids to succeed and/or go to college . . . own homes and be happy. It's not about skin color . . . it's about common goals. "I'm looking forward to a nation that will in another generation or two be mixed enough to the point where black and white have lost their meaning." What could better bring to fruition the words of Rev. M.L. King? Excellent article.
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Regarding this: I think the reason Obama is considered black is mostly because that's the heritage and cultural background he himself chose to embrace. I have been under the impression that he truly feels both but, because he looks black, others want to make him choose. It's very possible I projected, because of personal experience.
I have a mixed race daughter, and one of her mixed race friends lived with us for a while. To me, they were my kids. I didn't see color or difference - I just saw them. I was always surprised when someone asked if she spoke English, and it took a second or two for me to understand why. One day the friend explained to me that he felt white, because he had been raised by two white mothers and a white grandmother, but he knew he looked black, and he couldn't decide if he really felt both or neither. Until then, it had never occurred to me that my daughter might have similar conflict. She said no, "I just feel like me."
I want to believe Barack Obama "just feels like me" and he can make all of us feel the same.
There is lots more swirling through my mind, as I lived through the time of the assassinations and riots and turmoil, but I don't want my comment to turn into an essay of its own.
People were speaking about Obama also being half white but that that is never mentioned. I saw a t-shirt on a pro-Obama website that read, "Half Honky, All Donkey." I prefer to think of him as just "All Donkey."
Actually, I believe (admittedly absent a source, but I think it's in his book: Dreams of my Father) that he chooses to call himself black. I have bi-racial nephews, neices and grandchildren, a black brother-in-law and an old school father who "had good friends who were black" but, while "not prejudiced" did not believe in inter-racial relationships until about a decade ago . . . funny how having bi-racial grandchildren makes some people realize the awful stupidity of their learned, ingrained notions which while retained were never reviewed or considered in any analytical form at all . . . just permitted to remain free from introspection.
I'm also somewhat troubled that some of my colleagues have begun discussions not normally heard in the "white" world . . . discussing whether Obama is too black or not black enough. On the flip side, the white colleagues prefer the term bi-racial, not black. It makes me all the more certain that Barack is spot-on about the critical nature of race relations and the path forward. From the Washington Post:
"The discourse, occurring mostly among black people, has been dominated by questions about Obama's being biracial, his immigrant father and his suitability as a presidential candidate, given that his life story doesn't parallel that of most blacks born in the United States. Some have implied that only a black candidate whose ancestors were slaves here or who have themselves experienced the trauma of this country's racial history can truly understand what it means to be black in America and represent the political interests of black Americans.
This is a narrow-minded and divisive notion. At a time when blacks living in this country, whether by birth or by choice, should be harnessing their collective political clout to empower all black people, we're wasting time debating which of us are truly black."
...It's time to move forward, recognize where we were and how far we've come, merge all the colors and divisiveness into one common goal . . . realizing the American dream . . . and as a "priviledged" white male . . . I trust Obama recognizes the situation and shares a common goal with me . . . despite any color differences.
Your daughter sounds wonderful. Some of my grandchildren haven't even heard the term "bi-racial". It's becoming more and more common . . . and it's welcome. :)
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
I had misunderstood Rose. Two things; first, she talked from a perspective that whites don't use; second, she was disassociated with American whites. She was speaking as a total outsider & feels no need to use politically correct language in fear of saying the wrong thing. I really believe she has no prejudice to hide.
There is a third thing I believe. He paragraph talking about the N word and Oprah wasn't laid out in a way that was easy to understand. She is actually agreeing with Oprah. (Unless I'm the one mistaken :) she is saying although kids today use the word N in a different way because they didn't live through the worst part of history, she understands, like Oprah said, the word should not lose it's past derogatory horror as that would water down history in the minds of these younger generations.
I'm just saying I think you and I both misunderstood her first time through. She is speaking, not even as a while person, but as a European tryng to live in the mess made by US whites.
Doyle, you make me realize the changes we have made. My daughter is her thirties (don't know how she got to be the same age as me). Her teachers and friends were surprised to meet me. It was still unusual, at least where we were, for a child's mother to not be the same color as the child. I doubt my grandchildren's friends even notice.
We are making some progress, but still have a long way to go. And I Doyle's belief that Obama will move us in that direction.
If you don't understand what white privilege is - you need to grow as a human being. To live in this society and not get it is to be blind to reality. Reality is a nice place to be. I recommend that you consider your lot in life and realize that others don't have the same rights that you do."""""
Joe I realise that Chicago is a very bigoted city and the armpit of America but please don't confuse your bubble with the rest of America. Like all cities run by democrats and the decades of failed social programs that enslave groups of people such as African Americans to government you are right. They don't have the same rights as red state America.
If Senator Obama wants to bring race and colour to the campaign, he'll do it.
Until then, everyone on this thread, and on Gather who does it (I've noticed), as well as the media, should do it in their own campaign and not his.
We (YES WE) have grown weary of this.
I understood your comments from the beginning, and your use of the N word, especially withOUT quotes around it, (using it, period) was arrogant and classless.
Now get some progressiven BLACK people to agree with you, and then there will be some meaning here. The CLIQUE of those who dislike me -- Sandy, Doyle, and Lainie (heh, heh, heh) what is the significance of THAT! White people telling me the same ole, same ole does NOT mean a thing.
Nice comment as well, Jeff.
(sorry about that)
and Rose, maybe as Glome has stated, you aren't who I thought you were. His has been the only reasonable voice here, because he seems to have come WITHOUT an agenda. That needs to be considered, and I shall on the strength of his comments.
Have a great Friday.
I'm chronically confused.
Look at history. We have always found someone to pick on. At one point we burned women for suspected "witchcraft". Will it ever change? I hope so but it still seems a long way off sometimes. At least in the sense of world-wide. Places like this website can help us to understand each other better.
I am a middle class white woman. I can never truly understand what it is like to walk in the shoes of another. I can, however have empathy and faith that we may all someday come together in peace.
I distinctly remember the instant I realized we are not all the same color. My father caught me saying the eenie, meenie, miny, moe rhyme with "caught a n-word by the toe". I was 4 or 5. Someone in the neigborhood taught it to me. I did not know what the word meant. My dad sternly told me that word was never to be used in our home and it was treated as a swear word would be coming out of a child's mouth - only worse. To me it was an unmentionable word. I was ashamed I had said it once I was told about it.
My best friend at the house we lived in before then was black and I didn't realize it until years later watching home movies of us roller skating together. We are taught to hate and discriminate. Children's insight isn't skewed like that of adults.
In my extended family I have 4 nieces and nephew that are bi-racial. We also have atheists and Protestant, Jewish and Buddist faiths. That's just between my siblings and kids.
Now, I think I'll go listen to The Youndbloods sing "Let's Get Together".
Neeetah, I hope you will read this article and the comments again. It looks very much like you are the person who came here with an agenda.
So: I don't agree with everything Rose says. I think the "I am worried that he will be shot by a nut job" section contradicts the one where she says Obama could just as easily project himself as a white guy. I grew up in Europe as well, and in addition, my first exposure to a "color scheme" is from Jamaica, which uses appearance over the one-drop-rule. It's still clear to me that to American eyes, Obama is black, and that's the only thing he can claim to be. But I think Rose is a fair-minded person, clearly an anti-racist, and Lady N. is projecting the things into this article that she saw elsewhere. Given the amount of anti-Obama invective out there, I can see that she's fed up, but I don't think she's entirely fair to Rose.
Vicky, I agree that there's lots of racism in Europe. I'm almost inclined to say that there's more than here, but of course I'm in the Bay Area, not in a majority white Southern town. But I don't think Rose claimed there was no racism in Europe. She specifically referred tosegregated water fountains, schools, etc.--the Jim Crow kind of racism that indeed didn't exist in Europe and is hard to fully understand for those of us who haven't seen it.
Bobbi do you have kids? Ever see what happens when the neighbor 2 year old wants to play with your two year old toy? Ever see the look on the face of a child when they see their mother playing with a new born baby? Children are taught to love pumpkin. Jealousy, prejudice, and fear of difference are all part of nature.
I see Nalita's point. You can get your point across with out using offensive language. I think Rose deserves credit for removing the word although the title itself seems to push it.
IF I choose to embrace the 1/16 (or whatever it is) Indian heritage I have over my obvious irish (yes I look like an irish girl) heritage, is that the one people have to recognize?
Maybe I was just taught the right things at home at an early age.
I completely understand that this article reflects actual memories from a European living in America and her opinions but what if she was talking about you? Your culture? If you are proud of who you are do you welcome pity? There are countless accounts of racism in America. I have seen it just like everybody else. I have seen blacks hating whites, Muslims hating Jews, short people hating tall people..... Yes I have seen whites that hate blacks. So what? Why is this a political issue?
One of the best speeches I ever heard was by Barrack Obama regarding this. Joe T. was a Hillary supporter and jumped ship when the jumping was good so he didn't get the memo that Barrack doesn't agree with him. He actually agrees with me. This speech in my opinion ranks up there with JFK and MLK. It is almost Reaganesque.
Check this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQkJNVsgKM
Look there are so many examples of why we should all be proud of this country but I read so many articles of why we should be ashamed. They always say "vote democrat" afterwards which is a tag I wouldn't want after the loathing spewed.
You can appreciate the ugly truths and feel guilty all you want. But was it not for America and the freedom to have compassionate people like you that CHANGED the trajectory of where we were to where we are? Isn't that great? I was born after the 1960's and I have seen personally that the biggest obstacles people face is themselves and their own universal truths. Why democrats continue to play to victims in this great country is amazing. I think Barrack Obama addressed what I am saying beautifully in the speech I posted a link to.
Duhh . . . I don't dislike her. She dislikes me.
I'm so far away from being proud of this country right now that I have to go back to "what can be" to find that feeling. I think we need to look at what we are proud of, what we are ashamed of, what we want/need to be, and work with all of it. We shouldn't leave out any part of that, no matter how uncomfortable it is to look at it.
What is your definition of victim? That might help too.
""" Jeff, do you mind pointing out exactly which comments you think are pandering to victim hood? I don't see it, and we probably have a much better chance of coming to an understanding if you tell me where you do, and I consider that comment from your perspective. """"
Every comment where a person went to lengths to point out that they remember hearing racist comments or have witnessed racism for one makes me cynical. but the biggest is this....
""" Jeff,
If you don't understand what white privilege is - you need to grow as a human being. To live in this society and not get it is to be blind to reality. Reality is a nice place to be. I recommend that you consider your lot in life and realize that others don't have the same rights that you do."""""
That to me is bigotry.
What is my definition of a victim? I can start with my Mom. She died of cancer when in 1980. How much free food and other "entitlements" was the last of her worries.
It's interesting that you bring up "entitlements" when we are discussing black people. The fact is that most "entitlements" go to white people.
Well . . . there it is then. White people are not permitted by you to witness racism. That's racist in itself. Whatever.
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Talking about the revelation of discriminatory behaviour isn't racist. It's talking about learning to understand that there are things wrong with people's thinking. Seeing racisms ugly face and learning the truth behind racism.
Sandy - thank you again for reading the article as it was intended and in effect answering a couple of comments with the words I wished I had.
Vicky - thanks for commenting. I have to agree that every country in Europe has it's own share of racial trouble or ethnic problems as well as clashes with Islamic believers. They are not free of racism and prejudice or bias.
Doyle - thank you for your comments, your points are well taken.
Ginny - thanks for commenting. It's true, you can hear the N word sung every day all over the country. It is a valid point and concern.
Chris and Amy - thank you for your comment - I appreciate it.
Glome - thank you for your comment. Having moved around a lot it is "normal" to have a certain detachment. I found I have the same detachment when I return to Europe for a visit.
It is my perspective on the world and I believe that we are all continuously influenced by what we see and experience.
Jeff - speaking of perspective - thank you for your comments.
Nippy - did you read my article and the subsequent comments at all? Yup, I spelled out the N word in the recital of a comment I heard in 1969 - the N word didn't exist back in 1969 - so how could I say they used the N word? That was the only change I made in the article, based on my interchange with Lady Neeetah. It may be politically correct, but it doesn't make sense to me.
When I discussed Oprah a little further on in my article - it was fast forward in history and now we are discussing the N word so that is what I used from the beginning - no changes made.
I don't know how I could make it any clearer.
To me they represent two completely different things - one is what was and the other is how it is in the present.
Bobbi and Aniko - thank you so much for your comments. I couldn't have said it better myself.
Shelley - my son is 1/16 Native American as well. You brought up an interesting point but Sandy already said what I had on my mind.
Necee - thanks my gather friend:)
Sharon - thank you, as always, your excellent points are short and sweet.
"""Talking about the revelation of discriminatory behaviour isn't racist. It's talking about learning to understand that there are things wrong with people's thinking. Seeing racisms ugly face and learning the truth behind racism.""""
Sharon,
I am talking about the fact that there are things wrong with YOUR thinking. It's a real shame that so many think like you and preach about how black people don't have much of a chance because of white people and our culture. Especially when there are countless success stories by incredible African Americans that proved all of you wrong. Instead YOUR feelings and the ideology of victimhood are far more important than true optimistic stories of success. If the Pandora's box is opened and African Americans all started to realise their endless potential in a generous America I guess you wouldn't have anybody to pity.
Hold up one moment, for I do have more to add, seeing that Jeff has returned. (I get Yahoo! notifications on his comments.)
First of all, even though some would paint him as a racist, he is NOT. I know him well, we've had our discussions, as well as our disagreements; we've agreed to disagree, but Jeff is not racist. He may be opinionated, but since when is having opinions racist?
Interesting, that whenever he speaks openly he is called a rascist. Were he a racist, I would be the first one to call him that.
Secondly, Doyle is a liar. Thaaaat's right. I shall prove it, too. I haven't had time yet, and I have someone who can back up what I am saying, just as soon as I provide the documentation. I have nothing against Doyle. I don't have the time or the energy to WASTE to put forth effort on it. But give me a little time, and I'll produce something for you. No one calls me a liar like that -- we shall soon see WHO is lying here.
We are human beings, definitely able to relate to Shylock's compassionate monologue, except we are not after a pound of flesh, just the same respect and dignity (not pity) as anyone else.
But, I had already decided not to speak to any of this and Jeff is doing quite an excellent job of it already . . .
That might/or might not explain why I did NOT understand your necessity, especially without quotes around it.
One final thing: I DO NOT BELIEVE MICHELLE OBAMA USED THE W WORD EITHER, and if she did, its use was taken totally out of context. It doesn't sound like her style, either.
I was a senior in high school when the Watts Riots occured and for the first time in my life I came face-to-face with the prejudices, racism and hatred that existed in our world.
I do believe things have improved; I see inter-racial dating to be an acceptable activity among our young citizens. Inter-racial marriages are more common and are not the horrible insult to our society that it was 45 years ago.
Maybe we're finally learning.
I don't care what color he is. He is extremely smart. He knows how to speak and he will surround himself with smart, experienced folks who will get us out of the trouble we are in.
My first choice was Hillary, but after seeing Obama and McCain debate I have no problem with the fact that Obama doesn't have any experience, which when it comes right down to it was my main concern.
He showed that he is smart and knowledgeable and appears to be the most focused man on the planet. I don't think he is the Messiah some make him out to be, but he can think out of the box and he fully understands the issues the country is facing.
I find him capable and willing to do whatever it takes and I can see that he wants to be the leader of the free world - not just our prez.
Joe Biden - well, he's experienced and will do fine as VP, but he is not my cup of tea. Doesn't matter, he is well suited for the job.
People like Biden are too elitist and too far removed from us middle class Americans to understand and act in our best interest. I do consider Obama an elitist as well, but he can still relate, so let's hope he doesn't forget that, if he should move into the White House.
As far as getting us out of the trouble we are in, I doubt it, since that would be a miracle indeed. But at this point, I believe that he will do his best and that is all one can ask.