I hope that this is true- the evolution of racial politics

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

I have my own question. Now that there is going to be a black man in office, will the decision-makers in the criminal justice/law enforcement system now all of the sudden decide that it is a little odd that black people are disproportionately represented in the system? I have other questions too.

I would argue that the reasons behind this disparity have very little to do with "decision makers" in the criminal justice/law enforcement system (who I assume to be judges, lawmakers and police) - these decision makers have little control over educational or job opportunity, for example, two of the strongest correlating factors for finding oneself on the wrong side (rightly, wrongly or 'gray-area'-ly) of the legal system. The reasons behind the massive disparity on Death Row in Texas, for example, are much more complex than simply finding that black males get screwed by juries or judges - which is kind of ironic, as that's the classic mistake DSTC has been pointing out in this thread.

EDIT: I'm sure you realize all of this, and are more asking whether this is the opportunity for the "wake-up call" . . . my point is that whether or not it is, I'm not convinced it matters for that subset of the population. I'll go into more detail if you'd like, but I think that's a good start for feedback purposes.

[madmax]

The idea of black politics now tilts away from leadership based on voicing grievance, and identity politics based on victimization and anger. In its place is an era in which it is assumed that talented, tough people of any background will find a way to their rightful seat of power in mainstream political life.

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

I have my own question. Now that there is going to be a black man in office, will the decision-makers in the criminal justice/law enforcement system now all of the sudden decide that it is a little odd that black people are disproportionately represented in the system? I have other questions too.

Sounds like you are still blaming da man for your problems.

holla

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by PhiGam

Great post. Playing devil's advocate here I will say that I have met a lot of black people who do feel that they are being "held down" by institutional racism- how would you argue that they have a legitimate complaint here now that the most powerful man in the world- elected by a majority white population- is black?

Reason is simple....one pebble dropping in a pond may cause a ripple but not a tidal wave....It's alomst the same way like you have certain folks who have (insert race here) friends and they think that they are 'better in touch' than people who don't.

Just because there is a different president doesn't mean that we still won't have same problems...just the same as if Palin ever became president (God Forbid!) that women still won't have issues.

[LttleMsPrEp]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Reason is simple....one pebble dropping in a pond may cause a ripple but not a tidal wave....It's alomst the same way like you have certain folks who have (insert race here) friends and they think that they are 'better in touch' than people who don't.

Just because there is a different president doesn't mean that we still won't have same problems...just the same as if Palin ever became president (God Forbid!) that women still won't have issues.

That's what I've been trying to say since Election Day.. it seems as if alot of people are saying "America has finally solved its race problems we have a black president" which is not the case. As you've said there will always be issues and people that are looking at this as a cure for all is sadly mistaken.

[fantASTic]

Hey, at least I remembered all your names. Don't I even get one gold star for that?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

Hey, at least I remembered all your names. Don't I even get one gold star for that?

You're asking for recognition for something that anyone else can do. Hypocrite!!

[DrPhil]

Cliff notes:

Black people support affirmative action because they want nonmonetary slavery reparations.

Coincidentally, other racial and ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities support affirmative action for the same reason. Scary how that happens.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Cliff notes:

Black people support affirmative action because they want nonmonetary slavery reparations.

Coincidentally, other racial and ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities support affirmative action for the same reason. Scary how that happens.

Also, any other racial and ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities upon doing the prerequisites can apply for scholarships.

Doesn't mean that they will get them, either...and again, they are just not handed out....pay attention to the "hand out" part.