Comments on: On That Silly Race Thing

By: TheBigN

TheBigN — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:23:41 +0000

It’s still interesting to see the hubbub generated from Jesse Jackson’s “cut his nuts off” statement in regards to Obama talking about responsibility, which helps to show that not all black people share the same viewpoints, as much as everyone likes us to think (and I mean “everyone” in a generic, non-specific fill in the blank viewpoint). But I think one thing that everyone (and I mean everyone) should agree on is that we all need to be more accountable about our actions.

And hopefully Marmot included me when she spoke of “wonderful, honorable black people”.

By: matthewross35

matthewross35 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:30:27 +0000

Shizukie on May 29th said: “I don’t stereotype black people as gangsters, actually. I stereotype them as gangsters when they walk, talk, and dress like gangsters. Sometimes you really can’t tell the difference. As for the culture, I mentioned that’s actually what I feel they need to change. Having a culture that others generally associate with criminal activity and poverty is NOT a good thing. And like you I definitely think the media influences them.”
This is of course a complex issue so I’ll play the devils advocate for a minute to encourage deeper thought. A few questions: what do gangsters walk, talk, and dress like? Is there such a thing? Don’t some where suits and ties (mobbsters)? Could George W. Bush be considered a gangster? (oh, but he doesn’t where baggy clothes???) I think the media is influencing more than them, it’s also obviously influencing you. Are you advocating that they change their culture because “others” see it as this or that? Who gave these “others” the right and power to make these assumptions? There must be a stronger reason why a group would have a desire to change than because others don’t like it. Who decides what’s good or bad? Is the “others” group deciding for everyone or does all groups have an equal right and vote to that decision?
I like the conversation everyone is having here, it’s engaging. I’d like to invite all of you to join me on my blog as well: matthewross35.wordpress.com
Click on the tag colorblind; I’d like to get more thoughts on how circumstances influence behavior. Thanks in advance!

By: Marmot

Marmot — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:45:48 +0000

“But should whites really have to take responsibility for blacks’ unwillingness to move forward on their own? Does that even make sense?”

My ancestors didn’t even get to America until the 1910’s, and they were isolated from other cultures and races in their respective Italian and Lithuanian communities. My parents didn’t even encounter black people until the 80s and have never been anything but upstanding and fair, so I’m not seeing how it’s our responsibility to correct the problems that the black community itself has proliferated. It’s their problem, not ours.

I’ve met several wonderful, honorable black people, and they’re all with me on the fact that if poor black people want to get out of this gangster culture, they’ve got to actually make an effort to do something with their lives instead of blaming everything on something and doing nothing about it. Everyone in this country has endless opportunities to make something of themselves, and I have no sympathy for anyone of any race who makes excuses instead of trying to get ahead. It takes hard work and determination, but that’s the same for everyone. Even the ancestors of the wealthy had to work to earn their money. And uh.. yeah :U I DON’T FEEL LIKE BEING INTELLIGENT ANYMORE RAH

By: Shizukie

Shizukie — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:55:53 +0000

@ Hoshi: Oh, they both have girls and cherry blossoms. But no, I don’t draw. ):

Thanks, I’ve actually been turning over the idea of writing an entry on this for a year or so now. My plans had been much, much grander. Oh well.

My parents don’t like black people either. Maybe that helped influence me. I know quite a few nice and happy black people as well, but that’s not the issue. The issue is that there are some serious problems with the impoverished black community, ranging from crime rates to drug abuses.
I don’t stereotype black people as gangsters, actually. I stereotype them as gangsters when they walk, talk, and dress like gangsters. Sometimes you really can’t tell the difference. As for the culture, I mentioned that’s actually what I feel they need to change. Having a culture that others generally associate with criminal activity and poverty is NOT a good thing. And like you I definitely think the media influences them.

Hehe, I wrote a lot back. I forgot to bring up how I felt rap music was also an issue, but I can save that for another time. Thanks for your response Hoshi! (:

By: Hoshi

Hoshi — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:35:42 +0000

First things first. :] I LOVE that picture of the girl with the cherry blossoms. Beautiful. Incidentally, did you draw that? It’s SO pretty.

Secondly, it’s nice that you can be so honest and open about your feelings. Even though it’s a controversial topic, I like how you can just express your opinions.

Thirdly, in a way, I was raised in a “bubble”. I’m Taiwanese American too. My public school was mostly white, and partly, my ignorance was due to my parents (I don’t really know how to say it, but.. Asian parents, or my parents, were REALLY anal about which friends I had, and black people don’t really appeal to them.) However, like you, college changed everything. I go to college in Atlanta, Georgia (shocking at first to me, cause I’m from the West Coast, culture is … let’s say, different, REALLY different). Georgia has way more black residents than California does, I think. I understand how you could feel about lower-class black people. I was riding the bus to the Marta (public transportation) in Georgia, and my friends and I were the only non-black people. It was a little scary, and also confusing for us, cause we had a hard understanding the slang black people use.

However, that being said, some of the black people I’ve met and talked to are lower-class, and yet the NICEST and HAPPIEST people I have probably ever met. They are able to always keep a smile, and welcome me and greet me. I may be exaggerating, but I think they have moved forward a little. And even though I’ve had the stereotype of black peoples as gangsters (I think we all have), I believe that this stereotype can’t define all of the Black-American race. And then again, stereotypes of rap music and saggy pants? What if these things are part of the culture that defines them? It doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re involved in bad things, it’s just the way they like to define themselves. (It could also be the media that influences them…)

Wow. I wrote a lot. But I’d also have to agree with you in saying that I can’t really speak on this issue with confidence, cause I’m not part of the black community. However, I see how you’re trying to be objective, and that’s good. Thanks for your opinion, Shizukie!! :] I look forward to more of your posts