Happy Atheist Forum

You May Not Be Able to Say How You Feel About Your Race (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101007111504.htm)

QuoteScienceDaily (Oct. 7, 2010) â€" A new study from the School of Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis looks at how much African Americans and whites favor or prefer their own racial group over the other, how much they identify with their own racial group, and how positively they feel about themselves...

Interesting. Social pressures causing stress, we still have a way to go to get over the effects of melanin and other fundamentally meaningless differences.

There are huge divergences in culture between the two groups.  There is little biologically different, but the cultures are in many ways worlds apart.

I'm not surprised, the culture makes it so being Black is like a job. Whenever I hear about someone on TV but race isn't specified  it's common for someone to go "is he/she black"? Whether it's positive or negative, race seems to be so involved in black culture, even if they won't admit it.

Race is involved from both "sides", and pretending otherwise is nonsense.

I couldn't possibly care less about skin pigment. Race is a mostly artificial construct put in place as an excuse to dehumanize in order to subjugate. In reality, all people are equal as a matter of simple deduction.

Culture, on the other hand, is very much real and unfortunately has become intertwined with the artificial construct of race. The result is this strange "be true to your melanin level" garbage.

Quote from: "Will"I couldn't possibly care less about skin pigment. Race is a mostly artificial construct put in place as an excuse to dehumanize in order to subjugate. In reality, all people are equal as a matter of simple deduction.

Culture, on the other hand, is very much real and unfortunately has become intertwined with the artificial construct of race. The result is this strange "be true to your melanin level" garbage.

QFT, that's what I was referring to when I mentioned being black has been turned into a job by the culture. If you don't adhere to the culture, being religious, full of racial pride, liking what everyone else likes,  etc then people put you down for not being black. I'm sure this is the same in various cultures.

Quote from: "Ultima22689"

Quote from: "Will"I couldn't possibly care less about skin pigment. Race is a mostly artificial construct put in place as an excuse to dehumanize in order to subjugate. In reality, all people are equal as a matter of simple deduction.

Culture, on the other hand, is very much real and unfortunately has become intertwined with the artificial construct of race. The result is this strange "be true to your melanin level" garbage.

QFT, that's what I was referring to when I mentioned being black has been turned into a job by the culture. If you don't adhere to the culture, being religious, full of racial pride, liking what everyone else likes,  etc then people put you down for not being black. I'm sure this is the same in various cultures.

Well as a Black atheist, I can tell you that the Black race is expected and expects themselves to be religious, pretentiously proud about our race, and to adhere to our social limitations. For instance Blacks that I grew up around would look at me like I was crazy for listening to rock and roll. One time I had someone tell me that acoustic soul music (James Morrison) was "White people" music. That is such a negative and pejorative statement in Black culture. To be accused of liking things that "White people like". This statement is out of the ignorance of the critical role that Black musicians played in creating rock and country, country being universally viewed as white music (which is ironic because the American cowboy is based around Spanish hacienda traditions and the music it's self being an offspring of blues). We wedge ourselves into these rigid categories because we have forgotten who we are. We have also forgotten just how artificial our differences are. People fail to understand that these are just social subdivisions used to keep us fighting for scraps, while the rich use all of us. I have learned that my race does not define me. I won't allow it to. I won't allow something imaginary to dictate my life, like what White and Black people are expected to do.

Obviously a lot of black people (and to a slightly lesser extent, Latino people, Asian people, etc.) have lived under the white power structure for many, many generations and hostility rightfully developed. People were kidnapped from Africa and forced into slavery by racist Americans and Europeans who were living under the false assumption that white people were in some quantifiable way superior to all other "races". I'd be pissed, too. Not only that, but despite the fact slavery is now illegal in the United States, racism has still made the process of black people on average becoming equal in society and economically very, very slow. Even today, in 2010, we're only now getting our first real generation of black millionaires retiring. Not only that, but we still see inequality across the board.

I'm white. My dad is white, my grandparents are/were white, my great grandparents were white and likely going back hundreds if not thousands of years the majority of my ancestors were white Europeans. Neither I nor my immediate ancestors were victimized because of their skin pigment. I am not living in the aftermath of my family being enslaved. I'm not living in a society where I have a 16% likelihood of going to prison because of my pigment. I'm not living in a society where I get pulled over because people of my pigment are not expected to drive nice cars or be in predominately wealthy neighborhoods.

In short, I can understand why non-whites have become wedged into these racial cultures. Whites, on the other hand, have absolutely no excuse whatsoever. "White culture" is simply a very sly way of saying "we want to stay in charge and despite the mountain of evidence we still think think we're inherently better".

I'm glad you've moved beyond race, radicalaggrivation and ultima. It's a concept which promotes hatred and inequality.

How about this. It's considered inapropriate for white people to take pride in thier race or history (outside of the south) mostly because of views like Will's. I'm sorry Will but you seem almost ashamed that you are white. I'm not talking about being proud White people have subjugated other races that is wrong and frankly stupid. There is alot more to white people and white culture then keeping white people in power. We are hardly 2 dimesional power mongers. My history is a rich mix or English, Irish, French, Russian, Jewish, Italian, Geman, Austrian, Finnish, Danish, Swedish, ect ect (I'm hienz 57). I am proud of this rich and diverse ancestery. Yet many would look down on me for saying so.

There seems to be an almost communal guilt among white people for the crimes of people in the past and present whose skin is a similar shade. This can be seen in the trend of political corectness. Have you noticed how the most politicaly correct speakers always seem to be white? For instance Most of the black people I have known have reffered to themselves as black while most white people refer to black people as "African American". Neither is wrong but there seems to be a growing awareness by whites to not be insulting and to be more cultural sensitive. These attempts often seem to me as exessive, akward, and hollow.


I don't feel guity that some white people kept slaves. I never have and never would keep slaves and as far as know no one in my family has so why should I feel guitly that they wouldn't have tried to enslave me. That and slavery is hardly a white invention or was only kept up by white people in recent history. Throughout history people in power reguardless of race have owned slaves. These slaves were thoses who lacked the ability to prevent thier slavery. I would guess the racism came after enslavement. It so much easier to justfy slavery if you convince yourself you are better then the slave. While I don't have numbers at a guess I don't think most ( all ancient) Roman, or English, or Chinese, or Greek, or Ottoman slaves were African. Most African slaves were not "kidnapped from Africa and forced into slavery by racist Americans and Europeans" they were kidnapped by greedy Africans who didn't care what happened to people who wern't of thier tribe or clan. Then sold to greedy racist American, European, African, Arabs and anyone else who thought that because they could buy people they should. Many Africans and Arabs actully owned white slaves (treaty of tripoli anyone) Yet you won't find many Africans who feel bad about this. "You did it too" or "you did it first" are not good arguments slavery is wrong and always has been.

Slavery is never right or justified, but just like original sin is an illogical idea, so is being guilty of all a races crimes because my skin color matches thiers. I empathise with those who are opressed because they have more melanin in their skin then I do. It's a horrible reason to hate or oppresse someone but I'm not sorry I'm white in fact I'm glad. However If I were to state this in public everyone would assume I was racist. I'm not and I trully hate racism. I will admit to ignorance but not intentional or malicious ignorance.

I think Louie CK states part of my point well.
[youtube:4qgrxyqz]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4f9zR5yzY[/youtube:4qgrxyqz]

Louis CK and Bill Burr state everything well. since we lost Carlin and Chris Rock is in his own league, those are my top two right now.

and on the subject.

I agree with what someone else said, being black IS a job (socially)

a job that I quit and won't return to.

as far as on the job, it's mostly speech, especially in the south.  If you don't talk a certain way, then you're not "real"

after a while it becomes like speaking a different language.  a language of which horrific grammar, made up words, modified words, and forced exaggerated accentuation rule the court.

*disclaimer*

I'm not a black person that hates black people, I'm just a bored nigga that turned in my ghetto pass and won't be applying for a new one next season.

Quote from: "TheWilliam"Louis CK and Bill Burr state everything well. since we lost Carlin and Chris Rock is in his own league, those are my top two right now.

and on the subject.

I agree with what someone else said, being black IS a job (socially)

a job that I quit and won't return to.

as far as on the job, it's mostly speech, especially in the south.  If you don't talk a certain way, then you're not "real"

after a while it becomes like speaking a different language.  a language of which horrific grammar, made up words, modified words, and forced exaggerated accentuation rule the court.

*disclaimer*

I'm not a black person that hates black people, I'm just a bored nigga that turned in my ghetto pass and won't be applying for a new one next season.

I've heard that a common catch 22 amoung some black communities is that everyone is trying to get get rich and get out but if you do your not real, or just a tom, or an oreo. It seems so silly that if you do well for yourself or suceed that now you are somehow less black. Unless you suceed in a "proper" black role like rapper or athlete, ect then you sold out. Would you say the view is common? If so how common?

the economic side is more common with those born before the 80s.

I assume their stubborn bitterness comes from being the children of parents who were around before public racial discrimination was outlawed

a lot of those born from the late 80s to early 90s are more college bound, but not to advance their minds or for the university experience, but only to give them grounds to request a larger salary when entering the job market.

so they have degrees and apply for upper management positions but talk like idiots and are totally boring in a conversation about anything outside of reality shows and sneakers.

I've only been called a "Tom" (to my face) one time in my life.
this was when I was a fast food crew member about 5 years ago, and this other black dude wanted wednesday off so he could play basketball, and he wanted to trade a shift with me,
I declined to trade the shift but offered to take his shift and just get more overtime because at that time was saving up to move into this house.

we riffed over it for about 60 seconds and then he just said "TOM!!"

and my response was

"So you'd rather play basketball than work and make money when you just had to borrow money to pay your rent"

he walked away, I got the overtime and now in 2010 he's 30 and I'm 27.
.....and he still rents a bedroom (just the bedroom) and I moved forward to salary and live in this house.

fuck em.

Please excuse my cultural ignorance, but why is 'TOM' an insult?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Tom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Tom)


Yep, wow, so many black atheists here, so others are real! I thought I was a robot in an experiment, built by top secret agents or something. People regularly berate me for what TheWilliam described. My favorite genre is progressive metal, I think Gucci Mane is a piece of hot doo and I don't listen to any form of R&B, Hip Hop or rap. Not because i've got some reason to but I simply don't like the sound. I've gotten into fights on the bus because people would hear the music because I was playing so loud my headphones gave it off. The sad part is what TheWilliam said about college. It's very true, many seem to be just as bad as those who don't go to college, incredibly shallow and obsessed with being in the self destructive culture.  What's even more amazing is when they feel sorry for me and try to re-blackify me which involves two steps, getting closer to sky daddy then doing black things which i'd rather not go into describing.

Shit, my name is Tom and I am an uncle   .

That sounds awful.  I can't imagine what the process of someone trying to "re-whiteify" me might be, but I can imagine it being an extremely unpleasant process.  

Quote from: "Tanker"I'm sorry Will but you seem almost ashamed that you are white.

Not at all. There's a big difference between being ashamed and not caring.  I'm not responsible for the acts of other white people (or any other people for that matter), so I don't feel I should be ashamed of racism or slavery.  I really, really, really don't care that I'm white.

I'm frustrated that anyone ever cares about skin pigment. Other than issues of melanin and UV protection, it's completely irrelevant. Still, the fact that non-whites are still victimized by racism explains why they have a sense of racial identity. That was my point. I don't agree with their sense of racial identity, but I can understand why it's developed. White people, on the other hand, really don't have any non-racist reason to have a sense of racial identity. Cultural identity? Sure! Cultural heritage? Absolutely. Race, however, is nothing but a tiny fraction of one's phenotype no more important than detached/attached earlobes or hair color.

Quote from: "Will"

Quote from: "Tanker"I'm sorry Will but you seem almost ashamed that you are white.

Not at all. There's a big difference between being ashamed and not caring.  I'm not responsible for the acts of other white people (or any other people for that matter), so I don't feel I should be ashamed of racism or slavery.  I really, really, really don't care that I'm white.

I'm frustrated that anyone ever cares about skin pigment. Other than issues of melanin and UV protection, it's completely irrelevant. Still, the fact that non-whites are still victimized by racism explains why they have a sense of racial identity. That was my point. I don't agree with their sense of racial identity, but I can understand why it's developed. White people, on the other hand, really don't have any non-racist reason to have a sense of racial identity. Cultural identity? Sure! Cultural heritage? Absolutely. Race, however, is nothing but a tiny fraction of one's phenotype no more important than detached/attached earlobes or hair color.

Thanks for the clarification. I was worried you were taking on all sins and crimes of all the people who have had a melanin deficiency in the 50,000 years or so. I hate when people try to put that bullshit on me, or as I thought of you, put it on themselves. (hmm I'm not white I'm melanin deficient )

Though to be fair the one and only time a minority has tried anything of the sort on me was when I was in basic training. I got the impression he hadn't assoiciated with many white people. We were having an argument, the subject of which I don't remember for sure but think may have been religion (I never hide who I am) the argument was getting heated as arguments rather then discussions are wont to do. We were both at the near shouting stage I said "You stupid..." and stopped myself to prevent escalating the argument and calling him  Mother Fucker. His irate response was "you stupid what? Nigger?" I could not have been more shocked. He had assumed that because I was white I was racist, which ironicly of him was pretty damn racist. He and a couple of his friends were staring daggers. I was actually at a lose for words and stammered for a response. I have rarely been so insulted. I was actually afraid they were gong to beat me. But like I said that's the only time anyone has ever been overtly racist to me for just being white. Racism is ugly and stupid no matter the form or source and I envy no one who expiriences it often.

I've cought a few mumbled slurs over the years from various people but never again something so direct. Most people if you treat them like the equals they are treat you the same regardless of ancestory. I'm also a quarter jewish (its a religion and a race) and have heard someof the most ignorant bullshit from people who don't know my grand ma was a jew. (oh and I was once told, innocently but serriously, that all white smell like blongna which I found more funny than insulting.)

(Sorry for the slight derail)

Quote from: "Ultima22689"then doing black things which i'd rather not go into describing.

But pig knuckles are a great appetizer for chitlins and cornbread.

Myself being white, obviously I'm going to feel more comfortable in a group of white or mixed-race people compared to a group of people who are a different skin color.

Think of it this way, if you're the only white person in a group, you're seen as "that white guy".
If you're in a group of mixed-races, whites, blacks, hispanics, asians, etc, you're not going to stand out as much and feel more comfortable.

You're obviously going to feel less comfortable if there's something setting you apart from the group.

Quote from: "PoopShoot"

Quote from: "Ultima22689"then doing black things which i'd rather not go into describing.

But pig knuckles are a great appetizer for chitlins and cornbread.

*throws up in a mouth a bit*

They say that black people ate that shit because during slavery times they had to the best with what they had which was often salt pork and throw away parts of meat. Some things just need to be left in the past, a good example of this. Go watch the Boondocks episode "The Luther". I love the Boondocks, it points out everything that's wrong with black culture and it does a good job of making me laugh.

I feel your pain. I may have thought the same thing awhile back but I wouldn't have berated you for it, it would have been better if you just called him a stupid mother fucker. Blacks who don't get to know people outside of their race don't know how to react well and this is a result of how they were raised, how they're perceived by mainstream media and a couple of other things. I didn't really get to know white people daily until college, made some of the best friends ever there. You know what though? It was the same for them, awkward. I remember someone slipped and said nigger then the room went all silent, so I just jokingly responded with a coon stereotype voice(Yes sir Boss! I'll go feed the chillun! Stuff like that.) Lulz ensued and we continue to play Dnd. To poke even more fun I made a DnD charaacter named Negro Tomias, I don't think I need to go into detail about that one. XD

I think when talking to folks about pride in your heritage you should try to make a distinction from racism because the people who are loudest about being proud of white heritage are groups like stormfront even though there is very little similarities which I know from experience. I had a friend who was Irish, quite proud of his heritage and took joy in talking to me about it, he cooked a lot of Irish meals and I enjoyed most of them, me being a potato fiend. Anywho, if you ever end up in a conversation like that again, try to find the common ground because in reality, we're all the same and many cultures share common ground, black and white culture do infact share a common ground. I just wish more people would see that.

Quote from: "Tanker"

Quote from: "Will"

Quote from: "Tanker"I'm sorry Will but you seem almost ashamed that you are white.

Not at all. There's a big difference between being ashamed and not caring.  I'm not responsible for the acts of other white people (or any other people for that matter), so I don't feel I should be ashamed of racism or slavery.  I really, really, really don't care that I'm white.

I'm frustrated that anyone ever cares about skin pigment. Other than issues of melanin and UV protection, it's completely irrelevant. Still, the fact that non-whites are still victimized by racism explains why they have a sense of racial identity. That was my point. I don't agree with their sense of racial identity, but I can understand why it's developed. White people, on the other hand, really don't have any non-racist reason to have a sense of racial identity. Cultural identity? Sure! Cultural heritage? Absolutely. Race, however, is nothing but a tiny fraction of one's phenotype no more important than detached/attached earlobes or hair color.

Thanks for the clarification. I was worried you were taking on all sins and crimes of all the people who have had a melanin deficiency in the 50,000 years or so. I hate when people try to put that bullshit on me, or as I thought of you, put it on themselves. (hmm I'm not white I'm melanin deficient )

Though to be fair the one and only time a minority has tried anything of the sort on me was when I was in basic training. I got the impression he hadn't assoiciated with many white people. We were having an argument, the subject of which I don't remember for sure but think may have been religion (I never hide who I am) the argument was getting heated as arguments rather then discussions are wont to do. We were both at the near shouting stage I said "You stupid..." and stopped myself to prevent escalating the argument and calling him  Mother Fucker. His irate response was "you stupid what? Nigger?" I could not have been more shocked. He had assumed that because I was white I was racist, which ironicly of him was pretty damn racist. He and a couple of his friends were staring daggers. I was actually at a lose for words and stammered for a response. I have rarely been so insulted. I was actually afraid they were gong to beat me. But like I said that's the only time anyone has ever been overtly racist to me for just being white. Racism is ugly and stupid no matter the form or source and I envy no one who expiriences it often.

I've cought a few mumbled slurs over the years from various people but never again something so direct. Most people if you treat them like the equals they are treat you the same regardless of ancestory. I'm also a quarter jewish (its a religion and a race) and have heard someof the most ignorant bullshit from people who don't know my grand ma was a jew. (oh and I was once told, innocently but serriously, that all white smell like blongna which I found more funny than insulting.)

(Sorry for the slight derail)

Quote from: "Ultima22689"They say that black people ate that shit because during slavery times they had to the best with what they had which was often salt pork and throw away parts of meat.

I know too many white people who eat that shit to accept it at face value.  In fact, pig knuckles aren't bad, but I don't like pickled meat and they're hard to find straight up (that and other parts are still better for the same price).  Regardless, I know more white people who eat knuckles and head cheese.  Other than specifically chitlins (which just taste like straight fat anyway), I know more whites and Latinos that eat the weird shit that blacks are stereotyped with.

QuoteSome things just need to be left in the past, a good example of this.

Whether this is an example is debatable, but I do agree that there is a lot of shit that once happened that needs to be let go of, much of it in the form of "defining characteristics" of certain cultures.

QuoteGo watch the Boondocks episode "The Luther". I love the Boondocks, it points out everything that's wrong with black culture and it does a good job of making me laugh.

Rarely do I enjoy that show, but part of that is from living it as a child.

Quote from: "skwurll"Myself being white, obviously I'm going to feel more comfortable in a group of white or mixed-race people compared to a group of people who are a different skin color.

Think of it this way, if you're the only white person in a group, you're seen as "that white guy".
If you're in a group of mixed-races, whites, blacks, hispanics, asians, etc, you're not going to stand out as much and feel more comfortable.

You're obviously going to feel less comfortable if there's something setting you apart from the group.

...And when you are 6'7" and tend to tower over most people in any group, such as myself, you tend to feel you stick out no matter what the racial mixture of the group you're in. You're just "That Tall Guy". Especially when you hear, "Wow, you're tall!", or "Do you play basketball" all day and every day.

People don't point out how short you are all day. People don't point out how fat someone is all day. People don't point how black you are all day. If they do, it's socially unacceptable and often considered offensive.

But no, I kid. It doesn't offend me. Gets on my nerves to have to tell about 50 people a day how tall I am. And yes, my back does hurt from having to bend over farther to reach counters and shit that are all made for you short people. And no, I don't play basketball. And yes, I hit my head alot which may have to do with why I'm such a goofy bastard. And no, you'll never see my lanky ass out on a dancefloor.

I guess the point is, we are all different, and we all just need to get the eff over it. We should probably just go ahead and embrace the differences. Would suck if we all looked and acted and dressed all the same. The world would be one big cult.

Quote from: "Tank"Please excuse my cultural ignorance, but why is 'TOM' an insult?

An Uncle Tom is a black person that will betray other black people to please white people.

but over time we became more equal in this country and a term like that was no longer needed.

but some dumb niggas feel the need to still toss it around even they aren't using it in the correct context because they really don't have anything to say or can't find the words to express how they feel in the moment.

and with fools like that I'm the worst of the worst because I date white women, annunciate, eat healthy, and don't chat with an invisible man in the sky.

and little do they know that visually I strongly prefer black women but they're all christians.

and at the same time they want to be racists, but they cling to the religion that was forced on their ancestors in the 17-1800s...........

yup, as a black dude it's embarrassing, I just try to smoke a joint and ignore, I'm not gonna spend my life mad 'cause other people are simpletons.

Quote from: "TheWilliam"yup, as a black dude it's embarrassing, I just try to smoke a joint and ignore, I'm not gonna spend my life mad 'cause other people are simpletons.

Something tells me we'd get along just fine.  

Another point to add to this is that no matter what the race, there are gonna be complete assholes.
Reminds me of the Chris Rock skit where he's comparing the black people to the "niggas".
There's white people, and there's white trash. It's the same for any race. No group of people can be completely stereotyped by their race. It just seems to me that in America, most black youth want the nigga stereotype and use it as a badge of honor. And having grown up as a white male in America, I see it as a trend that white youth want to be the same way.

I guess I don't understand making a virtue out of stupidity.

that's word.

it reminds of when I was working on the (lower income) hispanic side of town out here, and one of my buddies that's P.Rican told me......

"You out there where them Spics at"

at first i was gonna be like, dude you can't say that, but I stopped, because I know when I used to mention other black people on the west end of town, I didn't say "niggas" I made a point to pronounce it with the dreaded "ER"

Quote from: "Ultima22689"To poke even more fun I made a DnD charaacter named Negro Tomias, I don't think I need to go into detail about that one. XD

Wait, I thought it was against the law for black folk to play D&D.

QuoteHe had assumed that because I was white I was racist, which ironicly of him was pretty damn racist.

This is a common irritant here in SoCal, and I've faced it on the job a couple of times.

I didn't have time to read all the responses here, so I apologize if I'm repeating an issue that has already been discussed.  
White Guilt.
In many corporate policy structures, there are tons of clauses that offer incentives and and perks to minorities.  The same goes for scholarships and government assistance programs.  My company, for example, extends special discounts and extra time to pay us if the company belongs to some minority leaders club.  I can't remember the name right now...but the gist of it is, they get a 3% discount on everything they buy, and have 60 days to pay instead of the normal 30.  Why does stuff like this exist?

Quote from: "Will"

Quote from: "Tanker"I really, really, really don't care that I'm white.

Neither do I, but that in itself is really kind of a distinct privilege too, isn't it? Hmmmm...  

Quote from: "elliebean"

Quote from: "Will"

Quote from: "Tanker"I really, really, really don't care that I'm white.

Neither do I, but that in itself is really kind of a distinct privilege too, isn't it? Hmmmm...  

Being white, we literally have no idea what it's like to feel the way minorities do.  Perhaps white homosexuals have similar feelings...I'm not sure.

Quote from: "DropLogic"I didn't have time to read all the responses here, so I apologize if I'm repeating an issue that has already been discussed.  
White Guilt.
In many corporate policy structures, there are tons of clauses that offer incentives and and perks to minorities.  The same goes for scholarships and government assistance programs.  My company, for example, extends special discounts and extra time to pay us if the company belongs to some minority leaders club.  I can't remember the name right now...but the gist of it is, they get a 3% discount on everything they buy, and have 60 days to pay instead of the normal 30.  Why does stuff like this exist?

Beacuse half a century ago blacks and other minorities were considered second class citizens, that carries serious problems, in general it's not possible for blacks to look for support from their families when they go to college, your only bet is to shine well in school or hope the FASFA covers you enough. When I went to college, everyone I knew was getting a check or some form of substantial support from their loved ones, know what my loved ones gave me?

"Dat nigga goin to college! He think he smart!"

"When you graduate I want a mercedes and a house."

That's it, when my friends were starving they would just call me mom and dad who would send them 200 bucks, when I got hungry I sighed as I went another day without eating. The only money I get for school is from the FASFA so all those programs like affirmative action and others that help black people somehow i've never seen money from them however my financial situation is common of young blacks, many are worse because their parents were so irresponsible to open up credit cards in their name.

So, my point is that while whites often have a financial foundation of some sort blacks tend to have none at all or worse being saddled with debt before they even get to college and while part of the blame for that rests on the shoulders of parents and parents before them there were over 400 years of slavery followed by another 150 or so years of living as second class citizens where the idea of a black doctor was hilarious so blacks as a people have only had any form of equal rights since the late 60s so basically it's because we need it, plain and simple, being black in America is vastly harder than being white and that doesn't mean white people should feel bad for that, it is the result of politics not moving nearly fast enough, I don't wake up, look at my life and past then blame white people for it, I just do the best with what I got and look forward to a better tomorrow.  In the longrun i'll graduate I think and i'll find a good financial ground while I follow the career i've been dreaming of for years now.

Quote from: "Ultima22689"

Quote from: "DropLogic"I didn't have time to read all the responses here, so I apologize if I'm repeating an issue that has already been discussed.  
White Guilt.
In many corporate policy structures, there are tons of clauses that offer incentives and and perks to minorities.  The same goes for scholarships and government assistance programs.  My company, for example, extends special discounts and extra time to pay us if the company belongs to some minority leaders club.  I can't remember the name right now...but the gist of it is, they get a 3% discount on everything they buy, and have 60 days to pay instead of the normal 30.  Why does stuff like this exist?

Beacuse half a century ago blacks and other minorities were considered second class citizens, that carries serious problems, in general it's not possible for blacks to look for support from their families when they go to college, your only bet is to shine well in school or hope the FASFA covers you enough. When I went to college, everyone I knew was getting a check or some form of substantial support from their loved ones, know what my loved ones gave me?

"Dat nigga goin to college! He think he smart!"

"When you graduate I want a mercedes and a house."

That's it, when my friends were starving they would just call me mom and dad who would send them 200 bucks, when I got hungry I sighed as I went another day without eating. The only money I get for school is from the FASFA so all those programs like affirmative action and others that help black people somehow i've never seen money from them however my financial situation is common of young blacks, many are worse because their parents were so irresponsible to open up credit cards in their name.

So, my point is that while whites often have a financial foundation of some sort blacks tend to have none at all or worse being saddled with debt before they even get to college and while part of the blame for that rests on the shoulders of parents and parents before them there were over 400 years of slavery followed by another 150 or so years of living as second class citizens where the idea of a black doctor was hilarious so blacks as a people have only had any form of equal rights since the late 60s so basically it's because we need it, plain and simple, being black in America is vastly harder than being white and that doesn't mean white people should feel bad for that, it is the result of politics not moving nearly fast enough, I don't wake up, look at my life and past then blame white people for it, I just do the best with what I got and look forward to a better tomorrow.  In the longrun i'll graduate I think and i'll find a good financial ground while I follow the career i've been dreaming of for years now.

While I agree with what you're saying, it's not all diamonds and limos for the vast majority of white people either.  I'm still paying $450 a month 4 years later for my education, and I went to a cheap college.  I never had the opportunity to get aid because my parents made just a little bit too much.  I have never been hungry, and you're probably right about that stat compared to white people.  I can't imagine what that would have been like.  
Keep working hard and you'll fly to the top.

Quote from: "DropLogic"

Quote from: "elliebean"Neither do I, but that in itself is really kind of a distinct privilege too, isn't it? Hmmmm...  :yay:

Quote from: "DropLogic"Being white, we literally have no idea what it's like to feel the way minorities do.

Well, aren't atheists a minority? They certainly are in my town. I've been discriminated against for being atheist. Not violently, but rude and hurtful things have been said. I'd like to argue that I know what discrimination feels like.

Hell, it seems like I get more flak for being atheist in my school than the gay crowd does.

Those who came before us weren't enslaved due to their atheism, nor is our atheism a physical trait easily identifiable. Atheism is a bit closer to homosexuality in terms of society.

What's all this silly epidermis talk about? Don't you know it's all about the color of your eyes?!  

[youtube:20fih7cn]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCjDxAwfXV0[/youtube:20fih7cn]

I grew up in a neighborhood where whites were the minority, do I count?