Race in NE Columbia - hitting to close to home (West Columbia: live, bill)

[Peachstate01]

Originally Posted by davey123

You are definitely entitled to your opinion on this topic. Diverse opinions always make the conversation more interesting. However, I think that some clarification is needed if you think that I am sensitive to anything that you or the other poster stated. I am not.

As I indicated earlier, I based my opinion on the entirety of statements that the poster made throughout this thread, not just on the one you referenced. When you read all of his statements, instead of taking one in isolation, then it is easy to discern his true intentions. Those intentions, I would argue, have everything to do with race.

Now, you can disagree with me. That is fine; that is your prerogative. Yet, it is my prerogative to "name" racism when it manifests itself. That is what I did; that is what I will always do.

On another note, you mentioned that you are entitled to your own opinion, and I would add that you are entitled to verbalize it. In that same vein, I am entitled to respond to any post with as lengthy a prose as I choose. That is my prerogative -- and I like exercising my prerogatives.

You certainly have the right on here to "ramble"on and on and much as you like.That we can both agree on.
But to prove what??? I have now read all posts on the member in question and can honestly say,I see nothing at all,I mean absolutely zero(0) in his posts that would even remotely suggest racism or to prove his intentions as having any ill will for making these posts on here.

As he stated in one posts,"he was jumped on by a mix of black and hispanic teens back in 1985.If you or anyone else on herte had really read all his posts,then there was no need to even ask him What makes him feel uncomfortable around a crowd of "black teens"
Even though he doesn't detail everything that happened to him in that incident,still an experience like that would make anyone feel uncomfortable and even have "flashbacks"when encountering a group of teens(whether white or black)

He also states in one of his posts"that if he saw a group of "white teens" "acting like they were looking for a victim"that would make him feel uncomfortable as well"

The bottom line here,the poster has been very respectful,in his posts and has said nothing that anyone could misinterpet or misconstrue to say he is a racist.

As for you going into that neighborhood to see if the poster was lying about what he saw,then posting that you did't see "this gathering of black teens"that he spoke of,you could be very well lying yourself,though I'm not saying you are,but How would you feel if someone on here labled you as "racist"based on what your using on here to say the same thing about this poster.

Again,I will say,I have black friends who I can openly discuss "race relations"with with no problem and we get alone just as well if not better than any "white friend"of mine,and whether you like it or not,it's just a fact that there are neighborhoods,streets,and areas in Columbia and many other places where a white person could not go into,let alone live in without being ran out at best,killed at worse.

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

^Why is it necessary to describe people based on their race? How about, "there was a group of teenagers hanging out"?

If only that would become the practice in this country. Sadly our own federal government has done more to support racial segregation than most citizens are willing to admit. Now we have larger and more vocal special interest groups catering to people with specific skin color and we hear perpetual cries of "racism," whether they can be validated or not. In many cases it appears to be a cover-up for failure, for laziness (aka government dependency), and even for criminal activity.

[lisake]

Just thought I'd share my own recent experience. My two daughters and I attended the Congaree Swamp Fest this weekend. I would estimate that the crowd was about 90 percent African-American. When you're a white person in a mostly black crowd, you might make mental note of it because it is unusual, but not once did I feel uncomfortable, unwelcome or unsafe. We had a wonderful time at a very well-produced festival, with great food, enjoyable entertainment, inflatables and rides, etc.

My husband and I also visited a sports bar in Northeast Columbia several months ago and were the only white people in the place. The crowd grew and eventually included several more white people, but it remained mostly black. We had a great time and chatted with several people in the bar, including an enlightening conversation with a young black man about race relations in the area (this was shortly before we moved here).

So I guess I just wanted to say that being a white person in a predominantly black crowd might take you out of your comfort zone for a little bit, but it's not something to fear.

[4BigRu]

This last post sums it up the best. Whatever race if you are the minority you may take notice but 9 times out of 10 the majority will judge you by how you act and if you dont have preconcieved notions you can have a good time. This is true of all races and religions for the most part in this country. There are some pockets of ignorance in this country, but for the most part I think people are really trying to live together regardless of race. There are just to many other problems out there to worry about.

[pvjd]

And I, too, am entitled to drink strawberry milk instead of whole, skim instead of chocolate, and soy instead of lactaid. Wait, are we still on race? Well, then, I would just like to add that grilling your pork is better for you and has less calories than feeding it to a tiger.

[Peachstate01]

You know,I would really just like to laugh right about now.

Hey everybody,Are we still on race in this thread?

Obama,Obama,O----ba----ma.

[melskybell]

I have had that experience right here in north TX. I went to a live jazz concert in Ft. Worth and was mostly surrounded by black people. I nor they thought anything of it as we deeply enjoyed the music and hanging out together. I've also lived in Europe and never had any problems there, either, with "unfriendly" people. It's all a matter of attitude and how comfortable you are in your own skin.

[chief99]

Please consider that the person who said that porbably doesn't live in that neighborhood. I live two blocks behind ECHS and have been here for three years. I grew up in Rosewood, but I really like living in Eau Claire. I haven't encountered anything even close to what you described.

[Imma]

Originally Posted by pvjd

Would it make you more comfortable if they were all white kids in Abercrombie clothing? Growing up, those were the ones I usually got into fights with. The black kids were pretty normal, and hung out in groups because they enjoyed social activities, not because they were up to anything bad. I don't know you so I am trying to reserve judgment, but is there a legitimate reason that black kids scare you, or is it large groups of kids in general? Has anything actually ever happened to you as a result of being around a group of black kids, other than feeling awkward and uncomfortable? I work in the city among black kids and adults as a community outreach social worker, and I have honestly not ever had any problems or feelings of discomfort.

I too am a Social Worker. I would really like to see the racial discussions to involve more communication instead of judging others. If any type of person regardless of race had the opportunity to just talk freely about how they feel. If a person could just be like city-data tries to help others with on this site...communicate. As we recycle and save the world of pollution, why can't we as any type of people try to live with each other? It would help us all if we stop using the paranoid questions as follows: When you say people, who are you referring to? Why do feel uncomfortable with a group? Or even generalize with "I have never said that!"
When did we all become so angry with one another? I believe in equal rights and being "politically correct". I also think that the educational system has a long way to go to help those, whatever the race, in the educational system that needs some extra help with programs or studies. There are so many children out there, that I have witnessed who could use a mentor. Let's please help to create harmony and talk to one another and bring down the wall. Please become informed and help raise our children with kind role models. Columbia is a good place to live and could be great if we have people who are kind and willing to communicate. With so many cuts in the economy and education the youth of today need us more than ever!
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]

[drexellake]

Sound to me this story, or at least part of it is made up. Even if it were true one incident doesn't make whole area or people racist.

Get a concealed carry permit and you can go anywhere you like anytime you like.