Va. lawmakers apologize for slavery

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

What's mentioning the Germans have anything to do with the apology aspect of this conversation? Amen to what? That if VA didn't officially apologise, somehow, someday, there'd be slavery alive in America again someday?

Because one interpretation of:

I'm certainly not going to apologize as a white woman for something some white people did long before I got here, no sir!

is - "It's not my problem, why should I care?"

No, again you're hitting a road block with reading comprehension. While I can empathise with the picture of what went on...and let's face it, none of us really know just how bad it was firsthand....it is not my place to apologise for something I had no part in.

Hooked on phonics maybe?

Jeez talk about reading into things, lol...but pls continue...I'm enjoying seeing you chase your tail and have your azz handed to you each time

Perhaps you missed the part where I said - we all (including 'you') inherit the legacy of slavery, the same as everyone else. It's everyone's problem.

Edited February 26, 2007 by erekose

[Sofiyya 1,687]

There are many social reprocussions left over from slavery. For example, the "one drop rule" that made anyone with any black ancestry be considered black no matter what they looked like or what else they were mixed with. Laws allowed for job discrimination against anyone darker than a brown paper bag. Miscegnation, the laws against interracial marriages weren't appealed until the 1970s. Segregated housing patterns. During my 20s, and I'm in my 50s now, you could not apply for a job that was designated as white unless you were white. Rosa Parks didn't give up her seat for a white man in 1955. The voting rights act that allowed blacks to vote was first passed in 1965. George Corley Wallace made his infamous stand against integration in 1963.

A lot of you do not only not know your history and how recent the blowback from slavery is, but you haven't had to deal with it cause you're not black.

Edited February 26, 2007 by Green-eyed girl

[Fandango 1,439]

What's mentioning the Germans have anything to do with the apology aspect of this conversation? Amen to what? That if VA didn't officially apologise, somehow, someday, there'd be slavery alive in America again someday?

Because one interpretation of:

I'm certainly not going to apologize as a white woman for something some white people did long before I got here, no sir!

is - "It's not my problem, why should I care?"

No, again you're hitting a road block with reading comprehension. While I can empathise with the picture of what went on...and let's face it, none of us really know just how bad it was firsthand....it is not my place to apologise for something I had no part in.

Hooked on phonics maybe?

Jeez talk about reading into things, lol...but pls continue...I'm enjoying seeing you chase your tail and have your azz handed to you each time

Perhaps you missed the part where I said - they (and you) inherit the legacy of slavery, the same as everyone else. It's everyone's problem.

I didn't miss it, I don't accept it.

It might be everyone's issue, but I did not inherit the responsibility to feel guilty for something I took no part in.

[Fandango 1,439]

There are many social reprocussions left over from slavery. For example, the "one drop rule" that made anyone with any black ancestry be considered black no matter what they looked like or what else they were mixed with. Laws allowed for job discrimination against anyone darker than a brown paper bag. Miscegnation, the laws against interracial marriages weren't appealed until the 1970s. Segregated housing patterns. During my 20s, and I'm in my 50s now, you could not apply for a job that was designated as white unless you were white. Rosa Parks didn't give up her seat for a white man in 1955. The voting rights act that allowed blacks to vote was first passed in 1965. George Corley Wallace made his infamous stand against integration in 1963.

A lot of you do not only not know your history and how recent the blowback from slavery is, but you haven't had to deal with it cause you're not black.

This was not an apology for the slow progress of the Civil Rights Movement, but rather an apology for slavery. Intertwined, but separate.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

What's mentioning the Germans have anything to do with the apology aspect of this conversation? Amen to what? That if VA didn't officially apologise, somehow, someday, there'd be slavery alive in America again someday?

Because one interpretation of:

I'm certainly not going to apologize as a white woman for something some white people did long before I got here, no sir!

is - "It's not my problem, why should I care?"

No, again you're hitting a road block with reading comprehension. While I can empathise with the picture of what went on...and let's face it, none of us really know just how bad it was firsthand....it is not my place to apologise for something I had no part in.

Hooked on phonics maybe?

Jeez talk about reading into things, lol...but pls continue...I'm enjoying seeing you chase your tail and have your azz handed to you each time

Perhaps you missed the part where I said - they (and you) inherit the legacy of slavery, the same as everyone else. It's everyone's problem.

I didn't miss it, I don't accept it.

It might be everyone's issue, but I did not inherit the responsibility to feel guilty for something I took no part in.

You may not have taken any part in it, but no doubt you benefited from it.

There are many social reprocussions left over from slavery. For example, the "one drop rule" that made anyone with any black ancestry be considered black no matter what they looked like or what else they were mixed with. Laws allowed for job discrimination against anyone darker than a brown paper bag. Miscegnation, the laws against interracial marriages weren't appealed until the 1970s. Segregated housing patterns. During my 20s, and I'm in my 50s now, you could not apply for a job that was designated as white unless you were white. Rosa Parks didn't give up her seat for a white man in 1955. The voting rights act that allowed blacks to vote was first passed in 1965. George Corley Wallace made his infamous stand against integration in 1963.

A lot of you do not only not know your history and how recent the blowback from slavery is, but you haven't had to deal with it cause you're not black.

This was not an apology for the slow progress of the Civil Rights Movement, but rather an apology for slavery. Intertwined, but separate.

Sorry, no. You are wrong.

I have to ask, Lisa. Why are you so defensive about something you feel no part of?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I didn't miss it, I don't accept it.

It might be everyone's issue, but I did not inherit the responsibility to feel guilty for something I took no part in.

As a Brit, I'm aware that my country was built on the violent subjugation of an entire continent. I took no part in it, but it's as a direct result of that old imperialism that I was able live in a first world country, while the people in those 'other' countries still live in poverty, famine and/or a perpetual state of civil war.

Edited February 26, 2007 by erekose

[Fandango 1,439]

Sorry, no. You are wrong.

I have to ask, Lisa. Why are you so defensive about something you feel no part of?

Lol, such a compelling argument

I may feel passionately about this issue, but that's hardly defensive.

But I will say, I've had SEVERAL experiences in college where I've been called racial slurs...least of which being 'white devil who enslaved my people'

erm, no

and it's this kind of mentality which the state of VA is fostering.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I doubt that a compelling arguement will have any effect on you, and I don't like to waste time. I still say you are being quite defensive as if it is your issue, not one that doesn't affect you. Just an observation.

[Heracles 417]

Thanks Infidel. I also respect your opinion. These days I have not found myself responding to many posts that I make, but I'll make an exception today. Infidel, America would not be the "melting pout" of the world if it were not for the economic, liberal, and civil freedoms this great nation offers. With that fact, there are plenty of impoverished people across the globe that would love to be here in America (i.e. citizens of third world countries). Your attempt to make a point of how Africans would "give a toe to be beaten or raped every day" is a prime example of the insensitive nature that exists in this world. Slavery is not a means of satire to associate groups of people in order to make a point. Slavery was one of the most horrific and inhuman longstanding acts of man. Of course, that is my opinion and not an attempt to offend thee. You are right about one thing. African-Americans have made some strides in America in spite of the many obstacles they had to overcome. Yet, there is still so much improvement that needs to be made outside of the entertainment and sports industries. In fact there are many social and domestic issues that America needs to address and make strides to resolve. Hopefully, we can muster-up enough fortitude in order make strides to resolve some of those issues in the upcoming years to come.

For how many years where African Americans actually slaves?

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

no, i'm not a state accounting analyst. but that does not preclude me from having an opinion, does it? as for the rest of your statements, i find them humorous.

Well, that tells me the maturity level I'm dealing with.

your continually commenting on my posts without any substance on your part shows yours

[Fandango 1,439]

I doubt that a compelling arguement will have any effect on you, and I don't like to waste time. I still say you are being quite defensive as if it is your issue, not one that doesn't affect you. Just an observation.

Well that's your opinion and you're entitled to it!

However instead of addressing my response to which I've actually explained where my opinion stems from, you'd rather sit here and say how you're not going to deal with the actual topic at hand, and try to cast aspersions how I'm supposedly being defensive?

Ok

Moreover, since you 'doubt' a compelling argument will have any effect on me...I guess you're saying there hasn't been any compelling arguments put forth...because them you wouldn't doubt...you'd know one way or another

*this is of course me being pedantic, but since I have an hour and 40 mins to stay up, I'm just being silly and having fun*

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

I didn't miss it, I don't accept it.

It might be everyone's issue, but I did not inherit the responsibility to feel guilty for something I took no part in.

As a Brit, I'm aware that my country was built on the violent subjugation of an entire continent. I took no part in it, but it's as a direct result of that old imperialism that I was able live in a first world country, while the people in those 'other' countries still live in poverty, famine and/or a perpetual state of civil war.

actually, it was probably more than one continent.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

No, mostly I'm not interested in debating with you because:

1. The apology has been done, so that's that.

2. I think it's a good idea, so I'm happy.

3. I was born in Virginia, and I'm used to being surrounded by white folks who didn't get it.

4. My Ph.D. is in cultural history and law, so I've got mine and you've got yours to get.

5. I don't feel a need to argue. It's not worth it since the act has already occured.

[Alex+R 0]

I doubt that a compelling arguement will have any effect on you, and I don't like to waste time. I still say you are being quite defensive as if it is your issue, not one that doesn't affect you. Just an observation.

Well that's your opinion and you're entitled to it!

However instead of addressing my response to which I've actually explained where my opinion stems from, you'd rather sit here and say how you're not going to deal with the actual topic at hand, and try to cast aspersions how I'm supposedly being defensive?

Ok

Moreover, since you 'doubt' a compelling argument will have any effect on me...I guess you're saying there hasn't been any compelling arguments put forth...because them you wouldn't doubt...you'd know one way or another

*this is of course me being pedantic, but since I have an hour and 40 mins to stay up, I'm just being silly and having fun*

The most compelling argument is the one that points out that we are living in essentially the same era as slavery, that it isn't ancient history, and that it affects our lives every day. You benefit daily from U.S. subjugation of other peoples and the legacy of slavery. You benefit in material ways from actions the U.S. takes TODAY to repress other nations/populations.

Your argument is basically: "that has nothing to do with my life," right? Or did I misunderstand? It seems like you think we live in a bubble and that history (relatively recent history, even) has nothing to do with 2007.

[Fandango 1,439]

No, mostly I'm not interested in debating with you because:

1. The apology has been done, so that's that.

2. I think it's a good idea, so I'm happy.

3. I was born in Virginia, and I'm used to being surrounded by white folks who didn't get it.

4. My Ph.D. is in cultural history and law, so I've got mine and you've got yours to get.

5. I don't feel a need to argue. It's not worth it since the act has already occured.

Yet you are arguing. Hrmmm.

Ok well if you're done here, then bye!

I doubt that a compelling arguement will have any effect on you, and I don't like to waste time. I still say you are being quite defensive as if it is your issue, not one that doesn't affect you. Just an observation.

Well that's your opinion and you're entitled to it!

However instead of addressing my response to which I've actually explained where my opinion stems from, you'd rather sit here and say how you're not going to deal with the actual topic at hand, and try to cast aspersions how I'm supposedly being defensive?

Ok

Moreover, since you 'doubt' a compelling argument will have any effect on me...I guess you're saying there hasn't been any compelling arguments put forth...because them you wouldn't doubt...you'd know one way or another

*this is of course me being pedantic, but since I have an hour and 40 mins to stay up, I'm just being silly and having fun*

The most compelling argument is the one that points out that we are living in essentially the same era as slavery, that it isn't ancient history, and that it affects our lives every day. You benefit daily from U.S. subjugation of other peoples and the legacy of slavery. You benefit in material ways from actions the U.S. takes TODAY to repress other nations/populations.

Your argument is basically: "that has nothing to do with my life," right? Or did I misunderstand? It seems like you think we live in a bubble and that history (relatively recent history, even) has nothing to do with 2007.

I'm saying no one today owned slaves, therefore no apology was necessary.

And I've said it more than once.