minas@foxvax1.UUCP (05/27/83)
The articles submitted by both Andy and Jobe on the subject of racism have upset me considerably; so much so that I'm replying instead of working. First let me take Andy on: Do I think you're really being paranoid? What difference does it make how I feel? It doesn't make any difference. I know that prejudice exists north of the Mason Dixon line. You challenge feminists to inspect their situation and see if they don't have problems similar to yours. I implore you to inspect your problems and see if your problems aren't similar to EVERYONE elses. Your first point is excellent, Andy. It doesn't make a damn bit of difference whether or not anyone thinks someone else is being paranoid about racism; what is significant, however, is the fact that that the person is paranoid at all. Let's address why the paranoia exists and not try to waste time determining whether or not they have a right to be paranoid. The fact still remains that among the many groups experiencing prejudice, paranoia does exist, and we are all responsible for trying to alleviate it. But, Andy, so what if Jobe's problems are similar to "everyone" elses?? First, I'll submit that this is simply not the case. However, that too is unimportant! Even if his problems are similar to everyone elses, that does not mean that they should be ignored, or be considered less significant. In fact, I submit that if everyone has the same problem, then we're in a lot of trouble, much more than you or Jobe are aware of, and that we had better start addressing the problems! Don't whine to me about slavery and oppression, those problems aren't the exclusive property of blacks (or any other group). The same argument holds again! Don't belittle the problem like that! It's pointless and counterproductive!! ***You can't just tell the oppressed to come work here, we'll sit them at desk with terminals and give them $30K a pop. Poverty is not a simple problem and it doesn't have a simple solution.*** Affirmative action is by no means a simple solution, but it's a stab at something. And, just to point it out, in this statement I read the same idea that Jobe stated when he said: End Affirmative Action, they say. No More Quotas! After over five hundred years (500!!!) of slavery, physical, spiritual, and economic opression in this country, it is expected that my people can achieve full equality in one crummy generation?!?!?! Andy, you seem a bit righteously paternalistic when you state: As long as you want to get anywhere with us whities, you're going to have to treat us like people. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I didn't make that up. I wonder (and this is, perhaps, unfair to you -- but the point I'm going to try to make is one I feel many people are blind to) if somewhere in the back of your mind you unconsciously felt: "As long as you want to get anywhere . . . you're going to have to treat us [our way] . . . ." There's a problem here that's often missed: blacks are expected to become, if you will, white in order to succeed. In fact, many of the "successful" blacks I know aren't black at all -- it just happens to be the color of their skin. This, I think, is quite unfortunate and even sad. If you don't like you're work environment, get off your ass and find a better one. Thank God you're not a steel worker. Did you ever consider that even the best of work environments might still be significantly racist, especially to someone who is particularly paranoid about racism in the first place? I know it's rather disheartening, Andy, but its pretty tough for a black person to find a comfortable, non-racist, working environment -- just as it's tough for a woman to find a comfortable, non-sexist working environment. I don't like all this black/white/bleeding heart crap, you can take your pigeonholes and shove 'em. That's what I like to see, a nice mature ending to an otherwise generally well presented article. Now let's take a look at Jobe's article. For the most part, I'd have to agree with the bulk of your statements, Jobe. Including your own assessment of your attitude. You must learn to understand (however frustratingly painful it is) exactly that which you expect whites to understand. That is: After over five hundred years . . . of slavery . . . Is is expected that my people can achieve full equality in one crummy generation?!?!?! Affirmative action is a start, if only a meager, misdirected, and sometimes counterproductive start. Lots more has got to be done. Most of it has to start with people themselves, their ideas and socialization. Your bitterness might be better vented in understanding that this type of thing does take time. There's many years of socialization behind this problem -- people don't change the way they think overnight. Something else you ought to consider (and perhaps you might direct this against your paranoia): since racism, in particular racism against blacks, is so ingrained in us all (yes!! -- in blacks too!), many of our actions are often **unconsciously** racist. No, I'm not talking about middle-America here; middle-America is, I suppose, in general quite consciously racist; I'm referring to those people (and I vainly and perhaps undeservedly include myself) who do not consider themselves racist. I'm referring to those people who try to convince you that prejudice is not all-pervasive. The changes have to be made, but it's a long hard path and bitterness will only make the path longer (as will undue paranoia against those who are "trying to help you.") [Please excuse the paternalistic ring in that last statement.] Well, . . . enough. I've said more than I can rightfully be so sure of. -phil minasian