Racial relations in Atlanta (Auburn, Montgomery: credit, relocating, gated)

[The Artman]

Black-White what's the difference?

[mxd.Brit]

I've got a simple solutions for race issues...this goes to all "shades of people". As a 10 year military man who has lived in Europe for most of his career, we as Americans need to TRAVEL and dialogue! Get outside of that "box" that you are living in and see the world. Racism is caused by 2 things- fear and ignorance. If you've never traveled outside of your "compfort" zone (small town USA), you'll never change. No one is born to hate another, hate is learned or fostered by a personal experinece. But, the great thing is, it doesn't have to last, if you get out of your "BOX". As a black man with a british wife, I have friends and associates from every race, nationality, etc; and its FREAKIN fantastic. I've visited countries where blacks don't exist and have been stared at with amazement! But and the end of the day, the folks that are staring are with me in a pub drinking and carry on as long time friends. don't get me wrong there is some form of racism everywhere, not just towards blacks but towards whites (yes, whites!) as well. Dialogue my friends, dialogue. As a military member, as corny as it sounds, I've always considered myself as an American ambassador. And being black, well you guessed it- I carry the weight of every black American as well. People only know what they see on TV. So it's up to me and all members overseas to leave a positive image. That should apply in the States as well. My black people need to start leaving more positve images in every aspect of life. So once again, dialogue....you'll be surprised at what you have in common and how much you can laugh together!!!

"we share the same Biology, despite our Ideaology"..Luciano

[mg83]

I really agree with you. But, we're not taught as Americans to travel, though. For the most part we're taught the life cycle of birth - school - work - die. Tweak that a little for women, and a little for children who grow up poor. It's sad, but true.

Also, travel requires money and some level of mental ambition/exploration... two elements that the undereducated and ignorant usually lack.

Or, on the other hand, and what I find to be very prevalent in a place like Atlanta is, you can be very educated, very wealthy, and still only stick to "your own kind".

[Seh1959]

[quote=mxd.Brit;3146323] So once again, dialogue....you'll be surprised at what you have in common and how much you can laugh together!!!

Yes, I agree with you. I think that people of all races need to discuss their fears and perceptions regarding race without being verbally shot down.

But I also think that this is a topic for discussion within the schools. Where my kids go to school, the kids in the older grades start segregating themselves -- especially in middle school. The administration just leaves that whole situation alone.

When I was in high school I had an African-American English teacher who broached the topic of race relations through literature, and workshops. She actually had us break into small groups, comprised of students of different races, and assigned each group a race or nationality. Then she walked around and moderated the discussion within each group. She also assigned reading materials such as "The Learning Tree" and "Black Like Me". It was a true educational experience for me.

Our teachers and councellors here talk to our kids about other social problems, such as environmental concerns, and what they can do to help the environment, rainforest, etc, when they become adults. I think it would be fantastic for the administration of schools to begin a program to discuss race-relations.

We're all going to have to get along. That's the bottom line.

[shilo449]

I agree whole heartedly with the poster above in the military. Americans need to get out and live, travel, and work in other countries. It will really change your perspective on things.

I also have a solution to all race issues: we should all just have some serious free love with one other. I'm not talking about hippies either... lol

In about 10 generations we'll all look like those little grey aliens on TV

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by mg83

I really agree with you. But, we're not taught as Americans to travel, though. For the most part we're taught the life cycle of birth - school - work - die. Tweak that a little for women, and a little for children who grow up poor. It's sad, but true.

Also, travel requires money and some level of mental ambition/exploration... two elements that the undereducated and ignorant usually lack.

Or, on the other hand, and what I find to be very prevalent in a place like Atlanta is, you can be very educated, very wealthy, and still only stick to "your own kind".

'not taught as Americans to travel'

'two elements that the undereducated and ignorant usually lack'

'in a place like Atlanta--you can be very educated, very wealthy and still only stick to your own kind'

~~~
Oh my.

Wondering to myself how Atlanta can be so different from other cities.

cough--I've always wanted to travel and as you observed--it requires$$ and 'mental ambition'--guess I don't have enough of either. At any rate, I have not traveled broadly--have known others who lived in other places--they did not find Atlanta to be so 'differen't--in fact felt human nature was basically the same wherever they went.
We have libraries here and many of us try to read --find out about other places. Many books that I read indicate that human nature is much the same.

Maybe we have 'bad books' in the libraries of Atlanta?

sigh--Then there's my family. Some of them have traveled and remain 'rigid'--pure Redneck Georgians. They have degrees and some have a bit of $ --and they do 'stick to their own kind'.

That is the South. There was a time when people had to work long hours and they were isolated from others--had to take care of themselves and their families --no one else would do it for them.

I need to go online and find some better books. That much is clear to me.




bhs

[mg83]

You read that entirely the wrong way...

By and large, American kids aren't taught to "get out and travel" and "see the world" like Australians, British, and many Europeans are.

Travel opens your eyes, yes, but it requires time, money, and the will to do so. But travel isn't the only thing that can open your eyes... education, an upbringing that accepts people of different color, ethnicity, religion.

And I wasn't even speaking about "Atlanta rednecks". I actually don't even consider Atlanta metro too southern, and definitely not "redneck". From what I see living in Atlanta, the wealthy, educated African Americans usually "stick together" - albeit at work, social gatherings, social clubs, etc.

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by mg83

You read that entirely the wrong way...

By and large, American kids aren't taught to "get out and travel" and "see the world" like Australians, British, and many Europeans are.

Travel opens your eyes, yes, but it requires time, money, and the will to do so. But travel isn't the only thing that can open your eyes... education, an upbringing that accepts people of different color, ethnicity, religion.

And I wasn't even speaking about "Atlanta rednecks". I actually don't even consider Atlanta metro too southern. From what I see living in Atlanta, the wealthy, educated African Americans usually "stick together" - albeit at work, social gatherings, social clubs, etc.

Thanks for clarifying.

Native Atlantan. Not a day goes by that I don't hear 'complaints' about Atlanta/Georgia/US. It gets old.

Atlanta has a particular kind of 'RedNeck'--LOL, LOL, LOL. cough--The people who now live in Buckhead--not far removed from working the 'farms'---digging in the dirt, etc

There have been many, many threads discussing 'Diversity'/the lack of in Atlanta, GA. Some say it is better/different in other places. From what I have gleaned the Aussies are doing as well with diversity as anyone and even there you will find some discrimination against Aboriginal people and hatred of the Bloody Englishman. I am concerned about how things are going in Europe--don't think that will be an improvement for US.

I do not have any answers for societal problems. I am not in denial about the shortcomings/sins/crimes committed by 'people like me'. Nor can I change the Past.

Always grateful when I find people who don't seem to hold 'grudges'.

That's all I know.

[Love Cobb]

And while we're on the subject, why isn't anyone calling it another hate-crime when another black man kills another white woman? Is there anyone out there who honestly thinks that race doesn't play into some of these murders? I'd like to see the stats on how many white guys rape or kill black women vs. how many black men rape or kill white women.

Do I keep my eye on that black man walking down the side walk toward me? You bet I do. He may be another one who hates white people and would like to take it out on a white person who is physically weaker than him.

[/quote]
Seh1959;
You are obviously extremely racist in your views about judging people. That is your right as an American citizen just as it is my right to bring it to your attention. I was very sadden to hear that two very bright and lovely GA coeds who were gunned down last week. They had their whole futures ahead of them and now they are gone. As a mother myself with young children embarking on college it really hit home and yes i am a proud african american woman. My children are in the same harms way as any white child who is out there that may become victimized in our society. You somehow believe that being black makes you exempt from being victimized, it doesn't. The blood thirsty thugs are out there and they will get any one they can. They come in all colors, believe it or not, white, black, hispanic, doesn't matter we are all vulnerable. Teach your children to use every precaution to avoid dangerous situations. Your attempt to make these awful murders racially motivated is sickening. If those poor girls were black would you feel any better or more comfortable.

[Seh1959]

Seh1959;
You are obviously extremely racist in your views about judging people. That is your right as an American citizen just as it is my right to bring it to your attention.

Your attempt to make these awful murders racially motivated is sickening. If those poor girls were black would you feel any better or more comfortable.[/quote]


Love Cobb,

First, to answer your question, no, it would not make me feel any better or more comfortable if the murder victims were black.

Second, if I'm a racist, then so be it. I can say this though -- I didn't use to be. Racism used to be a major turn-off to me. I can also say this: when a small group of white parents went to the principal of my son's school to complain about the new African-American teacher who taught my son's class, I was quick to make an appointment with the principal in order to defend this teacher and tell the principal what a fine job that I believe he's doing. (I might add that this teacher is a transplant from another state, and treats the students fairly. He is not biased toward his "own kind".) I also defended this teacher to a couple of parents at a get-together. So I guess I'm not QUITE ready to find and sign up for the David Duke fan club, as you seem to think.

I call it like I see it. This teacher is a fine teacher and a nice man. I'm happy for him to teach my son.

This doesn't change the fact, though, that white women are being preyed upon by killers, the majority of whom are black. Then the black leaders lament the fact that the majority of the imprisoned are African-American men, for whom we should all feel sorry, and blame society (white society, in fact), because, after all, look what we're doing to them.

And, I must add respectfully, you can keep your parenting advice to yourself. My children have never heard racial slurs or denigration of other ethnic groups in our home. However, when my daughters reach a certain age, I do plan to teach them how to be aware of their surroundings.....to be on guard for suspicious-looking characters, etc. And I haven't figured out how yet, but I will find a way to let them know that I believe that there are hate-crimes being committed against young white women by black men.

And you know what? I really hope that you are right, and I am wrong. I hope that these random murders are not racially motivated, and that, instead, my perception is askew. But from where I'm sitting, it just doesn't look that way.