The Atlantic - Latest Comments in The Utterly Depressing State Of Race In This Country

Re: The Utterly Depressing State Of Race In This Country

Ta-Nehisi Coates — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:51:03 -0000

Uhm...not sure where I lumped "white people" together. The post very specifically addresses white racism. Illigetimate births in the black community is certainly a problem--but one doesn't excuse the other. And that goes both ways. Birthrate isn't the reason that dude in Kentucky won't vote for Barack. It's because he's black--and he said as much. This post is very specific about what it's addressing. I'm don't understand the either/or-ness of your response. Just because your pissed about white racism, doesn't mean you think everything happening your hood is OK. And just because a minority of black folks aren't doing the right thing, doesn't excuse white racism.

You didn't see me ask for a single thing in this post--except some legit consideration for Barack Obama. What you're failing to understand is that it isn't your "part to do", anymore than taking care of the future of your children is your "part to do." You do it because you care, because it's in your interest. Seriously, don't do me any favors, dog. Take a look at this blog. I'm not one of these begging/whining/Al Sharpton/shuffling/marching /dancing Negroes. If folks think this country is going along fine then, by all means, judge Barack on his skin color. That's always done wonders for the world.

Re: The Utterly Depressing State Of Race In This Country

alex — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:59:15 -0000

So, are all black people these amazingly tolerant human beings? Really? That hasn't been my expereince growing up in New York City. I think white people for one are sick of being lumped together as "white people" which is extremely ignorant to do so in itself. Dam, most of us are just trying to go about our business and take care of our families. What is it exactly that you want from me? Whether you want to admit it or not the opportunity is there. MAy it be more difficult for some than others, sure? But what shall I do about it? I can't force young black men to get married and work and work hard in roder to make it better for the next generation. The home is sacred, and nobody can change the fact that 70% of black children are born out of wedlock. LOL, how can you even discuss racism until that abopslutely devastating statistic is addressed? SHit man, people have faced adversity all over the world. But part of being a man is taking resonsibility for your own actions and not blaming other people for your failures in life, despite the challenges that you may face. Black leadership is bredding a culture of victims before they are even old enough to think for themsleves. How do these kids even have a shot when they are brain washed froma young age to beleive that they are not resopnsible for their own actions? Yes, white American have their part to do, but what about Black Americans and what they can do to help themsleves.

Re: The Utterly Depressing State Of Race In This Country

Kai — Sat, 03 May 2008 10:13:05 -0000

"whites unconsciously see other whites as individuals, but they see black people as members of a group with similar (and anti-white) interests."

Macon D, this is the problem I see as well. As a black man, when I talk about race with white people, we are in 2 different planets. Many white people think racism is about hating blacks, and they think to themselves, I dont hate black people. Well you dont have to, you just have to think of black people as some group with different interests than yours, conflicting interests.

This is the power of racism, it makes you operate against your self interest. People need to grasp that today's poor kid who is robbed of oppurtunity, could very well be tommorows criminal robbing you or your prosperity. The truth is simple: When everyone does better, everyone does better.

Helping people is in your self-interest.

Re: The Utterly Depressing State Of Race In This Country

macon d — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:20:41 -0000

breukelyne wrote, "The reality of people who are married to their ignorance is not necessarily larger than the reality of people who crave political enlightenment."

I really hope that's true. However, I also fear that many white folks are both ignorant and desirous of political enlightenment, and that the former within them usually overtakes the latter. Many white folks see great possibilities in Obama, but when they look at him, they also see their own projected fears, as George Packer's comments above demonstrate. Overcounting the actual number of minorities in public spaces is one symptom of such white fears.

Another is the white suspicion that a black politician will push "black issues" to the detriment of white interests. That's why the words of Reverend Wright contaminate Obama, while the equally outrageous words of Pastor Hagee don't contaminate McCain--whites unconsciously see other whites as individuals, but they see black people as members of a group with similar (and anti-white) interests.

I'm trying to untrain my fellow white folks out of these habits, but yeah, like George Bush used to say, "It's hard work! Hard work."

A Fighting Whitie,

Macon D

Re: The Utterly Depressing State Of Race In This Country

breukelyne — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:23:41 -0000

I think there are multiple realities in the United States. One is that there are racists in this country that will never, ever vote for a black man. And they know it and own that stance. They aren't ashamed and have no desire to change. They number in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions.

Another reality is that this is 2008. Millions of Americans are not only capable of understanding some sort of racial complexity, but have already been living it for awhile now. Either in their families or being exposed to it through mainstream media. Even the Republicans have contributed to complicating our notions of racial identity with Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice as Secretaries of State.

Another reality is that our nation's hunger for serious, fundamental changes is POTENT right now. I do not believe it will be denied.

While a piece of that desire responds to the idea of electing a black President of the United States, an even larger piece of that desire is not just for a intelligent President, but a President who believes that we ourselves are intelligent and are capable of hearing complicated truths from him.

The reality of people who are married to their ignorance is not necessarily larger than the reality of people who crave political enlightenment.

Unless there's proof that inflexible racism is affecting over 49% of the whole country's voters, try not to get too discouraged.

Re: The Utterly Depressing State Of Race In This Country

Cobb — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:58:15 -0000

I think you are coming to the realization that nobody can broker relations for an entire race. As soon as that becomes perfectly clear, then you'll recognize why it's not even desirable.

The first step towards this realization is this: America is at racial equilibrium. Everybody who wants to do anything with regard to changing what race relations means is, at this very moment, living that reality.