This is what I've been saying since I joined the Garden.
Comments please?
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Our most destructive kind of racism
By Star Parker
Monday, December 18, 2006
Paula Zahn devoted two of her hour-long CNN shows this week to the topic "Skin Deep: Racism in America."
After taking the time to watch, the question I walked away with was: "What was the point?"
In my view, the shows told us little that most of us don't already know _ strong racist sentiments exist in the country _ and really never asked the deeper and more important questions about what this means and why we should care.
[... Deleted. Read full text HERE]
As much as I would love to see greater sensitivity and humanity on matters of race, far more important to me is that the really hard questions are asked. Those that make concrete demands that might produce real change and improve black life in America.
In this sense, Zahn's show failed abysmally.
It ignored the most destructive and widely prevailing racist attitude in our society today, one of which both blacks and whites are guilty. This is the attitude that blacks cannot be held to the same standards as whites.
Recently Donald Rumsfeld, talking about the need to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis, used the analogy of teaching a kid to ride a bike. He said that if you never let go of the bicycle seat, the kid will never learn to ride.
An attitude still prevails in America today that we can't let go of the black bicycle seat. That blacks cannot be left alone, to compete head-to-head, to fend for themselves and play by the same rules that every American lives and plays by.
Of course there is a horrible history. One marred by slavery, by Jim Crow and then debilitation by the welfare state.
But soon it will be a half-century since the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. A quarter of black America remains in poverty, the state of our inner-city black families is disastrous and destructive behavior by our inner-city youth is widespread.
These problems will not get solved if the hand of the state remains on the bicycle seat of this community. And the attitude that we can't let go defines today's most virulent strain of racism.
So, in answer to the CNN crew's question, there is indeed racism under the surface in our country today that we're neither really aware of nor willing to admit.
It's a racism of diminished expectations. A racism that says blacks still need special treatment in education and job placement, that we can't give black parents freedom to choose where to send their kids to school, that we can't let low-income black workers build wealth through a personal retirement account, instead of paying Social Security taxes, because they won't know what to do.
This is the racism that will keep this community disproportionately in trouble.
Most Destructive Racism
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Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Most Destructive Racism
I agree, Accountable...and I'll add another component... the spirit of ENTITLEMENT. *** Yesterday's local paper carried yet ANOTHER article on yet ANOTHER black "leader" who's resurrecting the idea of financial restitution for blacks who're descended from slaves. (As if that were a practical or feasible idea.)
We've had "affirmative action" programs in this country for decades and percentages of blacks in universities are still abysmal. That can't ALL be due to racism--not by a long shot.
**"The Spirit of Entitlement" sounds like a character in "A Christmas Carol."
We've had "affirmative action" programs in this country for decades and percentages of blacks in universities are still abysmal. That can't ALL be due to racism--not by a long shot.
**"The Spirit of Entitlement" sounds like a character in "A Christmas Carol."
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
Most Destructive Racism
The issue is about equality in general.
How equal is equal? How do we know when we are equal enough? Is anyone ever really equal?
These questions apply to all people. It is not just an issue of black vs white but a problem of male vs female, tall vs short, fat vs thin and the list goes on. Some groups face greater chances of encountering prejudice than others and sometimes this is job specific. It is a competitive world that we have developed. Society is based on a mathematical model and success is decided by graphs and charts. People are none of those things. We don't, generally, react mathematically or make decisions in a linear way. No matter what rules we make for the corporate and social world to play by, individuals will write their own book. The problem I see with current equality programs is that they force people to act against their will. The only successful programs are those that focus on the individual and try to break through individual bias. Shame people into being multicultural and nonsexist. Open their eyes to judging people on what's inside of everyone instead of judging by preset beliefs, otherwise every regulation forced upon a person builds resentment instead of breaking it down.
How equal is equal? How do we know when we are equal enough? Is anyone ever really equal?
These questions apply to all people. It is not just an issue of black vs white but a problem of male vs female, tall vs short, fat vs thin and the list goes on. Some groups face greater chances of encountering prejudice than others and sometimes this is job specific. It is a competitive world that we have developed. Society is based on a mathematical model and success is decided by graphs and charts. People are none of those things. We don't, generally, react mathematically or make decisions in a linear way. No matter what rules we make for the corporate and social world to play by, individuals will write their own book. The problem I see with current equality programs is that they force people to act against their will. The only successful programs are those that focus on the individual and try to break through individual bias. Shame people into being multicultural and nonsexist. Open their eyes to judging people on what's inside of everyone instead of judging by preset beliefs, otherwise every regulation forced upon a person builds resentment instead of breaking it down.
Most Destructive Racism
I'm part of a global project group, for psychometric profiling, and I was astounded to here the opinions/ experiences of my opposite number in South Africa. The government insists that positive discrimination is implemented, as best practice. I do understand the need for this after some discussion, but I remain astounded.
Anyone from SA to give an insight?
Anyone from SA to give an insight?
Most Destructive Racism
I couldn't agree more! It appears that, in our misguided efforts to FIX things, we've created as many problems as we solved. SIGH.
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
Most Destructive Racism
There is an all black college in my home town. They decided that through federal guidelines they had to have a certain number of white students attending the college. So, they offered free tuition to a number of white students if they attended this particular college.
The outcry, from blacks, was ear piercing! They protested, they complained, they wanted to contact the President. All to no avail.
They interviewed the white students who signed up and they stated that they never would have been able to attend college if they had not signed on with that college. Sound familiar? They were just so happy they would be able to get a college education that they suffered through some of the worst times in their lives.
It seems to have died down now, or at least it's not on the news any longer.
So, what was the difference? Black or white, everyone should be able to get an education and a free one is a ride anyone is willing to take.
The outcry, from blacks, was ear piercing! They protested, they complained, they wanted to contact the President. All to no avail.
They interviewed the white students who signed up and they stated that they never would have been able to attend college if they had not signed on with that college. Sound familiar? They were just so happy they would be able to get a college education that they suffered through some of the worst times in their lives.
It seems to have died down now, or at least it's not on the news any longer.
So, what was the difference? Black or white, everyone should be able to get an education and a free one is a ride anyone is willing to take.
When choosing between two evils, I always like to take the one I've never tried before.
Mae West
Mae West
Most Destructive Racism
What an interesting and illustrative story, 911!
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
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Accountable
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- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Most Destructive Racism
Lulu2;490032 wrote: I agree, Accountable...and I'll add another component... the spirit of ENTITLEMENT. *** Yesterday's local paper carried yet ANOTHER article on yet ANOTHER black "leader" who's resurrecting the idea of financial restitution for blacks who're descended from slaves. (As if that were a practical or feasible idea.)
We've had "affirmative action" programs in this country for decades and percentages of blacks in universities are still abysmal. That can't ALL be due to racism--not by a long shot.
**"The Spirit of Entitlement" sounds like a character in "A Christmas Carol."
Feelings of entitlement are a natural result of all of this. Tell someone they deserve special treatment often enough and they start believing it, just like any other lie.
We've had "affirmative action" programs in this country for decades and percentages of blacks in universities are still abysmal. That can't ALL be due to racism--not by a long shot.
**"The Spirit of Entitlement" sounds like a character in "A Christmas Carol."
Feelings of entitlement are a natural result of all of this. Tell someone they deserve special treatment often enough and they start believing it, just like any other lie.
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Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Most Destructive Racism
koan;490033 wrote: The issue is about equality in general.
How equal is equal? How do we know when we are equal enough? Is anyone ever really equal?
These questions apply to all people. It is not just an issue of black vs white but a problem of male vs female, tall vs short, fat vs thin and the list goes on. Some groups face greater chances of encountering prejudice than others and sometimes this is job specific. It is a competitive world that we have developed. Society is based on a mathematical model and success is decided by graphs and charts. People are none of those things. We don't, generally, react mathematically or make decisions in a linear way. No matter what rules we make for the corporate and social world to play by, individuals will write their own book. The problem I see with current equality programs is that they force people to act against their will. The only successful programs are those that focus on the individual and try to break through individual bias. Shame people into being multicultural and nonsexist. Open their eyes to judging people on what's inside of everyone instead of judging by preset beliefs, otherwise every regulation forced upon a person builds resentment instead of breaking it down.I agree with you, except for the shame comment. What we need is to teach empathy. Maybe it should be a part of school curriculum. Currently we teach kids to generalize, categorize, and label. We only pay lip service to viewing/treating people individually.
How equal is equal? How do we know when we are equal enough? Is anyone ever really equal?
These questions apply to all people. It is not just an issue of black vs white but a problem of male vs female, tall vs short, fat vs thin and the list goes on. Some groups face greater chances of encountering prejudice than others and sometimes this is job specific. It is a competitive world that we have developed. Society is based on a mathematical model and success is decided by graphs and charts. People are none of those things. We don't, generally, react mathematically or make decisions in a linear way. No matter what rules we make for the corporate and social world to play by, individuals will write their own book. The problem I see with current equality programs is that they force people to act against their will. The only successful programs are those that focus on the individual and try to break through individual bias. Shame people into being multicultural and nonsexist. Open their eyes to judging people on what's inside of everyone instead of judging by preset beliefs, otherwise every regulation forced upon a person builds resentment instead of breaking it down.I agree with you, except for the shame comment. What we need is to teach empathy. Maybe it should be a part of school curriculum. Currently we teach kids to generalize, categorize, and label. We only pay lip service to viewing/treating people individually.
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Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Most Destructive Racism
Elvira;490095 wrote: I'm part of a global project group, for psychometric profiling, and I was astounded to here the opinions/ experiences of my opposite number in South Africa. The government insists that positive discrimination is implemented, as best practice. I do understand the need for this after some discussion, but I remain astounded.
Anyone from SA to give an insight?
Positive discrimination? Based on ethnicity? Seems like an oxymoron to me.
Anyone from SA to give an insight?
Positive discrimination? Based on ethnicity? Seems like an oxymoron to me.
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Accountable
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- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Most Destructive Racism
ArnoldLayne;490173 wrote: Star Parker seems to be reiterating what Bill Cosby was saying a few years ago.
On Thursday, Cosby urged blacks to take personal responsibility for their lives, and he hinted that social welfare programs may be having unintended consequences for African-Americans.
From http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewSpecialRepor ... 0702a.html
That statement could be used for any underachieving portion of any community, not just blacks.
:yh_clap That should be required reading.
You're right, Arnold. It's about individual responsibility. People keep blaming their situation for their situation. "I'm poor because I never had a chance." "I'm not succeeding becaust the government has abandoned us/me." The truth is that any person's situation is primarily a result of that person's decisions, and the consequences of those decisions - including the decision to let someone else decide.
Life's a journey, and the path has obstacles. One can sit and bitch about the rock that's standing in the way, or one can figure a way over or around it. The current enabling bigotry says "oh poor you. You can't possibly get past that rock because you're * insert label here *. Here, have a biscuit while I figure things out for you.
On Thursday, Cosby urged blacks to take personal responsibility for their lives, and he hinted that social welfare programs may be having unintended consequences for African-Americans.
From http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewSpecialRepor ... 0702a.html
That statement could be used for any underachieving portion of any community, not just blacks.
:yh_clap That should be required reading.
You're right, Arnold. It's about individual responsibility. People keep blaming their situation for their situation. "I'm poor because I never had a chance." "I'm not succeeding becaust the government has abandoned us/me." The truth is that any person's situation is primarily a result of that person's decisions, and the consequences of those decisions - including the decision to let someone else decide.
Life's a journey, and the path has obstacles. One can sit and bitch about the rock that's standing in the way, or one can figure a way over or around it. The current enabling bigotry says "oh poor you. You can't possibly get past that rock because you're * insert label here *. Here, have a biscuit while I figure things out for you.
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Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Most Destructive Racism
911;490505 wrote: There is an all black college in my home town. They decided that through federal guidelines they had to have a certain number of white students attending the college. So, they offered free tuition to a number of white students if they attended this particular college.
The outcry, from blacks, was ear piercing! They protested, they complained, they wanted to contact the President. All to no avail.
They interviewed the white students who signed up and they stated that they never would have been able to attend college if they had not signed on with that college. Sound familiar? They were just so happy they would be able to get a college education that they suffered through some of the worst times in their lives.
It seems to have died down now, or at least it's not on the news any longer.
So, what was the difference? Black or white, everyone should be able to get an education and a free one is a ride anyone is willing to take.
That's the resentment that Koan posted about. People in power positions resent having rules forced on them, so they go about "obeying" the rule in such a way as to ensure that it will fail. Then they can do the I Told You So dance.
Affirmative Action was never about quotas, but that's the way managers and business owners destroyed it. The unavoidable result was that any minority or woman that earned a promotion would always have that cloud of doubt hanging over their heads: did she get the promotion because she was really the best qualified, or because she's a woman?
The outcry, from blacks, was ear piercing! They protested, they complained, they wanted to contact the President. All to no avail.
They interviewed the white students who signed up and they stated that they never would have been able to attend college if they had not signed on with that college. Sound familiar? They were just so happy they would be able to get a college education that they suffered through some of the worst times in their lives.
It seems to have died down now, or at least it's not on the news any longer.
So, what was the difference? Black or white, everyone should be able to get an education and a free one is a ride anyone is willing to take.
That's the resentment that Koan posted about. People in power positions resent having rules forced on them, so they go about "obeying" the rule in such a way as to ensure that it will fail. Then they can do the I Told You So dance.
Affirmative Action was never about quotas, but that's the way managers and business owners destroyed it. The unavoidable result was that any minority or woman that earned a promotion would always have that cloud of doubt hanging over their heads: did she get the promotion because she was really the best qualified, or because she's a woman?