tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post1705472557025459245..comments2024-03-28T02:32:09.047-05:00Comments on Give2Attain: Some of Us are Complicit in RacismJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-203751665506316592017-06-01T08:05:07.657-05:002017-06-01T08:05:07.657-05:00"so what type of person gives their child a &..."so what type of person gives their child a "unique" name? A doctor, lawyer or some other successful person... I don't think so."<br /><br />Let's review what you're saying here -- that it's perfectly OK to discriminate against someone because their parents gave them a name that you find to be "strange".<br /><br />" They politely explain to the officer or other what is happening and the potential situation goes away. Makes sense to me."<br /><br />Tell that to Philando Castile. Or Henry Louis Gates. Or any number of other examples. But maybe we should be asking ourselves the question what the impact of facing this additional scrutiny has on regular, law abiding people over time. Even the Mayor of New York had to have "the talk" about interacting with police with his biracial son.<br /><br />"I stand with my original point, as long as a significant percentage of people within a population act in a given negative way, all people within that population will need to deal with the negative consequences."<br /><br />Especially when their skin is dark!Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-10882153181921838812017-05-31T21:45:48.435-05:002017-05-31T21:45:48.435-05:00Here is a different interpretation of that Hal Urb...Here is a <a href="https://kidzfizbiz.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/lifes-greatest-lessons-20-things-that-matter/" rel="nofollow">different interpretation of that Hal Urban book I love</a>...<br /><br />Maybe liberals need to <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=obstacles+are+those+frightening+things&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj5yfz6z5vUAhUi94MKHZo4DBgQsAQIKg&biw=1100&bih=711" rel="nofollow">print out some of these</a>... It is one of my favorite sayings...<br /><br />No wonder many unsuccessful people see nothing but obstacles when they have a huge group of people pointing them out to them every day.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-87225114490994509572017-05-31T21:39:34.387-05:002017-05-31T21:39:34.387-05:00Just imagine how much better the lives of all unsu...Just imagine how much better the lives of all unsuccessful people would be if they adopted and lived by those beliefs...<br /><br />You know... The beliefs that all us successful Parents teach our children, and reinforce regularly.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-27793126557426983432017-05-31T21:37:14.625-05:002017-05-31T21:37:14.625-05:00It does make for an interesting discussion. FYI, ...It does make for an interesting discussion. FYI, apparently the favorite names are pretty normal, so what type of person gives their child a "unique" name? A doctor, lawyer or some other successful person... I don't think so.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.babycenter.com/0_popular-african-american-names_10329236.bc" rel="nofollow">Favorite Baby Names for African Americans</a><br /><br />The upside is that I have friends who are Black and they tell me interesting stories. People do watch them closer due to "the bad eggs" in their population grouping. They politely explain to the officer or other what is happening and the potential situation goes away. Makes sense to me.<br /><br />I stand with my original point, as long as a significant percentage of people within a population act in a given negative way, all people within that population will need to deal with the negative consequences.<br /><br />So the big question is how do we improve educational results, reduce gang membership, increase the number of 2 parent households, reduce welfare reliance, etc within that population. As Rolle said:<br /><br />"No. I honestly - I never had a doubt. And I cannot take the credit. I give that to my parents. You know, we came from the islands of the Bahamas, and I left there when I was very young, ended up moving to New Jersey. And in New Jersey, my parents were prophesied to my brothers and I and speak and hardwire into our minds that just because we come from a small country, just because we have dark skin, just because we don't have a lot of money does not mean that we cannot accomplish our goals in this country that has an abundancy (ph) of resources.<br /><br />We have to develop our firm foundation of education. We have to believe in ourselves. We have to be good citizens, good leaders, stay true to our Christian principles, and these things could happen for us. So they poured the confidence in me, and I walked out of my house in New Jersey every morning thinking, yeah, why not? Why can't I do both? Why can't I do all things? Once I had that firm belief, it gave me, you know, the initiative to kind of go and pursue those things with all veracity."Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-81663735503384676892017-05-31T20:30:10.108-05:002017-05-31T20:30:10.108-05:00how do you pick which person speaks for all black ...how do you pick which person speaks for all black men? I think if you were to do a survey the majority would tell you stories of the racism they have experienced. <br /><br />Do you really think that a conservative guy understands the life of Black men in America better than the Black men?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/06/27/on-views-of-race-and-inequality-blacks-and-whites-are-worlds-apart/st_2016-06-27_race-inequality-overview-02/" rel="nofollow">Perceptions of how blacks are treated in the U.S. vary widely by race</a>Laurienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-21032716335533807332017-05-31T19:37:57.003-05:002017-05-31T19:37:57.003-05:00"They may be concerned about people who name ..."They may be concerned about people who name their children strange names." <br /><br />Well, that says it all right there. Naming a child in accordance with your cultural heritage is "strange" if you're black. You don't even recognize your own bias.<br /><br />"Remember some kids named Dweezil, Moon Unit, Diva and Ahmet?"<br /><br />You're seriously comparing the experience of the children of a millionaire rock star to those of poor minorities? <br /><br />"Do you really think that a bunch of Liberals understand the life of a Black man in America better than the Black men noted in the post?"<br /><br />No, I don't claim to understand the life of a black man. They live a wholly different experience than I do. What I can do is listen. What I can do is not base my worldview on cherry-picked quotes that only reinforce my world view. (Are you willing to accept Jesse Jackson's view on police behavior towards African-Americans, or are you only willing to regurgitate that same 20-year old quote of his?) What I can do is realize that I'll never be questioned because of my name or the texture of my hair. What I can do is realize I won't have to risk being the best in the world at my profession and having someone spray-paint a racial slur on my house.Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-54141254675126335652017-05-31T19:04:35.972-05:002017-05-31T19:04:35.972-05:00Do you really think that a bunch of Liberals under...Do you really think that a bunch of Liberals understand the life of a Black man in America better than the Black men noted in the post?Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-73682826321114660662017-05-31T19:03:04.737-05:002017-05-31T19:03:04.737-05:00And Sean,
Please remember what I said above...
&...And Sean,<br /><br />Please remember what I said above...<br /><br />"<b>I have no problem acknowledging that there are racists and racism in America. I just don't think it is the primary reason why unsuccessful people are unsuccessful.</b> And I just find it frustrating when folks like this white Rabbi start throwing rocks from his glass house. While Liberals say negative things about Black men who they disagree with.<br /><br />Why are you so resistant to acknowledge that Liberal policies enable and promote dependency, bad choices, ineffectual Parenting situations, challenged children and continued generational poverty...<br /><br />I am happy to discuss the unsuccessful white people who are on food stamps. I am certain that their impoverished existence has the same primary root causes. Failed families, poor parenting, a lack of focus on education, government dependency, etc. Not racism...<br /><br />I am happy to push them to change, learn, improve and be responsible Parents. Are you ready to demand that of non-white folks? Or are you going to continue to make excuses for them?"Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-47918469452377717582017-05-31T19:00:01.672-05:002017-05-31T19:00:01.672-05:00This is an interesting example... Was it really he...This is an interesting example... Was it really her race or hair that caused the termination? Or an inability to just ignore mean stupid people?<br /><br /><br />"Rhonda Lee had long been told that she needed to make her natural hair “more pleasing to a wider audience,” she told HuffPost Live on Thursday, but she never expected her hair style to actually compromise her job.<br /><br /><b>Lee, an African American woman who currently works as a meteorologist for WeatherNation TV, recalled how comments she made in response to Internet vitriol targeting her hair ultimately led to her being fired by her former network.</b><br /><br />“There really does come a breaking point when either you’re going to accept me as I am and how I do my job, or you’re not,” she explained. “Apparently my station of KTBS chose not, and I was quickly fired for... two different comments that got me in trouble, both times defending being black in general.”<br /><br />While the network first asked that she let them know before releasing a “controversial statement” in the future, Lee told Nancy Redd, she took issue with that request given the nature of her commentary.<br /><br />“[It] was kind of confusing to me at the time because I don’t really consider my hair to be controversial — I just consider it to be on my head!” she affirmed.<br /><br />Her goal in responding to comments was not to stir the pot, she explained, but to celebrate her unique heritage.<br /><br />“When it comes to looks, I feel like what I said to that viewer was that I’m very proud of who I am,” she said."<br />Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-50992697464098534882017-05-31T18:49:23.631-05:002017-05-31T18:49:23.631-05:00"This ain't behavior-based discernment --..."This ain't behavior-based discernment -- it's discrimination based on perceived skin color."<br /><br />I guess I disagree. I think most people could not care less what someone's skin color is.<br /><br />They may be concerned about people who name their children strange names. And how they raised those children... Remember some kids named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Zappa" rel="nofollow">Dweezil, Moon Unit, Diva and Ahmet</a>?<br /><br />I know I would think twice before bringing "Dweezil" in for an interview...Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-40542201567584471412017-05-31T12:42:07.435-05:002017-05-31T12:42:07.435-05:00Maybe try googling "woman fired for natural b...Maybe try googling "woman fired for natural black hair" and look through the over 6 million results that come back, too. Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-17816225033652402052017-05-31T12:31:29.269-05:002017-05-31T12:31:29.269-05:00"As for the firing, that happens because of t..."As for the firing, that happens because of those beliefs, speech patterns, attitude, etc and not "probability"."<br /><br />If you look at the "not hiring" side of the equation, multiple studies have shown that just isn't true. Researchers sent out identical resumes with "white names" and "black names" on them -- the same resume was 50% more likely to get a callback if it had a "white name". Researchers sent people to job interviews with the same resume and the same interview training. The job offer rate for blacks with no criminal record was the same as whites with a criminal record. <br /><br />And looking beyond employment, similar studies have been done that show that doctors are less likely to recommend certain procedures to African-Americans, that they get worse pricing at car dealerships, that they get discriminated against while apartment hunting, that they are less likely to get a response when they send a letter to their elected representatives, that they were less likely to get responses from universities when inquiring about research opportunities, and they got fewer bids on eBay when a black hand was shown in the item picture versus a white hand. And all-white juries are significantly more likely to convict a black defendant than a mixed race jury.<br /><br />This ain't behavior-based discernment -- it's discrimination based on perceived skin color.<br /><br />Links to all the mentioned studies are here:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/04/upshot/the-measuring-sticks-of-racial-bias-.html?_r=0" rel="nofollow">NYT: The Measuring Sticks of Racial Bias</a>Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-4619674918726466342017-05-31T12:04:42.439-05:002017-05-31T12:04:42.439-05:00As for the firing, that happens because of those b...As for the firing, that happens because of those beliefs, speech patterns, attitude, etc and not "probability".<br /><br />As for police officer being a little rough. I assume that happens because of those beliefs, speech patterns, attitude, etc and not "probability". It does not take long to read these...Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-81539444004822866382017-05-31T12:00:29.978-05:002017-05-31T12:00:29.978-05:00As for the girl in that short skirt. No still mea...As for the girl in that short skirt. No still means no...<br /><br />But she shouldn't complain about the looks, advances and comments if she looks like a street walker...Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-5127065882680980132017-05-31T11:58:29.269-05:002017-05-31T11:58:29.269-05:00Assuming you have kids out in that very white comm...Assuming you have kids out in that very white community in which I think you live... (ie far west burb)<br /><br />Do you encourage them to hang out with the ghetto / gang / drunk crowd or the academics / sports crowd?<br /><br />You can say that how someone dresses, speaks, behaves, etc shouldn't matter in your idealistic world. The reality is that it does and always will because humans are not ideal...<br /><br />People are very capable of reading others and we as humans need to be self aware enough to decide how we want to be perceived. If you wanta dress and act like a gangsta... You will probably be treated like one and I am fine with that.<br />Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-35598701562011359972017-05-31T10:05:17.858-05:002017-05-31T10:05:17.858-05:00"These folks have chosen a lifestyle / appear..."These folks have chosen a lifestyle / appearance / attitude that comes with consequences."<br /><br />And the girl with the short skirt was asking for it, right?Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-33865726516446893132017-05-31T09:53:32.447-05:002017-05-31T09:53:32.447-05:00You're ducking the questions.You're ducking the questions.Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-7148338165033019622017-05-31T08:57:52.699-05:002017-05-31T08:57:52.699-05:00I think I have told you about my incredibly racial...I think I have told you about my incredibly racially integrated daughters who chastise me if I even note that a black woman's afro is HUGE... These girls were raised in very diverse schools and have best friends from every race.<br /><br />They taught me that the issue is not about race, it is about "ghetto/gang" and "non-ghetto" people. The choices that people make regarding how they dress, act, speak, behave and what they believe. If they value education...<br /><br />My brilliant daughters with the coaching from my wonderful wife learned early how to stay away from kids who were ghetto/gang. No matter what race they were.<br /><br />So should bosses and police officers treat "ghetto / gang" people differently. The answer is yes.<br /><br />These folks have chosen a lifestyle / appearance / attitude that comes with consequences. And anyone dealing with them would be foolish to not acknowledge the risks.<br /><br />These folks seem to understand... <a href="https://twincities.dressforsuccess.org/about-us/" rel="nofollow">Dress for Success</a>Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-14020551716873587572017-05-31T08:31:09.719-05:002017-05-31T08:31:09.719-05:00Is it OK for an employer to fire you/not hire you ...Is it OK for an employer to fire you/not hire you because they fear the "probability"?<br /><br />Is it OK for cop to get a little rough with you right away because they fear the "probability"?Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-8368437503705105532017-05-31T08:26:48.506-05:002017-05-31T08:26:48.506-05:00Your Heritage link is nonsense. The Obama "di...Your Heritage link is nonsense. The Obama "dismantling" of work requirements required states to demonstrate that their changes had actually put *more* people back to work than the existing program or they would have to repay money to the federal government. And two of the five states requesting such waivers were Republican-led states (Utah and Nevada).Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-90953579966380047952017-05-31T07:15:21.583-05:002017-05-31T07:15:21.583-05:00Or there is my draconian idea that welfare Mom'...Or there is my draconian idea that welfare Mom's on the system can have no more than 2 kids. All others must be aborted early or given up for adoption.<br /><br />Repeat offenders must have their tubes tied.<br /><br />Put the children first not the Baby Mamas and Papas.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-55896088708851006962017-05-30T23:20:09.037-05:002017-05-30T23:20:09.037-05:00Or this one from Wharton.
"Social scientists...Or <a href="https://publicpolicy.wharton.upenn.edu/live/news/1616-using-policy-to-promote-strong-families/for-students/blog/news.php" rel="nofollow">this one from Wharton</a>.<br /><br />"Social scientists have not reached a consensus as to why marriage rates have declined among low-income Americans. Conservatives claim that increased aid available for single parents has financially enabled single parenthood. In addition, they argue that lower combined benefits from means-tested welfare programs for married couples disincentivize marriage for recipients. Liberals favor the argument that the shortage of jobs for less educated men has negatively impacted the marriageability of men in this income bracket. Many also believe that the liberalization of abortion and contraceptives has led to rises in premarital sex and the erosion of the “shotgun marriages” – marriages forced or hurried by pregnancy. Although there is no consensus on how much of the decline to attribute to each cause, scientists do agree that this decline in marriage rates has major ramifications for society today. Family instability reduces prospects of socioeconomic mobility for children. "Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-50641430997781694502017-05-30T23:12:18.687-05:002017-05-30T23:12:18.687-05:00These folks have some ideas. Though they are a bi...These <a href="http://www.heritage.org/welfare/report/the-unfinished-work-welfare-reform" rel="nofollow">folks have some ideas</a>. Though they are a bit vague and how to promote 2 Parent households.<br /><br />"The Unfinished Work<br /><br />The ’96 reform was only a first step toward reducing the needless dependency fostered by the structure of our welfare state. But it was a successful step, and the gains it has produced should be consolidated, not undone.<br /><br />In the coming years, reformers have their work cut out for them. They must begin by resolutely opposing the Obama administration’s efforts to dismantle the work requirements in TANF, which are the heart of the program and the key to the effectiveness of the 1996 reform. The administration’s changes to the program are not only counterproductive, but unlawful. They must not be allowed to stand.<br /><br />And to build on the successes of welfare reform and regain the initiative, reformers should pursue a three-part agenda. First, workfare must be expanded to other means-tested programs like food stamps and public housing. Second, the overall costs of all our ballooning welfare programs must be controlled through a cap on aggregate spending. Third, serious attention must be paid to the crisis of unwed parenting that drives so much of today’s poverty.<br /><br />The 1996 welfare reform was enacted even under a Democratic president because the public was clearly behind its basic goals. It was clear that America’s welfare system was terribly dysfunctional and that addressing poverty and dependency would require making welfare beneficiaries work. These same truths are just as evident today; we are just as much in need of a robust reform effort with the strong support of the public. It is time to turn ending “welfare as we know it” from an old slogan into a reality."Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-61673152947798079392017-05-30T22:19:29.257-05:002017-05-30T22:19:29.257-05:00it seems like in our current economy a work requir...it seems like in our current economy a work requirement might be reasonable, as so many business are hiring right now. That might work on the margins. Many (most?) recipients of govt safety net programs are already working. What do you suggest?Laurienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-83645196211707471232017-05-30T21:55:17.861-05:002017-05-30T21:55:17.861-05:00Laurie and Sean,
I have no problem acknowledging t...Laurie and Sean,<br />I have no problem acknowledging that there are racists and racism in America. I just don't think it is the primary reason why unsuccessful people are unsuccessful. And I just find it frustrating when folks like this white Rabbi start throwing rocks from his glass house. While Liberals say negative things about Black men who they disagree with.<br /><br />Why are you so resistant to acknowledge that Liberal policies enable and promote dependency, bad choices, ineffectual Parenting situations, challenged children and continued generational poverty...<br /><br />I am happy to discuss the unsuccessful white people who are on food stamps. I am certain that their impoverished existence has the same primary root causes. Failed families, poor parenting, a lack of focus on education, government dependency, etc. Not racism...<br /><br />I am happy to push them to change, learn, improve and be responsible Parents. Are you ready to demand that of non-white folks? Or are you going to continue to make excuses for them?Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.com