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This might be a touchy issue, but do you ever feel that some of the high-profile people who fight racism do the cause harm in some ways? I would use the video clip you posted above as an example: Obviously, Hillary Clinton doesn't feel she's entitled to be President because she's white--there are hundreds of millions of white people who don't get to be President (and who Hillary Clinton herself would obviously deem unqualified). And, of course, the U.S. is full of white people without 401ks or companies their grandfathers built or even enough money to put dinner on the table.

Doesn't that kind of generalization and overstatement simply make the very real issues that absolutely need to be brought to light easier to ignore?

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5/30/08

gmoney

MadameX.......
I think at times even me bringing up the topic of Racism hurts the cause because no one really takes the issue serious anymore.
Let me start with Hillary.... I think that she thinks that she is entitled to be President. Is it because she is white? I dont think so, but I do wonder, the statements that she makes about the white working class. Why is the white working class so scared of a Black President, I mean really, what is he saying that would turn them off?

Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Farrakhan, have done great things in this country. (PERIOD) They grew up during a different time than we did. They have seen 2 Kennedy's assassinated and Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated. I can never begin to understand the hatred they have had to put up with further their causes. Just like I don't speak for all black people, nor does Jesse Jackson, Obama, Sharpton or any other black leader...... I just try to impart my opinion on these issues. Do I agree with them all the time NO, but for some reason they are put under a microscope when they cry racism. We generalize them all the time, thus we generalize the real issues all the time.

Yes it is bad to make statements that generalize or stereotype a person, but it is a lot easier to generalize a group based on a skin tone or a last name...... That is what happens in society everyday......... No mater where I am I am still black...... but a white person never has to put up with that generalization from the Majority Group, because they are the Majority Group.
5/30/08

legbamel

I think that, if Ms. Clinton is generalizing about white lower- or middle-class Americans being afraid of having a president of color, she's doing them as much of a disservice as anyone. She's generalizing that they are too ignorant and biased to see beyond skin color and judge a candidate on their merits. To me, that says a lot more about her (and none of it good)than it does about anyone else.

5/30/08

RuinousRight

Do you feel the rise in popularity of gangsta style hip hop and lifestyle has hurt the view of blacks?

How do you feel about these so-called artists and some of the messages of womanizing, glorifying material goods, etc.?

How do you feel about Bill Cosby's view on this and related issues?

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5/30/08

gmoney

Growing up during the Hip-Hop generation has been COOL for lack of a better word.
I think that saying that gangsta style Hip-Hop is a huge generalization. I feel that if you take any aspect of society and look at only what we see on TV or hear in the media then we will think it hurts blacks. What hurts blacks in this county is the lack of a 2 parent house hold. This is true for all of society but really for black part of America.
No one ever complains about Majority Group Gangsta movies like Scareface or Casino........ why not?

The artist that glorify material goods and womanize women are no different that the Majority Group people that do it. Bill O'riely had a sexual harassment case.... he settled out of court, Bill Clinton.... need I say more on that one? Rush Limbaugh is a pill popper, but no one complains about those issues.
Do I want to be, or get away with stuff like they did? NO, am I proud when I Black people are ridiculed for the same behavior as the Majority Group, no not at all. I want better for all people.
I just find it funny that people talk about music and artist like this is exclusive to black folk. Look at the womens magazines out there, AXE body Spray commercial, victoria's secret, Marlon Manson, Limp Biscuit, Amy Whinehouse, Britney Spears...... these are all Majority Group people or companies, that participate in Womanizing, glorifying material goods.

Bill Cosby is right on, but to me it boils down to a 2 parent house hold.
5/30/08

RuinousRight

I wasn't generalizing black music or hip-hop. A lot of it is fantastic and from very talented people. I was mainly referring to the type of hip-hop where womanizing, material goods, the N word, drugs, etc are prominent. The music and videos are glorifying those things along with the single parent and 'pimp' lifestyle.

I absolutely agree that there are similar things coming from the majority group/whites and others, but this genre of music has become very popular. It's message is much more widespread and it appeals to a much larger group. I find it influences a few things in a bad way:

- It makes a very strong impression on young blacks, whites, hispanics etc. Many of whom don't have two parents or good role models to steer them in the right direction.

- Ignorant whites get the impression that this is what most black culture is like which it is not.

- Ignorant and/or manipulative whites use these images to influence opinion.

I think Bill Cosby was trying to highlight this problem along with the importance of having a two parent home.
5/31/08

twistedteenager

Ruinous Right - I really agree with you on this point.
6/02/08

angelawd

Ruinious Right, I completely agree. If this is the only image of black people that white people see, what other conclusions would they make?

5/30/08

What do you see as the advantage of massing all of the hundreds of millions of whites together into "the Majority Group". Do you think that there are identifiable traits that define all of those hundreds of millions of people, and if so, what are they? How is this different from seeing blacks or hispanics or women or any other group as a unit instead of individual humans?

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5/30/08

gmoney

The Majority Group - is anyone that is not in a Minority Group...... minorities are minorities... what are White people, the Majority Group.
5/30/08

MadameX

But is it productive to think of us in groups at all? I mean, we could come up with millions of groups--the "upper income" group and the "environmentally conscious" group and the "working class" group and the "people who read" group and the "liberal" group and...and...and...

Within each of those breakdowns, there are majorities and minorities. And once you throw all of those groups into a Venn Diagram, there are thousands upon thousands of very small groups with a very large number of characteristics each...that could still be broken down further.

What makes race "the thing" that trumps all of those other characteristics and makes it the appropriate place to break out "the majority" from "the minority"?
5/30/08

gmoney

It is not productive...... I hate putting people into boxes
5/30/08

Jeunelle

Majority and Minority are not terms that blacks, hispanics, native americans
or whoever created for themselves.
These are terms that were created to them from the white Majority.
1st of all I do not like the term "MINORITY" period.
It means that someone is "MINOR", insignificant and indispensible.
I do not like or agree with that term at all and quite frankly I believe it to be freaking offensive.
These are the very things that create enmity and inequality between races.

Gmoney I am glad that you are talking about these issues openly,
because I need to see what I am working with here at BC.

5/30/08

This is a great discussion. I don't mean to bombard you, but I have another question, when you have time: Do you think that competitions and awards like Miss Black America and the Ten Best Black Bloggers and such are good ways to spotlight successful minorities, or send a message that minorities can't compete on a level playing field and need their own "small pond" competitions?

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5/30/08

kellybax

I will take that a step further (not speaking for MadameX in any way, just for myself).....

That kind of comes back to my original question to you. Aren't the kind of things that MadameX asked you about reverse racism? If there was a group actually named "The Best White Bloggers" or something of the sort, don't you think that would be labled as racist whites by excluding blacks? I just don't get why if everyone wants people to be treated equally, why there are groups specifically formed for black people.
5/31/08

twistedteenager

Kellybax - I got involved in that discussion with the same point and was more or less battered with patronizing comments saying that I didn't 'get' the concept of such a list.
5/31/08

gmoney

I missed this one. "Black" organizations were formed because of the feeling that at one point we were excluded from white organizations, clubs, buses, jobs, professions..... so thus "Black" organizations were built to give a sense of being and belonging. There are still clubs, organizations that bar minority men and women in this country.

There is strength in numbers. Several voices speak louder than one, that is why there are groups. The organizations were formed for voices to be heard and to promote their OWN issues so people would listen.
6/01/08

twistedteenager

I know what you're saying - there are golfing clubs for example that do not allow women in in my country. But my approach wouldn't then be to have an "Women's only golf club" like one might have "Top ten blogs by black people". It only reinforces that separating groups in society is normal. I'd instead push for women to be accepted and allowed in the men's golf club.

5/30/08

morgantj

Do you have many white friends? When I was in the Marines, we were all brothers. Color was never an issue, or even thought of.

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5/30/08

gmoney

Yes I have a lot of white friends! I lived in Houston till I was 15 then I moved to San Antonio so I have had all kinds of friends. Friends are friends, some can't dance, some are goofy, but they are just friends.

5/30/08

PetLvr

Hmm.. A good topic for discussion!

However - firstly I should say - I don't see you as "black" man .. I see you as blue avatar - with white and a little red - wanting to be green! (trying to make money like the rest of us)

But - I do have a question .. since you are offering to enlighten us!

Excluding celebrity and news blogs, specific activist blogs, or exploiting poverished situations - I see an absense of regular every day pictures of black people out in the blogosphere doing real life things. Except for the Obama video, it is the same case in your 3 blogs that you show here in your BC profile. You have no pictures of black people (that I saw). Just pictures of things - not people.

Why do you think that is the case? Am I generalizing? It seems that some black bloggers go out of their way NOT to make their blog seem .. people friendly. Maybe some think that if they post pictures of black people others might think it's 'too black'?? I don't specifically look for pictures of white people for my blogs, but I think, being white, that I might choose a group of white people in a photo over a group of black people in a photo. And, similarly, being Canadian, I might choose people wearing t-shirts with the maple leaf on them, than the american flag.

You see - I think that's natural. The glass is always half full for me, and I generally assume that is the same with all bloggers - including black bloggers. I'm glad you are willing or wanting to talk about it and it kills me that I have to pause as I comment here, thinking to myself "OMG! Did I say the "B" word? or if I don't edit my words in the alotted time do I come out sounding racist myself!

Here's a for instance:

I personally wonder seeing 'make money' blogs that show white babes and white guys in jaguars throwing wads of cash in the air - and then look at the about page, and see a black blogger .. wondering - aren't there any pictures of black people in jaguars throwing wads of cash in the air too? I know there are a lot of black babes out there

Are you afraid we wouldn't take you seriously and imagine pink cadillacs, furry capes or gangsta rappers with hotties in mini hotpants? At the top of my head, I can come up with dozens of similar examples on cooking blogs, pet blogs, finance blogs, gadget blogs, etc etc.

PS @MadameX .. if nobody has mentioned this yet - thanks for also asking a lot of good questions too

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5/30/08

gmoney

This is amazing that I have got so many questions......... I will answer in due time
5/31/08

PetLvr

I guess my question wasn't that important after all - I'm oblivious at times.

5/30/08

PotatoChef

I don't have anything to add to this conversation because I think that racism is something, that for the most part, is being kept alive by people who have figured out how to make money from it..

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5/30/08

MsGo

Oh, boy. I see a lot of people just looking for validation for their already formed generalizations about black people.

You are a patient man. I think it is important that white people coming to this thread looking for answers about black people, understand that we are not a monolith.

No one person can speak for everybody else.

We're not Borg, just people.

Now, here's my semi-question/discussion jump-off just for you. My cousin and I had a hypothetical discussion, years ago about the very political situation that we're in now. Whether this country would have a black male president before a woman.

And her answer?? A black male. I looked at her strangely back then, but now...

Still, it does bug, that as a black woman, we're left out of the either/or equation.

So, really no question, just an observation.

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5/30/08

Jeunelle

Personally every time this topic comes up, it never seems to be the right place to discuss it,
so why not discuss it here at BC????

Would it upset your lunch??? Simply walk away from the computer.

I love the topic because it brings the true self out in people
who are basically hiding behind a superficial mask.

I love to hear the fired up emotions of the person
because I know for sure this is how the bastard feels and he or she is telling the truth on how they really feel and it comes straight from their heart without hiding, lies and deceit.
This is how I choose my friends. I watch and I wait.
This is why the discussion becomes so ugly to most, because now you know that you have shown your true nature and you are showing your true nature.

Well done gmoney. I don't get the truth enough during the day
and it is refreshing to see it in a discussion that forces you to bring out your/their animal.

And as far as gmoney making money on this topic.
That is a joke to me because I know this is not true at all.
5/31/08

legbamel

Truly, I'd love to have a free-for-all discussion with folks of any and every color and gender responding. If you've had different experiences or don't agree with his responses, please post your own! I would hope that everyone recognizes that gmoney is responding as a person and not as a representative of millions of others. I also hope that you, maria0305, microbrother and anyone else who's taken a look at this thread will offer your perspectives and will be open to those of other people, whatever their race. I may disagree with someone's conclusions, but I'm interested in finding out how they reached them.
6/02/08

angelawd

My gosh, Ms. Go, I wondered that myself, and I also concluded a black man before ANY woman. I then wondered how black women would feel about this. Thanks for bringing this up. I wonder, are you black first, or woman first? Actually, I don't know how I'd answer that question, myself.

5/30/08

Theresa111

You know what I think? I think you keep on trying to make trouble here at BlogCatalog site. You keep introducing the same uncomfortable separatist and racial views, which I can only see as placing barriers between the talented artists, some of them writers, and instigating unfavorable responses to your inquiries and racially motivated themes.

Why don't you let this subject drop, because it isn't making any of us happy. Here is the place we should be allowed to enter without prejudice.

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5/30/08

RuinousRight

I think it's fair for gmoney to have this discussion given the huge amount of attention the MSM has given the subject lately. I sincerely believe he is interested in dialog and not division.
5/30/08

Theresa111

Well, I personally do not like being put into a group made up of a color! I also do not like the bad feelings gained from a color being thought of as a negative or entitled group. Part of my heritage is European (Dutch, French, English, Scotch and Irish) and Cherokee Native American. Talk about the nation being stolen from my people ... do you see me feeling entitled or getting retribution for what happened in the past? Nothing can be gained from harping on old, dead injustices.

The problem, as I see it looms even that much more. The solution is to blend in as a human race of different peoples. My husband has four ethnic backgrounds and my nephew, three. We judge others by the content of their character, not by lumping everyone into groups. How small minded.
5/30/08

gmoney

I am part Indian also, so have I been screwed 2 times. this is not about making excuses, but this is about a open dialog about the reality that we live in and the ignorance we fill our minds with. FOX NEWS, MSNBC, CNN
5/30/08

Theresa111

And as for being a woman ... well I certainly have been in the first minority of the world's population! So there!

5/30/08

voodooKobra

What is your opinion on affirmative action?

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5/30/08

gmoney

I am torn on Affirmative action...... we have to remember that the civil rights battle only goes back 40 years, that is barely a generation...... there is still people in office that thought integration was a bad idea.
I would love to think that just working hard is enough and people will respect t me for that, but I don't know. I know that I work hard and when I do good things come my way...... the question is how many people actually benefit from affirmative action.
How do we right the injustices and issues that still plague our country
5/30/08

voodooKobra

We're not so different.

While some good comes of affirmative action (it prevents discrimination), a lot of bad comes with it too. A lady I worked with had a daughter who didn't get accepted into the college of her choice because the school had to fill a quota of minority students-- even though she was brilliant.

5/30/08

comment removed by the community.

"I see a lot of people just looking for validation for their already formed generalizations about black people."

Would you mind pointing to one or two of the "generalizations about black people" you've seen in this thread?

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5/30/08

mitch972

Dayummm...this is a good topic.. I'm black and I missed out on some of the best questions and discussions...

I'm happy to find people wanting to discuss racial issues. We learn from sharing experiences not be ignoring.

I'm noticing that msn has dedicated to multi-cultural america - www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24730475

The world is blending... join in and blend.

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5/30/08

voodooKobra

My question still hasn't been answered
5/30/08

MadameX

Mitch, I don't think you can "miss out". I'm sure that if you have something to add to some of the issues discussed above, we'd all like to hear your perspective.

5/30/08

daniel23

Do you think it encourages white racism when black people have all-black associations such as the United Negro College Fund? Do you think these form of racialist organisations are counter-productive?

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5/30/08

gmoney

sup Daniel23......
why do you think they are organizations like this?
5/31/08

daniel23

The original function is one thing, their current existence is quite another. I think this is actually a serious issue because rural American people are often in a worse economic situation than inner-city blacks and face not only cultural discrimination, but are absolutely overlooked by the "equal opportunities" establishment. If poor blacks have racially-based self-help organisations, than poor whites will have racially-based self-help organisations which leads to a fostering of racialist/racist politics.
5/31/08

gmoney

I don't think the function needs to change. There are plenty of scholarships out there for everyone. UNCF is one example....... The UNCF was given to give poor and underprivileged blacks the ability to go to college.

It has nothing to do with excluding whites..... it was about giving black inclusion.

The idea that black organizations are looking to exclude whites is ludicrous.

Remember, for the longest time blacks, women and other minorities were excluded from being DR., Lawyers, Fire Fighters, Nurses....... they could do it, but it was hard as hell. Thus the scholarships that different organizations have for that particular professions were not available to blacks because they were excluded from those professions. Not to mention the underlying racism that schools enforced because blacks were not allowed to attend or it was made very difficult.

When you have those issues, organizations are formed to help...... there are still clubs and I think golf courses that do not allow women on them? Are you ready to bang on those doors and cry they are racist organizations.
5/31/08

daniel23

So would it be appropriate for a Poor White College Fund?
5/31/08

gmoney

THE UNCF was formed to help black people. White people had access to scholarships, schools, jobs.....regardless of skin tone. Remember that white people can never be judged by the color of their skin, only there economic standing.
5/31/08

twistedteenager

Gmoney - sure white people can be judged by the colour of their skin - you just did!

5/30/08

Rozie818

Why is it that a black person demands rights and white people are called racist if they ask for them? If I ask for White collage funds or White awards
I am racist. It's the ones who keep asking for the rights to be what they are that are causing the separation's amongst people in general. Gays want rights because of their sexual desires, what does that have to do with anything. What you do in your bedroom is your business. I am so tired of this politically correct BS. A member tried to counter this topic about whites and got a stupid question about cock size. How about asking if I am a scumbag human being, not what you want to separate yourself from others are about.
Here is my question, Why don't you stop whining about your color and just be a person.

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5/30/08

gmoney

Rozie818
I am not whining....... and thank you for your honesty!!!!
If you don't like something then say it, but treat me as a man not as a color as a stereotype
5/30/08

Jeunelle

Jesus Rosie where is it on this thread that gmoney is whining?
You all are the ones asking the damn questions for Christ sakes.
5/30/08

DrowseyMonkey

gmoney, while I don't agree with what Rozie said...why are you now saying treat me as a man not as my colour ... when the title of this thread is "I'm Black .... etc., etc."
5/31/08

gmoney

The title gets people to open the book
5/31/08

twistedteenager

Gmoney - whatever reason you use for the heading, it's still going to reflect on how people see you.
Rosie - I am all for political correctness, otherwise it starts bloody wars if people aren't careful (obviously it could do if people are too PC). My point is, you shouldn't discriminate against people, which is what being PC is about.
5/31/08

gmoney

that is the issue, because I say that I am black "people" will assume certain things about me. The title says nothing about me except I am a person of color. The assumptions that people make are based on the color of my skin and nothing else

5/30/08

Rozie818

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5/30/08

DrowseyMonkey

Good grief, LOL. You can't be serious gmoney.

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5/30/08

kat822

Why is it you have to describe yourself as a "Black" Man, not just a man...I just never got this, I always have that happen to me that I refer to someone as a "man" or "woman" and the person I am talking to says oh you mean that "black, hispanic, asian person" etc....why the need to classify people by their race....

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5/30/08

MadameX

Kat, please don't take this wrong, but you're young, aren't you? I ask because I think that your question is a natural one from someone who has never lived in a world in which things like race and gender drew hard lines. Yes, there are still obstacles and stereotypes and such, but did you know, for instance, that it was only in the 1990s that women were first allowed to fill combat roles in the military, and that prior to that time there was a "risk rating" assigned to various military specialties and those specialties were off limits to women?

If I have gmoney's age right, he probably doesn't remember a time when he wasn't allowed to go into certain restaurants or sit down next to a white person on the bus, but if his parents lived in the right state, they certainly do. That kind of experience makes it harder to think of race or gender as something not worth mentioning.
5/30/08

DrowseyMonkey

I thought gmoney was a young pup. I think his question is idiotic for a lot of reasons, not the least of which he's one person ... not the representative for an entire race. Just like I'm not the representative for my race or my gender.

There's a lot of multicultural marriages in my family and no one refers to themselves as their ethnic group first and then their gender.
5/30/08

MadameX

DM, I don't think that he claims to speak for all black men, but there are certainly things that anyone who has a certain experience can shed light on that others cannot. For instance, I can answer a question about being a mother from a perspective that someone who has never had children cannot. That doesn't mean that my response is accurate for every mother, but it does lend insight that wasn't there before.
5/30/08

DrowseyMonkey

Yeah ... I get that. But he always posts about this kind of stuff, mostly because I think he enjoys the controversy. And I stand by what I said earlier.
5/30/08

Jeunelle

You know now this is a very question and I am glad you asked kat822
but the fact remains that the government and census still has these stupid boxes for us to fill out and if you are not white, black, hispanic or native american you can always check off other.
We a people should tell our freakin governments to stop this bulls__t
and change these racist rules that we have and stop putting people into a box.
This may help with some of the nasty negative crap that comes along with being a racist,
we also have a racist government to deal with too.
So we should be asking our government why???
Not dropping it all on a black man's lap like he was the one to start this crap in the 1st place.
We don't need to pin the whole fault on a black scape goat people.
5/30/08

RuinousRight

I don't think gmoney posts because he enjoys the controversy. I think he's bringing up these issues due to the current state of affairs in regards to the election and what is being discussed over and over in the MSM. He's basically saying I'm a black person and if you have ever wanted to ask a black person a question here's your chance - and it's much easier for some to ask since the internet keeps people's identity fairly anonymous. People are less likely to ask some things face-to-face for fear of embarrassment or other reactions. I doubt I would have been as conformable asking the questions I asked face-to-face, although I have discussed those topics with some of my black friends.

I also agree with MadamX that age can make a difference in this conversation and that gmoney never stated he was speaking for all black people.
5/30/08

kat822

You are so wrong X I am 37 and I know what it's like to have race and gender draw hard lines...no offence but age has nothing to do with not falling into the typical belief of stereotypes, racism. My point is this, people are too quick to point out peoples race for any reason, people are people is what I am saying. I am quite aware of prejudice in this country and have been active in fighting this in various platforms ie: women's rights, minorities etc your statement of my age is just silly...no offense taken, just clearing things up for you
5/31/08

twistedteenager

Er, how does age make a difference? What, 'cause you're young you can't empathize, or have no knowledge of history because you weren't born at a certain time. Hmm.

5/30/08

kat822

THen don't bring your race up in the first place

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5/31/08

gmoney

I am 35 for the record. In High School I asked a sweet your lady out and her parents said NO..... because I was black, not because I was a bad guy. I graduated with HONORS..... played football, did not drink and party and worked. That was 20 years ago. Today I see the same issues being raised in the current presidential campaign. I see my mother and father still fighting ignorance, I see people in blogcatalog that still use the "n" word. So when people stop judging me on my skin tone, or Obama on his skin tone, or my interracial daughter by her skin tone, then I will stop being simply a black man. I don't view myself simply as a black man, but to many people still do.

It is assumed that I can dance because I am black........ and that is a simple assumption, I wonder what other assumptions are made.
5/31/08

twistedteenager

Do people on BC seriously still use the 'n' word? That's quite embarrassing.

5/30/08

ekim941

How do you feel about the young black rappers and what they do for the image of black people? How do you feel about their over use of the N word?

The main reason that I ask is because you and I are about the same age. I know that the older black americans think that the young rappers are ruining the progress that they worked so hard to create.

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5/30/08

DrBurst

I'm a young black person and I think they are ruining everything my forefathers have worked for.
5/30/08

RuinousRight

Hey Ekim,

I touched on this very issue above. I'm also near your age and I hate hearing black people call each other the N word. I really think it's a step backwards and screwing up what many have worked so hard for throughout the years. Not all rap/hip hop is like this, but unfortunately this type is more popular than the positive message stuff.
5/30/08

ekim941

As a father, I am concerned when I see what becomes popular with todays youth. Artists like Lyfe Jennings, an amazingly talented black artist with a good message, being outsold by Soulja Boy Tellum who sounds like a dropout that can't spell.
Being uneducated is popular with todays youth regardless of color. Good examples are Jackass and Napoleon Dynamite.
What's more disturbing is the new image of the black culture. When I was growing up, the dominate image of black culture was Oprah and the Cosby show, now it seems to be gangster rappers. That is a sad leap in the wrong direction.
5/30/08

RuinousRight

Ekim,

I fully understand your view. Lil Wayne, 50 cent, Trick Daddy are very popular with today's youth and being a dropout or breaking the law in some way has become a badge of honor. I witnessed a young Latin kid, who had way more opportunity than many other his age, squander his opportunities and get involved in guns and drugs because it was 'cool'. He was a huge fan of this culture. Certainly other factors could have influenced his poor choices, but knowing his family and the middle class upbringing, it really seemed his love for this popular culture really played a role. He saw stuff glamorized and now he wants to be part of it. Now a days it 'cool' to cary a gun, get arrested, womanize and flash your 'bling'. I know part of it is harmless fun, but some is just ignorant people who have become a little too popular.

I hope the Black community gets a handle on this problem. It's a step backwards that does not honor those before them. It's also a tool that some will manipulate to further an agenda.
5/30/08

ekim941

"Now a days it 'cool' to cary a gun, get arrested, womanize and flash your 'bling'. I know part of it is harmless fun"

Harmless fun? I would tend to disagree.
5/31/08

RuinousRight

That didn't come across right... I was referencing some of the music and comics who make light of the cultural behavior....if that makes any sense. Carrying guns, getting arrested, womanizing is obviously not harmless fun.

I would add this new kind of 'cool' or behavior is popular with a lot of youth today - white, black, hispanic, whatever. Parents really need to spend time with their kids and help them understand what is acceptable or not acceptable behavior. The kid I referenced came from a single-parent home and although his mother loved him dearly, she really didn't spend enough time 'parenting'. His buddies and popular culture shaped his views.
5/31/08

gmoney

As long as take a section of America, white black or whatever and think that they are ruining "it" for blacks or anyone else we will forever be ignorant. Do you look at Britney Spears, Amy Whinehouse, Lindsey Lohan, Limp Biscuit, Marolyn Manson, Bill O'Riely (sexual harrasement), Rush Limbaugh (pill popper, addicted to pain killers), Marv Albert (sodomy charges), Bill Clinton (cigar), Elvis (druggie),........ I can go on...... does this RUIN IT FOR WHITE PEOPLE? Why must black people be made to feel that they have to be perfect.
5/31/08

RuinousRight

I hear what you are saying and I know the problem isn't limited to black culture or black hip-hop/rap. There is plenty of blame to go around. The people you mentioned have image issues as well and certainly haven't helped. However, it seems that guns, womanizing and material worship are being glorified more than ever by some popular black rappers. Britney for instance is a poor role model due to choices she makes in life, however she's not trying to sell or glorify that image in her music. The same goes for others you listed. They're actions don't necessarily equal their message. It is a recognized problem that people like Bill Cosby, Russell Simmons and others have tried to address.

I'm not saying these things to point a finger. I'm bringing up this issue because it is becoming a tool that others use against black society. It's holding blacks back in my opinion.
5/31/08

gmoney

Casino, Good Fellas, Blow, Scareface....... guns, womanizing, drugs, all accepted as great movies and I would dare to say America is PROUD of this image?
I would say in the past rap glorified guns, now it is more about shaking ass, womanizing, drinking....... that is the popular stuff.

It is a issue, but it is a LARGE issue because 70% of the consumes or this product are white teens. Not black kids, so who is it having a larger impact on?

5/30/08

DrBurst

What are your feelings on affermative action? When do you think the debt will be repaid? Do you think economic based affermative action will be more effective then race based AA.

[reply]

5/30/08

ttiger

this time i take my time to translate my thought with the help of on of my friend!

unfortunately..I think there are a lot of black people still out there that would rather continue playing the victim of society rather then try and help themselves out of the hole they may be in.

The same way that some women want to make a big deal about being equal with men and all that, then still expect guys to open their door, or pay for everything or whatever.

You guys really should read Shelby Steele's WHITE GUILT.

The complete title is...

White Guilt: How whites and blacks together destroyed the promise of civil rights era

His opinion is basically, "look white people - you guys come at these poor blacks with free money and free this and that - they will take it and it only hurts THEM in the long run"

I agree with Shelby Steele, White Guilt is why we have a holiday today and white guilt is why America is the way it is in regards to blacks.

My advice to blacks is just like Shelby Steele says (he is black) "Come in off the plantation. Blacks have it better now than they have ever had it, and they still cant get it together. America gives blacks an oppurtunity that many poor whites dont get."

Thats paraphrased... he thinks giving money to poor blacks is wrong etc... he is one of the best minds on race in america right now.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Steele

when whites put down WHITE GUILT this country will begin to take a turn, bu we must rid ourselves of race protection ideas like "affirmative action" etc...

Quote:
Steele is a self-described Black conservative.[3] He opposes movements such as affirmative action, which he considers to be unsuccessful liberal campaigns to promote equal opportunity for African-Americans. He contends that blacks have been "twice betrayed": first, by slavery and oppression, and second, by group preferences mandated by the government that cause blacks to lose their self-esteem.

Steele believes that the use of victimization is the greatest hindrance for black Americans. In his view, white Americans see blacks as victims to ease their guilty conscience, while blacks attempt to turn their status as victims into a kind of currency with no purchasing power. Therefore, he claims, blacks must stop "buying into this zero-sum game" by adopting a "culture of excellence and achievement" without relying on "set-asides and entitlements.""
i have been mesmirezed by Shelby Steele and his kind since coming across them.

Hurray for intellectuals over "gimme gimme gimme"

[reply]

5/30/08

JillSaxon

While I think Shelby Steele makes some good points, I still think he's overlooking the idea that racism is still a force that affects Blacks. One can be brilliant and excellent and still find themselves excluded on a number of fronts because of the color of their skin. What happens when achieving and being excellent is not enough?

I remember when I was in school and I went to see him speak. I got his autograph as well. I hardly think he is one of the 'best minds on race in America right now'.

I am not an advocate of claiming "victimization" by any means, but to downplay racism altogether is foolish.
5/31/08

DrBurst

Wow, this really is true, oe of my friend was uncomfortable during a lesson on slavery. when I asked him what is wrong he responded "white guilt".

5/30/08

Theresa111

I think people who are prejudice or racist suffer from an inferiority complex and or paranoia.

As for the news venue, I try not to watch or listen because they continue to propagate and keep the flames alive. I have a relative who is a longtime Channel 9 News personality. And because most of the news the others report on is so depressing, I barely get to watch her anymore.

I need something friendlier to talk about. Now I'm depressed

[reply]

5/31/08

gmoney

No reason to be depressed....... life is GOOD, LIFE IS GREAT!!!!

5/30/08

aningeniousname

Why aren't they any funny black comics any more? Why is black music violent and fast talking? Why does gold look better on black people than white people?

[reply]

5/30/08

maria0305

Kat Williams is friggin' hilarious.
5/31/08

gmoney

aningeniousname....... after I picked myself up off the floor from laughing, I will answer this question.
Skin tone because of the gold thing (bling bling).
A lot of music is violent and fast talking not just "black music"

5/30/08

maria0305

The only way to be really in tuned with the black experience in America is to be black in American - not participate in a Q&A thread on a blog community website.

I'm mad @ how you're offering yourself up in this way, but exposure is exposure I guess.

[reply]

5/31/08

carlgalloway

Don't be mad, when things get shoved under the carpet nothing ever gets resolved, racism is a real problem and the more it and other important social ailments get discussed the more people will come to understand we're all the same, we all have the same dreams, we all bleed when we get hurt. This kind of discussion might be heavy but its obviously still needed considering the depth of opinion
5/31/08

gmoney

maria0305

I am not speaking for all people, I am simply speaking from my experience and if you think for a minute that people would care to step out of their box and walk into a black church or a black neighborhood for longer than a day or two...... well it is not going to happen. I have a way to bring a "small segment" of blackness to people.

5/30/08

Jeunelle

I am not mad you are offering up these questions here at BC gmoney.
Quoting ttiger "when whites put down WHITE GUILT this country will begin to take a turn".
Now this sentence has me because for years so called White's have had this opportunity
and I still my next door neighbors 4 and 5 year old kids are referring to so called black's as the N word. Most whites don't want to discuss this problem.

Obviously it's still taught at home and this goes for the black too.
I don't like to hear other blacks calling other black the N word either.
That just sets the country back and people like Rosa Parks or anyone in that era who worked to change this country for the better, their work is in vain. It is disrespectful and hurts my eyes.

Our government should change a few things also like that census which really has nothing to do with the new GLOBAL race anymore. We are and have been blending so classing yourself as white and black should make no difference and should not even be an issue, when you go to apply for a job or whatever, it should not even be asked period. All it does is causes division and racism.

Inequality will always be the major theme.
If one is above the other, there will be no peace anywhere.
If one race is seen as superior and the other inferior, you can pretty much forget it.

[reply]

5/30/08

OzScot

As much as any form of racism is wrong - I can't help but feel it diguises what's really wrong with society. There are all kinds of races, all kinds of racial mixes and groups and ethnic backgrounds - consider them as the 'particular'. There are really only two distinct biological groups though - Men and women, consider them the general. When we focus on racism it's so diverse, so widespread and yet fragmented that we take our eye off the real problem - which is the inequality and discrimination by men towards women. Black men discriminate against women, white men discriminate against women, violet green and purple would too if they existed. So 'fixing' racism will never eradicate the single biggest injustice in the world - although I am totally against racism in any form, it's about being percieved as 'equal' in everyone's eyes - there will be no equality for anyone until the sexes are equal. In other words racism can only be tackled after sexism has been sorted.

Just my opinion.

Ben

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5/30/08

Thank you Ben.

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5/30/08

ttiger

whats do you think of filthy black such as 50 cent and others crappy rapper who's giving black a bad name?

[reply]

5/30/08

About the same as a do a sleazy woman that does the same.

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5/31/08

ttiger

????
5/31/08

gmoney

I think what he is saying is that 50cent is the only one giving women a bad name..... Look at all the rock bands of the 80's that objectified women? Look at channels like spike, tv shows like the bachelor, tila tequila, wife swap,GIRLS GONE WILD!!!!! how many black women have ever seen in a commercial for GIRLS GONE WILD.....
5/31/08

ttiger

im talking more about the pro gangsta/criminal propaganda
5/31/08

daniel23

putting aside the unfortunate phrasing of the question ("filthy black"?), our racist pal here raises a good point. I'm personally a fan of Oi! music, which was demonised as neo-Nazi because a few skinheads were members of the National Front and oi bands were entirely ostracised by the media and music industry for being "violent" and "thuggish". apart from some violence mainly football related, the oi! scene was nothing compared to hip hop which has been embraced despite the fact that prominent rappers were/are violent antisocial criminals and mythologise and encourage the gangster lifestyle.

I mean, Snoop Dogg is a good musician but by right he should be dangling on a long rope for being a professional pimp, not taking interviews with Barbara Walters!
5/31/08

gmoney

point taken but again we are talking about maybe 5% of rap music, I can name groups and artist for days that are not that bad. Our society is built, on guns, violence and sexism....... my point is that this is not different that what so called "white society" produces on a daily basis. Rappers are simply following the plan of success that the general society of America has set up. Again the issue is that the rappers don't look like you....... we notice and take heed of things that seem foreign to us.

I have mentioned all the "white" gansta movies that are part of American Culture that are widely accepted..... but it goes back to black/hip hop music. Again the plan has been laid not hip/hop and rap artist are following the system.
5/31/08

daniel23

Mob connections aside, I don't think Frank Sinatra is quite equivalent to 50 Cent.
5/31/08

gmoney

so you are saying that People see movies and don't want to emulate actors in movies, but they do want to emulate hip/hop artist?
5/31/08

daniel23

Fair point. Ice Cube did a very funny song about how rap gets blamed for everything which I think a few people on this threat could benefit listening to:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzeZhCt5PVA
5/31/08

ttiger

sorry but the word filthy black is appropriate here and for all black artist who are promoting gangsta and criminality to achieve a goal for me they are trash i have absolutely no respect for these individual!! why should i respect a guy how tell to my child that crime is ok, that selling drug is cool and pimpin girls is the ultimate male /female relationship?
5/31/08

ttiger

gmoney the difference between a movie and a top 40 single such as 50 cent candyshop is that the single song have a lot i men 100x more exposure than any movie! candyshop paying in high rotation on top 40 radio is kinda unacceptable for me!
5/31/08

gmoney

So then what do we call hollywood, what do we call white people that produce Girls Gone Wild, or Rambo, Casino, or any other gansta movie that promotes sex, drugs and killing, what about the white people that produce, promote and sell Rap Music....... what about Marlyn Manson, Elvis, Chris Farley......... come on, I know that there are some filthy blacks, but tell us, what do you call the segment of white society that produce the violence coming out of hollywood, or the segment that idolizes drug addicts as stars. I am just asking.
5/31/08

ttiger

daniel i use to like very much oï and straight edge hardcore when i was younger..
minor threat, uniform choice, oï polloï, 7 seconds, etc...
5/31/08

ttiger

marilyn manson is way more smart then any today rappers..
as i tell you, you see a good movie one time maybe twice but a hit single play like 10 time a day in peak time! those radio station brainwash the listener with their crap!
5/31/08

gmoney

It is amazing that people love to blame black or hip culture, yet ignore every thing else.

Since 1986 Violent crime/Murder/Robbery are ALL DOWN by at least 2% from 1986 to 2005.....
6/01/08

daniel23

I would hardly classify Minor Threat as oi, but Oi Polloi are alright. "Kill the bill!"

I mainly listen to stuff like the Angelic Upstarts, Cock Sparrer, the 4-skins and Combat 84.
6/01/08

twistedteenager

Gmoney, every type of music has been blamed for corrupting young people in society for the point that ttiger makes - you hear it constantly. And music is a cool scene where many young people want to be. Nobody's blaming black music for everything - look at the 60s - rolling stones and the beatles were viewed in the same light as we see gangster rap - rebellious etc.

Except the messages that these bands were trying to put across were positive things about rights etc, the whole Vietnam revolution. Gangsta rap is SO negative in its messages. And it's the modern popular music genre which is, along with gangsta films, having an effect on crime. People have been against different types of music for decades, not just dodgy rap music of today.

5/30/08

resebel

Based on what I saw and what I have experienced on living in this country is, I don't think the discrimination is only visible to Black people. Foreigners, I think has the most racial discrimination among any other American citizens. For me, if Black people were being discriminated through its own color how much are the foreigners? In my own obeservation, discrimination is just everywhere whether we like it or not. In my own principle, I will accept the truth that you're trying to remind me of who I am and where I came from just as long as you don't hurt my inner feelings then we're okay otherwise that should be a different story afterwards.

[reply]

5/31/08

gmoney
6/01/08

twistedteenager

So true, in the UK, people are so anti foreigners and I blame the press. Newspapers have actually written prejudiced front page headings calling asylum seekers bastards, telling us they're taking all our jobs etc. It's like propaganda which they are choosing to promote themselves, not the government.

5/30/08

ttiger

what do you think about black people using the N-word between them self or use this word in every damned rap, hip-hop song?

[reply]

5/31/08

gmoney

The "N" word is horrible and never really use it. I think that there is no need to use. A lot of people look at it taking the word back, hell you can have the word.
5/31/08

ttiger

fact: the n-word is use by almost all today black artist (rap/hip-hop/rnb) in their song..
5/31/08

gmoney

and you are getting your stats from where?
5/31/08

ttiger

dude i'm DJ for like 20 years and blogging about music..my own stats..
i've seen this movement grow from the very beginning!
when i'm talking about rap and hip hop sub culture i know whats im talking about!
the real issue is not the music in itself, the big issue is that mainstream radio are playing that music on prime time! 10 year old kids can listen to 50 cents signing candyshop! so when the grow up the become over sexualized.
5/31/08

gmoney

point taken, still the word does not have its place in society at all. But just because back people use it does not mean it is smart for anyone else to use it. I don't agree with its use at all...... PERIOD. Have i used it, yes, will I use it again sure.
I am not perfect, but you seem in all of your post to LUMP minorities together. Reading what you right, your issues that you have are your own..... no everyone elses
6/01/08

twistedteenager

Gmoney - it is a horrible word.

5/30/08

It doesn't matter what color you are or what Country you are from, or what religion you chose to be, or not, or whether you are a man or a woman, or how much money you make, what kind of home or neighborhood you live in, country or city, how tall you are, how short you are, whether your thin, or not, etc., etc., etc., there is somebody somewhere, somehow, going to look down on you, and if you choose to take that and exploit it, and feel sorry for yourself, and whine about it, and whine about it, someone is going to stand up and put you down. The whining is the worst part. It's an excuse to feel sorry for yourself.

I am sick and tired of paying the price and being blamed for the mistakes that this Nation made long before my time. I did not do these things, yet I am blamed for them, and I am still paying the price.

I remember a time when I was growing up there was one year in particular when there was a great rivalry in school between the blacks and the whites, and you were advised not to move around campus alone. But I think more now about the difference than I did then, because everywhere I look I hear discrimination , discrimination, and I for one, am damn sick of it.

I'm from the North, but as a child when I moved to the South, all I heard for years was about the Civil War. Who won and who was right. Who gives a F@@k, which is pretty much exactly what I told them at eight years old. I was not born then, why are you even telling me about it?

I'm tired of worrying what expression I might say, that may offend SOMEONE. Christ, it's got so you don't dare open up your mouth, or someone, somewhere, somehow, is going to turn it into something that it's not, and use it. I can't even put what kind of Angel I want to on top of a Christmas tree, without someone having something to say. Oh, woops, did I say Christmas, is it not supposed to be called something else now, because somebody might not like it called that. What is Politically correct today for that.

I remember a day when if you called a black person black, that was wrong and you were offending someone, you were supposed to call them colored, now that is wrong. At one time it was African American was what was right. Hell, I don't even know what it is supposed to be today, and frankly, I DON'T CARE.

The blacks, or whatever, or whoever, feed the discrimination, and I personally don't care if you are black or white or what religion you are where you are from or where you live, what type of housing your in, or how much money you make, until you cram it down my throat.

When I left my son's father, he used the divorce as an excuse for everything when things didn't go just right for him, even including everything that was wrong with his life long before that. He had found his ultimate excuse for failure. And then just when I thought I had gotten it through his head that he can use that excuse for the rest of his life not to succeed, if he chose, but it wasn't going to get him anywhere, his father killed himself. But then maybe that was a blessing in disguise because now he is working very hard and determined to succeed. But the point is, it's all just an excuse.

[reply]

5/30/08

JillSaxon

While I think a lot of people do use certain things as an excuse to NOT succeed, I don't think that's the majority. It's great that you don't care about race, sex, or religion... but sadly, others still do. And reducing racism (which is something people are still having very real experiences of) to an "excuse" is really not fair or helpful.
5/31/08

gmoney

thank you for your HONESTY......... you are right on so many levels. You lucky have had life experiences that you have had. This gives you a unique perception on the reality that surrounds you.

5/30/08

gerasbloggas

Honestly. I had to post something here. I didnt see any reactions from clinton. If anybody shows any disrespect to anybody its shameful. But "i am black ill answer questions?" why? cmon..
Dont really like the title.
I dont know what racism is. Well i like to think so. all efforts to treat people equally are honourable though. Youre black?so what?I am white. Well kinda, and i have felt prejudice for being just a bit more taned very often. I mean I see your point, But as long as there will be discussions on this subject starting by "i am black, i will tell how it is" i dont know if thinkgs wil improve anything. The point has to be not to remark your blackness but your humaness know what i mean? by remarking your blackness your underlining racism and giving reasons for other black people to think white people hate them. Maybe I am wrong, i couldnt know, Im not black- If i was i should be angrier. But then again I no longer grew in such an environment of back and white and yellow red or whatever. I have very good friends of some wide range of colours and i didnt pick them from variety:)

All the best though, and if thats the right way for you then keep up the good work:)

cheers

[reply]

5/31/08

gmoney

I am trying........ just to shine some light, people really don't step out of their box..... I am learning a lot here as well.

5/30/08

I agree. I have friends of every shape, size, description, color, nationality, religion, bikers, bankers, and every else you want to describe. I don't choose them on any one of those merits.

[reply]

5/30/08

@Jillsaxon, sorry, don't agree. When the people that think they are being discriminated against, including women, they will take the attention off of it. If you keep talking about it, no one will ever forget, or move on.

[reply]

5/30/08

JillSaxon

I don't know what you mean by "take the attention for it". That makes it sound glamorized, like people WANT it to happen. Things don't change UNLESS you talk about them. Would the Civil Rights movement have happened if people just sat back and took it, never talked about it... never acknowledged that being treated differently for something you have absolutely no control over is wrong?

I agree that using discrimination as an excuse for why everything in your life has gone bad is awful. But at the same time, it's foolish to act as if Racism doesn't exist at all or that it doesn't affect people. I don't think society has reached a time where racism has become a thing of the past... yet.

Edited for typos.
5/31/08

jafabrit

so if you are being discriminated against you should just shut your gob, say nothing? But hey if you call it out, challenge it, confront it somehow the person being discriminated against is wanting attention?
I don't go along with that idea at all. I don't believe abusive, racist, bigoted behaviour should be rewarded or empowered with silence.
5/31/08

Jeunelle

I agree with Jillsaxon and jafabrit on this one.
Masking the problem, sweeping it under a carpet and pretending it never happened
will come back at us like a curse. It has to be addressed.
We have to take a look at it and face it head on.
Bringing out all the betrayals, frustrations and hurt is the best way for healing to begin.
Besides, just by us not ever discussing it, hides the pain and we never really heal and this is exactly what we are doing when we do this. This topic is very controversial and most people feel really uneasy talking about it and what this is saying is that we need to address it to heal.

5/31/08

pamelabaker

Human nature is funny. I saw an interview with Charlton Heston about the making of Planet of the Apes.The interview included clips of the actors on and off the set.
One of the things that he found odd took place in the lunch room on the set. All of the actors dressed as Chimps sat together, all the Gorillas did the same, no one knew why, they just did.
I pray that one day we enjoy each others differences and get it right, as it is, people have a tendency to feel secure with what or whom they are most familiar.
Do you agree?

[reply]

5/31/08

Jeunelle

hahaha pamelabaker I did see this and it was rather funny.
That was one of my favorite movies too "It's a mad house, a mad house"

5/31/08

There have been other studies of the same type of thing, and I have been gather my information about it to do a blog post about it. One was where they had a simulated prison environment, and the play acting got out of control, and even some of the acting guards had to stop playing, because it affected them in such a way, etc., human nature does some strange things. It is quite fascinating. Acceptance, rejections, power, etc. We are quite the fascinating animal.

[reply]

5/31/08

I don't care if you are black or white, man or woman, etc., get over it.

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5/31/08

Jeunelle

Many Germans wanted to forget that Jews were sent to concentration camps and murdered too. They say the Jews lied and it was a cover up and that it never happened.
Many survivors came forward to prove them Germans wrong.
So forgetting it is not the answer and the only people with guilt are the ones who want to forget it because they don't want to hear it discussed.
Could it be that their conscience is affecting them?

5/31/08

harvey96

You are consider lucky to live in the US. Racism in some other part of the world is worst.

[reply]

5/31/08

jafabrit

I don't feel you can represent a whole class of people and their experience in America. As you say in your post it is your perception and reality, but the reality and perception for others will be very different depending on economics, culture, upbringing, environment, personality, life experiences etc.

One of my friends faced constant and irritating jibes by several african american students in university class because she didn't act black. Well she wasn't born in this country but she is an American citizen, she is black, and her reality and perceptions are vastly different than yours, mine, and everyone else's from her country of origin.

[reply]

5/31/08

gmoney

I also get crap because I don't "act" black. When people say "acting black" I really wonder what they mean. You are what you are. Why do we expect for people to act a certain way. The reason is because it makes it easier to put then in a box. By putting them in this box it allows us to take our collective ignorance and stereotypes and brand them as a type of person. Is this wrong, well we all do it......... but each person should be judged as a individual, no as a man, woman, black, white, mexican, asian, indian, muslim, jew, christian or whatever else. Get to know each person as a person.
5/31/08

legbamel

That brings to mind another question or thought or whatever this turns out to be. It's about your experiences and feelings on people of mixed parentage. I have friends (and a brother) that have been called "oreo" and other derogatory terms by black folks, not to mention the same sorts of taunts about not "acting black". I always thought that was one of the dumbest insults, since the implication is, "You're not acting enough like me." If you're such a jerk, why would anyone want to?

I'm not sure that there's a question in there so much as a general request for insight, if you have any. I've never understood why mixed-race children get crap from both sides instead of being accepted by both.
5/31/08

gmoney

I am mixed also, but more black than anything else. I have always been talked about for not "being as black as the rest" and called a OREO, but when you see me drop like it is hot, you know that I am black.

Mixed race kids get crap because no one knows what to think about the other, we cannot put them in a box.
5/31/08

daniel23

I think we're talking about something very important here -- a racial world-view leads to a racial identity and vice versa. When people start thinking of themselves as a "black person" or as a "white person", rather than simply as a person, screwy things result.
5/31/08

gmoney

Daniel, I AGREE........
5/31/08

JillSaxon

@ gmoney - I caught hell when I was in school for "not acting Black" too, and I've been called an "oreo" more times than I care to admit. I use to wonder exactly what I should be interested in or how I should talk or act to get my peers to accept me.
5/31/08

DrowseyMonkey

This idea of being "mixed" is bizzar to me, as I stated somewhere here earlier, there's a lot of multicultural marriages in my family, and I don't ever remember anyone discussing that they didn't feel like they fit in anywhere, nor did they get flack growing up for being "mixed", but perhaps that's because we live in a very racial diverse area where this is less of an issue.

This is just my own opinion gmoney, but you strike me as a man conflicted with who he is and you place a lot of that ambiguity on the fact that you're a "black man" (eventho you just said you are "mixed"). I'm sure you've met with racism, most minorities do, but how much power are you gonna give the idiots you come across in your life? I only say this because it seems like every discussion you start here has something to do with race. That can't be the only topic you think about. Or is it.
6/01/08

twistedteenager

Drowsey Monkey - I totally agree. In places like Britain most people have multicultural heritages. In fact, everyone does to some degree - the Saxons invaded, the Normans invaded. That's why the English language is so mixed, and why we have so many similar words to Germany. It's odd.

5/31/08

microbrother

Thank you, Gmoney, for creating this dialogue. I have been doing the same in my circle, too. With the advent of Senator Obama’s successful presidential candidacy, the issue of race was forced closer to the surface of national dialogue, again. I think it is a very healthy discussion to have because it is imperative in a multi-racial society.

In mixed company, the taboos of conversation have always been politics, religion, sex, one’s age, obesity and race issues. Obviously, these make or break issues should be subjects of free and open discussion because they can, literally, mean life or death to many. My willingness to discuss such topics comes as a result of maturing and wanting to see change well on its way to create a better world for everyone.

It is becoming more obvious that those white people who still hold racist opinions are older and small in number and won’t be a factor in the next twenty years. Seeing some many young people of all backgrounds coming out to support Barack gives me hope for the future.

A luta continuar!

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5/31/08

life is good

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5/31/08

BlueSunshine

Do you like Three Six Mafia?

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5/31/08

gmoney

They are decent.... why do you ask?
5/31/08

BlueSunshine

No reason really, I too like them. With all these heavy questions I figured I throw a light one in.

5/31/08

daniel23

Here's a good'un: What do you think about the Black Panthers and, later, the Black Liberation Army? I think both were overwhelmingly positive, out-weighing their negative sides, and were certainly better than the Civil Rights bureaucratic establishment. The Black Panthers were particularly ace, reaching out the hand of friendship to white working-class fellow Americans.

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5/31/08

gmoney

I believe in civil unrest to a point. A few weeks ago Rev Sharpton stopped traffic to make a statement about the Black youths that were killed after a bachelor party by 3 cops (2 black and 1 white officer). But we live in a country that is so controlled now that well we have no real freedom to decent.

5/31/08

mikesilvia

Sorry, but threads like this are silly. Do blacks experience racism? Yes! Does every other race experience racism? Yes!

Sorry to break it to you, but blacks are not the only people that experience racism. If you are white in Hawaii you will experience racism. Blacks are just as racists as whites are. Go to Germany and the Turks experience racism. Be Hispanic and walk down a black neighborhood and you will see racism.

Personally, It get annoying when blacks think they are the only group that experiences racism. Racism comes from every ethnic group and blacks can be just as racists as any other group.

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5/31/08

JillSaxon

Actually, no one is implying that Blacks ARE the only people who experience racism. But since this thread was started to discuss one person's Black Experience, that's kinda what they're talking about.
5/31/08

gmoney

I will agree with most of your points. But I live in America. I understand that racism is all over. I also understand that racism is more about power, money and ignorance than it is simply a skin tone. Several people say that is more about class and wealth. This discussion that I started was not set to be about racism, but simple questions that brush away the ignorance of race. If I caused 1 person to think or I affected more than one person in a positive way this was all worth it.

Being black does not boil down to racism. It was one part of this wonderful world, that we live in.

You perception of the thread being silly...... well thank you for that comment. The issue of race, culture, ethnicity in America is not silly. Our ideals about different races is based on ignorance in a lot of cases.

5/31/08

jsinkeywest

I live in San Antonio where GMONEY lives and I will tell you that the hispanics here do NOT like blacks at all.When I asked them about that there's no response.When I remind them that there's MILLIONS of Americans
that don't like hispanics they still don't get it.
Most people don't realize how prejudice they REALLY are.
So patronizing and intellectualizing does little to change the reality.
I was just denied a job cause I'm white yeah it bothered me but
I know that that's REALITY.
IQ and prejudice are related,example people that are prejudice are usually stupid in more areas that just that.

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6/01/08

twistedteenager

Yeah, you'd think if someone's prejudice towards you, you wouldn't then be prejudice towards someone else.

5/31/08

rjl2000

hi,I want to know if the Obama win the election and become the first clored president,how do you think about it ?
And welcome to my blog
www.transminds.com

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5/31/08

gmoney

I hope he does, but who knows.
5/31/08

rjl2000

Why do you hope Obama to become the president?

5/31/08

something different in America

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5/31/08

offendedblogger

OK, I have one.

Would you feel comfortable at a rodeo with me here in Idaho? Would you wear a cowboy hat and boots and a big belt buckle?

Would you ride the meanest bull they have? Would you do it if I paid you $20 and gave you free beer??

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5/31/08

gmoney

I have been to rodeo;s when I lived in Houston Texas, I have worn boots, and a cowboy hat and yes a belt buckle it is GAME...... I would ride the bull for free let you video it and put it on YOU TUBE!!!!
5/31/08

offendedblogger

Really?!!!!

I think I may have a crush on you now.
5/31/08

gmoney

see I am in your BC spell now....... FLIRT with me!!
5/31/08

offendedblogger

But people might look at us funny! After all, I'm.. well, ya know.

Not black.
5/31/08

gmoney

well that makes 2 of it...... I am not black either, I am kinda a caramel tone... think of me as a Starbucks Frappuccino with whip cream
5/31/08

offendedblogger

Oh yum!! Those are my favorite.

Hey, wait, you said you were black at the top of this thread! What sort of sick, twisted game is this anyway?!!

I demand a refund.
5/31/08

gmoney

I am black to society, but to you I am your tall drink at Starbucks. Wait you said IDAHO.......... NO UDAHO
5/31/08

offendedblogger

Hey now, that sort of language is bordering on ummm, well, ya know, something my ACLU lawyer will find a reason for me to be all offended over dammit!!

Of all people you should know better!

Gosh!

5/31/08

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5/31/08

Funny how peoples true colors always shine through when all is said and done.

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5/31/08

Torrez

Always see racism everyway. I don't think this is good. If you believe that all human a same from perspective of social and level of humanity then there is no such "Racism"

Hate racism,
zamrin.net/

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6/01/08

purplepew

You said earlier, "...and if you think for a minute that people would care to step out of their box and walk into a black church or a black neighborhood for longer than a day or two...... well it is not going to happen."

I've been thinking about going to a black church in my area. But being white, female, and gay I wonder if I'll be treated like a pariah.

I have experienced discrimination for being white (by blacks and hispanics), female, gay, and based on class. I firmly believe that there will always be discrimination and injustice in the world as long as there is sin; as sin knows no race, gender, sexual orientation or class: for it is an "equal opportunity employer".

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6/01/08

gmoney

I hope you go to a black church, a hispanic church or any other church that would force you out of your norm.......

I have done it and it is GREAT. I learn so much about people and life. We don't live in a bubble, we are all made up of distinct wonderful traits!!!!
6/02/08

angelawd

I really admire you, gmoney. Your perspective is fantastic. Wish more people thought the way you do.
6/02/08

gmoney

not looking for anyone to think like me......... jsut want people to try to understand like I attempt to understand. I am not perfect, but I am me.

6/01/08

GFG

They say that the cops will sprinkle cocaine on a black guy before handcuffing him

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6/02/08

Jeunelle

Yeah and dump the evidence in my back dumpster. Crooked cops

6/01/08

Daudleikr

What do you think about white people using the N-word when it's all in good fun? I.e. "N- plz".

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6/01/08

gmoney

I think the "N" word should not be used...... it is a incendiary term and you never know what may happen when someone says the word. I have used it and I will use it again most likely. At times it can be funny, but even those times can be tense.
6/01/08

Daudleikr

Any suggestions for what we can do to strip the power away from those words? (like white people did with "cracker") Nas had a good idea with his new album, but he changed his mind apparently.
6/01/08

gmoney

The word is used to anger...... so it will never go away, people of other races use the word to "BELONG" when they are joking are trying to be cool! Most people have no idea about the word, the origins or why people hate it so much.
6/01/08

Daudleikr

I use it jokingly because it's never been used here in Norway, and the immigrants have stripped the power away from "negro" and "chink" (and some other derogatory words) and we're pretty much allowed to call each other those things (they call us "potatoes", which is on the same level as the N-word) as long as it's in good fun. So if I speak to a Norwegian of a different ethnicity, and I say "N- plz", he take it as a joke - but it seems to be a whole different thing with the American continent.
But I don't know if that's because our immigration is so fresh, and we kinda nipped it in the bud, whereas perhaps in America it's been brooding for centuries?

I know that -something- can be done to strip the power away, but I don't really know where to start.
6/02/08

Jeunelle

Think about it for a minute
being allowed to call yourself the N word is a insult to your race and it doesn't build you or your race up as a person, it is tearing you down. We all know that the N word means an ignorant person and if you are allowed to call yourself and your community ignorant, chances are you and they will start to think you all are ignorant. So when your sister/brother calls you a ho
or the N word, it doesn't sound like its building, uplifting and strengthening a community.

It should not be used period, even in the black communities, where over time it will do the most damage.
6/02/08

gmoney

Do you know there is a book titled "Ni@@er" I think that everyone should read it. Very interesting read.
6/02/08

ccRicers

I personally don't think putting a "quarantine" on the word is the best solution. It sets it up as a Pandora's box, the more you hold it back, the bigger its impact will grow when it's being let out.

On the other hand using it to the point of saturation will make a lot of people uncomfortable. Even though saturation of anything will weaken its impact. The hard part will not be applying a solution. No, it would have to be discovering a middle of the road solution most people agree with.

You don't judge a word by itself, either. You judge it by context. People have used it in ways other than insults, as it has been explained here previously.
6/02/08

Daudleikr

But that's the thing, because it -has- been used in all the communities - its power has been stripped away. The meaning of the word is gone because we -have- used it and forced it to mean something else. It means brotherhood, to call someone "my negro/nigger" is the same as saying "my brother" (or sister, for that matter).

Use it more and force a new meaning upon it is my opinion. Don't just put it in a dark place and pretend it's going to go away by itself, cos that's not going to happen.

6/01/08

Wolfbernz

I just think it is a shame we just can't have peace amongst ourselves as Americans and as a world as a whole. I just can't seem to get past all the negitivity that a lot of people portray in their lives today.
I think if everyone could just for one moment lend a helpping hand or just do something positve to create a better life for all involved around them we would live in a better place. My two cents.

Peace

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6/01/08

Daudleikr

Totally agree. Less hate; more love!
The really sad part is that people are hating each other because of something as insignificant as colour and ethnicity. There's got to be more important things in the world to focus our energy on than that.
6/01/08

gmoney

I agree and after reading this form, I see that people really want to love and be rid of ignorance, so I will be taking this social experiment a step further in the coming months.

6/01/08

offendedblogger

I have a new one!

If I don't vote for Obama, will you think it is because I am racist?

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6/01/08

gmoney

WOW.......... that is a great question. If you are a Democrat I kinda wonder why anyone would vote for Clinton, but that is my personal point of view.
I don't think that you would be a racist if you did not vote for Obama. I hear the media say that Hillary supporters are white working class Americans without a college degree and I wonder how many of them harbor ignorant racist views. Maybe they just like Hillary or maybe they liked Mr. Clinton and because of marriage or because she is a woman they are voting for her. I don't know..... I can't get into anyones head and see why they would not vote for OBAMA..... I am willing to take a risk on the next President, I am ready for the unkown

6/02/08

accidentalsexiness

I think its hilarious that you started a trend! Cheers!

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6/02/08

offendedblogger

Ooooh, I have a GOOD one this time:

If I start a black church here in Idaho, will the 12 or so black people who live here laugh at me because I'm not black?

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6/02/08

gmoney

They dont have to be in IDAHO for them to laugh at you, but really, that would be cool for a white person to start a black church LOL.... I am sure ti has been done.
I am working on some business ideas and I will seek out cool people from different races to represent my company. I am also thinking about a magazine and it will be the same way, it will attempt to represent a cross section of America and the world..... I am tired of only seeing "black magazines" or magazines that under represent minorities in its pages in the pages.
6/02/08

offendedblogger

What an awesome idea!

You know, I almost hate to admit this, but...

I grew up in California, and I had many black, Hispanic and Asian friends, it was really no big deal at all and I thought nothing of it. When I moved out here, (first to Wyoming, then Montana and now Idaho), it was so rare to see a black or Asian person (we have a lot of immigrant Hispanic farm workers so they aren't rare to see) that now I catch myself kinda staring at them when I do see one.

I bet they think I am a weirdo or a racist, but honestly I wish it were more of a melting pot here like it is out there. I miss my multicultural friends.
6/02/08

legbamel

I had a similar experience, when I moved from California to North Dakota. This is probably the most diverse city in the state, but that's not saying much. You can't very well approach total strangers and ask them to hang out with you because you're interested in their cultural background and experiences. That'd be weird. But sometimes I'd like to do it, anyway. I don't do well with strangers, if there isn't a mutual acquaintance to ease things. :|
6/02/08

gmoney

I would approach a stranger...... I think that is cool if you would do it.

6/02/08

accidentalsexiness

I got made fun of when I joined the African American group in High School! If you ever need a Hispanic opinion feel free to ask.

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6/02/08

gmoney

That is great that you stepped out of your box and joined a organizations. that is very cool!!!

6/02/08

accidentalsexiness

Yeah and I made a bunch of good friends.

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6/02/08

timethief

@gmoney
I just spotted this below and have not ran the videos yet. I wondered if you knew about it so I'm posting the link.
Color, Controversy and DNA
A conversation between The Root Editor-in-Chief Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Nobel laureate and DNA pioneer James Watson about race and genetics, Jewish intelligence, blacks and basketball and Watson's African roots.
www.theroot.com/id/46667?GT1=38002
entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article263...

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6/02/08

gmoney

I just read it. There are differences among all people and races. The error starts when we fell that westernized culture is the best culture for the world. Then we think that has something to do with genetics.....

6/03/08