Way OT: Racism

[Will]

Starhawk said:
Yeah actually white people and mixed races severely outnumber other races in the majority of the united states so I don't know where your getting your info from.

How about the US Census Bureau? Current projections have non-hispanic Caucasians at under 40% by the end of the century. I didn't say that whites were already in the "minority", just that they are going to be. (Minority as in not over 50%... we'll still be the dominant percentage)>

And I'm not sure why you're throwing in the mixed race people... usually they get the racism even worse, not only from whites but from other minorities.

For entrance exams, there are very few institutions that add bonuses simply for race anymore. Usually, several factors are taken into account, and exams are mostly used to weed out the low performers, so more resource-intensive evaluations such as reading essays and interviews can occur for better candidates. Everyone is treated equally there. The misconception that there are "bonus points" is often used by racist groups to get people angry over minorities taking spots that "belong" to whites. This is then, unfortunately, picked up by fringe conservative groups, which is then picked up by mainstream conservative groups. It's all just a minor distortion of what usually goes on: the people who never really would have made it anyway get cut, and the people that would make the most interesting work and/or study environment get selected. Anyone who thinks that's "taking spots away from whites", I personally believe needs their head checked.

And I'm not denying that there is racism the other way (see mixed race comment). It's just minorities are not in a position to exploit power as much as white people are. And when minorities get in a position of power, they are less likely to exploit because they know what it's like.

It's all about keeping a balance. Blacks are given a little help to get to the interview stage, in what otherwise would be a white-dominated group. They also have to deal with getting pulled over for a DWB (Driving While Black). You don't. My final point stands.

Also, realize that I'm not angry about any of this. Mostly just frustrated over some of the issues brought up. As a white person, it is just about impossible to understand the daily prejudices that minorities go through, simply because of the ignorance of others. And these comments are showing a little lack of understanding of the situation. Like I said, realize how lucky you are, and all the things you DON'T have to deal with simply because your skin is white. Then it might be easier to understand why minorities need a little help every once in a while.

[Sivran]

Not really surprised that "Token Black Guy A" from ST:NG would be anti-white. "Token Black Guy B" (aka Michael Dorn) always seemed much more reasonable.

As for the N-word, I actually flat-out <i>asked</i> a black girl once. She must've realized I was just another clueless cracker. She just said that, as far as she and her peers were concerned, "nigga" is very different from "nigger."

Yeah, I was young and dumb. What can I say?

I think affirmative action should only come into play when candidates are equally qualified. And I do mean equally. If the minority is less qualified then let that be his motivation to improve. Same for the other guy if he's less qualified. Nothing should be modified by race or gender, people should get where they are on their own merits. Oh, so minorities have to put up with discrimination. Know what? Do something about it then.

My freshman english teacher used to say people aren't white, or black, or purple, or whatever. They're grey. All grey. He's a wise man, if somewhat idealistic.

[Renegade 13]

Will, point well taken (back about 15 posts). It's all too easy to become intolerant. And to not understand the things other people have to deal with.