| Topic Name: |
BRAIDS: do you wear them to work? |
| Message Name: |
Thank you |
| Date Posted: |
07/26/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
The last two sentences of 'bit of history's post are right on the mark! I am a black man who demands no apologies and plenty of white friends. To me the world breaks down to cool people and assholes--of all hues.
The poster's statement, "because we are dealing with entreached racial stereotypes and attitudes. These don't just go away," is the source of the problems we face today. The biggest problem with being black in america is PERCEPTION. It is sooooo hard to overcome being perceived as a criminal, dumb, lazy and all the other bullshit stereotypes; (i.e. a previous posters statement about the guy on the corner in a FUBU shirt...plenty of white people where FUBU too). Practically everyone falls into this. If you don't believe me then check yourself the next time you walk down the street and cross over, or clutch your purse, or lock your car door when a black man walks past; or how "amazed" you are when a black person gives an eloquent speech, or solves a difficult problem. Is he going to rob you? NO! Most crimes are committed by someone you know. Statistically, 80 percent of crimes committed against ethnic groups are committed by those within the same groups. This percentage is pretty much consistant amongst all ethnic groups across the board. As a black man, I should be the one who is afraid! I have had white friends say they don't consider me as black, and wish I had a dime everytime I heard someone say I talk like a white person because I am well spoken.
Relative to business, blacks are the only group in america where people make $$$ from doing "wack ass" research then writing books insulting our intelligence (the bell curve), and trying to say we're inferior. These myths are not a recent phenomenon, but have been perpetuating throughout generations, and are deeply embedded in all of us, whether you acknowledge it or not. Most of all they began in slavery and unfortunately, they exist today. Of course white people today have no fault in what happened centuries ago, but to say you don't enjoy some of the benefits from the instutions that slavery built is equally as ludicrious. I leaving to go drink some brews with my boyz (whites included)...peace!
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| Message: |
The last two posts were excellent. Taking everything into account, I believe that we all have to agree that as a "melting pot" we are on our way, no matter how slowly. (Yes perception is a problem) It may be a long road but its not a destination we won't finally reach. And yes I know that white people wear FUBU, hence why i did not specify a race there. Just to be a pain in the arse...statistically most "VIOLENT" crimes are committed by someone you know.
We should all be afraid...we live in a country where children are killing each other for no reason, where seeing violence on the news is commonplace and glorified, and where there is enough crime and violence to keep about 10-20 cop shows profitable and viewable in the homes of millions. Yes it is a crazy world. I am happy to see all of us let go of some of the "agressive talk" and logically and calmly discuss this topic. Today there may be "wacky" research insulting the intellegence of certain minorities, but frankly it is better than the way society viewed things years ago, and I am sure years from now this won't even be an issue. I am not saying minorities don't have it hard...I am really just saying that the way I look at things it really pretty simple...If someone else can do it, than I can. Has hanging with and learning from the "right" people perhaps motivated me to accomplish more than I thought possible? Maybe...but I seriously have the belief that there is nothing in this world I cannot do. I may not be the best at it...but I will be good at it. If you guys perhaps think that way I am certain that everything you want...you will get. Great talk. Late.
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