Gingrich to black people: paychecks, not food aid

[slim 1,533]

Now why would you say that?

Because white guys aren't allowed to talk about "the black culture" or "black issues" or, hey, wait a minute. What's that in your sig line?

Can't wait till people tell you "you don't understand the issues facing 'real' black people."

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Because white guys aren't allowed to talk about "the black culture" or "black issues" or, hey, wait a minute. What's that in your sig line?

Can't wait till people tell you "you don't understand the issues facing 'real' black people."

Yeah, well, I know that East Africans aren't "real" black people.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I live in the largest Black county in the US, so no I am not out of touch, it's you'll that read and aceppt only whats put in print. I have seen proverty in All races, so proverty doesn't just affect Blacks.

The community that I live in the average income is $50,000 and everyone owns their home. You need to get out more, maybe you will see the truth.

Do you live in PG? I know that area well. I agree with you.

[slim 1,533]

Yeah, well, I know that East Africans aren't "real" black people.

Not around here they're not.

I wish I had a dollar for everytime some of the locals told me "oh, they don't count. They're not 'real' black people. They don't know what it's like." Keep in mind those aren't white people telling me that. As you well know, all "East African and up" people are black to white people. Hell, many Puerto Ricans and Domincans are black. And lets not even get started on the Sri Lankans, Indians, Pakistanis and other "black" Asians. "Oh, sorry bro. I thought you were a black guy. My bad."

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Do you live in PG? I know that area well. I agree with you.

PG? Is that Punta Gorda? That's 95% white. And close to 50% retired, too.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Do you live in PG? I know that area well. I agree with you.

:thumbs: :yes:

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Not around here they're not.

I wish I had a dollar for everytime some of the locals told me "oh, they don't count. They're not 'real' black people. They don't know what it's like." Keep in mind those aren't white people telling me that. As you well know, all "East African and up" people are black to white people. Hell, many Puerto Ricans and Domincans are black. And lets not even get started on the Sri Lankans, Indians, Pakistanis and other "black" Asians. "Oh, sorry bro. I thought you were a black guy. My bad."

Folks around here often try to talk to my wife in Spanish thinking she's from south of the border. Some believe she's Brazilian. Almost everyone is shocked when she tells them that she's African. They don't buy it. To be fair, East Africans tend to be on the lighter side in terms of their color and don't necessarily have what one might consider typical African facial features.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

PG? Is that Punta Gorda? That's 95% white. And close to 50% retired, too.

If you're ever lived in Metro DC, you know what PG is

It's one of those places where the poor Black folks were supposed to be concentrated, but those are some mighty fancy "poor" Black folks in some mighty fancy homes.

Edited January 6, 2012 by Sofiyya

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

If you're ever lived in Metro DC, you know what PG is

I know PG. I was just being difficult.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Being poor is relative. The poor folks of Beverly Hills are probably more well heeled than the poor folks of Jefferson County, MS.

[slim 1,533]

Folks around here often try to talk to my wife in Spanish thinking she's from south of the border. Some believe she's Brazilian. Almost everyone is shocked when she tells them that she's African. They don't buy it. To be fair, East Africans tend to be on the lighter side in terms of their color and don't necessarily have what one might consider typical African facial features.

Americans think Brazilians speak Spanish.

They also have no idea there's a difference between East Africans and "other" Africans. Most believe all Africans look the same. What do you call a white person from South Africa that is now an American citizen? Are they an African American?

It's high time we start being Americans. Only Americans.

We claim we won't tolerate racism in this country but every government paper has a box to check "what is your race?" If we'd get rid of all that, we'd just be American.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Americans think Brazilians speak Spanish.

They also have no idea there's a difference between East Africans and "other" Africans. Most believe all Africans look the same. What do you call a white person from South Africa that is now an American citizen? Are they an African American?

It's high time we start being Americans. Only Americans.

We claim we won't tolerate racism in this country but every government paper has a box to check "what is your race?" If we'd get rid of all that, we'd just be American.

What about those of us who have more than one citizenship?

[mr and mrs 187]

part of issue at hand that is not being addressed is that of the lingering influence SLAVERY and JIM CROW LAWS have on black americans.

50 years ago discriminating on the basis of skin color was legal.

150 years ago blacks could be considered property or even better 3/5 of a person.

these hisotrical realities have had a major impact on the psyche of black americans.

is it possible that the aftermath of institutionalized racism plays a role in the higher incidence of dependance on government assistance? (or ending up in prison, or being involved in drugs/gangs, etc)

edit: typo

Edited January 6, 2012 by mr and mrs

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Americans think Brazilians speak Spanish.

Yes, quite a few do.

They also have no idea there's a difference between East Africans and "other" Africans. Most believe all Africans look the same.

Most also believe that all Africans live in little huts and have nothing to eat and no clothes to wear. My wife goes ballistic whenever someone talks like that. Back home, she had personnel in the house taking care of cooking/cleaning/laundry. Here, she gets to do the cooking, the laundry and dishes herself.

What do you call a white person from South Africa that is now an American citizen? Are they an African American?

I've met only one of those thus far and he wasn't the most pleasant person to be around - he was a co-worker for a very short period of time. He'd probably kick your butt if you referred to him as an African American. He was to most racist son a b!tch I have ever talked to. Which contributed to him having been a co-worker for a very short period of time only.

It's high time we start being Americans. Only Americans.

Yes, as long as I am allowed to like German beer and trash talk the ####### they sell as beer around here.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

part of issue at hand that is not being addressed is that of the lingering influence SLAVERY and JIM CROW LAWS have of black americans.

50 years ago discriminating on the basis of skin color was legal.

150 years ago blacks could be considered property or even better 2/3 of a person.

these hisotrical realities have had a major impact on the psyche of black americans.

is it possible that the aftermath of institutionalized racism plays a role in the higher incidence of dependance on government assistance? (or ending up in prison, or being involved in drugs/gangs, etc)

It was less than 50 years ago that discriminating on the basis of color was legal. Frankly, there was less government assistance back then and a lot more self-reliance that was great for the communities I witnessed. All the Black people we knew were very well off, home owners, business owners, college grads, doctors, lawyers, pillars of the community,etc. The first female millionaire in the US was a Black woman. All without the government.