Comments on: Black In America... Let's start talking http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Dean http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232920 Dean Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:17:25 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232920 From the day I was born, racism has always been my shadow. My mother, White, the youngest of fourteen children born of Italian immigrants. My father, Black, an only child born in Winter Park, Florida. My mother originally followed the family tradition of marrying within her race. She had three children and divorced. She then met my father. To her families dismay, she married my father in the very volatile 60's. Her family severed all ties with my mother shortly there after. I have never met my maternal family members. With 13 Aunts and Uncles living right here in Rochester, I'm sure I have a boat load of cousins. I might work with one of them, but I would never know. My father died when I was six. Picture this....A White mother, three White kids and the little Black girl with the kinky, unkempt hair that no one in the house knew how to take care of. My mother would wait a month or two and then take me to someone to comb through the mess. I would scream and cry while whomever faced with the task that month would try to comb through the mangled locks. Sometimes they would have to cut big pieces of my hair out because they couldn't comb through it. As I got older, I learned how to take care of my own hair and that could be the reason why I wear my hair short to this day, but the painful experiences didn't stop there. When my family and I would go out to restaurants, the host/hostess would always address my mother the other kids first and then come to me and ask, "can I help you?" When we were out and about doing things, people would always ask my mother, "who is the little black girl?" When she would tell them I was her daughter, they would always get that same funny look on there faces. Then there was the time when my brother who was grown and married at the time, wouldn't let me come over to his house because a friend of his was over that didn't like Black people because a Black man had killed her husband. I won't go into the hundreds of other life scarring family situations I have endured. I will save those for the Therapist's couch or my book. But, I will say again, "Racism is alive and well"! From the day I was born, racism has always been my shadow. My mother, White, the youngest of fourteen children born of Italian immigrants. My father, Black, an only child born in Winter Park, Florida. My mother originally followed the family tradition of marrying within her race. She had three children and divorced. She then met my father. To her families dismay, she married my father in the very volatile 60's. Her family severed all ties with my mother shortly there after. I have never met my maternal family members. With 13 Aunts and Uncles living right here in Rochester, I'm sure I have a boat load of cousins. I might work with one of them, but I would never know.

My father died when I was six. Picture this....A White mother, three White kids and the little Black girl with the kinky, unkempt hair that no one in the house knew how to take care of. My mother would wait a month or two and then take me to someone to comb through the mess. I would scream and cry while whomever faced with the task that month would try to comb through the mangled locks. Sometimes they would have to cut big pieces of my hair out because they couldn't comb through it. As I got older, I learned how to take care of my own hair and that could be the reason why I wear my hair short to this day, but the painful experiences didn't stop there. When my family and I would go out to restaurants, the host/hostess would always address my mother the other kids first and then come to me and ask, "can I help you?" When we were out and about doing things, people would always ask my mother, "who is the little black girl?" When she would tell them I was her daughter, they would always get that same funny look on there faces. Then there was the time when my brother who was grown and married at the time, wouldn't let me come over to his house because a friend of his was over that didn't like Black people because a Black man had killed her husband.

I won't go into the hundreds of other life scarring family situations I have endured. I will save those for the Therapist's couch or my book. But, I will say again, "Racism is alive and well"!

]]> By: James - Los Angeles http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232919 James - Los Angeles Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:16:32 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232919 I think its great that black culture is being explored. As a race and culture , they have overcome unbelievable odds and discrimination. I think that black is a cultural identity and it is my opinion that all cultural idenities are learned. If a white child is adopted and raised by a black family, that child has more claim to that black identity than a black child raised in a white family. I think that black culture is beautiful and powerful. It makes a significant contibution to American society and is an undenaible aspect of our greatness as a nation. James (white) I think its great that black culture is being explored. As a race and culture , they have overcome unbelievable odds and discrimination.

I think that black is a cultural identity and it is my opinion that all cultural idenities are learned. If a white child is adopted and raised by a black family, that child has more claim to that black identity than a black child raised in a white family.

I think that black culture is beautiful and powerful. It makes a significant contibution to American society and is an undenaible aspect of our greatness as a nation.

James (white)

]]> By: James, NV http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232915 James, NV Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:15:51 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232915 Hey people were not still in the sixties! This whole thing about whites being racist of African Americans is getting old and tiresome. I see more racism coming from the older generation of blacks towards whites nowadays. Look at the whole Rev. Wright thing and then the younger generation with the whole Jena six situation when at the BET awards they get a standing ovation for putting a "white kid" in the hospital. My point is that it is time to let go of the past and start being plan AMERICANS, were all in this together and we need to build a strong UNIFIED country. Hey people were not still in the sixties! This whole thing about whites being racist of African Americans is getting old and tiresome. I see more racism coming from the older generation of blacks towards whites nowadays. Look at the whole Rev. Wright thing and then the younger generation with the whole Jena six situation when at the BET awards they get a standing ovation for putting a "white kid" in the hospital. My point is that it is time to let go of the past and start being plan AMERICANS, were all in this together and we need to build a strong UNIFIED country.

]]> By: len http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232910 len Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:14:33 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232910 This whole conversation about Black and White, from a White persons view point, has nothing to really do anymore with color. It has more to do with perception. From the view of many White people, Black people have their own way of talking, walking, and carrying themselves which, quite frankly White people do not value or respect. It does not "fit" with English taught to them in school. Words without the correct meaning are inserted into sentences to complete the "speak". These are unique to Black people and seem to be purposely different than what is taught or accepted as proper. It is not about color anymore - it is about purposely being and acting and behaving differently that what is normally accepted. I do agree this come from a White perspective, but English and Grammar are taught in school in the accepted way. It just seems Black people speak and act differently to, well, be Black and different from White people. This is wrong. We all live together and should speak and behave in a similar manner. Obama gets this - as you can see by his actions. It is also why he has been so successful for a Black or White person. And that is how it should be. He does not act "White" as I have heard Blacks say .... he just uses proper English and behaves as a person. Period. This whole conversation about Black and White, from a White persons view point, has nothing to really do anymore with color. It has more to do with perception.

From the view of many White people, Black people have their own way of talking, walking, and carrying themselves which, quite frankly White people do not value or respect. It does not "fit" with English taught to them in school.

Words without the correct meaning are inserted into sentences to complete the "speak". These are unique to Black people and seem to be purposely different than what is taught or accepted as proper.

It is not about color anymore – it is about purposely being and acting and behaving differently that what is normally accepted. I do agree this come from a White perspective, but English and Grammar are taught in school in the accepted way. It just seems Black people speak and act differently to, well, be Black and different from White people.

This is wrong. We all live together and should speak and behave in a similar manner. Obama gets this – as you can see by his actions. It is also why he has been so successful for a Black or White person. And that is how it should be. He does not act "White" as I have heard Blacks say .... he just uses proper English and behaves as a person. Period.

]]> By: Grace http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232909 Grace Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:14:31 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232909 White people do not understand the racism that Black people face in America today. I am a sales representative for a large pharma company and travel all over the southeast calling on customers. Sometimes, I travel with a white, male co-worker. When I do, it's as though I'm not even there. Our customers look right through me. Some don't even shake my hand! White people will probably never completely understand, but CNN's Black in America will at least help us get closer. White people do not understand the racism that Black people face in America today.

I am a sales representative for a large pharma company and travel all over the southeast calling on customers. Sometimes, I travel with a white, male co-worker. When I do, it's as though I'm not even there. Our customers look right through me. Some don't even shake my hand!

White people will probably never completely understand, but CNN's Black in America will at least help us get closer.

]]> By: Wilson http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232902 Wilson Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:13:09 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232902 Soledad, I love all of your specials. That aside, like many others I don't understand completely why you identify as black. I'm not suggesting that you should not, but had you been raised in a country where racial discrimination was not so prevalent and where the law imposed that identity on you because you carry one drop of black blood, do you think it would it be as important to identify as black? Miss you in the morning. Thanks. Soledad, I love all of your specials.

That aside, like many others I don't understand completely why you identify as black. I'm not suggesting that you should not, but had you been raised in a country where racial discrimination was not so prevalent and where the law imposed that identity on you because you carry one drop of black blood, do you think it would it be as important to identify as black?

Miss you in the morning.

Thanks.

]]> By: kayla http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232899 kayla Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:11:35 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232899 As the mother of biracial children me being a white cuban and my husband a black man. I identify my children as being black as well. I know my children identify with the black culture more so than white or even hispanic because of who and what they were raised around. I guess like you pointed out yes black people come from different backgrounds, but majority of whites that may have never been around black people initally think of how they see black folk on t.v. not a well spoken women like yourself. Or a very educated, well composed man such as Obama on the way to the most powerful seat in the country as "black". And maybe subconsciencly thats how they expect or would perfer to continue to see black people as some sort of comfort for their psyche. Not that everything is racist either seen a lot of that on the board but there are differences in races. Not that its bad or even good I really find it funny. And someone who said racisim will always be around may be right. But old farmer john that is racist he has no affect on the black community. But a job recruiting officer may, Or a police officer like the one who tazzered a young man 9 times to death. So you cant always just deal with racisim. I think more than race what it really comes down to is money beyond anything I know I cant explain how I feel fully while im on this blog at work in my cubical lol but I was reading and felt like I could express and share thank you for the great journalism As the mother of biracial children me being a white cuban and my husband a black man. I identify my children as being black as well. I know my children identify with the black culture more so than white or even hispanic because of who and what they were raised around. I guess like you pointed out yes black people come from different backgrounds, but majority of whites that may have never been around black people initally think of how they see black folk on t.v. not a well spoken women like yourself. Or a very educated, well composed man such as Obama on the way to the most powerful seat in the country as "black". And maybe subconsciencly thats how they expect or would perfer to continue to see black people as some sort of comfort for their psyche.

Not that everything is racist either seen a lot of that on the board but there are differences in races. Not that its bad or even good I really find it funny. And someone who said racisim will always be around may be right. But old farmer john that is racist he has no affect on the black community. But a job recruiting officer may, Or a police officer like the one who tazzered a young man 9 times to death. So you cant always just deal with racisim.

I think more than race what it really comes down to is money beyond anything I know I cant explain how I feel fully while im on this blog at work in my cubical lol but I was reading and felt like I could express and share thank you for the great journalism

]]> By: Marty Fleming http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232895 Marty Fleming Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:09:27 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232895 When my son began driving, I had to talk to him regarding his behavior behind the wheel. As a young driver, I was stopped numerous times while driving responsibly. I was just targeted to be stopped. After questioning my son, he admitted that he was also stopped many times for DRIVING WHILE BLACK. Racial profiling is alive and quite active. When my son began driving, I had to talk to him regarding his behavior behind the wheel.

As a young driver, I was stopped numerous times while driving responsibly. I was just targeted to be stopped.

After questioning my son, he admitted that he was also stopped many times for
DRIVING WHILE BLACK.

Racial profiling is alive and quite active.

]]> By: Jeff http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232893 Jeff Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:09:25 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232893 I believe the word you are looking for that means a mixture of black and white is "mulatto." Why not have a word that celebrates people that are bi-racial, a word that brings a person's mixed hertage together instead of denying it? I believe the word you are looking for that means a mixture of black and white is "mulatto." Why not have a word that celebrates people that are bi-racial, a word that brings a person's mixed hertage together instead of denying it?

]]> By: Fay, CA http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232888 Fay, CA Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:09:04 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232888 <i>If all your going to do is cry racism everytime something happens because your black, then go to another country.</i> "Going to another country" wouldn't solve a thing, considering that racism against blacks is prevalent world-wide. It would be wonderful not to have a reason to ever "cry racism", but since blacks are still being discriminated against and treated unfairly by some of the same people who wish to remain in denial about racism, it only ensures that those "cries" will continue to be heard. If all your going to do is cry racism everytime something happens because your black, then go to another country.

"Going to another country" wouldn't solve a thing, considering that racism against blacks is prevalent world-wide. It would be wonderful not to have a reason to ever "cry racism", but since blacks are still being discriminated against and treated unfairly by some of the same people who wish to remain in denial about racism, it only ensures that those "cries" will continue to be heard.

]]> By: Cherica http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232885 Cherica Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:08:06 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232885 I commend CNN and Soledad O'Brien for attempting to have an educated discourse about race relations in America. If I ever doubted the need for such a program "melting pot" of a nation and the growing numbers of equalities for all minority groups in this country, the ignorant and uneducated comments from some posters have proved me wrong. The prevalence of ignorance on this forum just demonstrates the need for such a program on national television to shatter the stereotypes we hold about Black America. I commend CNN and Soledad O'Brien for attempting to have an educated discourse about race relations in America. If I ever doubted the need for such a program "melting pot" of a nation and the growing numbers of equalities for all minority groups in this country, the ignorant and uneducated comments from some posters have proved me wrong. The prevalence of ignorance on this forum just demonstrates the need for such a program on national television to shatter the stereotypes we hold about Black America.

]]> By: Tom http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-7/#comment-232878 Tom Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:06:16 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232878 As an African-American woman in America, I applaud CNN's decision to produce this series. African-Americans do not have an adequate platform to allow them to express their point of view. CNN is doing an admirable service to the African-American community by publishing our point of view. I will be watching tonight with my daughter. As an African-American woman in America, I applaud CNN's decision to produce this series. African-Americans do not have an adequate platform to allow them to express their point of view. CNN is doing an admirable service to the African-American community by publishing our point of view.

I will be watching tonight with my daughter.

]]> By: Debbie Friday http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-6/#comment-232865 Debbie Friday Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:31 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232865 I can related coming from a mixed back ground. I was told that I would get further ahead in my career if I say I was Spanish but I do not speak fluently. I was also told to date white men because I would be treated better. I am the same color as Soledad. I am wondering what is the catch. Men and women treat you the way they see you and not for who you are trying to be. I have been called red-bone. white girl, you look white. where did you come from and you do not have black features. I still do not get it. I find when I am around darer skins people with their families, I am treated as if I am the slave lady or the hired help. So therefore, I try not to get caught up with must of these southern folks and escape their horrible ways. God made me just like he made everyone else strong, black and beautiful. I look at the person's heart and try tp discerm their spirit if they have one. I just stay true to who I am and not who I am trying to be. God Bless us all! I can related coming from a mixed back ground. I was told that I would get further ahead in my career if I say I was Spanish but I do not speak fluently. I was also told to date white men because I would be treated better. I am the same color as Soledad. I am wondering what is the catch. Men and women treat you the way they see you and not for who you are trying to be. I have been called red-bone. white girl, you look white. where did you come from and you do not have black features. I still do not get it. I find when I am around darer skins people with their families, I am treated as if I am the slave lady or the hired help. So therefore, I try not to get caught up with must of these southern folks and escape their horrible ways. God made me just like he made everyone else strong, black and beautiful. I look at the person's heart and try tp discerm their spirit if they have one. I just stay true to who I am and not who I am trying to be. God Bless us all!

]]> By: Raj, CA http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-6/#comment-232858 Raj, CA Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:57:05 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232858 Soledad, I am eagerly awaiting the airing of this show "Black in America". Like it or not, racism is deep rooted in this country. I will only believe that americans have matured beyond this when I do see the first balck preseident elected to the Oval office. Although many African americans have transcended the race disadvantage and achieved great heights in all fields, the odds for an average person of color is stacked so much against them. Many white Americans cnnot even understand that such discriminations exist in society because they have never had to face such issues in life at all. I am sure your show tonight will be a huge success and a big eye opener for all americans. Soledad,
I am eagerly awaiting the airing of this show "Black in America". Like it or not, racism is deep rooted in this country. I will only believe that americans have matured beyond this when I do see the first balck preseident elected to the Oval office.

Although many African americans have transcended the race disadvantage and achieved great heights in all fields, the odds for an average person of color is stacked so much against them. Many white Americans cnnot even understand that such discriminations exist in society because they have never had to face such issues in life at all.
I am sure your show tonight will be a huge success and a big eye opener for all americans.

]]> By: Tim George MD http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-6/#comment-232826 Tim George MD Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:46:39 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232826 Why it is that even in US the well to do blacks wants their kids to go to schools with white kids or live in white neighborhoods? Probably because they don’t trust their own black people, personally I have not heard any white person wanting to go to black neighborhoods or schools (even the top leading black schools). It’s only blacks who are interested with integration; whites don’t want their kids to be mixed with unruly black kids. Black people need to have confidence in themselves and solve their problems before they start blaming others for their own failures. Fact; blacks in America live better than any black people in any part of the world. If they still think US is a bad place, United Nations can create a country in Africa somewhere between Angola and Congo where all the 13 million African Americans can leave in harmony devoid of any white man racism. But remember, the descendants of freed slaves repatriated to Freetown and Liberia still want to come back to US. Why it is that even in US the well to do blacks wants their kids to go to schools with white kids or live in white neighborhoods? Probably because they don’t trust their own black people, personally I have not heard any white person wanting to go to black neighborhoods or schools (even the top leading black schools). It’s only blacks who are interested with integration; whites don’t want their kids to be mixed with unruly black kids.
Black people need to have confidence in themselves and solve their problems before they start blaming others for their own failures. Fact; blacks in America live better than any black people in any part of the world. If they still think US is a bad place, United Nations can create a country in Africa somewhere between Angola and Congo where all the 13 million African Americans can leave in harmony devoid of any white man racism. But remember, the descendants of freed slaves repatriated to Freetown and Liberia still want to come back to US.

]]> By: Chris Were http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-6/#comment-232816 Chris Were Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:45:22 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232816 If blacks feel so sinned against and treated badly, why can’t they repatriate back to where they came from? Despite the many changes that this country has undergone African American always complain of something. Jews were settled in Israeli after World War II (1948), by the League of Nations. Part of Palestine was caved to settle the persecuted Jews. All Jews in different part of Europe were settled there, and they have advanced themselves, they do not keep on complaining about the Nazi’s or the Slavery they faced in Egypt. If African Americans feels persecuted in USA they can be taken back to Africa. This was tried during President Monroe when freed slaves were settled in Liberia. It’s evident that the black man cannot govern himself well, look at the blacks all over the world. Haiti, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Somalia, US, blacks in UK, blacks in Brazil etc South Africa is progressing because the white man is still there. If blacks feel so sinned against and treated badly, why can’t they repatriate back to where they came from? Despite the many changes that this country has undergone African American always complain of something. Jews were settled in Israeli after World War II (1948), by the League of Nations. Part of Palestine was caved to settle the persecuted Jews. All Jews in different part of Europe were settled there, and they have advanced themselves, they do not keep on complaining about the Nazi’s or the Slavery they faced in Egypt.
If African Americans feels persecuted in USA they can be taken back to Africa. This was tried during President Monroe when freed slaves were settled in Liberia.
It’s evident that the black man cannot govern himself well, look at the blacks all over the world. Haiti, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Somalia, US, blacks in UK, blacks in Brazil etc South Africa is progressing because the white man is still there.

]]> By: Rick http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-6/#comment-232810 Rick Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:43:52 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232810 Hmmm. The same time this show was aired, there were two black cousins suing one another on Judge Mathis. One, not older than 23, has already fathered 6 children with 5 women, isn't married to any of them, and doesn't even have a job. Flip the channel and we find Barack Obama, a millionaire US Senator. Flip again, and we see Whoopi...a millionaire bigmouth. Flip again and we see a story about gangbangers. Which "Black America" is the real one? Oh, all of them? Well, then it's no different than White America. If you work hard, get an education, have some ambition, and stop knocking up women out of wedlock, you can also succeed...white, black, red, yellow, or purple. Hmmm. The same time this show was aired, there were two black cousins suing one another on Judge Mathis. One, not older than 23, has already fathered 6 children with 5 women, isn't married to any of them, and doesn't even have a job.

Flip the channel and we find Barack Obama, a millionaire US Senator. Flip again, and we see Whoopi...a millionaire bigmouth. Flip again and we see a story about gangbangers.

Which "Black America" is the real one? Oh, all of them? Well, then it's no different than White America. If you work hard, get an education, have some ambition, and stop knocking up women out of wedlock, you can also succeed...white, black, red, yellow, or purple.

]]> By: Bill http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-6/#comment-232809 Bill Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:43:49 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232809 I see people as humans first with a focus on how much alike we are. I think the focus is all wrong and I am not sure if this series is helpful or if it just continues give fuel to the wrong focus, which are the differences between us. It is easy to see and exam differences, they are all around us. Whether the differences are weight, skin color, sex, religion, the list can go on and on. This is a very easy task, one that has been done over and over. I don't find anything new about this series. What would be challenging and interesting is to do a series on how much alike we are and how much we can, and do accomplish, if that is our focus. I see people as humans first with a focus on how much alike we are. I think the focus is all wrong and I am not sure if this series is helpful or if it just continues give fuel to the wrong focus, which are the differences between us. It is easy to see and exam differences, they are all around us. Whether the differences are weight, skin color, sex, religion, the list can go on and on. This is a very easy task, one that has been done over and over. I don't find anything new about this series.

What would be challenging and interesting is to do a series on how much alike we are and how much we can, and do accomplish, if that is our focus.

]]> By: Equality for All in US http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-6/#comment-232807 Equality for All in US Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:43:00 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232807 First of all let me say that I have read most of the blogs on this website. Some I agree with and some I don't. I am an English-American (White) woman with a college education that I am still paying for through student loans. My husband and have worked all of our lives and have been married 20 years. I have never, ever, ever had a government handout of any kind and have had to work for everything I have ever acquired. I am sick and tired of hearing about prejudice in this country. If you want to be respected, you need to get an education, find a job, pay taxes and mind your own business. Most jobs where I live, they either are bilingual or I am told I am the wrong color. Yes, believe it or not there are prejudices against whites too. Most of us white taxpaying citizens just don't march, gripe or have television specials about it. If you want to be counted as a production member of society, please exercise your right to become a tax paying citizen and encourage members of your race to support their own families and quit flooding our street with drugs. I do not support Obama, but I do support his stand that black men need to stand up and take responsibility for themselves and their families. Why does it make black people so mad to hear the truth? As a white female, i have no problem with anyone saying that there are alot of white men that need to pay their child support and fulfill their fatherly duties. I guess if the men start doing their part, then then women can't keep having babies on the system...... First of all let me say that I have read most of the blogs on this website. Some I agree with and some I don't. I am an English-American (White) woman with a college education that I am still paying for through student loans. My husband and have worked all of our lives and have been married 20 years. I have never, ever, ever had a government handout of any kind and have had to work for everything I have ever acquired. I am sick and tired of hearing about prejudice in this country. If you want to be respected, you need to get an education, find a job, pay taxes and mind your own business. Most jobs where I live, they either are bilingual or I am told I am the wrong color. Yes, believe it or not there are prejudices against whites too. Most of us white taxpaying citizens just don't march, gripe or have television specials about it. If you want to be counted as a production member of society, please exercise your right to become a tax paying citizen and encourage members of your race to support their own families and quit flooding our street with drugs. I do not support Obama, but I do support his stand that black men need to stand up and take responsibility for themselves and their families. Why does it make black people so mad to hear the truth? As a white female, i have no problem with anyone saying that there are alot of white men that need to pay their child support and fulfill their fatherly duties. I guess if the men start doing their part, then then women can't keep having babies on the system......

]]> By: Alisha - Raleigh, NC http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/black-in-america-lets-start-talking/comment-page-6/#comment-232805 Alisha - Raleigh, NC Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:42:17 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2758#comment-232805 I'm black too; although, I'm also Native American and I have a white great-grandmother. I once married a man who was also of mixed lineage--he was Mexican, Spaniard, Apache, and Yaca. We asked our daughter (one born in the US and one born in Germany during our military service) what they wanted to be known as. My oldest chose Native American; my youngest chose Alisha--her name is also Alisha. When we said, "No baby, what nationality." She replied, "I'm not a nationality, I'm Alisha." She was 4 years old and brilliant! So there you have it. She's Alisha. And I think I'll just be Alisha also. I'm black too; although, I'm also Native American and I have a white great-grandmother. I once married a man who was also of mixed lineage–he was Mexican, Spaniard, Apache, and Yaca. We asked our daughter (one born in the US and one born in Germany during our military service) what they wanted to be known as. My oldest chose Native American; my youngest chose Alisha–her name is also Alisha. When we said, "No baby, what nationality." She replied, "I'm not a nationality, I'm Alisha." She was 4 years old and brilliant! So there you have it. She's Alisha. And I think I'll just be Alisha also.

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