Comments on: Study: Black man and white felon – same chances for hire http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Dion Loyd http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237754 Dion Loyd Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:06:53 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237754 What I saw on CNN was modern day slavery. The show aired in my opinion "House Negros" (light skinned black men) and "Field Negros" (Dark skinned black men). In Cnn's segment it appeared that if you were closer to white in color the more accepted and comfortable you are in white society. Cnn did interviews with successful light skinned black men and non-successful Dark skinned black men. Make no mistake this country is still run like a Plantation. What I saw on CNN was modern day slavery. The show aired in my opinion "House Negros" (light skinned black men) and "Field Negros" (Dark skinned black men). In Cnn's segment it appeared that if you were closer to white in color the more accepted and comfortable you are in white society. Cnn did interviews with successful light skinned black men and non-successful Dark skinned black men. Make no mistake this country is still run like a Plantation.

]]> By: Brian in Texas http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237714 Brian in Texas Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:16:16 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237714 Until we as a people can only be classified on Job Applications as Americans or non-Americans, we will continue to see the injustice and inequalities in the hiring process for Afro-Americans in businesses, small and large. If we continue to believe false information about companies not having certain quotas on race in hiring, than we are fooling ourselves even more! I work in the Corporate industry and I see these things with my own eyes daily, but there has been no barrier that I couldn't overcome myself. We are American's, people, and when the Applications ask for that justification and only that justification, our qualifications will continue to be in second place. But let's not let these obstacles give us any reason for not trying or doing our best in all that we do. We still have more advantages than others have across the continent. If we can remember our blessings and that there will always be someone, somewhere, doing fair worse than ourselves, we will become more determined to succeed in this unequal place called America! Until we as a people can only be classified on Job Applications as Americans or non-Americans, we will continue to see the injustice and inequalities in the hiring process for Afro-Americans in businesses, small and large. If we continue to believe false information about companies not having certain quotas on race in hiring, than we are fooling ourselves even more! I work in the Corporate industry and I see these things with my own eyes daily, but there has been no barrier that I couldn't overcome myself. We are American's, people, and when the Applications ask for that justification and only that justification, our qualifications will continue to be in second place. But let's not let these obstacles give us any reason for not trying or doing our best in all that we do. We still have more advantages than others have across the continent. If we can remember our blessings and that there will always be someone, somewhere, doing fair worse than ourselves, we will become more determined to succeed in this unequal place called America!

]]> By: Marcia Esq. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237655 Marcia Esq. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:54:05 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237655 i have faced this demon many times. because i went to a predominately white college for undergrad. and my name is not Lashonda or Vansheka...I would get called for interviews...and when I would show up you could see the color drain out of the white interviewers faces... I remember this distintly with Arthur and Anderson all of a sudden the position didn't exist anymore. So I thought that ok,,, maybe more education is the key... I obtained my JD. however, that meant I had more education than most of the supervisors that were interviewing... I finally passed the bar... and I am working for myself... because I still couldn't get an interview... a attorney who can't find a job..... wow... as don king would say... onlly in america.... i have faced this demon many times. because i went to a predominately white college for undergrad. and my name is not Lashonda or Vansheka...I would get called for interviews...and when I would show up you could see the color drain out of the white interviewers faces... I remember this distintly with Arthur and Anderson all of a sudden the position didn't exist anymore. So I thought that ok,,, maybe more education is the key... I obtained my JD. however, that meant I had more education than most of the supervisors that were interviewing... I finally passed the bar... and I am working for myself... because I still couldn't get an interview...
a attorney who can't find a job..... wow... as don king would say... onlly in america....

]]> By: Javon http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237645 Javon Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:43:12 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237645 I read the comment that the AMERICAN Sean wrote. I can only feel somewhat bad for your experience my AMERICAN brother. I am a young African American in the military and know all too well how frustrating your experince made you feel but i would invite you to consider this: while you may feel that you have EARNED such a prestigious degree and EARNED your right to compete in the work force imagine if you applied to 10 other jobs and your credentials weren't even considered becuase of your skin color and your percieved culture therefore being turned away 10 additional times. Then you have a SMALL idea of what it is like to be an Afro american in this country. Thats is not to say that it happens everywhere but it happens. Also you think that WE DON'T KNOW that we got that job that you were denied because they needed to even out the "colored atmosphere?" You think that makes us even more proud? All that is saying is whether we succeed or fail our SKIN COLOR will be a factor . Don't be upset Sean it's really not your fault or the black man that was hired over you. What happen to you is merely a domino effect of the decisions that were made out of ignorance and fear before you or me. This is still one of the greatest countries in the world jack and im still glad to be here. I read the comment that the AMERICAN Sean wrote. I can only feel somewhat bad for your experience my AMERICAN brother. I am a young African American in the military and know all too well how frustrating your experince made you feel but i would invite you to consider this: while you may feel that you have EARNED such a prestigious degree and EARNED your right to compete in the work force imagine if you applied to 10 other jobs and your credentials weren't even considered becuase of your skin color and your percieved culture therefore being turned away 10 additional times. Then you have a SMALL idea of what it is like to be an Afro american in this country. Thats is not to say that it happens everywhere but it happens. Also you think that WE DON'T KNOW that we got that job that you were denied because they needed to even out the "colored atmosphere?" You think that makes us even more proud? All that is saying is whether we succeed or fail our SKIN COLOR will be a factor . Don't be upset Sean it's really not your fault or the black man that was hired over you. What happen to you is merely a domino effect of the decisions that were made out of ignorance and fear before you or me. This is still one of the greatest countries in the world jack and im still glad to be here.

]]> By: JACK http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237580 JACK Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:39:43 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237580 I have hired hundreds of people, as an employer I am guilty of this disparity. I will admit to it. I always try to be as objective as possible when hiring and try not to take race into account but when you hire 10 white people and 2 of them wash out in the first month, you hire 10 Latin people and 2 of them wash out in the first month and you hire 10 Asian people and 2 of them wash out in the first month, then you hire 10 black people and 5 of the 10 don't cut it in the first month, for any number of reasons from not showing up on time, being rude to customers, being disrespectful to other co-workers, calling out sick, not being productive, after a while you become prejudice.(please don't imply that I think only black people do this, all people do this.) These numbers always seem to hold true which means 50% of the training money I put into African Americans becomes a loss on my books. Training employees is expensive and my gut reaction is to not lose money on hiring African Americans so that they can throw the opportunity back in my face and cost my bottom line. For the average hard working African American this just sucks and is unfair but why do I have to lose money in the name of being politically correct? I DON'T, THIS IS AMERICA. If I had had a more positive experience with any one group they undoubtedly would be hired more than another. If you think I am racist then too bad. I need to have a profitable business or else no one will have a job. I think feel good and PC correct Soledad and Anderson have very little concept of how a business is run and how expensive HR, hiring, and training is. When you have a razor thin bottom line, you do what you have to. Black America(those of you that suffer from people like me) if you don't like that reality then try to shame your brothers and sisters into changing their act instead of blaming it all on white people. It's dollars and SENSE! I have hired hundreds of people, as an employer I am guilty of this disparity. I will admit to it. I always try to be as objective as possible when hiring and try not to take race into account but when you hire 10 white people and 2 of them wash out in the first month, you hire 10 Latin people and 2 of them wash out in the first month and you hire 10 Asian people and 2 of them wash out in the first month, then you hire 10 black people and 5 of the 10 don't cut it in the first month, for any number of reasons from not showing up on time, being rude to customers, being disrespectful to other co-workers, calling out sick, not being productive, after a while you become prejudice.(please don't imply that I think only black people do this, all people do this.) These numbers always seem to hold true which means 50% of the training money I put into African Americans becomes a loss on my books. Training employees is expensive and my gut reaction is to not lose money on hiring African Americans so that they can throw the opportunity back in my face and cost my bottom line. For the average hard working African American this just sucks and is unfair but why do I have to lose money in the name of being politically correct? I DON'T, THIS IS AMERICA. If I had had a more positive experience with any one group they undoubtedly would be hired more than another. If you think I am racist then too bad. I need to have a profitable business or else no one will have a job. I think feel good and PC correct Soledad and Anderson have very little concept of how a business is run and how expensive HR, hiring, and training is. When you have a razor thin bottom line, you do what you have to. Black America(those of you that suffer from people like me) if you don't like that reality then try to shame your brothers and sisters into changing their act instead of blaming it all on white people. It's dollars and SENSE!

]]> By: Aimee http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237560 Aimee Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:26:13 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237560 I am white and grew up in a middle-class family. I have the honor of saying my parents are still married to each other after 43 years. My brother and I both completed four years of college. My life experience could not be much further from that of many African-Americans, particularly the young men in this study. But I teach in a poor, rural school district. My students are from various racial backgrounds, but many are on government assistance of some sort. In our community, it is poverty and not race that is the critical factor holding people back. Uneducated parents have to work hard to earn a meager living. They have neither the time nor the know-how to help their children complete homework and school projects. Sometimes they do not see the value of education as the great equalizer. If more poor and minority students would realize that education gives you an avenue to wealth and power, then perhaps we could eventually arrive at a point where all Americans really have the same opportunities. I am white and grew up in a middle-class family. I have the honor of saying my parents are still married to each other after 43 years. My brother and I both completed four years of college. My life experience could not be much further from that of many African-Americans, particularly the young men in this study. But I teach in a poor, rural school district. My students are from various racial backgrounds, but many are on government assistance of some sort. In our community, it is poverty and not race that is the critical factor holding people back. Uneducated parents have to work hard to earn a meager living. They have neither the time nor the know-how to help their children complete homework and school projects. Sometimes they do not see the value of education as the great equalizer. If more poor and minority students would realize that education gives you an avenue to wealth and power, then perhaps we could eventually arrive at a point where all Americans really have the same opportunities.

]]> By: Tallulah, La. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237559 Tallulah, La. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:26:10 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237559 We will get over "the black thing" when we are treated equally. How would you feel if your colleged educated white son was denied a job that was given to a Black felon????????? We will get over "the black thing" when we are treated equally. How would you feel if your colleged educated white son was denied a job that was given to a Black felon?????????

]]> By: Kim http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237549 Kim Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:21:04 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237549 WOW!! it's hard to get over "the black thing" when mainstream society doesn't provide balanced opportunities and the lack of opportunities are based on "the black thing." We honestly wish America would get over "the black thing" so everyone could be treated equally, judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. But unfortunately our nation has not gotten over the "the black thing" WOW!! it's hard to get over "the black thing" when mainstream society doesn't provide balanced opportunities and the lack of opportunities are based on "the black thing." We honestly wish America would get over "the black thing" so everyone could be treated equally, judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. But unfortunately our nation has not gotten over the "the black thing"

]]> By: Tra http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-237509 Tra Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:01:17 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-237509 I found this show to be an insult to the black men and black women. I felt that this is being boardcasted, because of Obama. America is just trying to make it appear, that all black men are a bad example. Is it, because America has a black man running to be America's next President? Let the records show, that theres always two sides to every story, and America does not consist of only black men doing bad. There are other races with the same issues. It's just that they are not as focused on. America stop watch the black man, because all other races aim to copy our black ways and styles. So, we must not be doing too bad as a black race. Black women stand by our black men, because America is watching our every move!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I found this show to be an insult to the black men and black women. I felt that this is being boardcasted, because of Obama. America is just trying to make it appear, that all black men are a bad example. Is it, because America has a black man running to be America's next President? Let the records show, that theres always two sides to every story, and America does not consist of only black men doing bad. There are other races with the same issues. It's just that they are not as focused on. America stop watch the black man, because all other races aim to copy our black ways and styles. So, we must not be doing too bad as a black race. Black women stand by our black men, because America is watching our every move!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Christian http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-236887 Christian Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:23:48 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236887 I came to the United States legally from France 20 years ago when my father was Ambassador of Central Africa to the US and the United Nations in the late 70s. I went to high school in Washington DC and graduated in 89. I studied Finance at Central State University, OH and graduated with a B.S. in Business Admin in 1993. While in college, I met an African American girl who eventually became my wife and mother of my now 16-year-old son. My first real job was with Navistar International in Chicago where I was an intern in their Executive Financial Development Program until my first divorce in 95. After moving back to Ohio in 1995, I worked for Lexis-Nexis in Software Testing then Computer Systems Technical Support until 2007. However despite being eligible, for the past fifteen (15) years I have been unable to adjust my status to permanent resident. My application has been filed with the INS for at least that long, without anything being done except for being bounced back and forth between offices. In retrospect, it seemed like a deliberate effort was being made to obstruct my path to citizenship. During the last 6 years I have contacted several members of congress from my district for help about this issue, but all was in vain. Last year, when I informed the immigration and naturalization services that my marital status had changed after 7 years of marriage; it took them one month to deny my application for adjustment. So here I am, starting this process all over again, this time without a valid driver's license, since I can no longer renew it without a valid work authorization or green card. I can only leave it to your imagination to assess the level of frustration and anger I have experienced over the years faced with such blatant injustice. This complete disregard for social justice by the INS has for fifteen (15) years affected my life but my son’s as well. I have deliberately been made into an administrative illegal alien. And today I am left without any protection in this country. I can’t drive, I can’t work, I can’t open a bank account etc…and am therefore left at the mercy of other’s charity. I feel it is vital that I share my story with the public so there will be a record of what has and is actually happening in my life, as I now believe public disclosure is my only protection. I will continue to fight for my rights to live free from blatant abuses of power and what I perceive to be targeted oppression. I will protect my family and myself, against any and all forms of persecution. I came to the United States legally from France 20 years ago when my father was Ambassador of Central Africa to the US and the United Nations in the late 70s. I went to high school in Washington DC and graduated in 89. I studied Finance at Central State University, OH and graduated with a B.S. in Business Admin in 1993. While in college, I met an African American girl who eventually became my wife and mother of my now 16-year-old son.

My first real job was with Navistar International in Chicago where I was an intern in their Executive Financial Development Program until my first divorce in 95. After moving back to Ohio in 1995, I worked for Lexis-Nexis in Software Testing then Computer Systems Technical Support until 2007.

However despite being eligible, for the past fifteen (15) years I have been unable to adjust my status to permanent resident. My application has been filed with the INS for at least that long, without anything being done except for being bounced back and forth between offices. In retrospect, it seemed like a deliberate effort was being made to obstruct my path to citizenship. During the last 6 years I have contacted several members of congress from my district for help about this issue, but all was in vain.

Last year, when I informed the immigration and naturalization services that my marital status had changed after 7 years of marriage; it took them one month to deny my application for adjustment. So here I am, starting this process all over again, this time without a valid driver's license, since I can no longer renew it without a valid work authorization or green card.

I can only leave it to your imagination to assess the level of frustration and anger I have experienced over the years faced with such blatant injustice. This complete disregard for social justice by the INS has for fifteen (15) years affected my life but my son’s as well. I have deliberately been made into an administrative illegal alien. And today I am left without any protection in this country. I can’t drive, I can’t work, I can’t open a bank account etc…and am therefore left at the mercy of other’s charity.

I feel it is vital that I share my story with the public so there will be a record of what has and is actually happening in my life, as I now believe public disclosure is my only protection. I will continue to fight for my rights to live free from blatant abuses of power and what I perceive to be targeted oppression. I will protect my family and myself, against any and all forms of persecution.

]]> By: Marcus http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-236498 Marcus Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:46:31 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236498 "Black in America" basically shows what's still going on with Black America. And tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. "Black in America" basically shows what's still going on with Black America. And tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

]]> By: William Muhammad http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-236461 William Muhammad Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:29:47 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236461 The series on Black America was interesting. The story itself shows how racism affects Black America. White America seems to feel it can always choose our leaders. How can you have an honest discussion on the condition of Black America and not include the Honorable Louis Farrakhan? The series on Black America was interesting. The story itself shows how racism affects Black America. White America seems to feel it can always choose our leaders. How can you have an honest discussion on the condition of Black America and not include the Honorable Louis Farrakhan?

]]> By: Gloria http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-236429 Gloria Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:06:46 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236429 I am a proud black woman who believe that I can accomplish any thing I set out to.I walk in my freedom, I do not wait for any one individual to give it to me. I will never give anyone that much power over me. I am tired of these type of programs being aired. They air without any solution, only to make the divide wider. Slavery was an awful thing, but we can not park there. I want the best for myself and "I" have to make it happen. I am not saying there is no racism it exist in all communities across this country, but I am saying that if ten tell me no I am going to keep trying. I am not a victim. I am part of the solution! I am a proud black woman who believe that I can accomplish any thing I set out to.I walk in my freedom, I do not wait for any one individual to give it to me. I will never give anyone that much power over me. I am tired of these type of programs being aired. They air without any solution, only to make the divide wider. Slavery was an awful thing, but we can not park there. I want the best for myself and "I" have to make it happen. I am not saying there is no racism it exist in all communities across this country, but I am saying that if ten tell me no I am going to keep trying. I am not a victim. I am part of the solution!

]]> By: Keira Davis http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-236370 Keira Davis Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:45:45 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236370 I just want to say I am glad that CNN aired this broadcast. I know Corey from the Black Men episode..I want to wish Corey and his family well and if they need anything, please contact me. Keira I just want to say I am glad that CNN aired this broadcast. I know Corey from the Black Men episode..I want to wish Corey and his family well and if they need anything, please contact me.

Keira

]]> By: Disgusted http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-236332 Disgusted Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:25:26 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236332 This whole set of conversations is goofy. Get over the black thing. This whole set of conversations is goofy. Get over the black thing.

]]> By: Carlton STL http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-236232 Carlton STL Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:11:47 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236232 I have seen exactly what you all are talking about first hand which I am very sure many have. Right now I am at a job that I have been at for at least 3 years which the turn around is very rapid. I have seen very qualified black males come through and not given a chance to really show there full skills level because of what I call that " Got to hire a few for the record" thing. I for one am very good at what I do and am I do believe the "TOKEN CHILD" here. Its not that I hope they would fire me, Its an I wish they would fire me thing. Take it from me these folks are something else....Its not just us blacks though I worked with Bosnians, Mexicans, and Phillipeanoes very good at what they do and they get the same. In and out for the record! I have seen exactly what you all are talking about first hand which I am very sure many have. Right now I am at a job that I have been at for at least 3 years which the turn around is very rapid. I have seen very qualified black males come through and not given a chance to really show there full skills level because of what I call that " Got to hire a few for the record" thing. I for one am very good at what I do and am I do believe the "TOKEN CHILD" here. Its not that I hope they would fire me, Its an I wish they would fire me thing. Take it from me these folks are something else....Its not just us blacks though I worked with Bosnians, Mexicans, and Phillipeanoes very good at what they do and they get the same. In and out for the record!

]]> By: Sum Yung Gai http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-2/#comment-236205 Sum Yung Gai Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:51:00 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236205 My father has frequently felt the sting of this discrimination throughout his career, in myriad ways. Yes, things are better than they were 50 years ago, but as Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura on Star Trek) said about 8 years ago, "we've still got a long way to go." It's still true in 2008. Further, I see it more from white females than I do white men. That's right, white *women*. They've been shown to have a visceral, gut-level fear of black men in particular. Given the choice, a white woman typically would rather hire anything, even a red elephant, any day over a black man of virtually any status. And they will likewise hire another white woman over any black woman. I've seen it too often. --SYG My father has frequently felt the sting of this discrimination throughout his career, in myriad ways. Yes, things are better than they were 50 years ago, but as Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura on Star Trek) said about 8 years ago, "we've still got a long way to go." It's still true in 2008.

Further, I see it more from white females than I do white men. That's right, white *women*. They've been shown to have a visceral, gut-level fear of black men in particular. Given the choice, a white woman typically would rather hire anything, even a red elephant, any day over a black man of virtually any status. And they will likewise hire another white woman over any black woman. I've seen it too often.

–SYG

]]> By: Kevin http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-1/#comment-236135 Kevin Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:09:35 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236135 If every black person thinks for one minute that most whites are going to just stop and change how they treat us is living in a fantasy world!!! It's completely up to us to make the required changes in our lives to be able to live in a brighter future. We've all heard the "We need to come together" speech but it's a fact that we all need to change our way of thinking and start living as truly free men and women instead of modern day slaves!!! Whoever has the wealth has the power so we need to think about ownership and self-preservation in everything that we do. We also need to create our own jobs in our communities and stop relying on the government to help us. I look at the actions of other races and it's just not white people who treat us unfairly because how do we expect for other races to respect us when we don't even show respect for ourselves. It's 2008 and it time to WAKE UP and stop waiting for white Americans or anybody else to acknowledge us and take matters into our own hand while building a brighter future for ourselves and our children. If every black person thinks for one minute that most whites are going to just stop and change how they treat us is living in a fantasy world!!! It's completely up to us to make the required changes in our lives to be able to live in a brighter future. We've all heard the "We need to come together" speech but it's a fact that we all need to change our way of thinking and start living as truly free men and women instead of modern day slaves!!! Whoever has the wealth has the power so we need to think about ownership and self-preservation in everything that we do. We also need to create our own jobs in our communities and stop relying on the government to help us. I look at the actions of other races and it's just not white people who treat us unfairly because how do we expect for other races to respect us when we don't even show respect for ourselves. It's 2008 and it time to WAKE UP and stop waiting for white Americans or anybody else to acknowledge us and take matters into our own hand while building a brighter future for ourselves and our children.

]]> By: Brenda http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-1/#comment-236124 Brenda Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:05:41 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236124 Until black people own the company and are in a position to hire their own, this type of job discrimination will always be a factor. We, as blacks, will have to carve out our own small oasis in America and set down stake then proceed to build our own legacy. Whether it's within the education system or the job markets, blacks are often discriminated against and even if we do make good grades or work harder than our lighter brethen we are often sabotaged. A student who makes a 90 or 87 on a paper, the teacher may still record a failing grade of 67 or 70 in his/her grade book. So when the grades are later averaged out the student might still receive a poor or failing grade. This happened to my son I suspect when he was still in school in the '90s. I had to fight light HELL! for him, because the pred. white school he attended seem to be set on failing him and other black students. All America has done is taken down the signs, "NO Blacks Allowed" and "White Only." Otherwise, the mindset still remains the same. In fact, things were much better when I was growing up and the signs were still in place. At least then you knew who your enemies were. Today, it's more institutionalized racism. Until black people own the company and are in a position to hire their own, this type of job discrimination will always be a factor. We, as blacks, will have to carve out our own small oasis in America and set down stake then proceed to build our own legacy. Whether it's within the education system or the job markets, blacks are often discriminated against and even if we do make good grades or work harder than our lighter brethen we are often sabotaged. A student who makes a 90 or 87 on a paper, the teacher may still record a failing grade of 67 or 70 in his/her grade book. So when the grades are later averaged out the student might still receive a poor or failing grade. This happened to my son I suspect when he was still in school in the '90s. I had to fight light HELL! for him, because the pred. white school he attended seem to be set on failing him and other black students. All America has done is taken down the signs, "NO Blacks Allowed" and "White Only." Otherwise, the mindset still remains the same. In fact, things were much better when I was growing up and the signs were still in place. At least then you knew who your enemies were. Today, it's more institutionalized racism.

]]> By: LT http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/09/study-black-man-and-white-felon-same-chances-for-hire/comment-page-1/#comment-236080 LT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:42:05 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=2962#comment-236080 Anne from Brooklyn I agree with you, that awareness is needed from all parties involved in order for this program to be more effective. However, I don't agree with your comment to discourage anyone from keeping dialouge going on this matter. This program is bringing to the forefront the hugh epidemics that a growing in our communities and it must be addressed. Those of us who are educated can do more by being less selfish and more active towards a common goal which is to life every voice. We need to be more proactive in our community and less reactive. Bill Cosby has been calling attention to the state of Black communities for the last several years and no one appears to be listening. Hopefully this program will inspire those African American's that have the resources to help turn this situation around do more than just talk but take action. When whites want to start a private school to educate their kids they put their plan into action and make it happen. Why do we look to them to help turn our situations around. It is time for us to come together and do what is right for everyone. Anne from Brooklyn I agree with you, that awareness is needed from all parties involved in order for this program to be more effective. However, I don't agree with your comment to discourage anyone from keeping dialouge going on this matter. This program is bringing to the forefront the hugh epidemics that a growing in our communities and it must be addressed. Those of us who are educated can do more by being less selfish and more active towards a common goal which is to life every voice. We need to be more proactive in our community and less reactive. Bill Cosby has been calling attention to the state of Black communities for the last several years and no one appears to be listening. Hopefully this program will inspire those African American's that have the resources to help turn this situation around do more than just talk but take action. When whites want to start a private school to educate their kids they put their plan into action and make it happen. Why do we look to them to help turn our situations around. It is time for us to come together and do what is right for everyone.

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