Black Men and White Women Is it a Problem?

[chAKAlate]

You know at first, I said I was not going to even reply to the post. Because I knew I would see the answers and posts that I have seen.

But I had to respond when I saw how hard people were coming down on prettygyrl and Shalom.

You wonder why they are angry. Being an African-American in this country makes you angry.

When you see the divide in this country, the majority of poor people in this country are people of color, while the majority of wealthy people in this country are white.
Still today Blacks do not make as much as their white counterparts in the same job with the same education. In fact Black college educated females only make a little more than white males who only have their high school diploma. If people want cites to these statistics, I will be happy to give them.

You whites seem to jump down us African-American throats about mentioning slavery. Okay, lets put slavery aside for the moment. Lets focus on segregation. The Civil Rights Movement ended in the late 1960's. Less than forty years ago. My mother was born in the fifties and my grandparents were born in the 1930's. I have an aunt who is in her late nineties. Some white people love to think this is a discussion of the distant past. IT IS NOT. I look at my grandfather everyday and feel sad, he is an extremely intelligent man and could have been a lawyer. (I just finished my first year of law school at one of the top ten law schools in the country. I am his legacy.) But at that time the hurdles facing African-Americans trying to be lawyers were almost insurmountable and he was unable to leap them. He ended up being a mechanic.

THose African-Americans of those era who were able to achieve the impossible, get much do respect. WOmen, like my founders and those of the other BGLO's who were college graduates at a time when it was an extremely exceptional accomplishment. (It is still an amazing accomplishemnt when a Black person graduates college today. Why? Because the overwhelming image of African-Americans in this society are lazy welfare queens or hardened felons. To stay focused and know that this is not true is a battle everday, At least for me it was.) Remember we started BGLO's because we were not allowed admission into white organizations. We started HBCU's because we were not admitted to predominately white colleges.


Foe example train porters back in the 1940's who were African-American were college graduates and even had graduate degrees but the best job they could get were porters. They were more educated than the WHites they were serving often times.

The past, that many whites like to say to dismiss the wrongs of racism and even some Blacks is alive today in my grandparents, my aunt, the many other elderly African-Americans who had to deal with times more worse than these and ME.

Still today people in the South want to fly the confederate flag. A flag that represents a group of people who support and believed in the enslavement of MY PEOPLE.

This is why are ANGRY. And maybe we may displace our anger on issues that you may feel are not relevant. Even if you feel that way, you should RESPECT where that anger comes from.

One person made a comment that just because they were white it didn't mean that their life was easy. TRUE that. But you did not bear the extra burden of being Black with all the stigma that it causes. So you have it much easier. Danny Glover a Black man could not catch a cab. His money, his fame didn't mean anything. He was simply a Black man. That was all the cab driver needed to know.

I had serious issues with interracial dating: Blacks and Whites. And I uses to question myself was I a racist. And I realized after hearing someone speak on the issue that my anger and hurt was valid because it was based on a system of opporession. A system that has historically glorified whiteness with beauty.

And Jae so the anger you get from many Black women is the feeling that somehow you are affiming society's stereotype that whiteness is to be prized over Blackness. We get so much grief from those outside our race. WE expect support at least from those within our race. And so as a Black women that is where the pain and anger comes from. I am not saying it is right, it could very well be displaced and that is probably not the reason at all you are dating white women. But as a Black man, especially, you should be able to respect those feelings.

At this point it does still make me angry and I prefer that Blacks and Whites do not interracially date. But if a Black and White happen to fall in love, then by all means be happy. I would be upset if my son brought home a white girl. But I think that is different than a white not wanting their child to date a Black. Why? Because often times whites are not for interracial dating because they believe that Blacks are not as good as whites. I believe that Whites are equal to Blacks. I object for societal reasons. Because no matter what we know or all the good comment by whites that they are not racist. Racism still exists. I think it is critical for the success of the Black communities that there are strong BLACK families. Do you as an individual Black person bear a responsibility for your "race"? YES Why? Because our ancestors died and risked their lives and I am not just talking about slavery. for the freedom that you have today.

Everytime I sit in class, one of the 6 Blacks in this entering class. And hear the ignorant comments made by Whites. I get angry. And if it were not for those Whites who do reach out to me and remind me that there are those who sincerely care about racism and other issues and want to be on the front lines in the battle against it. I must say it is only a few. When I think of those whites like Thaddeus Stevens and William Lloyd Garrison who did spend their lives fighting for racial equality, I always rethink my view on hating all Whites.

Buit it is hard to keep that perspective. I have a four year old son who thinks police are cool. But when he becomes a teenager and fits the stereotype of a "black male criminal", they won't be his friends any longer. When his father is stopped and harrassed by cops because of the melanin in his skin. When I was worried about my brother moving to New York, after the Diallo incident. When I look at my son and cannot say with the same confidence as a white mother that one day my son can be president.
I remember as a little girl thinking about wanting to be president, but even at that early age I knew my dreams were futile. I was Black and a woman. That is painful. This is the pain of Blackness. But then there is the pride of being from a group of people who survived despite this oppressive situation.

I am angry everytime I go home to Compton. Where you see no White people and see the situation that Blacks and Hispanics live in. When I see the kids playing in the projects, kids whose whole life is spent in the ghetto and know that their future is dismal.

This is why African-Americans are still angry. For you white people who can't understand the anger. I hope this helps. And I hope the next time you try to jump down a Black person's throat for having animosity toward whites, maybe you will think twice and instead be an example of why their stereotype is wrong. Just like for many years African-Americans have worked to show that the stereotype of Blacks is not true.

All of my white friends are those who can understand these feelings in me. I still associate with those whites who don't but we can never truly be friends.

These are the everyday issues that African-Americans have to deal with.

And please stop saying that slavery does not matter. History, does not matter? Does the history of your Greek organization not matter? Don't you take credit and pride in the good accomplishments of WHites in this country? We glorify them right. We honor Jefferson and Washington, both slave owners. Oh I see selective history, take credit and honor only the good things but the bad things brush under the rug. I DON'T THINK SO. IF HISTORY DOESN'T MATTER THEN WHY DO WE LEARN IT IN SCHOOL. ANYONE WHO MAKES THE ARGUMENT THAT HISTORY DOES NOT MATTER IS IGNORANT. ANYONE WHO DOES NOT REALIZE THAT THE PAST AFFECTS THE FUTURE IS IGNORANT.

------------------
Aim for the moon,.... if you miss you'll be among the stars.

[This message has been edited by chAKAlate (edited May 31, 2000).]

I'd just like to know---I am from a country in the Middle East. My people have been enslaved, raped, beaten and killed by neighboring states. Let's remember that racism is going on RIGHT NOW!!! In Iran, Syria, etc... People keep talking about "Well, why aren't you white people doing anything to stop racism?" I ask you, "Why aren't you AMERICANS doing anything to help people in the Middle East???" I'll tell you why--it's too hard to make a significant difference in the world. I just wish we could all make little changes in the way we treat others--all those little changes could add up to a few big changes.

[Poplife]

I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I don't see why blacks are angry. I'm a black female and I know how the world can be when you're brown. Personality wise, I'm pretty moody and I there are a lot of things that can set me off. But as I've gotten slightly older, I have seen that sometimes it's all about looking at the big picture. Currently I'm working as a sales person at a Nordstom in Northern Virginia where there are a lot of wealthy white people. Contrary to popular belief, most of my customers are nice. But sometimes I can get those one or two customers who think that I just got off the slave ship. While I was complaining to another black sales person about I realized in 1895 I would have never been able to walk into a Nordstrom, let alone work there. I was unhappy with my current situation but then I realize how far my people had come and I felt happy and proud.

In my lifetime, the status of my people will not reach it's deserved place, but anger has no place in progress. Still, some people need to realize that a person's attitude depends on many things, such as how you grew up. People that are used to seeing blacks in average to good living/working situations might have a less harsh opinion.

When I look at myself I see a person. Even though there is a brown face and kinky head in the mirror, I just see Pop. I try not to get angry about things because there are enough of us who are angry. All I can do is keep the GPA and positive attitude up and try carry myself like a role model for anyone who needs one (especially my young sista's). I will never forget the past but even when it's thrown in my face I use every ounce of power in me to swallow it even though it's bitter medicine. That's something that blacks just have to do. It comes with the territory.



[This message has been edited by Poplife (edited May 31, 2000).]

Soror chAKAlate....all I can say is AMEN and SKEEEEEEEEEE-WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

[theXgirl]

I'm just wondering when this topic/question became a race war?

theXgirl

[prettygyrl]

First of all let me send some love to Shalom, dejavu, Monique and chAKAalate......... I am glad yall feeling me 100%. Too Poplife (this is no diss)...... What you said is partly what saddens me about me about my people girrrrrrrl you say that "in 1895 you would not be able to work in Nordstom" I mean YOU say that as if it is a PRIVILAGE!! Thats no dam privilage!!!!!! Fuck That! I am tired of my people feeling like that because now we are so called "allowed" to be where WHITE people are at we should be happy! sweetie thats that slave mentality!!!! WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER NOT BEEN ALLOWED TO BE WHERE THEY WERE IN THE FIRST DAM PLACE!!!!! FUCK THEM!!!! THEY THINK THAT WE SHOULD BE THANKFUL NOW THAT WE CAN SHOP WHERE THEY SHOP AND ALL THAT SHIT !! HELL NAW I AM NOT GREATFUL CAUSE THAT IS JUST NORMAL EVERYDAY SHIT THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR US TO DO FROM DAY ONE. WE ARE PEOPLE TOO AND WE ALWAYS HAVE BEEN! BUT IN THE CONSTITUTION WE WERE ONLY STATED AS 2/3 RDS OF A PERSON AND TO ALOT OF WHITE PEOPLE WE ARE STILL THAT!!!! AND THEY THINK WE SHOULD FORGET ABOUT THE THINGS OUR PEOPLE WENT THROUGH AND ARE GOING THROUGH BECAUSE NOW WE GET TO BE AROUND THEM "LEGALLY" PLEASSSSSSSSSSEEEE FUCK THAT SHIT!!!!!! WE WERE PEOPLE THEN AND WE ARE NOW AND BEING ABLE TO WORK NEXT TO A WHITE PERSON DO NOT MAKE ME FEEL HAPPY OR PRIVELEGED CAUSE THEY DO NOT MEAN SHIT TO ME!!!!!!! Originally the question was about interracial dating and I gave my feelings about that some of the dum asses like (observer, fellow greek) turned this into a fuckin race war!!!!! Calling me racist cause i do not agree with interracial dating among whites and blacks hell if that makes me racist so be it then. AS FAR AS JUST AN OBSERVER GOES.........LOOK YOU IGNORANT ******* WHAT LIFE DO I OR MY PEOPLE HAVE THAT IS SO DAM GREAT THAT SLAVERY GOT US INTO!!!! WHO THE FUCK SAID WE WANTED TO BE HERE YOU SAY THAT STUPID SHIT LIKE WE GOT IT SO DAM GOOD IN AMERICA WE SHOULD THANK ALL THE SLAVE MASTERS FOR BRINGING US HERE!!!!! GRAND DRAGON OF THE KKK MOTHA FUCKA PLEASE!!!!! YALL WOULD NOT BE HERE IF YALL HAD NOT HAVE TAKEN THIS COUNTRY FROM THE INDIANS EVERY THING YALL CLAIM TO HAVE RIGHTS TOO YALL TOOK FROM SOMEONE YALL HAVE NOT WORKED FOR SHIT AND GOT IT ON YOUR OWN!!!! AS FAR AS FELLOW GREEK IS CONCERNED I DO NOT REALLY CARE WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE AND HELL NO I DO NOT SCOFF AT WHITE PEOPLE ON THE STREETS!! I HAD SAID ONCE BEFORE THAT I WAS NOT "HATING" ALL WHITE PEOPLE LIKE YALL MADE IT SEEM.... I JUST DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THEM!!!! I DO NOT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THEM ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. I DO NOT REMEBER WHICH PERSON POSTED THAT "AS A WHITE MAN HE FEELS DISCRIMINATED AGAINST" OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!! NOW I KNOW EVERYONE HAS TO AGREE THAT THAT IS A CROCK OF BULLSHIT!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!! I CAN SAY THIS MUCH I DO NOT GIVE A DAM WHO IS OFFENDED OR WHO DISAGREES.....WHITE "MEN" ARE A PART OF THE REASON THAT EVERYONE FROM EVERY ETHNICITY AND ALSO WHITE WOMEN HAVE IT SO DAM HARD SO HOW COULD YOU EVEN FIX YOUR MOUTH TO SAY THAT DUM ASS SHIT. YALL REALLY RUN THE WORLD AND YALL DO A DAM GOOD JOB IN MAKING SURE THAT IT STAYS THAT WAY SO KISS MY ASS!!!!! AND AS FAR AS WHOEVER SAID "I AM BITTER AT WHITE PEOPLE FROM KEEPING ME FROM ACHIEVEING MY DREAM" PLEASE NO WHITE PERSON IS GOING TO KEEP ME FROM DOING WHAT I GOT TO DO I DO NOT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT YALL!!! BELEIVE THAT. I WILL GET MINE!!!! I AM NOT REALLY CONCERNED WITH THE WHITE PEOPLE THAT POST ON THIS TOPIC I EXPECT THEM TO TRY AND DEFEND THEMSELVES WITH NAIVE IGNORANCE. WHAT HURTS ME IS THE BLACK PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO FORGET SLAVERY, AND EVERYTHING UP TO RIGHT NOW ENUFF TO FORGIVE WHITE PEOPLE ENUFF TO MARRY AND HAVE CHILDREN WITH THEM!! BLACK PEOPLE I NEVER SAID TO HATE THEM....... I AM JUST SAYING LOVE YOURSELF, YOUR PEOPLE AND SEE THEM FOR WHAT THEY REALLY ARE!!!!! REMEBER WHEN YOU MATE WITH A WHITE A PERSON THEY CAN LEAVE YOU AT ANY TIME AND ENTER BACK INTO THEIR WORLD AND YOU AND YOUR MIXED KIDS WILL ONLY HAVE BLACK PEOPLE TO TURN TO BECAUSE WE ARE MORE ACCEPTING OF MIXED PEOPLE!! ITS NOT WORTH IT! YOU CAN GET ALONG WITH WHITE PEOPLE AND ASSOCIATE WITH THEM(BEACAUSE YOU HAVE TO) BUT WE DO NOT HAVE TO INVITE THEM INTO OUR FAMILIES OR OUR ORGS. WE CAN ALL TRY AND LIVE TOGTHER BUT WE DO NOT HAVE TO BE "TOGETHER"!! WE HAVE FOUGHT TO HARD FOR THE LITTLE THINGS WE HAVE WHY SHOULD WE SHARE WITH THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAD TO FIGHT TO GET IT!!!!!!( THIS IS WHY I AM AGAINST WHITES IN BGLOS) THIS TOPIC WAS STARTED ABOUT KOBE BRYANT AND HIS CHOICE OF A WIFE AND I WILL END EVRYTHING I HAVE TO SAY IN REGARDS TO THAT!! IT BOTHERS US BECAUSE AS A BLACKMAN KOBE WOULD HAVE HAD IT HARD AS HELL IF HIS DAD WAS NOT A PRO BALL PLAYER AND IF HE WAS NOT SO WHY SINCE HE HIT IT BIG DOESN'T HE WANT TO SHARE THAT WITH A BLACK WOMAN? I MEAN AFTERALL HE IS THE PRODUCT OF A BLACK MARRIAGE!!!!!!!! FINALLY FOR ME ENUFF HAS BEEN SAID!!! MUCH LOVE TO MY BLACK BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!! AND AS SPIKE LEE ONCE SAID:"PLEASE WAKE-UP" CAUSE THIS HAPPY GO LUCKY GET ALONG EQUALITY SHIT ONLY EXIST IN THE MINDS OF THOSE WHO ARE ALLOWING THEMSELVES TO BE BLINDED AND WHO ARE SETTLING FOR LESS! CAUSE LESS IS ALL WE AS BLACK PEOPLE IN AMERICA HAVE THANKS TO WHITE PEOPLE AND LESS IS ALL WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE UNTIL WE STAND "TOGETHER" AS A PEOPLE AND NOT FEEL THE NEED TO BE ON A WHITE PERSONS GOOD SIDE OR BE THEIR FRIEND OR THEIR LOVER!!!!!

[mgdzkm433]

I think it's important for people to understand that I am not trying to say that Black people don't deserve any respect or that what they have gone through is any less than anyone else, but we also need to realize that these terrible acts do not stand out alone for just black people. Terrible acts have been committed to many people of different colors, religions, beliefs, etc. etc. The Jewish faith for instance. The holocost(sp) was no easy task to overcome and many are still trying to overcome. Millions of people were tortured and murdered and put in concentration camps. They were separated from their families and the german army could and would rape many jewish women right on the street. Some were skinned and their skin was used to make lampshades, like a prize to be won. If any of you have read Ann Frank's diary, you know how they constantly lived in fear while in hiding. During that same time, many people from other countries that imigrated or were visiting the US were put into camps within the US. Most of the camps treated these people well, but some were not. I "rank" these terrible crimes right up there with slavery. As I mentioned before in another post, Irish peoples within the US were treated as dogs, and most people/books will tell you worse than black people. At the dawn of Christianity, and it's rise to popularity, many peoples, estimated from thousands to millions were tortured and burned at the stake for not being Christian and practicing witchcraft and paganism. Their families were ripped apart, their towns and houses were burned to the ground, their livestock killed or taken, their children beaten, burned, or sold.

I'm not saying that these things are any worse or less than what Black people have suffered. But let us not forget that there are other people out there that have suffered as well. I think all these crimes are right up there together as being some of the most devestating crimes in history, and most of the descendants today of those crimes that I have listed feel the impact still today, they feel the discriminating eyes of the rest of the world as well. Let us remember that there are other people out there that have suffered and feel the blows of the past.

Really wrote:
...non violent man like Martin Luther King Jr..."

I just thought of that quote from Chris Rock's "Bring the Pain" when he was talking about how Martin Luther King stood for non-violence, and now every major city in the country has a Martin Luther King Blvd. and there's always violence going on there.

I'm not taking any sides in this debate, but I thought this quote was funny. Chris Rock is one of my favorite comedians.

[Discogoddess]

A few observations:

1.) Actually, blacks were considered only 3/5 of a person in the Founding Fathers' eyes, the same men who proclaimed that this country was free for all and that all were equal...

2.) While it is true that many groups, like the Jewish people, have been discriminated against, killed, beaten, etc., I think that Native Americans and Africans, brought to America FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF LABOR (first as indentured servants, then as slaves) are the only groups who have been enslaved through both legal and de facto means IN THIS COUNTRY, THE ONE THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON FREEDOM, EQUALITY, AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. That's a shameful history, one that was/is reinforced through Jim Crow laws (that were in force not so long ago), restrictive convenants (in which whites agree not to sell their homes to blacks, EVER), redlining (banks refusing to loan money in the same minority communities in which they receive deposits), steering (real estate agents making concerted efforts to steer blacks into only certain neighborhoods), job discrimination (having senior business executives make not only disparaging remarks about blacks while in board meetings, but carrying out discriminatory policies-Texaco), and the list goes on and on and on and on and on and on.....

3.)It's disengenous for anyone to try and absolve themselves of the responsibility to work toward change by saying their nor their ancestors owned slaves. Clearly, discrimination, racial violence (hey, whites burned up whole black towns in OK and FL in THIS CENTURY, just cuz they felt like it), and racial intolerance have all lingered with us (meaning ALL Americans) long after slavery ended.

4.)To those who asked what you can do: stop whining about how put upon you feel about having to read/hear about blacks' pain and hostility-talk to my sharecropping grandparents who could barely read but yet built a successful business and sent their kids to school, all while being discriminated against, then tell me how 'silly' this all is; read/watch historical pieces about the struggle/achievements of blacks in this country; form personal relationships with those different than you; participate in civic and social organizations that are working toward change; and admit that as an American, you were raised with at least SOME type of prejudice. This will go a long way toward understanding/helping the situation.

Peace and God speed to all!

DG

Somebody wrote:
i am sorry that racism has died in some of your minds, but it lives everyday

True. It lives everyday because people refuse to let it die. Once the whole concept of racism is gone once and for all, then the world will be a much better place.

[mgdzkm433]

first, I never said anything was silly. second, I have openly admitted that my parents dont believe that races should be mixed (brought up with that predjudice), I have had relationships with many people of different races--including dating behind my parents backs, third, I've take classes in black history, I've run races (road races) to raise money for scholarships for underpriviledged children, women's cancer research, children's hospitals, National breast feeding week, black history month (feb.) awarness of black history, and many many more. I've done a lot of support for many organizations, including those that are black awareness related. My home town has a bit of the underground railroad in one home and I've helped raise money to keep that bit of history perserved. So what Have I done? I haven't contributed to all the negativity. After reading a lot of the posts in this forum, I do feel that most of the work I HAVE done is completely unappreciated. Because from what I've read, a lot of people seems to agree here that all white people think n****r in the back of their heads when they walk by a black person. Well we don't, I don't, and I have made an effort to learn a bit about what people have gone through and are still going through.

As for slavery being a different issue than the rest of the incedents I mentioned. Yes, each one is different. But just because they are different doesn't mean any one is less important or more justifiable. Nobody can justify slavery, as nobody can justify Adlof Hitler trying to wipe out an entire religious group--just because he didn't follow their beliefs, just because HE didn't consider them an elite group of people.

People are sheep. We follow others. People will follow whoever gets up and takes hold of the raines. They crave to have a leader, someone to follow, to show them the way. Lots of times those people who get up to lead a group are terrible people, and they gain followers, and they do terrible things. When they are brought down and all is done and over with. . .alot of the followers feel guilty, sorry for what they did. We need good leaders to follow. To lead us into good times.

[deja vu]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mgdzkm433:
[B]I think it's important for people to understand that I am not trying to say that Black people don't deserve any respect or that what they have gone through is any less than anyone else, but we also need to realize that these terrible acts do not stand out alone for just black people.

Black people haven't forgotten that others have been wronged as well, but this particular thread focuses on BLACK people.

When people in a Majority can rationalize in their minds that people who are of another race,ethnicity,nationality, etc. aren't human, it makes it a whole lot easier to justify the things they do. Especially when there is $$$ to be made at the expense of somebody else.

But many of you feel that problems associated with the other classes are not your problem, you want no responsibility as long as your life is not affected. But when the drugs,gangs, guns, school shooting come into your upper middle class neighborhoods it a Damn National Crisis!!! Noone cared when Junebug and Skeeter was shooting up the inner city school but when it happened to John and Jessica action needed to be taken, gun laws changed, blah blah blah. The sooner we all figure out that our brother's problem should be our concern as well the better off we'll all be...but people in general(regardless of race) are selfish so that's not going to happen so I'm done wasting my time on this issue and I encourage others to do the same.






[This message has been edited by deja vu (edited June 01, 2000).]

[mgdzkm433]

This topic doesn't focus on just black people. It focuses on Black people and White people both. "Black men and White women Is it a Problem?"

[chAKAlate]

mgdzk433

I wanted to respond to you because you seemed to be upset, you seem to feel like you get characterized as one of those quote on quote "bad white people".

You ticked off a list of positive things you have done to improve racial situations. That is great. But I wanted to make a point of saying that you should be doing these things not for recognition but because it is the right thing to do.

Once again what makes us different me as a Black women and you as a white person is that you can make a conscious choice to fight opporession or choose to do nothing.

I as an African-American I have no choice. I am forced to combat oppression because of the skin color I wear everyday.

Poplife you made a comment to the effect that when you see yourself in the mirror, you see a person not necessarily an African-American woman. Well, I differ that when I look in the mirror and see my chAKAlate skin and kinky hair. I am happy and proud. I don't want to be seen as just a person. I want to be seen as an African-American woman. I am immensely proud of that heritage. Because I know that I am a person, if someone else can't see that then that is their problem.

The same thing no matter what your race, you should be proud of what you see. What a boring world this world would be if we were all the same color and looked alike. My problem is not with difference but with hierachy being placed onto that difference. That one person's difference is better than someone elses.

To the person that said this is a race war. It is not it is a dialogue. I think dialogue like this is important if we are ever going to be able to change the situation. We need to understand and recognize how each other feel. 433 I commend you for staying in the conversation. I know it must be hard in a way to be a White person in these type of conversations. But you also are the benefit of an immense amount of privilege because of your white skin.

If you are Greek or even if not I hope that you share your commitment with eradicating racism etc. with fellow frat and friends.

And to the person in the middle east making the comment about the atrocities going all over the world, don't forget Africa: the AIDS epidemic and approaching famine.

I am aware of those problems and I feel overwhelmed and I believe that the whole world has a responsibility to alleviate these problems.

I am trying to prepare myself with my education to one day help combat these atrocities. You challenged us. What are you doing?

Also, Why are African-Americans always being challenged when we "bitch" about racism but when Jewish people talk about their issues no one ever comes down on them. Give our issues the same respect.

Prettygyrl, you're angry sister. Don't let these problems eat you up. Girl holding such pain and anger inside will eat you up. I feel you but you have to let go of some of it, for your own health at least.

------------------
Aim for the moon,.... if you miss you'll be among the stars.

[This message has been edited by chAKAlate (edited June 01, 2000).]

[mgdzkm433]

You know. . .thank you. That is about the best post I've read. No offense to anyone else. You are right, I do feel like I have been stereotyped as one of these so call "bad white people." I guess it is beacause of all the negativity brought on by both sides. I do want to make one thing clear, you did point out that I shouldn't do things for recognision. You are right, and I don't. The only thing I've strived for is to raise the money and get the job done. Running a race is hard work (we aren't talk about track races here--we are talking half marathons). I'm never one of the people that finish first--I'm far from that good, but it makes me feel good to cross the finish line no matter if I were the first person or the last, because I know I've made a difference. I just wanted to let you know that I don't do these for my own personal glory.

I also wanted to point out that you are right about everything you said. There are differences between the two of us, and I don't think that I ever said there weren't. You do have to live with the opression that has taken place throughout time, that is a fact, and I commend YOU for being the strong people you are for working to overcome that. I do benifit because of my color, and I don't try to pretend that I don't, and if I came off as seeming this way, I'm sorry. My original thought of this topic is that instead of feeling so much hate or anger toward each other, we can use that energy to toward making things better. In our lifetime, we will probably not see much of a change, but can we really take the risk of giving up? I don't want people to forget the past--black or white or ANY color or background. I want us to move forward. Yes, we are all here together, some people might not like that nor did they ask for it, but that's the facts, we can either work together, grow together and move on, or we can stay angry, hateful, and yes segragated (because come on, is that what we are not doing--pointing out differences and defining each other as separate groups) and stay the same or regress. The choice is up to us, and the only way to make things better for EVERYONE is to find a common ground. Maybe I'm not realistic, but I'd rather TRY to create a better world to raise my children in than to settle for the one I'm in now.