gdp's Comments

Race Relations Project : Week 8 - Lesson 14: Affirmative Action

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 01:24:03 +0000

Reply 7/7/10 Opportunities can be fair and it has nothing to do with everyone wanting different things, as what you want thousands or millions want the same thing! That is why they don't make on vehicle, or build on house. You have nepotism mixed up with assistance. It was nepotism when they hired you because they knew your parents. It was not nepotism for your mother to say you were good at what you do. That is promoting which is a form of assistance. I think that all parents and people in general should promote their friends and family. The question is are you going to exercise nepotism when it does not benefit the person or the organization? I have seen may people fall using nepotism as sometimes people believe, because there is a tie they can do what they want! In addition, talking about everyone wanting different things...Do you believe you will be the only one applying for the job that you desire? What if every job you desired someone used nepotism and you are out of work for eons because of it? I think you would take a different approach to nepotism. To say you would always use nepotism is to say you support racism, because unfortunately people are hired because of their race not just friendship. This includes ALL races. I have interviewed White and Black civilians, and when I made MY decision and told my superiors they looked at me weird and said, "Wow, I thought you were going to pick the "Sista"! My son is graduating from college and I have been around a long time. I will take it one step further as I have seen this myself. I think you will understand the severity of nepotism once you apply for a job that will "help your family" and the person doing the hiring graduated from Pittsburgh and hates Penn State. There goes your resume in the trash!!!

Race Relations Project : Week 8 - Lesson 14: Affirmative Action

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:56:51 +0000

Due Date 7/7/10 I do not agree with affirmative action at all, but I do agree that an unbiased system needs to be in place as the “politics” in America runs rampant. I was shocked by the student in the lecture who tried to make an excuse for nepotism for different races of people. I believe people should be employed and promoted on intelligence and knowledge but unfortunately, in my career I have seen people moved along due to friendships and race; all races included! It pisses me the heck off when I see a lazy bum get something that he didn’t deserve. On the other hand, if your friend is the best person for the job, let it happen. I observe people who put a damper on Affirmative Action yet they belong to a institutional fraternity or sorority. Not to include the biggest nepotistic society in the world; Masons, who take an oath that says you will take the Mason first! I must not forget the next, which is the Catholics. I know this for certain as I was hired at a job, but was not supposed to start for two weeks. When the Human Resources manager saw my school ring from a Catholic school and we conversed about Catholic High School, I started the next day! The outlook on Affirmative Action sometimes makes you wonder [if you are a part of the protected class] if it is worth it. Throughout the United States [especially in governmental agencies], there are so many backlashes against employees and lawsuits by White males who revolt against a system they gain from. It all comes down to ignorance I suppose as many of us are to certain aspects of laws. I was at a meeting a couple of years ago and a White male stated he had to wait to get his job because Affirmative Action stopped him and let all the Blacks in first. To his surprise, my girlfriend who is White said that’s not true because I got this job because of Affirmative Action. From the look on his face, you could see he wanted to crawl in a corner. Some people expect to get things handed to them because of their race. I was accused of being a “Whitey Loving, Uncle Tom” as a supervisor. I obtained a squad of officers that I of course knew where Black. Well, slowly but surely I replaced the majority of them because they were bums and didn’t want to work like many White officers. However, I guess they ASS-umed because I was Black I would not get rid of them. What is sad is that I did not realize I replaced them with all White officers until I was called “Uncle Tom”. I was looking for people who worked not race. My Black Captain even bought it to my attention! If everyone followed a similar work ethic and hiring practices, we could abolish Affirmative Action and let the workers work and the bums find their way through life! I am glad Dr. Richards explained why minorities are so frustrated and sometimes they say hurtful words and feel particular ways because the systems are not fair and minority is not a piece of trash.

Race Relations Project : Week 7 - Lesson 13: Immigration

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 08:30:40 +0000

Reply Due Date July 4, 2010 Hi SaraMae, I do agree with you about people saying immigrants are lazy. They are far from it and they will live in any condition to provide for their families either in America or back in their home country. I have an issue with the amount of money the Government spends on the welfare of these individuals. I don't think they should be treated unfair, but if there are policies that are supposed to enforce illegal immigration just make sure they apply to everyone. The agency ICE actually knows how many immigrants can be released into the United States by their agency. It is all calculated by supply and demand. tens of thousands of immigrants are housed everyday in the United States and the tax payers are supporting them for the business people on Wall Street who are tied with in with the Federal Government.. I can also relate to the language issue you have. I do not think people should drop their cultures when they come to the United States and I believe they should be allowed to practice their cultures but it depends on the context of the display. I don't hate a lot of things however, I hate going into a place of business where the people are capable of speaking a language other than English and they use that language in the presence of individuals who most likely will not understand them. A great example is an Asian nail salon or Dominican Hair Salon. That sends a bug up my behind. I hated it so much I hunted for a nail salon for weeks until I found one that was American and their primary language was English. I am not discriminating against the use of the language, it is just a lack of etiquette, just like people who pick their nose. (it's their nose, but dude do it privately). Great Post SaraMae!

Race Relations Project : Week 7 - Lesson 13: Immigration

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 08:07:51 +0000

Due Date July 4, 2010 I do not believe in illegal immigration however, the laws that are enacted are useless to combat it as Dr. Richards pointed out in the lesson. Looking at the other perspective, which is legal migration. At this time in the United States, no one else should be coming in, as the United States cannot provide jobs and other subsidies for the legal citizens that are already here. This is not to say I do not believe others should come into this country but now is not the time. I am also going to make rectification of the dialogue in reference to migrating to the United States. Yes, Whites did have it hard when they came to the United States as they worked hard and depending on your nationality, you were sometimes treated like the African American Slaves. However, I have to say AGAIN that African Americans who originally came to this country DID NOT WANT to come here to obtain a better way of life!!!! Yes, the treatment was undesirable on the ships that Whites traveled on as my great-great Grandmother came into the country the same way from Greece. Nevertheless, Dr. Richard’s cannot compare the treatment received on those ships compared to slave ships, where they were not free to come on deck and they were chained and shackled in small dark quarters. It is incomparable and I am offended by the comparison as it is a slap in the face to the millions of Africans that loss their lives in route to a country they did not seek for betterment. Although I stated my reasons for why illegal aliens and legal immigrants should not enter the country at this time, it is not up to me to judge the people who get here and they should all be treated fairly while in this country. In addition, the only people who should discriminate against anyone coming to America are the Native Americans because it is still their land. Just because you steal, something and keep it for 500 years it does not make it legally yours. What amazes me even more is the discrimination among the races in America that all struggled. E.g., how can the Irish hate Blacks or Italians when they were all discriminated upon during the earlier years of American society by the English? I must agree with the point of legal citizens paying taxes for health care and related benefits for illegal immigrants once they arrive in the country it is unfair because millions of Americans do not have Health Coverage and cannot get assistance to keep their homes. This brings me to my final point on the topic. Why are Haitian refugees returned to Haiti immediately after being captured trying to cross the southern border and other south border countries are not? This includes the laws that are granted to five other nations for temporary status in America, which includes two African countries. I have a real issue with the political disparity the American government displays. E.g. Cuban refugees are detained in jails by ICE and then a decision is made to release them into the community or deport them. Haitians don’t have that option they are immediately deported, even with the ongoing crisis…If one group can’t enter them there should be NO visitors allowed!

Race Relations Project : Week 7 - Lesson 12: Multiculturalism & LGBT

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:44:51 +0000

Reply Due Date 06/30/10 I agree with most of what you are saying. I know I don't want to live around all Whites or All Blacks. And in the words of Chris Rock, "Black folks love Blacks but they hate Niggers!" I find them in all colors and backgrounds. Who is to say how this survey was handled and what type of samples were chosen to participate. That means a lot. I don't have much faith in these types of statistics as the numbers are usually wrong. (meaning the amount of the percentage not the placement) This is where you lost me, and please correct me if I interpreted what you stated incorrectly. You stated that people would "not want to hear loud music that is different to them." Not saying you are a racist because I don't know you, but the way the statement is written it appears to be an implied racial statement. Who cares WHAT type of music it is if it is loud and disturbing the peace. You don't think that police get radio calls for hip hop and rap music in Black neighborhoods or Whites call because Kid Rock and Justin Beiber is coming through their walls? You say you want diversity, but then you say you want them to be your age so you will have more in common. (?) That's discriminating too. Then you put in an order for Christianity. (But you don't want it Supersized, just regular please) I don't get it. Discrimination comes in all forms. That's why Title VII evolved, people were harassed, retaliated against, had to succumb to hostile conditions and fired because of their age, religion, sex, etc. That is how many Whites think, I want this in my neighborhood ONLY! Believe me, I do not want 20 people on my corner selling drugs, loud music, babies crying all day, and trash blowing up and down my street. But you can get neighbors that are young, with babies, and play different music who are not ignorant.

Race Relations Project : Week 7 - Lesson 12: Multiculturalism & LGBT

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:18:43 +0000

Due Date 07/30/10 Multiculturalism... Assimilation is a word that I do not like or use in relations to race. I view assimilation as Dr. Richard described it. Coming into an environment and assimilating (changing) into the ways of that environment. This is what the forefathers of this country have wanted everyone that was already here, came here, or they bought here to do. I have read may books on race issues that speak of the Civil Rights era and they all have a message of Whites who desired for Blacks to assimilate into the communities. I think they understood the message wrong, just as they did when the Tiano People gave Columbus the gold crown and he thought that meant they gave away their country. Civil Rights activist wanted Whites to allow Blacks to INTEGRATE into the community. When you assimilate, you are stripping your culture away, leaving it at the door, and gaining another’s. I was a Republican for years but I changed my party after becoming more involved in the community and fulfilling my civic duties. I started to observe and hear the racism that was cast out from not all but many Republicans. I hate to say this but even then, I had my doubts but one of the hosts on the View (Hasselback) pushed me over the edge! (She is a racist to the core!) I understand what it feels like to move into a neighborhood and feel unwanted. This happened when I was young and in the home, I reside in. I was the first Black to move on my block and the neighbors took pictures on move-in day. They never spoke to me; just stared. I was expecting to see the “Buy Owner” signs up the next day. Unfortunately, I live in the most expensive section of the city, so where were most of them going. Nevertheless, they watched everyday to see how I was going to live. Not knowing where I came from and what I had prior, they assumed. When I opened my windows and they broke their neck to peep in, when I planted exotic flowers, and went way out decorating for the holidays. They were relieved I wasn’t the “Nigger” they thought of when they wrote the word on a paper towel and put it in my flowers. This is a multiracial society and people need to realize that we can now smell each other roses from across the fence. LGBT I don’t have a problem with gays, I don’t think it is normal, as I believe that our physical make up is that way for a reason, but who am I to judge? Everyone had better accept it because if you’re not gay you have someone in your family that is whether you know it or not! My best friend who is my favorite uncle is gay. You don’t see one of us without the other. As long as people find love, in whatever they do that does not hurt anyone else. Leave them the hell alone. Another thing, I don’t want to start on this monogamous, heterosexual topic, because I may take people where they don’t want to go. All I can say is that ALL men in America would be pissed to know that one of the real reasons they don’t have as many wives as they could in America is because of slavery. I will leave it there. American’s have too many other issues to deal with at this time and probably forever after 911 to worry about who is sleeping with whom. I don’t have anything in my fruit salad but banana’s and that’s all I worry about. You have six months to mind your business and six months to leave everyone else business alone. That’s a whole year for people to get their own bedroom “lifestyle” issues in order.

Race Relations Project : Week 6 - Lesson 10: Stages of Racial Identity - People of Color: Stages 1-4

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:57:23 +0000

Reply Due 06/23/10 Let me tell you why the Black female became upset...White Supremacy! If she was comfortable in her skin she would not have worried about it. See this is the point I try to make to people all the time. Whites scream reverse racism when Blacks say things about race. No it is ignorance and a inferior complex. When you no who you are that knowledge of self that Dr. Richards was speaking of you don't have to use excuses about what you are and why you are that way. This is two-fold as Whites do the same thing. I know you have heard the saying "The truth hurts" The truth of the matter is when your friend asked her about her hair, the truth became evident that she felt inferior because the hair that she bought was like your friend's hair. She assumed that your friend was accusing her of wanting to be like her.

Race Relations Project : Week 6 - Lesson 10: Stages of Racial Identity - People of Color: Stages 1-4

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:46:15 +0000

Due 6/23/10 In the last few years, I begin reflecting on the doll experiment of Dr. Kenneth and Mamie Clark. The thought of White Supremacy (or any supremacy) in the minds of any children at such a young age makes me cringe. It has been defined and coined “White Supremacy” when other races want to emulate Whites, what is it called when Whites want to emulate other races? I know I have mentioned this in a couple of my other blogs and this lesson reversely illustrated my sentiments. What is it called when Whites emulate other races? There is no such thing. So just like the Whites asked the Blacks what should they call them and how should they act, now is the time to take away the supremacist titles and continue with diversity. I lived in a sterile environment (pre awaking stage) and my first incident of awakening emerged in 9th grade, I can’t explain it but I never thought about it again. I didn’t enter full awakening until we moved in a in a neighborhood with only seven black families and police officer burnt a cross on a biracial couple’s lawn and my brother was severely stabbed by a male after he tried to stab my mother because he and his friends said it was “Nigger Night!” I was still optimistic and looked at it as an isolated incident. It was not until my father who was a high-ranking Prison Official and he and didn’t come outside until after the incident was over because he was sleeping; was arrested. Of course, my father was cleared, but it would have never happened if the system weren’t racist. That is when my (White) grandmother told me about the world of racism and I only believed her when I saw the male that was found guilty of attempted murder and ETHNIC intimidation walk up to me in full police uniform and say, “This is my first day and “Sarg” said I am riding with you!” How did he become a cop with a record? He was White…I never mentioned it an every day we fought together and sometimes I fought for him, because he has to live with that. There are so many like incidents and times when Whites who aren’t racist get the back end of the stick for it and it is wrong, wrong, wrong!!! I am telling this story, because there are Blacks who don’t have a real story for why they go left and take on anti-white attitudes. They feed off hearsay like the rappers in the lecture and the retard trying to find a cure to eliminate a race of people. To me the real problem in America is the fact that everyone wants to be on top until they find out claiming minority (color, sex, religion, sexuality) status will catapult them ahead. Get rid of all these programs, keep the laws, and get a diverse group of people to make sure they are enforced. I guarantee that will flatten the “Mountain”, take the shackles and crowns off and everybody will be wearing uniforms that say “Property of Diversity”

Race Relations Project : Week 6 - Lesson 10: Stages of Racial Identity - People of Color: Stages 1-4

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:17:27 +0000

Reply 06/20/10 I respect your interpretation, but that's not what I heard but I could have been wrong. I contacted two of my colleagues who teach similar college courses and let them view it with me. Without letting them know they came up with the same interpretation I did. His words were pretty exact. Needless to say, I am not trying to debate with you because that's is what this class is about difference of opinions and interpretations are a part of that. Blacks are not of any opinion that they are the ONLY group that has experience racism, genocide, and/or slavery. But Blacks do get upset when they hear those types of statements. Like I stated before, 99.9 percent of the people that are in this country and experience racism, they or their ancestors came here for a better way of life. Africans didn't ask to come here...I have never heard of any Native American claiming a universal understanding of the hardships of other groups. May be I skipped a lecture, but I didn't hear that. Can you enlighten me on the lecture or information that says that. I also didn't hear anything about a contest over whose slavery was worse. "Any form of slavery is terrible, but the worst kind is slavery of the mind. That's when a person cannot get past what they believe to see the views of others, and they chain those beliefs to their souls and never let them out to be nourished." (Russell, S S. One Long Day Separated by Darkness, 2009)

Race Relations Project : Week 6 - Lesson 10: Stages of Racial Identity - People of Color: Stages 1-4

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:52:34 +0000

Reply Due Date 6/20/10 I took what you said into consideration, so I watched it again with some of my colleagues who are professors and teach the same type of course. We all heard the same thing and I did not tell anything about your interpretation or mine until after we all came to the same conclusion. Telling Blacks that they should feel guilty AS Whites about the genocide of Native Americans is not the same as telling them to feel sorry for themselves. In general Blacks don't feel sorry for themselves they are mad as hell...Which they need to stop doing, and move on as best they can. And when the King challenges them they need to go around and keep moving. Blacks also don't have the opinion that they are the only ones who have been in Slavery, that is a stereotype and another reason why Blacks are angry because although the Holocaust was terrible, it did not happen on U.S. soil and for many years people have told them to get over it. You know it's that step in somebody shoes thing...Like "most Whites can trace their ancestors and have been Irish American, German American etc...The descendants of the Africans bought to this country have been [Colored, African American and or Black] Why? Because they didn't know when Whites asked them what they should be called because their culture was stripped from them. The Jews still have theirs. They celebrate all of their National Holidays. Blacks celebrate American holidays because that is all they know. It's deeper than what anyone could ever imagine..."To not know is bad, to not want to know is worse"

Race Relations Project : Week 6 - Lesson 10: Stages of Racial Identity - People of Color: Stages 1-4

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:30:08 +0000

Due Date 6/20/10 The lesson was great and I hope and pray everyone can get over the guilt trip. However, I was furious when I heard Dr. Richards say that Black people should feel guilty about the genocide of Native Americans! There is no way possible Blacks (African Americans) can feel guilty about something they had no control over. To be honest I was offended. Blacks were shipped to the “West Indies” (Brazil) because “free” labor was needed and the Native Americans were being killed by hand or disease by Iberians. Black came to what is not the US by way of Whites, and some Native Americans were shipped right with them. Almost everyone during that time was happy off the boat to make a new life for themselves except for Africans. They were in bondage right along with the Native Americans. I feel little outraged because young African Americans are going to believe that they should feel guilty about something their ancestors did not do. The only thing Blacks should feel guilty about is throwing slavery in the face of people, who could not control what their ancestors did. Whites are taught to view everyone as equal, but how far does that go when the same parents that told them that hold up picket signs because Blacks are being bused into the community. Parents teach their children racism and when they are called on the carpet, the first thing out of their mouth is I teach my children to treat everyone fair. However, children usually model after what their parents do not what they say. This goes back to the beginning of the semester when Dr. Richards said his mother did not care who you were she wanted your recipe. LOL That is more or less, why Dr. Richards is the person he is. I am stating these issues in a whole not parts, because there are people who pick up their beliefs from a context outside of their homes. About a month ago I received a text message at 3 am, stating “Call me I need to talk!” When I called the person back he was fuming and screaming to the top of his lungs, because a Black male accused him of being a racist and saying racist things. (This is the “Keeping White People on Edge”) This guy has been exiled from Whites his entire career because they think he should stay on the White side, not mention discrimination, and turn his head. He’s been told, “You know it’s better if you just stay out of it, nothing good is going to come out of this if you keep sticking up for “those” people, you should stay on our side.” Can you imagine how he felt to be called a racist, when his own race has disowned him for being fair! He calmed down after I talked to him, and realized that he was talking to an idiot. That is an excellent example of how Whites reverse to the I don’t care stage and they are racist too. I don’t think one White person should feel guilty about who and what they are as it seems most people in this generation wants a little of each other. It all crazy to me, White people want tans, big butts, big lips, Blacks want to be thin, bigger boobs, light eyes, small noses. After awhile race is not, going to be color, but it will be what you are wearing and what type of plastic surgery you had. Big-Lipians, DoubleDDers, SprayTanians, Liposuctians. I wonder who will be King then.

Race Relations Project : Week 5 - Lesson 9: Stages of Racial Identity - White People: Stages 3 &amp;amp; 4

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:29:26 +0000

Due Date 6/16/10 Reply OK, now that I am finished crying from reading your post. I know exactly how you feel. And don't think it is not the other way around, as many Blacks will not say that they think an issue is a race issue because they don't want to be looked upon as jumping on the race-wagon. That CANNOT compare to what Whites feel like...When I say it hurts me to the core it does. My grandfather told me a story once about my grandmother that I thought was funny but many people wouldn't understand. When I watched the senator say Nigger it made me think of it. My grandfather used to travel and he would not cut his toenails, he only wanted them cut by my grandmother. He was away for about a month and he came home in the middle of the night and was quiet not to awake anyone. Well he was getting under the covers and one of those toenails hit my grandmother who is White. He said she sat straight up in the middle of the bed and screamed...YOU NIGGGGGEEERRRR! LOL After he told the story my grandmother said she didn't mean it in a negative way it is just the way she was raised and the words she heard because she did not come from this country she is Greek. I can only say just be you and if people don't except that then oh well. "It is what it is!" By the way be proud of your race and capitalize (WHITE) :-)

Race Relations Project : Week 5 - Lesson 9: Stages of Racial Identity - White People: Stages 3 &amp;amp; 4

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:17:26 +0000

Due Date 6/16/10 (450) The lecture was great not only was it informative but it was hilarious! It is great to see things from another person’s perspective of another race. I agree with the political correctness and I thought the apology from the Senator was unwarranted. That nonsense sends a bug up my rear end. Some people are so sensitive, and really do not know what they are being sensitive about. I am in no way stating that anyone should be called a name other than birthright. I am saying that so things are taken completely out of context. I believe today’s generation is much different and they are moving in a positive direction. When Dr. Richards spoke of the Civil Rights Era and being politically correct that was a trying time for everyone. Nevertheless, I really believe that those hard times were a catalyst for the people who were not born during that time. Most of the people in college obtaining their undergraduate degrees parents were born during the Civil rights era and that is the generation who I believe are in the pre-awaking stage and may stay there. Marches and political correctness allowed the next generation to move forward. I wrote this in a prior blog but I will speak of it again as it is more relevant to this lecture. My friend and I were having a discussion and she stated another mutual friend of ours said she could feel when people are being disparate even when nothing is said. When I agreed with what our friend said she stated, “Oh come on how can you know that.” I will tell you the truth I was so taken back when she said that. I took me a couple seconds and a quick cool down before I could say anything else. That is when I asked her does she ever think about her race or the color of her skin. Of course her answer was, “No”. I am a true mutt as I am a mixture of many things from Greek to Cree. However; the world views me as African American (Black) and I can remember many times being followed in a store in my plainclothes while working that I frequented in my uniform and the people where so friendly to me and offering me discounts. I had to remember that I am not in her shoes and she is not in mine, but sometimes people have a tendency (and I did) to think, “They should know”. Nevertheless, the question is. “Know what? Dr, Richards spoke about the knowing oneself. Very few people in the world actually know themselves (approximately 5%). The Knowledge of Self is a scary thing, and when it starts revealing its double head many people are not prepared. Several years ago, a friend of mine who is an Anthropologist held a workshop called Mirror, Mirror, and the Knowledge of Self. To be honest I thought to myself, this is bullcrap and what can she teach me. In the end, it was a revelation for all races. Most people could not get off the first page, which asked, “Who or What do you relate to. I truly mean this, sometimes, I feel so sorry for Whites when I see they are in awkward positions. They just have a look like what do I say or what do I do? I always try to break the ice and be me, and speak to them as if I knew them for a lifetime. Their shoulders slump and that is when I feel good knowing they feel comfortable and realize we are all the same.

Race Relations Project : Week 4 - Lesson 6: Race and Ethnic Inequality

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:10:01 +0000

Reply only: I appreciate your thoughts...However, in the beginning of the LECTURE when Dr. Richards called Avery to the front of the class that is the point he made and I agree with him. There are invisible strings that shape everyone’s’ life, whether it is race, sex, creed; it does not matter they are there. I being a Black Female of African American decent and a mixture of others races have never said that African American Slavery was less horrendous than the Holocaust. In addition, as I stated before it is not all society, it is chiefly White society that diminishes Black Slavery, why would most Blacks diminish what has happened to them. See I speak the truth and from the heart and people who cannot say their race and all races have faults really do not want to see beyond what it truly is. In my first blog, I stated there is no way I will ever diminish African American Slavery as they were stripped from their country, families, and culture. This cannot be compared to the Jews because they still have their ties to their culture. It still does not make it right for either race to suffer. For me, this is the bigger picture not who had the worse treatment.

Race Relations Project : Week 4 - Lesson 6: Race and Ethnic Inequality

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 21:12:16 +0000

Reply only... I so agree with you. I love the story about the Vice President. It always happens that way and I cannot stand to see people complain. It just wasn't your time. You see it all the time especially in any structured organization like the military. It is who you know or who can use you to make them look good. King of the Mountain does not want common folks to break bread with he/she wants nobles. My mother is a contract specialist GS 14 and my cousin who works on the same base is "full" bird Colonel. The ideology of "king of the Mountain", can backfire for people who work really hard. My mother had that pay grade prior to my cousins assignment, and before [we] knew she was related to us! But of course the rumors were my mother had her position because of her. This is a statement from the book I am writing..."I did not notice until I worked in government that anytime something happened positive or negative; it only happened because of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; so let us not nod in agreement until we include the White Male!. (Russell, 2009) I agree with you in reference to why African American Slavery maybe pushed aside, but at least it is acknowledged by someone. What about the Native Americans? There is an African American Museum in Philadelphia that is fabulous, but it is just a difference. To be honest I don't think we should ever forget, but we all need to move forward. I always enjoy your post!

Race Relations Project : Week 4 - Lesson 6: Race and Ethnic Inequality

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 04:02:46 +0000

I don't have much to say but you are on point! Some people don't like when you tell the truth, or better yet said from a different perspective, but it is what it is...I enjoyed your comments. However, I must say, there are still barriers for Blacks that are invisible strings. You can work your butt of sometimes, but it doesn't matter you get kicked down. Many people give up at that point or the next generation hears about it and say "Why should I?" That's what you are referring to and I agree...Work hard to get something else or take another route with what you already have. I see it at work all the time, a minority is the best person for the position, but they don't get it because of the "King of the Mountain".

Race Relations Project : Week 4 - Lesson 6: Race and Ethnic Inequality

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 03:54:09 +0000

This is exactly what I put in my post. It is the honest to goodness truth. It is a shame but it happens everyday. You can believe that your skin helped you, but that is not all there is to it. It can depend on the context in which a person lives or his or her culture. E.g. Black Judge and Black defendant arrested for assault on police. Judge not interested in officers testimony she was actually looking at her phone. As soon I got on the stand and gave the identical testimony, but added the defendant was upset because police were shutting down the street at a 50 cent concert. The Judge's head went up and gavel went down. GUILTY! He went to jail because he liked 50...

Race Relations Project : Week 4 - Lesson 6: Race and Ethnic Inequality

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 03:43:51 +0000

(I am referring to narcotics only) I am Black, intelligent and well educated. I am talking about the average method that is used to sell narcotics by Black, Brown, and Whites, chiefly Blacks because as you can see from the statistics from the FBI more Blacks are arrested for drug possession than usage. If you stand outside and sell drugs (open air sales) the probability of you being arrested is 99.9 percent. Please, please read the context of my message and not race. I tried to repeat the lecture on all of the assumptions Dr. Richards gave about why the system is racist. I NEVER said ONLY BLACK people are involved in gangs and crime and that Blacks are involved in drugs because they are not as smart as Whites. That is no where in my statement and it is a true mistake on your part because respectfully, you read the message totally wrong. In addition, I stated Whites (we are talking groups) also sell drugs but in a smarter way behind closed doors. Drug arrest and numbers don't lie and we are all speaking in groups and not individuals. I haven't heard, read, or saw, I did... Go back and look at my other post and read the I was a WHISTLE-BLOWER on police corruption for all races. Lastly, people who sell drugs on the corner are some of the smartest business people in the world. Many have not finished school, but they can count their product, know how much to give away for samples, how much they can use and how much they sell. This is all done without a calculator and the money is never short because their life depends on it. CEO's of major corporations have modern technology and software and the numbers are never right... I sincerely hope I cleared that up and I hope no one rolls over on any one of any particular race including their own. In my career in Criminal Justice I never put one race against another, the job is about unification and solutions. I have to laugh as I am picturing your face after reading what you thought it said. Thank for the feedback. By the way, great post from you.

Race Relations Project : Week 4 - Lesson 6: Race and Ethnic Inequality

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 06:49:11 +0000

Due Date June 09, 2010 Reply: I cannot agree with you more. I have never believed Prison was the remedy for every crime. I want to touch on the recidivism rates of juveniles and young minorities in general. Many of them are sent to adult prison for petty crimes. Let us not forget about the lopsided system. Once they enter adult facilities, often the retail theft that they were arrested for turns in to Bank Robbery once they are released. This is because they are sent to prison with hard-core prisoners who they want to emulate. I believe this issue goes far beyond the government and into the communities. I like to deal with the root of the weed to kill it. Broken and dysfunctional homes and social networks is not the case with everyone, but a huge factor in many. Presently, no matter what the race, people tend to blame the government for everything and want them to fix what “they” broke and ignored for centuries. I have seen people contact police (government) because their child will not go to sleep, or will not take medicine. If that parent cannot stop someone whom they provide for from disrespecting them how the hell can they stop them from stealing. Recidivism rates cannot be established on a national level, but the averages from similar areas are about the same. [We] as a nation needs to start relying on ourselves to fix our own issues and I believe that will solve many problems.

Race Relations Project : Week 4 - Lesson 6: Race and Ethnic Inequality

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 06:05:32 +0000

Lecture 2 Now, what I am about to say some people may not agree with and may not like it but it is not what someone has told me it is what I have lived. This is firsthand knowledge. If you have ever wanted to dissect what any of your instructors, have taught you over your lifetime and say "I believe this but I do not believe that"…Lesson 6 Part 2, is NOT the one. Dr. Richards was so one point I thought he was sitting in my patrol car with me, and right next to me in court. Straight out of the Police Academy, I worked in the most crime ridden police district in an area that has the purest drugs in the US “The Badlands” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_drug_trade and I was a Supervisor in a Narcotic Bureau. The statistics are on point as well as the reasons for the statistics. It is absolutely true that the drug data is one sided and some of it is racial. I will clarify some of the assumptions that Dr. Richards have. More Black and Hispanics are arrested for the Possession, Manufacturing, with intent to Deliver (PWID) than any other race for these reasons: 1) They are not as smart as Whites as Dr. Richards stated, most Blacks deal in open air sales (standing on corner) and Whites will have an inside drug party twice a year and Doctors and Lawyers etc…spend 5 G’s at one time, 2) More drugs are planted on Black &Brown people. (Sorry it is true I have seen it and reported it) 3) the courts are biased, (i.e. On the same day in same courtroom I had a White College student who I arrested for possessing a pound of marijuana, and a Black kid that I arrested for having 5 dime ($10) bags of marijuana). The White kid came to court with his “parents” and had an excellent lawyer. The Black kid came alone he had a Public Defender, & you could see the crack of his ass his pants were so low. Sentencing( Black=6 months jail 6 months reporting probation.) (White=ARD community service w/rehabilitation (No record) 4) More Whites are let go. I do not really have much to add to blog, as Dr. Richards touched home with this one and I would do nothing but expound his words. People need to open their eyes and really see what is going on. This is not to say that these things don’t happen to Whites as I have seen them harassed and accused of being users because they made a wrong turn into a drug area. Racial Profiling is so real… and I really need to say this. Blacks are pulled over because they are doing something wrong and White officers are pulling them over because they are in a Black neighborhood, who else are they going to stop and should they pump White motorist into the area like Gazoo? (Showing my age) In addition, "most" of the profiling starts because people give police a reason to stop them with loud music, tinted windows, and the smell of marijuana coming from the car! I think everyone should be responsible for himself or herself and it pisses me off when folks want to blame people for their mistakes. The recidivism rate of black juveniles in the system is partly because of the parents! I do have to defend some of them, Dr. Richards stated they should get jobs but I have seen so many juveniles arrested for selling narcotics because their parents are in jail and they are selling drugs to feed their younger brother and sisters. I am tired of Whites being blamed for what minorities have chosen to do and Whites not realizing that because the system was not fair from the beginning this is the result. This is where I worked, the people I worked with and what I saw everyday and why I am so straight forward. I believe everyone will enjoy this and it gives you a real look at what Dr. Richards was talking about. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-25879478...

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