Dear (Some) White People...

[Anonymous]

Dear (some) white people,

When I was in the third grade one of you actually sat next to me and said, "if I were a slave owner back in the olden days, I would have been really nice to you." Um, follow up questions...why are you a slave owner in the first place, and does that imply you aren't nice to others, and why the hell are you even thinking about this since we live (at the time) in the 20th century? Welcome to my world. My black, black world. A world where you look me square in the eye and tell me you treat everyone equally because you are color blind, and yet the only people you ever tell that to are people of color. Yup, I live in a world where some of you think its okay to just touch my hair without asking or who ask me incredulously why it is you can't say the N word. Are you asking because you want to say it, and then why is that you want to say it so bad? I'll wait. Oh and just to clear things up, I am a black person who doesn't use the N word, doesn't listen to it in music, doesn't condone others using it with me...so please tell me why ALL black people use the N word. I haven't enough lungs full of air to let out enough sighs at that one.

Almost everyday of my life I just wish we really could all just get along. For some reason some of you seem to think all I think about every day is who is or isn't racist and why everything is the white man's fault. I'm flattered you think I'm that obsessed with you, but I literally have other shit to do other then focus all my life's energy on some of you. And yes, I'm aware I'm currently writing about some of you, but trying to make a point here. Stay with me.

We are not all equal. I'll say it again. We...are...not..all...equal. Anyone who actually believes we are probably doesn't understand either entitlement, privaledge, or basically our entire world. There are so many parts of my life that no amount of hard work, long hours, and upstanding citizenship will make better for me. In the 90s my parents were looking for a house. The realtor was a nice enough lady, showed us around, but my dad, talking to some people about better neighborhoods, asked if he could see a home on, lets just all it, the ritzy side of town. The realtor kept flaking on the question whenever he'd asked until she finally admitted that she was not going to show any houses on that side of town to "people like us." My parents both had perfect credit, my dad has his Ph.D. and neither of my parents has any type of criminal record. My mom, has her Masters, great job, went to church every Sunday, and with my dad, helped raise us kids (why did I even need to explain that to you?) Tell me what exactly we did to deserve that treatment? What more in life could any of us have done to be treated equally in that moment? This is the level at which some of you white people just don't get it. Some of you think everything can be solved by us working harder and not complaining or doing anything about racism. That's like saying if someone were punching your kid, oh, just wait and see until the bad guy stops on his own. Is that really what you would do if you were me?

To put it into further perspective, do you realize that in order to take one flag down in this country, nine people had to die. Not just nine. Nine perfect black people. They had to be involved in politics. They had to be praying in church. They had to be mostly older individuals. They had to have no criminal backgrounds. All of this had to be in place simply for some of you to even believe that we are people capble of suffering injustice and racism and still some of you said why did they allow that man into the church with them in the first place as if to somehow make it their fault they were murdered. You have no idea how much that hurts. The only other way we can be believed now is if there are cameras involved. There is a cop right now who would have probably gotten away with murder, if not for a tape taken by a bystander. Why is there such a double standard by which we live where one life is much more valuable than another based on the color of the skin? Why must we prove beyond a shadow of a doubt via cameras, or why must it come from the lips of a white person, in order for some of you to think of us as victims of crime/hatred/racism?

I don't want your sympathy. I don't want apologies for slavery. I don't want your pity hug. The truth is that some of you are racists. There are some white racists! Accept it. Some of you, more than are willing ot admit, often stand by in compliance in your silence accepting the things they say and do becuase you take absolutely no action against them. How is that any better if you are willing to acknowledge that what they are saying and doing is absolutely wrong but do nothing about it. This is why I want to talk about our issues with one another because peering over the fence and assuming all black people are one way or all white people are one way, gets us no where. You cannot re-write history to make your ancestors out to be what they weren't so that you can feel better about yourself. We must use history to learn from our mistakes. You have people today who say, well, slavery is over, what's the problem, but slavery isn't over. There are now slaves of every nationality and in every country on earth in this modern age from children to adults. The only way real and lasting change is going to happen is if we are open with one another. When we allow each other to express our pain, our mutual confusion, our mutal ignorance of one another, our shame, our sameness, and what makes us different and unique. That is where we can start to stop fearing one another, and treating each other as the only true word for equality: human.

[Anonymous]

Dear Black Person,

When I was in the seventh grade many of "you" were bussed to my school and I was repeatedly threatened by big black boys: Get out my way, cracker, or I'll fuck you up!"

If I told a white person that I tried to live a color blind life, they would look at me and ask, "Why in the hell are you telling me?" Guess what? I don't want to touch your hair because it looks weird. I don't know why it's okay for black people to call each other "nigger" but if a white person does that, it's a crime. Black people kill black people every day and it's just another day in the city, but if a white policeman kills a black person, it's time for a riot and free TV's for the first 100 customers.

Most of "you" think most of "us" want to perpetuate racism. When we question why you deserve preferential treatment, we are told to remember history. When we want to honor our ancestors who were Southerners, we are told to forget history. Many of "you" do think that everything is the white man's fault, and the others remain silent (like non-violent Muslims not objecting that there religion has been hijacked.)

"We are not all equal." You are absolutely right. The Constitution and Bill of Rights do not guarantee us equality; they guarantee us equal rights. What we do with those rights separates us from everyone else. You had a bad experience with a white realtor; I'm sorry but - get ready for a shock - the planet will always have a population of assholes. My friend was robbed by a black man, targeted because he was white. What did my friend do to deserve that?

Some of you think everything can be solved by taking down the Confederate flag. The political party that you think is your savior keeps you enslaved and you won't open your eyes to it. Welfare enslaves people. It is opium. Solving race problems would take away the livelihood of those who rely on racial strife for their business or political well-being.

Do you really think that crazy guy in South Carolina killed 9 innocent people because the Confederate flag was flying at the capital? Do you really think that if the flag had been taken down last year, his psychotic rampage would have never happened? Is that the kind of fantasy world you live in?

[Opinion Owner]

"Why is there such a double standard by which we live where one life is much more valuable than another based on the color of the skin?" Nobody notices when a white person is prosecuted and convicted for killing a black person. It is not a national media event when a white person is arrested and sent to prison for murdering a black person. Therefore, it didn't happen. It never happens, because, according to you. most white people think that all black life is worthless, right? I believe that's called prejudice.

"Why must we prove beyond a shadow of a doubt via cameras, or why must it come from the lips of a white person, in order for some of you to think of us as victims of crime/hatred/racism?" It doesn't, but how many people lied about what they "witnessed" in Ferguson?

[Opinion Owner]

I don't expect you to understand because, the truth is that, some of "you" are racists, too. There are some black racists! Accept it. Some of you would love to see a white man hang even if he was only defending himself against a black aggressor. All blacks aren't racists but the rest of "you" stand by in silence and do nothing to counter the actions of blacks who are racists.

Our history has been re-written. The myths about the Civil War are legend. The North profited from slavery, the Civil War did not begin because of slavery, and Lincoln was not the Great Emancipator.

"We must use history to learn from our mistakes." Let's begin with remembering the lynch mob mentality in Ferguson. The media and our president have worked hard to incite class warfare and race warfare. Let's give accolades to those who have really earned them.

Signed,

A White Person (please call me a European-American in the future)

[myTake Owner]

From what I gather from your lengthy response, you feel as though I am somehow attacking you, or as you preferred to be called, a European-American. This is why I wrote this take. There needs to be a distinction made that all black people and all white people are not one person. When Fergusson happened, I was a million miles away in my home watching it on tv like everyone else, but yet, "when you people riot" is the feedback I get when and if I try to talk about this subject as if I somehow approved of the actions of some (there were several peaceful black protestors) just because I'm black. The title of this take is Dear (some) white people for a reason. Not every white person is a racist, and my point at the end is, yes, some of you are, so let's not pretend that racism is dead and gone because it isn't. In every race there are racists and people who don't do the right things, and who are frankly, embarrassing in their behavior...

[myTake Owner]

But in order to relay my personal life story and to talk about the racism I have experienced, I shouldn't have to explain to you, oh but there are black people who are racists too just for my story to have any justification. On both sides there is pain, I said that in my take. Your pain and struggle is just as valid. This is about talking about it and not getting angry and defensive over things that you haven't done... hence some white people. We aren't going to get anywhere if we just keep on attacking each other and I'm wrong, you're wrong and back and forth. Hence, I don't want an apology, or pity, and I already know the world is unequal, but just saying that and doing nothing helps no one.

[oracle12c]

"When we want to honor our ancestors who were Southerners"

Honour your Southern ancestors, why, what specifically did your ancestors do/achieve to deserve honour?

[NovaLS]

@oracle12c I don't know what they did specifically but it could still be someones ancestor they want to be proud of. On a similar note many say we should eliminate Columbus day, overlooking the fact that he was a great explorer who did what others wouldn't. There People get hurt way to easy in todays world.

[Opinion Owner]

@oracle12c The war was fought because of economic oppression of the South by the North. Most Southerners did not own slaves, many Southerners opposed slavery, and many people in the North profited from slavery. The South was suffering in relative poverty, not because Southerners were too stupid o know how to make money, but because the North controlled Congress and the tariffs imposed on cotton exports made the South a slave to the North.

I have an ancestral family that sent 5 of its 6 sons off to fight a war to preserve the honor of the South; only one of the sons returned from the war. I have ancestors who died in Northern prison camps where prisoners received treatment as inhumane as the treatment of prisoners at Andersonville.

[Opinion Owner]

I have an ancestor who was elected to office in his home county who resigned his post to enlist as a private in the Confederate army; through battlefield promotions, he rose to the rank of captain before resigning his commission to return to serve in the state legislature. Despite all of his public service, he died in poverty and spent his late years in a home for neglected Confederate veterans. I have ancestors who saw their husbands go off to war and never return; these brave women never remarried but devoted themselves to supporting their family as a single parent.

I know my ancestry and I am proud of my ancestors. It is not an empty claim.

[oracle12c]

@NovaLS and Opinion Owner

My point wasn't about slavery or anything politically, but rather, can anyone justifiably be proud of something they didn't achieve or honour something that wasn't done?

Often people say, I am proved of bla bla, but the bla bla part isn't any achievement like fighting a war, but rather just being... like being white.

I can understand honouring personal achievements, but not nationality, race, heartage etc. something you didn't earn or achieved.

Do I make sense?

[NovaLS]

@oracle12c yes that makes sense to me. I think it maybe is just a human pride thing and while not exactly necessary it is pretty common for people to be proud of what their ancestors did. If your great grandpa invented the radio you would probably tell people about even though you had nothing to do with it. Humans are strange creatures haha

[bubble_tea]

Good take!
Unfortunately, video evidence isn't even enough to change their minds, because bystanders only start recording when the injustice starts.. so people defend the perpetrator by saying "you don't know what happened until that video started rolling! maybe the victim deserved it!" It also doesn't help when people start lying to save their job or help their friends.

[NedfromtheNed]

Although I did not have time to read your entire dissertation I will say what I think on the subject and see if I hit any of your points.

First of all racism is, for the most part, dead in America. To say that it is completely gone would be ludicrous but to say that it holds a majority as a societal trait would be even more ludicrous. And your example of a white person saying they would be nice to you if you were there slave was from the third grade and they, more the likely, just thought they were being nice.

In addition, I agree with you; the races are not equal. In this modern day and society a person of minority has way more privileges and more favor then anyone of white skin. Most politicians are so afraid of being called racist that they are actually racist towards white people. For example, hate crimes. A white man couldn't touch a minority in the U. S. Without it being called a hate crime, however when a minority kills a white person it is usually reported to be because of aggravation or l because they are so oppressed. This leads me on to my next point.

The source of all of the racial tension in the United States has a source that I believe you will find very shocking, this source is none other than the Democratic Party. You see in the 80's ( I believe ) the Democratic Party was noticing that it just couldn't compete with the republican candidates and they need a way to get more voters and fast. Prior to this time The black American family had prospered and was (especially I the 40's and 50's) a very sophisticated, hardworking, religious, and just patriotic demographic in American society. But you see the democrats needed more people to vote for them and they somehow figured out that by separating the races and using victimization and false senses of oppression they could bring those people to the polls. Sadly the black community was the first target. They realized that if they developed a sense of victimization and oppression among th community they could lure them to the polls by using benefits and privileges. This was of course after we had equal rights so there as really no need for any one race to get benefits, it was only a matter of time before the last of the racist hillbillies learned to appreciate blacks. But you see, that wouldn't of brought any more people to the polls.

Also, a common misconception is that the civil war was fought over whether or not to keep slavery. She. It was in fact fought over a multitude of issues

[NedfromtheNed]

Stretching from states rights to cultural differences. Although many people view the confederate flag as a symbol of racism in the south it actually serves a greater role in our history than is usually thought. Not only did the war help unify our country (sort of) but it also helped form many of the laws we have today. All in all, the confederate flag is more of a symbol of American freedoms and vision than it is a symbol of slavery and racism.

Not to mention, it is also a very popular misconception that whites from Europe came and created the slave market. In fact the slave market was booming since long before the common era. It is especially noted that at around 3000bce (bc) the slave market was vast and very useful in the creation of the best east. Millions of slaves were taken and many of them originated from southern and central Africa were the civilizations were less advanced and armies less technologically advanced than the Egyptian and Nunian forces that often captured them.

[NedfromtheNed]

The slave trade continued to prosper as civilization expanded to Europe and far Eastern Asia. At around the time of the colonial slave trade and European black birding many African tribes realized that selling slaves to the Europeans would provide an increase in profit that the common slave trade through the near east could not match. So in essence the slave trade was carried out chiefly by Africans and people of Asia. Europeans rarely went out and captured slaves in Africa. However things were slightly different in the pacific islands later on, although the slave trade was far less prevalent by that time.
(Sources: Cambridge ancient history vII pII the Middle East and Aegean region c.1380 - 1000bc third edition. A naturalist in cannibal land by Meek)

All in all i am confused by the black community. How such a prosperous demographic with normal views and no hatred of white people could turn in to the hate and victimization field machine that it is today makes me wonder.

[NedfromtheNed]

All of what I say is, of course, generalizations. If you find my words to racist the. Please inform me so I may further explain myself.

And forgive my for any random periods or spelling mistakes. I'm doing this on my phone and the keyboard is not agreeing with me...

[diarrhea]

The source of the racial tension in the US is the centuries of slavery and then segregation. The confederate flag is a symbol of racism used by the KKK, used by the terrorist who shot up that church. The origins of slavery don't change that it happened in the US. Everything you said is fueled by racism: you pretend not to have time to read her actual experiences as a black American and then spend 3 times as long as it would have taken you to read to defend yourself and deny her claim. That's exactly the issue.

[Starrk]

There are some errors in your post. First of all the Democrats were NOT THE SOURCE of the racial tension. Yes, they catered to blacks in the 60s during the Civil Rights movement in an attempt to gain their votes, but that was not the SOURCE of the racial tension. The racial tension has existed ever since blacks came to America and were treated as sub-humans who were tasked with slave work for about 250 years before being set free and was then denied equal education, wealth, social mobility, loans (redlining), housing in the suburbs and equal opportunity in employment, simply because of their race for another 100 years (Until the 60s).

Racial tension in this country goes way further back then the 80s

As for the Civil War it was fought over many issues, but Slavery was the MAIN one. Look at the Confederacy Constitution along with Confederates States session letters which mention slavery multiple times and even talks about how blacks were put on this planet to serve the white master.

[Starrk]

As for the privilege part, we all are privileged. Every single group from whites, to black to Asians and etc all have privileges that are specific to them. But the thing about privileges is that we are blind to our own privileges but we can easily point out the privileges of others. So while you say minorities have more privileges then whites, that is objectively incorrect, because that's from your POV and you are most likely oblivious to the privileges that you have but are simply incapable of detecting them because it has become a normal part of your daily life.

The Slave trade part is correct. Slavery has been going on in the world for thousands of years, even during the Ancient Egyptians time. However, I'm certain that their concept of slavery was not based on skin color/ethnicity and was more so just based off of free/cheap labor or prisoners of war.

[NedfromtheNed]

@diarrhea
Ya sorry about that. I did say I wasn't going to read the whole thing but half way through I figured I ought to. Instead of just responding as I would to the majority of post that fall in to this semi-racist category.

However I feel your opinion are largely what the common public thinks, and like I stated before, they are misconceptions.
It would be moronic to ignore American slavery, however we must also recognize all of the other countries that have benefited from slavery. I assure you that that list would be great. In addition the majority of the countries that, at one point, were involved in the slave trade have managed to let that be I. The past; America can't seem to do that. Not to mention, why should it only be atrocities committed against blacks that are recognized? Every race, ethnicity, and culture has experienced some sort of atrocity at one point or another so why do the majority of black people in America still feel like they need some sort of conciliation?

[NedfromtheNed]

I encourage you to seek the answer to that question in my original posts.

[NedfromtheNed]

@stark

You make some good points, however I feel there are some points that I may disagree with you on.

Maybe using the Democratic Party as a fall guy for racial tensions in America was in some parts incorrect. However, I would go as far to say that racial tensions were initially started by the Democratic Party but have hence forth become an uncontrollable force that is now being fed by the ultral liberal minority and feasted on by the Democratic Party.
There is also a misconception that slaves were always treated as sub humans in America. In fact, during the formulation of the colonies many slaves were sent to the southern colonies and islands of Caribbean, a difference that would lead to civil war latter on. Now in the northern American colonies, where few slaves were kept, many were treated with as much kindness as the laborer brought over from England. Many slaves even gained their freedom and bought their own slaves before the war of 1812 even occurred. This

[NedfromtheNed]

, of course, does not change the fact that conditions thought of as worse after the formation of the United States. However we must still remember that in the southern states, where slaves were treated the sterotypical way, was drastically different in culture than the United States. The treatment of slaves didn't really change over time, it was more how America was viewed after it gained independence.

[Starrk]

God I hate getting into politics, but I'll bite the bullet. Please explain how and when the Democratic started this "racial tension" you speak of, because as far as I know the tension has ALWAYS been here, but was never addressed or it has simply been ignored. Being the first person to mention a problem that everyone is failing to recognize doesn't make you the initiator of the problem. It makes you the person who's a good observer.

[NedfromtheNed]

Like I stated previously, I believe that the black family was developing nicely throughout the 30's - 50's. But when the Democratic Party started to loose more and more elections for offices nation wide they decided to find a new strategy. This was, of course, splitting up America in to whites and now hires and then proceeding to create a false sense of victimization and oppression. However this was enacted later on, after equal rights were established.
I then believe that it may or may not of gotten out of their hand. Now, where it has become a viscous cycle of hate so eloquently displayed in this post and supported by the ultra liberal and still feed upon by the Democratic Party. They might not use the tactic anymore but they are still benefiting from it.

[Starrk]

What history book are you reading from that tells you that the black family was developing nicely. They were victims of many social issues that played a major impact on them economically, such as the bank's policy of redlining, which prevented blacks to receive loans so that they couldn't move in the suburbs and capitalize (like their white counterparts did) off of the high paying industries that were moving outside the city. They were also victims of race riots perpetrated by racist whites who would destroy their business, take their hard earned money and place fear into them for going against the status quo.

If everything was fine and dandy for the African American family back then, then there should have been no reason for a Civil Rights Movement, since everything was Heavenly.
.

[NedfromtheNed]

What you said is correct. Except I'm not talking about that.

The black family as a relationship in society was developing very well despite civil unjust. black families were bigger, more religious (community oriented), hard working and patriotic. Now it seems to be the opposite were the black family, for the most part, has collapsed.

[Starrk]

Now that part I can understand and you are most definitely correct. The values that were once instilled many Black families homes have taken an obvious turn for the worst, ever since the enactment of social programs like welfare. And it's not just the black family it's practically all the families from the poverty class to the working class that have changed the most over the past 50 years.

[NedfromtheNed]

Agreed.

[Northeast106]

A big problem is also perspective. Men vs Women, white vs black, christian vs muslim. Most people tend to focus on the negatives perpetuated by a different group, instead of the negatives their group is committing. Most people see their own group as the victim, and never the perpetrator. For instance, you've stated you can't re-write your history, to make your ancestors better. Most white families did not own slaves at the time. Though racist attitudes were much more common and mainstream in those times. Rich plantation owners were the ones who owned the bulk of the slaves, and they didn't make up a huge portion of the U. S population. The working class whites at the time didn't want the blacks here at all. Slavery was taking paying jobs off the table. Look at today's times, we have a high unemployment rate as it is, yet they are letting over illegal immigrants, mainly because large agricultural and construction companies can pay them a much lower wage, rather than an American citizen. It has nothing to do with our government giving two fucks about any of us, the bottom line is it's cold hard business. There are people willing to murder for financial gain, so why would it be any surprise that they could do less?

[myTake Owner]

Actually the indentured servants of the time, mainly poor Europeans sent over to work for room and board and to pay off family debt, were in almost the same exact predicament as slaves with the exception being that they were free, but by virtue of them being white, they were made to believe that they were better than their black counterparts and so contributed to the slave culture, voting to continue the institution and against laws that would have actually helped them, even though they could not afford slaves and were essentially slaves themselves. I'm extremely well aware of what my people's problems are. I've worked at disadvantaged schools, volunteered for community clean ups, assisted in wellness, education, and empowerment programs for our youth, etc.

[myTake Owner]

Yet, I could work hard and do all these things to help us, but then the question is still what about the systemic issue of racism. If all it took in life was that we worked hard and helped ourselves, and cleaned up our streets, we'd still have this issue that needs to be solved and rather then tackle it head on, the solution always seems to be point the finger back on thyself, or blame something or someone else. Illegal immigration is an issue, yes, but I don't particularly see people clamoring to work in agriculture, or to be maids, or work construction, jobs previously held by a more black populous. The money/benefits aren't there for those who seek upward motility, but I agree, it is simply who can we get more of, and pay less--that was true of plantation work, railroads, and now where we are now.

[Northeast106]

@asker true, that and their just wasn't enough indentured servants to meet the labor demand. Plus they only had to labor until their debts were paid. Indentured servitude wasn't a life sentence. The virtue of being white had nothing to do with it. Our government drafted, and sent millions of white men to die throughout U. S history. Governments operate on the basis of power and victory by any means. They are just as bad to their "own" people as they are to those who are different. My point was that you focus so much energy on it, that it's all that you see. If 75 percent of the white population wasn't racist and 25 percent was, your focus will be on that 25 percent, and on the crimes and hatred that they show towards blacks. It's just human nature. Just like if a woman has a relationship with 5 men, and they all end up hurting her in some way, she probably will be very guarded and cautious when dealing with future men in general.

[myTake Owner]

Virtue of being white-meant that white slave owners who were the controlling force of the time, convinced indentured servants that they were some how better off then slaves, when they weren't that far off. The reality is, they should have been fighting along side blacks for equal rights or better treatment. My second point is that I am taking care of my own, but even that can only take me so far. No amount of hard work on my part is going to get me a better job, or into a better neighborhood, if the key holders say happen to be racist and aren't focused on merit based applications. So I should just forget about that and not fight against any more racists in my life or help educate a new generation to not be like that? Is that your solution? Convenient for you just as its convenient for a man who gets paid more than his female equal for the same job with same credentials to say, don't worry about the inequality issue. Who exactly benefits from that solution?

[Northeast106]

@asker your second paragraph didn't show up at first.

[Northeast106]

@asker In terms of averages. Not in every instance do women earn less than men. You also make it sound like there is no chance of moving into a better neighborhood, I find that really hard to believe. You named one instance, that one instance applies to every single "nice" neighborhood across the country? I doubt it, you can go anywhere you want to go. Whether or not it's the country, a suburb, or an urban area. Cost is the only barrier they can use to discourage the poor and middle class from moving into really rich privileged areas, but most areas are not that rich. I'm not justifying it, but racism is this carte blanche excuse used all the time. I've seen African immigrants come here, and do better than Black americans who have been here for much longer. Along with Chinese and Indian immigrants. Life is what you make it, it will never be completely fair for anyone.

[myTake Owner]

Did you even read what I actually said... I said, it doesn't matter if I work hard if the key holders are racists who want to keep one out of a neighborhood or job b/c getting in for them is not based on merit or financial status but the color of skin. In my take this actually happened to my family, so yeah, personal experience on that one. My point is doing nothing should never be the solution to injustice. It is only convenient for people who aren't having to deal with issues of inequality to say, hey, don't worry about it. Just let it be. Of course, one can't ever fight all the fights, but not fighting at all is a ridiculous notion that I will never entertain because if someone hadn't fought racists, I may still be a slave. If someone hadn't fought for rights, I would still be at the back of a bus, so yes, we SHOULD all agree that just letting injustice continue on unchecked only serves those who are doing said injustice.

[Northeast106]

@asker There is a big difference between systemic, and individual racism. One real estate agent, doesn't mean the "system" by any margin. Injustice should be resisted, but you jump to conclusions because your family experienced rejection one time, by one real estate agent, for the color of your skin in the 90's. Your experience means what, that no matter what you do in life, you can never buy a single family home anywhere in the country? This is the problem with externalizing a few experiences onto an entire "system".

[myTake Owner]

Okay. Let me understand you. In order for you to understand that the injustice goes far beyond just one real estate agent, you need me to proceed to list the 100's of times in my life I've experienced racism, both blatant and hidden? And I am one person, what about the millions out there, not just blacks that have experienced racism... more than one time? Do we all need to write down everything in order for you to believe that racism still exists. Let's not waste, your time and mine. I have made no assumptions that all white people are racists or bad. If you really and truly knew me and my life, you'd know why that is as true as ever a statement, but you don't. If you have no desire to even recognize the possibility that racism still exists and that injustice should be fought rather then simply ignored, there isn't much more we can say that will further this conversation.

[Northeast106]

Then what exactly do you suggest we should do about it? The only person I can control, is myself. I can't stop people from being racist, any more than you can. People are expecting the world to be this fairy tale, where no adversity or pain will ever happen and it's just not real life. Bullying happens, assaults happen, rapes will happen. Education only works for those willing to be educated. Some people are just fucked up, plain and simple. There's no changing them, you have to guard yourself against those types and that's all you can do.

[myTake Owner]

There is no fairy dust in these eyes. I'm clear that the world may very well always contain some percentage of racists, but as you seem to have suggested at one point or even now, I should just let it all go and be silent. Again, who does that benefit? Change doesn't happen through ignorance/silence. The goal is not to save everybody. That's a losing fight. The goal is to educate the ones who's minds you can change and to start with new generations and teaching them not to hate. What's wrong with that? What is crazy is that I've gotten the education, I've gotten the job, I've given back and continue to help my own community, and I educate those who I can, but at the end of the day if I experience something that is racist, why is it that I get the attitude here we go again, always complaining about white people. It's almost as if people want to condone what these specific people do b/c many never say or do anything when they see something that is wrong like this, but then tell me I'm crazy

[Northeast106]

So when you experience something racist, the rest of whites are compliant in the fact that we take no action against them. Many of us are not even aware that it happened to begin with, in a country of 300 million people. That statement, is the equivalent to me saying that the blacks need to accept that they are the criminal problem in this country, and that by not saying anything or taking action against their gangs, they are compliant in it. That would be really unfair, and that is what you are exactly stating in your mytake and your last comment. Somehow, I am facilitating white racism even though I personally don't harbour those attitudes, haven't committed any hate crime or hate speech, and I'm not part of any white supremacist organization. Because I remain silent to injustices that happen randomly everyday, by people I don't know, against people I don't know. Do you take action every time there is a drive by shooting committed by a black guy? No you don't, just like I don't take

[Northeast106]

action when someone runs their fingers through your hair, or a real estate agent doesn't show your family a house. Your expectations of the white community need to be realistic, everyone has their bad apples, those who are educated and peaceful continue to do so. Those who are racist and hateful, or who full fledge gangbang and hurt others, will also continue to do so. Despite education, public complaining, and protesting, some people will not change.

[myTake Owner]

Please re-read my previous comment carefully because that's absolutely not what I said. Anyway, its been an interesting overall conversation for sure. Hopefully something will marinate there. I thank you for the discourse.

[Mistnigqa808]

"Rich plantation owners were the ones who owned the bulk of the slaves, and they didn't make up a huge portion of the U. S population. The working class whites at the time didn't want the blacks here at all. Slavery was taking paying jobs off the table"

#Best post yet and we need to start thinking about it from that perspective because I know I didn't until now #Thanks.

[Northeast106]

@Mistnigqa808 Just like unpopular government policies today, 75 percent of the people can be against something but it still happens because the powerful make it happen. Wars in the middle east, foreign aid to countries even though we are in debt, ACA, insurance companies lobbying for other legislation that fucks us over, "free trade" agreements, you know the normal.

[Northeast106]

@asker

www.businessinsider.com/heres-median-income-in-the-us-by-race-2013-9

Here's a link for median income by race. If the ceiling was there that you claim, why would "we" allow Asians to have earned a higher median income since 1987? I'm not denying the existence of racism, but you are greatly over exaggerating it.

You also stated, " Did you even read what I actually said... I said, it doesn't matter if I work hard if the key holders are racists who want to keep one out of a neighborhood or job b/c getting in for them is not based on merit or financial status but the color of skin."

True, but white racists don't hold the keys to every door, will they hold some? Yes. Do they hold them all? No.

Your mytake is also titled, "Dear (Some) White people."

It's sure not as fuck called, Racism, why it's bad and my experiences with it. No it's pointing the finger at us based on our mutual association by skin color right off the bat. Something that is unfair but happens both ways.

[Northeast106]

@asker Here's another one, " To put it into further perspective, do you realize that in order to take one flag down in this country, nine people had to die. Not just nine. Nine perfect black people. They had to be involved in politics. They had to be praying in church. They had to be mostly older individuals. They had to have no criminal backgrounds. All of this had to be in place simply for some of you to even believe that we are people capble of suffering injustice and racism and still some of you said why did they allow that man into the church with them in the first place as if to somehow make it their fault they were murdered."

[Northeast106]

@asker First off, the majority of whites do believe that everyone and anyone can suffer injustice, racism, unfair and cruel treatment. The ones who don't, are probably the racists to begin with, and are probably the ones committing the injustices. Just like how some of them come to aid of a violent racist cop, or they always blame the victim, or speculate faults with the victim as the cause to why they deserved it. Those are probably the white people who are just not going to change, and are part of the problem. Just like how some men always blame the women when she is raped, some white people always blame black people. Then again, some blacks always blame the whites for their life situation, or white racism, privilege, entitlement etc. The same baseless sound points that I am tired of hearing. No one has ever said to me, "Oh your white, your one of us. Here's a 100,000 a year annual salary, a house in a nice restricted neighborhood, and a get out of jail free card for life."

[Northeast106]

@asker I got a 200 dollar speeding ticket the other day, when I told him where I was heading, the cops response was," Your story doesn't make sense, your heading northbound, how could you be picking up laundry?" Clearly I can see why he wasn't a detective, either way he was a dick for no reason. I was speeding though, so it is what it is. You either make a problem worse, or you make it better. Best thing you can do when dealing with them, is never admit fault, don't get into a macho pissing contest with them, and remain as silent as possible. Unfortunately, they have way too much power over us, and that is something that I agree needs to change. The only place to really challenge a cop, is in court. Even the courts don't really give a fuck, but usually if you plead not guilty the prosecutor offers you a quick plea deal for about half the ticket amount. I did it with a seatbelt ticket, but not for the speeding ticket since I couldn't miss a day of work. My point to all this, is bullshit

[Northeast106]

happens to everyone at some point in their lives. My Ghanian friend was looking for Hvac work, and when he couldn't find a job initially at first, he was discouraged. The first thing he said was John, it's not easy to find work when your black. First conclusion he came to, which we are all guilty of doing. The other black guy in our class said the same thing, and how hvac didn't work out for him, even though we had only been out of school for 3 weeks. I was also one of the last guys to find a job, even though I had really great attendance and a high GPA. Work is hard to find out there. Either way, they both found work, the Ghanian guy couldn't be happier since he got exactly what he wanted, commercial HVAC. The job that one of our white classmates got before he did, ended up not being what he really wanted to do anyway. Now he's getting the most experience out of all of us, so life does work out. Not to mention, all the companies he applied for, are now calling him after he found work

[BiffWebster]

everybody is somewhat prejudice in someway...
but you forget one very important factor in racism and being prejudice its called a reinforced stereotype. Reinforced stereotyping is something that only furthers a person's racism or prejudice toward a certain minority group, black, hispanic, gay, jewish, white etc etc.

Example: I had a very good platonic white girl friend (Kayla), who began dating a black man (Josh). He was pretty cool, but Kayla's parents were not happy. They associated the Josh with all sorts of behaviors and stereotypes etc, and consistently worried about their daughter. But for like two years Josh was just a completely normal human being. -_- sadly this is not the case.

Josh would be arrest for armed robbery, theft and robbing multiple people at gun point, and was sentenced to 5 years behind bars. This type of crap is what only furthers racism or prejudice in people. Reinforcing that mistrust and suspicion toward someone's skin color.

even in the media you can see people's fears and prejudgments are always being reinforced by something. And that something is always horrible

[diarrhea]

I thought this was really good, and it's sad to see almost every reply here denies everything you said and the validity of your own personal experience as a black American. It proves your point, at least, even though most people here won't stop for a second to realize it.

[myTake Owner]

Thank you for saying that, and I absolutely agree. I named this dear (some) white people because I am well aware that there are fantastic white people out there in this world, but that does not excuse the fact that there is still racism that is detrimental to our lives. I don't understand why certain people seem to take it personally when I'm speaking about some people whom they claim are not who they are. I shouldn't have to justify every issue on the planet in order for someone to understand that I personally have experienced racism. I am in my own community helping my own people, trying to stop our youth from going down the wrong path, and contributing to educational programs b/c it isn't just a "white" problem. Its an us, as in everybody problem, but rather then address this or at least talk about it, the response is often I'm not that, so I can't or wont' do anything about it. You can't save them all, but I'm going to continue to try and educate those that want to learn/understand

[diarrhea]

Yes really the surprising part is that you specifically don't target all white people and were reluctant to antagonize anyone, yet the comments are still so defensive. Personally I don't think a distinction should be made, I find that it's a big part of the problem. If it's possible for some white people to consider themselves not racist, they'll immediately think of themselves as such and do everything they can to deny otherwise. The truth is that everyone in the US is racist. Racism is such a powerful part of our history that even black people are racist against themselves; so how could a white person possibly pretend that they're free from that social influence? I think if everyone is considered equally affected by it then they have no choice but to accept it, look inwards and realize in which ways it influences their judgement, and then eventually cure it. There's too many people who still think that racism is just hate and violence and so wash their hands of it.

[myTake Owner]

What's the quote, "I'm not a racist, I hate everyone equally." I had my friend, who happens to be white, read this last night, and she got defensive about it, and I'm like, I don't understand. I'm literally not talking about you, I'm specifically talking about certain instances I have personally experienced, and I don't want anything from you but to listen and learn and become part of a solution. I broke it down this way, if I said to you I just found out there is a pedophile in the neighborhood, would your immediate reaction be, "you know, there will always be pedophiles, there isn't much we can do about that, but its not me, I didn't molest children, its not my fault so I shouldn't have to apologize for what that man did." No, it wouldn't. You would react like, how can we get that ONE person out of the neighborhood or deal with that one person to protect the children b/c that is unacceptable. Why is the racist issue any different? We ALL need to work on how we treat others.

[myTake Owner]

And you are absolutely right in that everyone has at the very least said or done something racist in their lifetime. Everyone. We are often ignorant about what we are doing and saying because we either don't know, or we do but others of our group are accepting, and it goes under the radar. So I ask people when someone is talking about racism, instead of get all defensive or angry, try asking that person, black or white, how can we work together to be a part of the solution? That puts the ball in their court and asks them to think and create possible solutions to this ongoing issue. I know what I've done as part of this problem, so when I'm confronted with someone who says, this or that is an issue, I know exactly how that feels and it becomes a dialogue about change, and just like everyone else, I'm not perfect, I try my best to try and be a better person.

[Anonymous]

I suppose the subject requires anonymity:

"I don't want your sympathy
I don't want apologies for slavery
I don't want your pity hug."

Then why did you write this take then, what is your point, it is common knowledge there is racism everywhere (some black Americans are racist as well).

African Americans are not all 'boyz n the hood', however they are overrepresented in the crime statistics - by a margin I might add. It's not based on race as such, but it is about class. Skin colour is often used as a classification (unjust I know), I am sure you will find on occasions, non racist white rednecks, but more likely than not he/she will be racist. In the same why, the risk of a black man to a boyz n the hood type in Harlem is also very likely although you on occasions will find good black men.

Racism sucks and it's unjust and technically even wrong and unscientific, it is however predominant in every country on earth (including all the African countries). There are racists in every race all the time, that is the sad truth.

[myTake Owner]

With every problem in the universe, we could all just simply shrug and say what's the point of fighting it, but no problem on earth is ever solved by doing nothing. There are a lot of good white people in my life who treat me fair and who know that racism is wrong, but when there are situations (and we're not talking ones in the media) where they see racist things happening, they do and say nothing, but if it were a dog being kicked, or a parent abusing their child, or a fight breaking out, they rush in. That's disheartening. Sure we can wax on about how you can't fight every battle, but choosing not to fight at all shows me that there is a deeper issue there that cannot be solved by me simply shrugging and walking away from either the racist or the teachable moments. To say people will never change is to ignore the fact that there are literally thousands out there who saw the injustice during the civil rights movement and decided that they needed to take action.

[Opinion Owner]

Right, what you can do it to tell the 'good white people in your life' how you feel, and how their doing nothing affects you and see what happens.

Although we as individuals don't feel or thing we are racists, we really are to some extent. As a white man hiding as "anonymous" I tell you, when I see a black man on the street that is what a see, not a man, but a black man. See the difference, a man is white by definition (naturally here in Europe with 98% being white, it really is), a black man is a black who happens to also be a man.

That is how I/we think, subtle racism is an integrated part of our minds, and not being racist is taking an actual effort. No race is without racism, is part of human nature (a bad part I might add).

If there where no racism at all, we would be without racial preferences as well, simply seeing a man or a woman, but we don't. African Americans do also have a preferences for African Americans right?
Preferences is also look, social status, education etc.

[myTake Owner]

Seeing color does not make you a racist, it literally means you aren't colorblind. A distinction must be made here that the racism I'm talking about is not thinking, oh he or she is different from me, its thinking you are superior over another being by virtue of your own race. The true 'blindness' comes when you can recognize clearly that something is racist and wrong and yet you make the choice not to do or say anything ever. I have started with my own community and trying to help us help ourselves in this world, but I can talk to them about opportunity, and change, and hope, and equality until I'm blue, but they know this already. You have to reach the people still doing the harm and you have to try to make a difference there too.

[Opinion Owner]

People who are real racist, like actually believing in superiority based on race is a minority as least to the best of my knowledge. I do not know a single individual who actually believe in racial based supremacy.

Subtle racism where people are simply seen as different and therefore treated differently based on skin colour is the real problem, and prove my point about what racism really is. Seeing colours doesn't make you a racist, but seeing people of different colours as different kinds of people does. If people are not just people, but a different kind of people, than it's a subtitle form of racism.

[myTake Owner]

There in lies part of the problem. "I don't know any racists," therefore they don't exist. Or "I haven't experienced racism" therefore what you're telling me can't possibly be true. Those type of statements make no sense at all, and I've heard them. I do not have to be abused to know that abuse happens and that it needs to be stopped. Subtle racism is the product of a society which largely now has laws on the books to protect individuals against hate. Racists are aware that if they go posting up at Klan rallies and shouting the N word overtly, they may lose their jobs, friends, etc. so they go underground or are in communities which support their brand of hatred. Thus as a byproduct we have subtle racism. As long as you don't say it out loud that you only hired the white person over the black because you thought the black person wouldn't do a good job based on absolutely no criteria, then it 'isn't racism'. That's where superiority/racism comes into play.

[Opinion Owner]

Yes, and if you reread what I said, that's was actually it. Except I don't know any national socials, fascist, communist or Islamic... I do no some feminists though. No one have ever argued to my face, that biological race is a determine factor in supremacy.
The only racism I have ever seen, is the subtle racism, the subtle one however is all over the place. I bet including Harlem in the US of A, by the way.

[myTake Owner]

Calm down. I'm mostly agreeing with what you've written. I don't need to re-read what you said because this was simply stating a fact. Part of the problem with racism is there are people who think because they have never experienced something, it doesn't exist and those people like to tell the world about it. What doesn't make sense is them using that as an argument for reasons why the minority populous who are experiencing these things because they are the intended of such hatred, should agree with them. Subtle racism is the quieter twin of abject racism. It's always there on the fringes, some people largely unaware its happening b/c it doesn't happen to them, but for those that it does, it is the sometimes ever present silent threat to their happiness, their reach for equality, their livelihoods, and to progress and change because you have to struggle to prove its very existence against a mostly skeptical populous.

[Nuqood]

"one of you"

We are not a collective, we are not a delegation, we do not have an ambassador, we are not representatives of some guild, we are not motivated by the same things, and we don't have to explain ourselves for the actions of others that look like us.

Didn't read past that part because trusting that you can form an intelligent thought would be a bad investment to make. That person who was rude to you is no kin of mine and I am not responsible for not to apologise for their behaviour.

[myTake Owner]

Perhaps you should have read on because I literally said in my post, I don't want an apology for something you haven't done to me personally. This is why I was very specific in my post. One of you did or said something, not all of you because exactly how you and I both feel, neither black, white, or any other group are all one thing. If you want to have a real opinion about what I read, reading in full often helps before you make comments about something I actually addressed in my take.

[Nuqood]

What you don't realize is there is no 'one of you'.

Us having light skin doesn't make us brethren or even a category, but your ignorant ass seems to think it does.

On your bike.

[myTake Owner]

When you describe Susy in the office, you don't say all of them were tall and had black hair and were my boss, you describe one person. You become specific because you are talking about someone specifically. How this offends you apparently, I haven't the slightest clue. To say all or to refer to an entire race of one people as being all the same and indistinguishable from one another is a form of racism. There are white people, there are black people, and everyone else in between. If you have an issue with this, do you complain this hard when you have to file paper work and they ask you what race you are. They don't have a box that says "Humanity."

[Nuqood]

'One of you' implies ownership, in this case of guilt. "Did you know that one of you did this to me?", baiting for an apology. When given a piece of paper that requires me to give my ethnicity (which is rarely anything in Canada), it's to determine what I look like so if I fuck around they know part of my description/if I go missing. There's a difference between their context and your context, and even then the American system is bonkers.

Saying 'A white person' and saying 'One of you' are two completely different things with completely different contexts. This isn't even a PC thing; This is a PE thing (proper English). Say to an Arab/Indian/Black person whenever something bad happens that "One of them" did summat and see how they take to it.

[myTake Owner]

The white person said hello. One white person said hello. The same thing. A black person shot at a car. One black person shot at a car. A white person was a racist. One white person was a racist. It specifies that I'm not referring to all of anything. When riots happened here it wasn't a group of rioters took to the streets, it was everyone was out their rioting disregarding that there were peaceful protestors for days. We get these references about all of us even when things don't concern all of us, all the time, so I'm sorry you feel as though being specific and talking about one specific person is an issue, but I wanted there to be absolutely no confusion that I'm not grouping all of one people together.

[Nuqood]

Wrong, dummy.

You just changed The to One, which is not the same as saying 'one of you'.

The white person said hello. One of you said hello. The same thing. A black person shot at a car. One of you shot at a car. A white person was a racist. One of you was a racist.

You aren't going to understand, and I don't know why I'm even bothering pressing submit right now instead of you showing how dumb you are, but I guess I'll go down with this sinking ship.

[myTake Owner]

It's always funny how some people always have to sink to the level of insulting someone to try to make a point. Does that work on you? Do you suddenly think, hmm, I'm so glad someone name called me, I'm going to agree with them right away. Ridiculous. Please stop hitting submit. You're right on that one.

[NovaLS]

Inequality goes all ways. Can you explain to me how African American only scholarships, Affirmative action, and why colleges are given incentives for minorities? Wouldn't it make sense that the majority of attenders would be the majority of the populace so why try to manipulate it otherwise? Can you imagine the uproar if there was a white only beauty pageant? And yet there are black only pageants all the time. Racism exists and is a terrible thing but all I am saying is see it from a different perspective of the special treatment that is afforded to some minorities.

[myTake Owner]

Fact: The Miss USA's history of excluding women of color dates from its beginnings. At some point in the 1930s, it was formalized in the notorious rule number seven of the Miss America rule book. Instituted under the directorship of Lenora Slaughter, rule number seven stated that "contestants must be of good health and of the white race." As late as 1940, all contestants were required to list, on their formal biological data sheet, how far back they could trace their ancestry. In the pageant's continual crusade for respectability, ancestral connections to the Revolutionary War or perhaps the Mayflower would have been seen as a plus. Morris Anderson first created and produced the Miss Black America Pageant on August 17, 1968 to protest the lack of black women in the Miss America pageant. Some white people think it is unfair to be in their position of dominance and control and yet be excluded from the black institutions that were developed because of white exclusion.

[myTake Owner]

There is no written rule excluding whites from competing in Miss Black America, but how many white people are trying or want to? Just as blacks for years had to conform to white standards of beauty, whites would have to try and conform to black standards of beauty. Many don't want to even try or suffer the same outrage as the first black contestants had to contend with entering into what was an all white pageant. As far as education, with whites for example being the majority, simply going by population would exclude several minorities from obtaining an education. Affirmative action was created because separate but so called equal institutions which were exclusively for minorities, were not equal at all to their all white counterparts. Grandfather clauses, land ownership, etc. etc. all existed to keep minorities out. Some subtle such practices still exist today, but people, some blacks included, are fighting the Supreme court to abolish Affirmative Action altogether so who knows.

[NovaLS]

Affirmative action makes no sense especially because with college and government institutions it is applied to a public job/group. They should be favoring no one but the best fit for the job. As far as Miss America your argument is basically that because it was done in the past it is okay to do to others now? That is pretty vengeful and hypocritical especially considering I, and many others were not around at the time. (Not saying this was your intent but some people use history as an excuse for special treatment) As far as rules what Latina, Asian or white person would join a pageant known to be a black pageant? The name itself excludes it from happening.

[myTake Owner]

You've missed just about every point I've made. As far as pageants, Miss America was a white pageant. They didn't have to put the name white pageant in because it was understood to be this way (and in the rules) in the same way universities of yesteryear didn't have to say this is a white college. They just were. The distinction between the two was only made made because there was no room for or acceptance of black applicants in either the pageant world or universities. It makes little sense to get upset as to why these things exist because they are literally in response to not being allowed into white institutions and pageants in the first place. As far as not joining based on a name, in high school I joined Indian Cultural association and the Flip student union. I am neither, but neither deterred me from joining and again there are no rules stopping whites from signing up for Miss Black America so your point is a non-existent one.

[myTake Owner]

What do you think happened to blacks who signed up for Miss USA? Were they welcomed with open arms to what was specifically a white pageant. Your only outrage would come from the fact that it may happen if a white person were to sign up and have to undergo what blacks already had to undergo to join white pageants but you can have no say until someone actually tries. As far as Affirmative action, I merely explained why it came to be. You've I think made the conclusion that I agree with it in it's modern practice.

[NovaLS]

If I join a high school Spanish club that is not the same as joining a national pageant with the name of another race than my name even if I can technically still join. And you are supporting my point! Yes the law was skewed in the old pageants/laws etc but then they were changed to the current inclusion of everyone. There are no white only pageants (even if just in name just as other ethnicity's could join) and there are no white only colleges (in name only just as the black colleges are) because that would be considered extremely racist. The name itself actively excludes others even if by law they are allowed to d as they please. Plus why would anyone want a white only college, they wouldn't get any government aid because of the students skin color. That in its very essence is racism.

[NovaLS]

Haha here you go with historical happening again. I acknowledge that blacks were and by some still are treated unfairly. They had it rough without a doubt. But excluding modern day whites, Asians, and latinos, is exactly what you are then claiming to hate. You say it was unfair to treat people in such a way but then lobby for unequal better treatment? This is getting to be fairly hypocritical... I literally had nothing to do with any exclusion laws or past racism so why would I be subject to some sort of punishment for that.

[myTake Owner]

Again they may be a "black university" but they cannot legally exclude another race from joining, so your point is moot. I went to a University located right next door to a historically black college in which 20% of their populous were non-African American's. How could this be possible if they were exclusionary? And you fail to point out that many major universities would still only be white, again, because they didn't need to spell it out, it was understood, if Affirmative action didn't exist. You can't simply say blacks could have gotten in because that wasn't true b/c of their skin, and thus basing admission at the time on education alone, would have done little to open the doors for them. You're upset at things that only exist solely because there was exclusion in the first place and now that these things aren't even by the same standards allowed to exclude in modern times, you're still upset. I don't quite understand the logic.

[NovaLS]

Mostly its upsetting that the Government subsidizes through Affirmative action (which I know you said you don't necessarily agree with) but also college. You do realize that makes it harder for a white person with equal grades to find schooling? Again racism

[myTake Owner]

I think you will find yourself fighting an almost impossible battle as to who has it harder to get into college and who experiences more abject racism on the way in or to being rejected, let alone who gets a better education from high school on down preparing them for college. Statistics alone indicate that there are far more white college students then black and this is with Affirmative action in many cases. The only way the educational system could be fair is if racial and gender markers were completely removed from applications and there was at the very least, equal funding applied to schools below the college level, but neither of those are apparently ever going to happen so basically everyone is getting screwed one way or the other.

[NovaLS]

Black population in the U. S. 13%
White population in the U. S. 62%
Percent of Black college student 15%
Percent of College students who are white 60%
Statistics really mean little but this is proof that it is no harder for a black person to go to college than a white. It is in fact some what easier.
Of course there will be more white than black students in the U. S. by number. The whites are the vast majority. This is why it makes no sense to compare numbers but only percents. As far as public education below college, that is all state/county dependent. The black students are my school in Washington state received the same education I did.

[myTake Owner]

Are you sure about that? You can only really speak to the education you personally received, not to say they didn't get a similar education, but that is often the argument made about equality in education is that everyone has the same opportunities. I worked in a disadvantaged school for 2 years, and let me tell you, from my own educational background, the differences between that school and my own as a student were astounding. Education isn't just a black and white issue where equality will come simply because we get rid of Affirmative Action. I annoyingly don't have the time or space to fully outline the entirety of this issue in 1000 characters or less, but I will say I have enjoyed this discussion. It has been refreshing to have a conversation that didn't end in racist remarks or complete disregard of factual information. Keep the dialogue alive out of this box, and keep challenging the system and the ideas and misconceptions about race and racism.

[NovaLS]

And thank you as well for being civil. It was very refreshing to see how you handled the comments.

[Print]

"national pageant with the name of another race than "

If Miss U. S. A is a national pageant with a name of another race then does that not mean it should have all just been native Americans competing?

I'm not trying to be rude but comeeee onnnnnnnnnnn

[FakeName123]

Dear OP, you should learn what subjectivity, selective perception and confirmation bias is.

To make it short: What you perceive is a very limited area of what actually happens. For example: Feminism vs Mra with both claiming that their issues are more important to tackle. The key problem is, men obviously recognise issues which affect them more (selective percetion & subjectivity) than those which affect women and vice versa.

Add a bit of confirmation bias to it. The most common example if it is "the traffic lights are always red when I come". No, they aren't - you just remember the times more, because they bothered you instead of remembering the times the traffic lights were green.

Now what happens to you is that you obviously only perceive offensiveness (or racism, which depends on the context/intent of what is being said) directed towards you. Also you obviously remember that one white kid saying something inappropriate more than the 100 other kids who did nothing.

[myTake Owner]

I understand the concept, but for it to be true in the context of what I am speaking to, I would have to believe in my mind that ALL white people are racists which is something that was never asserted in this take nor do I believe. The issue for me is that a vast majority of people can admit that racism exists and that racists are bad, but rather then focus on the racists and the racists things that happen in our society individuals feel as though if you mention racism or racists, I'm talking about them personally rather then address the people I am referring to. The focus shifts away from the issue and turns into endless dialouge about how all white people or whomever are not bad people. To that I say, DUH! But if the only thing we ever do is agree that racism is bad and then when confronted with actual racism, do nothing because we feel we aren't personally the racists and we don't want to apologize (which I clearly stated I didn't want to happen for something whomever didn't do)...

[myTake Owner]

... then where are we? Back at square one. Where I and whomever else continues to experience racism and people continue to do nothing, except tell me that somehow they are good people, so therefore there isn't an issue. Problem solved? Yes, that is problem solved for those who do not experience racism. They seek to shut down the conversation of those that do with this argument so they don't have to deal because its easier for them to do then to work together to find solutions. Rather then say to me, I'm not a racist, why not say to me, how can we help to stop the actual racists. And no, I'm not suggesting that all racism will ever end and everyone can be stopped, but not trying and doing nothing solves absolutely nothing for anyone involved. I have to try to help change that one mind who will hopefully change another, and so on...

[T-shirtsandkneehighs]

The ignorance in some of these responses is disgusting.

[myTake Owner]

It's to be expected, but how many hoses were turned on blacks, how many lynchings happened, how many people were told you can't be here, sit here, work here, live here, before change occurred? It's an ongoing process, and there will always be some that seek to either troll or actually speak to the point of it being "some" white people, but you just sometimes have to keep on trying and reaching out to reach just that one person if nothing else.

[Phoenix98]

-shakes head- this again really?

And if you don't want sympathy, apologies or pity then why did you write this to begin with? we already know there is racism in the world from whites as well as other people. You're simply exaggerating what we already know as common knowledge, also your prime example for racism is from the third grade from a child none the less who probably had no clue what he was actually being racist or mean.

[myTake Owner]

Yes, this again. I don't have the luxury of not dealing with it. Maybe not every single day, but I do have to deal with it so count yourself lucky that perhaps you don't. I used my first of "several" examples to illustrate that the awareness of who is and isn't different can begin very young. There is often the notion that kids don't see color/are unaware of difference, but it begins young. Plus you implied she was a racist, I did not. This particular white person happened to be my best friend of 3 years so I found it very jarring when I was told this and wondered clearly for a long time where it came from. My purpose as clearly stated was to simply talk about what so many don't or are afraid to b/c that can be a first step for many black & whites at increasing understanding of each other (I didn't say solving all our problems). It is never convenient or easy to have to deal with an issue, but you don't help yourself by being silent and ignoring it and hoping it will all go away.

[RexCatholicissimus]

Well this is a nicely libertarian way of looking at things, but racial equality is a sham and I think we all secretly know it.

Multiculturalism (which is weirdly only happening in white countries, for some reason) definitely is.

[ThatBritishLad]

michael dorn pls.
reactiongif.org/.../...ing-me-Disappointed-GIF.gif

[creepycreeper]

I am sick of people abusing the Anonymous feature so they can race bait and troll.

https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/56540850.jpg

[Anonymous]

Some white people are racist. Some black people are racist. Some people of every race a racist...

[YourFutureEx]

Of course this is truth that black =/= white but their importance, their status, their capabilities etc. are absolutely equal.

[Eternallylucky]

They have been white for far too long that they cannot empathise with you anymore

[Anonymous]

"Dear white people"

Lol

How about dear black people (some) (but it's mostly girls) why are you so loud and obnoxious
Why do you start problems with random girls on the street?
That actually happened to me today
You're so funny

[Opinion Owner]

And every race as racists
Stop making it seem like it's only SOME white people

Black people kill their own kind more than whites killing them
So they must really hate theirselves

[myTake Owner]

I literally do not understand the purpose of your comment. I'm specifically talking about some white people because I am more than aware that there are white people who aren't racists and whom I have zero problems with. Your comment about some black people makes no sense because being loud or obnoxious is not a racism problem, is an annoyance problem. And then you strangely go on to say, and I'm quoting here, "stop making it seem like its only SOME white people." Are you saying that its all white people? That would be racist. And again, black people killing their own kind is a different issue that absolutely needs to be tackled, but when I want to talk about people who rob stores, I don't then branch off into oh how about that guy who killed someone last week. Two different topics. So lets stay on topic and focus on what I actually am talking about. Some white people. Not all, and the racism issue.

[Opinion Owner]

You are making it seem like white people are the only races that are racist
That's my point
You're talking about how some whites are racist
Any race can be racist

[myTake Owner]

I'm speaking to my own personal experience and its comical that one has to recognize every issue on the planet with everyone and everything in order to make a point about their own lives or to validate their own personal story. When a man kills another man in your town, you don't say to the family, well, did you know that there are women who also kill other women therefore your struggle or your issue isn't valid. No, you don't, but when it comes to racism, people always think that the story has to be about them and what they didn't do, rather then to actually recognize that there is a problem with CERTAIN people. How hard of a concept is that to understand? Hence dear (some) white people.

[myTake Owner]

Think about this:throughout a majority of the comments, the majority of people up in arms about this take have not once said, you know what, racism is bad and racists should be stopped or asked how can we prevent this. Instead you make the story about you whom you claim have done nothing. And its absolutely right. Your solution to this issue is to continue to do nothing, whilst still screaming to me that racists are wrong. You continue the cycle. You help their cause in your continual silence and then when I mention that it's still happening, you imply I'm somehow in the wrong. In my outside of the internet world, I am trying to create awareness, help my community, and teach others about the issue of racism. I'm not silent. Can you say the same?

[Opinion Owner]

Everything you're saying is hilarious

[myTake Owner]

Not worth my time.

[Opinion Owner]

Okay but this is directed to white people
You make it seem like only whites some as racist

[myTake Owner]

I've explained my position and why I phrased things the way I did. You have come to some assumption that I have somehow said, only white people can be racist which I did not. I'm talking about a specific topic here, thinks that affected my life. I don't need to go off on a tangent to make a point to satisfy something that has nothing to do with what I'm speaking to. Then you go off and say this is hilarious, so if you think that which you have indicated, then there isn't much more I can say to you. You've made the decision to not care what this is about and put words into my mouth, so at this point there is no real point in continuing to talk at you as opposed to, to you or with you.

[Opinion Owner]

Well the title and the take does only mention whites
This is directed to white people

I bet you would flip if someone did a take on dear black people

[myTake Owner]

Why don't you go for that. You are welcome to write whatever it is you want. Good day.

[vekin]

racists does exist that's the sad truth and honestly I don't know what to do about it except being nice to every person no matter his or her skin colour

[Anonymous]

I see good white people and I see white poeple kill other and be racist

I also see good blakc people and black guys who kill, sell drugs and gang rape women.

We are all the same in the fact that we both have dicks and nice people in our races

[Anonymous]

When I was little I used to get beatings for being white. not just one, several, over the course of three years. Am I pissed at black people, nope. It's called thick skin, you need one to be happy in this world.