White/Black America?

There is a special on CNN on called Black America airing tonight at 9pm, and tomorrow night. I hope everyones gets a chance to see it on both nights. I'm hoping that it will enighten whites, blacks, and people of all races on the subject matter. There are people who actually believe that racial profiling isn't that big of an issue now a days when it could be getting worse. There are also people who intentionally assume certain stereotypes because they feel that's how America's sees them anyway.
I'm hoping that this will disrupt the "color line" at least a little. I'm also hoping that they eventually do a special on other major American ethnic groups as well, because I feel that the more we understand our differences, the fewer differences we may have in the long run hence true equality. Tonights special is on the black woman, and tomorrow, the black man. Here's the link.


www.cnn.com...



[edit on 23-7-2008 by tazm_99]

Here are some quotes from a commentary that I think everyone should focus on. It's also from CNN's website, www.cnn.com...


Commentary: Why Americans can't get over race:

:
(CNN) -- In 1835, Alexis DeTocqueville, in his seminal work, "Democracy in America," prophesied that the abolition of slavery would not eliminate racial prejudice, which he declared was "immovable."


Any discussion of race or racism inevitably stirs uncomfortable reactions. America is, indeed, a nation of immigrants. Most of our ancestors came here in search of a better life. Africans, however, arrived here in chains to make a better life for others. Yet to date, we have been unable to discuss the horrors of the enslavement, lynchings, segregation and degradation of African-Americans without prompting resentment or indifference.

"That's all in the past," is a common retort. "We had nothing to do with it. It's history. Get over it." The problem, however, as the results in a number of the primary states reveal, is that racial prejudice is not history, and neither whites nor blacks are over it.

While Obama has moved the subject of prejudice out from the shadows, more than his exotic name, origin and religious affiliation are at issue. When Colin Powell, one of America's most accomplished military leaders and diplomats, contemplated running for the presidency in 2000, his family feared for his safety. Also, during that same year, when Sen. John McCain ran for our highest office, he was the victim of a vile, racist smear in South Carolina.

There are deep grievances held by black Americans over their past and present treatment by the white majority and equally profound resentments held by many whites over what they see as preferential treatment for the black community. Unfortunately, a discussion of the racial divide in our country is too often reduced to sound bites or shouting matches. Moreover, the preachings and exhortations of several prominent religious leaders, rather than nurturing and appealing to our spiritual needs, have instead served to inflame passions and reinforce old falsehoods and antagonisms.


We are convinced that what is needed in America is a serious, open, civil dialogue on racial, ethnic and religious prejudice. To this end, in July, we are convening a conference in Washington on race and reconciliation with political, spiritual and business leaders. Our goal: to further a national conversation about the need for truth, tolerance and reconciliation.

Thanks for posting. Starred and Flagged. The more people that see this, the better.

I will be watching.

Did anybody get a chance to watch it both nights?

I found most of it to be completely contrived and was in some ways, racist against white people.

For example, they followed around this guy to a job interview. Someone from the store tells him the hiring manager isn't there and to fill out a paper application. Than they claim that this was because he was black!

I cant tell you how many times that has happened to me. Why is it racist when it happens to a black guy, but perfectly normal when it happens to me?

In my humble opinion, most of the people who think they are helping race issues, are actually hurting them even more. Some of the most vocal people against racism, seem to have a lot of racist views. No matter if its against their own people or subtle racist perspectives on how things should be.

People just need to get over the whole skin color thing and just treat people like you would your brother.

[edit on 29-7-2008 by Dronetek]

I agree people should treat everyone equally, but what about the studies done at the ivy league schools that researched it saying that blacks with college credits and degrees have the same chances of getting jobs as a white exconvict no more? I thought is was an eye opener, but people choose to believe what they want to believe. If statisics aren't enough proof then what is?

Originally posted by tazm_99

There are also people who intentionally assume certain stereotypes because they feel that's how America's sees them anyway.

I guess I assume the stereotype of being hard working and law abiding because I'm white.

You sound like a liberal apologist who's just looking for that next big excuse about minority behavior.

Originally posted by Retseh

Originally posted by tazm_99

There are also people who intentionally assume certain stereotypes because they feel that's how America's sees them anyway.

I guess I assume the stereotype of being hard working and law abiding because I'm white.

You sound like a liberal apologist who's just looking for that next big excuse about minority behavior.

Maybe you are allowing YOURSELF to assume the stereotype of being ignorant, meaning you don't even care to try to understand something, and for the record. I said "There are also people" meaning some people not everybody who feel that way, I didn't say that they SHOULD feel that way, or even that I felt that way. I think those people should watch it too. And what do you mean "minority behavior?" You sound like you already assumed that minorities are that stereotype. I think everyone should watch it when ever it comes on again. I took it as an eye opener for America. They had statistics showing how much harder it was for a black man with a four year college degree than a white man with the same degree and possibly even less credentials. They actually did a Harvard study on it and the numbers showed that a black man with a four year degree had the same chances of getting a job as a white exconvict. Did you even watch, because if you didn't take the time out to watch it, you shouldn't even be commenting!