Critique of Black Culture

[Troubleshooter]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

Their constituency is starting to see the hypocrisy, and it won't be long before another MLK steps up to put the asshats in their place.

Don't hold your breath, victimhood and denial of responsibility is a lucrative nostrum.

Read up on the "diffusion of responsibility" studies in psychology.

[elSicomoro]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

In real life, they live in their community, which urban demographics show is most likely to be a concentration of minorities, rather than a nationwide even distribution of one black family surrounded by eight white ones. So they are surrounded by their own culture there.

Of course. But that's one part of a whole.

And in the media, a disproportionate amount of TV shows, commercials, and movies are steeped in Black culture, styles, and trends. I personally feel it's about a 50/50 split, but that's just anecdotal from channel-surfing. Regardless, they have plenty of cultural representation there.

Some parts of black culture are certainly becoming more mainstream, like hip-hop (which I personally think is overplayed in the media). But that's still just one part (or a few parts) of a whole. Not to mention, other cultures are taking things like slang and hip-hop and putting their stamps on them...so is that more representative of black culture in the end, or more representative of the culture "updating" it? Or is it equal?

The only place that I will agree is still dominated by white culture is the internet. To which I simply say--give it time.

I think that there is definitely a "digital divide" in terms of users, but as far as content, I'd say the 'net is incredibly diverse compared to "reality."

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by ladysycamore

Yes, "people are people": great on paper, great to say and a kick ass song by a kick ass group..oh sorry.

Anyway, as far as I'm concerned, this is all lip service: "We're all the same" "People are People", etc.Just because one says it doesn't and won't make it true. Funny how "all men are created equal" but are not treated as such.

I realize this may not be the "popular" view here, but oh well, that's just how I see things.

To my knowledge God/Mother Nature makes people and I doubt if he/she has read the declaration of independence. People are not equal, some are pretty, some are smart, some have rhythm, and some have mechanical ability. Only a few of us have it all.

Funny: when anyone else here provides a link, it's just a link, people check it out, and even comment on the source (good, bad, can't trust it, whatever), but in this case, it's considered a "homework assignment" and I get all kinds of adversity about it...interesting.

C'mon Rho, how long do I have to listen to these stations to find out what there discussing? 1 hour? 1 evening? 1 week? That's hardly the same as linking an article that I can read at my convenience and make a judgement on it's author and content. I'm not looking for a hobby or thesis subject. Besides, I wonder if what makes it on the radio as the supposed topics on every black mind, is the same as the shit being talked about among blacks when I walk up and they look at me like "it's a black thing, you wouldn't understand".
I work with some older black men that have been around long enough to have lived Jim Crow at it's worst. They've been colored, nigger, negro, black and African American. A few on them won't even talk to white people unless it's required to do their job. They've told me stories (yeah they talk to me) of things that happened to them in the 30's, 40's and 50's that floored me. Regardless of the changing laws and times, you can't say, that's in the past, move on, to these men. They have been permanently scarred, I would be too. But to their credit they don't preach hate to the younger ones and give me the impression they don't approve of the "jive ass niggas" either.

[Cyber Wolf]

Originally Posted by Troubleshooter

Though black people tend to be incredibly good at talking about things of which they have next to no knowledge.

Ahh, now that talent is raceless.

[elSicomoro]

Originally Posted by dar512

Discussions like this one are bogus. Blacks are like this. Whites are like this. Talk about your overgeneralizations.

Treat people as individuals and not as 'examples' of some group and everything else will come out in the wash.

Many people do treat others as individuals...that's a good thing. I don't think discussions like this are a bad thing though because (at least to me) it's a given that not everyone is going to fit into a particular "mold."

[elSicomoro]

Originally Posted by lookout123

As long as we have large groups of people rallying together because of their "differentness" then we will have fear, ignorance, descrimination, and all the nasty things that go along with it.

I don't think that there's anything wrong with celebrating our differences as people. The problems start when one group thinks of themselves as superior to others.

[elSicomoro]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

C'mon Rho, how long do I have to listen to these stations to find out what there discussing? 1 hour? 1 evening? 1 week? That's hardly the same as linking an article that I can read at my convenience and make a judgement on it's author and content. I'm not looking for a hobby or thesis subject. Besides, I wonder if what makes it on the radio as the supposed topics on every black mind, is the same as the shit being talked about among blacks when I walk up and they look at me like "it's a black thing, you wouldn't understand".

I can read an article about the red people, and deem it legitimate or crap. Hell, I can read 3 or 4 articles about the red people. And based on those articles, I may know a little about red people. But how much? Chances are that it's probably not going to be much.

I listen to Rush and Hannity roughly once or twice a week...they're not the end-all be-all on conservative thought, but when I combine that with reading right-wing material or television plus what some of you folks here are saying, then I have what I think is a pretty good perspective on conservative thought.

Regardless of the changing laws and times, you can't say, that's in the past, move on, to these men. They have been permanently scarred, I would be too. But to their credit they don't preach hate to the younger ones and give me the impression they don't approve of the "jive ass niggas" either.

That sounds like my father-in-law...Rho can better explain him than I can, but he did quite well for himself and his family. Shit...Rho's family had way more money than mine growing up.

[elSicomoro]

Originally Posted by wolf

That is absolutely hilarious ... white liberal talk radio has taken away the voice of expression of blacks. Gotta love it.

Oh, Wolf...I love you to death, but sometimes, I dunno about you.

White liberal talk radio isn't "taking black voices away"...it's the owner of the station. In the case of WHAT, that would be Inner City Broadcasting, which is a company owned and run by...

wait for it...

black people!!!

Now of course, one could argue as you did. And one could argue that ICBC is beating up on its own kind. But given that many black folks will probably agree with a lot of the things that Al (who I happen to think is hilarious--you should listen to his CD) and his gang are discussing, one could argue that ICBC is merely adding "stronger" voices and/or being diverse.

[elSicomoro]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

Opportunity is something that has to be sought out - you can't just sit around on the doorstep waiting for someone to hand it to you.

Not necessarily. Sometimes, they just happen to fall in your lap. On the flip side, you could search the ends of the world, but you just might not find/get an opportunity.

And that's what Sharpton, et al, are preaching. Their constituency is starting to see the hypocrisy, and it won't be long before another MLK steps up to put the asshats in their place.

Sharpton and his ilk keep issues that are important to many blacks in the forefront...just when you think they've gone away, here they come again! I don't think they're looking for a handout (yes, free health insurance is a handout, but we'll talk about that at another time)...they just want to sit at the table of brotherhood. And from their perspective, they're still at the kiddie table...or in small chairs that leave them looking up at the table.

Having said that, Sharpton and Jackson have big-time credibility issues...issues that they've brought on themselves. I think they've done much good for blacks, but it's time for them to let someone else take charge...a Kweisi Mfume, a Harold Ford or a Jesse Jackson, Jr. perhaps.

[mrnoodle]

Originally Posted by sycamore

The problems start when one group thinks of themselves as superior to others.

But, everyone thinks the group they belong to is superior to other groups, at least on some level. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. It's when you combine that pride with a lack of human decency and respect. Ignorant, hateful people can be found in any race, country, religion, whatever.

[elSicomoro]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

But, everyone thinks the group they belong to is superior to other groups, at least on some level. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. It's when you combine that pride with a lack of human decency and respect. Ignorant, hateful people can be found in any race, country, religion, whatever.

Agreed...and you can't legislate thoughts or feelings.

[mrnoodle]

Originally Posted by sycamore

Not necessarily. Sometimes, they just happen to fall in your lap. On the flip side, you could search the ends of the world, but you just might not find/get an opportunity.

You're right, but most times, if someone gets an opportunity to better themselves, they did a bit of legwork themselves. Pure luck isn't all that common - just go to Vegas sometime.

Originally Posted by sycamore

Sharpton and his ilk keep issues that are important to many blacks in the forefront...just when you think they've gone away, here they come again! I don't think they're looking for a handout...they just want to sit at the table of brotherhood. And from their perspective, they're still at the kiddie table...or in small chairs that leave them looking up at the table.

They're perpetuating emnity between races by constantly pointing out perceived slights, insults, etc. But they're not offering feasible solutions. One of the biggest jokes of modern society is this business of "raising awareness" as a solution to a problem. Pinning ribbons on lapels, booking a celebrity for a $1,000/plate dinner, bitching on cable news shows, and marching with signs raises awareness, but it's never ever ever been shown to do a damn bit of good FIXING anything. Ditto for governmental programs - they're poorly administrated, corrupt, and serve only to "show people that we're doing something". Instead, people need to be good to one another on an individual level. That can't happen when supposed "leaders" are constantly throwing lit matches into a brushpile.

[Troubleshooter]

Originally Posted by Cyber Wolf

Ahh, now that talent is raceless.

Oh come on, how'd you miss my clever cut and paste job?

[elSicomoro]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

They're perpetuating emnity between races by constantly pointing out perceived slights, insults, etc. But they're not offering feasible solutions.

I thought Sharpton had some really good plans during his presidential campaign...and he's nowhere near the firestarter he was 15 years ago.

Are folks like him too sensitive? Maybe, but that's a subjective thing...who's to say he's not in the right?

One of the biggest jokes of modern society is this business of "raising awareness" as a solution to a problem. Pinning ribbons on lapels, booking a celebrity for a $1,000/plate dinner, bitching on cable news shows, and marching with signs raises awareness, but it's never ever ever been shown to do a damn bit of good FIXING anything.

I wouldn't say that. The 1963 Birmingham incident started as one of "raising awareness," and wound up being the catalyst that led to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

Ditto for governmental programs - they're poorly administrated, corrupt, and serve only to "show people that we're doing something". Instead, people need to be good to one another on an individual level. That can't happen when supposed "leaders" are constantly throwing lit matches into a brushpile.

I agree that we should treat each other well on an individual level...and I think we're getting there. And I agree that some--if not most--government programs are poorly administered. But they greatly help people who truly need them. Now, we could wax ad infinitum about how these programs may or may not have conditioned people into expecting handouts, but...

[Troubleshooter]

Originally Posted by sycamore

I thought Sharpton had some really good plans during his presidential campaign...and he's nowhere near the firestarter he was 15 years ago.

That reminds me, what is he trying to do to help the Puerto Ricans after his last visit? Last I heard, they had an expected $300,000,000 yearly shortfall thanks to him.