Comments on: Black and white, and a target of both

By: Gabriel

Gabriel — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:10:29 +0000

I don't think race is that big of a deal. Although I am technically biracial. My mother is 100% German she was born in Germany and my father's mother was a black women and my father's father was Native American and Scottish. I understand the whole biracial and proud complex. I think it is awesome. I however, although I guess technically I am only 1/4th African-American, I always have and will always identify as black. I am very light skinned, I have curly brownish blonde hair and green eyes. Me saying that I am black has nothing to do with me ignoring my white heritage, it is just how I identify myself comfortably, and with the knowledge that all African-Americans are essentially multiracial or biracial. Me saying I am black is still me saying I am white too, becasue all black people have at least a white grand parent or a white parent or great grandparent, as African-Americans we are a little bit of everything. I am black and proud.

By: Lisa, Georgia

Lisa, Georgia — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:44:08 +0000

Issues like this should be addressed, I don't see why white or any other races think that they are being left out and not focused on. I think it benefits the black community to see something like this. There are a lot of Jews that run this country, yes they fought for what they have. Orientals have come to this country and built their little communities all over. Black people have come a long way look at communities like Prince George's county . There are plenty of black people making it. We want a lot more black people to be successful as well, the young ones in jail to know there are role models that are out there. Media always showing the bad not the good, is not benefiting black children. I make it a point to educate my children on the contribution that blacks of made to this countries past and present. and encourage other black moms to do the same.
If you are concerned about the amount of blacks working at Atlanta airport, you do know a lot of black people live in Atlanta don't you? Are there a whole bunch of black people working at the airport in South Dakota?

By: Annie Kate

Annie Kate — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:28:19 +0000

Brandon sounds like a wonderful young man and I'm glad he was given the opportunity to take part in learning to fly. In comparing what was available during high school for my siblings and myself and what is now available for my children, I think that all races have a host of opportunities we could not have dreamed of years ago. Our children are fortunate to have these opportunities and they are also fortunate to be part of hopefully the generation that will help get rid of the last vestiges of racism. In the 1960s and 1970s we thought we could but we didn't – now a new generation can try and if they are mostly like the Brandon's of this post I think there is a good chance they will succeed.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

By: Larry

Larry — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:03:24 +0000

Please tell me it wasn't the Democratic Party which initiated Jim Crow Laws in the southern states.

By: EJ (USA)

EJ (USA) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:51:03 +0000

By the way did anyone else think that AC plugging his upcoming piece in the middle of it was a bit….cheesy?

It's not like he interrupted the program to tell everyone. LOL It was on commerical. I bet he had little choice in the matter anyway.

By: JH Brooks

JH Brooks — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:50:15 +0000

Back when Soledad O'Brien had not been demoted to investigative reporter and was still morning anchor she participated in a q and a session with Rep. Cynthia McKinney. Not only was O'Brien rude and disrespectful; she did a hatchet job againgst another black woman. O'Brien is self-identified as black, is she not?
It is not about which race has the head start for Africans are the oldest race on the planet and invented the footrace. No, rather this an issue that hinges on justice.
It is about what happens when fathers provide genetic material for offspring but deny them their names and seats at the famiky table.
The absentee fathers I refer to are black but white: all those nameless white men who raped black women during slavery, who fathered black children sold them into slavery, and never acknowledged paternity. These are the originators of the absentee criminal abusers who have sown the seeds of disharmony and dysfunctionality that plagues our society today,
Whenever children are denied by fathers you have hurt, hatred, and enmity.

By: Rayne

Rayne — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:40:20 +0000

I enjoyed your story, thanks for sharing it. I to, experienced the affects of being a certain shade within the black race. I do feel that the attention given to the race issues pertain to the universal attitudes outside of our race rather than the ones we experience within the race. Racism will exist until EVERYONE REALIZES no one is above another. We have two options when we relate to someone; accept them the way they are OR walk away and not befriend them and don't let someone make their problem your problem. I look around and the remedy is simple – IF WE HUMANS WOULD FOLLOW IT – there is an ultimate plan already established – NO ONE IS BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE. Everyone of us is created in the image of God and God doesn't make junk!!!! Ever noticed the animals?? They STILL FOLLOW THEIR PLAN and don't have the chaious we intelligent humans have, diease, birth defects, crime, hate, pollution, stress, high blood pressure, etc. I have a question for us humans – looking at the outcome of our intelligence and comparing it to the other sectors of life – whoses really the dumby here??? Thanks for the opportuniy to express myself, Rayne

By: Stuart

Stuart — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:37:47 +0000

Thanks for sharing your story...love the way you keep it real on the Newsroom.One thing for sure,this documentary has got us all talking again and let hope some positive comes out of it.
By the way did anyone else think that AC plugging his upcoming piece in the middle of it was a bit....cheesy?

By: CJ

CJ — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:36:42 +0000

To Faye Rose: what does a "...white man..." report like?

By: chuck

chuck — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:18:56 +0000

Let's give credit where credit is due.

I grew up the only son in an Arab family in the middle of a Jewish neighborhood in Michigan. My high school was highly integrated, so much so that in the 1980's, I was president of the National Honor Society, on my senior class board, voted most popular and most likely to succeed – and all of this while I had a boyfriend. Being an Arab, being gay, being different were all part of the multi-cultural experience at a public school in suburban Detroit.

I actually met Don a few years ago in Louisiana; I was dating a co-worker of his in the industry. He's a kind, smart, incredibly engaging, handsome man – a winning combination and an unstoppable force. While these assets may have helped Don become the successful, I've known many with equal attributes who are unable to rise above their situation. Don deserves our respect and admiration.

My friends and I have been having a discussion of what gets lost in a post-gay world; nowadays the younger generation is going to mixed bars and in many ways, I believe we're being mainstreamed, and the danger in being mainstreamed is that you lose some truly critical and meaningful culture.

I actually believe we're much closer to being post-black than post-anything else. Granted, it will take much longer for the South to catch up (and by south, I mean anything below Columbus, Ohio, where I've been living for the past few years). But remember all the clamor over black-white relationships? It's a non-issue now, here and on the coasts.

What's my point? The white males who have been writing in about their disadvantages need to accept that we live in a world of relative parity. You have to own your failures just like you have to own your successes; we all have disadvantages.

Those who choose to lean on their relative advantages, like Don, go far in this world.

Those who compare themselves to everyone else only add to the odds stacked against them.

Be your own advocate and (to quote Louis Pasteur) you'll find that chance favors the prepared mind.

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:08:47 +0000

"It’s due to the difference in the communities in which they reside.," Joe

This guy is right on target. It's difficult to emulate something you have never seen. It's almost impossible to do it successfully a good majority of the time. When you don't have good role models, sometimes you don't even imagine what "could be.," you just accept "what is."

I'm white ... but I'm going through the same thing as I struggle to be a good Father. I didn't have a Dad in the home – was raised by my Mom, Aunts, Grandmas and such – all women. I have to figure out as I go along, "how would a Dad respond" to this situation? I don't know. I've never seen it happen on a regular basis.

And so making decisions, doing things that white Americans think are obvious - well, maybe they're not obvious. It's the responsibility of all communities to ensure children are raised properly. If not, we all suffer.

By: Khatina of Louisville

Khatina of Louisville — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:08:09 +0000

It is impossible to deny that racism still exists in this country - people who say it does not just refuse to open their eyes to SOMEONE ELSE'S experience. However, discrimination among human beings will always exist. Even if we were all the exact same complexion, height, weight, etc as everyone else, people would still find something (anything!) to differentiate themselves on and display preferential treatment for - whether it be the length of your fingers or the shape of your chin. The bottom line is that bigotry begins at home. If we want the cycle to end, we must not impart this hate and prejuidice to upcoming generations. Parents, you have a responsibility to instill in your children love, respect and tolerance for ALL human beings, despite the inevitable differences that we have in culture, ethnicity, economy or anything else. I, for one, plan to teach my beautiful African-American sons that we as humans are all equal in the sight of God; and as long as they apply themselves and work hard that the sky is the limit for their dreams and they WILL achieve their goals; despite living in America or anywhere else!

By: Alain Manns

Alain Manns — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:43:12 +0000

Hi Don! Thanks for sharing your story. I watch you every chance I get and I particularly enjoyed your coverage in India late last year.

I applaud your success, and I think that you definitely service as a role model for younger African-Americans who aspire to attain a career in journalism.

While I grew up in the opposite end of the country (the suburbs of Philly), I can relate to some of your experiences, particularly some of the negative experiences that you had with other Blacks. My grandparents, who raised me along with other elders in my community, stressed that I get an education and learn how to present myself exceptionally in society. I was "badgered" constantly to walk, speak, and dress "better" than my white counterparts......since I would need to achieve 2x as much in life in order to get the same amount of respect. In high school, I was ridiculed a lot by my black peers for "acting and talking white". Although I hated it then, I am grateful now that my elders did prepare me well. I graduated from my very affluent high school, went on to Penn State, and later moved to South Florida and obtained my Masters from NSU. Now, I am a licensed psychotherapist running my own private practice. My Grandfather and those other elders would be overjoyed that I fulfilled their dreams.

What I haven't seen covered in this series, yet, is the phenomena of how and why Blacks can be their own worst enemies. Why does it seem that some Blacks are so quick to attack other Blacks who have worked hard and attained any success. This is how I interpreted Faye Rose's comments written above! Why would she criticize your excellent work, by implying that you are "always reporting like you are a white man".....and that you should "be who you are"? It is negative messages like this that many young African-Americans receive....and thus don't live up to their full potential. Faye Rose should explore her own issues in life.......then apologize to you!

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:41:05 +0000

I just wanted to commend Soledad O'Brien and her entire crew for a tremendous job done in putting together this amazing piece of Black in America. As a mother of two young children I would love for them to see this when the become older. Where can you get a copy of the show?
Congratulations on showing a piece that does not put blame on one person or the other but lets everyone tell their story and help us all learn that it call comes down to the choices we make as individuals whether we are Black or White or Hispanic or any other race.

By: John M.

John M. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:30:28 +0000

Don: Thanks for your story.CNN has done a superb job with the series " Black in America" I've watched it with interest and frequently strong compassion.
Several things have struck me. The long prison sentences for the non
violent drug cases, and the failure to bring a ' Manhattan Project" focus
on improving education in innner city schools are very shortsighted.
I think the country will improve with Barack Obama as president although we can't put it all on his shoulders.

By: J

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:29:49 +0000

Everyone judges everyone, on their appearance. You take a loook at someone to distiguish their class. If you want to be taken seriously no matter what color you are, present yourself correctly. I am from Kansas, i know we don't have the same problems as the coasts and the south do with race. Maybe because we are 90% white/native american. Maybe because we hand no hand in slavery. But I would see a black midwesterner (yes there were black settters in the midwest) with similiar values closer to myself than a white person from NYC, georgia, conn., california, ect. I think it is different cultures we are talking about not race that leads us to treat people differently.

By: Ms. Mo

Ms. Mo — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:29:29 +0000

I am a dark brown skinned woman with a very light skinned husband. It's a shame to say this, but I live in LA, have two young adult sons – one is darker skinned and one is lighter skinned, and I have watched with sadness thru the years how my two sons are treated differently simply because of their skin tone – even to this day in 2008 when Barack Obama is running for President. They're treated differently both within and outside our race. Not to mention the difference I see in the treatment between my husband and I – he is regarded highly simply because of his light skin, and I benefit a little more that a dark skinned man would because I'm female. But as bad as that is, it seems those who are MOST hateful towards me are the darker brown skinned females that I encounter while out shopping, etc. They are always trying to "put me in my place," as if that "place" should be somewhere on the bottom of the class ladder. Talk about despising the mirror image!!!

I'm always glad to hear about the programs that are in place for the youngsters like Brandon because like the author, those programs weren't available for me in the 70's. It's programs like these that will equalize the skin tone discrimination.

By: K, FL

K, FL — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:24:00 +0000

In my opinion it becomes very tiresome and old having to constantly explain ourselves to non-African Americans. Let's prove ourselves to ourselves and move forward with or without non-African Americans. We seem to feel that we have no stake in what GOD has blessed us ALL with – the gift of life is our all access pass – I don't feel the need to seek anyones approval. Answer to God and be good stewards of all he has given us...the Earth and the fullness thereof. We are to take care of his Earth, plants, each other, and be mindful and kind to other species who inhabit the Earth, as well as, the universe. When we notice variation in other species we see beauty, "Oh what a beautiful plant or animal – it's different!", we say; yet we cannot see this in our own species??? I at times question the human intelligence and the mind's incapacity to comprehend only what God intended to be perfect (variation) and somehow we have undermined his will into something bizarre.

By: Mosi

Mosi — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:17:44 +0000

Don, your a good reporter but you turned me off when you told that guy who bailed out a enna 6 youth that he was doing it to get his 15 minutes of fame! I thought that was dumb and malicious of you and something that would come from someone light , damn near white. It was as if you were playing the role of a white man. if that had been a white man bailing a white kid out that comment woud not have come from as it appeared 'eating crow mouth" Anywhay there is hope for you as a hold out hope for myself and this world.

By: Mesheba Williams

Mesheba Williams — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:17:14 +0000

It must be nice white people to tell another group how to fell and get over slavery. I guess I would say that too if my people hadn't been forced to come to America and serve for 400 years, Jim Crow, segregation, Trail of Tears.Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, learning of slavery in elementary is shcoking you can't believe another group was SO LAZY and EVIL and UNCARING. You comments show the same uncaring unempathetic soulless people. If a group of people keeps telling you how they are mistreated and you want to ignore it as made up it only shows your ignorance. I know the people stating get over it would not have fought for freedom or equality. In elementary school white parents, some holding babies would throw rocks at our buses this was 1974, how many of you grew up with your parents making racist remarks? HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE FOR TELLING SOMEONE ELSE HOW TO FEEL, HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE FOR CASTING 400 YEARS OF SLAVERY ASIDE, HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE FOR NOT FEELING THE PAIN OF LEGIONS OF OUR LEADERS BEING ASSASSINATED, HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE FOR NOT REMEMBERING WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING SINCE WE GOT HERE AND JUST INTEGRATED SCHOOLS IN THE 70'S. OH NOW FOR 30 YEARS WE ARE SUPPOSED TO FORGET SLAVERY. officer came from slave overseer learn some American history of others before you spew your ignorant comments