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I work with an office with 4 Hispanic women that act the exact same way...imagine that!
And I worked with a white guy who was the same! And gee -- he didn't get fired either.
Sometimes you can get away with stuff because you bring something to the table that others don't. I used to get away with flaunting the dress code at the bank I worked in because they were a small bank and I became their whole foreign department. I wasn't TOO obvious, but for two years I wore flat dressy Keds... and no one said a word.
Hmm, lets put this matter in another way. what if Whites were exploited for decades and all of the sudden the male protector and provider was unable to do anything but his female counterpart became the so-called "breadwinner/protector" because you could not get a job b/c education, poverty, rascism ect would'nt the results be the same?
"we created"? Affirmative Action benefited primarily "White Women" don't be mislead, it is a fact. Companies figured a way around hiring black males by hiring more women, both black and white. If you will check your statistics you will see that It is true. I look at it this way women are not as threatening to white males and white women are the least threatening between the two
Hmm, lets put this matter in another way. what if Whites were exploited for decades and all of the sudden the male protector and provider was unable to do anything but his female counterpart became the so-called "breadwinner/protector" because you could not get a job b/c education, poverty, rascism ect would'nt the results be the same?
There are just as many "African Americans" that are extremely succesfull as there are those who turn to a life of nothing, so in other words, life is what you want it to be, and what you make of it.
There are just as many "African Americans" that are extremely succesfull as there are those who turn to a life of nothing, so in other words, life is what you want it to be, and what you make of it.
Not the African American community in the United States...no way. 23% live below the poverty line, the per capita income in $12,351 (compared with $20,425 for Whites), and the average household income for Blacks is $27,910 which pales to the national average of $40,816.
Unless you're defining "extremely successful" as earning $30,000/yr or something (since success is not an objective descriptor). In my mind "successful" is being a home owner and having a household income of at least $75,000/yr.
Well I can name two things that I participated in that made a big impact in my attitudes towards my future...and it was pretty "small" stuff overall. Once, a Black woman in my hometown (she's a doll...currently a professor at University of Kentucky...but used to work with youth in the Mon Valley a lot) got a real estate agent (White woman who was a college friend of hers) in Upper St. Clair to take us on some home tours of houses on the market. They gathered us up in a van from a local church and we went on house tours of homes from around $200k to over 1 million. In addition to showing the homes, we ate lunch together and discussed the process you go through when you buy a house; including credit ratings, down payments, and how mortgages work. Then we wrapped it up with a pool party hosted by a young White couple (I remember the husband was a doctor) who informally talked to us about colleges. Now I was 14 years old, I and a lot of the other kids were either living in the projects or in homes that our families have owned for ages already (probably purchased when the Steel Mills were going strong). It sounds like no big deal...but the idea that these professional adults were like, "Yes, this type of life is out there and it is completely doable for you." It was a very special experience.
Another key activity was when my Godmother who lived in Washington, D.C. at the time took me along on "Take Your Daughter To Work" day. She doesn't have her own children and she was working as a paralegal in the 2nd largest law firm (Wilmer Hale) in D.C. Anyway, after about 2 hours, she was called in to a meeting and I spent the rest of the day with another young female attorney. Don't remember her name...but she was the bubbly blonde type that asked if I knew how to type (I did...although I was only 10) and when she saw how good I was, she actually put me to work! Later on she took me to some of the other offices of the other attorney's with the joke that they would be looking to hire me as soon as I came of age.
Seems like simple, simple stuff. But no one in my immediate family was a working professional (my mother was a cook in the Red Lobster...my father was a long-range truck driver. I lived with my retired Grandparents anyway). So thank GOODNESS, I sort of made it my business to put myself into environments that were not native to me (for example, I played in the South Hills Junior Orchestra....based in Upper St. Clair for years...at a great inconvenience transportation-wise).
The Black community does have some great mentors...but not enough. So big kudos to those who are not Black and can just see a bright, interested kid...catch them early and make an impact before too much discouragement sets in.
I absolutely agree with you. "Hope" should be the very first thing we instill in our children, regardless of color, race, religion, etc. Somewhere along the line, all of America forgot how to do that. As you said, somebody simply taking the time to care about your future was enough to give you the hope and the motivation to succeed.
It also sounds like your grandmother was much like mine and took a very active interest in your life, which is a blessing.
The problem is, how do we get the rest of the community to get involved? Regardless of what sub-group of Americans we talk about, it is impossible to force change upon them, unless they truly want the help. My original question still stands: What will it take to motivate the entire community into change? Government programs on their own don't work and even when a program does work, it is deemed to be "not enough".
What ever happened to the peaceful movement of the likes of MLK? MLK was leading a great movement of people demanding the rights to be viewed and treated as EQUALS. Suddenly, nobody wants to perform the hard work change requires and have decided that enough is enough and they are entitled to have things handed to them on a silver platter. Most importantly, as a person who "made it", what are YOU doing within the african american community to create change and a better world for future generations?
Suddenly, nobody wants to perform the hard work change requires and have decided that enough is enough and they are entitled to have things handed to them on a silver platter. Most importantly, as a person who "made it", what are YOU doing within the african american community to create change and a better world for future generations?
I think there is a difference between what you are describing and not having the exposure and being able to internalize that you can escape your present situation.
Unfortunately, I have not "made it" (far from it...sort of on the brink of unemployment, I'm not a homeowner, no bachelor's degree, HUGE amount of student loan debt, etc.). However I do serve on the National Board of a Multicultural Sorority and one of my pet projects in the summer is an anti-racism initiatives (like cultural projects and educational presentations) for our members (so collegiate women). Also, I've donated 4 musical instruments to minority students (3 clarinets and 1 flute) at my hometown high school (which has severe money problems). For two years, I gave flute lessons to inner city kids in Miami. That's it unfortunately (other than general charity) that I've done. One day, I hope to be in a position to do more.
Like any other town, it has good and bad. The whole racism thing is what gets me. In this day and age, most people judge people based on who they are, not what color they are. A crackhead is a crackhead, regardless of race. Sometimes we don't like someone just because we don't. Also, your comment "I'm not saying the blacks will become your favorite people" sounds a little racist to me so perhaps before you throw stones at other people you need to look inside. Problems in the city are more economically motivated, actually. In areas with high poverty, you see higher crime. Overall, Pittsburgh is a safe city when you look at other comparable areas. Inner cities have more issues than the burbs because they have more poverty. Also, when it comes to schools, most people I know send their kids to public schools. I don't know anyone in Winchester Thurston or the Ellis School. Those who do not untilize public schools tend to favor parochial or charter schools. The bottom line is, if you expect your child to succeed you need to support his/her education. Help with homework, reinforce what is taught in school and your child will succeed. Just my opinion, of course....
1. If your moving to Pittsburgh because of nightlife and diversity. YOU AREN’T GOING TO FIND IT HERE....
>>>Ok, And I'm thinking that no one WOULD be moving there for nightlife and diversity. You might move to New York or San Francisco for that reason, but Pittsburgh, duh!
And there is great chance your car will be towed ( any time of the day and you are subject to a ticket while your still in your car.)
>>>Only if you are parking illegally, which I imagine someone as dumb and entitled as you feel you are does often, thus explaining this portion of your mindless rant.
2. It is really racist here.
>>>By here, I'm assuming you refer to the United States of America, because as we know, race is a major issue throughout this country. Pittsburgh is a microcosm of this issue. Yes there are well defined ethnic neighborhoods throughout, but name me a city that does not have this issue (a city that has two different racial groups coexisting, that is)
3. The whiter the area doesn’t mean the safer, it really just means the whiter.
>>>Once again, a point that refers to perhaps the world now, not just the United States and certainly not only Pittsburgh.
4. We have a young and energetic Mayor. Luke is fantastic to be honest. I’ve met him and he is amazing and very insightful. The bad thing is, the people here DO NOT like change. They are living in the steelmill era until there is no more. They are nuts.
>>>You act as though meeting the mayor is like meeting the Pope. Nobody cares who you have or have not met. People in Pittsburgh probably don't like change. If you do, then don't let the big steel door hit you on the way out! We WERE living in the steelmill era when there was one. This criticism of the 'burgh is about 20 years too late, so find something else.
5. Business cost are low BUT you hardly anyone will know you’re here. Your revenue WON’T exceed your start-up cost , so your not pulling in that much. Young Business people from Pittsburgh have gone to NYC and other major cities and have attempted to bring the spirt down here but they forgot, we’d have to kick the negative spirt out of here. Pittsburgh is not a small city but don’t try telling native Pittsburghers that. You minus well spit on a terrible towel.
>>>I can't respond to this because I truly don't know what language it is written in. The words look familiar, but the grammar is atrocious. Oh, and you're speaking to like .02% of the world when you talk about people moving to the 'burgh to start a business that would be anything but local.
6. While I am on the subject. PEOPLE LOVE THE STEELERS. Hell I love them!
>>> So the problem here is...?
7. We have some of the most amazing restaurants, flea markets and outside shopping districts in the nation.
>>>Yet there's a problem with this too?
The best place to get groceries is the Strip District but like Pittsburgh there is no where to park EVER. and the public transportation here is bogus. Sorry but it’s true. Next to them is Whole Foods ( located in Shadyside/East Liberty which is up and coming) then it’s Giant Eagle which offers you money back on fuel perks! Yay!
>>>Name a city that evolved from colonial days that isn't a nightmare for parking! Particularly one which is geographically bound by rivers! Where is the parking supposed to come from? And why is that thousands of native Pittsburghs find places to park and come to shop at the Strip every week, but you can help but get towed? Also, the public transportation system is wonderful. Is it New York? No, but then New York's public transportation system isn't the greatest either. I've lived in both places.
Restaurants vary. Most are found in Shadyside, Squirrel hill ( Predominately Jewish neighborhood and, you've got to try the Kosher bakery), Downtown,Mount Washington ( amazing and highly expensive restaurants along the mountain.) The Strip District and The Southside. Oh and Oakland is good for cheap eats. The kicker you say? They are all located by each other. This litte hub is what keeps Pittsburgh alive I promise you. These are the most diverse, intellectual and artistic of all Pittsburgh.
>>>You apparently have led a very sheltered existence in Pittsburgh, which explains your narrow view. Have you ever ventured into a suburb? There is exponentially more to do that simply what is located within the city limits.
8.Pittsburgh Public Schools are often times crap.
>>>Hmmm, city schools not as good as Private Schools. Call the Post Gazette now, someone needs to be notified of this!!
9. There are tons of old buildings here and historical monuments. They are fantastic and remain very lovely. A lot of the Churches are still running today. Pittsburgh is a mostly Catholic city. In the cities with the oldest churches tend to be more lovely and clean ( but like I said it’s all in the "hub".)
>>>I don't know what 'it's all in the hub' means. As for the rest, I concur, except that Pittsburgh is only barely more Catholic than any other religion. Only as Catholic as the nation is.
10. UPMC owns everything. PNC, UPMC and PITT will become very famaliar to you. They own everything practically . From some of the best healthcare to 90% of the hospitals and PNC owns 75% of Downtown Pittsburgh if not more. They are a giant and they will make you sick.
>>>Totally agree with this one. And when you get sick, you'll have no other choice but to go to a UMPC owned hospital.
So here’s what to remember the most
1. It’s a largely racist town that is fueled off stereotypes.
>>>It is not a racist town anymore than all other towns in the country. And though it plays a part in civil life, it by no means fuels the city!?
2. Most of the people here are in fact old. No matter what any young pioneer tries to tell you.
>>>True, so what. It has a great, low cost of living. It is in fact one of the best places to which to retire. I see this as a positive, not a negative. Someone has Ageism!
3. The "Hub" is where you want to live , if you want to live in the city and if not stay the hell away from the outskirts . Also, stay away from Oakland unless you’re a student ( and if you’re a student) stay away from South Oakland.
>>>Chances are if you want to live in a city, you won't want to live in Pittsburgh. Move to New York. This is a town made of suburbs with a centralized working city (hence the reason everything shuts down at 6pm) That doesn't mean there is nothing to do, it just means you need a car.
4. Pittsburgh has AMAZING universities, for low tuition that are highly accredited. Namely, PITT, CMU and Point Park University. They are amazing and world famous. Pitt for the Medical geeks, PPU for the art freaks and CMU for those in between , that’s meant with love. Had it not of been for these institutions this place would be barren!
>>>Please leave Pittsburgh as soon as you can. You are not wanted here!!!
5. The subway doesn’t run around the entire area just select parts of the city and no it’s not easy to read.
>>>There is no subway in Pittsburgh. There is something called the "T" and it is the beginning of a subway that will probably NEVER be finished. Use the buses instead. They'll get you just about everywhere you need to go.
6. The people who have only great things to say about Pittsburgh have :
A. Never lived somewhere else or been somewhere else.
>>>Not true, I grew up in the 'burgh and now I live in New York City, perhaps the greatest major metropolitan area in the world. Guess what, after living in NY for over two years now, I love Pittsburgh more than I did when I left. They are DIFFERENT! Apples and Oranges, but both wonderful.
C. They fit into every stereotype about Pittsburgh people.
So yea take everything they say with a grain of salt. Or better yet DON’T TAKE IT AT ALL.
>>>I'm not sure that I know of or agree with every stereotype that you believe about Pittsburghers, but I am a very educated, highly intelligent human being, who has never used the word "Yinz" in any other way than as a joke, in my life. I also went to the best of those three schools you mentioned earlier and do not have a Pittsburgh accent, though I live there for over 30 years before moving away. Take what I say as truth and do not believe this idiot, who has no right living in the 'burgh anyway.
7. Everyone has equal chance of stabbing you for your wallet and heroin addicts in the "good areas" will do it faster.
>>>Umm, ok, this has WHAT to do with Pittsburgh?
8. Anyone who only has something negative to say, just needs to move or might be having a bad day. There are good things to but it comes with a price.
>>>Might I refer you to YOURSELF!
Low cost - Low wages
There is a low-employment rate because your competing with people 12 score your senior who refuse to quit or someone relative who they won’t fire.
>>>Low cost of living, lower wages, makes complete and total sense to me. As for not being able to get a job, that might just be you. I never had a problem, dear.
8. There ARE amazing people here, who are innovate and talented but they rarely ( if ever) get recognized.
>>>Would you like to start some type of awards ceremony? Go right ahead. If you are including yourself in the 'innovative and talented' pool, I would reconsider.
9.There are TONS of attractions like Phipps Conservatory and the Museums ( plus the old buildings). The good and bad are mixed , as in one corner good street the nest =bad.)
>>>This means nothing- the nest =bad???
10. Pittsburgh has serious issues with child molestation, housing foreclosure and serious racism
>>>I've already addressed the racism. Housing foreclosures have been sweeping the nation. But you'd know that if you read the paper or turned on the news. As for the child molestation, I don't know what you could possibly be talking about. Was this another personal preference coming out in your post?
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(far from it...sort of on the brink of unemployment, I'm not a homeowner, no bachelor's degree, HUGE amount of student loan debt, etc.). However I do serve on the National Board of a Multicultural Sorority and one of my pet projects in the summer is an anti-racism initiatives (like cultural projects and educational presentations) for our members (so collegiate women). Also, I've donated 4 musical instruments to minority students (3 clarinets and 1 flute) at my hometown high school (which has severe money problems). For two years, I gave flute lessons to inner city kids in Miami. That's it unfortunately (other than general charity) that I've done. One day, I hope to be in a position to do more.
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