The Effects of Slavery Today
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There are issues in America so complex that the average person tends to avoid any debate rather than admit they do not have answers. The new millennium has created an environment that suppresses many healthy discussions in order to remain “PC”, or politically correct.
However, as Americans, we have a strong heritage of lively debate and facing the hard issues to ensure the welfare of our citizens. In many ways, we stand as one nation when faced with incredible tragedies like September 11, but at the same time, we are still facing ethnic divides that seem insurmountable.
Without a doubt, the biggest blight on our history is slavery. For most Whites, the shame of this period in our history continues, while many Blacks still feel oppressed and angry. Not surprisingly, most discussions today are taking place within the Black community, although electing our first Black President has broadened the commentary on the issue. Does slavery continue to affect our culture today?
Slavery ended in 1865, followed by reconstruction, which ended in 1877. Freed slaves, who had spent there lives being told what to do and were conditioned to react rather than initiate thought, were left to their own devices to face “freedom”. African American scholar Michael Eric Dyson states, “The effect of slavery continues to exert its brutal influence in the untold sufferings of millions of everyday folk”. He continues by saying that slavery is responsible for the high level of black residential separation from Whites today.
In “The Ethnic Myth”, Stephen Steinberg writes, “ghettos are nothing less than the shameful residue of slavery.” Many scholars blame slavery for the pathologies in the Black community such as homelessness, single-parent households, and youth violence. Views that are more radical claim, “Slavery is a constant reminder of what whites in America might do.” There is a belief that slavery stole their African culture.
While these arguments have merit, there are equally strong arguments that say that the opposite is true and camaraderie is a direct result of slavery. This segment of the population argues that African heritage was passed on, through the generations as one form of rebellion against the oppression brought on by slavery. These scholars would say that the Black culture today is a blend of African and European influences compiled with the adaptations necessitated by slavery resulting in a rich culture of religion, music, family, and art. It is a fact that African American culture has influenced White culture in many ways.
Adapting as a means of survival continues today. One example is the onset of small, private schools in black communities to address the failings of public education. Interestingly, successful Blacks have a harder stance to their brethren. Dr. Heather Williams, of the University of North Carolina Ethnic Studies, states, “the Black community continues to blame every problem that we identify among Black people in America, to slavery.”
It cannot be disputed that slavery has affected our culture today, both Black and White. The dispute remains on defining that effect and how to address this issue. Although 145 years may seem like a long time, our Country is young and the passage of time will usher in change, as it historically does. We can hope that all Americans continue to discuss and work towards a future without oppression.
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Thanks for your insight...How proud you must be to know your own history! Thanks again...
Interesting hub, let the discussion continue, here on Hubpages. We all need to evaluate the part our ancestors played in the American experiment and then contribute our part as best we can. Thanks for your thoughts.
yo blacks rock
This whole thing about racism is stupid! We are all the same. I am a white teenager, and I have both black and white friends. We always call each other racial names, to the opposite color and to our own color, but it's always in fun. People need to get off their high horse and forget about it.
I hear what you are sating Al, but that still doesn't eliminate 400 years of captivity. The "Black Code" was a method that slave masters used to keep blacks from having unity. Things like taking children from mothers at birth, beatings, overworking, not allowing blacks to converse in large groups, not allowing blacks to read, marry, have a personal opinion,and the list goes on and on. Whites dehumanized a whole race for centuries. Those mentalities won't leave in 1 0r 2 generations or just because we voted in a half black president. Its post traumatic, and until we address the issue in full force and stop throwing crumbs at the black race,problems like crime, poverty, single family homes, drugs ect will always be present.
Thanks T Dot! Slavery, like the Holacaust, cannot be denied and has everything to do with what we are today. Thanks again for the calm reminder.
I think it would be fair to say that this country was built on the backs of African Americans and other minorities. And it is sad to think it was only 50+ years ago that the Civil Rights movement happened (and is still happening); the Jim Crow laws were not that long. Is slavery to blame for the entirety of problems faced by the black community today? Probably not but I do think many of the issues faced by the black community today on a historical level can traced or connected directly or indirectly (as a result of) slavery. The teachings of Marcus Garvey I think need some mentioning here; the idea of a people needing a common past and ancestry. This was something that was stolen during slavery, and one could argue, affects the generations of today.
Marcus Garvey is a solid suggestion and I'm sorry I omitted that mention here. Ancestry, regardless what it is, plays a major role in who we are. Thank you for your insight.
Interesting ideas here. I am writing a paper on the psychological effects of slavery and thusfar in my research am horrified at what I have read. I went through highschool hearing about slavery but honestly nothing really ever stuck. In college I feel like a veil has been lifted from my eyes. I feel that slavery helps to explain alot of the issues that the african american community faces but I also feel there is some amount of personal responsibility for individuals as well. If you dwell on the past for to long you will become consumed by it. Martin Luther King Jr. had really great ideas on this issue and I admire his thoughts greatly.
Of course the effects of slavery and the system of white supremacy in the U.S. are still lingering. AAs are still in the land/home of their oppressor. Hell, you have grown people who were traumatized in their childhood and can't get over it. A lot of their decisions and beliefs come about based on that trauma in their childhood. What does one think 400 plus years of slavery and not to mention Jim Crow has done.
The effects don't go away nor do hearts change because a piece of paper is signed.
When the Jews were rescued, they were taken OUT of the entire land of their rapists, oppressors, killers etc. etc.
In Israel and wherever else they found true freedom, they were able to recover physically, psychologically, emotionally, financially, culturally, academically, militarilly etc. etc. I'm not going to get into what is going on between Palestine and Israel. The point I am making is that the Jews were freed for real. AAs were taken from one white brother's home to the other white brother's home. Two brothers had a fight but they are still brothers.
When the Jews talk about the horrors of living under Hitler's rule, they don't have to worry about the children of the Germans and Nazis revising history so that their conscience can feel better about what their mothers and fathers did. That's what criminals and their children do, absolve themselves of any guilt in their crimes. They may admit to a litte somethin' somethin'. They even use the slavery has been around since the beginning of time line. So has stealing and killing. I guarantee you if someone kills or steals from a white person they are not going to let it go because killing and stealing has been around since the beginning of time. If the U.S. can tell Germany, Hitler and the Nazis to own the torture and genocide of the Jews then the U.S. can be called out on the torture and genocide of AAs.
Not only have whites absolved themselves from the atrocities of slavery and the continued system of white supremacy but they've performed the greatest trick and that is to get many AAS to do the same. You live with your oppressor long enough under his rule and power, either he is going to rub off on you or you are going to rub off on him. You start seeing things from his perspective. Look at Jaycee Dugard. After a while her kidknapper, rapist, torturer was able to take her out in public and she never said a mumbling word. She even worked in his store. The sad thing is that too many AAs feel they have not been effected by living with their powerful oppressors. For millions of Africans who were kidknapped and brought to America, it was enslavement from day one. AAs have been the victims of slavery longer than they've been "so called" free.
Does the question really have to be asked if there are effects of slavery? Usually, the victimizer and his children ask that question because they are tired of hearing about it. The victim asks that question when they've known nothing but oppression and don't realize they are oppressed. You know how many people say, growing up they didn't know they were poor until they saw someone who wasn't.
AAs have fallen for the " you guys are so strong" lie as if they were created with some type of something that makes them immune to the effects of slavery and the system of white supremacy. AAs are only flesh and blood and not super human. Not subhuman. Just human.
That is some psychological BS that is said by a victimizer so they can sleep at night and feel like he/she did no harm. Isn't it up to the victim to determine if harm has been done and not the perpetrator? As Bernie Mac said, most criminals say they are in jail for doing "nothing." Most criminals don't have a repentant heart anyway. For them, crime pays.
The Jews and the U.S. both say Germany, Hitler, the Nazis and whoever else was involved in the Holocaust, were guilty of every "evil" act they subjected the Jews to. End of story. The U.S. is one of Israel's greatest allies and champions of their right to exist in their own land.
Many countries finally came in and helped to take the Jews out of the country of their oppression.
But that's how hypocrisy works. The U.S. can point to the atrocities of the Holocaust caused by another country and help rescue the Jews and assist them in every way possible to make and keep them a Nation unto itself.
This country declared its independence because it felt the mother land was oppressing it. I'm sure if you asked those of the British Parliament if Jefferson and the fellas were wrong in their accusations and rebellion, it would nod its head in the affirmative.
I guess one could say that whites are also victims. They really think they are superior than everyone on the planet because of their lack of color and some divine favor with the universe. Nah, it's not that. To use their line, killing, stealing and oppressing has been going on since the beginning of time.
The oppressor is no different than a criminal on the street. Through strong armed robbery, they obtain everything. Now, the criminal with the coldest hearts and the largest weaponry get the spoils. Once they've filled their barns with stolen goods, they like to buy the finest clothes, cars, homes, etc. etc. They then go out to live in the country, send their children to the finest schools, drink their expensive wines ,cross their legs, smoke their expensive cigars or whatever, hold their noses up in the air and tell themselves how great they are and how low and uncivilized everyone else is. They create a system that keeps them in power.
In this case, it is the system of white supremacy. It's found in the legal, medical, academic, entertainment, businesses (private and public), athletic, agricultural, research, etc. etc. systems of this country. The KKK are now the scapegoats but white suppremacy is supported by the oppressor whether they admit it or not. That system is most definately supported by great military might. What happens on the street level happens on a national and international level. The criminal mind is the same wherever it's found. The irony about criminals is that all the hell they put people through, they never consider themselves bad people. That's from the small thugs to the big thugs.
As the author, I am gratified at the reactions to this article. Agree or disagree but thank God for your right to do so.
This was a compelling piece of writing Denise Art you are clearly versed in the art of written communication.
African-American through the years have faced significant struggles in an effort to be treated as an equal. Many people have suffered even outside the African-American race to help make that equality possible.
The problem I'm having with my people is the blatant shameful public behavior of using the N-word constantly and comedians today not all but a lot seem to feel they cannot be humorous unless they are vulgar, racist or insulting. I've just written an article here, on hubpages stating that just yesterday I saw Japanese broadcast performers using the N-word in every sentence from the beginning of the program until the end. Clearly if African-Americans have no respect for their own culture how is it that they would expect others to have any respect for that culture?
Today African-Americans have more opportunities than we ever had at any other time but I see so-called proud black men wearing their pants around their butt, talking on the phone in public like they're at Joe's bar and Grill. The N-word comes out of their mouths so often you can't even tell what the conversation is about. How do we honor those who gave so much in order for us to have these liberties by behaving this way?
Thank you for your input; I agree with you about the use of the n-word; is it possible this comes from a generation who doesn't remember the way that word was used? There will be no respect from others without self respect. Thanks again for your input.
most often we need to take a panoramic view on slavery and
many other issues that directly impact the social,economic
and political arena we are in,by understanding these facts
and seeing the progress we have made and our contributions
as a black race of people.we can begin to build and become
stronger and remove obstacles that stand between us and
our growth as we move towards our common goal.being a black
man in north america i've had to adapt and adjust to over
come many barriers and stero type.i will always enjoy being a black man and proud of it.i hope my comments add more light to the vast view points and discussions.
I have read all entries with great interest. I am a European white woman, living in Bermuda. For the first time in my life I am confronted with angry black people who reproach me "my past". When I tell them I am "colourblind", meaning that to me it does not matter what you look like, they tell me I am just turning away from facing "the issue". I don't get it. How can I behave towards black people so that they are no longer angry at me? After all, I was never part of slavery.
I am not so thick as to say that I cannot understand the consequences on a people of suppression and Romania just after their tyrant was lynched. I was much younger then. And I was shell-shocked by the lack of will and lack of purpose I saw in the locals, young and old. They had land, they owned. And it became theirs again after Ceausescu was gone. Did they make plans to take that land into use? No. They looked at me in complete surprise when I asked why not? With "dead eyes" they told me: it's no use, "they"are going to take it away again. Atrocious.
Some people say that after more than one generation of suppression (or war), this lack of courage, pride, ambition, etc. settles in the genes. And it will take at least 4 generations to get rid of it. That makes me sad.
But... I still do not feel responsible for the deeds of white people in terms of slavery. Which is not to say that I condone it. I would have been one of the first to be killed, I believe, if I had lived in that time, because I would just not be willing to accept that BS...
Having said all of this:
does it really help to show shame about this part of the world's history? To be contrite towards blacks? To acknowledge their cultural pain and anger?
And then what? I struggle with this every day in Bermuda. Things have not been going well here. Black gangs are killing each other, the blacks are permanently angry at whites, they show an attitude of entitlement when it comes to "having stuff". Money, cars, houses, jobs....
I am not victimizing them, they are doing that themselves and it is horrible to see and to be confronted with it. Whites get blacks shouting at them. In a normal conversation, when it comes to describing opinions we may have, as soon as the point is reach where they cannot come up with arguments against the ventilated opinion, they pull out the race card. You get to hear stuff like: "I am fed up having white people tell black people what to do!!"
I am flabbergasted by this attitude.
The simple truth in life is: we can change it in a matter of seconds. We can change it by acting differently, by courageously deciding to take the lead and be accountable for our own fate.
After all, if you are good for the job and work hard, you will advance in life. Certainly here, where each local Bermudian (most are black) get priority in any job opening. Do they make the most of it? No. Look at most of the resumes: they stay here for 1 year, there for 6 months, next 3 months. Because they can get a job within a heartbeat due to the priority given to them. Do they respond with loyalty and hard working? No.
I am a guest in this country for the coming years. I consider this a true slice of paradise. This country has gold in its hands. If only it would be humble enough to recognise that moaning and groaning about one's alleged fate does not change that fate.
Let's have a look at oneself. Let's try to become a better, more mature person. Let's take care of our own lifes. It IT possible, you know, in today's society!
I am not allowed to work, on this island, because I might take a place that a local should or could have. That is fair enough. But what if nobody stands up to fill that opening? And another ex-pat is hired? And even when the ex-pat offers to train locals so that, when he or she leaves, they will leave an educated body of knowledge behind? So that the next person to hold that job will be a local?
The locals, particularly the blacks, feel like being handed charity. They show pride (so they do have it!) but it has turned into arrogance. THEY accept training from a WHITE boy? They'd rather die....
I just don't get what I can do to help change this. If there is something, tell me and I will do it. I would love to give this country a boost and make the locals proud and responsible and accountable. They would have their riches in a heartbeat, I am absolutely convinced about that.
Concluding: I read somebody said to want to leave the Jews and Israel out of this. I wish to include it. I used to live very close to the German border and I know all about the problems that exist between Germans and other. I know all about prejudice.
I simply will never understand how the world can be so forgiving towards the Jews of Israel. Millions of their people have been slaughtered by the Germans. Nobody is allowed to comment on that much, we all tell ourselves that it should never happen again. How does that compute with the atrocious acts of Israel against the Palestinians? Is this not the most ridiculous thing on earth? They have killed so many Palestinians because they have an alleged right to do so. Do they? Are they not replicating a struggle for some soil on earth that decimated their people back in the day?
Would not tolerance show more maturity? Would the world not applaud it if they could stop that war? "But what if the Palestinians don;t stop...". All cop-outs. Somebody has to start the process of improvement. For Israel's sake I hope it will be then. For Bermuda's sake, I hope it will be the blacks. They are the ones who perceive colour differences in this world. Most of the whites and others do not. They see a meeting with a black person as something interesting, because this person may have a different cultures. And getting to know about different cultures is always interesting and positive.
Ah well. Just my 5 cents.
Blessings to all who help end these struggles!
I apologize for the typing errors in my previous post. I saw no way to edit my comments. A whole section was lost where I talked, in the beginning, about Romania. It was meant to include that I was part of a support convoy once, that is how I got to be in that country.... Ah well, maybe somebody can add an edit option to comments? ;-)
Our country allows all opinions; that's why we keep sharing and disagreeing...I agree we each contribute. Thanks for sharing!
To Bermy Lady the only thing you can really do to help both parties is to do whats right. Yea sometime blacks take advantage of the privilages of having STOLLEN opportunities in this country that are ancestors died and shed blood for. But blacks arent the only ones with issues in this country. Alot of wealthy and lower class white americans have similair problems just as some african american do but the only difference is becuase were treated like second class citizen and constantly reminded that were are black in a suddle races way we have alot more to lose.Im a young african american in my early 20's and even with my generation Iv notice how blacks are brainwash and set apart from each other to fight against each other so theirs no unity but its all in the structure of institutionalizing a certain race or class. dont get me wrong every ethnic culture has its problems but due to slavery and racism , prejudice, bias practices against Africaan americans we still struggle to rise above the food chain. The evil oppressors seems to always find wayS to force his ideology on the victims in some shape, form or fashion. The oppressor is continuing to be successful black tiring down black unity by putting incorrect statistics out there like alot ot successful black men or black men in general date white women and some black women see this as a threat so to get back at black men some of them not all go get a white men based off of false doctrine.Im not knocking interracial marraige becuase beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but to do it becuase of a saying shows me that person is very naive and has a brainwashed mentality .just like going with a certian race becuase you can get more of a social finanial advantage or the physical appearance of your child with the good hear and light eyes is another brainwashing tactic use to conquer and divide.
Are we really all free in America ?
In modern times unlike the past. We need a license, or a permitt, or a variance from the government to do things. We really don't own a house since in the countries past that meant no one could take it from you it doesn't mean that today. Property taxes didn't exist then. They later in time were low and payable 2 times a year, now they are high and payable times or quarterly a year. Soon they'll be so high they'll be a monthly bill - similar to pay rent by the month type of set up. P.S. President Obama produced a false birth certificate to become president check it your self online read what others say --- he most likely is our first non american president. He lied about trying to end the war ---he escallated it
Are we really all free in America ?
In modern times unlike the past. We need a license, or a permitt, or a variance from the government to do things. We really don't own a house since in the countries past that meant no one could take it from you it doesn't mean that today. Property taxes didn't exist then. They later in time were low and payable 2 times a year, now they are high and payable four times or quarterly a year. Soon they'll be so high they'll be a monthly bill - similar to pay rent by the month type of set up. P.S. President Obama produced a false birth certificate to become president check it your self online read what others say --- he most likely is our first non american president. He lied about trying to end the war ---he escallated it---his stimulus moneys --- were used to grow the government --- it was misspent and the various agencies in Federal and state government --- can't - trace the expenditures written off to it -- it's a fleecing of the taxpayers that has catapulted us into economic and financial crisis
As far as our right to privacy --income tax violates that right ---along with Obama's new machine to pickup and listen into Americans telephone conversations--- the government now claims it needs both pieces of information about you (your banking etc.. did you move money arround etc... 10k = a report fired to homeland security )------- Public lands, buidlings etc ----- they were called that because they were open to you for visitation use ---- more and more the approach today and it has become a real problem and issue ---is that " the public is being kept away from public lands "----- in example: parks ---- you can't go into areas of them because someone that knows someone else received free lodging home / or cabin and later ran around on there own nailing keep out no tresspassing signs hundreds of yards out around them----thus "keeping the public from public lands ''' ===== one of many examples
its stupid when people get angry if you call someone black, i mean, its alright to getangry if your using it negatively but if youre just talking or using it to describe someone it shouldn't matter, one of my teachers was talking to his son about a guy he met and he said the guy was black so the son told him that it was rascist to say that, and his son is like Six!! it shouldn't matter if youre not using it negatively
I am sick & tired of the question is slavery still affecting black people ? My question to you is if slavery is not the cause of us as a people to continue to suffer and live the way we do then what is it ? Let me guess you all that say we shouldn't still cry about slavery beleive that we black people are all just shiftless & lazy ? Did you ever read the willie Lynch letter ? How about the term race and the naming of people white, black, etc. when resesrching ancient civilization people were never termed by race, so my question to you is where the hell did race come from ? Not just that but what about the term nigger, where did that come from ? What about terms like " good hair " where did that come from ? What about light skinned looking better than dark skin where did that thought come from ?? Why are black women the ones to spend the most on altering how they look & won't feel good without that long straight weave or contacts ? What about our names ? Religion ? Where is black land ? Nigger land ? Where are we from ? What about police brutality ? What about most of our men in jail ? If not from slavery then from where ? Oh I know I guess we're all just shiftless & lazy & our names are sleep & eat !
I think slavery still has a physiological effect on people in today's world. Slaves were from different tribes, so we are still of different tribes. I think heritage has a way of passing on even what is unknown. Many tribes were at war, and held members of opposing tribes as captives. The Slave Trade catapulted what already existed. My comment shouldn't be mistaken for a "so you started it" argument. But to support why I think the slave trade, and all of it's beginnings will never really have an ending.
Very good information. Thanks!
I usually have lots to say on this subject, but today I will simply say this: it really doesn't matter what personal, political, or social ills Blacks attribute to slavery, because we will never, ever know where our ancestors, present and future generations would be had slavery never occurred.
good.
This story has been viewed over 10,000 times; that means this topic is still on the minds of many. Thank you for your comments and for keeping the discussion going!
cool
Is there an expectation that the terrible wrongs from Slavery and Jim Crow laws be corrected in some way? Can anything actually be done to right the wrongs?
I believe it is possible based on a belief that mobs will go crazy, and our country is on the verge of collapse, that blacks could very well be lynched at the same rate as was done at the turn of the last century.
If young black people had never been told about slavery, would it continue to hold them back in life?
Maybe if slavery is allowed to die in thought, as it has in reality, it will stop being a negative factor in the equation of so many lives.
Rick,
The pain of slavery is thrust upon a child for many many generations after Jim Crow died - forget about slavery. Slavery ended after the civil war, but blacks lived in fear for a century after that, and in fact, I'd suggest many still do live in fear. It's about 300 years of feeling less than, generation after generation. It will take many generations for a complete healing IMO. Pain has a way of silently festering in a family almost unbeknownst for generations.
BTW - can thoughts be washed away?
I'm grateful that you guys are having this discussion,i'll need all of this for mt debate on it at school.
Well its nice but I need a little more information cause, I am writing an essay as you read this.Thanks any way.
Well what do you know it worked!thanks soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for the hub.Only on hub pages.
If someone stole my car, and hid it in a garage for say 25 yrs,and than gave the car to one of there children,and that child decided that they wanted to keep it in storage and decided to give it to one of there children some yrs later? Who is the true owner of that car? is it just chalk off as a lost. This is just a small example, a simple example.
A group of people were taken from there home. robbed of everything valuable. there identity, there culture, there religion, there names, there family, There blood line. The impact of this is imeasurable. Who benifited from this group of people having these things stolen? The decendents of the people who stole them are the benifactors. It is very clear.
What happened to what I wrote!!!
I'm studying African American literature at kogi state university in Nigeria.I must confess i found your articles quite valuable.
You know what? Slavery happened. the holocaust happened. shit happens. but you can't continue to let it hold you back. it is a personal choice to refuse to be held back by your history, whether individual or collective.if roots are so important, why do what Alex Hailey did and go find your Kunta Kinte. but just remember that he lived his life, and you must live yours. I know its easy for me to say; I was born in post-independent Kenya and my president has always been black. I am a first class citizen in my country. but the truth is that we have just in this millenium shaken off the mental shackles of colonialism so I know all about freeing your mind.
Thanks for the input; our past shapes who we are but it should not dictate our destiny.
Hey..it doesnt matter where on this earth you go black people have major problems. Why is it that other races have also been enslaved but they dont have all these problems that the black race has. Excuses for these problems only makes blacks look even more incapable of living a decent life. Fix your problems withinn your families such as morals and it will get better. Stop blaming something that happened 150 years ago on whats happening now!
To Whitey: The same can be said for all races. We as people have major issues, some just get more scrutiny.
If whites and blacks didn't argue so much we could tell that the government is srewing us both
I'd like to say this is all BS. Sorry, but YOU WERENT THERE. Maybe if slavery had JUST occurred I could understand all the heartache and griping, but guess what? It's completely untrue.
You can blame everything on race all you want, simply because it's a convenient scapegoat, and a way to not address the real problems in the african american community. It's NOT the fault of slavery that 90 percent of our prisons are filled with african american prisoners. It's NOT the fault of slavery that many african americans feel unemployable when they tattoo their faces and wear a comb in their hair with their pants hanging around their ass.
Sorry, but those are personal issues. The mere fact that we have a president that's NOT white instantly obliterates the "prejudices in politics" stance many african americans have. What proof do YOU have to support those claims? Because I have a president, former NY Representative, DC mayor, and COUNTLESS other intelligent african american examples I can call upon to substantiate my own claims here.
I think this article is simply adding fuel to a dimming fire, and you should be ashamed of yourself. How are we supposed to move forward as a nation when people like you are spouting racist garbage like this and blaming something that happened hundreds of years ago (Not one or two generations, buddy) for all of the cultural problems in our african american community?
I do agree that african americans do have bias against them in many situations but that isn't because all whites are racist POS's. It's because, and I'll put this bluntly, many african americans aren't TRYING. You think white people aren't getting screwed by the govt? It's considered racism for any caucasian to say anything hurtful about anyone of color, regardless of whether or not it was a race-based statement. However, if the position were reversed, any "minority" can say whatever they want to about caucasian peoples and it's considered kosher. That's BS, sorry.
Want to know another sad fact? The African American community is the MOST SUCCESSFUL black community on EARTH, EVER. What does THAT tell you? Want to continue to blame everyone else for everything? Take some personal responsibility.
Oh, and @ Robert...
I suppose in your opinion, rather than move past what our great great ancestors did hundreds of years ago, you'd rather keep things in the fore front and people at each other's throats over something we had NOTHING TO DO WITH!!! Wow! You want whites now to be punished for the actions of a few hundreds of years ago? And you can't say it was the entire country participating in slavery. Guess what? It started a WAR! North Vs. South, and a big part of it was over slavery.
Blame us all you want but, in the end, you're really the only ones to blame for your own folly. The fact that you need a scapegoat is just sad in and of itself, and in the end, it won't matter, because the ones that choose to point fingers instead of build themselves up past these so-called "stereotypes" are the ones who will always be nothing.
Blacks aren't the only ones in the ghetto, there are plenty of whites there too. Is that because of slavery also? Did slavery also result in many african-american only scholarships, loans, foundations, and funds? I think not. In fact, whites are the highest contributing members of many of those types of organizations.
Stop blaming the "white man" for your problems and own up to the fact that you're simply not trying hard enough. I know many black successful people that would agree with me 100 percent.
@ Batman:
Great idea, let's get rid of taxes altogether so we don't have any money for maintenance, public systems, parks, etc. Where do you think the government GETS money to pay for all the stuff we take for granted every day? Taxes.
@ Chrissy:
Please. It's all our faults that you don't feel pretty and there are racist words from hundreds of years ago. Get off your high horse and look at yourself objectively, and perhaps you'll see the real issue.
No, not all african americans are lazy. In fact I'd say the majority aren't. But the ones that are are the ones in the spotlight most of the time because they're the ones causing the problems. They're the ones using government aid abusively and crying that the white man is oppressing them, and slavery is still an issue.
I know many african americans that make more money than I ever will. And guess what they did to get there? Worked for it. They went to school and, instead of pissing away their education, used the opportunity to better themselves. Guess what happened after that? They had a MUCH easier time getting what they wanted. This is the story for ANYONE in America and not just african americans, but whites, asians, native americans, hispanics, etc. If anyone has a right to complain about America it's the Native Americans. African Americans as a community have more public programs and government benefits than any other race and still blame everyone else for everything. Grow up.
Mike ~ strong reaction is what I hope for when I write; I consider this issue must have merit to cause such a strong reaction in you. Thank you.
And even after reading I feel that no white person will ever be the BIG person & just admit to wrong doing I'm always hearing excuses such as "slavery is the past", "slavery is over with", "we had nothing to do with it","you werent slaves so why do you care", "get over it", "let it go", "blacks enslaved each other", "white people were also slaves",. I'm so sick & tired of hearing those excuses. I'm tired of people sugar coding things and not being real about what has happened. Bottom Line blacks use to be kings & queens in africa & eygpt. We had all the gold living the best life you can ever imagine. The indians owned America. The whites were in Europe. The whites decided to visit america. The whites cryed poor & the indians made a big mistake for feeling sorry for the white man. The indians gave the white man a helping hand food, water, shelter. But as usual the white man took advantage of the indians. As years went by more whites kpet coming to america then finally the indians were out-numbered. The whites killed the indians & took america from them. Th whites traveled to africa robbed africa naked. Took africans on a slave ship & we came to america.Many blacks were killed on the way to america. They were thrown off the ship into the water drowing. They were tied up in chains. Many were beaten to death with whips & chains a lot of blood was shed. When blacks arrived to america we had to talk america if not we were killed we had to lose the french african accent. We even were given white american names such as Johnson, Simpson, Richardson, Williams, Washington, Jenkins etc. It was a terrible time but like always whites will FOREVER overlook the matter at hand. They will FOREVER deny what happened back then. Like my pastors says "Whites are opressing themselves now becasue of WHITE GUILT". White man would beat, kill, & rape the black female slaves & get her pregnant with a mix child. Thats why it soo many lightskinned black people all the years of the white man rapping the black woman while his white wife is sleep in the bedroom. White man would kill take the black man from his home in the middle of the night and kill him for NO reason. they will lynch him & set him on fire. White man will cut of the black mans private part. They will cut of arms & legs if blacks tried to run from then. White were evil & wicked but they dont understand why blacks are so angry & why we act the way we do. Slavery went on for 350-400 years whites were in control. Thats why whites are on top now becasue they had a 400 year head start. Blacks were laways behind becasue whites tried to hold us back. But I still havent yet heard a white person be honest, admit, or even apologize four woh they race treated blacks back then but they want to sweep in under the rug and tell blacks to move forward. Thats why blacks have black history month, thatsh why black have out own network channel BET to celebrate black history/culture. Thats why Martin Luther King Birthday is a special holiday. Blacks history month has taught me that blacks have invented everything in america that we use today. I read so many books about blacks inventors and boy was I happy, and surprised because for so many years whites have taken black people ideas and lied saying they invented it or discovered something when in reality blacks people have invented everything we use today. Blacks built this country through slavery all whites ever did was ordered, bossed, beaten, & killed blacks. Soul food was special course of food that bblaks ate. Whites want racism to end but it all started with racism. The white man invented racism it was ALWAYS about colors. Whites would say blacks stink, or that blacks are dirty if this is the case then why did whites want blacks to cook for them or rasie their children or clean their houses? it doesnt make any since to me it never has, and it never will. Whites will FOREVER be indinial even after slavery ended blacks still suffered through the civil rights movement. Everything was seperated but wasnt EQUAL. I can honestly say it didnt start getting better for blacks until the 1980 & on up. Even now tings are still up in the iar. whites hate obama & thinks he is ruining this country. but bush runied this country before obama even was elected. obama parties were crashed twice by some white people & no one still doesnt know who did it. It still alot of tension in the air. With the rodney king beaten, the O.J. simpson case, the troy davis case, thev JENNA 6 issue and so on and so on. prom night in mississippi is another example back in 2008. racism still exist and no one is to blame except WHITE PEOPLE. as i look at movies such a ROOTS, ROSEWOOD, MARTIN LUTHER KING DOCUMENTS, MISSISSIPPI BURNING, MANDINGO. those movies make me mad & cry espicially how whites did us back then. those moves on based on true stories that occured. those movies show whites mistreating blacks calling blacks niggers burning, & killing us. the people who is doing wrong in these films are white people but yet they hate to be blame. the media shows these movies all the time on television and the world watches these movies. so really how indenial & stupid can you really be? White people will save a dogs life in a heatt beat but they wont save a black person life. like the old saying goes kill an dog or cat everybody does some investigating but if u kill a black person everybody laugh & go home. ITS TRUE anytime i see these animal commercials asking people to donote money oto rescue homeless animals or shattered animals i often think to myself now why cant white folks care for black people like they care for animals? why do white people treat animals like humans but treat black people like animals. I guess white feel that even an animal is above a black person. minorities can say what they want to whites BECASUE WHITES HAS BEEN MISTREATING MINORITIES FOR OVER 300 YEARS. WHITES HAVE BEEN GETTING AWAY SCOTCH FREE ALL THE TIME. SO NOW THAT MINORITIES CAN SAY OR DO WHATEVER NOW WHITE PEOPLE WANT TO WHINE, COMPLAIN, & GRIP BECASUE THEY FEEL OFFENDED sorry but THAT IS BULLSHIT white people are devils I believe this fully with in my heart,mind,spirit, and soul. white people do wrong to others but cant understand why they get punished for their wrong doing. Whites had started this race riot now that the riot WILL NOT end they dont know what to do. you want strong reaction i will give you strong reaction MICHAEL VICK DESERVES TO PLAY FOOTBALL AGAIN I WISH WHITE PEOPLE FORGIVE HIM AND FORGET ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED BUT I HEAR WHITES STILL TALKING ABOUT HIM. SO WHY IS IT SO WRONG FOR BLACKS TO TALK ABOUT SLAVERY? YES I THINK WHITES SHOULD BE PUNISHED. SIMPLY BECASUE WHITE PEOPLE TEACH THEY KIDS ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE WHITE S TEACH THEY KIDS THAT THEY ARE BETTER THEN BLACK PEOPLE I KNOW THIS BECASUE A 3 YEARS OLD WHITE BOY CALLED MY AUNT A NIGGER IN WAL-MART NOW WHAT DOES A 3 YEARS OLD BOY KNOW ABOUT THAT WORD. ITS OBVIOUS HIS WHITE MOTHER OR FATHER TAUGHT HIM THAT. SO PLEASE KNOW RASICM ISNT OVER IT WILL NEVER BE OVER. THANKS TO YOU WHITE DEVILS. sTOP OVER LOOKING AND IGNORING WHAT YOUR RACE HAS DONE. ADJUST THE ISSUE ADMIT TO WRONG DOING, APOLOGIZE, GIVE A HELPING HAND. STOP TELLING BLACKS TO GET OVER IT. STOP TELLING BLACKS WE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. STOP TELLING BLACKS TO MOVE FORWARD JUST STOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP IT. THE MORE WHITE PEOPLE TELL US THIS IS THE MORE MADDER AND ANGRY WE GET. ITS NOT HELPING NONE IT JUST MAKES YOU LOOK LIKE YOU TAKE OWN UP TO SHIT AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR YOUR ACTIONS. WHITES ARE WRONG THEY WILL PAY FOR THE HELL THEY'VE CAUSED BLACKS. GOD SITS HIGH AND LOOK LOW. WHITES WILL BE PUNISHED MOST WHITES MAY NOT MAKE IT TO HEAVEN. NO MATTER WHAT EXCUSES YOU GIVE TO GOD. THE WHITE MAN IS THE ROOT OF BLACKS PROBLEMS JUST LIKE YOU WANT BLACKS TO OWN UP AND ADMIT THAT WE ARENT TRYING HARD ENOUGH..BLACKS WANTS WHITES TO ADMIT WHAT THEY DID TO BLACKS DURING SLAVERY, WE WANTS WHITES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR WRONG DOINGS. WE DONT WANT WHITES TO KEEP IGNORING AND PUSHING AWAY WHAT HAPPENED WE WANT APOLOGIES WE WANT WHITES TO KISS OUR ASSES LIKE BLACKS WERE FORECED TO KISS YALL ASSES FOR CENTURIES.
And even after reading I feel that no white person will ever be the BIG person & just admit to wrong doing I'm always hearing excuses such as "slavery is the past", "slavery is over with", "we had nothing to do with it","you werent slaves so why do you care", "get over it", "let it go", "blacks enslaved each other", "white people were also slaves",. I'm so sick & tired of hearing those excuses. I'm tired of people sugar coding things and not being real about what has happened. Bottom Line blacks use to be kings & queens in africa & eygpt. We had all the gold living the best life you can ever imagine. The indians owned America. The whites were in Europe. The whites decided to visit america. The whites cryed poor & the indians made a big mistake for feeling sorry for the white man. The indians gave the white man a helping hand food, water, shelter. But as usual the white man took advantage of the indians. As years went by more whites kpet coming to america then finally the indians were out-numbered. The whites killed the indians & took america from them. Th whites traveled to africa robbed africa naked. Took africans on a slave ship & we came to america.Many blacks were killed on the way to america. They were thrown off the ship into the water drowing. They were tied up in chains. Many were beaten to death with whips & chains a lot of blood was shed. When blacks arrived to america we had to talk america if not we were killed we had to lose the french african accent. We even were given white american names such as Johnson, Simpson, Richardson, Williams, Washington, Jenkins etc. It was a terrible time but like always whites will FOREVER overlook the matter at hand. They will FOREVER deny what happened back then. Like my pastors says "Whites are opressing themselves now becasue of WHITE GUILT". White man would beat, kill, & rape the black female slaves & get her pregnant with a mix child. Thats why it soo many lightskinned black people all the years of the white man rapping the black woman while his white wife is sleep in the bedroom. White man would kill take the black man from his home in the middle of the night and kill him for NO reason. they will lynch him & set him on fire. White man will cut of the black mans private part. They will cut of arms & legs if blacks tried to run from then. White were evil & wicked but they dont understand why blacks are so angry & why we act the way we do. Slavery went on for 350-400 years whites were in control. Thats why whites are on top now becasue they had a 400 year head start. Blacks were laways behind becasue whites tried to hold us back. But I still havent yet heard a white person be honest, admit, or even apologize four woh they race treated blacks back then but they want to sweep in under the rug and tell blacks to move forward. Thats why blacks have black history month, thatsh why black have out own network channel BET to celebrate black history/culture. Thats why Martin Luther King Birthday is a special holiday. Blacks history month has taught me that blacks have invented everything in america that we use today. I read so many books about blacks inventors and boy was I happy, and surprised because for so many years whites have taken black people ideas and lied saying they invented it or discovered something when in reality blacks people have invented everything we use today. Blacks built this country through slavery all whites ever did was ordered, bossed, beaten, & killed blacks. Soul food was special course of food that bblaks ate. Whites want racism to end but it all started with racism. The white man invented racism it was ALWAYS about colors. Whites would say blacks stink, or that blacks are dirty if this is the case then why did whites want blacks to cook for them or rasie their children or clean their houses? it doesnt make any since to me it never has, and it never will. Whites will FOREVER be indinial even after slavery ended blacks still suffered through the civil rights movement. Everything was seperated but wasnt EQUAL. I can honestly say it didnt start getting better for blacks until the 1980 & on up. Even now tings are still up in the iar. whites hate obama & thinks he is ruining this country. but bush runied this country before obama even was elected. obama parties were crashed twice by some white people & no one still doesnt know who did it. It still alot of tension in the air. With the rodney king beaten, the O.J. simpson case, the troy davis case, thev JENNA 6 issue and so on and so on. prom night in mississippi is another example back in 2008. racism still exist and no one is to blame except WHITE PEOPLE. as i look at movies such a ROOTS, ROSEWOOD, MARTIN LUTHER KING DOCUMENTS, MISSISSIPPI BURNING, MANDINGO. those movies make me mad & cry espicially how whites did us back then. those moves on based on true stories that occured. those movies show whites mistreating blacks calling blacks niggers burning, & killing us. the people who is doing wrong in these films are white people but yet they hate to be blame. the media shows these movies all the time on television and the world watches these movies. so really how indenial & stupid can you really be? White people will save a dogs life in a heatt beat but they wont save a black person life. like the old saying goes kill an dog or cat everybody does some investigating but if u kill a black person everybody laugh & go home. ITS TRUE anytime i see these animal commercials asking people to donote money oto rescue homeless animals or shattered animals i often think to myself now why cant white folks care for black people like they care for animals? why do white people treat animals like humans but treat black people like animals. I guess white feel that even an animal is above a black person. minorities can say what they want to whites BECASUE WHITES HAS BEEN MISTREATING MINORITIES FOR OVER 300 YEARS. WHITES HAVE BEEN GETTING AWAY SCOTCH FREE ALL THE TIME. SO NOW THAT MINORITIES CAN SAY OR DO WHATEVER NOW WHITE PEOPLE WANT TO WHINE, COMPLAIN, & GRIP BECASUE THEY FEEL OFFENDED sorry but THAT IS BULLSHIT white people are devils I believe this fully with in my heart,mind,spirit, and soul. white people do wrong to others but cant understand why they get punished for their wrong doing. Whites had started this race riot now that the riot WILL NOT end they dont know what to do. you want strong reaction i will give you strong reaction MICHAEL VICK DESERVES TO PLAY FOOTBALL AGAIN I WISH WHITE PEOPLE FORGIVE HIM AND FORGET ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED BUT I HEAR WHITES STILL TALKING ABOUT HIM. SO WHY IS IT SO WRONG FOR BLACKS TO TALK ABOUT SLAVERY? YES I THINK WHITES SHOULD BE PUNISHED. SIMPLY BECASUE WHITE PEOPLE TEACH THEY KIDS ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE WHITE S TEACH THEY KIDS THAT THEY ARE BETTER THEN BLACK PEOPLE I KNOW THIS BECASUE A 3 YEARS OLD WHITE BOY CALLED MY AUNT A NIGGER IN WAL-MART NOW WHAT DOES A 3 YEARS OLD BOY KNOW ABOUT THAT WORD. ITS OBVIOUS HIS WHITE MOTHER OR FATHER TAUGHT HIM THAT. SO PLEASE KNOW RASICM ISNT OVER IT WILL NEVER BE OVER. THANKS TO YOU WHITE DEVILS. sTOP OVER LOOKING AND IGNORING WHAT YOUR RACE HAS DONE. ADJUST THE ISSUE ADMIT TO WRONG DOING, APOLOGIZE, GIVE A HELPING HAND. STOP TELLING BLACKS TO GET OVER IT. STOP TELLING BLACKS WE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. STOP TELLING BLACKS TO MOVE FORWARD JUST STOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP IT. THE MORE WHITE PEOPLE TELL US THIS IS THE MORE MADDER AND ANGRY WE GET. ITS NOT HELPING NONE IT JUST MAKES YOU LOOK LIKE YOU TAKE OWN UP TO SHIT AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR YOUR ACTIONS. WHITES ARE WRONG THEY WILL PAY FOR THE HELL THEY'VE CAUSED BLACKS. GOD SITS HIGH AND LOOK LOW. WHITES WILL BE PUNISHED MOST WHITES MAY NOT MAKE IT TO HEAVEN. NO MATTER WHAT EXCUSES YOU GIVE TO GOD. THE WHITE MAN IS THE ROOT OF BLACKS PROBLEMS JUST LIKE YOU WANT BLACKS TO OWN UP AND ADMIT THAT WE ARENT TRYING HARD ENOUGH..BLACKS WANTS WHITES TO ADMIT WHAT THEY DID TO BLACKS DURING SLAVERY, WE WANTS WHITES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR WRONG DOINGS. WE DONT WANT WHITES TO KEEP IGNORING AND PUSHING AWAY WHAT HAPPENED WE WANT APOLOGIES WE WANT WHITES TO KISS OUR ASSES LIKE BLACKS WERE FORECED TO KISS YALL ASSES FOR CENTURIES.
i agree with paradise 100% she is totally RIGHT. i love everything she speaks about. Only i would like to add that in the school system children are taught about slavery in history classes in history books. They teach children about slavery so why does whites want us to not speak about it when children across the nation are taught this at a young age. you cant ignore it. its something that wont go away
mike is a white man i can tell a white comment when i read or come across one. lke paradise says the white man started all of this not the white mans wants to claim innocent. you are not the victim. I like how mike says it was a FEW whites during slavery when minories know for a fact that ALL whites or MOST whites were starting slavery. mike says there are plenty of white people in ghettos? yeah right suree whatever we all know most black people are in ghettos and white people are in the surburbs AGAIN like paradise states STOP being indenial about the situation.
mike-first you say its not white epople faults that its 90% of african americans in prison but then you turn around and say most africans americans are successful????? you are back biting and choking at your own words. you flip-floped so fast you are absolutely a walking contradictions. my pastor is Dr. RL White he is the president of the NAACP and he is the guy that spoke up for michael vick. becasue just like white people take up for they race black people stick together and take up for they race as well. We dont care or give a damn to speak with any of your fake president of NY we got a REAL president and thats OBAMA and i promise you he will DISAGREE with you. I put my life on it
I notice mike says black arent trying hard enough. Mike i would like to say whites dont try hard enough either. The reach the top simply becasue they are white. I even hear and witness white girls reaching the top becasue they give oral sex just to reach the top. Like those girls that do playboy orv the white women that in the music and movie industry. but black women as sual are always given a hard time no matter what we do or say. THIS IS REAL STUFF IM SPEAKING ON. mike you need to watch that movie "THE HELP" i love that movie its an example of how white people act for real. white people want to stop being blamed for things but in they are the problems they always have been the issues and they always will be the issue. They have caused the most murders,killings,mistreatment, bloody wars,& disasters in america today rather they ADMIT it or DENY it. the only reason why all whites are on top to day is becasue of holding black people back for SOOOOOO many years. making money off us during slavery and that why so many whites are sitting on millions today. this is a real issue that whites do NOT want to be addressed on known.
i think its disturbing how mike is adressing people statements so offensively. hes on the defense line it just makes white people look more guilty when they reply with such attitude
Im jewish and I cant stand the white man
Wow,there are so many igorant people im this world,white and nlack. As an "other“ ethnicity,I've neen treated worse than an animal for my fair skin,and watched cared for others being treated like sub humans for having darker skin. Most of the posters here represent both of these ignorant racists. No one has an ecuse for hating others solely on their race,and if you wouldn't want it done to you,then don't do it to other peoples two wrongs don't make a right,and mabe you can't help but be angry,just know who you're really angry at.
How some white slaveowners treated there slaves was fucked up, but still if africans were not taken out of africa most of them would still be running around with spears. At least we gave you a future in America. Slavery has been happening for thousands of years and black people were only enslaved for 100 years in the union until the north banned it. THAT is america the south receded and became the confederate states of america and we won the civil war over slavery. The bloodiest battle that america has ever fought in, and having the most casualties. Theres a black president and i would have to say that racism is mostly done by black people today. Saying that the whites are dick heads and ruined everything but from my perspective we helped you more that we hurt you. A lot of people think White people ruined everything those people are uneducated. I only saw one thing that would have been better if africans were left in there native land and thats having there culture back. Thats not even good getting circumsized at age 14 to become a man sounds like good culture then im sorry ; but to me that sounds like horse shit. Im not trying to be racist but all black people think that slavery was so bad. Back in africa you would be getting butt fucked by rival tribes, dying of dehydration, starvation, and your average life span would be 35. Plus all of you are dwelling on slavery it was bad but think of the people in africa now there dying and it seems to me like you dont give two shits. IM done this is getting to long.
coel ~ your comments are welcome; please remove the profanity and I will be happy to post. Thanks!
mike you are crazy! whatever you and your klans men are smoking, you all should stop.
Bravo DeniseArt
well written blog and thanks for being mature dispite the ignorant comments.
this was a horrible thing...im glad it is over with except the kkk"s are still around
Hello everyone. I'd just like to say that I've read this entire discussion, due to a paper I have to write for finals.
Listen, I've learned a lot about what took place during slavery, and I can say with intellectual assertion, that the results of that period are still ingrained in the minds and emotions of many African Americans. This is mainly due to mental and emotional states, passed down through generations. If you do a study on the effects of fear and inferiority, you'll find the root of insecurity. Combine that with a lack of true ancestral identity, denial of education and the right to thrive and evolve as an individual. Then take into account the fact that a whole race of people was subjected to this. Theeeennn... take into further account that the civil rights movement's greatest achievements, barely took place within the mid 1900's.
Even if younger black American's no-longer thought about, brought up, or were even aware of that period in American history, that wouldn't reverse it's adverse effects.
I believe it to be futile and unproductive to hold white people responsible and force them to "admit what they've done, and what's happened", especially when the "white people" you talk to about it with haven't even considered the full scope of the impact. We have to stop trying to hold the wrong people accountable, because it isn't their responsibility, nor is it within their power to undo the effects of what happened.
Sure enough their are poor whites living next door to poor blacks, hispanics, asians and every other flavor that falls in that demographic, they have access to the same opportunities.
Personal responsibility does rear its head as an issue. Though music, art, and literature are great avenues through which blacks are naturally affluent in, our successful entertainers should share a fair bit of blame for the continued ignorance and self-destructive behavior our newer generations exhibit. Materialism, is just as much a contributor to violence and poverty as gangs and drugs are, in my opinion. First of all, our children's and young adult's most influential rolemodels, which are predominantly music entertainers, are promoting images that are sure to exclude you from the work force in most states and industries. The dope boy, rock-star, and thug images are the most perpetuated images by black youth, and sadly, many adults. I can say that, as an x-gang member who has served a collective 7 years of my young adult life in California's correctional system. I've watched, and been aparty to the life style and image that I'm speaking against now. With all the intellegence, creativity, enginuity, and untold ability within the black community, we should be producing more then great rappers! Sure, factors like drugs, gangs, and liquor stores are obstacles. But we have the power to overcome it all. I'm a walking testimony to that!
I challenge all of you who write strongly opinionated comments on this and similar hubs, as well as the rest of you, to take action. What's stopping you from organizing your thoughts and becoming a spokesmen/woman, doing what too few have had the courage or resolve to do? ... speak out, and educate our less enthusiastic and informed brothers and sisters! With all the opinion and emotion here, you have the ability and opportunity to start a community group that does more than vent on the "WEB", but rather holds and schedules meetings to speak in the community. Don't get it twisted, I share the same emotions you do, but I also know I'm better and capable of more than the past attempted to dictate! Glory to GOD. When, and if you decide to take my challenge, you'll be on your way to honoring the memory of those that we so readily mention suffering and dying for the form of freedom we experience now! The best part about it is, you won't be alone, because while we exert our energy here, others are already in action. Your "choice"... its one of the many beauties and gifts of life.
By the way, if you lack the knowledge(which IS power) and sense of direction to move forward, or want to link up with the type of individuals I've mentioned above, think along the lines of political interest groups and organizations; which you can join or create if you'd set your mind on it. Look at the Occupy Movement.
I love you all, but we live in a time in history where talk is cheap and freedom costs! Peace and motivation everybody!
Very well said KsArtRelevance
All that I can say to any of you is to better yourself and make your voice relevant. Stop blaming everyone. The problems you speak of are yours to fix. Every culture has experienced some form of oppression and at some point they all persevere. If this country that allows you to speak your mind has done such great wrongs that it has become intolerable, then I suggest you leave. There are plenty of diamond mines that need workers.
the weak ass comments Ive read on here are absolutely disgusting. Where is your personal drive and determination to overcome an obstacle once you have identified it? Im a white man and when you are white, you have to make it happen. No other white person is going to come grab you by the hand from your house and hand deliver you to a place of success. You have to create your own opportunities. You sound like a bunch of weak little whiners. You even identify actual bullet points where you were mislead- GREAT, NOW USE THAT KNOWLEDGE TO MOVE FORWARD. SUCK IT UP AND SHOW AMERICA YOU ARE A WINNER. Here is the MAIN ISSUE holding you back as a culture: We dont trust you. You lack OBSERVABLE moral fiber. You think that white people judge others by their RACE? we dont. We evaluate people we want to deal with BY CLASS ALONE, so we can determine if you are trust-worthy or not, not the race you are. Its classless to sit and whine about something that happened before any of us were born and that little dipshit kid that wants whites of today to apologize to you for it, fuck off kiddo. Its ridiculous and wont happen. The way you behave in our society as a people and the caliber of citizen you represent dissuades us from ever really having much to do with you, to be honest. You represent 90% of our criminal base in America. Thats disgusting and you are embarrassing yourselves and its quite easy to see why we dont like you or trust you. Through that, you reveal your character. You show your values. Each of you is a representative of your race to the world. You have to unite and say, "Lets show America that we arent absolute skumbags, drug dealers, rapists, kidnappers, whores, child molesters. As it stands right this SECOND, If we could find a way to evict you from the United States, we could single-handedly eliminate crime in America. You think that makes us want to help you? Hire you? Want you to live in our neighborhoods? Play with our children? You are a scourge and a user. YOU DESERVE NOTHING UNTIL YOU SHOW CLASS AND HONOR AND INTEGRITY, SO GET OFF YOUR ASS AND SHOW A LITTLE GUMPTION AND INITIATIVE, OR BE SORRY ASS WELFARE GOOD-FOR-NOTHINGS. It doesnt matter to me at all. Do you care enough about all the bs you were talking about to actually have pride in yourselves and behave legally, earn a little respect? Show you DESERVE a hand up, a promotion, a friend? You are killing people everyday in America, and you are doing the same thing in Africa. Until you have character, honor and integrity, you will never successfully run your own country. Right now South Africa (The part controlled by black Africans), leads the world in kidnappings, murder and rape. We ran it because you were incapable of it. You are so jealous of each other. You lack cohesion to share a common goal. You envy everyone for everything, Covet endlessly, and then you envy so badly you hurt your own kind, AND BLAME WHITE PEOPLE for what you do not have. You dont have the distinction, the fiber, or the verve for real power or success. You are criminals. Learn truth and honor. integrity.
PS, please post my entry I left yesterday, and if you must, its fine to abbreviate or replace the cusswords, and change my name above.
F'in Finally: Sorry that I did not post your comments but the user name you listed cannot be listed here. If you would like to go back and change that, I will post your comments; everyone has a right to their opinions and, whether I agree or disagree, free speech is a basic right. Thanks!
Denise this was a great post. Some black property are truly using slavery as AB excuse for everything though. How van you expec
While slavery was a terrible act the fact remains that if not for Slavery, where would the African Americans be now...Still in Africa!..
This doesn't explain why black people in most OECD nations commit the most crime, have the most illegitmate children, have the highest or a high jobless rate, don't finish school and live on welfare a la the United Kingdom, Australia, the USA etc. Not all black people were slaves...come on ladies and gentlemen, when will we adapt and take responsibility for ourselves and our families. It seems history is to blame...didn't James Joyce say that?
well a lot of times the reason why peopple are so "racsist" is because, how the person acts.Really is it being racists that you dont like that person because, they dont have any morals,respect and any values about them or the people around them.I think that its great that blacks want to kno where they came from.But black people shouldnt hold a grudge over white people for something bad that happend 50 to 100 years ago.yes it was very horrible to do that to another person.But not all whites had slaves.I know that my familly didnt cause we were to poor to have a slave.And also not all white people beet their slaves infact some treated them like familly.
Yes, it takes more than a few generations to take away the sting of slavery. Some experts said that it takes as long as 500 years for a people to heal from such a sting. It is hard for a race to know when to start counting when oppression is still amiss.
Slaves were forced to (1)breed and have illegitimate babies, (2) have mixed-race babies, (3) view marriages as unimportant. They saw fraudulent examples of Christianity. Sense of family and human decency were completely taken away because they were viewed as animals with no feelings.
Oppression of blacks continue until today. The right to vote was extended to blacks only in the 1960's. The law and the government were against Blacks and upheld this wrongdoing. Blacks have, in recent decades, undergone attempts of Black genocide through inhuman experiments done by the medical establishment and approved by the federal government. There are a plethora of hidden evils that still plague Blacks today. There are severe problems between Blacks and Whites. That is why they are always in conflict. It is shameful and among the world's prominent social issues. They are incapable of solving this problem.
Over 300 American years were denied Blacks, yet, they are expected to heal in a few decades. It is easy to say, "Forget it." What fool would forget his/her history? The ones who say, "Forget it," won't hardly forget theirs. History has a way of repeating itself. Forgive, yes. Forget, never, lest it be repeated!
Again, yes, we need to let the anger and heated discussions of slavery rest. We should close the book, but it would be a grave mistake to destroy it. Good or bad, "History is history."
M-Nation:
Blacks almost everywhere have had to face racial injustice and persecution upheld by the laws of the lands. When the law protects wrongdoing, that is a big problem. How long did Apartheid reign in South Africa? When did slavery end in America, and what movements followed it that were nearly as bad as slavery? These, too, were upheld by the law. It has not been 50 years in the US that blacks were granted the right to vote. Historically, how long has it taken a people to recover from such a sting as brutal slavery?
You said, "This doesn't explain why black people in most OECD nations commit the most crime, have the most illegitmate children, have the highest or a high jobless rate, don't finish school and live on welfare a la the United Kingdom, Australia, the USA etc"
Let me tell you, crimes of various natures, illegitimate and mixed-race births were forced upon blacks for over 200 years in the US. Black slaves had many jobs but were not paid for any. They were not allowed to get an education, and until recent decades, blacks were denied the funds that white got in their schools. (When I was a girl in first grade, I walked 3 miles to school daily while watching White children ride buses.) During slavery marriage was not encouraged and mostly considered unimportant among slaves who were viewed as animals. It took slave states over 200 years to stop doing these things to blacks, but the blacks are expected to recover in a few generations.
In America all Blacks are not on welfare. We are 13% of the population, and that's a small minority. Immigrants pour in every day, illegal and legal, and many of them need welfare assistance. Not all black people were slaves," but who can separate the slave decendants from non-slave descendants in America? Besides, they are still black and considered the
Scenario: A neighbor beat a man over the head for several hundred years and stopped. The abused was brainwashed to beat himself and has been doing it for 50 years, and his oppressor tells him that he should stop the stupidity when he himself could not do it for hundred's of years.
There is more to the problems of evil done to a people than you can see, and each country and people have their own story.
I cannot answer your questions, but I did have the same questions for the oppressors of blacks, and no one has satisfied me with a seensible answer yet, neither have I seen one on our pages of history. You know, some people have not yet gotten over the crucifixion of Jesus? As long as that has been, some people still cry! Do we wonder why? Walk a mile in my soes and know me.
Correction: "Walk a mile in my shoes . . . ."
Well said - thank you.
You defeated your own purpose by using harshness and disrespect to present your argument. Integrity? Your choice of words belittles you terribly.
You stereotyped Blacks and Whites heavily. Blacks are individuals and are not all alike, neither are they all unsuccessful. There are indeed more successful Whites in the US; numerically, there are more Whites than Blacks. Again, we are only 13% according to the 2011 US Census Bureau.
No one alive in America is a slave of the 1600 to 1800's. No one alive is a slave owner. Those people are dead, and I trust that everyone is aware of that. Anyone who blames present-day Whites for slavery may be confused. However, I do frown upon anyone who tries to don that supreme mentality akin to a slaveowner who wants to be worshipped. Such a person acts as if he is God's perfect gift to mankind, the desire of Black people, perfection, and one who deserves reverence. By comparison, a good person is humble, kind, considerate, and knows how to treat people even when they disagre with them. This kind of person earns respect.
There are things in the past that White AND Blacks won't give up. For example, Blacks in Mississippi fought over the state flag a few years back. Black said that it should be replaced because it represents hatred and slavery while Whites said that it should remain because it represents everything that their forefathers stood for. There are many other things that blacks and Whites won't give up from the past. That's life whether we like it or not. You said that Blacks should let slavery whining rest. I agree, but, as I said in another post, it is history and should not be forgotten. I also believe that the Mississippi state flag should remain, simply because history is full of negative and positive events and people. It is not realistic to try to paint a perfect history because histories are far from perfect. History is supposed to be truth. Besides, a flag is only cotton fabric. It cannot hurt anything or anyone.
One of the biggest problems and evils in the black community is crack cocaine, just like crystal meth is often found in the White community. Both communities have organized gangs. Both are knee deep in drug dealings. Both commit a variety of other crimes, and blacks do not commit 93% of crimes you mentioned. Check the 2011 Census Bureau statistics. Whites commit high levels of some crimes, too. Whites usually plan and strategize their crimes while Blacks are passionate criminals, especially when it comes to killings. Investigators discover a White crime at the bottom of the sea years later or never, for example, and a black crime is discovered in the living room and he/she is soon arrested. So, there is little detective work or passage of time with most black criminals. A White may kill a wife and her bones are discovered ten years later in a piano in the attic or end up a cold case while a Black may be running from the crime scene as the police arives. I am basing these scenarios on the many reports I have viewed across the years and true programs like Investigation Discovery. Also, White criminals are more apt to hire a shrewd lawyer and get off the hook. Some Blacks do that, too. Statistics are the best records we have, but they are not accurate. If stats were taken on traffic tickets, they would not be accurate. I have been stopped for speeding many times in my life and found favor in the officers who gave me warnings because my record was clean.
Bermy lady:
You said, "I have read all entries with great interest. I am a European white woman, living in Bermuda. For the first time in my life I am confronted with angry black people who reproach me "my past". When I tell them I am "colourblind", meaning that to me it does not matter what you look like, they tell me I am just turning away from facing "the issue". I don't get it. How can I behave towards black people so that they are no longer angry at me? After all, I was never part of slavery"
You are not supposed to feel guilty about slavery! You do not owe anyone an apology, regardless of your nationality. Slaves and slavemasters are long dead.
This hub is about the "Effects of Slavery Today." Only those affected know. If it were about the effects of the Declaration of Independence today, who would say that it does not affect them because it was signed in 1776, such a long time ago?
Your peace cannot be found within others; it must be found within yourself. No one on this thread has done anything to cause slavery. We are all innocent, so let's enjoy peace!
"No one can hurt you unless you give your permission." No one has my permission.
Kayla:
Well said! I must quote someone I read a few weeks ago: "You build bridges between people, not walls."
Reconstruction (1866 - 1876) and then the Jim Crow era (1877 - 1965) during which time many blacks were lynched. There was also Jim Crow segregation in the North and continued discrimination in housing and education well into the 1970s.
People need to understand that discrimination against blacks did not end with slavery by any means. It still goes on in fact, in ways that impact upon people's life chances. I don't have the time or space to go into everything. But search out info on redlining, racial steering, and unfair sentencing laws, to start.
Your all racists. To blind to look in a mirror.
This whole thing about racism is stupid! We are all the same. I am a white teenager, and I have both black and white friends.
Well blacks people got to move forward and get on with life you can't go back and change the past but you can can your direction in the future by hitting the books harder just like the asians people that the only way you can beat these people talking and thinking that some white man is going to fall from the sky take you to his big white house in the sky think brother they are full of shit as long as you think like a slave you will alway be a slave
I dont care were you live or if you got a father or a mother in the house hold turn off that dame TV and hit those books hard and i don't give a shit who wins the super bowel get your education brothers and sisters that how the asian man is now kicking the white people ass look at the ACT/SAT results 2011 the asians or on top they don't give a shit what the white man think they drop boom on they ass 60years ago and now they kicking their asses again in education because they block the black man but they could not stop them wake up brothers sister education is the only way you become free
we cause sit here all day trying to make that white man like us or we can move forward by educating our parents and our kids or we could sit and talk about the 1700/1865 we were slaves but what the white man doesent know is all the white people who took part in the slave trade are now paying for it in hell god did not except them in his kindowm of heaven those people are burning for there crimes so god has delt with them now move forward and get on with life our you soul to will burn just like there are now peace out.
I know those people who profited in the slave trade are now paying the price for there crimes and any other ungodly crimes because 3years ago i almost died and i ask GOD to spare my life because my kids are to young in their life to loose me this way. spare me one more day and god said i shell and i walked away from that crush unhurt and i cross over to the other side in a blink of and eye and hurt the cries from all those who who thought god was FULL of shit and i must say brothers and sister now you all know GOD will may not give you another day he may so no and the devil will say now i got your ass and you belong to me now boys and girls
The rap up when you cross over the first thing you will hear crys from hell and you willknow who were sent there you wont see any white light you see
darkness first and you will hear god voice calling out to you and you can speak to just like i can write this text so the answear about slavery is god has all ready delt with those folk years ago and you will hear there crys to
I think that you should ask youself one question: Were YOU a slave owner? (NO) were you a slave?(NO). This is the 20th century... until we stop bringing up the mistakes of the past we will NEVER move forward as a nation. 100 years later and we still fight over the past. Its foolish and it gets us nowhere. Yes, my ancestors were treated harsh, but ITS OVER. Understand that we are living in the present not the past.
(P.S. yes, im African American.
omi saide 2 years ago
human beings from the beginning of time always enslaved each other(the slavs in europe,during roman and eqyptian eras). Slavery took a twist the with the advent of african slave trade based on color and caste.During the wars over islamic conversion,european trade,territory, africans sold us to europeans to rid themselves of opponents. Post slavery handicaps are the formation of ghettos,inner city woes,ineffective public school system,disintegration of black families etc.Since every ethnic group didnot come out of the starting gate at the same time,there will be unequal result.the black elite enjoy the status quo.It helps them to stand out amongst the masses.Throwing crumbs to certain patrons to keep the system as it is for their privelege brood just no different from ultra liberal political machines.I am a slave descendant.My family have had to buffer the storm in the south against marauding KKK members and systematic racism.Your blog is nice and insightful.