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Originally posted by PM_Mama00
Yes, my parents did migrate here for their own choice. I didn't even think about how your ancestors might've come over.
I understand what you say about the ramifications from history, but I just think that many people have done what they could to make things equal. History and now is what bothers me. The Jews encountered a horrible event long ago, and I'm sure are discriminated against in some issues, but I've never really heard them complaining about what happened. Yes complain, but I can't really think of the words to write to explain what I'm thinking. So please don't take that comment in a negative way.
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First off, you have to understand that when something like slavery happens, the after-effects don't just magically disappear. When it comes to the ethnic hierarchy in the U.S., blacks remain at the bottom. That is not something that will change tomrrow or next week. Itis going to take a LOT to eradicate that and the oppression that STILL results. Don't get me wrong. Yes, progress has been made. Yes, there have been great strides to ensure equality. But the fact remains that there is still great progress to BE made. I think that unless you can walk in the shoes of a black person for one day, you can't get a full grasp on a black person's daily reality. I understand that you feel that the american dream is reality, but that is because you have not yet experienced otherwise.
On another note, the plights of Blacks and Jews CANNOT be compared. Although both ethnic groups have been through a SEVERE trauma, they are fundamentally different. Again, the Jews chose to migrate here, they were not forced to come to America to become enslaved. They did face their share of discrimination (and still do, to an extent), but they were bumped up the totem pole when the next groups of immigrants came to the U.S.
Historically, whenever a group migrated to the U.S., they were automatically classified at the bottom of the hierarchy and recieved the worst treatment until the next wave of immigrants came along. However, since blacks were brought to the United States, they became the new bottom dwellers and for some reason, that has not changed.
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Yes at my age it is hard for me to unlearn things that I learned growing up in a mostly all-white neighborhood. However, coming to college I've learned a lot about other cultures and kept an open mind. Last night I talked to one of my black friends and he totally understood what I was saying, and we discussed it in a mature way. I think posting online, people are gettin the wrong idea about me. Sometimes I saw things that I'm thinking, but they came out the wrong way.
If my ignorance is exposed, so be it. I am being true. If my opinions are making me ignorant, then I'm sorry. I value others' opinions, and I only wish that people would do the same.
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You cannot blame us for our perception. All we know of you is what you post. If your post comes off sounding ignorant, that is how you will be perceived. Perhaps you should thoroughly think out your replies before submitting. I actually think that this post was FAR better than your others as far as explaining your mentality.
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I started this thread just to post that news story, and to get your opinions ON THE STORY. I'm glad that it has prompted a somewhat intellectual debate. I am only sorry that is has made you all think that I'm an ignorant, prejudiced person. I'm not. I'll interact with any race. If someone of another race came through Rush, if I feel that they would be a great addition to my organization, I'd vote positive on them. But since I'm an ignorant person, I'll prolly get flamed for sayin that.
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Quick correction: I do not think you are an ignorant person...rather, you just have some ignorant views on the topic of ethnicity in America.
Also, because you will interact with someone of another race, or invite them into your organization does not make you any less ignorant on these issues.
I am not flaming you at all. I respect this post a lot because it seems to me that you actually took the time to consider your feelings, without getting defensive.
The fact that you posted "I hope no one thinks I am racist for posting this article..." as a preface to the beginning of this thread let me know that you are unsure how others will perceive you and your level of prejudice. If you are introspective, you might realize that other's perceptions (specifically those on GC, as based on your posts) are not all that inaccurate. If what you post is how you TRULY feel, then there is no room for error.