Originally Posted By: thedoctor
 Originally Posted By: THE Bastard

The problem is that WE DON'T DISCUSS IT. We can never get past it without talking it out. There needs to a frank discussion on race so that we can all just get over it and move forward. Not talking about it enables people that look like you to pretend that there aren't any problems while people that look like me know that is not the case.

 Quote:
We grew up in the same nation, and share much of the same schools, lifestyles, music, media, and culture. But somehow, we remain worlds apart on our perspectives of race. As I've said often, my greatest frustration is that we can't even seem to agree what the causes are, let alone the solution.


The first step is even realizing that there are still problems. There are many causes. I think that white people tend to get really defensive when talking about race. You need to understand that you as indivudals are not being blamed or held accountable for anything. Stop trying (as a group) to blow it off or say that there are no problems.


I think the problem with discussing it openly and honestly is because neither side wants to be 100% truthful about it. You can, of course, tell me what you feel are the problems with the white community having to face the subject; but if I or any other white person on this board begins a list of what we feel is keeping the black community from discussing this honestly, we're immediately labeled as racists and bigots. I can't tell you how many times whomod has used that response to try and shut down any criticism. So how am I supposed to come to the table when I have what I can say automatically limited? Why should I even bother engaging in that discussion?


Here's the deal:

Let me say it again for those of you that came late to the party:

I AM NOT WHOMOD.

I think that kid is very passionate about the things that he believes and he'll go back and forth with all of you in a way that I won't. But most of the converstaions I read between him and the rest of you tend to devolve into mean spirited exchanges of insults that get you nowhere.

You want to talk about race with me? Go ahead. You want to say things that are politically incorrect? Have at it. Lots of things that white people think are wrong with black people probably have some basis in fact. I'm not going to get mad at an ignorant, racist statement that is made not out of malice but, as an example of the way you've been taught to believe. Hell, in some cases, I may have been taught to believe similar things. I was just able to overcome it by actually being in the black community and seeing things for myself.

I think part of the problem is that some white people will apply negative racial stereotypes to the majority of a particular group. They will allow for some members of that group to be "cool" meaning more like them but, will write off the rest. It's kinda like most of you would probably think that K-nut, Jason and myself are pretty cool even though we are black guys because you gotten to know us to a certain extent. As a result, most of you will not apply the most negative of stereotypes to us. The truth of the matter is, most stereotypes have a basis in fact and some members of any group can be described in negative terms but...the vast majority of any group is basically THE SAME as the vast majority of any other group. We have more things that unite us rather than divide us. It's just easier to focus on the bullshit.

I respect most of the people here. I think almost all of you are pretty intelligent and bring a lot to the table. For the most part, I think that most of you are not actively racist or bigoted. I think most of you just have no interest in learning the truth about the groups you refer to beyond anecdotes and articles on the internet. That said, I think there's a couple of you that would cut my throat simply and only because I'm black if the situation presented itself.

Doesn't matter to me. Anyone want to have a real discussion without getting into the bullshit? I'll be around.

Oderint, dum metuant.


You are a god damned idiot, you know that? You ought to be smacked upside your dumb-fuck head, even after all these years. Shame on you!
-USCHI showin' some love