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That last part is REALLY true..most people would be shocked to know how many cops are in on dope deals in these hillbilly areas...you don't build a half million dollar home on 30g a year.
Uh; the real crazy part is a 500K dollar home there is a full on mansion in those low cost places. That kind of money WILL get a you a nice river front house with its own dock right here in Bullhead City.
Tho IMHO what would help cut down the crap with dirty cops in the back woods is pay them more like 40K or more. That'd attract better candidates right there.
In light of the white-priviledge debate on here, I thought I would pose this question:
I'm just curious if people feel that this is something that has merit? Ultimately, people from central Appalachia (SW Virginia, East Tennessee, Eastern KY, Southern WV, and Western NC) are typically considerably poorer, considerably less educated, and have a much higher incidence of drug addiction than comparable demographics elsewhere. These people don't have the resources for advancement that others do in more urban areas, yet other demographics (women, african americans, etc.) receive benefits because of various issues to assist them in overcoming the institutional disadvantages that are claimed by whatever group they represent. My question is...should/could that same thing be afforded to "Appalachian-Americans."
Obviously the question becomes, How do you define an Appalachian American. The ARC counties spread a very vast area from NY State to Alabama, but it rates the counties from either sustainable, at-risk, or transitional. The overwhelming majority of at-risk or transitional counties are in the areas I listed above and they have a coal-heavy income to some degree. Perhaps those that live or "grew up" in at-risk or transitional counties could receive certain benefits and selection in academia in order to increase their participation.
Thoughts?
That's interesting, but I think after you scratch the surface, you'll find it's not a great analogy. If we're talking about race and racism in this country and its effects, we're essentially dealing with a sociological problem. The fact that Appalachia is largely poor (rather, poorer than other regions) is more of a geographical problem (although their poverty leads to serious sociological problems, sociology is not the root cause of their poverty).
There's a difference between people who have faced decades of institutionalized discrimination and people who have steadfastly refused to make any effort to improve their lives. I'm actually from that area and have zero sympathy whatsoever for the people who make the choice, decade after decade, to not even try to improve their lives.
Nope. They should only qualify if they're in that situation because of longstanding discriminatory laws.
They're uneducated because they choose to be. There are plenty of colleges in Appalachia, including ones that are completely free like Alice Lloyd. Unemployment is high because they have refused to educate themselves and refused to develop industry outside coal. The coal industry has been dying since the 1960s yet they have done nothing to diversify. The air and water quality is crap because the people have some sick slavish devotion to the coal industry and simply don't care. Rampant SSI fraud shouldn't qualify one for additional special treatment. Murdering your neighbor for their oxy supply shouldn't get you a reward either.
This applies to a lot of people in this country doesn't it?
True, but beliefs cannot be changed at one's command.
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Hispanic is an ethnic group that is protected, yet numerous other ethnic groups are not a protected group.
All ethnic groups are protected. Place an "Irish need not apply" sign on your storefront and see what happens.
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Native Americans on reservations get special hiring preferences with companies that have federal contracts.
There are special economic zones (the official term escapes me at this moment) where only people who reside in these zones can apply for certain jobs.
We have treaties with the Indians, and I'm not at all familiar with them, so I can't comment. Same with economic zones.
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Anyway, idiotic idea to designate Appalachian people as a protected class, but I think the entire concept of protected classes is ridiculous.
The 14th Amendment protects all of us. The great-grandchildren of today's young whites will likely be in the minority, and I'm sure they will be thankful for equal protection. There will always be people who discriminate based on race, sex, etc. This is why the classes exist to begin with.
It has taken a long time for this country to live up to its promise of equality, which is a cornerstone of our democracy. I'll lay odds that the most remembered phrase from the Declaration of Independence is "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." We're headed in the direction of more equality, and we can see this not only in law, but in the attitudes of the younger generations. Who knows? In a hundred years we may no longer need protected classes and anti-discrimination law.
Last edited by nvxplorer; 10-18-2014 at 12:46 AM..
Not very familiar with them. Were these people targets of oppression over generations? Refused education and opportunities to get ahead? Punished for trying to gain their education for sometime? Killed out? What is their story?
To me, if you and your people were here over generations without truly being treated as described above, then your situation is by choice. If that is the case, you should not be a protected group.
In light of the white-priviledge debate on here, I thought I would pose this question:
I'm just curious if people feel that this is something that has merit? Ultimately, people from central Appalachia (SW Virginia, East Tennessee, Eastern KY, Southern WV, and Western NC) are typically considerably poorer, considerably less educated, and have a much higher incidence of drug addiction than comparable demographics elsewhere. These people don't have the resources for advancement that others do in more urban areas, yet other demographics (women, african americans, etc.) receive benefits because of various issues to assist them in overcoming the institutional disadvantages that are claimed by whatever group they represent. My question is...should/could that same thing be afforded to "Appalachian-Americans."
Obviously the question becomes, How do you define an Appalachian American. The ARC counties spread a very vast area from NY State to Alabama, but it rates the counties from either sustainable, at-risk, or transitional. The overwhelming majority of at-risk or transitional counties are in the areas I listed above and they have a coal-heavy income to some degree. Perhaps those that live or "grew up" in at-risk or transitional counties could receive certain benefits and selection in academia in order to increase their participation.
Thoughts?
why should ANY GROUP be 'protected'
are we not the UNITED states...are we not a melting pot???
Without socialism and all the entitlement programs that began after the 1933 revolution, what would America be like?
__ No "wealth redistribution"
__ No tax nor administrative overhead for hiring employees
__ No compulsory charity
I'm one of the white people who strongly believes that white privilege exists.
I am generally opposed to the idea of protected groups, as that supports division. It's a necessary evil to combat blatant discrimination, but it should be minimized.
I also believe that often "Appalachian Americans" are disadvantaged in many ways compared to the general white population in the United States. So it is a fair argument.
Tell me what the genetic difference is between "the general white population" and whatever other "groups" you define and how that makes a person less capable.
-they're poor. Some of the poorest areas in the country.
-they lack mobility...ya know...because the whole poor thing.
-they are overwhelmingly uneducated.
-they have very few resources for higher ed.
-the Coal industry is being choked off.
-unemployment is higher in Appalachia than the oft-cited black american unemployment numbers.
-the air/water quality is polluted by coal and coal treatment facilities
-kids in a lot of locations are bussed for up to 35-40 miles one way for school because of consolidation.
-one of the highest percentages of the population on disability SSI
-rampant drug use and abuse
Not one of these things is anything other than actual individual behavior, other than the coal industry issues.
That is not anywhere near true..I live in a broke assed area and have travelled all over the country and worked good jobs,come back here and a $1 will but you $5..I built a business that plays into the redneck lifestyle now and do well enough I do not have to travel...I've ate more than my share of fast food and stayed in crap motels to keep from being broke and if I can do it as dumb as I am,anyone can do it...I don't feel sorry for anyone that doesn't at least try..if they are old,sick or weak between the ears,I have compassion,but if they are young and healthy but sit there drunk or doped up and stealing I have nothing for them but a size 13 boot as far as I'm concerned.
Good for you...what do you want? A medal?
I said it isn't easy. I didn't say that it's impossible. And if that is the case, the same argument applies for other recipients of affirmative action benefits. Keep in mind, I'm not saying that I personally believe in affirmative action benefits for people from Appalachia. But I think it's hypocritical to claim that one group is is disadvantaged because their color or sex that ultimately may produce disadvantages yet disregarding entirely another group that may share similar disadvantages. Ultimately, All blacks, women, etc CAN make it and succeed. But it may be more difficut because of their upbringing or the culture that shaped them. The exact same can be said for hillbillies fell central Appalachia.
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