Letters to the Editor
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That was a really great post, Susan Sunflower...
with all of the nuance that has been so lacking lately.
Thank you for sharing your insights.
Although you didn't mention it explicitly, I did think about the topic of reparations. I think that's the real third rail of any discussion on race, and yet, it really needs to be discussed and discussed and resolved. Past attempts at affirmative action are not enough, especially given the current inequities in plain, basic education and the resources that are allocated.
But, just as you wrote that the possibility of being called a racist is a hot-button for many, I think the topic of reparations is, too. And it's much worse now, when we all can see from most rungs on the SES ladder (except the very top) that what we once thought was a land of abundant opportunity for everyone more closely resembles a zero-sum game, one that is rigged against most of us.
Paradoxically, I am currently a Clinton supporter, having migrated from Dodd to Edwards, etc., but looking ahead I expect to be voting for Obama, barring anything unforeseen.
Even though I admire his vision and ability to communicate in the upper reaches of the public discourse (unreachable by the likes of BushCo) I honestly think Hillary would be better at implementing the much-needed changes. Including a plan for reparations. (I have my reasons for thinking so, but they don't belong in this comment.)
I really do wish there were a way for them to run on a combined ticket...
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What's truly instructive is how Clinton supporters have embraced ProudTexasGirl
There was another fetid bit of scat that showed up two days ago under the name "08YesWeCan" and started dishing out some embarrassingly sexist, ignorant slop. He/she/it got called on it by Obama supporters. We separated ourselves from the comments and berated the commentator.
You don't hear that from Clinton supporters about ProudTexasGirl. Or perhaps I missed it. At any rate, I'd certainly be glad to be proven wrong.
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Do a little research - why don't ya
THE ONLY COUNTINENT in the world where slavery is on-going is AFRICA.
ProudTexasGirl
I know you are not the sharpest knife in the drawer but please do a little research before you write such nonsense. There is sexual slavery being practiced in this country. There is slavery being practiced in China, India, Cambodia, Russia, Nepal, as well in some countries in Africa. In Sudan, with the backing of the Chinese, the Arab Northerners are enslaving the black Africans in the South. In fact, there was a black family in MS who was being held as slaves into the 90's. Slavery has probably been practiced in nearly every country on the planet at some time or another. I can recommend two sites Free The Slaves.net and iAbolish.com for your edification. I doubt you'll look into it because you relish your ignorance.
I recognize that in your business you see some of the most desperate and pathetic people of every background but you choose to focus on the black ones. Your bigotry allows you to lump all black people in with the irresponsible ones that you see in your line of work. I own rental property and I've had my share of deadbeats. I've had more non-black deadbeats than black ones (very few in fact) but I don't cast aspersions on their ethnic or racial group. I've noticed that the chronically poor have a different mindset about things. Some of it is their own fault because they make the same bad mistakes time and time again and in some cases it's generational. They've not seen responsible living and thinking because that's how their parents operated as well.
I don't have any problem calling you a racist because you don't see us as people deserving of your respect or understanding. You've labeled us and written us off, even the ones who are successful and making our way in the world. Your white privilege doesn't allow for you to see Barack Obama as someone equal to you or other whites.
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@stackey
Agree with you on all points except the assumptions you have made about me. I made NO blanket statements about who is on welfare, but statistically, taking the sub group and dividing into the whole, more people of color are on welfare than other sub groups. This being said, we need to do something about it. THROWING money at the problem has made it worse, and I am a social worker and I do care. We have a system in place that pays young girls to have children--it gives them housing (section 8), food (food stamps and afdc), and other forms of assistance. Many times this is much better than their previous home. THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM especially when staying in school and achieving academically is considering a put down and you are teased about it.
Thus, I take great offense when someone from the black community asks for more money and blames the 'effects of racism' on white people. I cannot control what young men and women of color do. I can work, I can write letters, and I can plead but Hollywood and the lure of 'my baby daddy' is much greater than reality--which doesn't hit until after it is too late. The Black community is going to have to step forward and say NO MORE CHILDREN until you can afford them--thus insuring that black children get educated and a career thus HALTING poverty in its tracks. Until this happens, there is almost nothing we can do to stop the problem.
Futhermore, Racism exists in Africa and America between BLACK PEOPLE (lighter vs. darker and tribe vs. tribe) and it is two-way street. Tribes in Africa increase their net worth by kidnapping and enslaving other tribesmen and women, and let's not even talk about genital mutilation. Thus, I also take great offense when we talk about how bad America is when if you look at Africa you will see it is much worse and it continues today....
Finally, if you want to have a real discourse on race than you have to be able to talk the truth, and not pussyfoot around the issues. This means looking at Africa, the role this country and her people played and continue to play regarding slavery, the effects of slavery in America, and what ALL people can do to make the world a better place. While we are addressing racism, we can also start the discourse on sexism. Until both of these issues are addressed in real time by all persons, equality will be just be a maddening dream.