Comments on Dipping My Toes in the Racism Issue

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Excellent post.

When it comes to discrimination, nobody discriminates against Blacks more than Blacks.  I've noticed it all my life.  I've been called a sell-out because I talk "white" (whatever that means) and because I refuse to dress like  a hood rat.  I've even been put down by my own mother, but that's another story altogether. 

posted by Shavonne on May 3, 2004 at 9:34 PM | link to this | reply

Eric-Charles...
...that thought struck me, too - whose norms?

But the answer came, too. The norms of whatever society we're talking about.

By definition, immigrants are a minority who chose (in most cases, one hopes) to be in that country. In doing so, they implicitly agree to abide by the norms and rules of that society.

As a well travelled white male, I do all I can to abide by the rules and norms of foreign lands I visit.

Why would it be any other way? You'd expect such respect in your home - why not in your country?

D

posted by DamonLeigh on May 3, 2004 at 9:52 AM | link to this | reply

What?
Trys, I don't know WHAT you are talking about. And actually, I do spend a lot of time in the kitchen. When I get home from work, I get to make dinner for myself and the kids. I enjoy cooking. It's a wonderful hobby---one that just happens to have some practical use as well.

posted by editormum on May 3, 2004 at 9:47 AM | link to this | reply

If you don't like my posts, don't click, and go back into the kitchen

I am sure you spend most of your time in there

posted by TrysDan on May 3, 2004 at 9:25 AM | link to this | reply

LOL Attax....like so many here....

....I came to get paid for writing, and stayed because it was fun. And I suppose, in a way, I do get paid for writing here, although, most months, I earn just enough to cover my subscription.

Thank you for the compliments; I am glad you have found my posts interesting and enjoyable.

posted by editormum on May 2, 2004 at 5:40 PM | link to this | reply

DIPPING TOES

I am deeply grateful for your comments and guidance.  Just one thing about you perturbs me.  Why would any one with your perspicacious sensitivity and writing skills work in a joint like blogit? 

posted by attax on May 1, 2004 at 8:10 PM | link to this | reply

In my opinion, it's more than just a Memphis thing. The south has always been behind other parts of the country with progress in racial issues. That's what I think anyway. There are also alot of whites in the south with a sense of entitlement, lazy people who just want to know what they can get and when. They blame everyone else for all their misery and get angry with you if you point out that they could be a productive member of society.

posted by Passionflower on May 1, 2004 at 1:35 PM | link to this | reply

Editormum
I was going to leave a comment, but instead, I devoted an entire post on the subject. Check it out if you get a chance. 

posted by Talion on April 30, 2004 at 11:31 AM | link to this | reply

On a superficial level you have a legitimate gripe. That said, scratch beneath the surface of your own attitude -- your reference to "societal norms." Whose norms? If you care to, read the new post (later today) you've just inspired. It'll be entitled "Process of Assimilation." Maybe it will answer a question or two.

posted by Eric-Charles on April 30, 2004 at 10:47 AM | link to this | reply

Here here

for anyone.

I sometimes listen to "Latino USA" on public radio, but time after time I hear politcal statements which say, directly, "what is in it for my race", La Raza, my people. Same difference.  Institutionalized inferiority.

HOWEVER.....

I am sick and tired of hearing the myth about all the immigrants getting all the goodies. Not so. There were some special cases as VietNam fell where we admitted political heavies like Tieu and Ky and cut them some deals, like not charging then duties on the gold etc. they brought with them, but the ru of the mill immigrant is NOT receiving special stuff, unlkess it is help from their fellow, former immigrants.

posted by majroj on April 30, 2004 at 9:23 AM | link to this | reply

One of the true terrors of our day....

in addition to religious and political extremism is the complete waste of human potential, of any race.  One at a time, they are just annoying.  Put them all together and one day they could be quite dangerous.  Many people are so afraid to talk about what you put so eloquently that it seems almost nothing is being done about the problem.  People have come to the US from all over the world with ten times more troubles than what the inner city blacks face, and from what I've seen most of them have behaved gracefully.  It boils down to being raised from the cradle to believe that you are somehow disadvantaged.  No amount of schooling or re-programming can change that attitude.

A truly excellent post.  I love reading you!

posted by myrrhage_ on April 30, 2004 at 8:58 AM | link to this | reply