RE: black history month

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SimplySubmissive -> RE: black history month (2/20/2007 5:51:29 PM)
One thing I do know, is that I am required to use "Black History" as a theme for a week in my pre k class. There is no other history included at any other time of the year, these are 4 year olds after all. When talking about any other theme, say.. community helpers, all that, I am very careful to include many races and both genders. It's very difficult to switch gears in my head and speak of only one race. It just feels wrong.. looking at all those little faces.. and only talking about one race. I'd love to do say.. famous inventors.. or whatever.. and represent many races. I feel just as bad doing this week as I would doing "famous white founding fathers" It just feels wrong to me.. but to say that outloud, is considered racist. I feel better typing it tho.. thanks for reading.

domiguy -> RE: black history month (2/20/2007 6:02:56 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SimplySubmissive One thing I do know, is that I am required to use "Black History" as a theme for a week in my pre k class. There is no other history included at any other time of the year, these are 4 year olds after all. When talking about any other theme, say.. community helpers, all that, I am very careful to include many races and both genders. It's very difficult to switch gears in my head and speak of only one race. It just feels wrong.. looking at all those little faces.. and only talking about one race. I'd love to do say.. famous inventors.. or whatever.. and represent many races. I feel just as bad doing this week as I would doing "famous white founding fathers" It just feels wrong to me.. but to say that outloud, is considered racist. I feel better typing it tho.. thanks for reading. Don't you worry your silly little white head...They will have the rest of their lives to have everything "white" pounded in to them. It's great to be white.

wickednnc -> RE: black history month (2/20/2007 8:27:15 PM)
I don't know why we have a black history month. Or for that matter why there's black entertainment Tv, or why a minority business can hire all minorities, or why there are so many groups in the world today screaming and begging to not be treated equally, but elevated. I grew up in Southern Applachia, hoeing rows of corn and potatoes so long you couldn't see the end of them. I lived with grandparents who'd never made it out of the depression. Indoor plumbing consisted of a gravity feed from a nearby spring to the kitchen sink. Everything else either happened in a tub or outdoors. I'm in my 40's and spent the first 15 years of my life plowing with mules. I remember seeing my first tractor. Seems like my grandfather made something like 30-40 dollars a week. My first real job (aged 13) paid $1.45 an hour. I held down three jobs and carried a full load to get through college, and was the first in my family to do so. So yes, I roll my eyes and have little sympathy for people who want to live in the past and want to tell me how priveleged I've had it as a white male, who want to erase my heritage in favor of their own, and who want me to bend over backwards to kiss their ass. A couple of years ago, a black lady insinuated that the reason I had a 6 figure income and a decent home was because of the suffering of her ancestors. What she, and what a lot of people no longer understand is that you're what you make of yourself. Blame any one you want. Rationalize it any way you want, but in the end, the reason you are who you are isn't because of someone else. Look in the mirror. It's where the responsibility lies.

thompsonx -> RE: black history month (2/20/2007 11:01:55 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: wickednnc I don't know why we have a black history month. Or for that matter why there's black entertainment Tv, or why a minority business can hire all minorities, or why there are so many groups in the world today screaming and begging to not be treated equally, but elevated. I grew up in Southern Applachia, hoeing rows of corn and potatoes so long you couldn't see the end of them. I lived with grandparents who'd never made it out of the depression. Indoor plumbing consisted of a gravity feed from a nearby spring to the kitchen sink. Everything else either happened in a tub or outdoors. I'm in my 40's and spent the first 15 years of my life plowing with mules. I remember seeing my first tractor. Seems like my grandfather made something like 30-40 dollars a week. My first real job (aged 13) paid $1.45 an hour. I held down three jobs and carried a full load to get through college, and was the first in my family to do so. So yes, I roll my eyes and have little sympathy for people who want to live in the past and want to tell me how priveleged I've had it as a white male, who want to erase my heritage in favor of their own, and who want me to bend over backwards to kiss their ass. A couple of years ago, a black lady insinuated that the reason I had a 6 figure income and a decent home was because of the suffering of her ancestors. What she, and what a lot of people no longer understand is that you're what you make of yourself. Blame any one you want. Rationalize it any way you want, but in the end, the reason you are who you are isn't because of someone else. Look in the mirror. It's where the responsibility lies. It would appear from your post that history was not one of the subjects you studied in your four years of college. Perhaps that is why you do not understand . thompson

wickednnc -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 3:44:36 AM)
The definition of insipid includes terms like bland, uninspired and tasteless, thompsonx. You just hit the mark. History isn't the problem. The inability to rise above it, is - regardless of what color your skin is. Slavery is a fact of history, and while that practiced here in the US a century and a half ago is probably the most documented and lamented, it is also one of the shorter lived episodes of such. Every race has been enslaved at one point or another, some for thousands of years. The point is simple however. The ability and avenue to succeed exists to any who chooses to apply themselves. The ultimate responsibility for your actions, for your place in life, resides with you, not with anyone else. People who refuse to look past color are equally to blame for keeping the hate alive. That's as true for the Al Sharpton's of the world as it is for anyone else. One of my favorite authors as a kid was Alexandre Dumas. I don't recall when it was that I learned he was of mixed race, but I do recall that learning that fact made no difference. It was an interesting historical side note. The reason to celebrate him isn't because of his ancestry but because of the magic that poured from his fingertips - and that is how race should figure into perception, as a side note.. by the content of character rather than the color of one's skin. That's where we're supposed to be going, or at least that's where I thought we were supposed to be going.

BBBTBW -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 6:17:03 AM)
How many people can put an accomplishment to a name? These people helped shaped the world for EVERYONE, not just Black People. The traffic light ( a much needed invention) is but one invention/discovery by a black person. Most of you didn't learn this stuff in school because it wasn't part of the curriculum. History has always been attributed to accomplishments of White Men. I find it shameful that we as a multi-cultural nation have the need for Black History, Asian History, Latin History etc Months. But we as the "minority" in the US tend to get overlooked when it comes to accomplishments. We certainly do get the headlines when we do something wrong though. When referring to Black Leaders, please remember that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson don't represent all of us. http://inventors.about.com/library/blblackinventors.htm This name should be a household word, but it probably isn't. http://philip-emeagwali.com/ Don't let me forget http://www.drbencarson.com/ These are but a few examples of why we should have Black History Month. If any of this educates anyone, then it is surely worth it.

BBBTBW -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 6:35:57 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SimplySubmissive One thing I do know, is that I am required to use "Black History" as a theme for a week in my pre k class. There is no other history included at any other time of the year, these are 4 year olds after all. When talking about any other theme, say.. community helpers, all that, I am very careful to include many races and both genders. It's very difficult to switch gears in my head and speak of only one race. It just feels wrong.. looking at all those little faces.. and only talking about one race. I'd love to do say.. famous inventors.. or whatever.. and represent many races. I feel just as bad doing this week as I would doing "famous white founding fathers" It just feels wrong to me.. but to say that outloud, is considered racist. I feel better typing it tho.. thanks for reading. It's really sad that you cannot use others in your presentations during that week. No man/woman is an island and we cannot accomplish things on our own. It takes a village to do everything. Whomever gave you your instructions for that week is narrow minded and weak. Black History Month is not designed to exclude, it is strictly about inclusion.

BBBTBW -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 6:51:14 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: wickednnc The definition of insipid includes terms like bland, uninspired and tasteless, thompsonx. You just hit the mark. History isn't the problem. The inability to rise above it, is - regardless of what color your skin is. Slavery is a fact of history, and while that practiced here in the US a century and a half ago is probably the most documented and lamented, it is also one of the shorter lived episodes of such. Every race has been enslaved at one point or another, some for thousands of years. The point is simple however. The ability and avenue to succeed exists to any who chooses to apply themselves. The ultimate responsibility for your actions, for your place in life, resides with you, not with anyone else. People who refuse to look past color are equally to blame for keeping the hate alive. That's as true for the Al Sharpton's of the world as it is for anyone else. One of my favorite authors as a kid was Alexandre Dumas. I don't recall when it was that I learned he was of mixed race, but I do recall that learning that fact made no difference. It was an interesting historical side note. The reason to celebrate him isn't because of his ancestry but because of the magic that poured from his fingertips - and that is how race should figure into perception, as a side note.. by the content of character rather than the color of one's skin. That's where we're supposed to be going, or at least that's where I thought we were supposed to be going. Spoken like a true non-"minority". No disrespect meant but simply because you lived a hard life growing up doesn't mean you have been discriminated against. I bet your white face gets you places my black face gets me excluded from. It's very disheartening that it is that way, but sadly it is. The old saying "if you are white you are alright, if you are black, step back" is practiced in more sophisticated ways these days. People can't put signs on their businesses stating that they don't want black business etc, they just treat you like crap when you are there. To say "walk a mile in my shoes" means nothing, one cannot change their skin color, therefore one cannot truely know what it is like to walk that mile. If anyone is truely interested in doing an experiment in discrimination, rent a wheelchair and go downtown. See how easy it is to navigate up and down the streets and inside buildings while riding in it. Don't get out of the chair even if you can't get in the store you want to go in. Either find a way to navigate or give up. Now equate that experience with having skin that is not white/pink/rosey. Tell me how good you feel after that experience. This is why we have to pinpoint specific things in our society. So notice will be taken that people of all different walks of life have accomplishments and should be respected for them, not treated like they never existed.

wickednnc -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 6:55:02 AM)
quote: [I bet your white face gets you places my black face gets me excluded from. It's very disheartening that it is that way, but sadly it is./quote] I bet you it doesn't. And if it happened to, I'll bet you I wouldn't go. Integrity is not shaded by color, but by what you do.

BBBTBW -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 7:01:00 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: wickednnc I bet you it doesn't. And if it happened to, I'll bet you I wouldn't go. Integrity is not shaded by color, but by what you do. How would you know? You walk around with your face 24/7.

thompsonx -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 7:18:56 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: wickednnc The definition of insipid includes terms like bland, uninspired and tasteless, thompsonx. You just hit the mark. History isn't the problem. The inability to rise above it, is - regardless of what color your skin is. Slavery is a fact of history, and while that practiced here in the US a century and a half ago is probably the most documented and lamented, it is also one of the shorter lived episodes of such. Every race has been enslaved at one point or another, some for thousands of years. The point is simple however. The ability and avenue to succeed exists to any who chooses to apply themselves. The ultimate responsibility for your actions, for your place in life, resides with you, not with anyone else. People who refuse to look past color are equally to blame for keeping the hate alive. That's as true for the Al Sharpton's of the world as it is for anyone else. One of my favorite authors as a kid was Alexandre Dumas. I don't recall when it was that I learned he was of mixed race, but I do recall that learning that fact made no difference. It was an interesting historical side note. The reason to celebrate him isn't because of his ancestry but because of the magic that poured from his fingertips - and that is how race should figure into perception, as a side note.. by the content of character rather than the color of one's skin. That's where we're supposed to be going, or at least that's where I thought we were supposed to be going. wickednnc: Your post speaks more eloquently to your lack of knowledge of history than anything I could ever say. Name calling is clearly one of your stronger suits. thompson

wickednnc -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 7:59:55 AM)
quote: How would you know? You walk around with your face 24/7. I would know because everywhere I go, happens to have all sorts of nationalities and ethnicities floating around. I suppose there are places where "my white face" could get me in as opposed to yours. I've never been to such a place. I don't know where one is. I have no interest in going even if you can find one for me. That's.. pretty much how I know. And as for the people I know, there's no great conspiracy to keep any race oppressed. I'm sorry to disappoint on that angle, but there just isn't. If anything, there is a heightened awareness of exactly the opposite. Nuff said. This is a circular debate that goes no where.

BBBTBW -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 8:39:22 AM)
EDITED PORTION How many times have you been in a place where you are the only white person, I would venture to say not many. But I OFTEN find myself in a sea of non-minority faces. Think on this if you would, I too am respected member of my community as well as a respected person on my job. I make a decent living and I am pretty comfortable. HOWEVER, in another community all that means nothing, I am just another black person. Stared at by neighbors as I look at houses I potentially want to buy, hearing doors on cars click as I get closer only to walk by and smile. Watching old ladies clutch their purses as if I am honestly a threat to them. This is not all non-minorities but it is enough to make one stand up and take notice. You can't say that skin color doesn't play a negative part in every day life, or maybe you can...you are white, it doesn't play a negative part in your life. Hell the whole damn thing was edited and not well, too peeved today about life in general to form a decent thought.

Aubre -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 9:22:30 AM)
If you are interested in Black History I'd like to recommend the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site especially the George Washington Carver exhibit.

mnottertail -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 10:53:45 AM)
Before the Mayflower by Lerone Bennett Jr, is good a very good read. Ron

wickednnc -> RE: black history month (2/21/2007 9:38:00 PM)
Once more BBBTBW, then I'll let it rest regardless of what comes back. I spent several years in Africa and the Middle East - Kenya, Seychelle Islands,Tunisa. Oceans of faces of color and not all of them black. My first trip was when I was 15. Don't worry, it wasn't paid for by rich white parents. I worked the money out myself, all of it. I had to. Rich white parents rarely exist in corn fields. I left home 2 years later and didn't return until I was 25. In all that time, the essence of what I learned was that people are generally the same. There's good. There's bad. There's a host that fall somewhere in between. Names mean nothing. Color means nothing. Clothes mean nothing. All that really matters is who a person is. I've been treated well by muslims, spaniards, russians, and learned enough swahili in african market places to bargain for goods. (Don't ask me to repeat it. It's been a long time.) What separates people is attitude, personality, the inability to rise over stereotypes, and the inability to rise over their past. Want to hear more car doors click? Try being a man. I hear them every time I walk through a parking lot where a woman is alone in a car. The point is when it comes to Black History month, not that I would deny you heritage, or the right to be proud, I just don't care. It makes no difference to me that the first heart transplant was done by a black doctor,or that the first Mars rover was named for one of the first black leaders to fight for desegregation. Just as it makes no difference to me that plastic wrap was invented by the Swiss or that Austria was the first country in the world to give women the vote. It's not the nationality, and not the ethnicity that matters. It's that someone of vision and ability did, and having done so, made everyone's life a little better. I'm dating myself by saying that I remember King's I have a dream speech. It resonated. It's what I believe. The direction of the country is exactly the opposite however. We are forcing ourselves into smaller and smaller enclaves and demanding that everyone else acknowledge either our race or our life style. In some ways, it's almost a microcosm of what's happening every where else around the globe. If you pay attention, there's a drove of civil wars and movements fragmenting countries into smaller and smaller sections and most of them are based either upon race or religion. It's stupid. With all the reason to live together, people just can't seem to manage it - and part of that not being able to manage it is wallowing in the past rather than siezing your future. Be well.

domiguy -> RE: black history month (2/22/2007 6:06:39 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: wickednnc quote: How would you know? You walk around with your face 24/7. I would know because everywhere I go, happens to have all sorts of nationalities and ethnicities floating around. I suppose there are places where "my white face" could get me in as opposed to yours. I've never been to such a place. I don't know where one is. I have no interest in going even if you can find one for me. That's.. pretty much how I know. And as for the people I know, there's no great conspiracy to keep any race oppressed. I'm sorry to disappoint on that angle, but there just isn't. If anything, there is a heightened awareness of exactly the opposite. Nuff said. This is a circular debate that goes no where. No a debate like this allows one to understand that some people are incapable of understanding.

domiguy -> RE: black history month (2/22/2007 9:23:48 AM)
One only needs to look at the judicial system to see that things are not based equally....Your white face allows you to avoid the death sentence at a much higher percentage for comparable crimes...Racial profiling...the "three strike rule."....My white face is definitely an asset.....all you have to do is google these topics to prove this point out..... Now why not google race discrimination in corporate America...let's see the results...Yep. Whitey has the advantage there as well...What about being approved for loans or finding real estate or rental properties?...Hmmmmm...Again whitey has a huge advantage! What about comparing schools that rely on equal funding? Schools with brown faces tend not to have the same resources available compared to their lighter skinned counterparts...All coincidences...probably. Oh, then there is always the controversial "Saved By the Bell" report. In which the beautiful Lark Voorhies, who plays Lisa on the show, was unable to obtain any serious cock from Zack...Even though that chick was one piece of hot black ass that was definitely worth tappin'!!!! Fuck! They wouldn't even allow her to fuck Slater and he's a lousy beaner for God's sake!!! No. Poor Lisa was forced to beg for some dick from Justin Diamond, who played Screech!!!....Such a shame such a waste!....Now whom of you could argue that?...... You still want to tell me that all is right in this world!!!!

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