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tresha · 03-23-2008, 11:05 AM

I didn't read the article and get that the author was saying whites are still the cause of racial problems today. What I took from it, is that for some white people looking at the actual historical facts of what has happened throughout all of American history is pretty uncomfortable for them.
That for some white people, they'd rather only know about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, possibly Malcom X and you know, sports figures; and not actually know about the horrible racial discord that has been a part of this nations history.
I agree that on a racial/bigotry level, this country has made loads of progress. It's not like policeman are using fire hoses to control crowds of blacks anymore, right? I can go into any lunch counter, with my black GF and be seated and served.
Things have gotten better, in today's time.
But that there has been progress does not change the fact that a shitload of damage has been done.
People of Barack Obama's generation perhaps do not feel the effects of the damage done as first hand as someone of Rev Wright's generation.
But the effects are still there. It's not like all the generations before Obama's suddenly up and vanished.
Yes there is a cycle of poverty in this nation; it is not exclusive to blacks, or hispanics.
I received "free lunch" when I was in school; until recently I received a rent subsidy (and hope to qualify again) ; I am currently re-applying for food stamps and I get a check every month from the gov't for a disabling condition.
And I'm white.
My point is, I am a second or third generation "poor person". It is awfully hard to climb up past where and how you were raised. It's not impossible and tons of people have done it; but it is damn hard.
The people of Obama's generation, and those coming after are perhaps the first ever in this country who aren't having to deal with Jim Crow laws and the horrible reminders that their skin color can dictate everday basics for their life.
But it's gonna take more than anybody declaring "that's all history now" for the effects and the damage to go away.
I mean come on, even in this day and age, people are asking "is America ready for an African American president?"
Is the racial divide and hatred that has been a part of our history were truly not still an issue, this question would not even need be asked.

03-23-2008, 11:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
tresha Mercenary Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: DFW Texas, USA Posts: 289 Country: Country:	I didn't read the article and get that the author was saying whites are still the cause of racial problems today. What I took from it, is that for some white people looking at the actual historical facts of what has happened throughout all of American history is pretty uncomfortable for them. That for some white people, they'd rather only know about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, possibly Malcom X and you know, sports figures; and not actually know about the horrible racial discord that has been a part of this nations history. I agree that on a racial/bigotry level, this country has made loads of progress. It's not like policeman are using fire hoses to control crowds of blacks anymore, right? I can go into any lunch counter, with my black GF and be seated and served. Things have gotten better, in today's time. But that there has been progress does not change the fact that a shitload of damage has been done. People of Barack Obama's generation perhaps do not feel the effects of the damage done as first hand as someone of Rev Wright's generation. But the effects are still there. It's not like all the generations before Obama's suddenly up and vanished. Yes there is a cycle of poverty in this nation; it is not exclusive to blacks, or hispanics. I received "free lunch" when I was in school; until recently I received a rent subsidy (and hope to qualify again) ; I am currently re-applying for food stamps and I get a check every month from the gov't for a disabling condition. And I'm white. My point is, I am a second or third generation "poor person". It is awfully hard to climb up past where and how you were raised. It's not impossible and tons of people have done it; but it is damn hard. The people of Obama's generation, and those coming after are perhaps the first ever in this country who aren't having to deal with Jim Crow laws and the horrible reminders that their skin color can dictate everday basics for their life. But it's gonna take more than anybody declaring "that's all history now" for the effects and the damage to go away. I mean come on, even in this day and age, people are asking "is America ready for an African American president?" Is the racial divide and hatred that has been a part of our history were truly not still an issue, this question would not even need be asked. __________________ "If you can't do something smart, do something right."