Why do so many races hate African Americans? I feel the hate. (home)

[mover007]

wow

This was the director, Burnett's student project, no less. He should've been fast-tracked to stardom...just shows you the workings of the hollywood machine.

Critics now say Burnett was ahead of his time, so maybe hollywood will make up for the loss of it. ( For Oscars '08). Afterall, they finally rewarded Scorsese.

check it out on:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/killer_of_sheep/

[Josh3000_17]

You should come move to Melbourne, Australia. Racism is not a problem at all here. Well there is racism around but people almost always open black people here with open arms. There is a lot of hatred for white Americans in Australia for reasons i don't know. I guess a lot of Australians like to blame their problems on Amerca but i'm sure not one of them.

[marilyn220]

Originally Posted by Josh3000_17

You should come move to Melbourne, Australia. Racism is not a problem at all here. Well there is racism around but people almost always open black people here with open arms. There is a lot of hatred for white Americans in Australia for reasons i don't know. I guess a lot of Australians like to blame their problems on Amerca but i'm sure not one of them.

Aren't aboriginals considered "black" in Australia?

I had a couple of aboriginal friends in NYC that told me stories that were the "opposite". Downright brutal things used to go on. They said that Australia has a law banning more than THREE aboriginals from hanging out together, because of the white man's fear of riots.

As usual, white people "see what they WANT to see", whereas minorities are forced to LIVE the truth.

[mover007]

Originally Posted by marilyn220

Aren't aboriginals considered "black" in Australia?

I had a couple of aboriginal friends in NYC that told me stories that were the "opposite". Downright brutal things used to go on. They said that Australia has a law banning more than THREE aboriginals from hanging out together, because of the white man's fear of riots.

As usual, white people "see what they WANT to see", whereas minorities are forced to LIVE the truth.

That's very true, Marilyn (about the aboriginals); I thought the same thing. However, isn't it narrow-minded to say "white people only see what they want to see"?
It's people. People decide what to see...(or perhaps some are misguided and don't know the facts yet.) That poster seemed gentle enough/non-aggresive. I think he deserves a gentle response.

I believe: It's better to educate someone than to isolate them.

Anyway, who knows or cares what Josh's race might be? Plenty of non-whites are unaware of Australia's past,too. Besides he was referring to the way things are NOW in Melbourne, not 3 or 4 decades ago (maybe even before he was born?). And not all cities in one country are alike, either. I lived in New Zealand for 3 years and know Melbourne well (just across the ditch )...it's the san fransico(or some say "Europe") of Oz. They aren't clinging to their government's racist past--they are ashamed of it. Melbourne is a progressive city.

Marilyn, it IS important to point out the injustice towards the aboriginals, as you have done. But maybe you don't see the injustice in what you wrote thereafter. Try inserting any other race (other than white) in your last sentence--you'll see that it smacks of racism-- pure and simple.

No one race does everything/thinks identically.
Come on; that's what we are rising above, in this day and age.
I hope you understand what i mean. Peace.

[marilyn220]

Originally Posted by mover007

That's very true, Marilyn (about the aboriginals); I thought the same thing. However, isn't it narrow-minded to say "white people only see what they want to see"?
It's people. People decide what to see...(or perhaps some are misguided and don't know the facts yet.) That poster seemed gentle enough/non-aggresive. I think he deserves a gentle response.

I believe: It's better to educate someone than to isolate them.

Anyway, who knows or cares what Josh's race might be? Plenty of non-whites are unaware of Australia's past,too. Besides he was referring to the way things are NOW in Melbourne, not 4 decades ago (maybe even before he was born?). And not all cities in one country are alike, either. It's not fair when posters attack any region, country, town, race, sex....and stereotype them.

It is important to point out the injustice towards the aboriginals, as you have done. But maybe you don't see the injustice in what you wrote thereafter. Try inserting any other race (other than white) in your last sentence--you'll see that it smacks of racism-- pure and simple.

No one race does everything/thinks identically.
Come on; that's what we are rising above, in this day and age.
Peace.

Mover007,
I'm trying to be HONEST WITH YOU, but you don't want to hear it.

My parents are of West Indian ancestry, but my siblings and I were born HERE. My parents are not 100% black, so due to this mixture of races, I do not fit the typical "black" look. I have the type of look that could fit into ANY black or brown nation without any problems. Because of America's racist past, if you don't fit "their" idea of what someone should be (black, white or hispanic), then you have to be something else.

I have spoken to people from India, Pakistan, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, Africa, Brazil, the Middle East, etc., and ALL OF THESE PEOPLE are unamimous in their assessment of white people. Whites are not looked upon favorably, they're not hated, but not exactly respected either. They will NEVER say to you what they say to ME, because good or bad we share a common bond - ALL OF THESE COUNTRIES have been colonized or controlled by whites. Many of them are still being told what to do by the west even though colonialism has been over for several decades. The repercussions of that rule still lingers today.

Like the aboriginals, the polynesians, native americans, hawaiians, etc., aren't exactly thrilled with the extreme poverty their people live in due to generations upon generations of white rule and subserviancy. But again, this is something most whites wouldn't understand, because in their minds these people need to "get over it". It's not that easy.

When the first black million man march took place ten years ago, whites fled for their lives. Why? How come this irrational fear of blacks (and lately browns) still exist? I think you KNOW the answer.

[mover007]

I do hear you, Marilyn. I'm aware and respectful of what you post.

It's racist to hate, mistrust, disrespect anyone based on colour. That's the definition of racism, regardless of who is dishing it

Likewise, regardless of one's history, I believe it is everyone's responsibility to end racism in all facets of society. Maybe we should start by being less hateful/disrespectful of another's ancestry or past. A vast amount of Americans came at the turn of the century and had no link to slavery--why isolate people who basically agree with one another? We need to come together and end racism... not perpetuate it.

Punishing one race/country/gender for the sins/atrocities/policies of the past, doesn't help now. We need to educate, re-build, and yes, forgive in order to move on. New policies and laws, education and awareness...it's all important to progress.

It is damaging for anyone to be hated/attacked/stereotyped. I "got it" for being an American when i lived overseas ( before anyone got to REALLY know me). Ha--I wasn't even in America when Bush was elected or for the 5 years following it. Any discrimination/prejudice is wrong: skin colour or gender or religion. It's unjust, illogical and well...ignorant. In University, i met head on with sexual descrimination; at work, fighting off harrasment--it, like racism, is alive and kicking and should be fought, as well.

My other posts speak for how i feel. My eyes are wide open, as is my mind.
I understand your anger but i wonder if it is counter-productive to the ultimate goal: Ending racism; ending injustice.

[JerZ]

Originally Posted by marilyn220

[b]

I have spoken to people from India, Pakistan, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, Africa, Brazil, the Middle East, etc., and ALL OF THESE PEOPLE are unamimous in their assessment of white people.

Well, I've gotta agree with you on this one, Marilyn, but with a twist that might make you stop liking me.

It IS true that wherever you go, somebody just can't stand white people. The degree of dislike varies. That at least I can say from experience (since I can't comment from the experience of a minority, which is also true). Ironically, due to the actions of a percentage of whites in a given situation, we are ALL under suspicion of being evil incarnate. I mean I don't see this day-to-day but under anonymity it comes out quite a lot. We are all overly-rich; we are all trying to keep other races or cultures down; we are all narrow-minded, we are all nasty, rude, we ALL, without exception, have people in our past who somehow can be linked to the subjugation of (insert_race_or_culture_here). We can't individually try to deny it--nobody on the planet will believe us.

Real cute.

Pretty similar to "all blacks do x" and "all hispanics do y," right?

I don't see where racism is ever okay...and yes...we whites are under the gun of it too...as you've noted. I don't think it stops being racism when it's aimed at white people. But many other cultures do think exactly that. (And then laugh at us for being "paranoid"). So I don't know which it is here. Is it paranoia to worry that someone hates you simply because you're aware that every single other race on the planet has a fair percentage of people who will, on sight of your pink skin, assume you're a dog?

Again...please note that in daily life, walking down the street, I don't generally see/feel this, although here out west, I have had hints of it much more so than when I lived in other places.

Marilyn, I've liked your posts, and I've liked you, but then you come out with these blanket statements...completely ignoring the people you're speaking to *right here* who are saying the opposite of what you want to believe. Like the "whites won't open their eyes" statement. You listen to person after person agree on the subject of racism, agree on what happens in other countries and even here in this country and you still say we're refusing to see. Do you see when whites don't act like complete dogs? This is pretty upsetting to me. Here is a hand right in front of you. Do you want it or not?

When "we whites" (and here we are...being grouped together in one huge lump again) do reach out without reservation, the back is turned...who is the one being unaccepting and unwilling?

[bkeast]

I haven't read through the 16 pages of replies on this thread, so I don't know what else has been said, but here's my take on things: I am a 28 year old white female living in Southern California. I have seen my share of racism and discrimination from and toward ALL races here (I don't know how it is in other parts of the country/world).

I've heard a lot of horrible talk about black people, white people, latino people, etc, etc, over the years- enough to make my stomach turn, honestly. But, as I said, I've seen its ugliness from ALL RACES toward ALL RACES.

I'm not black, so I don't know what it's like to walk a day in your shoes and feel what you feel and see what you see, but the same goes the other way around also. I would never be so insulting as to assume you and your race are not discriminated against- it would take a blind person to think this. On the same note, however, I think EVERY race is discriminated against.

You may not agree, but it's there. I feel it every time a black comedian talks about the "white devil" or makes fun of my race. Everyone in the audience laughs and no one sees anything wrong with it. It's just assumed that we somehow deserve it, so it makes it okay.

Also, I get a sterotype set against me because I'm white, where people just assume I'm either rich, come from a nice family, had an easy childhood, am college educated, and live the easy life. Way, way off. I have had huge struggles to overcome in my life, dealing with poverty and many other things. Yet, it's been assumed time and again that I have a silver spoon in my mouth and my nose in the air- just because I'm white.

When I've driven through minority neighborhoods in the past (not every time), I've been laughed at, snickered at, jeered at, made fun of, cussed at, and almost beaten up once- JUST for being white.

And there is rarely a day when I don't feel like I'm supposed to apologize for being born white.

I could go on and on, but it's not necessary. The point I'm trying to make is, discrimination and hate is within every race toward every race. Sad, but true. We all have to deal with hatred, ignorance and intolerance, no matter our color or origin.

Good for you for going to college and taking care of your responsibilities. Keep forging ahead with your head held high and your self-esteem in tact. I've learned that I have to find self worth and self love, no matter what any one else thinks of me. It's the only way to rise above it.

Originally Posted by Invisible

I read the message boards about racism and there is a lot of hostility aimed at African Americans. Lots of races want to dress Black, talk Black, act Black, but don't want to be Black. After all this time, after all the strides we have made, why are we still saddled with negative stereotypes? I am tired of people seeing "Black, lazy, unintelligent" when they first see me. I go to school full time, work part-time, and I am raising a child. My grade point average has always been 3.0 or better. So why do I have to prove myself everywhere I go? Is there anyone out there who doesn't have a negative image of Black people? Please help. Being Black is not a crime, but it certainly feels like it.

[JerZ]

Originally Posted by bkeast

You may not agree, but it's there. I feel it every time a black comedian talks about the "white devil" or makes fun of my race. Everyone in the audience laughs and no one sees anything wrong with it. It's just assumed that we somehow deserve it, so it makes it okay.


(snip)

And there is rarely a day when I don't feel like I'm supposed to apologize for being born white.

OMG. There it is. That is EXACTLY how it feels. Exactly. Brava. You explained that so very well.

(Edited: Wasting my breath, people who don't want to listen, well, won't. )

[mover007]

Originally Posted by JerZ

OMG. "There it is. That is EXACTLY how it feels. ... because I'd feel like a monster for hurting them. But nobody feels like a monster for lumping whites all together as one big culpable group.

yep, Jerz and bkeast--It may feel like it's one big double-standard, sometimes. But for every load of people dishing racism (in all its forms) there are people who don't engage in it.

And you know, (referring to Marilyn's post) my friends are from all the races and religions you spouted off and they LOVE me for who i am. We are good friends. Period. Race is not an issue between us; ours is not a superficial relationship.

They don't disrespect me behind my back (we aren't that way towards anyone). So that disproves your theory that they (since i'm white-ish) REALLY feel another way--and are not being honest with me. Not true. You may share that sentiment with your friends--it makes me sad that they feel that way, but that's their reality. It's a mistake to assume one sentiment is held within everyone of their colour, background, or whatever. Is it something you want to believe?

We don't all live the same lives or feel, hear and process things identically. If we don't get this fundamental truth...then racism will never end. Let's stop the lumping and the dumping. Now. Please.