White American (proud to be...)

[DeadPoolX 9]

Well you aren't - obviously. But we've all benefitted in some way from the policies of the past - and I don't think its really any coincidence that blacks tend to occupy the lowest levels of the socio-economic ladder. There is a chain of cause and effect here - related to the racist policies of the past.

Some blacks are on the "lowest levels of the socioeconomic ladder," certainly. I think it's fair to say that the majority of players in the NBA and NFL are comprised of African Americans. Granted, not everyone becomes a star athlete (it's extremely difficult to do), but with the possible exception of the NHL and MLB, blacks make up a huge section -- and in some cases, the vast majority -- of players in sports.

There are also lots of blacks in other entertainment fields, such as music and film. If successful, there's millions upon millions to make there. Somehow I don't think Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and Will Smith are complaining.

Are some areas of life unfair to African Americans? Of course. Life is inherently unfair to everyone and depending on the circumstances involved, it may seem like it's worse for you (or your group). As I've stated, I'm Jewish. Although I can "blend in" with others, there are still tons of anti-Semites in the world and the U.S., many of which would love to see me at a disadvantage.

This discussion has been done to death on here before - but you can see through publicly available statistics (the US census for example) that if you're black you are significantly a lot more likely to experience poverty than you are if you're white. I get that there are individual exceptions in fields likes sports and the media but that isn't the point - given that most people simply don't become movie stars or pro-sports players.

I understand what you're saying and to some degree, you're absolutely correct. But being African American is just one part of the equation when there are so many others.

Let's look at it this way: There are many contributing factors for a heart attack, right? The medical community says that if you're significantly overweight, smoke, lack exercise, eat a poor diet, etc. Just having one or even two of those factors doesn't automatically mean you will have a heart attack. In fact, you could potentially have all factors and still not have one -- it's less likely, but it's possible. Then there are the cases of those with no indications and they suddenly drop dead one day.

My point is that simply because someone is black, that doesn't mean they have to experience poverty and hardship. There are many other factors involved too and unless we look at the whole picture, instead of merely stopping at race, we'll never find a solution.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Well you aren't - obviously. But we've all benefitted in some way from the policies of the past - and I don't think its really any coincidence that blacks tend to occupy the lowest levels of the socio-economic ladder. There is a chain of cause and effect here - related to the racist policies of the past.

Some blacks are on the "lowest levels of the socioeconomic ladder," certainly. I think it's fair to say that the majority of players in the NBA and NFL are comprised of African Americans. Granted, not everyone becomes a star athlete (it's extremely difficult to do), but with the possible exception of the NHL and MLB, blacks make up a huge section -- and in some cases, the vast majority -- of players in sports.

There are also lots of blacks in other entertainment fields, such as music and film. If successful, there's millions upon millions to make there. Somehow I don't think Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and Will Smith are complaining.

Are some areas of life unfair to African Americans? Of course. Life is inherently unfair to everyone and depending on the circumstances involved, it may seem like it's worse for you (or your group). As I've stated, I'm Jewish. Although I can "blend in" with others, there are still tons of anti-Semites in the world and the U.S., many of which would love to see me at a disadvantage.

This discussion has been done to death on here before - but you can see through publicly available statistics (the US census for example) that if you're black you are significantly a lot more likely to experience poverty than you are if you're white. I get that there are individual exceptions in fields likes sports and the media but that isn't the point - given that most people simply don't become movie stars or pro-sports players.

I understand what you're saying and to some degree, you're absolutely correct. But being African American is just one part of the equation when there are so many others.

Let's look at it this way: There are many contributing factors for a heart attack, right? The medical community says that if you're significantly overweight, smoke, lack exercise, eat a poor diet, etc. Just having one or even two of those factors doesn't automatically mean you will have a heart attack. In fact, you could potentially have all factors and still not have one -- it's less likely, but it's possible. Then there are the cases of those with no indications and they suddenly drop dead one day.

My point is that simply because someone is black, that doesn't mean they have to experience poverty and hardship. There are many other factors involved too and unless we look at the whole picture, instead of merely stopping at race, we'll never find a solution.

But they overwhelming do....

[Ken y Leidys 20]

A skinhead getting a much-needed and deserved beatdown:

Everytime I came into contact with skinheads it was always 2 or 3 against 1 (me). They never smelled fear on me, causing them always to walk away. And I don't carry arms, ever.

[almaty 19]

f##k those skinheads .........

[one...two...tree 2,762]

How can someone be proud of a label that has no nationality or ethnic origin?

[HAL 9000 96]

How can someone be proud of a label that has no nationality or ethnic origin?

Well I AM proud to be human...

[Peikko 1,575]

While there is nothing wrong with being comfortable being the person you are, there is something deeply loathesome about demanding attentention and admiration for something that isn't within one's control.

[HAL 9000 96]

While there is nothing wrong with being comfortable being the person you are, there is something deeply loathesome about demanding attentention and admiration for something that isn't within one's control.

I just find it pathetic to demand respect based on the superiority of race/culture while equally concluding the inferiority of other races/cultures based on delusional criteria. People that have a hard time realizing the context of reality may indeed be hiding that delusion.

All else is fair I suppose.

[SMOKE 1,426]

How can someone be proud of a label that has no nationality or ethnic origin?

dunno. but, if your talking about being proud of being white...white people would be european in origin.

can you explain why black pride & latino pride are okay & not white pride?...not white supremacy white pride.

While there is nothing wrong with being comfortable being the person you are, there is something deeply loathesome about demanding attentention and admiration for something that isn't within one's control.

[*JG* 2]

I am just proud to be who I am. No reason other then I like who I am.

[Amby 490]

can't we all just be proud to be americans no matter what color our skin is?

[IAMX 3,055]

While there is nothing wrong with being comfortable being the person you are, there is something deeply loathesome about demanding attentention and admiration for something that isn't within one's control.

I agree, from a more simplistic level.

Also, I understand that race/skin color is meaningless as an accomplishment or accolade until you're persecuted for it. Then someone else just made it mean more. Even though an amendment was passed calling for equality, it wasn't until I was born that blacks truly got to experience freedom from most persecution they faced on a daily basis. So plenty of people who greatly experienced high amounts of racial persecution are still alive, and thus the meaning of things like Black History Month is still quite popular.

Note I also mention persecution. It would be folly to suggest that everyone must treat races or other people equally all the time (i.e. they must have friends of all races) in their own personal life, because people segregate themselves into groups (by race, sports team, hobby, language, areas better known to be with more working class and educated people, etc.) and have different attitudes toward different demographics. This is common social behavior, which some conservative-minded people overlook when equality is presented, that they must change their own personal lives to accommodate everyone else.

Edited August 4, 2008 by SRVT

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

How can someone be proud of a label that has no nationality or ethnic origin?

dunno. but, if your talking about being proud of being white...white people would be european in origin.

can you explain why black pride & latino pride are okay & not white pride?...not white supremacy white pride.

Actually... if you read the thread in its entirety (and previous threads on this topic) it has been explained numerous times in quite detailed terms - but people still can't get beyond this idea of political correctness to actually consider the arguments to refute them. Rather - they get completely ignored and the same question about "why no white pride" posed again and again as though it's a meaningful argument in itself.

I think this is one of those issues that's become less about dissecting the problem critically than simply repeating the same mantra over and over again.

Probably why this thread (and argument) are posed over and over and over again - by folks like Boo-Yah.

Edited August 4, 2008 by Number 6

[amiquechu 0]

can't we all just be proud to be americans no matter what color our skin is?

My thoughts exactly

[Mark&Steph 0]

I'm not proud to be white or american. They're just accidents of birth. I'm a bit relieved by it at times, when I see what others have to go through in their lives. I also can't say I'm ashamed by it at all and I don't think I should be. I should only be held accountable for my own actions. Least that's how I see it anyways.