UMMM…HELLO!! The recession hurts everyone…black, white, yellow, brown, whatever! Recession sees no color! To say that it hurts one class more than another is absurd! Whites are being hit just as bad as blacks or anyone else.

And as far as getting a job goes it’s just as hard for anyone else also. I know several people who were laid off because of this bad economy and they haven’t found work yet even though they’ve tried everything.

So stop doing the woe is me thing here! Everyone has it bad now!!

Cindy…Ga.

What they are saying is blacks as a whole are not getting the jobs after being laid off. Just because you know a few of your freinds who were laid off does not show the overall disparity between the two compared groups.

Now that we have Cindy’s extensive study by talking to her friends/families, we can safely ignore all the statistics and research done by the professionals.

Brava, Cindy! I have been looking for a way to try & cope by getting a second job….and have been looking since NOVEMBER! Still don’t have it, have given up my cable, a balanced diet, and my cat….what’s next?

BTW: I’m SWF, 42 years old….. You don’t have to be “of color” to have issues with this economy.

I kind of agree, I know plenty of friends in the northeast with college degrees that are laid off and in search. This is truly a tough time for all americans and not just one group.

1% of black males have successfully obtained a place in cooperate America and 60% of white Americans believe that this is a great improvement since the 1960’s.

Did I hear you correctly, Soledad? I caught a little of your report a few minutes ago while watching CNN. I’m watching now, can you repeat your poll numbers please?

Thank you for your wonderful reporting.

Cindy from GA….calm down. Of course, many Americans are going through tough times. Since you mentioned other racial groups, I’m interested to know what are the effects of a recession of those racial groups. In the recession of 1980-82, were 50% of white, yellow, or brown teens unemployed? Perhaps, CNN is doing the responsible thing by shedding light on several issues that disproportionately affect a large population of Americans. Two segments devoted to addressing problems within the Black community out of CNN’s 24/7, 365 day news coverage, doesn’t consitute a “whoa is me thing.” I applaud this blog and CNN’s “Black in America” segment and hope that some good will come out of this for all Americans.

Recession DOES hurt EVERYONE!!!

I am SO sick of these black man fathering children that they are not able to support and thinking nothing of it!! Also, black women becoming pregnant by these black men and even having More children. The children then suffer becoming a burden on society. Maybe they would not have it so hard if they did not have all of these children.

I believe one the stories last night (I did NOT watch the whole show) was about a women at a young age getting pregnant – she did not use contraception) and then getting pregnant again THREE more times.

Something here has to change!!! Society cannot support them (although they expect it) take a little responsibility (Obama is right) and then maybe recession would not be so hard.

I agree with Cindy from Ga, everyone is hurting right now due to the economy. But I think there is a larger percentage of black people who fall in the middle to lower class pay categories. This is why their percentages are higher. Poorer people do not have the same advantages and resources. This is true across the board, no matter what race, religion, or color you are.

it ticks me off that blacks always have a chip on their shoulder. If this article was called ” Recession and White America” the blacks would consider it racist. Martin Luther King wanted us to all be equal. Welcome to the Equal World !!!!!! White, black, asian, whatever, none of us can get jobs right now. Its not just a black thing. Get over it !!!!!!

This is based on past statistics… When you look back it has been harder for african americans to get back to work after being laid off. Now of course there are some who might get lucky and others who do not. First of all alot of African Americans do not whine woe is me, the government did this and that they work, eat and sleep like you they might have more issues to deal with but its not diffrent if you keep grouping poeple you show how you truly are.

I am a young African-American college student writing this comment from the library on campus. How many other black students,in the last one hour, have entered or left the library in the middle of summer to study besides myself…..TWO!!!

That’s part of the problem in the community. We have to raise our standards and have black students complete high school so they can go on to college and compete for better paying jobs. Education is not the only answer, but one of the major solutions to raising the standard of living in the black community.

A recession does affect a lot of people, businesses, and families. Let’s face it…. it can have a dominoe effect on other areas of our life. So, one should try to walk in a person of color’s “shoes” and seek to understand first. Even during a healthy economy none of us our color blind. We have come a long way in race relations in this country, however there are still some lingering discrepancies. Therefore, it is not a surprise that a recession can hit minorities significantly. Why does it hit them hard. Well, they do not have a substantial economic, political, or social position in this country to have any real power to withstand the negative downturns of our economy. Job interviewers do look at race, even if they are not supposed to…

Perhaps the question is, WHY they were laid off (recession and cut backs yes, but were they at the bottom of the totem poll for being poor workers?), and did they whole-heartedly seek a replacement job?

Funny thing. I was laid off a few months ago – but my company retained the Black employees for fear of being sued for discrimination.

It is very easy to look at the statistics – and they probably prove that Black people have a harder time, but that does not give me any solice.

Many companies reasoning is that it is hard to find and recrute qualified Black employees, if they lay them off during a recession they will not be able to hire the same number back – so white, under 40 men go first. You might want to check on that statistic too.

When I hear advocate for ‘afirmative action’ expound on the good it has done – I wonder if they know it has taken food out of the mouths of my children.

Cindy,

You are correct. Everyone’s hurts in a recession – but that’s not the point of this article. The concern is that our global competitive position is at risk.

The issue is the level of pain and the aggregated circumstances afflicted on any group – and why. Look at the disparities in the unemployment rates. Look at the education disparities. Why? These are not recession differences, these are societal concerns.

Wait! No, excuses. Just perspectives.

You mentioned that everyone has it bad – now. Maybe your bad is everyone else’s normal (no work for 6 months) – and now their bad is worse(no work for 12 months).

Gregg
Duke MBA, Class of 199_
Unemployed

As for blacks losing alot of jobs: the car manufacturers have a proportionately higher rate of “minorities”, which means a higher % are going to get hurt in the crunch of unemployment. But it also meant they were getting some pretty good wages. And we all know what’s happened in the car biz.

Blacks arent getting laid off any more than other workers. However, the line of work might be focus.

RE: ” And when a recession hits, blacks take longer to regain employment after the economy recovers.”….. Had it occured to you that maybe MAYBE certain people dont WANT to get off their unemployment benefits and arent trying to SPRING back into the workforce? As for the black teens being unemployed, perhaps some of them have SIDE jobs that one wouldnt report as employment?

Cindy ^5: yer right on as usual.

Calvin from Lousiana: ^5 to you as well. I personally have seen with my public school education and now my sons that black students are being done a terrible disservice in school by getting a free ride through classes instead of schools truly being interested in the kids learning. PARENTS: if you dont care about your childrens education: the rest of the world doesnt either.

No matter how much Americans HATE to hear how much harder it is for Blacks in America, it does not change the facts or statistics…facts and stats do not care about how tired you are of hearing about it , it doesn’t care about how much you try to keep it under wraps.

I hear White Americans saying time and time again that “slavery and racism is over…let’s put it behind us…let’s get over it already”.

I am curious to know if some Americans wonder what would be the long lasting adverse affects on White Amercans if they were enslaved for over 200 years?? And need I remind those of you that think racism is a thing of folk stories of the long gone past…there are still some people around who have witnessed thier relatives being lenched and have themselves suffered and still suffer racism.

Remember…You don’t ask the rapist if the rape is over with…you ask the one who was raped.

I grew up in the inner city of New Orleans and used to own a Red 944
Porsche Turbo. The Popo would treat me like a cheap watch, meaning they would stop me every second. In fact , more often than not they would ask me who’s car I was driving. Frankly, I would
find great pleasure in showing the officers my registration,insurance and license. On another occasion one of my coworkers asked me.
How could I afford to drive a Porsce? I said, easy when my note comes in the mail I pay it. I could write a Novel on the number of times that I have experienced racism.

Cindy -
I agree with you that the recession hurts everyone; however, let us focus on the important details of the article.

“as the unemployment rate increases for the population overall in a recession, the increase among blacks is roughly double. And when a recession hits, blacks take longer to regain employment after the economy recovers.”

The article is not trying to take away the pain of any other race, but it is clearly pointing out that in this current society blacks are getting hit harder because of the lower wages they naturally get, the lack of education they receive, and the jobs they are not given due to their skin color (females are affected in similar manners due to their gender). I am sure that you know some white people who are getting hit harder than some black people, I understand; but the fact remains that the majority of blacks are getting hit harder than the majority of whites due to circumstances before the recession. Let us not be foolish by assuming otherwise! I am 26, black, and well-educated…let me make it clear — I am the exception! I have never used my color as an excuse even when it was clearly a factor, but I cannot tell anyone else that it is not a valid excuse. The numbers in my neighborhood are crystal clear: 3 out of 20 kids made it to college…the rest didn’t finish high school!

The picture is bigger than this article and the recession – look around…there is something really wrong in this country!

Patrick
Brockton, MA

I agree with Calvin’s comments. Education is free, so go get it. All this talk about race and discremination in the work force, but all I hear is black and white. I put an add in the paper for cabinet assembler when I first opened my small business. I received several calls (not a single african american) and hired 4 guys. Two of the hires were white and the other two were hispanic. The two white guys didnt show up half the time, using multiple excuses, and eventually one stop showing up all together. I did my best to offer equal opportunity to work, and in the end I have to use the guys who show up and want to work.

I can see how statistically blacks have a higher unemployment rate since many might be working in lower less skilled/educated jobs and could be easily be replaced by someone else for even cheaper pay. I say that because Google tries so hard (look up the incentives they offer) to retain their employees – many who come from elite colleges who have much to offer the company and are irreplaceable – otherwise they wouldn’t bother with the incentives they give their employees. The point is the better educated and skilled you are the better chances you have with surviving a recession.

Recession hurt POOR people more than better off people. It does not matter the color. I can’t believe you need to examine this issue

Why is it about Blacks? I and a number of my friends, who are black, are doing just fine.
Why is it not about lower income individuals? Is there a reason that the media keeps the racial issue in the air, besides money? Anytime a black person gets arrested or interviewed by police it is immediately assumed it is about color (three black girls questioned about shoplifting). Maybe it was about them doing something suspicious? Maybe it was about them being young (looking like high schoolers).
Does it not hurt the black community more when they are on the front-page all of the time, which gives some more reason to hate?

Cindy,

You should consider the context in which the story was presented, rather than, again – coming to a conclusion that the entire basis of this story is a “Woe is Me Thing”.

This is a situation that has been presented “With” supporting statistics.

So before you start antagonising accusations, you should consider the context in which the foundation of this story is about.

Perhaps a little education could help.

Cleveland
Pasadena, Ca.

In our MBA school, the black are always the first group to find interns or full-time jobs although their grades are usually below the average, largely because of Affirmative Action.
I think the government’s too much intervene in the market, Affirmative Action and welfare system, hurt the black more than help. Such intervene makes them unable to weather any difficulty in their life.

This entire discussion or blog is absurd. The real focus needs to be placed on the Corporate Tax rate, and bringing our jobs back to this country…

50% of our country is now owned by foreign interest. Was that a part of the vision our founding fathers had for the country?

Black, White . . . blah, blah, blah . . . we all bleed the same color last time I checked.

I cannot wait to educate my 3 year mixed son on how ignorant our culture is.

Whenever the economy is doing well, we see aticles that read “Blacks are not reaping benefits of strong economic growth.” Now that the economic condition is gloomy, we get reports that read “Blacks have it much worse in bad economy.”

Quit the racial pandering, CNN. Enough is enough.

I’ve read all of the blogs and a majority of them lack compassion. Through all of your political talk, there’s no mention of God anywhere. Whose economy do you rely on? Man’s or God’s? I belong to the Lord and with that comes understanding and discerning of the times and compassion for those who are caught in the storm. Yes Cindy all are feeling it, yes countless other brothers and sisters blacks feel it first and the deepest. But if you put God first, He will sustain you through the storm. He may not deliver us from it, but endow us with His spirit and power to endure. Now we’ve asked him to leave our schools, our home, our lives and look at what has happened. He has brought man’s wisdom TO NOTHING. No analyst predicted this would happen, prevented it from happening and they don’t know quite what to do to provide a quick ‘fix’. The answer is Jesus Christ. We need to love one another and help each other instead of name calling and finger pointing. Remember this, the issues that proceed from out of your mouth tells the condition of your heart and if you lack compassion for your fellow brother/sister regardless of color, the Lord will not hear our cry and heal our land and bring back abundance. Turn to prayer and positive thinking and conversations and watch this economy turn around. After all, it’s pure speculation that drives Wall Street!

Last time I checked the GDP stats, we were not in a recession (even though the media wishes we were).

That raise in the minimum wage that goes into effect today should really help blacks out since it encourages employers to expand their payrolls (sarcasm)…

wow lot of great things being said here but from my life experinece as a while american male, i have been the victim in MANY reverse prejudice situations in my life. i also am sick of hear that it’s so hard being black.

it’s hard for me too, it’s hard for everyone. i do think that some people that are black use it as a scapegoat, and are raised to hate white people. i do believe there’s much more racism towards blacks but i also think that there’s a decent population of blacks that yes have children when they can’t afford to, have the government foot all the bills and continue to hate everyone else. go to school, take responsibility for your actions. how will things ever change if EVERYONE doesn’t do THEIR part?

i pay my taxes, and i don’t believe in supporting people who just don’t care. obiouviously with fewer resources, it may be higher to climb the socioeconomic status ladder but it’s done all the time by people who try.

@Patrick Felix: You seem to be perpetuating the hype that is not there. In the past five years most of the women and blacks I work with make as much or more than the white males (proportionately).
When I see any kind of report that looks at people from an equal point of view (education/experience/work ethic) and can show me that the white male make a higher rate, then I will buy into the hype. Until then I will look at individuals like Pelosi, Clinton, Rice, Obama, Powell… and see how they are living the American Dream like you and I can live the American Dream.

TC…you wrote:
“I am curious to know if some Americans wonder what would be the long lasting adverse affects on White Amercans if they were enslaved for over 200 years??”
and…
“Remember…You don’t ask the rapist if the rape is over with…you ask the one who was raped.”

Were you a slave or raped? If not, how can you comment on those that were feelings?

That’s right how could I forget. The media HAS to portray blacks as victims. The recession hurts everyone and all demographics. Like Calvin said in his post, Blacks need to wake up and educate themselves and improve their station in life without waiting for someone to hand them something for nothing. Black men need to MAN UP and be fathers and positive role models or don’t have kids. Black women need to keep their legs closed until they found someone who will be a MAN and father to his child. Everyone is so tired of hearing about black victims. Good for people like Calvin and Patrick who didn’t rest on the color of their skin but went out and worked hard and educated themselves. Now if only the media would knock off this victimization we might be able to move forward with some kind of race relations.

I live in a very diverse area. Lots of blacks. How come I never meet the well educated, polite, “we just need a chance” type of black folks that this series pretends all blacks are???
98% of the blacks I meet, have terrible attitudes, think that I owe them a living, and hate me for the color of my skin. If you don’t bend over backwards to kiss their tail, your somehow a racist. Not only that, but if your a minority white, who goes to black majority school, your going to be a target for violence. Just anyone whose ever been in that situation.

I don’t owe them anything. Every nationality comes to this country and makes their own way without whining that the whole world is keeping them down.
The Asians and Hispanics are getting their share of the American dream without a handout from whitey. How comes the blacks can’t do it?

If black folks want to really get ahead,
Pull your pants up, learn to speak english, start respecting each other, the law, and the neighborhoods you live in.

Quit asking for handouts, quit squirting out babies you don’t want and can’t afford. Learn how to put in a days work for a days pay, and get your share of the American dream without anyone’s help.

Maybe if the high school graduation rate of young black men was better than 48%, they wouldn’t have so much of a hard time finding a job. But hey, it’s a lot easier to have multiple childen, live off the government, and sell drugs than it is to actually educate yourself and work for a living. I guess that’s why I work in higher education but still shop at Goodwill while my neighbors are unemployed but are wearing a different pair of $160 Nike shoes every day.

If you want a solution to the problem, look at the cultural values. What’s lacking is sheer work ethic and doing the right thing. I don’t care about blacks being slaves 200 years ago because I didn’t own one and I don’t know anyone alive today who knows somebody who was a slave. We all have the same opportunity in America today – minorities often moreso than whites – it’s all just a matter of WHAT WE CHOOSE TO DO WITH IT.

Hello,

This is painting this issue with a VERY selective and broad based brush. The fact of the matter is that education ultimately leads to better jobs. It is well understood that with greater education your skill sets and ultimately your marketability improves. When a recession hits the first to go are the low wage labor. That is not racism that is corporate survival.

A broader question that should be asked is why in this day in age are there so many people that missed the bus on education. Does society or the culture preclude or rather prevent individuals from success?

Cindy,
While I agree with you that a recession hurts everyone. However, I believe it affects the black community more so than any other groups. For starters, we are doing the ones with the crappy and low paying jobs and have to make due with the same amount of money or less. when the price of everything from milk to gas have risen. We’re are not looking for your pity, it’s just a fact and have always been so. What planet have you been living on?

ML, NY

Patrick, get a life…everyone has it tough, especially now.

I too would like to understand better (including a better sample base for the conclusion reached) why blacks are impacted differently than Latino/Asian. anyone, regardless of color, is being impacted. those in the lower wage earning scales or not earning wages at all (Welfare/ social security, etc.) are certainly more greatly impacted than those in the upper wage scales. While blacks may make up a majority of the lower wage scales, to run a headline like that was run is clearly pandering to blacks and provoking the race issue for the sake of gathering headlines. is this what is in store for the next four years, if we elect a black to the white house? seems like an editor should be above this – but then again, most editors seem to think their entire realm of responsiblity is categorized as “editorial” and none in the “report the facts objectively” category.

Get over it and do something about it. Stop blaming all of your misfortunes on being black. I am broke too, but I know that it has nothing to do with my race.

CNN, enough already ! I am sick and tired of how the mainstream media foments anger by portraying one group of victims as out-victimizing another.

When are you going to start some serious reporting on real issues, like how our Federal Government is robbing every single white, black, yellow, and purple male and female U.S. taxpayer blind with its money-printing and bailouts ?

EVERYBODY is going to be hurting in the next few years and to hand out excuses to a group of people to sit around and feel sorry for themselves will just fracture us.

What we need is grassroots UNITY and to do something like OUST the people we currently have in government that brought this nation to insolvency.

This whole article is laughable. EVERYONE is being affected by the economy. Race has nothing to do with it. I am so sick and tired of hearing how whites have it better. Really? Is that why many extremely qualified white people will losr their job out to a black person just so the company can pad their statistics?

EDUCATION is key! If black america would quit having children when they are 14 and 15 then maybe we would have more responsible adults in this world. Black men need to quit abadoning their children they have. Newsflash…society can not and will not tolerate this any longer. We wonder why our schools are in such bad shape. Part of the reason is that the PARENTS do not care. I have numerious friends who teach in public schools and the stories they tell us are absolutely aweful!!!!!!!

I am voting for Obama and hope he wins…this way black american can no longer blame the rest of the world for their own problems! CNN should be ashamed for digging into this topic and dividing the country even further.

Are blacks ever racist? No, thats not possible is it.

Recession doesn’t target color. LAWS make certain that a certain number of blacks will receive jobs even if a more qualified white candidate is available (see affirmative[discriminatory] action). Perhaps less blacks are applying for jobs.

The sheer number of protective laws and aid programs available to a black person as compared to another race is staggering.

Remember that this article is based on statistics gathered by it’s author. If you have ever taken a statistics course then you know you can select statistice and warp the numbers to say virtually anything you want, even if the exact OPPOSITE of what you are saying is what is supported by facts. To quote Walt Whitman “There are three kinds of lies. A little white lie. A damned lie. And statistics.”.

So when are we getting a “White in America” special? Discrimination.

I think CNN is now in competition with BET for Black America. Economy hurts everybody not only black, white or browns. I don’t see CNN have any articles on Lationos to find how much they got hurt in this economy. Lationo work hard in the jobs that most americans including yes blacks does not want to do (cleaning hotels etc.).

We need to stop this madness to woo the blacks since Obama is a nominee for US president. This country gets too much emotional and polarized for everything without looking at the facts.

I still remember CNN’s role to drum up support for Iraq war and look where it took us and how much we are paying for the stupidity.

Cindy,
You missed the point of the story completely.

Josh,
Maybe you should tell your kids that you did not provide enough value to your company for them to choose you over a black worker.

That is just another case of looking for blame where none exists.

The recession hits african americans more because they have always been at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to income. Now the recession is hitting every ethnic group and there will no longer be a middle class; but the have and have nots.

Is there a reason why society needs to give everyone a crutch? You are poor, you are black, you are female…
Makes one wonder how Korean, Mexican, Japanese, Jamaican, Russians… Do not see to have the same issues as the blacks.

Is it because the society/media is giving blacks a crutch?

The thing that is wrong is that a majority of people expect the Government to do everything for them. God forbid welfare stopped, then what would everyone do?

I am white and middle class. My family is suffering from the recession but I do not hear about “being white in America”.

How about people just work hard and get a job that will pay your bills instead if looking for that prefect job. People should learn to live below their means instead of buying everything they see on payday.

It was funny to see, but black people have suffered for years and have been able to survive but as soon as a white person has the same issues, there is a problem. As Claire Huxable said one day on the Cosby Show, MISERY DOES NOT LIKE COMPANY.

One of the poorest things I’ve ever read. The author implies that race is the reason for disparities then goes on to explain why disparities exist reguardless of race. For race to be the reason for you must eliminate as many other variables including education and local job markets. This isn’t rocket science.

I would just like to know when the middle class is going to get some help! We are a financially responsible family of four (two children, two parents) who bust our butts to pay our bills…(just regular monthly bills, we cut cable, cut our phone and have zero credit card debt because we want to be debt free and work very hard at it. If we can’t pay cash, we either don’t need it or can’t afford it.) Yet we make way too much to get help from State or Federal but we may way too little to easily make ends meet.

Also, we bust our butt to pay our mortgage and now there’s all this help for people in foreclosure?? How about living in your means and purchasing homes you can afford and then lets see if we need to help people out of their stupid and foolish financial decisions!

Blacks are always the victims. Bla bla bla….. Same old stuff over and over and over. How about taking responsibility for yourselves and your families and quit blaming everyone else.

July 24th, 2008 11:34 am ET

1% of black males have successfully obtained a place in cooperate America and 60% of white Americans believe that this is a great improvement since the 1960’s.

Did I hear you correctly, Soledad? I caught a little of your report a few minutes ago while watching CNN. I’m watching now, can you repeat your poll numbers please?

Thank you for your wonderful reporting.
+++++++++++++++++++++=

It is tough to obtain a place in corporate America when you don’t have 2 parents taking care of you as a family. The truth of the matter is that their is competition for these jobs, and an individual who has two parents making sure that they are doing their hw is going to have an advantage over someone whose family is not encouraging them. If blacks do not want a family that is their own choice, but please do not act like the repurcussions are due to racism or descrimination.

I do not doubt that Blacks, based on percentage points, have a more difficult time during a recession than Whites. However, I am curious on how the raw numbers play out. It is unfortuante that a large percentage of poor people are Black, but that does not mean Blacks are the only racial group that is poor. Where, Hispanics included in the Black racial category? Either way, the real problem is that POOR people, as a whole, are suffering. It shouldn’t matter what race they are because the solutions for alleviating their suffering are the same as any other race. We do not need a “Black in America” or “Latino in America” or “Asian in America” or “Persian in American” or “Indian in America” or even “White in America.” How about “Suffering in America.”

It is unfortunate that we continue to be shocked by the results of the inadequacies in the American system, yet do nothing to address the root problems. We racialize things that aren’t color related at all. The recession will hurt those without adequate education and wealth the most regardless of skin color. Poor whites, blacks, Latinos, Asians, et.al, will all suffer. Affluent whites, blacks, Latinos, Asians, et.al, will not feel the pinch as much. To make black people seem more dysfunctional than others speaks to the inherent racism of the “Black in America” series. It makes it seems as though blacks are outliers and so different than others that it perplexes us as to why issues exist.

I am a 27 year old black male teacher who has taught in all black schools, rural white schools, overseas, and now in a major urban area. The issues do not change due to race. People have issues. PEOPLE. Black people need to stop using the crutch of “The Man” and understand that different obstacles will arise that must be overcome, but obstacles arrive in everyone’s life. Just because the obstacles aren’t the same doesn’t mean that there aren’t challenges for others as well.

I’m not saying racism doesn’t exist. It would be naive to believe so. However it cannot be used as an excuse for one to continue to realize one’s potential.

I think a better article would be to research % of black and white Americans with high school degrees who get laid off during recession. The article does mention that more blacks loose jobs because of their education. However after the title of the article makes it appear that Cindy is trying to portray that there is a bias in hiring. I don’t think there is any bias in hiring. Sometimes I have seen bias in hiring blacks because the companies are eager to show that they have significant portion of black employees.

So did you bother to even look at how the Whites, Hispanics, Asians and everybody else has been affected? Maybe they are affected even more. Do you even care to find out? And I don’t mean go pick people from affluent neighborhoods either, pick people from the same level you are choosing to pick the blacks from. This is the very reason why there is so much hatred and discrimination. Your focus is only on blacks and nobody else in this Country. Everyone of all races his hurting from this recession, particularly the poor. All of the poor, poor whites, poor asians, poor hispanics, poor blacks. Recessions don’t discriminate, only the liberal media does.

Why don’t you try highlighting positive things about Blacks? There are plenty of success stories out there, try doing something positive for a changes rather than inciting more hatred.

The dominant culture had 200 year headstart in building their wealth off the backs of slaved African Americans, free labor for 200 years. We will never be equally proportioned to the dominant culture. Recession, unemployment and all of those thing s will have a different effect on this group altogether. with the push back on Affirmative action programs things thing will only get worst for young African Americans, there is no such thing as equal opportunity, not in America, jobs are more readily available to young whites than young blacks. If you don’t believe that then you are living on another planet.

Josh, I just want to touch on what you wrote. I don’t feel that anyone should lose their job or be hired for a job because of their race. I also don’t necessarily agree with affirmative action because although it creates opportunity, it also creates animosity. But you have to look at the reason why affirmative action was put into place. A lot of white americans blame blacks for affirmative action and for how it has affected them. It’s not our fault. But whether we like it or not, racism will always exist, especially in the workplace. Some people call affirmative action reverse racism. There can be no reverse without a source. I’m all for getting rid of affirmative action once the source of racism has decided that it is immoral and dehumanizing. I feel for you though, man. I hope things get better for you.

I’m a black woman and this article is stupid… sorry… but it is… if there was no recession they would be in the same predicament… seriously can we stop this unnecessary rhetoric already?

Whinners.
black in america are being hit harder. its true.
but immigrants are being hit the hardest.
not to be rude to the african american, but being african american is a walk in the park compared to be illegal immigrant. immigrants are people too, they suffer this economic downfall worst than anyone else.
the difference…?
illegal immigrants cant complaint.
they have families just like african americans, but they dont exist.
is it black todays color to aknowledge?
i say, some attention should be put on brown.

Why make it about race? People with fewer financial reserves are hit harder by recessions. It may be the case many black people have few financial reserves, but it is an economic issue not a race issue.

My first comment is to TC – Were you ever a slave?

Secondly, I would like to see the statistics to show the number of black teens to white teens that apply for jobs. When you look at all of the statistics you can get a better picture.

Wow. White people really don’t get it. I thought that perhaps CNN,’s focus on some of our issues would help White America to actually start to understand there IS a difference. But the attitutes displayed by most of the commentors show that the reason why Blacks still are affected by racism is that people are still not willing to look at their own prejudices and attitudes. The same attitudes you take to the workplace, schools and streets. Someone actually said if we stoped having all these kids, we would not be affected by the recession. Nice.

I hope you all start to read analytically. When someone presents facts, it is menat for you to learn something.

I think you guys are al morons… Please stop playing the race game. I am a 23 year black male, with a degree in biology from a private university, and currently in the last year of my legal studies. I have a job at a firm lined up, and am currently a director for a non-profit organization, as well as a myriad of other credentials which I need not get into now

Having said that, I think my resume, would well exceed may of you idiots who are making ignorant comments here. prior to entering law school, I had a tough time finding a job. Was it because of my race? (Maybe) Was it because of my youth? (maybe) I can list a number of other potential elements that would have contributed to the fact that I had a difficult time finding a job. Point being that there are too many factors to consider for one to specifically identify race as the end-all-be-all cause of the problems. I think further research is necessary.
Although I have suffered covert racism on may different levels, all of us need to stop bickering over race, learn persaverance, and push through the rough time.
Americans in general are soft. Always looking for an excuse, or a magic pill. Sop being lazy, and create your own destiny, black, white, rich, poor, educated, or ill-educated.

Chris from philly

For the most part, jobs are created by the mainstream white corporate culture (even low-skill jobs). Higher education for blacks helps but there is a real bias against blacks because of their ‘hip-hop’ culture or peculiar mannerisms which does not mesh well with the corporate white culture. It seems that college educated professional blacks that I work with have adopted behavior/mannerisms that do mesh with the mainstream corporate culture. Education/experience and behavior exhibited during the interview process does make a difference.

tc,
Remember you can’t say anything about slavery due to the fact that Blacks were also selling thier own to whites to come to America. The fact is that hystory was what happened in the past and we as Americans must learn from that and move on to improve matters in our country. Obama was wrong to single out Black men as not being good fathers. next time he needs to gather all men; black, white, brown, yellow, and green. and tell them to be a man you need to take care of your kids. THAT MAKES A MAN……..

I think there’s a terrible lack in black leadership in this country. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Farrakhan are all opportunistic snake oil salesmen. Only what they’re selling isn’t tonic, it’s entitlement. An attitude that garners no respect whatsoever from the larger white population. Instead of focusing on blacks taking some responsibility for education pulling themselves up through adversity and bias, they lean on it as a crutch and an excuse for failure.

I went to a predominantly blue collar white college northeast of Pittsburgh. Because my school was didn’t have the “correct mix” racially they were at risk of not qualifying for federal/state funds. They literally sent buses to inner city philly and pittsburgh and brought black kids to school *for free*.

A black friend who lived on my floor in my major had literally a .7 for his first year (schools policy on grades was anything under 2.0 probation for a semester kicked out the next if it didn’t come up). Two years later he was still getting a free ride (changed major to the easiest thing he could find) and had a cumulative 1.3 gpa after three years.

So yeah, there’s a lot of bias in the world, and it doesn’t all go against blacks… where are the CNN news articles about those?

Could not have said it better Melissa. Excuses Excuses Excuses for not going out there and getting an education

We do not have to see the actual statistics in order to see the big picture here. As Cindy and many others state so, we are ALL struggling. Maybe if we stop collecting statistics on all things black and dangle the results in everyone’s face, people will stop being so damn angry on the issues and we can all just GET ALONG. It’s just time to stop collecting this typically inaccurate data, stop crying and just keep truckin’ along. The stats are only there to stir things up. The fact of the matter here is that AMERICA is in serious economic crisis. I’m an educated white female in her 30’s who can’t even get a job at Barnes & Noble at this point. I live in my parent’s basement and I job search as if it’s my actual job. The last thing I need right now is to hear that some “black” person has it worse than me. We ALL have it bad. I’m actually quite lucky to even have a place to stay during this bad time in my life. So whatever your color may be, please stop looking at this as an issue of color and realize that we are ALL in very deep trouble.

Good luck to ANYONE AND EVERYONE who may be out of work right now. It is pure daily torture… even for those around us with jobs.

Also, this isn”t 1980-1982. The Country has greatly improved since then. And it takes everyone time to recover from the recession. It takes others even longer depending on how bad they were hit, but just by having black skin doesn’t mean it takes even longer. That’s a case by case and you should do a more thorough, fair study.

Any way you slice it, White people are privileged over black people. As a White person I have to work hard to stand up for the fact that most White people have a limited view of Black’s as a whole. I live in a mostly Black community and it is harder for lower educated Black people to find decent paying jobs. It is not as hard for White people with the same education to find decent paying jobs. Being in education, I see that the scales tip toward making sure our White middle class and Upper class are better educated in American. So while racism does not exist anymore in some people’s eyes, it is still alive and in effect in many of the educational policies in American. Would you send your child to a public school with limited resources, bad facilities and poor funding. No, of course you would strive not to, but unfortunately most poor Black people have no choice and no knowledge that there is a choice. I am taking a human stance not a racial stance. White people have privilege over the Blacks and once again it is our responsibility to make sure we are not abusing this and fighting to make it more balanced in politics and education.

TC, you talk about the adverse effects that slavery still has on the blacks of today. Wonder what kind of effects Jesus Christ stil endures? That is the silliest thing I have ever heard. Think about all the gangs and killings and the effects this has on the families of the victims. Most of these gangs are either blacks or hispanics and the victims are white. You are ridiculous!!!

I know the bad economy hurts everyone, but saying that the BLACK are suffering more is not right. If blacks want to sell the drugs only and dont want to go to school and want to live like those Rappers, then its their problem. Society cant do anything to support them.

I am also sick of these black women and black teen girls, they know only one thing; how to have sex when they are 10 years old or so. They can have as many children as they want, but then dont ask us to support them………………..

Sanjay
Detroit, MI

I guess this is true because the blacks still aren’t edgemcated, right? After all how come impotant blacks continually talk about educating the blacks? Must be because they still need it. Bill Cosby, Jessie J, Obama and evn MLK, talk about the lack of education of the blacks, so whose to blame here, ah let’s see, the blacks?

The article is called ‘recessions AND black america’, and is meant to shine light on the disproportionately unemployed blacks in this country. It does not say that recessions only affect black people. Recession is not an isolated event; by definition it represents the state of a country’s finances. Of course we are all affected, but the statistics are so startling to me because we are talking about numbers. In a country that is predominately white, a minority race has higher unemployment rates, higher teen unemployment rates. How can this be attributed to anything but a societal issue?

Whit
Texas

Recessions affect everyone. The key is Education. Recessions affect the un-educated at a higher rate. So for all people the key is education.
If a country allows its un-educated class to grow to large numbers without investing in them then it will lose it competiveness against the rest of the world. It is also the responsibility of the individual.

Have any of you heard Bill Cosby’s take on “black America” and why the pity is cast on this group of people by the liberal media more often than not. Come people; wake up, put your boots on and go to work. You will not only feel like a better person at the end of the day but you will also receive a real paycheck at the end of the week and then you can tand back and breath a little. Enjoy what you have earned and mabey even help other less fortunate people see the light as well. It’s called resposibility, unfortunately a large percentage of the American population has forgotten what that is is and is expecting a handout from those of us that actually work. So long…

As long as your talking about white, black, and hispanic americans separately, you’ll never be free of the racial bigotry and divisions in America.

Hello everyone – what it really means is that we are not investing in our workforce to meet the needs of the current or changing economy. Many African-Americans who live below the poverty level, as well as everyone else in the same income level, do not have access to the same information, education and resources as others more fortunate – many working poor are without knowledge of where jobs and career ladders are that will help them. The traditional manufacturing jobs that once existed for blue collar folks of all race, colors and creed are gone. So, the larger question is where will be the next equivalent of those jobs, what are the skills in demand (more than a GED or HS diploma?) and how do we connect the working poor to those jobs and the opportunities to obtain those skills. Bear in mind again, that many poor are isolated from resources and opportunities – which includes a very large number of African Americans (one only has to look at public housing locations, transportation and other community ammenities in poor neighborhoods or the lack thereof). This is not an issue of race this is a crisis that unfortunately is hurting many poor African “Americans” most – we should all be concerned.

And for the ignorant people who are bashing blacks for having children out of wed-lock, here on the east caost there are just as many white people having kids that they cant afford. so please stop it.

The headline and topic would actually be relevant if it were “Recession hits poor people hardest”.

Putting the focus on race obscures the fact that many people suffer (and suffer unfairly) that are not black. Making this about all the people affected by the recession helps us measure the real impact as well as develop real solutions that help everybody.

In my own opinion blacks have always suffered even in a stable economy so of course when a reccession comes along BLACKS WILL SUFFER MORE THEN OTHERS. That was the point in gathering up all those statistics. The main reasons for the sufferation in black America is education is not pursued as it should be leading to poor jobs then leading to frustration and those that cannot handle the woes of almost working for nothing will then turn to crime which leads to incarceration. Its all a cycle in Black America when you are born into that environment where all you see is drugs and violence it takes self-motivation and slef-responsibility to overcome your circumstances to reach for a higher education and career. Therefore the black youths will be in a better postion when they are born. Plain and Simple!

The recession has impacted a lot of Americans, regardless of color.

Racism sill exist, but there are more AA millionaires than ever in the US.

Not all black dads are dead beats (pay $7k a month in child support and alimony for my 4 kids and to support a stay at home mom) and participate in all of my kids activities).

Someday we need to focus on our real enemy/competitioon – China, socialism, too much TV, fixing our family law legal system, and our poor education system.

it does not change the facts or statistics???

Please, any fact can be twisted or taken out of context. The percentage of “hurt” blacks is not the only stat we should worry about.

Why not get to the root of the problem, if they don’t finish school. Or if they don’t get the support of their families to perform. And they don’t get “home training”, how are they going to become solid earners? How many of those unemployeable numbers wore cloths that reflected the “gangsta” values that NO employee would want in their business? How many of those that did, even realized that was not the way to present an employable image?

Please, just measure presentage of “low income” regardless of race or as a function of persentage of race in relation to income level. If 50% of blacks are low income and 20% of white are low income, then if 50% of that 50% and 50% of the 20% are having problems, we can see how you can manage the stupid numbers to give what ever you want it to say.

I say, quit allowing jobs to flow OUT of the US, raise the import taxes and forget the other countries level playing field .. We are US and they are THEM. Take care of US.

I am so sick of the blacks getting everything for free and they still want more, like getting paid to do school work while the white kids don’t if it was the other way around it would be racism they get to go to college free white people have to pay there is allot of white people having problems why not have a show about that? Oh wait a minute you can’t for fear of getting sued by the blacks that want everything and more. Well if you are not going to pay me to learn in school I guess I will not learn. Since you are going to pay me then I will learn. It is not fair to the white people. If I get pulled over by a white cop the it is racism I have to only talk to a black officer because I am black but if a white person did that then it would be racism not right. There are alot of black in goverment jobs who can not talk right and they get all these jobs for example go to the VA Hospital 90% are black no white people hardly so don’t try and hand me this line of bull that blacks have it worse then whites. Blacks have more rights the white anymore.
I am sick of this.

Everybody is struggling and loosing their homes. Gas is high for everyone not just Black Americans. When we go to the store, I have yet to see a sign that reads Black America, you pay this much everyone else pays a lower cost. Give me a break. I live in a gated community with a Range Rover and Mercedes parked outside. My neighbor who lives to the right of me and across the street is in foreclosure. By the way, they are a White Family and I’m Black. My mortgage is paid and on time. Please stop trying to encapsulate us as the under achievers in America.

I am a 3rd generation college graduate and my birth canal was open to education, family values and progressiveness. The African Americans that I know are just like me normal tax paying citizens. So where is our story? Why does Black in America portray such a struggle for Black families such as gang activity, drug dealers and broken homes and recession crisis? I have never mirrored your depiction of us as a group of people. Could the answer be there is no sensationalism in showing progressive forward thinking family oriented African Americans, who share and have attained the same dream as White America? Why aren’t we discussing the white woman and her divorce rate? Or white men and their taste for pedophilia behavior? Why aren’t we discussing the domination of white America on welfare and the white girl and her high abortion rate? Why is it that Is your plight not worth noting?

OMG. Racist.

Why is everything about race. Look maybe more people of color happen to have jobs that are hit harder by recession, like construction, jobs in labor sector, etc. Also communities of color also have to take some responsibilities as well. Don’t act like all of the young black men out there are striving for something better only hoping for a break…some are, but other are trying to get it by dealing drugs, gangs, or other thugish behavior. That goes for other groups also to include whites, but you have to admit the fast cash MO’ Money attitude of flash before substance is rampid in black communities. I’m tired of the “Oh we blacks have it so hard…” Look put some effort into something and make better decisions in your life. There are so many black men and women in sports, Hollywood, music, military, media, government…are you saying they are all Uncle Tom’s? Come on… Stop looking for excuses as to why you are not getting the breaks, and go out there and make some through hard work and ethical behavior. That goes for black, white, brown, or purple polka-dotted.
BTW, I’m a 34 MWM, soldier, recent college graduate 2008, IT professional.

Calvin – I go to a college that has a very large percentage of black students. I rarely see them enter the library to study, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

CNN – I should have guessed you wouldn’t allow my last post since I busted you out about picking and choosing statistics and warping them to say what you want them to instead of what the facts actually point to. You probably didn’t like me mentioning affirmative(discriminatory) action and how it makes certain that a specific number of black applicants will receive jobs even if a better qualified white candidate applies.

Hello,
This issue rings true…I am an educated black woman and it is harder for blacks. I know I have to be ten times better than my white counter part in order to get or keep a job and even then It doesn’t mean it’s secure.

Loretta from California,

Maybe it’s because they can’t spell ‘corporate’.

Education helps.

Why are there so many articles on CNN about blacks in america?

Next on CNN White in America what it’s like to have it ALL and not be affected buy Hurricanes,Recessions or any Disaster how do they do it?

STOP WITH Black in America How About … AMERICAN in AMERICA

CNN is really trying to stir up the racism in America, it seems that most of their recent stories are about “black america”… screw that – As far as I’m concerned, you’re either AMERICAN or NOT AMERICAN… stop trying to create a seperation in our nation, CNN. Stop.. It’s pathetic.

Ulysses Tendell…..

Thats not racisim. You drive a red porshe 944 twinturbo which just screams pull me over. Same for me and I’m white, I drive a highly modified red sports car and I get pulled over on a daily bases by all different sorts of cops. And because I’m young I get asked time and time again how did I afford the car…I don’t consider that racism. Face it, you drive a sports car you’re gonna get harashed no matter what color you are.

-Billy

I do agree with Cindy from GA, the economic situation is affecting everyone in the US. I myself am struggling to make ends meat. It sickens me to hear black people complain and whine about their lives, when they do nothing about it or don’t even try to better themselves. Stop whining and do something to better yourself.

Herman
The american dream (an illusion), the corporate ladder (doesn’t exist). You must create your own these days.
There is a limit on welfare, so blacks can’t rely on it for long, if they are on it. Do blacks have bias against white for the most part, do whites have biases against blacks definately. Although I don’t like Don Imus, I can respect him, bcause convert racism is the worse kind, and from many of your comments it sounds like it is definately there. Just come out and say it, you will be more respected.

Chris from Philly

I agree with Nadine Buchko completely; why would someone have kids he/she can’t support? And then expect society to support them?! Learn to take own responsibility first. Everyone has had it hard now – there’s no specific group that’s having it better.

Rob, you are correct. I am a black high school principal. It is time to move past civil rights and recognize that some problems are family, community, etc. When people, for whatever reason, drop out of high school or fail to get properly trained for a skill or profession, they suffer the consequences. The problem is larger in the black community because educational attainment is not as high a priority in our community. There are systemic problems that contribute to the poor educational opportunity but those are problems in several racial, ethic groups. It is time to stop focusing on race and to start focusing on the problems.

Education and proper upbringing starts at home. Skin color has nothing to do with how one conducts themself. If your mother and (hopefully) father didn’t instill proper morals and values in you as a child-you see what appears today….Young Adults thinking the world owes them, Wrong attitudes and not willing to work for what they basically need to strive in a fast pace global environment.

Everyone is harmed by recession, racism, violence, joblessness, you name it. I am tired of hearing about the hardships of select groups of people. I believe that the more focus is placed on race and cultural differences, the more the problems will magnify. If you think it is a problem, then it most assuredly will become a problem. Too many whiners and not enough problem solvers.

The recession hits even harder when people place more importance on what they want as opposed to what they need. Why is it that these young people that lack jobs continue to spend money on $175-$400 sneakers, $30 baseball caps, $60 t-shirts, $100+ jeans, and earrings so large you can use them as plates? Funny how these same kids stand by banks, malls, and other businesses asking for donations or selling candy for basketball camp or whatever lame excuse instead of even looking for a job.

Wow, it seems CNN has decided its mission is to feul the racial discourse in our country. Congratulations, in less than three weeks you have set race relations back several decades. I hope you are proud. The next thing you’ll do is start pointing out the differences in how blacks, whites, and latinos water their lawns or wash their cars.

Good thing they studied a recession that is 26 YEARS OLD to write this piece. Whether we like it or not, things change a TON in 26 years….including recessions and it’s fallout.

Wow! I didn’t read in Anderson’s article that the recession doesn’t hurt everyone — he’s saying it affects the black community more deeply than the white community. Why is that so hard for you all to accept?

This is not a surprise (stating the obvious there Anderson) as the same statistics show up in good economic times — it is not easy being black in America. Why do some whites feel the need to banish the notion that color has anything to do with it?

Of COURSE there are stories of hard times on whites — Anderson isn’t talking about those — he’s exploring the economy from a race perspective — which is relevant, because it’s not just the economy where statistics of disadvantage play out (1 in 4 black men are jailed at 9 times the rates of white men, black children are 80% more likely to attend underperforming/under-funded schools). Whether you want to accept the truth is irrelevant, but please, stop the” woe is me” as a white person.

We’ve all got it hard. We get it. No body is trying to take away your phlight — so please don’t try to take it away from others. It’s these kinds of conversations that perpetuate the racial divide. As a white person, I suggest you get educated.

It seems to me that the real issue here is what the sociologists call socioeconomic status. I think that a recession hurts people at the lower end of the economic scale first and hardest, since they have little if any financial reserves, either as savings to draw on or as luxuries in their budget that can be cut. I don’t think race per se has anything to do with it, other than there happens to be a significant black population in these lower strata.

Regardless of race, anyone in these lower strata will be harmed more by a recession than those with greater economic resources. I believe that if the studies mentioned in the article had corrected for socioeconomic status, you would find that the experience of poor black teens was more like that of poor white teens than that of middle class black teens.

It is very tiring hearing the Black this and the Black that, stories that say “A black women in America” Blacks have it harder that the whites, it isn’t just the Blacks, it is all races, when a company is hiring and if they don’t have a mixed race employed then just about eavery race calls the race card. It used to be that blacks WERE a minority, but it is slowly turning around and becoming Whites as a minority.

I people would just take resonsibility for there own actions in life, be responsible, be truthful then there shouldn’t be a problem.

So let’s see, the statistics show that you have a harder time getting a job if you are uneducated? Well then, get educated. Why does the media insist on making this a racial issue? If you’re white and uneducated, you’re not getting a job either. Maybe the real issue here is that there are more uneducated Blacks? Why don’t you try to tackle that problem instead of having me sing you a swan song for being born, and please stop making excuses enabling the Black community to accept failure.

Of course, if you included ALL minorities in this study, you’d find Native Americans by far hit worse than blacks or any one else.

P.S. I’m also with Susan — this racial conversation is a distraction from the things that could unite us.

what is wrong with CNN? Whats up with all the racial articles?

Keep going and Obama will end up like Cafferty.. A major loser..

I just wanted to clear up a comment that Nadine Buchko (Pittsburgh, PA) made about black women having babies all the time, and not using protection by black men who don’t father their children. I am a college graduate, and a black man who is with my child and his mother. I am tired of hearing the white media slander my beautiful black queens with “black women are promiscious” because they keep their babies. First off because of the socioeconomic gaps between the rich and poor, people in impoverished “ghettos” many poor black people may go to free clinics who publish data. Now the question should be how many children would you have if you didn’t abort them. Probably not public knowledge of all the other races that have abortions all the time, because of alcholism and lack of contraception. I have heard of many a frat boys who have run trains on little perfect white and other race women, who don’t accept responsibility for their actions. Lets tell both sides of the coin, and not leave out the truth. Having children early is one element to the disparity of socioeconomic reasons why the gap between groups are so far apart.

I truly and ethically believe everyone has a valid point. however, i am biracial and I never think of myself as more one side than the other. I have graduated from a prestigious Big 10 school, working on my masters, and work full-time in the corporate world.

My thoughts-
Why don’t I see Jews-who have been absurdly persecuted for the past 2000 years-getting “victimized”?

Native Americans- We killed most and sent the other to live on reservations while Europeans took their land. Nothing is never in the news about them

The N word- We never hear either of the other 2 races,as mentioned above, calling each other demeaning names trying to “get back the power” Sometimes I just don’t understand

Food for thought

How can the Blacks not find work? All the Mexicans that come over here find work. Maybe the Blacks would rather just sit home and draw their un-employment checks? There’s jobs to be had no matter what Race you are, just the question is, do you want to work or not? Maybe if the government stops giving them a free hand out every time they ask for it they would be working. What comes too my mind is that we are still supporting all the Katrina people, after 3 years they still claim they can’t find a job but people coming from Mexico can find work the next day. Maybe its a culture thing.

Hey TC….Were you ever a slave? Anyone in your immediate family a slave? Your Grandparents a slave? Their parents? All I here are excuses. Its getting the the point where the African American Community needs to start pointing the finger at themselves and not at everyone and everything else

Everything now that Obama is running for Pres is about race. Can you please do an objective report for once??? I would love for you to do another study about who a recession effects the most based on economic class level. The fact is a recession kills the middle class. There is more of a percentage of middle class blacks than there are middle class whites based on population percentages. Therefore more percentage of blacks will be effected. However, a recession does not look at someone’s skin color and decides who to hurt more. This is a economic class battle: middle class gets screwed while upper class are rich enough, and poor get everything given to them anyway. So STOP with the race talk, start with the economic class talk!

“1% of black males have successfully obtained a place in cooperate America and 60% of white Americans believe that this is a great improvement since the 1960’s.”

I’d like to see your proof of these numbers. This means nothing unless you compare it to the number of blacks that graduate from college versus whites.

If all else fails, play the race card. Works every time.

How much longer do we have to put up with this Black in America hardship line. We all have hardhips, some people deal with them better than others. Why are we giving so much aid to AFRICA if so much is needed here. All depends on who wants to make the news.

My comment is directed to Ms Elam and is the same comment and question I call and write to CNN and the FCC year in and year out asking why does CNN demean the Black community’s rights of Free Speech? toe examples.

1. Why does not one Black person, male or female have an anchor position on CNN? Or, co-host and hostess on prime time news hours?

2.Why are all of the co-host and co-hostess on CNN light skined?

The Black in America special is just the opposit of what is being taught to our Black children about Black Pride and why we must resist any and all efforts to continue to believe that our Culture began in Slavery and has no relationship to it is a culture of survival in America. Pride for me is to resist and keep trying to get Black skined people “employed” on CNN as qualified to be an anchor on cable news networks like CNN. And, the only way to do this is to use these Black in America special to show just how far the Blacks in America have not come since Dr. M. L. King.

Well you are all getting closer to the real problems.

1. Manufacturing jobs are all but gone in America, thanks to NAFTA.

2. The Skilled Workforce is all but gone in America, thanks to #1.

3. Engineering Research, Design & Development is all but gone in America, thanks to #1 and #2.

4. Less demand for Engineers and Skilled Workers in the Workplace thanks to #1

5. Enrollment in Techncal and Engineering Schools is down since there is little demand, in fact when the Baby Boomers are retired, we will be totally dependent on China for everything.

PS: Its not a black thing. Its an Education Thing and Politics.

“If black folks want to really get ahead,
Pull your pants up, learn to speak english, start respecting each other, the law, and the neighborhoods you live in.”

That statement is a little wild. I do understand where you’re coming from but I’ve seen white folks with the same issues. Being from the black community, I’ll be honest with you. The black people who have made it and are successful are typically only worried about the people surrounding them. Their family. They move their families out of neighborhoods that are mostly black into mostly white neighborhoods because conditions are better instead of staying and fighting for better conditions. I believe that many of our problems start with our own people. This series is not intended to show that all black people are polite and educated. We all know that is not the case. But, a lot of white people believe that we are uneducated, “ghetto”, and angry. We are not all like that, just like all white people are not educated, well spoken, and polite. I’ve seen similarities on both sides. In the end, we’re all Americans. We’re not black or white. Some Americans are uneducated, angry, and wear their pants low. I’m not one of those Americans.

Let me guess, it’s all whitey’s fault. For the love of God, stop !!!!!!!!!!

Personally I am tired of hearing minority (whichever one) this or minority that. By placing minorities in the “down and out” category, the media is doing them no favors. I think that there should be equality for all. I would be willing to bet that for ever single unemployed african american in this country, you would be able to find an unemployed caucasian american, korean american, japanese american, american indian, Latin – American, etc. The african americans in this country have it no better and no worse than any other group if you look at the big picture. Just as there are wealthy and/or high profile caucasians, there are wealthy/ high – profile african americans, it’s a fact. There might be more caucasians in this position, but that’s due to history, not common day issues.

It’s a fact that countries are generally run by those that have more money, with which to gain power, advantage etc. But that money generally had to come from somewhere, either from hard work of their own, or their ancestors. Granted, the “white” americans have had a longer time to build up their fortunes, but that in no way changes that “black” americans have just the same opportunities as everyone else in this country. It’s a question of seizing that opportunity.

It’s time that the minorities in this country stop looking for excuses as to why they “can’t” and see the reasons why the CAN.

Go to college in electrical engineering even though neither parent graudated from high school. Have $52,000 in student loans like me. Then start off at around $80,000 in Mississippi and the recession doesn’t hurt as bad. Pay student loans off within three years and quit complaining about the bad economy.

Oh come on!! Whites are having a hard time just like everyone else. But I guess you are trying/having to be PC. If you had titled and wrote your article on “Recessions Hits Whites in America Harder” your editor would have not let the article run.

So manny respondents on this board are misguided.
The article alone brought out a s—load of steroytypes and prjudices that keep people of today from succeeding in total.

Vinny, Matt , Herman and others like you do a dis-service to the progress made y the majority of minorities.

Should all non minorities be judged by your attitiudes?

Everyone – stop preaching and go help someone who may not be as fortunate and well-informed as you are.

I used to work for MGIC. Only a single black male in whole HQ building. By the way 50% of the milwaukee population is black. Now that f**king hurts.

CNN, I’m sick of you portraying how much harder it is for the black folk…We know where you stand and I’m sick of it. Time to turn to msnbc for my news.

Whats with the seperation of the races lately!!??
We are all sufferieng as Americans……neither white nor black are having it easier or harder………… the news is trying to build a nice media storm……hopefully they won’t get what they want!

Education, morals, and hard work helps to keep the bad economy from driving everyone to deep depression but those who are not willing to work hard to fight this, then deserves what they get and feel.

I am getting tired of hearing about how hard Blacks have it!!
How bieng Black in America is difficult…… it’s BS.
Get over it, get off your butt, and make something of yourselves.
I want to see something about being White in America…how about that?? I wonder how that segment would go…LOL

I am a caucasian male, and according to alot of your commenters, privileged. Well, I am still waiting for them to pull the silver spoon out of my mouth.
While society continues to preach that we should ignore race and ethnicity, this type of reporting continues to segregate Americans by race. No one ever gave me anything, I have worked for all of my life from the time I was young. Joined the Military to get an education and went from there.
Apparently there has been no progress for African-Americans since the time of slavery. That’s what I get from this type of stereotypical reporting to boost ratings and drama. Why is there never any reporting on successes in the African-American community? Why, because it will not boost the ratings.
There is racism in this country…that needs to be addressed. But racism crosses all boundaries, black as well as white, or whatever your color. When we decide to be just Americans, not african, italian, japanese, mexican or whatever your moniker of the day, maybe then we will understand that all people suffer injustice.

Im a black man in my 30’s . I didnt graduate college and have been working for 10 years in a skilled labor position. I agree that recession hits everyone but it is inevitable that some groups will be hit harder than others and blacks fit into that category. Others include immigrants and poor whites. If you were already close to the bottom than recession pushes you further down. I dont think this topic was raised to increase tensions between races as some of the bloggers above have seemed to take it but to state facts. Instead of us focusing are frustration at each other through words we should be voiceing it towards the government who is terribly failing us all. The jobs are outsourced, the prices are inflated, and nobody cares about the future. We really need to reaccess our values and do what it takes so that no one has to be impoverished and uneducated unless they choose to.

The Nazi party killed approximately 6 million Jews.
Jews were not allowed to own land, be newspaper editors, teach Germans, serve in the military, or have national health insurance. Jews were forced to carry identification cards, register their property, were not allowed outside past 8 in the winter and 9 in the summer, and were required to have a large, red “J” on their passports. concentration camps. Thousands were starved to death and forced to work as slaves at the concentration camps
Should there be a Jews in American program too?

Wow! I love reading these blogs. It just says so much about this country when I am treated better while traveling abroad than by my fellow (white) Americans. What are you going to feel like when you become the ‘minority’?

Will we ever openly deal with race?

Matt, I know someone who’s alive today who knew someone who was a slave. My 100 year old greatgrandmother’s mother was.

Everyone can finish school, even those with family problems can take it upon themselves to obtain a GED or something at SOME time in their life. Furthermore, just about everyone can go to college (the government makes it really easy). It is entirely possible to get into college with little or no money if one applies for financial aid and has decent grades. Both of these factors substantially help in finding jobs, education is the most important thing, having an education shows potential employers that you are not afraid of hard work.
I totally understand the part of the story talking about languishing in low-paying jobs that don’t offer much opportunity for salary advancement, but those are still JOBS and ends CAN still be met with the salaries they earn, meager as they may be.
We have become a society of large “social” groups all wanting to blame their misfortunes on others, in the meantime, we’ve all lost sight of the fact that life is inherently demanding AND incredibly difficult SO it’s up to US to make if better.

I think it is hilarious for you to say that blacks have a harder time finding employment. When you have AA, black/minority career websites/job banks where there are listings that aren’t on the mainstreams sites, and finally when I have to check a box of my ethnicity. And if you are in a field say engineering, where there aren’t many minorities to begin with, you want to tell me that the most qualified person is always selected? Conversely, I am sure there have been times where it has went the other way, but don’t pretend blacks have it any worse than anyone else, that is utterly racist.

Always playing the race card aren’t we. It’s always better to blame someone else than to take responsibility for ones own actions.

Grow up and realize the world is a cold hard place and only YOU can make it be what you dream it to be. No one else holds your destiny for you. Your destiny and dreams are won with hard work, that is what makes is sweeter than just having someone hand it too you.

Today’s society actually reaffirms the cultural issues that effect african american culture. It is an issue that African American need to solve waiting for others to solve it is a mistake. Others can speak all you want, anyone can say anything from the outside. If you are on the inside then you have not only the right to speak but the responsibility to act.

Is race the real issue?

I think you would find that unemployment numbers will be higher under less skilled groups. Flexibility also plays a role because I know I would move to find work.

The blacks for whatever reason remain less educated, and I appreciate people like Calvin that understand the need for education.

We need to get away from the race issue entirely and start focusing on the issues of this country. We are all going to be unemployed if jobs keep getting sent overseas, mine may move there soon.

the story is a bunch of hog wash.blacks have the same chance for education as anyone else.i am so sick of all the whining about blacks having it so bad.it’s like the blacks blame the whites for them being black.they can be anything they set their minds to.stop blaming white people for your own faults.

@Mike: What is inadequate in American Society? I worked three jobs out of high school to save money for college and other tools to make it to where I am today. There are a Huge number of Black, lower income individuals who live the American Dream in the Adequate American Society.

Why doesn’t CNN just write an official statement:

Blacks have it harder than whites and whites should feel guilty.

Jim B. You were a slave? You must be very, very old.

Instead of making it a black thing or a white thing, make it a people probelm.

Blacks are not the only race where in the baby making business and the fathers disappearing. I know one heck of a lot of whites doing the same thing.

Guys need to contol their middle leg and women need to keep them both closed when the average Joe is vibrating.

Why is the media playing the race game? We all know that it is hard times right now and no matter what race we are we don’t need to be reminded of that!!! It is very distasteful for CNN and other media to use race in that equation…..

well i did watch ” Black in America”, which is i do kind agree with it. Why do we always talk about black more than any other race? i am from the middle and i always been harassed about my accent and where i come from all the time in canada and the US. Eventhough i speak 5 languages fluently i just ignore them and i guarantee whoever did comment about my accent can barerly speak english themselve. People are so ignorant in North America, i do apologize from my friends ( all of them black americans) if they read but thats the truth. i have been all over the world travelling and never seen as much ignorance as in here which unfortunately i am still living here to raise a daughter who was born in NA. why CNN never mentioned middle eastern and had report on them? why is it always black? i dont agree that we always mention black in america and not arabs in america or asian in america and so on…. recesion hitting EVERYONE and not only balck. NEED TO STOP RACISM, report and cover all races equally. i do struggle every damn day for being the color that i am and the accent that i have. RACISM need to stop, cobver all races or just dont cover anyone. Also to mention i am Middle Eastern Jewish. I do watch CNN all the time and read on CNN.COM.

Wow… seems like a lot of people feel all the Blacks should “get over it”. Vinny says “…the media HAS to portray the blacks as victims…” Last time I checked, it was the media that was contributing to the destruction of morality and the minds of people (BET, MTV, UPN, probably your local news channel) You’ll get it only if you’re aware.

I agree, there needs to be personal responsibility taken in the Black community and I agree that this “recession” is hard on a lot of people. However, to simply say “get over it…it bad on everyone” is a prime example of White Privilege, and shows that you truly don’t understand the situation.

The problem with the people with the “get over it” mentality is that they’re too closed minded to even try to understand what’s on the other side of the fence before they make a comment. Here is the perfect place to start improving society: let’s try to genuinely understand each other. And no, I’m not saying Whites need to listen only–everyone needs to listen and speak.

I’m tired of all this racial difference BS.

An individual’s successes in life are only what that individual makes them. It has nothing to do with race. It has to do with motivation, education and a will to learn new things.

Quit separating everything by the different colors of the skin. Human is human with red blood flowing through each and every one of those humans.

Susan
I completely agree with you.
If at all CNN want to do something , educate people about importance of education , encourage every one (any color) to do better in early in high school and college so build the future .

I am a black man with 20 years in the Navy, and 10 years federal employment. I can not find gainful employment at this time, so the results for me is homeliness at this time.

Is it at all possible for the media elite to realize that racism in this country is over? If financial disparities exist between races it most certainly has nothing to do with discrimination and all to do with one’s effort to succeed. Statistics do not measure one’s attitude or way of thinking. Articles such as this are not helpful or beneficial to any race. Their only contribution is to continue to create the perspective that blacks are always victims.

They still get their welfare check on time though, right?

Stop with all the excuses and change the stereotype!!!

I am a young half black woman and I am sick and tired of blacks playing the race card. EVERYONE in the USA has the same opportunity as well as the same hardships in difficult economic times.

Furthermore, if you think the lack of college educations blacks have is the reason for lack of jobs it is crap. It comes down to laziness, there are many more scholarship opportunities for blacks, simply for being black and for no other reason, than there are scholorship opportunities for whites.

I think that it is time that black people stop attending the pity party and work hard to get ahead in the world like everyone else does.

CNN, you should be ashamed of yourselves. It’s no wonder that there is such a racial divide in our country. I understand the celebration of diversity, I get it. but what you are doing is complaining, and nothing more. What’s more, who are you complaining to, and what do you really think this is going to accomplish. When 2 of the headlines on your website have headings such as “Is marriage just for white people?” and how recession affects Blacks more than whites it makes me want to go check Fox News. Enough is enough. I am sick of it.

bo ho…wa wa wa………such a sad story…articals like this is what makes CNN so fun to read…( for entertainment of course )….

I’ve heard on several occasions, “when white America has a cold….Bback America has the Flu”. A truer statement has never been spoken.

This blog is useless…the Majority has absolutely NO desire to even TRY to understand the plight of a people still dealing with the ghosts of slavery. Blacks are ALWAYS the first to be grossly disproportionately affected by any number of social ills…education, healthcare, fair lending practices, etc.

On the flip side, blacks HAVE to take responsibility for themselves and their communities. It is up to US to determine our stations in life, the problem is that for generations, we’ve been told that we’re not worthy of all the wonderful things life has to offer.

Hey Soledad,
I wonder what effect RAP music and HIP HOP have on the statistics in regard to black youth getting jobs and education. What about pulling your pants up. I will not hire ANYONE…black, white, yellow, brown, etc. that cannot pull their pants up and act with a decent and civil attitude, leave the chip at home.
We ALL need to look in the mirror and quit blaming our lack of progress on others. Are you lazy or proactive?
Oh yeah…if you belong to a group that identifies itself by RACE (Black Caucus, Black journalist, Black teachers etc., you might be a racist and not know it. That’s right Soledad…look in the mirror.

I understand the statistics that are being presented, they’re irrefutable. I think the reason this topic causes such divisiveness is because we live in a country where entitlements are always growing and its the folks who are working hard everyday who have to pay for these entitlements (welfare, etc.) So when you read a story like this the natural conclusion is that lower income groups, minorities, whoever have an agenda to raise taxes so more people who arent working can get more handouts. Anyone whose worked hard to better their lives knows that more welfare will never help the real problem here. But maybe that’s a false assumption. Maybe the author of this and other articles like it are just throwing the facts out there so that more minorities will be motivated to help themselves out by working harder.
One other thing, I noticed that people on this blog who complain about being kept out of corporate America frequently tend to use incorrect grammar and constantly misspell;- much more so than bloggers with a different opinion. Is it possible that poor communication skills are causing you to go through life with a victim mentality?

So, Blacks are unemployed during a recession. In recent years we’ve had record employment, virtually no unemployment other than people changing jobs and taking a week off, that’s consistent with 5% unemployment, which was called a “full employment economy” when Clinton was President. Now, it’s the end of the world.
I question what the rate of Black unemployment was when in recent years the rate of unemployment has been so historically low? I bet it was quite high, since getting a job doesn’t seem to be a high priority for Black people, especially young teenagers in any economy.
I’m not trying to sound like a racist, but if opening my eyes and seeing the truth of what is makes me a racist so be it.

Seriously, what is this? I’m tired of all the “blacks have it worse” blogs/articles of late, especially here on cnn. I’m a young white male who makes 40K+ a year, but lets be frank here- ALL people of middle income and lower have it bad. The state of the economy isn’t biased toward blacks, whites, hispanics, asians, etc. No, I don’t feel bad for black people, because just as many people of other races are in the same boat they are. Can’t find a job? YOU AREN’T LOOKING HARD ENOUGH. I never have and will never buy the mentality that “there are no jobs out there.” How absurd. There are always jobs out there. Sure, it might be a fastfood joint, or minimum wage job, but guess what, THATS A JOB. All it takes is effort and dedication. The problem is, everyone in America these days expects to be paid 40K+ jobs and not have to put any “effort” into a job, including searching for one. Like someone said earlier, its not MY or AMERICA’S fault because black people don’t take responsibility for themselves and SEEK proper education, or MAKE an effort to acquire a job. Blogs like these make me sick.

>>Jane

Agreed. Affirmative Action, the idea that we engage in discriminatory practices to show people that discrimination is wrong is a bit of a paradox.

>>Matt W
>>Last time I checked the GDP stats, we were not in a recession (even though the media wishes we were).

Obvious internet troll. Nothing to see here

>>Matt

Same troll ?

The economy is probably worse that we currently realize. An interesting series in Harper’s might educate some here how the GDP, Unemployment rate and other traditionally useful statistics are bieng gamed. This nation is carving out intermediate class distinctions and quickly returning to Lords and Peasants. Welcome to the second Gilded Age.

Patrick Felix, I agree with you!
Cindy, I agree that every race is hurt by a recession. But, this article is saying that Blacks are hurt more!

Look at the statistics.
Black men make less than White men.
Black women make less that White women.
Whites are more likely to own a house.
If a Black man and a White man interviewed for a position, AND they have the same quailifications, MORE than likely the White man will get the job. People tend to hire someone they can relate to.
Black men are more likely to be arrested because they are more likely to be profiled by police.

I went to a predominately white college. I can not begin to tell you the number of white kids drinking and taking every drug that you can think of. They would go to parties and then go home. But, they rarely got pulled over, because they’re White. Now, If it was a black male doing the same thing and driving home, it’s a good chance he would get pulled over and arrested for possession. There is a different law for Blacks vs. whites. If a white kid is arrested, the cop will call mommy and daddy and tell them to pick up their kid.

I have a lot of police officer friends, and they tell me that they’re told to profile and make the arrest. Don’t be an empty suit!

White kids get a better education. They have more options and resources open to them. They get better teachers, non crowded classrooms, books and computers. The inner city kids have to get by without books and overcrowded classrooms!

Racism still exist in America. I am so tired of White people making excuses and saying it does not exist. If you go to any other country, Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics, Arabs, Indians in that country would tell you that America is racist! They see it, why can’t you!

Look at all the white people who are posting negative things. Really bothers you that CNN is doing a show like this huh? That is why I work hard and provide for my family and don’t worry about all these racist white people in this country. I don’t understand why you all hate black people so much??? It makes no sense. I pray that my brothers and sisters take a look at this documentary and the light goes on in their heads that its not about acting “black”. It’s about acting like a responsible human being and taking care of business whether you are making 6 figures or working in a factory. I feel the big thing with African-Americans is the lack of accountability. I hope future generations see different.

I don’t understand why there’s a recession when we have two wars costing billions & trillions of dollars… Who is getting all this money. Did the US government outsource all its manufacturing to China as well. I’m suprised no one has raised this question before now. WWII is how America got out of the Great Depression so how is it all this money is being spent and we are in a recession.

Also I agree with Nadine Buchko (Pittsburgh, PA) Black women need to stop it. It is 2008 and no woman gets pregnant unless she wants to. There are 20 something birth controls and your not allergic to all of them. Stop having kids trying to get a child support check… Bottom line. Black men start protecting your seeds because these women have a whole lot more to gain by messing with us than we do messing with them. Having unprotected sex is a quick way to have you paycheck garnished for 18-21 years. Oh guess what, if it turns out not to be yours after all that time you don’t get any of your money back. It’s a hustle and Black men better wise up!!

White people got a 400 year head start…. Generation after generation you climbed up the economic ladder. Black people just barely got equal oppritunity in the 1970s…… 38 years…. One generation…. That means only one generation of Black Americans have had equal education, equal rights, equal wages, equal opportunity, and equal support and now everythings equal right? Get a clue America. Im all for Blacks bettering themselves. But if we had the opportunities you had since the start of the nation ……. Guaranteed these articles wouldnt exist…….

Be real!

As a college educated white Jewish man from Chicago living in Miami, I can tell you that it is no secret that recessions hit the minorities first and hardest. When resources diminish, people tend to align themselves along the most basic of lines in order to deny another group access to the most basic of needs. In recession, this basic need is employment. It is easier to squeeze out smaller groups, which is why blacks are a prime target.

This is not a conscious effort, but rather a consequence of the systemic racism that exists in the United States.

Still, I do not buy into the indicator that is the focal point of this essay. Teenage unemployment numbers are very questionable. Unemployment is considered to be the rate of people looking for work who cannot attain it; because of common socioeconomic disparities between blacks and whites, there are bound to be more black teens per capita looking for jobs who can’t get them than white teens in the same situation, since many more white teens (per capita) aren’t even looking for jobs in the first place at that age.

I fixed the title for this post:

Blog: Recessions hit ‘poor’ in America harder

BTW, You’re welcome CNN.

I would have like to seen the sats on how many of those unemployed black people did not have high school degrees.

When there is an abundance of applicants, the manager finds quick ways to weed through applicants. One of the first things they look at is the applicant has a high school degree, or GED, and when it was achieved. No high school degree, no job. I worked at an unemployment office for 6 months helping people file for their benefits and many of the blacks didn’t have a high school degree, some hadn’t finished 9th grade. Nobody is going to have a good stable job with that type of life lived, regardless of race.

This is crazy, I have lived over seas for a good portion of my life and our country is still the only one stupid enough to where two races can’t seem to get together well and the rest of the world mocks us for it. The article should state that the recession hits the low educated the hardest. i went through a well mixed high school and I am sorry those who studied hard and went to college are generally the ones doing well. The recession is hitting us as a COUNTRY “red, white, and blue” are our colors in this GLOBAL economy. Stop bringing up race already and ask what exactly are you doing as an individual to help this country and stop looking for an excuse not to work as hard or live up to your full potential this country provides everyone! Its us against the world, not each other and right now we are failing because of these type of topics distracting us from the greater good of our nation.

aztekman. I am a black male and I think you raise an interesting point. That is one problem I have with this CNN special on Black in America. Blacks are often portrayed by the media as being “troubled.” We all have trouble. I don’t want a crutch from anyone. Most black people don’t like being portrayed as needing a crutch. We all simply want the “playing field” to be as leveled. Truthfully, it is not. Read the statistics relating to income, education and health disparities. However, I’m making a call for personal responsiblity. Historically, when doors were shut in the faces of black people we kick the door down. Sure, there are issues but what are WE going to do about it. I don’t need a crutch from CNN or any other white establishment. I am a black man under the age of 30 working on a Ph.D. I know how to take charge of my destiny. I’ve gone from the projects to the penthouse. Yes, it takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. But again, the playing field is still heavily unleveled. Thats the issue we need to focus on. True equal opportunity.

because the blacks are usually stupid. so they cant get the jobs as easy as other people. it’s unfair to say the recession hurts them more!! there are so many people get laid off from the banking sector too. and WE SHOULD REMEMBER WE ALL PAY SO MUCH TAXES for those stupid and lazy blacks. we try hard to earn our livings , at the same time we have to pay for their living too. IT ‘S SO NONSENCE AND UNFAIR!!

if us whites were all gone who would the blacks blame.they would pick someone besides them selves i promise.each person is to blame for what and who they are.you can’t blame whites for black women having babies out of wedlock,it’s their own fault,just as much as it is the black guys fault for not being a real man and being a daddy and not just a father to the kids they produce.

I’d like to thank CNN for perpetuating the problem that will ultimately lead us to a race war. Since you all can’t tell, that’s sarcasm, well, in that I’m not hoping for a race war.

I read the title of this piece and whipped out my trusty globe and looked for “black America” and I can’t find it on the map. Can someone please tell me where this place is? I feel that I probably shouldn’t comment on the topic because I’ve literally no clue where this place is.

Much like I don’t understand the phrase “African American” (unless you have dual citizenship, and even then, I can’t find the country of Africa anywhere), I don’t understand how the phrase “black America” gets any play by our media. I guess it’s better for them to further bifurcate American society in the name of the almighty dollar. Thanks Ted, you’re doing a great job. You are a true pinnacle of society.

For the record, when someone asks me what I ‘am’, I answer I’m an American. Sure, my family emigrated from lands as far away as Ireland, England, Poland, and Germany, but seriously, how ridiculous would it be if I demanded to be called Ireglagerand American? I’m sure there are people with heritage just like me, but personally, I don’t want to extracise myself from the rest of the American people. I guess I just don’t share the same beliefs as most so called “African Americans”, specifically those who’ve never stepped foot in Africa. I’d rather be treated like everyone else rather than demand that I be treated differently.

The problem with today’s black population is that they say they want equality, but they act as though they want separation. If you want to be treated like everyone else, simply act like everyone else. Don’t demand to be called something different than the majority of Americans. If you don’t want us to see your skin color, stop throwing it in our faces. Speaking to the vast majority of blacks in this country…you are NOT African. You are American. Once you take pride in being from where you are and not from what is nothing more than a mystical place to you (Africa) then maybe people will take you seriously. But until you take yourselves seriously, continuing to blame the rest of society for your ills is going to do more harm than good.

That’s just my $0.02.

I am from the deep south and yes racism is still a part of life as it always has been, but I also work in an employment agency that places people in jobs. I can say only in my location that there are jobs, but we are unable to place most young black americans, due to their lack of education ( high school diploma) or their criminal record. You can not blame them and they do not want to work- Cause they do. If their parents had payed enough attention to keep them in school and off the streets I could see more young black americans in the workforce. Not saying we do not have some young white kids in the same boat , but personally in my line of work I see more young black Americans in this situation. You know when SAM’s Club took 3000 applications and could not even hire 250 people from them due to lack of education or criminal backgrounds it more then just a recession.

Blacks??? take a look at the Navajo Nation and then tell me blacks have it hard! They, Navajo’s are a people we have forgotten but you do not hear them crying about race.
The Navajo people do all they can with what they are given to take care of their families and they do it with out crying racism!

look around recession has no color……..we are all hurting now.

This Blog should be a disgrace to jouralism. Recessions hit all poor people equally it dods not distinguish between colors. If this study was done properly one would find many circumstances that contribute to the varying degrees of effect. Articles like this one is one reason we will never get past the color of a persons skin.

People! Don’t worry. Be happy! Even if life is tough on you, no matter who you are, life goes on, suffering or happiness. Look around, there are some having a wonderful time, and those who are hurting. However I am certain of one thing: the one who is suffering is mostlikely a happier individual because it takes very little to make such person happy. This person is mostlikely stronger from being challenged. I respect and appreciate those who have fought and are continuing to fight to share the vision that everyone is created equal. I am most certainly benefitting from that. We just have to be careful not to be extremist in life.

If “Black America” is so bad then leave. I’ll gladly pay for your ticket out.

I was out of work for 19 months, yes, that’s right 19 months. I have a four year degree. I FINALLY was able to land two jobs one as a graphic designer full time and the other working for UPS part time. It’s tough working two jobs but after being out of work for that long I have not problem doing it. I know a lot of people of all colors who have been struggling as far as I’m concerned statistics mean nothing. Everything looks a lot different on paper. These ’statistics’ are missing A LOT of people who’ve fallen off the unemployment radar. I was one of them, the report would come out that unemployment is down, well that was because once your unemployment benefits stop you’re no longer recorded as unemployed.

Of course the recession hits blacks harder. It’s not racist to say that. They’re generally poorer than whites are and have a tougher time holding onto jobs, so people are more reluctant to hire them. It’s unfortunate, but it’s the sad truth.

Okay-okay…So African-Americans have a statistically harder time during and after a recession. Could we just take out the word Black or African American and plug in Uneducated? I don’t know the statistics off the top of my head (nor do I really care enough to find them), but show me the percent of African Americans with a higher education AND unemployed compared to African Americans with a high school education (or less) that are unemployed. Now I’m sure that the numbers will still show that African Americans find it harder then Caucasians. That’s just a brutal fact that we must face. America isn’t even 150 years removed from Slavery. Think about that a minute…150 years! Think about the way our Grand-Parents and Great-Grand-Parents thought about race-relations. We have made amazing progress in that time, but as a Country, we are not close to having equal rights. I’ve seen with my own eyes the hardships that African Americans face in the workplace, but I’ve also seen the hardships that every uneducated American faces. Articles like these cause so much friction because no one wants to own up to it. African Americans don’t want to own up to the fact that statistically, African Americans are less educated. And Caucasions don’t want to own up to the fact that America has a Racist Culture that is still strong.

Until; as a nation, we stop grouping people by the color of their skin, Martin Luther King Jr will only have a dream.

-Anthony in America

We are not in a recession. That’s not up for debate. Are we in a tough economic time? Yes, absolutely. The definition of a recession is 2 consecutive quarters of negative economic growth. We’re not there, at least yet, and a recession is not racist, nor is the world conspiring against black people as one could believe after reading/watching CNN for a week, so stop the biased reporting and at least learn what the word means most importantly.

Wow…..

All you need is love………………………John Lennon/Paul McCartney

Many of the comments placed here seem to be self driven, which is directly reflective of the destructive attitude that plagues most Americans… which amounts to white Americans. There is little doubt that the recessions which have hit this country over the years affect everyone, some more than others, with the poor being the hardest hit. But it is obvious that most of the people who have made such insensitive and ignorant comments about the plight of the black race obviously lack the mental capacity to understand the figures that have been presented here. If any of you had even the slightest clue, you would realize that the figures here make perfect sense, being that the majority of the Black population swathes in poverty. The poverty line, might I remind you, is the group that gets hardest hit by recessions. Please note, I do not claim that the black race is the ONLY race that makes up this Nations poor. But since the dawn of this country, the black population (as well as the Natives) have been viewed as those lesser than white.

Meanwhile, what does black fathers making illegitimate children have to do with the plight of the black race during a recession? Irrelevant comments like those obviously expose the sheer racism that black people always complain about. Please, everyone pick up a history book and study it very closely.

I’ve read most of these blogs and see a lot of hatred, discriminationatory comments and stereotypes, which sicken me. The point of the article is that we all struggle during a recession but it takes African Americans longer to recover from the recession. To not see that there is an unequal playing field for all races is ridiculous. Especially when many of these comments prove we are not perceived or treated equally as basic humans. Sadly, I don’t feel there will ever come a day when Martin Luther King, Jr’s dream will turn into reality. Though we are free from slavery now, generally speaking, most of us are still angry because most whites are oblivious to what we go through on a daily basis and do not acknowledge that our past still affects us today. And most whites are thinking that our complaints are unfounded and that we are no longer enslaved so how dare we say we’re not their equal now.. Hopefully, CNN’s “Black in America” will shed some light on these views and help bridge the gap between our races and negative perceptions of other races.

Forty nine out of fifty blacks do not want a job to start with. As was mentioned, all they want to do is lay around,have kids and let the government take care of them. Personally walked in a store the other day. Got behind this black lady checking out. She had three full carts of groceries backed by two cartons of cigerettes. Paid for the grub with food stamps, whipped out a hundred dollar bill for the cigs. As I walked out I noticed as she loading her car it was brand new with the temporary tag in the window. Quit feeling sorry for a bast*** that won’t work. If you’d spend as much time on finding people living off the government that don’t need it as you do on these sorry polls we’d all be better off.

Black in America DID NOT IN NO WAY REPRESENT MOST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN! IN FACT IT SHOWED US IN A VERY BAD LIGHT…I am a single mother of ONE CHILD, NOT FOUR!!! Most single African-American mothers I know have one or two children NOT 4! Then they showed a divorced single black father raising his two children and it seems as though their mother is no where to be found nor is she supporting her children. First of all the majority of black men are not single parents…the majority of them are absent and not paying child support nor are they taking care of thier children. This ’special’ was horrible and in no way represented the average African-American Woman….

For all of you that are complaining that there is a “Black in America” special and not a “White in America” you need to realize that EVERYDAY in American News Media is “White in America.”

Do you ever hear about a little black girl getting the coverage of Jean bennett, or Emily Smart, or Lacy Peterson?…No because black issues are, and have been for decades, neglected by the mainstream media. Sorry, you feel left out for the time being.

To TC, You were never a slave and I seriously doubt you ever spoke with any family member in your life time that was. I am white and I have never owned a slave or know anyone in my family who has owned one. If you are that bitter over something that didnt happen to you, then maybe you should move out of the U.S.A., if it is so terrible. I am sick, sick, sick about statistics. If you don’t like them, change them. It may not be easy, but if you believe in yourself you can do anything. It is much easier to blame something on some else than take responsibilty for your on actions and accomplishments. I think everyone is struggling right now. CNN, you should be ashamed of yourself. This is stupid! I hate to tell you, but alot of white folks are broke just like everyone else. When you are born white, you don’t get a special card to use to go through life, easy go lucky! You have to work just like everyone else. Wake up people.

I work as a Human Resources Manager for a large nursing home in Louisiana and must say that there is a desparity among blacks as far as education and income. It is a cultural problem.

The problem is this…I can only speak for the environment around me. For one, of our organization that employes over 200 people, 60% black and 30 % white 10% other, 90% of the blacks pay little or no income taxes as compared to 90% of whites and hispanics paying 85% of our total payroll taxes. In addition, i here the black employees talking about how they get so much money back at the end of the year in taxes (eventhought they paid little in) because they lie and claim children that are not theirs. When i mention this to white/hispanic employees, they are mind-boggled and utterly upset to discover that fact and know nothing of such a thing. It also makes me mad, because I know by doing our payroll that the white/hispanics at our organization pay 85% of the taxes and the blacks receive 85% of the tax money back.

In addition, because many blacks are considered to be low-income, i know that they, unlike myself can or would quailify for pell grants to have tuition paid for college. THE MAJORITY DO NOT DO IT AND IT WOULD BE FREE. Lazy

Bottom line, there is an acceptance of lower standards in the black culture. This includes, education, lifestyle, career, having children out of wedlock and from different men. Until the black culture takes control of there current situation, it will not change. White people cannot do anymore to help. There are so many blacks who have succeded in life and they are still black. Those black people have ambition and drive; they will not accept to be at the bottom. Unfortunate for them, once they have succeded, they are shunned by the black community. The government is largly to blame in my honest opinion.

I am a white male for those of you that would want to know.

For Matt, as we all know it starts with the family, but when you begin the rigors of life behind the eightball (parents on drugs, single mother who works unconscionable hours, etc) it is hard to find salvation in education, when you cannot even get a decent breakfast or a mother who has adequate time to assist in the attainment of a satisfactory education. I’m the first to concede that black men need to assume the responsibility of fathering and mentoring their children, but the reality of the situation is their not!! So, the children are penalized and the cycle continues. I understand your qualms with the discrepancy in attire (My mother was a lawyer and I wore Smurf shoes while most children in my circle wore Jordans and they were less affluent than I), however, are we to penalize children for their parents mistakes or mismanagement of funds? There are many blacks who are just as frustrated with the system and the need for reform, but in my humble opinion, private businesses and enterprises are not hiring blacks who may have a few “issues” whether it be criminal or upbringing, and attempting to give them a real opportunity and not some fledging handout for a few dollars on a job that they couldn’t find an Hispanic to do! Finally, to say that slavery is non-existent and has ended for some time now is a farce. Today, we see slavery in the form of mentality in the black community. Subconsciously, many blacks still harbor slave conceptions, that’s why I believe many blacks wear chains and bracelets (Hip-Hop fashion) as a statement of “making it.” Yes, blacks need to do their part and break the cycle, but to tell lil Jamal, (whose mother works from 7am to 9pm, father is not around, teacher is underpaid, and no resources (books, tutor, afterschool programs (Sylvan) to acquire the necessary tools to attain an education) that he just needs to get it done and “attain the American Dream” is comical. Now, there are many success stories of children who have overcome the odds, but remember the House always wins and that’s what is happening overall within the Black Community.

Articles like this do nothing more than set us farther back from getting over racism.

Mike the teacher above me said it best. I agree its a problem with PEOPLE and not anyone’s race. Everyone needs to stop being lazy and using excuses as crutches.

As for the following:

“I am curious to know if some Americans wonder what would be the long lasting adverse affects on White Amercans if they were enslaved for over 200 years??

Remember…You don’t ask the rapist if the rape is over with…you ask the one who was raped.”

I’m sorry to hear you were a slave. I assume you were since only someone who has actually been a slave at any point in time has the right to make such claims.

Just more excuses…

I quit my 2nd job last winter just as this “recession” media scare was gaining legs. I was able to quit because my 1st job – which I was able to get through my education and years of hard work – pays me well enough that I can live the life I want without having to work a 2nd job. And I still do, even amidst this fake “recession” we’re in. And you know the funny thing? Even though this is the case, the company I quit was a national retail powerhouse and they made a company-wide effort to hire and promote only minority employees. ONLY minority employees.

The double standards of our society today are unbelievable. Everyone needs to stop, clear out what they know, and move forward being responsible for yourself and your life, no excuses. We’d all be better off.

What is all this blackness all the sudden? “Being Black in America”, black this, black that. I feel like I’m on BET’s website. Perhaps CNN is puching the black candidate.

I just want to point out that statistics can be manipulated to show anything you want. This is getting ridiculous, America is turning into a bunch of whiners and complainers. Im sorry, you might call me racist, but i think i speak the truth. Affirmative action is NOT needed anymore, the whole idea of it is racist in itself. I really hope when Obama is elected (off of his white guilt campaign) that all of this will just stop. This is not what M.L.K, wanted.

lack of opportunities is a terrible shield to hide behind; Affirmative Action, United Negro College Fund. They even set up a fund to help Blacks go to college! I’m white, so I had to pay MY way. The old saying something like: Give a man fish he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime?

I am always flabberghasted by the reaction of some so-called Americans when racism is shown to still exist in our great country.

(and you say WE are the ones with the chip on OUR shoulders).

amazing

I am from the deep south and yes racism is still a part of life as it always has been, but I also work in an employment agency that places people in jobs. I can say only in my location that there are jobs, but we are unable to place most young black americans, due to their lack of education ( high school diploma) or their criminal record. You can not blame them and say they do not want to work- Cause they do. If their parents had payed enough attention to keep them in school and off the streets I could see more young black americans in the workforce. Not saying we do not have some young white kids in the same boat , but personally in my line of work I see more young black Americans in this situation. You know when SAM’s Club took 3000 applications and could not even hire 250 people from them due to lack of education or criminal backgrounds it more then just a recession.

Someone responded that the reason a recession affects blacks more is because thet have low paying jobs. That is true but it is true for whites/latinos/etc… if they just have a high school diploma or not one at all. So what is the solution? School. Then go to college or a trade/technical school that will get you more than a minimum wage job. Most high school have some type of vocational program aas well to teach a trade. People need to quit whining and come up with ways to get kids (all kids) through high school. Please don’t tell me that the education system is unfair. I sat in the same classrooms with the same teachers for 12 years with black kids. And anyone can go to college or at least a junior college if they really want to. Unless they are trying to raise 3 kids without a father. Another option is to join the military. They will help you learn a trade and pay for college.

Recession… recession… This is the time to think about improving your skills. It’s not the matter of black or white, Do hard work and get a good job and in future create opportunity to others with your own view.

As a plain jane heavily-taxed upper-middle class white boy I wish I had had just half of the opportunities that blacks had when I was growing up. I would have gone to college for free, I would have been the first person selected for the one job that fifty of us were competing for, I would be invited to attend every high-rolling dinner party in the country because I’m a successful minority and when I finally made it to where I am now, I’d have people encouraging me to run for President. If only I were black.

Has anyone heard of systematic racism??? well it still exists. True that the economy is hiting everyone hard, however it effects African-Americans (AA) more. When there are layoffs, AA have a much harder time trying to reestablish themselves, why? because of systematic racism that isn’t spoken about, but it occurs, the ‘good ol’ boy network’ is still alive and kicking in the US. But most white Americans refuse to see it. They are blinded by the fact that maybe the ‘right person’ got the job, which may not always be true. Yes Affirmative Action may get AA the job interview, but that’s when the good ol’ boy system kicks in and an AA losses out because of a ‘hook up’. SYSTEMATIC RACISM STILL EXISTS.

people on WELFARE should be subject to random drug tests, regardless of color. I think that if we as a taxpaying people are giving our taxes to help them out, there should be a system in place to ensure that they are not using drugs!

With every generation comes a new understanding of their surroundings. I was brought up in a semi-racist family my parents were brought up in a very racist family and I am raising my children with as little racism as possible. My children are in a large daycare which have several black children. My 6 yr old has never come up to me and asked why their skin was different than ours. At such a young age it does not matter they will play together because they are children having fun. If families and societies would quit pointing out our differences regarding race we may be able to surpass this. The best written comment in here is from Calvin who is not looking for hand outs or blaiming the “white man”, but who is looking for an education. I came from a poor family, but they excpected a lot from me and I expected a lot from myself. I paid for college while working full time which led to an education and a good paying job. I chose not to have a family until I could afford a family.
If we start expecting more from our children and quit pointing out our differences we may be able to see racism and racist people being the minority and until the black community takes charge and expects more from themselves then there will always be more sob stories than success stories.
I will continue to surpress my own racism that was instilled upon me so my children will never need to ask me why their skin is different than ours. If more people focus on the similarities rather than the differences we may be able to get pass this within the next couple of generations. As someone said in an earlier post ’slavery was around for 200 years’ so it is not going to go away in 60 yrs. Once we have decided racism is no longer an issue maybe we can focus on the real cancer of society–religion and those who decide that theirs should be pushed onto everyone.

The Economy is not so bad…I’ve been at my current job for the last 8 years and I’m not worried about losing my job at all. Actually, I should be getting a raise next week. Thanks to housing prices going down, I can now afford a larger house. Maybe I’ll get something near a lake. Interest rates on new vehicles are also low so I’m thinking of buying a hybrid soon. I’ll probably take the money I’ll save on gas and buy that new I-phone everyone’s talking about.

Hello, while a generally agree with most of the opinions posted here, there’s still no denying the fact that lacks are still at an disadvantage.
To some extent some of you are right, black people are there own worst enemy. This is however, only your (exaggrated) portrayal of the black community. There are many blacks with ambitions of sucessful
careers only to be shut out by the rising costs of college education and
the dreadful public education system that blacks are exposed to.

This recession has affected all races in the US. But for African Americans…………….WHAT RECESSION!

Wow this is getting pathetic. I am sick of seeing all these articles and ‘hoopla’ over nothing.

Black are trying to create equality, but in the meantime they are begging for attention and sympathy. Why not feel sympathy for immigrants who come to this country with NOTHING and become successful through honest HARD WORK.

My dad came to this country with 100 dollars back in the 70’s from Beirut, Lebanon after his father died when he was the age of 18. He now is one of the most well known business brokers in the north east region. To add to this…. he did not graduate from high school nor went to college… oh yeah and did not even speak english proficiently.

Instead of bringing our country closer together, these issues being brought up are doing the complete opposite.

Lets have an article written on how many other races outside of African-Americans who have abortions. I bet the numbers would be alarming. Children cost money, and are life altering. Where would other races, especially white americans be if they kept all the babies they aborted. It would be “recession and white in america” too. The truth is in this society abstinence isn’t at the cornerstone of our top priorities. It takes a special person to take responsibility for their actions, and not run in hide. So, it’s a little offensive when I consistently hear people beat up on Blacks, and Latinos. People don’t have money to get abortion every other month, because I was being a slut at a frat-party, with another guy each week.

Get rid of all the illegal’s in this country, and that would give a lot of labor jobs to all teenagers, no matter what their color is.

I viewed the program on being Black in America. I am a black man of 52 years and I believe that this story has already been told. I have lived what you presented. This is a deeply rooted problem where I notice that many (NOT ALL) black people never reach back do address some of the little things that matter to all black people. I believe that many of the affluent that aren’t involved should step up. The bottom line is money.

Here’s the deal.
Step 1: Teach our children to keep their pants on until they’re responsible enough to raise and care for a child. Most 21 year olds do not qualify for this. More importantly, teach them how to use contraceptives, and make them available for them. We’re all human, it’s going to happen.
Step 2: Teach our children how important an education will be for their future and their family’s future.
Step 3: Teach our children that they must be responsible for themselves; not their parents, teachers, coaches, or the government.

I work for a large Fortune 100 company, and all of my co-workers, regardless of their race, sex, age, or sexual preferences understood these 3 guiding principles. These people are successful both financially and socially. I’m white, and I only see these people as co-workers and often friends, skin color or other differences do not affect my opinion of them. They have only themselves, and in some cases the support of their families, to thank for their success. In dealing with any part of their life that has been faced with adversity they have blamed nobody, and taken the steps to move on.

Obviously the media is the driving force in keeping the idea of Racism going. Soledad, enjoy your paycheck knowing that you continue to reinforce the idea of Racism and allow some of the Black population a mental crutch to use in blaming everybody else.

There is actually a lot of truth to this. The people of any ethnic group who are in manufacturing and service jobs will be hit hard by recession. What groups younger people today more than race is socioeconomic class. As a military member, I pose this – are a white Army Segeant and a black Army Sergeant more bonded, connected, and understanding with each other or with superstar athletes like Peyton Manning and Michael Jordan just because they share skin color? If you spent anytime in the military, you know its the former – you get paid the same, share similar lifestyle, stressses, etc. Of course there are plenty of cultural differences but what you have in common is more predominant. Unfortunately, it is the stresses of military life that force people to make color secondary. Most people don’t have to go through that extreme method of bonding and thus cannot get past skin color.

I have a Black father and a White mother and was born in 1966…
I am half Black but this society sees me as African (hyphen) American.
I am half White but this society sees me as Black.

I see me as me.
I make no excuses and blame no one for things I have the power to change.
I am a degreed, experienced and capable technical professional.
I have just experienced my 2nd job loss in an 8-yr period.

Life is a challenge and a struggle.
I am now recalibrating my skillset so I can better compete in this new world economy.

If you are Black in the USA don’t worry about the other side, they will not accept us regardless of our efforts to be accepted.
Accept yourself.
Love yourself.
Better yourself.
And most importantly, support each other and reach out to each other.
We are the solution to our own issues.

TC, interesting analogy, but the flaw in your analogy is the exact reason why people are “tired of hearing about it”. Remember, the one who was raped is long gone….of course you don’t just “forget” about them, but the children & grandchildren of the “raped” have to move on at some point wouldn’t you agree?

I agree that this is going off topic…

The only thing I can comment on is that I am a proud white male that is going to graduate from a college next fall, I will have a ton of debt (no help, financial aid or other) but as it was explained to me…my education can never be re-possessed!

Wow, some of these statistics are staggering. I wonder if only half the african-americans are graduating high school are the parents responsibility…do ya think!

Until you can be responsible for yourself don’t expect me to pick up your tab…I don’t care what color you are. This is about being a leech on society! If you want to get a head in life you have to work for it! I am tired of being accused as a white person being responsible for slavery! Was it wrong yes, but instead of using all of your energy on this over and over and over, why not use it as motivation to put yourself ahead of the pack. There is always a way!

In reading the comments, it’s clearly evident that racist views are spurned on the basis of the claims that CNN feels is newsworthy.

The problem with blacks in America is that as a divided race, they refuse to separate themselves from those within their race who openly support and incite militant ideals and historical perspectives that fuel them. The same faction exists among the white population, characterized as “white trash.”

There are plenty of African Americans who have have earned the respect of everyone. But it is an immutable fact that no one, regardless of color, who actively demonstrates anti-social behavior and negative values will rise to any level of recognition in this country other than what such groups presently hold.

There are blacks in America and then there are blacks. What’s needed is to separate one from the other in the minds of Americans.

As for blacks feeling the effects of recession worse than others, such an assertion comes as no surprise whatsoever. Again, statements like these are not directed at all blacks, but merely the sector of the black population who constantly feels oppressed with an overwhelming voice for entitlement and unwarranted compensation.

I care no more what this particular group of divided black Americans is suffering than I do their white counterparts. They live in the manner they choose, with absolutely no regard for their own race or others. Only if the recession were reach a level that would encourage them to leave the country would I stand in support.

I have unending respect for many progressive and upstanding black Americans, some of them close friends, but the particular group of blacks for which this story was created is absolutely unworthy of consideration.

Yeah blacks, take responsiblity for yourselves! Slavery ended 200 years ago! Forget about the fact that segregation existed until the 1960s! Take responsibility! Get a job! I don’t care that you are working 2 jobs as a single parent already. You’re not working hard enough! This is America! Don’t blame me! I don’t care that you grew up in a home where your parents had no education, your school was underfunded, and there were no positive role models in your community. I made it why can’t you? This is america and everything is equal for everyone! Racism doesn’t exist and if it did, it shouldn’t affect you anyway! Affirmitave action is racist against me! I don’t care that it was implemented because of the discrimination in hiring practices for minorities AND women. And why is there a black history month? Forget that for years american history ignored the historical accomplishments and contributins blacks made to this country! I need a white history month!

-sarcasm generator- off

As a side note, as a young black man in this country, I have been racial profiled, thrown headfirst into a brick wall by police as a teen, and usually do not get common respect when I go out until it’s revealed that I am in the military. Just goes to show that despite the ignorance we face everyday, some of us do press on and do contribute to this country in a positive way. Just don’t EVER try to think that we buy the lie that it’s equal for everyone…

Soledad – you are a great journalist. This story line “Black in America” was disappointing, no flow, and what was the point! We know black people are hurting and affected by many economic and social factors in America.

What is needed is a story line that is uplifting, hopeful, and show the progress/CHANGE that has been made in America. Blacks have come a long way, despite all the setbacks/adversity in America. Let’s talk about what has change and what needs continuous progress for Blacks in the future.

Just Friendly Advice…..

I’m mixed , black and white, the comments from some of these white posters really scare me, they only prove to me that racism is still alive and well. I’m a full time student and a parent. I’ve been looking for a job, any job, since April and haven’t received one call yet. It’s not like I’m applying for CEO, I’d be happy to work at Mc Donalds. Maybe it’s because I’m a minority, maybe not. It’s just funny that when I go back to these places where I have applied they usually have hired an older white person or someone with one tooth who resembles a crackhead.

I think the main point of the article is being missed. Things are hard for everyone today. Statistically things are harder for the black community as a whole.

Education would lessen the blow, but as the documentary and many analysts have pointed out, in poor communities, there is a poor education system in place, meaning the education that is available is not adequate when compared against education systems in wealthier neighborhoods. Because a larger part of the black community is considered to live in poverty, a larger percentage of them receive poor education when compared against other education systems.

The problem is that America as a whole is not addressing the issue or acknowledging the problem, as so many of the comments demonstrate, and the black community is not doing what it can to improve the situation.

This entire blog is astounding to me. First of all, Obama does not represent the entire black community – lets get that out of the way right now.
The amount of hatred and ignorance that you people are displaying is beyond belief!!!!!!! It is no wonder some of you do not have jobs! Who would hire people with so much hatred, ignorance and arrogance in their hearts!
There are a lot of generalizations going on in this blog. If I thought the way that you people are thinking – especially you Cindy and a few others who seem to think that all black people do is have children, abandon them, and create violence and have attitudes.
God will look out for his people, his people with pure hearts, and make sure that they have jobs and are well taken care of. The rest of you, I hope that you ask God for foregiveness after some of the things that I’ve read because if this is the way that you really feel about black people -individual or as a whole, you are going straight to H_ _ _! Do not past go, do not collect $200!

I read this article and wondered……….why are you writing about blacks? What about hispanics? or Whites? or Asians? It’s because they are going to play this “we were slaves” thing forEVER! It’s the chip on their shoulder that’s been handed down from generation to generation. It’s the individual who makes the decision about their life. If a black person decides that he is being picked on because he’s black, that is creating racism. They are the ones that are keeping racism alive in their own minds. It does not exist anymore. Get over it and work hard like everbody else.

Did anyone notice that the program stated 70% of black children are born out of wed-lock and that 50% of black children do not graduate high school? Could this be the reason for so much poverty, crime, and under-achievement in the black community. It is so easy to point the finger at someone else; however, it it much more difficult to accept responsiblity for your own choices. Yes, some bigot could not hire you for a particular job but he has no control over whether you CHOOSE to marry the woman that has your child, he has no control over whether you finish high school, he has no control over what type of father you are to your children and husband you are to your wife— Only you control that. Those whom you blame you give power to and I refuse to give power to anyone over my life. Anybody, agree with me holla back!

Tired of CNN. Done with them. African americans won’t be satisfied until all are below them. When the tables turn they won’t give other nationalities any help. It’s pieces like these that show why Fox news is better. Just look at Detroit as an ex. The black community lets the mayor get away with anything.

Blacks have received more government help than any other racial entity in America. Instead of using it as a stepping stone to success, they have used it as an excuse to stop working, and live off of the government. Feeling, it is their entitlement due to the 200 years of slavery of their ancestors. This excuse is getting old, and no longer has any bearing, given the opportunities and reparations handed them.

Immigrants from Asia, Mexico and other Hispanic countries have come here and earned their keep. They have worked hard and made their way up the economic ladder, overtaking Blacks. They take jobs that Blacks refuse because they feel it is beneath them. They want the riches, but refuse to do the work. They resort to crime and drugs as an easy way to attain worldly goods. Black men refuse to accept their responsibilities when fathering children, and Black women need to use birth control methods to reduce bringing children they cannot afford, into the world. This becomes a vicious cycle, and something has to give!

There ARE very responsible Blacks, who have recognized this problem and are doing something about it. They’re enhancing their education, and working hard to get ahead. THIS is how you break this cycle.

Hello there, anyone home?
I see Hispanics every day in the neighborhood, gardening, cleaning homes, painting and doing construction work; are they all here legally? Illegals take jobs away from the least educated and disadvantaged citizens among us. Blacks should organize and visit the White House and Congress. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, where are you now that we need you? I guess you are too busy lining your pockets with your organizations and don’t have the time to help our black minorities. Chuck in California

This whole “Black In America” is all very typical and predictable. I’m a black female and I’ve heard this same old song all my life from our so called “Black Leaders” and the media. I always feel like I should be walking around with my head down in despair after one of these “in depth look at Black America”. The media and the intellectual blacks have done a great job of stereotyping blacks and this Report by CNN is a prime example.

A better study would be, are college educated blacks who come from college educated families more or less likely than the average person in the same situation to have a decent job. My intuition tells me that there would be no a significant difference among races, as no employer in their right mind would let go a qualified job applicant simply because of race.
The problem in America has been, is, and will forever be, the difference in education among the races, not racist employers.
That means that the haves (mostly white ppl) must do more to ensure that the have nots (mostly non-whites) that everyone gets a fair shot at getting a good education.
Think about it, It’s a lot cheaper, and less messy, to pay for someone’s education that to put that same person behind bars.

It does not take a genius to understand that the impact of a recession is greater on those that are considered to provide the least value whether actual or perceived. I have been there myself suffering through 5 layoffs over 20 years.

Most us already know that the majority of those positions are filled by minorities (black, hispanic, etc). However, those statistics do not associate any causes for minorities being in those positions. The assumption that there is a disparity is true but again there is no associated cause so that statistics by themselves are just numbers that represent a demographic.

I would really prefer to know why this disparity exists and what is being done then to read more numbers of how bad it is. We know how bad it is and how bad it can get.

I am so sick of hearing about how hard black Americans have it. The recession is hard on everyone. There has been so many concessions given to minorities that I feel they don’t have a right to complain. The middle and lower classes, regardless of race, are all in the same boat, which is quickly sinking. We need help from our government to fix our economy.

My husband and I are in our late 40’s, all our kids have moved out, and we are barely scrapping by. We don’t take vacations, we have a modest home, drive modest cars and still have problems making our monthly payments. I worry about having any money to retire when I get to be 65 or 70.

TC, you mentioned how 200 years of slavery would have affected white Americans. Slavery was abolished 146 years ago, long before you were born. I seriously doubt it’s stil affecting any blacks today. Stop using that excuse. We all face the same problems.

What disturbs me more than anything about this blog is the lack on intelligence, it appears that several whites seem to point the finger at all the wrong doing they believe blacks are self inflicting as a race. As one blogger says Blah blah blah ….. where is the intelligence in dealing and communicating about a subject that plaques this country.

Instead of seeing the glass half full let’s acknowlegde that it’s half empty.

As long as there are folks black, white, chinese and hispanic not willing to accept the issues we face as humans we will never move forward. It’s so easy to retaliate and point the finger but ask yourself what have “you ” done to contribute to the understanding and healing as humans, to bring the races together !! so you can sit there behind closed doors hiding behind a computer and recite your beliefs and blames about blacks on what you percieve to be the problems causing there own issues but would you be man or women enough to acknowlege that the glass is half empty….

Cindy:

It’s not about color, it’s about minimum wage.

With the steep increase in minimum wage, businesses have cut back on help. A minimum wage is not supposed to feed and clothe a family of four, but rather an entry level wage someone receives with minimum skills or education.

Once you get your minimum wage job, you go back to school, take additional courses and make yourself more valuable. The government can pass all the laws they want but they can’t make a prince out of a frog except by regressive legislation.

Mike Times
Cleveland, Ohio

What disturbs me more than anything about this blog is the lack on intelligence, it appears that several whites seem to point the finger at all the wrong doing they believe blacks are self inflicting as a race. As one blogger says Blah blah blah ….. where is the intelligence in dealing and communicating about a subject that plaques this country.

Instead of seeing the glass half full let’s acknowlegde that it’s half empty.

As long as there are folks black, white, chinese and hispanic not willing to accept the issues we face as humans we will never move forward. It’s so easy to retaliate and point the finger but ask yourself what have “you ” done to contribute to the understanding and healing as humans, to bring the races together !! so you can sit there behind closed doors hiding behind a computer and recite your beliefs and blames about blacks on what you percieve to be the problems causing there own issues but would you be man or women enough to acknowlege that the glass is half empty………

It has been said that when America catches a cold, Black Americans catch pnemonia. What this series has successfully done is show the multi-faceted experience of Blacks in America. It showed people of all backgrounds that there is a lot more similarities between ethnic groups than we like to admit, especially in the midst of a recession. This is what Cindy and others who agree with her are witnessing.

However, what they do not see is that for every white friend/associate that they know that is struggling, there are at least three times as many Blacks and other ethnic minorities experiencing the same thing that they have never met. The Black In America Series helped them to meet a few.

I am impressed by CNN not only discussing this controversial topic and sparking this kind of discussion, but also pouring out funding to appropriately market and advertise this special to the masses. This kind of open and honest conversation is what America needs and although Cindy and I may disagree, largely because we don’t share some of the same experiences, this debate is needed.

Everyone should just stop the nonsense. It is hard being black in America, it is hard being Latino in America and it is hard being a woman in America. That is just how it is, no one can change those facts. Yes there are a lof of black men that have babies and leave them to be raised in a single parent household and there are a lot of black women who have baby, after baby, after baby and are supported by welfare. But the thing is that this is not the reality of every black person in America. I am a single black mother of two black boys and I am not and have never been on welfare. I have a bachelors, working toward a Masters and I have a good job. So this goes to show that not everyone is looking for someone to blame for their circumstances and situation.

But instead of being mad at CNN for doing a special that looks at the plight of Black Americans 40 years after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., write CNN and ask them to look at other cultures and races. I watched the first installment of the series last night and I dont think that it was a “woe is me” commentary. It looked at a spectrum of people including black women that were well educated, with no kids and not of welfare with very good jobs making great salaries. So CNN is not just looking at the disparity of black Americans, it is giving a glimpse to everyone, even other blacks, about the lives of different black Americans.

Everybody is hurting right now. My family is a middle class white family and we now live week to week. My husband’s supervisors at work are verbally abusive to him and the other men on the job. (I really don’t think they would be able to say the things they say if there were a woman or a black on the job. – side note: This job has hired quite a few women and blacks, they don’t stay very long. Most have claimed the work is way too hard for the money they are getting paid.) My husband stays for the medical benefits for our children. We both put in close to sixty hours a week, and we still can’t make it. There is no time for a second job, nor is there a trust fund to fall back on. We are in trouble, like many others in the country. Once again, I feel this is not a racial issue.

To Cindy from GA & Others:

Where did you grow up? How were you raised? What types of environments were you exposed to?…..Now! change positions Not color! Now! How successful would you be in completing High School? College? or even leaving your neighborhood? and having successful friends…. Chances are slightly none. This is not a black or white issue, its about equal opportunity and its not a 50/50 dealt hand here in America dealt by Americans themselves.

And yes it’s a bad economy right now and many cannot find jobs but those who have been raised with good surroundings, exposure, and education will be the ones who get the jobs when the economy does recover. Now which side of the fence are you and your friends on.

Why can’t CNN do a program on Hispanics in America or Whites in America? Why can’t we hear about their plight in America. These people have the same problems and issues as African Americans. I get tired of the media trying to stereotypes blacks to uplift white Americans to make them seems that they don’t have the same social issues as African-Americans. If you going to do a story on African Americans then why is it the Soledad the spokes person for African American; you couldn’t fine an African American reporter or journalist to do the story. In addition, why is it so important to continue to address black issues or concerns but never the hispanics, latinos and white Americans? Poverty is amongst all classes of people. The more you advertise and talk about the plight of African Americans the more resentful people become and believe everything that is being reported on television. Why can’t we do a story on All Americans and discuss their plight in America? We all seems to be suffering from the high cost of gas, inflation, housing and job losses.

I am quite honestly appalled by some of the comments that I see here. Not every black person in America is lazy, popping out babies and longing to stay on welfare. In fact, in case people don’t realize, we do have a black man that is running for President of the United States and doing a damn good job at it. There certainly are white people that do not want to get off of their welfare as well! I do not think that Cindy was stating anything than the facts that she disovered in her own research. Never did she make a comment that this information was all inclusive of all research ever done. She is simply pointing out that whether white America likes it or not, these disparities DO exist. Instead of complaining, oh, the black people always say woe is me (which since I am married to a black professional golf instructor) I can tell you that they do not – why don’t people saying these comments actually look at the statistics and say why on earth do these disparities still exist? As a human being, what can I do to make sure that these disparities even out? Why don’t they say – I am going to teach my children and behave like this is wrong. Surely, going around and saying black people always just want to spit out babies so they can stay on welfare is the exact mentality that black people struggle to break free from every day. People need to remember one simple thing – Treat ALL others as you would like to be treated, in action AND word.

Kris,

If you can’t even get a job at McDonald’s, you’re either not trying, or you’re not hireable.

Justice – great comments!

I have to question the stats being used. Every day on the news I hear that we have some 12 to 20 million illegal aliens in the US taking jobs that no one wants. We have 10 temp guess worker programs in place and need to expand them and create additional ones since we do not have all the people we need to fill these jobs. Remember the President of Mexico ( Fox ) saying that Mexicans take jobs that blacks will not take. I have to wonder what is going on with the reporting: surely both situations can not be correct or are they….

there were too many posts to read, so my apologies if this is a repeat.

lets think about how jobs come to be. A person needs a product or service. If they can do it themselves, they don’t NEED to pay someone else. But if they believe they can earn more than it costs to pay someone to do that job, smart people will pay someone to do one job so they can earn more at another. In order for a person to get a job, they need to have a skill that is of value to someone else. More and more, jobs that pay more than a minimum wage require at least an AA degree or professional certification. Remember, everyone has a job, its just a matter of whether they can get someone to pay them for it. What I tell clients is to remember FANAFI – which stands for find a need, and fill it …. Create a job for yourself instead of waiting for someone to “give” it to you. Not very politically correct, but a lot more effective than waiting or whining.

I hope reading the post on here does this country good. Just read the post and you can see for yourself just where the lines cross when it comes to the topic of being “Black in America”.

Where I do agree with the fact that recession has hit everyone in this country. I also do agree that people of color (which i say does not only mean black people) are having a harder time. Saying this based on the types of jobs that are having the most lay offs.

I do feel that life for black people have come a long way, but please do not forget that it was not more than 40 years ago that black and white people could not work nor go to school together. So when we say that everything is equal do not think this is a true. We still have to work just as hard if not harder to prove that we did not get the job just because of our race.

Race is still something that holds people back everyday. So when you have the chance really talk about it. Do not just brush it under the rug. Just know that without learning about your past you are doomed to repeat it.

Why is CNN focusing on just Blacks. We all need jobs. We all see the problem and CNN is always the Master of the Obvious. What’s the solution?? I don’t think reporters are smart enough for that even though they think they are smart enough to point the obvious to us and then lecture us….

I live in a part of the country where unemployment among black youths was at 50% before these hard times. I hate to think what they are now. The old saying first ones fired last ones hired is based on the very statistics shown in this article. I don’t blame whites for being ignorant to these problems. I blame the leaders of the country for not bringing them to the forefront. The fact that racism still exists in employment practices can’t be news to anyone commenting on this article. And unfortunately ingnoring the facts and statistics and convincing yourself that it is a non-issue will not help resolve the issue. We need systematic changes in our education system, we need systematic changes in our hiring and employment practices and we need major changes in our government that have allowed this problem to grow to such a huge problem in the first place.

God also told the nation of Israel in the Bible (Number 5:5-8) that when they sinned, they were supposed to confess their sin, give back whatever was taken (the principal) AND add a fifth part extra (20%). Now that’s justice.

Wouldn’t it be great if America treated its “darker brother” with the same justice that God would use for all the years of virtually free labor afforded by slavery (1 Timothy 1:9-10, Jeremiah 22:13-19, James 5:1-9)? How does that look? A guaranteed no-interest home loan (Leviticus 25:35-37) program? Additional funding towards college/trade school scholarships?

There are plenty of ways to level the playing field. The real question is: Is America willing to put it’s money where its mouth is?…..

Maryland,
You sound just as angry as the bloggers you condemn. Only God knows what is in someone’s heart. You don’t get judge that. Many are speaking their truth, just because you don’t feel the same does not make them evil. There is a lot of anger in many of these blogs. Anger from Blacks, Whites, Asians, Latinos,… We certainly don’t have agree on all issues to get along. I think we all have to put the anger away. Take it out on a punching bag, or chopping wood, or volunteer at a children’s hospital (see what unfair is really all about.) And speak to each other, not yell.

I am really not crazy about CNN obsessing over the “Black in America” series. I am glad they did it, but let it sell itself. Wasn’t there a hurricane that hit Texas yesterday? Anybody reporting on that?

To Karen ( Minneapolos )

I’m sorry you feel so unfortunate to live in the USA to raise your child. You are free to leave, ASAP! That goes to all foreigners’ if you come to America to hate it, please simply leave!

HEY! Can someone tell me when our country officially entered this so-called recession???

Yet another excuse for minorites to cry foul to get more freebies. And the liberal media & politicians will do whatever they can because we’ve become a country made up mostly of lazy, whining people who don’t know what it means to be an American, to work hard, to make your keep. If the liberal media & politicians deliver, it just means more power for them, so it’s a win-win – except for everyone else who does things the honorable way.

I’m so disgusted with the state of our country. God forbid Barack Obama becomes President.

Wow, I’ve never seen so many stereotypes about black people in one place. It’s very interesting how peoples’ true colors come out on discussion boards, especially when it comes to race.

These comments are very disappointing, and downright sad.

Cindy is seems that your remarks justify the article. The purpose was to reveal the TRUTH. The truth is the black economy is hit HARDER and not to demean the impact across the board.

I don’t think it’s about the “woe as me” thing but accepting reality. The stats speak for themselves. This is not an SOS for black people but just how our economy affects different communities.

“To say that it hurts one class more than another is absurd! Whites are being hit just as bad as blacks or anyone else” – Why is it ABSURD if the stats support it?

While much of what you say is true, this is just as true for poor whites and hispanics. The real problem is we have all bought in to the college lie. More education does not produce more opportunities. It only produces more debt in acquiring it.

Diane –

Soledad is half white (father, australian) and half Cuban (mother,Black) – which part of her is not black enough for you? On that note, a report is a report no matter who is delivering the report. If facts are being stated, then the facts will not change when they are delivered.

KAB, yes they actually are reporting on the hurricane in Texas. They talked about the hurrican in TX at intervals last night. Also they have/had a story on CNN.com about the devistation.

Most of you are missing the entire point. OF COURSE recessions hit EVERYBODY.

IT JUST HITS THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY “HARDER”

and then, come the stats to back it up.

To herman… I can’t begin to elucidate on the ignorace you post displayed.

For some reason, many Americans prefer to believe we are a color blind society. (we are not there yet) They want blacks to believe THEM when they tell us ‘racism is over’. They say to us… who are you going to believe.. us, or your own lying eyes?” They say that blacks should just shut up, stop being on welfare, stop having babies, get good jobs, but mainly just … SHUT UP… (right?)

They have no idea that it is like to be reviled because of the color of your skin. To be followed in a store, to be followed by a police car, to be afraid to go into a white neighborhood, to be afraid to drive through the south, to KNOW you have to be better to be considered still less than equal, to be the butt of jokes because as a people, our education is second rate, our teachers- scarce, our facilities – delapidated, thus, our linguistic skills deficdient… but the prisons – brand spanking new. Slaver lasted 436 years on this continent. The end of slavery is less than 150 years old. Then jim crow, then seperate-but-unequal, while being raped, lynched, beat and burned.

Yeah… tell me, again, how it would be so “outrageous” if the article focused on recession in WHITE America.

if you don’t know… the greatness of this country was built on the backs of free slave labor. African Americans REMAIN the only demographic of the population that DID NOT COME HERE OF OUR OWN ACCORD.
you will not dismiss that. do not tell me of coming here, pulling up my boot straps, and working for it. FOR WE HAVE.. IN SPITE OF THE SYSTEM THAT KEEPS THE MAJORITY DOWN. WE “HAVE”.

We will NOT “shut up” ! we WILL tell our story! and whether or not you agree that you need to hear it…. YOU “DO”. We will NOT “shut up”!
for on this land we were brought against our wills to build a nation, and on THIS land we ARE NOW FREE AND FULL CITIZENS.

I tell ‘YOU” to WALK A MILE IN OUR SHOES….

We need to worry about our disabled, not the color of our skin,it adds another brick to the never ending dividing wall. How are the disabled going to survive through this recessions? How can you set out to do a story on the effect recessions have on black Americans, when we Americans have so many disabled that are living off $500 a month? I challenge you “Stephanie Elam” to live off of $500 a month for 6 months, with a disability, a pretend one of course, then you can set out to do a story on the effect recessions have on black Americans. It seems you are making an issue that really isn’t worthy of note when there is so many more important issues to set out to write about. Mrs.Elam should set out to do a story on the effect recessions of the ability and the inability. We all know that Blacks have the ability and Whites have the ability, we all know that the inability do NOT have the ability. The question is “Do Black Americans have the ability?” YES they do!!! STOP putting up that dividing wall! Do the Inability have Ability? NO, that’s why we call it “Inability”.

Nothing worse than overly sympathetic white people who keep on thinking we owe black people everything. South Park has a great satire on these types of morons. It’s absolutely hilarious. I think these types of people are the *real* racists. This type of attitude actually truly keeps the black people down by recognizing they have a handicap and they will never get saddle up to fight through the challenges they may face.

I’ve been in a recession for over a year & a Half- It has nothing to do with the color of your skin but simple common sense I’m white & know how to prioritise- 1. shelter ( if need be I can go into a hillside)
2. water ( I know where a lot of springs, steams, rivers are)
3. food. ( I live in the high desert & I can survive quite well here- I was smart enough to stock up on things like rice, beans,cup o noodles when times are good & carry then in the tool box of my truck)
4. clothing ( I don’t need a $100,00 suit I buy jeans for $9.00 a pair & they last me for years- Boots last me about 2 years, I still wear shiorst that are 15 years old)
5. Transportation- ( I just need something DEPENDABLE to get me from point A to point B & back I bought a 1974 pick up truck – cost to register $43.00 a year- insurance- $250 a year, Gas $700.00 a year as I ONLY drive to pick up supplies when absolutly needed)
6. NO UNNESSASARY SPENDING
I’ve survived for 28 years on incomes ranging from a MAXIMUM of $18,000 to a MINIMUM of 2500. a year .

I wonder why CNN doesn’t have a special on Asians? We came later than blacks, there are less of us than blacks. We were treated like garbage, even in my days when I came to America in the 80s. But it’s the “in” thing to be sympathetic to blacks and no one else. I am awaiting a special on Mexicans/Blacks/Ethiopians/Indians/Native Americans/Russians/Puerto Ricans etc…

CNN, this was not a productive blog. This whole discussion has fueled an immense amount of animosity on both sides. Even a 3rd, 4th, and 5th side. Let’s be real. Black Americans should take more responsibility for the conditions they live in. Americans in general should study eachother a little more. You’ll be surprised at the similarities between us all.
Life is what you make it. I’m a 27 year old American who is black. I did not join InRoads, I barely received any financial aid for college, and I’ve never gotten a job because of affirmative action(believe me, I ask). I’m a college graduate who started his own investment firm and I’m working on my MBA. I grew up in a lower middle class single parent home. If it wasn’t for my mom showing me the way to go, who knows where I would be. PARENTS NEED TO STEP IT UP.

The reason so many are negative is because you have rats out there like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and the NAACP! Maybe if they spent less time defending M. Vick and actual working for the advancement of african-americans something could get done here…but that will never happen…

Clearly those expounding racist ideology (i.e. “blacks need to stop whining, they don’t have it any harder”) on this comment board did not read the Next article on this site:

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/24/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/

Also, well said Vince.

Cindy,
While I agree that recession hurts everyone, there is definitely a fine line between having the “Woe is me” attitude and the reality of Racism still exsiting in America. I do believe that there are some African Americans that make excuses for being in the situation that they are in but at the same time that doesn’t account for the others that do not.
Prime Example: I am an African American Male! I had a job interview with a major Corporation that was thoroughly impressed with my resume and experience. Once I actually went to the interview the hiring manager began the conversation with a disclaimer: ” We are not hiring at this time and I just wanted to sit down and chat with you”. This is a prime example of the disparity that takes place in the work place. This is not a reason for me to throw in the towel and make excuses but we have to come to terms with the realization that Racism is still very prevalent in the U.S.

There are no lack of jobs, just willingness to take the jobs. The 11 to 30 million jobs being filed by Illegal immigrents in this country would be perfect for the uneducated or undereducated in this country, however, the unemployed teens won’t take them because they feel they are beneath them. If the jobs were filled the illegals wouldn’t have come to take them. The problem is lack of humility and work ethic, not lack of jobs or racism.

Savannah July 24th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

You said it all…

Thanks.

Black male unemployment in the 1950s was a few percentage points above the white national unemployment rate. Now comes the 1960s and beyond where black male unemployment was in excess of 50%. Why? According to Professor Richard Ebstein of the University of Chicago minorities were viewed by employers as statutory liabilities. Meaning that an individual in a minority group could use the government to sue an employer for alleged wrongful termination which was supposedly a result of that person’s race. Government charge for legal services to the allegedly wronged minority employee: $0. Law firm charge to the employer: $Thousands.

No wonder manufacturers and other businesses took off to India and China. No taxes, no EPA, no “Human Rights” agencies, no sexual harrassment laws, no affirmitave action, no OSHA, no risk. I could go on.

Get government and vote- buying politician’s dirty fingers out of America’s business employment practices. When that happens there will be more new jobs in America than could ever be filled. Otherwise we will see all of our businesses flee to friendly off-shore countries and continue to erode the economic well being for all U.S. citizens. If government continues to micro-manage employers it is going to get a lot worse. A lot worse for everyone.

Lots of interesting comments, well beyond Recessions and Black America… It makes me question how big an issue race still is in our country and whether white America can demonstrate enough empathy and understanding and really consider the core issue. Our true thoughts and opinions will determine whether we have progressed to a point where we could actually elect a Black Man president… Will White America be able to sleep at night?

Blacks teens HAVE to stay in school & get their high school diploma.
Redirect from athletics to academics. There’s more jobs associated with the latter. Intelligent whites want their fellow black citizens to prosper because it makes a better country and gives all of us a better life. But education is the most direct path to the above.

My opinion is that having children should be a privilege, not a right. Couples should have to be pre-screened before they have children. Meaning they are financially able to handle a child, psychologically sound, have a good marriage so that divorce will not be forseeable in the near future, etc. This would cut back on the amount of welfare, because too many teen girls are becoming single mothers. Just like a social worker will check a potential parent before he/she adopts a child the same should be done for actual births. If a child gets pregnant he/she will be subject to fines. As for adults, more leniency could be granted but nevertheless it would be “strongly encouraged” for them to be “certified parents” as well. I think this would work wonders!

Hey,

Credit is slavery! It has always been so. Talk amongst yourselves.

BTW, I am white (Irish–we built America and did it for pretty cheap) and in debt.

Vince,

You are absolutely right. I would dare any other race to spend some time as a black man or woman.

On a macroscopic level the inequality towards black is undeniable. It is harder for a lot of us. That is generally speaking. However, I must argue that many of the problems discussed can be solved at home. If young men and women would just keep their clothes on, there would be no more single teen mothers on welfare for starters. If we would perhaps go back to instilling the value of abstinence and not become lax, because “they’re gonna have sex anyway” than HIV/AIDS would have a dramatically less impact on our community. I loved rap music and consider myself to be a rapper (just as a hobby) but I cannot stand the filth in the mainstream. We need to teach our young ones that rap music is just entertainment and to value more important things such as education because that is the key to success. Not everyone can be a professional athlete or entertainer.

When it boils down, the fabric of society is built upon the family. Until the family can be restored this cycle will continue. Still it is no excuse to continue to use the obstacles against us as reasons for our failure. There are plently of black people who are able and do make the right decisions. Perhaps Darwin is correct. The strong will find a way to survive.

I’ve been live in US for about 10 years, originally I was an immigrant from Asia. First time I came here I barely speak English, I have no clue about the life & culture in here. Long story short, after finishing my college, get married with asian guy, prasie the Lord, now we can live comfortably as a middle class american, with nice house in the nice area, good paying jobs, etc. I don’t want to brag about what we have now, but what I’m trying to say is eventhough we’re a minority, with hard work, perseverance & good attitude, in this country, it’s very possible to move up from the level that you don’t want to stay.
IMHO, most of black people see themselves as victims, as bible tell us: everyman will become everything what he thinks about. It’s a mental bondage for them, that they will always blame others for everything happened in their lives.

A recent co-worker of mine recently quit and found a higher paying job elsewhere. Base on his resume, he was pretty much hired on the spot! He is an engineer from Nigeria.

I think we must add another criteria to this study based on the level of education completed by the Black Americans. I am sure it will show that the majority of the unemployed blacks in this study are from lower wage jobs, such as construction and the service industry. Being from Los Angeles, most low-wage jobs are taken by Hispanic immigrants.

If Blacks in America want to improve their standing in society, they must focus on education!

I didn’t realize there are so many selfish people in the world, can’t you read something about someone else,without putting one self int it Most Americans. have it better than anyone in the world, and no one is saying that all Americans have not been affected by these problems in America, but I’am sure they will run something on Whites,Hispanics,Russians etc so just hold on Until then try some empathy put yourself in someone else’s shoes for once before you judge

@ demin magdalen are you kidding me?!? Illegals are not immigrants – they did not come over here lawfully and should not be treated as a United States Citizen – they need to be deported. I see illegals have been hit particularly hard since I drive past them everyday on my way to work and there is less than half the amount that usually hang out on the sidewalk waiting for work. This recession is hitting everybody – the wealthy who can’t hire these illegals to build houses all the way to middle management in corporate America.

On the issue of racism, for those who are still upset for 400 years of slavery and oppression, what can white America do? If I come over and make you dinner or clean your house, let you beat me with a whip what do you want? We have apologized and many have tried to make amends for our white great grandfathers but that obviously isn’t enough so what can we do? White people have been beaten with this for years for soemthing we didn’t do it fuels the racism that you all claim is out there.

There you go again!! CNN and the Democrat party can only divide people into racial groups. They think everyone is something dash American rather than just an American.

I am so tired of the rhettoric coming out of the blogs. I am a 37 year old single mother of 4 children. I am black by the way, and I must say I am sooooo tired of my black people whining about racism. Yes racism is alive and well, and it aint going no where fast. I am tired of black people living up to the stereotypes white people adorn us with. I am tired of turning on the news in Orlando and seeing young black men robbing and killing people and then saying the “White Man” keeps me down, no you keep your own self down. I was raised in Cheyenne, Wy and have been treated with racism from my own black people. I am constantly accused of talking white…..I did not know that the English Language had a color to it…..and why do black people give white people so much credit, I will never surrender proper grammar to be “black enough”. I just want US to take responsibility for OUR children, OUR neighborhoods, OUR communities etc. As for white people please stop generalizing ALL black people and thugs, hoodlums, gang bangers, welfare bunnies, and all the other stereotypes you all like to throw out. Please understand that some of US want a better life, and some of are truly hard working, educated, sensible, good moms and good dads that just want the same things you want for ourselves and OUR country. I have experienced reverse discrimination….when I found out I got my job on Affirmative Action, I was and still am truly offended. I am awesome at what I do, yes I am compensated well, but I want to be hired because I am the most qualified not the color of my skin. So there you go…America wake up and stop the dumb stuff. Black people take more responsibility for your own failures and celebrate your successes. White people please understand that not all of us are looking for sympathy we just want fairness.

Patrick the point that I was making is that when you take and look at one particular race which CNN seems to enjoy then you are dividing America because not only is blacks suffering, whites, latinos and hispanics are too. CNN always trying to exploit the black race but offers no solutions to the black conditions. Personally I get tired of the news reporter trying to bring to light what issues blacks are facing in American when all races are facing the same issues. We all know that black people are looked down the most compared to any other race. I know Soledad is a person of color but I feel that she is a reporter and is being exploited to keep the plight of black American going for CNN. I don’t think you will find Soledad or any person of color doing a story on the plight of White Americans.

Vince – Phoenix…

A most articulate and succinct reply…

C from Texas

I beg your pardon, my son-in-law moved to Texas with his wife several years ago, and have yet to get a job in White Texas…

He is highly educated, black respectable young man. His wife was transferred to this location. She has a very good job and is also highly educated.

His problem, he is black and from New Orleans.

Yeah, they(being Texas) decided to lump him in with all of the other transplants from New Orleans. And no one wants to hire him…degree or not.

Go Figure…Is this racism? I don’t know. you tell me…

Cindy from GA and others have missed the point about the article. The article is not stating the the recessive economy is only hurting Blacks. It is illustrating the disparity. The disparity is due to the types of jobs typically held by Blacks. These jobs are usually low-paying and offer little chance for any kind of advancement. Even in good times, the employment rate is higher among Blacks and then other segments of the American population. Therefore, when a recession or depression occurs it will devastate this population segment more in terms of percentages. This is not to lessen the woes experienced by other Americans. The article was specifically about Blacks. There are similar articles on Latinos or Hispanics, Whites, Native Americans, Asians, etc. that address how recessions impact those populations.

As an educated, literate black woman in this country, I can tell you that most blacks are desperate to remain victims. They are desperate for hand-outs. They are desperate to blame someone, anyone, for their plight. They have to. If they stopped, they would have to accept personal responsiblity for themselves, and take some measure for their communities, hospitals, schools, and churches.

They could make changes that benefited others like themselves but they don’t. They could start their own companies and businesses and amke their own rules. They could help. But they don’t. They forget where they came from, what they came from, and look down on other blacks who took the easy ways, the drugs, the gangs, the dropping out of school, and all the rest.

It’s sad. It’s pathetic. And it’s life for far too many. And we have no one to blame, not really, but ourselves.

So, today I am at work on CNN.com reading the Anderson Cooper 360 blog on the “Recession and Black America.” I must say, that I have seen and read a lot of hateful things in my life but I have never ever witnessed such forms of racism, hatred, and pure ignorance as what is displayed in this blog. And to think that Black In America is supposed to be an informative intellectual broadcast that would teach people a little something about what it means to be Black In America from all aspects? Well that idea is shot to hell because from the looks of some the responses on this blog, lots of people obviously have not been moved or enlightened from the program. Sad. Very Sad. After what I read today, America has sunk to a new low; and people are a lot more racist and hateful now than they were 60 years ago. The only difference today, is that a lot of people are more afraid of overtly screaming some of these comments made on this blog in someone’s face. For the record; to respond to a lot of the comments made in Anderson Cooper’s blog, I say this, “All black women and teenage girls do not spread their legs to have sex and create lots of babies. All black people are not on welfare. We do not prefer a pair of $200 Nikes over a shoe that looks just as nice for $50. All of our black men are not in jail, gangs, sell drugs, or participate in violent activities. I just happen to know lots of black men that are complete opposites of all these stereotypes. I am madly in love with one of them. He or I, have no plans of creating children that we cannot care for (this is another frequent stereotype scattered throughout these responses). With the way that America thinks today (and I say America because it’s obvious from the responses that a lot of this ignorance is coming from people of all types of nationalities) lots of us will never understand that poverty is a vicious cycle and so is hatred. I ask and I plead that the few decent people out there not let a LOT of bad apples spoil the whole bunch. Pray and pray often, because HE will not forsake you, and there is light and the end of the horrid, wicked, and hatful tunnel.

You know what is so funny? these bigots and self-denying racists will see facts, reality, and documentaries such as the show last time, and still some how in their heads, formulate and conclude that blacks are over-complaining about something that doesn’t exist. If you are not BLACK, you have no idea. How can you not get this in your head. Stop the bigotry. You guys complain about the economy, the war, gas prices all day long, but somehow, blacks should stop complaining about the doubled and tripled effect felt, just for being black. For every one of your “black” “friends’ that you know who has done well, there are 10 others who are not making it.

Why don’t you guys just quit complaining about gas. How about that?

Recession hit everyone differently, we as a nation should stop the blame game. Not one person on this earth asked to be born, not one person on this earth that is alive can honestly say that they have not run into bad times at one point in their lives. A recession is necessary to correct the greediness of people, doesn’t it kind of put you in check and realize hmmmmmmm maybe i didn’t need that 5000 square foot home for the 4 of us. Or maybe i should have thought twice about buying all my material things on credit cards. Oh yes, and my gas guzzling trucks and SUV’s, and not to mention, that my kids have to be wearing top of the line clothing and get all the gadets that all the kids have so my kids will love me.

Wake up and realize a recession comes when things go out of whack, it doesn’t know if you are black, white, purple, green etc…. if you are not prepared then you will get caught in the rough ride ahead.

What a Joke, Life will always be harder on the people that are poor, uneducated and without goals or a plan for their future. It does not matter what color their skin is. I agree with previous posts.

Why don’t blacks stop complaining and focus on improving their situation through education. I believe that their problem stems from their poor attitudes.

It is always the poor, uneducated people that make poor decisions that reduce their quality of life even further… like having children at young ages without thinking about the financial consequences.

They will either change or continue to be the weakest link in our society

In my opinion Barack Obama is not a true representation of the average Black American. First he is the son of an immigrant making him a 1st generation American, where as most Black Americans like to point out that they were shipped here as slaves. Secondly had his father stayed in his life I do not believe his upbringing would have been the same as the average Black American. The Africans that I have met have a general disdain for Black Americans, similar to other immigrants that have migrated to America. Those same Africans, many as foreign born as Chinese, Mexicans, and Russians; come to America with the same work ethic as their fellow immigrants. I guess slavery expended the work ethic for the generations that have followed. The best thing about Obama becoming President is that it would show that any first generation child of a immigrant, legal or illegal, can become President. Just maybe a true American of indigenous descent will be President……yes that includes what many consider illegals from South America as we are the children conceived by Europeans(Spaniards) during invasion of our lands and culture way before the first black person was unloaded from the ship.

To calvin in louisiana,

and to any other students still reading the comments. I agree with raising the standard. However, it shouldn’t just be based on one color over the other. We as a nation are struggling. As a Hispanic born in the United States, I find I have to work that much harder due to all the people who come into this country illegally. Now thats a whole different convo. Although, as a nation, our education standards are not as high as they are in Japan, for example. As a whole, this nation can be lazy when it comes to education and working. People want success in life and yet are not willing to do the footwork. LIfe is a journey and it is all what we do with it. Sure circumstances happen. But do we view it as an opportunity or as a negative setback. Sometimes, we hate the job that we have. We get too comfortable with it and are afraid of just taking that first step into bettering ourselves to move on to a better job. What are we doing to better ourselves as an individual instead of always depending on the government. Social security isn’t going to be there when a majority of us are ready to retire. Hmm work till I am 70 years old to only receive about $1,000 a month. Heck, rent today is more than that!! What books are we reading? What are we listening to? Who do we associate with? The circle of influence we have is what we end up becoming. Look up Mr. Darnell Self, look at what he was able to accomplish at Washington D.C. on July 4th, 2008. He carries the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King. I know I might have rambled and spoke in tangents. Unfortunately, its hard to fit everything in a small box haha.

I really wish I had the time to sit and read all of the comments posted on this site. This article only states facts and figures from a study done nation-wide. It doesn’t state anything about a particular group looking for a free hand-out. They are just cold hard facts and cold hard facts are hard for anyone to take, in any group. Those numbers are not going to change over night but slowly they will.

I have an outsider’s view to this issue. My family is from Haiti. I am the first generation born in the US. My ancestors weren’t here during Civil Rights times nor during the slavery times. My family came here with nothing and worked incredibly hard to make it to our current status. We placed value on Education to rise above our hardships and did not receive any handouts from anyone. When I was in college I didn’t even qualify for fiancial aid. I had to work full time and go to school. Speaking as a college graduate their were very few african-americans that graduated with me. This is also a cold hard fact. Most people are not looking for a handout. They just want a chance to improve their status is in life, which I think is part of the American Dream.

There are some truly hateful comments stated on here on this forum. It is interesting to me the things that we all carry with us day in and day out.

In response to the first post; yes a recession hits everyone but the topic is covering the DEGREE of effect on this group in the population. Affirmative action might help the underprivileged get a job but when it comes to the big ‘R’ nothing could save the always-trodden-upon.

The piece last night was infinitely interesting. Two major things that jumped out at me were that blacks will remain poor (any race will) when you have 70% of the children born to a single mother — very often a girl or woman living in poverty to begin with.

When you have a single mother raising multiple children you will remain poor — forever. Poverty breeds desperation — no matter the color of your skin. No matter what color the skin, having babies you can’t support is a recipe for poverty in every country around the world. Secondly, HIV would be dramatically reduced with protected sex — which would also reduce the # of children living in poverty. I understood the desire for male attention if they grew up without a father in their home, but is the message being put out in churches and schools that single parenting is making the problem worse by the year?

With some of the reader comments i have read above and the ignorance in some of the comments , Im now sure by 2012 the % of black presidents in US history will be 0.

Work ethics and proper attitude are needed in the work force… regardless of race. The country owes individuals nothing! The country provides the atmosphere and establishments to succeed, its up to the individual to do what it takes and pay their dues.

Every four years, without fail, the black communities ‘needs’ are considered paramount and looked after with more programs, more social support, and preferences in jobs behind the guise of ‘infirmative action’ (not a typo). This has been the case for the past six Presidential and local elections. The primary focus on the black community is wildly overdone and those that defend this practice might consider becoming better team players and living the by the same rules demanded of others. The United States does not revolve around the black community. We are a Nation of many ethnic groups all deserving of jobs, social programs, and focus. This unfair and tiring focus on one group is probably going to lead to more serious problems in the future.

Why do you divide people on basis of color? We need to develop the country as a whole and not divide along any basis.

Let’s just keep it real…RIGHT NOW!! I think many of you are missing the entire point. The recession affects blacks more because we were already being affected prior to the recession. If you can’t be honest with the fact that racism exists and is evident in every area of life, then get off of this blog. Also, as far as the comment about black women having so many children and black fathers not being responsible…there may be some truth to that. But let’s look at the white side…I know so many white females who get pregnant just as much, but choose to abort the child (Now, does that make them better??) They abort because they want to cover up their irresponsibility, but the fact remains that they laid down and got pregnant just as much as the black girl on the other side of town. Not to mention the white men who may be in the household, but are having affairs and not being attentive to their children. And let’s not forget the fathers who walk away and don’t look back or the young white males that don’t take care of their children either. Don’t try to make it like your race is better than an entire race of people…..YOUR’E NOT!!!! Also, black people stand up and let people like Cindy understand a little better. It’s not a whoa is me story Cindy. If anything we are a proud people who are able to deal with the struggles that are thrown our way and survive. Let’s not forget about history and all of the things our people had to suffer, but we are still making it. And doing well in many situations. Cindy and all of your supporters on the band wagon need to trace back and tell us what have you suffered, better yet..what have your ancestors suffered. Get a grip and don’t put yourself in the same category as we, because you don’t fit. It’s totally different. As far as the question from the Asian gentleman, did your ancestors choose to come to America or were they sold and forced?

“Statistics don’t lie.” I’m always amused how people react to statistics …

A few months back there was an article stating that ~1 in 10 African Americans had at one time been incarcerated. Certain people chose to believe that this statistic failed to account for the underlying cause and that this was actually irrefutable evidence that blacks were unduly targeted in the justice system.

Now there is a statistic that states African Americans are more impacted during recessions. Once again, hereis irrefutable evidence that blacks are victims of discrimination.

I fully agree that statistics don’t lie; however, statistics such as these don’t prove causality. Both of the explanations mentioned above are plausible … as is the possibility of absolute chance. All the statistics really prove is (a) more blacks are unemployed for longer during recessions and (b) more blacks have been to prison. Any other attempted insight from these statistics is no more than speculation.

There are a lot of people who are hurting because of the ‘recession’, regardless of colour, nationality, and culture. We all agree with this, but the main point here is that blacks suffer the most when there is a recession, and after the recession has subsided. We still do not live in an equal society, and when times get tough, it becomes even tougher for blacks on a whole. So are we equal?

But how is the recession affecting Obama? Why isn’t this article focused on Obama? Isn’t all the press supposed to be writing about Obama right now?

Wow.. all it takes is a column reporting about the hard economic condition facing the Black community – and voila all the racists started crawling out under their bigoted rocks to mount an attack of a simple reporting facts. The writer did not even mention anything about “racism” or “what government hand out needed to be given to the Black community” – all they said was the statistics bear the fact that THESE people lose their jobs fast in a recession, and the fact that they don’t get their jobs back as quick during the recover.
And here we have – everyone spouting “I hate this . I hate that” .. Well look in the mirror – you are your hate , you idiotic mindless neanderthals.. no wonder the world is eating your lunch !!!

re: Vince – Phoenix *clap clap clap*

*Points to vince* if your going to look for everlasting pity, that’s not going to work…….

Slavery, segregation, discrimination, yes it did happen.
But blacks can’t move forward if their culture consistently lives in the past. A past that was cruel and unforgettable but must be left behind.
Those people fought back then to win our (yes, I’m black too) freedom.
Yet, some of our fellow black people tarnish their legacy by resorting to violence, drugs and in other cases acquiescence.

Yes, we are disadvantaged (like I said in my last post), always have been. But doesn’t mean we have to act helpless, desperate or stupid in the event of this crisis. Instead, we should strive to make our mark in society, breakthrough the invisible ceiling.

The reasons why they are effected is look at the drop out rate from school. Do not put the race card in this issue. There are also other factors that make them more effected by a recession. Living in Metro areas. that are impacted the hardest.

Nicho, just chill. Watch your blood pressure!!
The recession doesn’t discriminate. It affects us all.
Personally, I think this program and blog only tarnish the black image. It gives me the impression that the black people are weak and just like to complaint for everything including their own messes. However, all my black co-workers are none of that. They are strong-minded, logical and smart individuals, who would face any hardship / obstacle head-on with a smile. So in a nut shell, this is not helping the black communities and certainly our current black Preditial Candidate.
FYI, our line of work is white-male dominant, but I (asian & female) and my black co-worker are still shine.

During the time you mention, I was renovating brownstones in DC. My experience: Many job applicants with no experience, not really a problem. Showing up late, showing up only 3 days a week, Showing up drunk, showing late and drunk, retuning from lunch drunk or high, going out to lunch and notcoming back, these are the problems. Unfortunatley,this was the rule rather than the exception. It is very hard to retain an employee with such a lack of discipline.

WOW…good to see the country coming together in unity LOL

The Koreans, Asians and other minorities dont have Reverend Jackson or others railing against the system. Insteady, their two parent families makes sure they succeed in school and they end up doing well in college.

Until the black community looks within and gets control of the social ills that plague them at a much higher level than other cultures – high % single parent homes, lack of male parent, unwed teenage mothers, etc. the problems will continue. With fewer manufacturing jobs unless you speak Chinese or Indian, best to stay in school, stay off drugs and out of the bedroom.

Currently, there are more african american men in prison than there are in college.

Education is how to get ahead in this world.

Figure it out!

Three things are Important in finding and keeping a good job for the Average Working Class American. Note: Statements Below Do Not Apply to Blue-Bloods and Trust Fund Babies.

1) Ability to communicate in the workplace in English =Proper English.
2) Discipline to tough out ugly starting wage jobs for chance at a promotion to a decent family wage job: (paying your dues to climb up).
3) Desire to learn new skills continuously throughout your working career. (Or loose your job to an Asian making $1.00 per day).

Find a young Black (Or White or Red) American who is doing all of these three things, and you will find a person who has gainful employment. Trouble is Gen X and GenY are the “entitlement” generations who want a 100K job without any means of attaining a 20K job, now that Walmart has helped export every last family wage manufacturing job to asia.

1% of black males have successfully obtained a place in cooperate America and 60% of white Americans believe that this is a great improvement since the 1960’s.
_____________________________________________________
It is tough to obtain a place in corporate America when you don’t have 2 parents taking care of you as a family. The truth of the matter is that their is competition for these jobs, and an individual who has two parents making sure that they are doing their hw is going to have an advantage over someone whose family is not encouraging them. If blacks do not want a family that is their own choice, but please do not act like the repurcussions are due to racism or descrimination
_____________________________________________________
@Dan
So this answers the question as to why 60% of white Americans believe that there has been much improvement

Let’s say you are correct (as insane as this sounds) and there is no racism. That we African Americans are completely responsible for the condition in which we live today, Why, when only 1% of African American males are successfully employed by cooperate America, would anyone believe that “this is a GREAT improvement” since the 1960’s

What my fellow Americans are failing to realize is that regardless of the job situation, black people are always the first to be fired from a job regardless of education. So for all you folks out there talking about black men having babies and not being responsible; you need to look in your own back yard before you pass judgment. I don’t see white men taking care of their responsibilities. So lets stick to the facts, which are black people are the last to be hired and the first to be fired.

With jobs being off-shored employment chances get worse for everyone here in America especially in some job sectors. I’m sure blacks have a tough time finding a job but older workers no matter what their color have trouble as well – if you are an experienced worker over 50 you are usually passed up for someone out of college with only a few years of experience because they can be paid so much cheaper – or at least that is the perception. I know several older workers who would work for the same wages as the young just to have some work. We need to look at our job market and our employment practices for everyone – there is lots of discrimination in it and its not just racial discrimination.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Waaaaa…..Waaaa….Waaaaa….

Stop crying…. get a job….

Its tough on all people, but you have to fight to get ahead in life. Stop relying on the government to feed you, and get you job. Its hard on everyone except the few born into money. You make your own choices in life so live with them, its no one elses fault.

I’m tired of the “i couldn’t help that I got addicted to drugs and forced into a life of crime to get by”…. please

Congrats to CNN, on a topic thats only purpose is to bring people to watch thier lowsy programming…. wonder how much the commercials segments cost and whos pocket the money goes into…. bet its the WHITE man…..

AHH, The anger is in the air. Blacks this, blacks that.. Well, once again, this is Generation Y.. Both Whites and Blacks, TODAY, know not true racism. BUT the feelings are still here. Just read the statements. 98% of blacks, blah, blah, blah.. Dude, i am black, and i dont know 100 Blacks..myself. So how can you know 100 blacks, and 2 are good to go???
It is very easy for white america, TODAY, 2008.. To say i’m not racist.. etc… TheFacts speak for themselves. Why are all these blacks messed up? well if you had -0- choice on where to go to school, where to grow up… You speak as if Every Black should be able to be like a typical white. It just doesnt happen over night.

Today, Whites wonder themselves , why does black america have the attitudes we have? 10-12 Generations ago, Whites were in the same shoes, but was a different Country.. Great Britian. Whites evolved, to form the Great USA. Blacks, well we have came a LONG!!! way, in relative short amount of time. 50 years ago, blacks couldnt even ride the bus, without getting arrested. You must admit, things were like that. In the past? you say?? STILL Creating wealth takes generations… Pushing for education takes WEALTH.. Raising your Kids take Time and Money. Something that Blacks are just now getting. Yes recession hits Blacks hard. DUH.. But LIKE other people have said, it hits all races.
Why so serious

AHH…finally the slavery issue. Umm…what were slave buyers and thus slave traders looking for:Healthy strong negroes or brainiacs??? Logically the rate of higher education among blacks now is quite low compared to others. BTW, i do not intend to be racist here, just simply trying to rationalize why blacks, after 200 almost 200 year free from slavery, are still lagging behind other races in this country.

Suggestion, get and watch the entire HBO series “WIRE”. Very true example of urban youth, Especially the classroom scenes. It is unfrotunate that we watch this culture destroy itself, but it is multi generational and will take time to turn around and more time to build trust.

I for one am more concerned with capability and ability than skin color. Make me look good, show you are trying, speak well and be a good representative of my company. You won’t be laid off and if for some reason you must be, you won’t be the first and you will be first to return. No magic and no color issue, just simple work ethic.

This is America, we’re all mutts, we’re all from somewhere else, if you make an effort to fit in and do a good job, you will find work.