Update (2/16) III: A white college student fed up with the obsessive and silly pursuit of skin color diversity at the expense of common sense and fairness writes:
“Every morning, I sit down with a delicious Dewick breakfast, coffee and the Daily. As of late, every morning, I make it to the Viewpoints page and read a heart-warming article about tolerance, diversity and community. Then every morning, I roll my eyes, shut the Daily and reach for a newspaper from the real world. This morning, after reading that not enough white people came to the town meeting and that intro-level English classes should be turned into race relations classes, I have had enough.”
Thanks for linking, Michelle. Check out this Washington Post article about MM.
Update (8:21 p.m) II: Want more proof that race preferences are on the way out? An hispanic cop sued because he claimed his department passed him over for lesser qualified blacks. And he won $254,000. Despite what liberal justices on the Supreme Court say, race preferences are unlawful and cannot be justified, even for god-almighty “diversity.” Expect to read about more such lawsuits filed by whites, hispanics, and Asians, and be prepared to see blacks and hispanics fighting to be THE-preferred-minority-group-in-charge. Pitiful, the whole bloody game.
(Hat tip: Discriminations)
——————————————————————–
You may recall that I blogged about a white student who was accepted to an Urban Journalism Workshop — sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University (taxpayer-supported), the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, and the Richmond Times Dispatch — based on her qualifications and then rejected based on her race. The Center for Individual Rights (CIR) filed suit on her behalf. (Also see White Student Sues for Racial Discrimination)
[Update: I’ve corrected CIR’s name. I wrote “Center for Civil Rights” instead of “Center of Individual Rights.” Sorry for the confusion. But that’s why linking to sources is good! I think Ward Connerly’s organization was on my mind when I wrote the post this morning.]
Well, the case has been resolved in her favor. Last month, the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Media Group Corporation, and Virginia Commonwealth University agreed to open the summer workshop to all races. Apparently, the agreement applies to workshops at other schools as well. Download a PDF copy of the settlement agreement. (Also see Journalism Programs to Be Race Blind)
One can make an argument that programs for “minorities” are necessary, given the seemingly intractable academic achievement gap problem and other disadvantages that disproportionately affect certain minorities (poor family formation, fatherless homes, etc). Private entities have the “freedom of association” to do just that, but public entities do not. It is against the law to discriminate against people on the basis of race, and taxpayers should not be coerced into supporting illegal programs. We do it all the time with illegal “immigration,” of course, but that’s a separate matter.
As I’ve said many times, a government with the power to discriminate against whites and in favor of minorities can wield that same power to discriminate against minorities and in favor of whites. It should not have the power to do either.
The time to end race-based programs is at hand. With three states voting to ban preferences in government hiring and admissions (Washington, California, and Michigan), and more states on the way, the government had better find a cleverer way to achieve its obsessive and unrealistic pursuit of skin deep-only diversity, because discriminating against whites (and Asians, in some cases) is blatantly illegal.
The consequences of racial discrimination can be pretty steep. Last year, a judge decided that 40 white male professors at Northern Arizona University were entitled to $4.1 million in back pay and raises. Southern Illinois University agreed to open three previously racially exclusive fellowships to all races after the Department of Justice threatened to sue. And 40,000 whites who applied to and were rejected by the University of Michigan between 1995-2003 may file claims and seek damages against the taxpayer-supported school for racial discrimination. CIR filed suit against the school ten years ago on behalf of two people, and that case has been settled. Each plaintiff will receive $10,000 in damages.
Damages. To a lawyer, that word is golden. Treble damages. Even a liberal lawyer who supports skin color discrimination won’t be able to resist that. Government institutions had better wise up, especially in states with explicit anti-racial discrimination laws on the books. Dismantle race preference policies now, and find a subtler way to admit lower qualified minorities to achieve that elusive, amorphous, and godlike goal of “diversity.”
Or be prepared to pay up.
Trivia: Because of skin deep-only preferences, black Africans and children of recent African immigrants are overrepresented in colleges and universities, at the expense of the descendants of black American slaves, for whom so-called affirmative action was created. (Source)
Related posts:
- Asians: The Non-Preferred Minority
- Colorblind Bind
- Florida’s Lower IQ Scheme Doomed to Fail
- Value of Diversity
- Hispanics Whine For Entitlements
Addendum: Expect to see more successful discrimination lawsuits. People are winning because the law is on their side.
Amen, LaShawn!
Some schools use clever methods to get around admissions guidelines. For example, the University of Hawaii has a special program called the Pre Admission program. From the website: “the Pre-admission Program provides students from disadvantaged backgrounds with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to do law school work. Each year, 12 students are selected from among applicants with academic records not strong enough to justify admission to the regular program, but who, nevertheless, demonstrate potential for successful completion of law study and significant contribution as lawyers.” http://www.catalog.hawaii.edu/schoolscolleges/law/admission.htm
The practical reality of this (and I attended the law school), is that no white students are ever admitted to that program. These students get special tutoring and study aids, all of which are deliberately witheld from the law students in the regular law curriculum. The Pre Ad students are supposed to mainstream in their second year, yet they continue to receive tutoring and study aids that are not given to other students. In fact, a friend of mine in the program told me that they were specifically told not to share any of the aids that they received, and to avoid studying with students in the regular program.
So what, you wonder? This is a state school that receives federal funds. Many of the students in the program are given a free ride in terms of tuition, while everyone else has to cough up thousands of dollars, for which they actually receive LESS education. Instead of fostering tolerance of others, the program encourages racial victim mentality and a sense of entitlement. Law school is tough enough as it is without some people being given an unfair advantage.
Comment by Kim — 02.15.07 @ 8:42 am
If only the folks who institute these exclusionary policies would step back a few paces and analyze their handiwork, they might hear this echo in the background:
“Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever!” –George Wallace
Comment by RedBeard — 02.15.07 @ 9:02 am
Kim - The law school in Hawaii may need to add qualifiers such as “urban” to include more minorities, because what ends up happening is that more white students qualify under supposedly racially neutral “applicants with academic records not strong enough to justify admission to the regular program, but who, nevertheless, demonstrate potential for successful completion of law study and significant contribution as lawyers.”
Based on that language, with the notable absence of race, there’s no reason to assume it will help black students. Using “low income” may not help, either, because there are plenty of low income whites who want to go to law school but whose “academic records not strong enough to justify admission to the regular program, but who, nevertheless, demonstrate potential for successful completion of law study and significant contribution as lawyers.”
Code words like “urban,” or something similar, may help. It’s a dilemma…
Comment by La Shawn — 02.15.07 @ 9:02 am
Last week, I attended a conference on universal pre-k. One of the lefties on the panel stated that the most well served population (in terms of the availability of strong programs for early childhood development) in Texas and throughout the US is the urban population. The kids that have much more limited access were blue collar workers in suburban and rural areas.
What makes this even more untenable is that many middleclass mothers have to stick their children in inadequate unstimulating daycares while they work to provide the benefits that are given to others.
In truth, there are a staggering number of grant based programs in urban areas at all levels, including things such the program described above.
Comment by jan — 02.15.07 @ 9:17 am
LaShawn said:
“As I’ve said many times, a government with the power to discriminate against whites and in favor of minorities can wield that same power to discriminate against minorities and in favor of whites. It should not have the power to do either.”
Bravo for that, wholeheartedly agree.
“Even a liberal lawyer who supports skin color discrimination won’t be able to resist that.”
Of course, not forgetting that lawyers being lawyers, even a conservative lawyer who supports ’skin colour discrimination’ mightn’t be able to resist either
Comment by JohnD — 02.15.07 @ 9:56 am
To those who feel animal rights activists are “offending” meat eaters, I say we are only speaking the truth, just like pro-lifers are telling the truth about abortion.
Just like in abortion, it’s grisly and gruesome and the baby probably suffers, animals are suffering horribly because of our choices in foods because we like how they taste. And it doesn’t have to be, we can live perfectly fine using plant protein. I have done it for 21 years. It’s simply the truth.
My intention is not to offend but to discuss/inform. If you are choosing to be offended (and we all know it’s often a choice) ask yourself first, is it true? Is what I am saying it true? It is indeed true that babies are suffering and so are animals for selfish reasons. That is the truth.
Comment by Kristina C. — 02.15.07 @ 11:54 am
How accurate is that 40,000 figure for the University of Michigan? Does that number take in to account legacy, developmental and other special admissions? I have no doubt that some were denied, but I find 40,000 to rather high without disclosing the formula use to calculate such a figure.
Comment by Uncle Ruckus — 02.15.07 @ 12:27 pm
Kristina C - Wrong topic dear…:)
On regards to the VCU case, I have been following this as well. I do hope Emily will gain knowledge from the internship.
I do wonder however, since VCU, being an HBCU will attract very many white or other non-black students to the internship anyway. It would be interesting to see who many more non-minority students apply.
Comment by Tiffany in Houston — 02.15.07 @ 12:30 pm
Treble damages? Where? That got MY attention.
Comment by David Rogers — 02.15.07 @ 12:51 pm
A Civil Rights Victory
It’s how La Shawn Barber views the settlement allowing a white student to be accepted to the Urban Journalism Workshop sponsored by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, the Virginia Commonwealth University and the Richmond Tomes Dispatch. The workshop is now …
Trackback by Pajamas Media — 02.15.07 @ 1:24 pm
One could also make a case for the assertion that racial preferences will always be necessary as long as we insist on treating one race in particular like infants. Let’s deprive one set of people of all dignity and any need to actually work to succeed, on the theory that some day that might inspire them to work to succeed, Mr. Justice O’Connor….
Comment by Lucinius Antonninus — 02.15.07 @ 1:36 pm
that is great news!!!
I hope to see more Asian students sue now..Thats certain to bankrupt a number of schools.
Comment by lukeNC — 02.15.07 @ 2:15 pm
Ooops! You are right…my comments were supposed to go on the prior topic. My apologies. Can it be moved?
Thanks
Comment by Kristina C. — 02.15.07 @ 2:21 pm
The case of Emily Smith
La Shawn Barber reports on a white student who was accepted to an Urban Journalism Workshop — sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University (taxpayer-supported), the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, and the Richmond Times Dispatch — based on her qualifica…
Trackback by Michelle Malkin — 02.15.07 @ 3:25 pm
Victory for Diversity
Trackback by Three Br0thers — 02.15.07 @ 3:49 pm
Dow Jones sponsors a summer program for high school journalists at San Jose State. The goal is to provide training for minority kids with an interest in journalism but it’s open to everyone and usually has a lively racial, ethnic and socioeconomic mix. I think the diversity is a real plus because students share a common interest.
Comment by Joanne Jacobs — 02.15.07 @ 4:44 pm
“Damages. To a lawyer, that word is golden. Treble damages. Even a liberal lawyer who supports skin color discrimination won’t be able to resist that.”
Nail meet hammer.
Comment by Bud — 02.15.07 @ 4:52 pm
And where was the ACLU on this case of discrimination? You know that partially funded taxpayer organization that’s supposed to represent all Americans..cough…too busy defending nonAmericans I guess
Comment by dianne — 02.15.07 @ 5:03 pm
..correction to above.. partially taxpayer funded organization
Sorry
Comment by dianne — 02.15.07 @ 5:05 pm
Everyone should be able to feel that they got their job or their place in college because they earned it, deserve it on their merits. When some are admitted through affirmative action under the label of diversity, it taints the whole group unfairly. Could this be a twisted way to keep a group the whole group, deliberately inferior under the guise of helping them????
Comment by eli — 02.15.07 @ 5:06 pm
The trivia at the end made me chuckle a bit because I am currently attending a Master’s program with (and living with) an African-American who immigrated from Africa about 15 years ago. A few weeks ago we had a discussion where she said that affirmative action is still both good and necessary. She stated that many Asians “cheat anyway” and therefore it wasn’t really a big deal that affirmative action hurts Asians. She didn’t answer when I asked her how she would feel if the shoe was on the other foot, she simply deflected the question and said that, that was not the case. Then she said that if she and I both walked into a company for the same position I (an Asian) would get the position just because of the color of my skin. She failed to note the fact that I have a 4.0 and she has a 2.36 (in a Master’s program!) and that she was the one asking me for answers last semester and not vice versa. But I’ve stopped trying to argue with her…just wanted to tell that story since I’ve been bursting to tell SOMEONE since it happened.
Comment by Joyce — 02.15.07 @ 5:21 pm
It’s very easy for those institutions to not admitting non-desirable skin colors. Ask the students to write an essay chronicalling their life experiences. Make the essay, not SAT scores or grade points, the center piece determining the admission decisions. Since judging essays is subjective, the admissions officers can admit anyone they want.
Comment by ic — 02.15.07 @ 5:48 pm
Yeah ic, but will ebonics be an acceptable language for the essay?
Comment by Lucinius Antonninus — 02.15.07 @ 6:13 pm
A better question for Lucinius Antonninus is whether the applicant’s future professors and employers will accept work done in ebonics.
How about linking AA to graduation rates? You can’t admit students with lower scores or grades unless those students have a chance to graduate. This should do wonders for the basketball and football programs.
Comment by Dark Wing Duck — 02.15.07 @ 6:48 pm
Now you’ve gone and ruined it for me Dark Wing. I’m a big USC football fan, for some reason. The point–or at least A point is (as I think many of us agree) that AA and all the other liberal “rich white man’s guilt” policies hurt no one so much as the parties they are ostensibly intended to help. Why learn to fish if the blue-eyed white devil hands you a fish every day, and all you have to do is vote for him once every four years?
Comment by Lucinius Antonninus — 02.15.07 @ 7:17 pm
Reverese discrimination takes one to the chin
Michelle Malkin and LaShawn Barber posted this today.
At issue is Emily Smith, a white student who was accepted to an Urban Journalism Workshop sponsored by taxpayer-supported Virginia Commonwealth University, the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, an…
Trackback by Leaning Straight Up — 02.15.07 @ 8:26 pm
“The trivia at the end made me chuckle a bit because I am currently attending a Masters program with (and living with) an African-American who immigrated from Africa about 15 years ago.”
You should have her why, if she’s so discriminated against, she bothered to come here and start demanding hand-outs.
Comment by MlR — 02.15.07 @ 8:52 pm
This type of illegal discrimination has been going on since the late 1960s. The first example was the famous Bakke case. The U.S. Supreme court vote was 4-1-4. Regents of Univ. of Cal. v. Bakke, 438 U.S. 265 (1978).
Since that case there have been numerous examples of obvious illegal discrimination that were never intended to occurr with the 1964-65 civil rights act.
Whole departments have been destroyed with the “installation” or “elevation” of folks who were completely imcompetent. I was personally involved with a similar situation along these lines. It involved recruiting at a predominately “black” High School. The people in charge decided that only similarily looking people would have the ability to talk to those students. Pitiful, and illegal.
Comment by Chief RZ — 02.15.07 @ 9:34 pm
Because of skin deep-only preferences, black Africans and children of recent African immigrants are overrepresented in colleges and universities, at the expense of the descendants of black American slaves, for whom so-called affirmative action was created.
My wife is a black Africa who has a 3.67 GPA in the B.A. of Mathematics program of her college. The educational experiences she had in her home country have fueled her desire to study very hard and out-perform most of her classmates!
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi — 02.15.07 @ 10:42 pm
I failed to add in my last post - it is not AA that keeps her GPA so high! She outperforms most students (white, black, Asian, etc.) by working hard.
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi — 02.15.07 @ 10:45 pm
And 40,000 whites who applied to and were rejected by the University of Michigan between 1995-2003 may file claims and seek damages against the taxpayer-supported school for racial discrimination. CIR filed suit against the school ten years ago on behalf of two people, and that case has been settled. Each plaintiff will receive $10,000 in damages.
Pingback by Daily Pundit — 02.16.07 @ 1:09 am
“Could this be a twisted way to keep a group the whole group, deliberately inferior under the guise of helping them????”
I’d say AA falls most often in one of these camps, or both:
A: misplaced, do-goodery.
Or, at worst,
B. Flawed political one-upmanship.
Blanket accusations such as (and I don’t mean by you) ‘liberals are manipulating blacks’ appear to me to be more examples of B.
The idea that ‘liberals’ (usually ‘white’) are manipulating blacks to ‘keep them down’ is just a way of saying ‘liberals are racists’, which, in my opinion, is as worthy of merit as pointing a finger at the room and saying ‘conservatives are racist’. I find both notions offensive to both ‘whites’ (’manipulators’) and ‘blacks’ (the ‘manipulated’).
Regards,
John.
Comment by JohnD — 02.16.07 @ 1:57 am
Not all white liberals are guilty of trying to keep black Americans down. Some simply (and shamelessly) use them as a voting bloc.
See: Hillary “Plantation” Clinton and Howard “Hotel Staff” Dean
Comment by redbeard — 02.16.07 @ 7:13 am
The article reminds me once again why as a graduate I do not contribute to Tufts University.
Comment by Phil Wilson — 02.16.07 @ 8:38 am
More years ago than I care to remember I went to a high school counselor to apply for a Pell Grant. My dad delivered milk and my mom stayed at home. Due to my Celtic ancestry and lack of minority status I was told, “You’re the wrong skin color.”
Because of this attitude I didn’t try over the next 20 years to finish my degree (I paid for the first two years, but then got married and started a family). I have now finished my degree three children currently in college. I could have gotten my degree a long time ago. I wonder if I could sue for loss of income? (just kidding)
It’s good to see some common sense brought to this problem. Ability and need should be the targets for who gets assistance, not gender, color, ethnicity or political agenda.
Comment by seanmhair — 02.16.07 @ 9:44 am
Redbeard:
“Not all white liberals are guilty of trying to keep black Americans down.”
Redbeard, with respect due, that sounds akin to ‘when did you stop beating your wife’?
Or
‘Not all black liberals are violent’
‘Not all conservative whites are racist’
It’s still a gross, incorrect stereotype, albeit grudgingly disguised in a conceding ‘most are but a few aren’t’ way. (’Exceptions’ and ‘rules’ are reversed for rhetoric, methinks)
Seriously, (I’m captivated by this notion) literally how many ‘white liberals’ (in America) do you think are trying to ‘keep the black man down’?
Lets de-fuzzify this popular accusation with figures and sources.
An estimate, within a few hundred thousand? How many white liberals are trying to keep the ‘black man down’?
Also, can you name three or four of these individuals, with evidence?
If no staments of intent are source-able, surely there must be an American ‘white liberal’ website or movement dedicated to this ‘keeping the black man down’? Regular ‘liberals’, you know?
Some American ‘blacks’ accuse the ‘white conservative’ of ‘keeping the black man down’?
Are they playing political games with their opponents?
I am convinced that (having talked to hundreds of US liberals and conservatives via blogs and chat-rooms) that such ’statements’ are 99.9% partisan name-calling/smearing, that is, until I see evidence. Otherwise, we have two opposed parties, each holding on to a sinking raft, each flying a flag that says ‘We’ll save ‘the black man’ from the opposition’. I wish that raft would do the decent thing.
Regards,
JohnD
(so-called ‘white’, so-called ‘liberal’ who doesn’t beat his wife or secretly plot to keep ‘the black’ man down)
Comment by JohnD — 02.16.07 @ 9:55 am
What will this do to the Congressional Black Caucus? Personally, I don’t really care who associates with whom as long as my rights are protected by them all…right protected by government, not granted by government.
Comment by Cricket — 02.16.07 @ 11:03 am
“One can make an argument that programs for “minorities†are necessary, given the seemingly intractable academic achievement gap problem and other disadvantages that disproportionately affect certain minorities (poor family formation, fatherless homes, etc).”
I would say that such programs are only justified on a minority basis in as much as the programs have demonstrated positive effect upon those factors that contribute to lesser academic achievement. But I would also say that these negative factors are much more socio-economically based than racially based. The potential for a poor white kid from a bad home to turn out bad is probably just as high as for a black kid in the same situation. Where the real racial difference comes to play is the relative proportion of black kids in such a negative environment compared to the proportion of white kids in similar circumstances. Moving from a racial basis to a socio-economic basis for such programs has the dual benefit of helping all deserving kids in disadvantaged homes while removing the racial stigma of current programs. It’s just basic mathementics to understand that if blacks are mroe effected by poor conditions then more blacks will be helped by race-neutral programs that are means-based.
I do believe that there are some Democrats who view racial preference programs as a way to help to keep the black masses down on the farm by buying off the elites, just as I believe there are some Republicans who completely discount blacks as lazy and stupid. However, I believe both to represent a minority in their party. What I do think is a prevalent attitude among Democrats is the idea that poor blacks just can’t get ahead unless the “good” whites help them, an attitude the seems to me both patronizing and arrogant and wholely more “racist” than the stereotypical Republican attitude of “take care of yourself.” Alter all, “God bless the chile that got his own.”
Comment by submandave — 02.16.07 @ 11:26 am
JohnD,
Here is my take on the situation.
You are right, “not all white liberals try to keep black Americans down.”
However, the Democrats have been very successful at portraying themselves as the champion of the disadvantaged. This only works if you have a group(s) that considers itself “disadvantaged”. The Democrats actively encourage and exploit this divide and suspicion between racial and social groups because it turns into votes (the ultimate goal). You don’t have to observe Jackson and Farrakhan for very long to see this in action. Of course blacks that dare to become conservatives are routinely derided as “sellouts” and “oreos”.
Dr. King wanted all people to be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. He was a very smart man. IMHO, the Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to prevent this from happening.
Comment by Mike R — 02.16.07 @ 11:32 am
JohnD, my comment about white liberals was intended to be snarky.
Comment by RedBeard — 02.16.07 @ 11:44 am
After experiencing so much racism such as being physically barred and/or escorted from numerous establishments in the 1960’s because “coloreds” were not allowed, being physically assaulted by 13 white male classmates because a white girl had written in her diary that she had a secret crush on me; having my life threatened on more than one occasion by police officers while a student leader in college in the 1970’s; in the 80’s being told I needed to score 90% or higher on an exam to be hired, scoring a 93% then being told sorry that they were mistaken and I really needed to score a 95%; in the 90’s being chosen on-line to develop a company web site but after visiting the company and watching several white people stare in open mouth wonder and whisper after I passed by them and then receiving an email the following day explaining that they had changed their mind and did not want a web site; having experienced these and countless other blatantly racial discriminatory acts against me, I must confess that I sometimes am glad to hear about whites who feel the pain of discrimination from affirmative action.
Comment by Leon — 02.16.07 @ 11:45 am
“I sometimes am glad to hear about whites who feel the pain of discrimination from affirmative action.”
Yes, let’s punish someone who had nothing to do with your situation simply because of their skin color. That should help. Maybe those that discriminated against you were all left handed? Let’s punish left handed kids too.
I am sorry you were discriminated against. It is stupid and wrong and should not be tolerated. But to punish someone who had nothing to do with it is indefensible.
Comment by Mike R — 02.16.07 @ 11:59 am
Today’s Must-Read
TODAY’S MUST-READ: Ashley Samelson’s The Hypocrisy of Diversity.Just say “No!” to drugs and diversity-mongering.(Hat tip: La Shawn Barber)Posted by Alois on
Trackback by Schmaltz und Grieben mit Alois, Klaus, Deb und der Lugers — 02.16.07 @ 12:31 pm
You may recall that I blogged about a white student who was accepted to an Urban Journalism Workshop — sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University (taxpayer-supported), the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, and the Richmond Times Dispatch — based on her qualifications and then rejected based on her race.
Pingback by Sites That Don't Suck — 02.16.07 @ 12:36 pm
>>But to punish someone who had nothing to do with it is indefensible.>>
You’re right, of course, but it’s understandable that he feels that way. He didn’t say he was _proud_ to feel that way, or had a _right_ to feel that way…he just said sometimes he feels that way. Not admirable or particularly Christian, perhaps, but very human. Maybe admitting it will be the first step in letting it go…!
Comment by suek — 02.16.07 @ 2:34 pm
#40.
Redbeard, awesome! Hook, line and I’ve sunk.
Regards,
JohnD
Comment by JohnD — 02.16.07 @ 2:55 pm
“I must confess that I sometimes am glad to hear about whites who feel the pain of discrimination”
Ouch. I’m trying to imagine how you can hold a skin-colour responsible. It’s not as if ‘whites’ of today (excepting a few far-right groups) are cohesive, collective, oppressors of Black Americans?
Martin Luther King’s grave must be finely polished with his rotations at this point in history.
Comment by JohnD — 02.16.07 @ 2:58 pm
Thanks, suek, for calling me human. Or at least implying that I was human. I’ve also experienced being told I was something less than human because of my race. But I agree with Mike R., I should not be punished just because I was born black. I should not be punished just because my ancestors were slaves. I had nothing to do with that. And I should not be punished for feeling that if the majority experiences just a little of the pain racism inflicts on the minorities, they might just try harder to eradicate racism.
Comment by Leon — 02.16.07 @ 3:23 pm
Leon:
I love it when folks like you show their true colors. You sir [no name-calling - Admin] I do not call many people that, but for some reason it flows pretty easily when I think of people like you. I’m glad your life is the way it is. I wouldn’t hire a racist like you to do a website for me either. Good day to you sir. I hope one day you will wake up and smell the proverbial coffee.
Cheers,
grego
Comment by grego — 02.16.07 @ 3:29 pm
“It was done to us, so it is ok if we do it to others.” Kind of a leap in logic.
Comment by Toothpick Johnny — 02.16.07 @ 3:43 pm
Leon, I can understand your anger and frustration, but think about what you are saying. Do you truly think the way to defeat racism is to direct more racism “at the right people”? There were many white people that fought to end slavery. There were many black people that actively participated in the slave trade. “the content of their character”
Comment by Mike R — 02.16.07 @ 3:54 pm
“I sometimes am glad to hear about whites who feel the pain of discrimination from affirmative action.â€
It’s a vicious circle. You like to see whites suffer because you have suffered and some whites feel the same way. Until people like you stop what you’re doing it will NEVER end.
p.s. I guess name calling isn’t allowed in the comments section since my last comment got squelched. Sorry mod.
Comment by grego — 02.16.07 @ 3:56 pm
Leon, do I need to have been mugged in order for me to oppose mugging? Do I need to have my wife beat me severely with a stick in order to whole-heartedly oppose spousal abuse?
Sorry, but your “solution” sounds much more like a continuation of the problem.
Comment by RedBeard — 02.16.07 @ 4:10 pm
Whoa,
RedBeard and Grego, get it together.
At least Leon can admit when he has feelings contrary to the status quo. Isn’t the purpose of this blog is to talk “honestly”? His feelings are based on HIS feelings of isolation and HIS feelings toward racially based incidents that happened in HIS life. It is not your job to tell him what he should feel, just like it is not his job to say who needs to suffer. We do not need to have a critical thinking primer when he acknowledges in his original post his own hasty generalization. (You know, the line I must confess…) What we do need is less finger pointing and real dialog, to get to the root of some of these real problems.
And also,when someone like Leon talks about the experiences they have had with UNENLIGHTENED people, why are some individuals here taking it personally?
Are you ANY of the people described in post # 41?
If you are not, and never have been,and NO ONe in cyberspace can post a story about you committing any of these acts, simmer down!
I’m not saying he’s right, BUT, sometimes you really need to hear what a person is saying. He is talking about ( and I know he respond if I am wrong) speaks to perceived white privilege and how some (No one here!) whites treat affirmative action as an excuse to whine about their FEAR of loss of control of the resources that were originally not available to any other group. His feelings of finally, they know how it feel is quite normal, since he has been treated horrifically his whole life. Yes,Mike R. it is unfair for anyone to be discriminated against but Hell, apparently this is the American way!
Like I said, I could be wrong, but…
Comment by Reshane — 02.16.07 @ 5:10 pm
Affirmative Action at its best:
I was accepted into a master’s degree program in medical technology. I was given a government stipend because there was a shortage of medical technologist educators. After a year in the two year program I attended a meeting where they were selecting professors for the teaching program at the institution. They were selecting only from the black or female applicants because the faculty of the university was overwhelmingly male and white. I am a white male and realized that the government was paying for me to get a degree where affirmative action was going to prevent me from finding a position!
Add me to the “resentful list”!
Comment by Bob R. — 02.16.07 @ 5:35 pm
“Yes, Mike R. it is unfair for anyone to be discriminated against but Hell, apparently this is the American way!”
Reshane, what is the point of this comment? Why would you agree that discrimination is wrong and then excuse the behaviour by implying that everyone does it?
I would bet that everyone one of us could give an example of how they had been treated unfairly. It could be due to race, sex, age, religion, social status or any number of things. Almost certainly Leon has been subject to more of it than most of us, and for that I sympathize. But does being mistreated give us the right to mistreat the next poor soul that happens along? Of course it doesn’t. How can we hope to eliminate racism and all the other isms if we take that attitude?
Comment by Mike R — 02.16.07 @ 6:15 pm
>>But does being mistreated give us the right to mistreat the next poor soul that happens along? Of course it doesn’t. How can we hope to eliminate racism and all the other isms if we take that attitude?>>
Well, you’re right about mistreating “the next poor soul”, of course, but Leon doesn’t say he did/does anything to “the next poor soul”…he just says that sometimes it makes him feel good - that there’s a certain justice - to see that someone else gets treated like he did. His wasn’t deserved, just as theirs wasn’t, but it’s sort of a “sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander” sort of thing. Telling him he “shouldn’t” feel that way doesn’t mean he _won’t_ feel that way - it just means he won’t feel free to admit it. You feel how you feel. Sometimes we know we should feel a bit ashamed of how we feel, but we still feel how we feel. That’s the way it is….
It’s called “resentment”. It’s good to be able to let it go, but it isn’t always easy.
Comment by suek — 02.16.07 @ 8:04 pm
I love the blog that you have. I was wondering if you would link my blog to yours and in return I would do the same for your blog. If you want to, my site name is American Legends and the URL is:
http://www.americanlegends.blogspot.com
If you want to do this just go to my blog and in one of the comments just write your blog name and the URL and I will add it to my site.
Thanks,
Mark
Comment by J. Mark English — 02.16.07 @ 8:23 pm
Personally, I am boycotting any observance of “Black History Month” until the Congressional Black Caucus starts admitting people of all races. In all of the decades of news reporting on the Caucus it is only last month that I read that they discriminate on the basis of race.
Comment by tyree — 02.16.07 @ 9:52 pm
“I must confess that I sometimes am glad to hear about whites who feel the pain of discriminationâ€
As far as anyone in my family can tell, the only ancestors we had in the United States before 1865 served in the Pennsylvania regiment that fought to end slavery. Why should my grandchildren be dicriminated against because we were anti-slavery, and white?
Comment by tyree — 02.16.07 @ 9:57 pm
tyree raises an interesting point. Should the descendants of soldiers who fought (and died) on the Union side in the Civil War be exempt from punishment under AA laws that still exist?
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi — 02.16.07 @ 10:36 pm
Thanks for all this. As a caucasian/hispanic, I have HAD IT with all this bowing down and worshipping of “diversity.” Can we just get over it, people, and get on with real life????
(I know this group is sooo over it, but the politically correct leftist crowd is up to their underpants in it all time. Give it a rest, people!)
Comment by Michele — 02.17.07 @ 3:57 am
…in other words, I have parents of different races and thus never fit neatly into those little “race boxes”, which are the epitome of stupid. I’m so DONE with the whole diversity thing. Just let’s be who we are and get over it, alright??
Comment by Michele — 02.17.07 @ 3:59 am
It will end as an issue when no one has a reason to think that it is an issue. If any one of you can say that day has come, speak now, or, until then, hold your piece.
Someone erlier talked about how they were denied a job due to AA that they went to school for. When I went to high school (1977-79), I took college prep courses, and the SAT, scoring an 1179. Not one HS counselor told me about Pell Grants, student loans, or anything else. Was it because of muy race? I don’t know. I do know that I had done everything that SHOULD have led a counselor to talk to me about college, but no one did. The school that I went to was mixed, but historically white.
I have had many opportunities to wonder if my life would have been different if I had looked different. As long as America is a place where those kind of thoughts are possible, people like me and Leon will have our moments when we say, “now you know how it feels to be me.” I know, this sort of thing rubs the host raw, and I am happy that her life has not had such experiences; God bless her.
No t everyone can say that though, and that is why there are blacks who view her perspective as shallow and there are whites who will say that we are not being fair. As another poster quipped, that’s just how it is in America.
Comment by Delwyn X. Campbell — 02.17.07 @ 7:23 am
I didn’t think my confession (see #41) would generate this much reaction, but that’s ok. I did expect someone might have a negative reaction to my comment. After all, I used the word “confess,” which, according to Dictionary.com, means “to acknowledge or avow (a fault, crime, misdeed, weakness, etc.) by way of revelation.” So I knew I was wrong to feel that way. I deserved some criticism and I accept that. (I also appreciate and thank those who tried to understand where I was coming from.)
I just don’t understand those who would call me a racist. To me, what I said is not indicative that I feel superior to whites (I’m not) or that I hate white people.(I don’t) Thus, I shouldn’t be labeled racist.
Affirmative Action was one tool to redress the wrongs and injuries of racism. They say two wrongs don’t make a right but they also say you fight fire with fire.
Mike R. said many white people fought to end slavery. Isn’t that putting it rather mildly? over 360,000 union soldiers died fighting to abolish slavery. 360,000! I am forever grateful to those who died for my freedom. Now, that’s what I call affirmative action!
Comment by Leon — 02.17.07 @ 8:15 am
Leon says,
“I just don’t understand those who would call me a racist. To me, what I said is not indicative that I feel superior to whites (I’m not) or that I hate white people.(I don’t) Thus, I shouldn’t be labeled a racist.”
Well and correctly said.
And that is exactly how millions and millions of (non-liberal) white people in this country also feel, especially the ancestors of those 360,000 that Leon also acknowledges.
Comment by Dave in AZ — 02.17.07 @ 9:40 am
“racist” is an abused word, I think. It has become the ultimate insult - but I’m not sure I know what it means anymore. It means to me that a person believes that someone of a different is inferior, and therefore should not be afforded the same legal rights as the racist person has. I honestly don’t know anyone who thinks that way. I don’t think that being critical of the behavior of people who happen to be of a different race is being racist. It slides a little that way when someone assumes that because a person is of a different race they will behave a certain way because that is the behavior the person has seen from others of that race…but is that racism or is it prejudice, or just over generalization?
Words should mean something and we should use them correctly if we want to be able to communicate ideas. Otherwise, we’re just typing/vocalizing meaningless sounds. (can you type sounds????)
Comment by suek — 02.17.07 @ 11:46 am
Fifteen years ago I told many of my black friends to take advantage of AA quickly before it was ruled unconstitutional. There were many scholarships and government programs to help them advance in their educations and careers. I thought that door would close quickly. The fact that blacks from other countries, who never suffered from slavery or racism in this country, make up a large percentage of those who are taking advantage of AA should make everyone realize that this door should finally be shut. Each person should be considered as a individual as far as need, past discrimination, etc. Then we will all be on the same path once again…a society that values the individual soul in each of us.
Comment by Bob R. — 02.17.07 @ 11:47 am
Delwyn;
While your college couseling scenario is lamentable, I would fault your interpretation of it in one respect. You would be stunned if you knew the enormous percentage of whites in your shoes. Further, an SAT under 1200 would be considered quite mediocre for most of us and would not garner attention in many venues.
Recently, a co-worker whose child scored a 1280 on her SAT’s and had a 4.3 GPA, as well as being the President of her senior class at a solid public school received no help whatsoever about college until my co-worker called the school and scheduled a meeting. Meanwhile, her school had a grant to promote “disadvantaged students to go to college” and those kids had been receiving help for four years and an enormous degree of one on one attention.
Often, those who get help/attention are those whose parents are engaged enough in the process to demand it.
Your situation is utterly common in the white world. You say that you have a certain sense of “welcome to my world” and I say “join the crowd.”
Comment by jan — 02.17.07 @ 12:42 pm
jan- i have a similar story…. my son had about the same SAT score and a 3.65 and couldn’t get into one of the bigger colleges here in texas because he didn’t show enough ‘leadership’ was what they said…but he was captain of his lacrosse team and vice president of HOSA…and the high school he went to had 1200 kids in his graduating class. I can’t imagine the number of kids that didn’t show leadership in his school. But, like you say, join the crowd. We just had to figure out our other options. It’s just the way it goes these days. And trust me, there are alot of kids with lesser grades and SAT scores that got into that same school.
Of course, we weren’t going to just sit around and whine about how poorly we were treated when there are so many other options out there. You just have to work a little harder to find them.
Comment by dd — 02.17.07 @ 6:20 pm
dd;
What intrigues me about your post are two things.
1) Your attitude will be highly beneficial to your son throughout his life and it is a shame that more of us are not on the same page
2) Given the same scenario, how would a black person interpret the situation
At the end of the day, I think it is very helpful for people of all races to share their experiences so that we can all relate to the experiences of one another. Unfortunately, it is very problematic to be white and claim that one is not “privileged” and so there are many who have little recognition of the commonality of our exeriences.
Comment by jan — 02.17.07 @ 7:44 pm
Jan “how would a black person interpret the situation”
What is ‘a black person’? And does it all think the same?
Comment by JohnD — 02.18.07 @ 3:02 am
John D.;
You are absolutely right. I amend my question as it was careless.
It would have been more correct to ask; “I wonder how many black folks encountering the same situation would attribute it to discrimination…
I am just trying to bring home the point that very frequently when I hear details from black individuals about “discrimination they have endured,” their experience is quite common even among white folks that I know.
Comment by jan — 02.18.07 @ 9:54 am
My recent experience at a 2-year school in Minneapolis was a shining example of AA run amuck - the ‘urban minority’ students were eligible for all sorts of ’special’ assistance (specialized tutors in their native language, for one) but the white students? Forget it, you were out of luck. This school would allow every left-wing organization that asked to put up a table in the main area do so, but they would NOT allow the local College Republicans to do so - and wouldn’t tell them why either - just flat out refused them.
AA had it’s time, but that’s long gone, and is now (IMO), an excuse for a free ride for those who don’t (or won’t) meet eligibility standards.
Comment by Dawn — 02.18.07 @ 12:17 pm
This thread is one of the most adult I have seen in a long time.
#61 makes yet another excellent point. #74: I had no idea that colleges were actually preventing the exercise of free speech, our first amendment right. I guess they justify not allowing the college Repulbicans to represent themselves because ’someone’ just might utter a word or phrase (The Truth) that they don’t believe in and are actively promoting (propaganda).
To the legitimate posts on past racism. You are correct. Take a look at racism today at my blog if you dare.
This-type of veiled racism follows the negroes, Irish, Italians, Germans, Chinese, Koreans, Spanish (not “hispanics”) French, Christians, Catholics, Jews, Armenians, Russians (before USSR), Scots, Welch, American Indians and various groups and sub-groups that went before.
Comment by Chief RZ — 02.18.07 @ 8:16 pm
Urban Journalism Workshop Now Open to All Races - La Shawn Barber
Pingback by Constitutionally Right — 02.19.07 @ 6:09 am
What the acceptable time-frame Dawn?
Is everyone forgetting that AA benefits white women as well? (Just in case you didn’t know)
The American Association for Affirmative Action strongly opposes federal or state action that would eliminate affirmative action programs that provide equal access and equity for minorities and women in employment, education and economic opportunity. http://www.affirmativeaction.org/about.jsp
I really doubt that some of you gentlemen are calling your spouses “charity cases”(especially when the bills are all paid on time and you may be benefiting indirectly from AA).
While this may be unimportant for some, my point is how do we REALLY know when someone “gets in” because of AA? I know some of you all are Christian, and I find it really interesting that there is rarely any mention of God’s plan. Maybe someone’s son needed a lesson in perseverance.(note: I personally have never known a college student who was deterred by the first rejection letter, if they really wanted to go to a particular school, they stayed in touch with admissions and transferred at a later date, ). Maybe someone’s daughter who was brought up within a family mired in generational curses gets a chance (through God’s mysterious ways) to make something of herself.
Most of you are saying that we shouldn’t take the particulars and make mountains out of molehills. We can then apply that logic to some of the other instances. Just because this occured, it may not automatically qualify for a “shining example of AA run amuckâ€. Maybe God was just trying to tell you something.
Comment by Reshane — 02.19.07 @ 1:26 pm
OOps,
what is the acceptable time frame?
Comment by Reshane — 02.19.07 @ 2:35 pm
My wife opposes AA for women quite strenuously, thinking it’s a silly way to get a job. She has the crazy idea that merit should be used as a job qualification, not her gender.
And then too, she says: “But we outnumber you men, so watch it, buster!”
Comment by RedBeard — 02.19.07 @ 2:53 pm
Chief RZ…
You might want to check out this site:
http://www.thefire.org/index.php
Comment by suek — 02.19.07 @ 4:52 pm
For those who think the ‘black lobby’ OFTEN doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, I’d like to share this:
http://ker-plunk.blogspot.com/2007/02/obama-not-black.html
Funny, poignant, and spot on?
Regards,
John
Comment by JohnD — 02.19.07 @ 5:49 pm
Nouveau Black. Love it.
Comment by redbeard — 02.19.07 @ 7:00 pm
21 Are you sure your roommate is African American especially since she only got here 15 years ago. I believe she is just African. Your comments show that you really have no idea about African American history or the history of America.
Everyone else, I suggest we tread very carefully when it comes to AA ( I wonder how many people actually studied AA and the purpose for it). Sure some people misuse it while others don’t. I have African Americans on my job who really don’t do jack, then scream racism when a supervisor has to carry out a disciplinary action. These individuals are using race as an excuse to cover up their incompetence. AA is used the same way in principle for some.
Today I still am witness to the subversive discrimination that AA was meant to level the playing field for. I know exactly what Leon experienced and it is frustrating. A lot of African Americans are simply blind to the fact that racism still exist because it is not as blatant as it use to be. Again I say we should tread carefully.
Comment by Alexander — 02.20.07 @ 1:34 pm
suek. thanks, I did. As far as the women are concerned, my wife did not play that card, nor did I. Neither of us knew anyone, got our jobs by our legitimate educations, worked very hard and retired. What is happening today is shameful, illegal, immoral and un-American.
Comment by Chief RZ — 02.20.07 @ 6:52 pm
I’m lucky, I attend a brand new State College in Nevada that does not have the kind of censorship that is seen on many campuses. We’re allowed to raise issues of faith and both sides (at least in every class I’ve been in) get a fair shake. Hopefully this kind of real freedom will continue.
Someone mentioned AA and women. My wife has earned everything she has gotten. AA has had nothing to do with it. It was the degree in HR that has gotten her job after job even in the early 90’s when we were in a recession.
Comment by Greg Laurich — 02.20.07 @ 7:39 pm
I must say I am grateful for this site, because it gives me an opportunity to experience a wide range of experiences and viewpoints that can only strengthen my faith in this country. I have had very strong feelings about this issue for a long time, and even though I feel that each side has valid points, I feel that there is so much unsaid. As an African American female student, I really want to believe that things are fair, that we operate on an equal opportunity playing field. I do not want anything that I do not earn, and if I ever find myself in poverty, it will truly be my fault. However, I am not going to say that I did everything myself, because God , his gifts, and his will may have something to do with my successes as well. I say these things, because, well, it just seems a little smug to not consider His involvement. (just my opinion).
In my previous post, I did not mean to imply that white women do not rely on their own fortitude to get in the door. I also do not assume that about any woman, no matter what color she is. So, I agree with you , Redbeard, Chief RZ and Greg, Thanks for your feedback.
But the question remains :
A. how would any woman (or anyone else) know for certain if she was hired/promoted as an AA quota or not if she is indeed qualified? Is the interviewer going to tell you, Oh we needed a ____ woman to fill this slot, and guess what, today’s your lucky day! Is she going to have the opportunity to turn down such a heinous offer that conflicts with her principles? Would this institution really open themselves up to a potential lawsuit?
Um, that is NEVER going to happen
Her academic/professional achievements may be stellar, but at the end of the day, the company has fulfilled it’s quota, doesn’t matter what she happens to think about her abilities and talents, and what she has done to get where she is.
B. Is any of our individual successes done without God’s help/gifts, and if not why are other people’s miracles the source of constant consternation? Besides, if they mess it up, someone gets to take their slot.
C. (just for my edification) Which is more egregious, when an individual chooses to employ AA, or when a professional/educational institution chooses to enact it?
It feels like some ugly unsaid truths are allowing people to cite particular instances of AA, because I do not think I will ever see someone say, oh, the extremely gifted black kid got in over my brilliant kid. It is frequently assumed that the minority competition is sub par in some way. They could have gone to the same private schools as some of your children. So again, there lies the hidden issue, perhaps some these people feel minorities cannot possibly be allowed to compete with their child.
Can’t say that I know too many who were academic slackers in high school, turn around and run off to college. If this has been your experience, understand, I can appreciate how you feel but , I really do not understand the need to demonize groups of individuals that benefit. Don’t contribute to your own frustration by judging them because you have no idea of what capabilities they have. God has the judgment thing all sewn up, he doesn’t need your assistance!
Comment by Reshane — 02.20.07 @ 9:52 pm
Reshane;
Everyone on this board acknowledges that there are people of excellence in all races and only the emotionally stunted begrudge others “earned” achievement.
Naturally, with AA, there are innumerable cases where a woman or a minority will not know beyond a shadow of a doubt whether they gained admittance or received a job affirmatively. (This is, in fact, one of the biggest downsides to AA).
However, while a few people have cited anecdotal evidence of AA gone awry, LaShawn’s posts themselves give ample evidence of widespread lowering of standards in which the entire minority SAT average is several hundred points below the average of other whites and Asians and tests are “dumbed” down to ensure admittance.
It isn’t that folks don’t think that a black child can excel (as you have implied that folks think) but rather that folks think that a black child CAN excel.
AA has turned this notion on its head.
Comment by jan — 02.21.07 @ 7:12 am
What irritates me is the victim mentality, that the ‘man’ is keeping people down. Has anyone ever met the ‘man’? Just who is this guy? One of the great things about the US is that if you want the american dream, it’s yours to have, BUT you have to work to get it. My grandfather did (he came here from slovenia right after WWI), my dad did and I found out the hard way that it’s not just handed to you on a silver spoon.
I just cannot abide the ‘woe is me’ mentality. And woe to my future students who try that stunt. It won’t fly with me…
Comment by Greg Laurich — 02.21.07 @ 1:16 pm
“The Man” was keeping me down once. So I started my own company and beat him in the marketplace. “The Man” doesn’t have nearly as much power as is often assumed.
Comment by RedBeard — 02.21.07 @ 1:45 pm
Redbeard,
Did you ever get his name? I’d like to introduce him to my hockey stick…
Comment by Greg Laurich — 02.21.07 @ 2:30 pm
Actually, he’s an ex-The Man. Passed away last year, or so I’ve heard. I take no pleasure in that fact, but I sure did take pleasure in whipping his backside in the marketplace. That was fun.
Comment by RedBeard — 02.21.07 @ 2:48 pm
Good for you Redbeard. Built a better mousetrap did you?
Comment by Greg Laurich — 02.21.07 @ 5:42 pm
Hello Jan, thanks for your response.
your statement:
However, while a few people have cited anecdotal evidence of AA gone awry, LaShawn’s posts themselves give ample evidence of widespread lowering of standards in which the entire minority SAT average is several hundred points below the average of other Whites and Asians and tests are “dumbed†down to ensure admittance.
Jan, you are correct about Lashawn’s information, and kudos to her for her bravery and determination to educate us. But, I personally have no control what others score on standardized tests or how they are set up. Really, what can I do about that?
My GPA is my GPA, just like my SAT score was MY SAT score.
I earned both, I did well on the same tests that Asians and Whites took because I was tracked into a high achieving HS.in NYC. I cannot waste energy figuring out what everyone my race, or other minority did/is doing, because I’m accountable to myself and God, no one else. Just like I am sure you would loathe to have to experience accountability of your race for what some “undesirables” do, the same applies here. I’m not 100% sure if you are saying the test curricula is dumbed down for minorities, or for everyone.
What I can do is volunteer at my local library as a literacy tutor and teach someone how to read. I can tutor someone (fellow classmate/peer)to help bring them to the level I am. I had SAT prep classes in my HS, which did not make me feel any more special, just better prepared. I shared these resources with other people that I knew needed it. I feel that much more can be achieved sharing resources, rather than criticizing those who did not know as much as I. I am not talking about those who do nothing and never will, I’m talking about those who do. I don’t associate with them until they genuinely desire to better themselves. We need to be proactive and not reactive if we want things to get better. I hope others deign to do the same. My time is not spent speculating who could have been what or what I would have been if and only if. That’s counter productive.
Everyone on this board acknowledges that there are people of excellence in all races and only the emotionally stunted begrudge others “earned†achievement.
Yes, but the emotionally stunted individuals are also indifferent, they may complain, but they are not competing because they have already given up on life, they just say that they will. The ones who are competing believe in America, and the promise that it holds, are taking the good with the bad. You cannot change the others, so stop worrying about them, and move on.
By the way, I have rejected what I considered to be perks given to me because of my race. Received a full ride scholarship to a HBCU school I never applied to. Was “nominated” by some guidance counselor who couldn’t spell my name correctly for an Urban League Scholarship. They send an award letter, and a check if I attended yet another school I did not apply to. I work full time and attend school full time, something my FA advisor thinks can be remedied by a quick jaunt to FastWeb- scholarship matching. I am by no means an advocate for AA. I just feel like if everyone here wants better competition, don’t just sit around judging, help. For each client I teach at the library, there about 5 more waiting to be tutored. These are not knuckleheads who are contrary and want to milk the system. These are people with very sharply honed survival skills, with plenty of sense. To my surprise, some had their own businesses. They come because guess what, they want to compete legitimately. They have made lemonade out of lemons, and want to feel a sense of worth, not a sense of entitlement.
It isn’t that folks don’t think that a black child can excel (as you have implied that folks think) but rather that folks think that a black child CAN excel
The ugly truths unsaid is speaking to the class issue. That certain elites would have it that anyone beneath their level (fiscally) for the top educational opportunites (thats why I used the private school statement, as well as the gifted black kid statement) would sadly be disqualified. Now if the race/class thing overlaps, well I am sure that is a whole other board. The funny thing about that is we all are “wanabees†to somebody’s group, tax bracket, etc.
It’s a vicious circle.
Comment by Reshane — 02.21.07 @ 10:17 pm
#83 Alexander
Don’t know if you are still reading this or not because it’s been a few days since the last comment but just in case you are…Yes she is an African-American. We are studying together in France and she flew here with an American passport and she is an American citizen, if that doesn’t make her an African-American I’m not sure what does.
I’m not sure how you concluded I know nothing of African American history and would even go so far as to say I have no understanding of the history of America. I was telling a story about my roommate who made an incredibly ignorant and even racist statement towards me and said she doesn’t care how AA hurts Asians since it helps African-Americans (like herself). How well do you know your American history? Don’t act like Asians have never been discriminated against in America…remember a little thing called the Chinese Exclusion Act? Or do you only care about black American history?
Comment by Joyce — 02.23.07 @ 12:42 pm
#83 Alexander
My roommate is without a doubt an African-American. Why? Because she has American citizenship. If that doesn’t make her an African-American in your book then I think you need to check the definition again. In your book I may not know much about African Americans but I do know that being from Africa and also being an American citizen, makes you an “African-American.”
I don’t know how you concluded I don’t know much about American history from my comment but clearly your ability to reason is somewhat deficient…
Comment by Joyce — 02.23.07 @ 12:48 pm