March 23, 200718 yr If the point you guys are getting at is that there are a myriad of small indiginities that black people have to put up with for being black, then yeah, I'll agree to that, though not to all of the examples you've listed here. Example in two words: Hurricane Katrina All though an issue of class is a valid argument, there is no doubt in my mind that things would have been handled differently if the victims were white. I'm not saying I agree with either side in the debate here, this is an example that one can simply not ignore.
March 23, 200718 yr Hold on. Now we are responsible for how people FEEL they MIGHT be perceived for their actions, irregardless of any previous deeds on our part? That Ludacris! I still don't see preferential treatment of whites in that example. I don't see a damned thing we could do about it, either. As for your second example, you're really reading into things there. Did they deny you service? Threaten to? Do anything at all but post a sign that says anyone but that you assume means you? If the point you guys are getting at is that there are a myriad of small indiginities that black people have to put up with for being black, then yeah, I'll agree to that, though not to all of the examples you've listed here. Certainly racism still exists, as I've already said. But I still don't agree that white people are being given preferential treatment, and I'm not just talking about issuance of material goods at birth. But privilege is different than not having things to worry about. Worries comes from within, privilege something bestowed upon you from without. There's nothing we can do to take away your anxieties. Your answer is what I expected. Most white people don't understand (get it) and physically have to be in the presence of a person (or persons) of color while the situation is being played out to fully understand.
March 23, 200718 yr However, I'm a firm believer that a person who is qualified and has a proven track record should get "x" regardless of sex, race, ethnicity or religion. No jokes about this? Seriously? Shouldn't X have a say who gets him?
March 23, 200718 yr wow... this thread is going off the rails on a crazy train Actually I think it has started some good dialogue on the issue of race. Conversations like this lead to a better understand of various people experiences and what the result of those actions are. How can urbanohio, move forward and expect people of color to get involved without understand the differences of all the people in an urban enviornment we're trying to improve?
March 23, 200718 yr wow... this thread is going off the rails on a crazy train Actually I think it has started some good dialogue on the issue of race. Conversations like this lead to a better understand of various people experiences and what the result of those actions are. How can urbanohio, move forward and expect people of color to get involved without understand the differences of all the people in an urban enviornment we're trying to improve? I agree, the subject matter has a potential to get ugly and so far I think everyone has stated their points without getting nasty with one another.
March 23, 200718 yr I agree, the subject matter has a potential to get ugly and so far I think everyone has stated their points without getting nasty with one another. Thanks. For the two plus years I've been on UO, I've largely thought the people on here were very respectful of other people and their thoughts, ideas, experiences, sexuality, etc. Everyone that visits UO has to deal with some form of racism, sexism, or homophobia everyday where they are conscience of it or not. My question remains the same. How can urbanohio, move forward and expect people of color to get involved without understanding the differences of all the people in an urban environment we're trying to improve?
March 23, 200718 yr "How can urbanohio, move forward and expect people of color to get involved" Unlike certain organizations in Cleveland (and Ohio), this site has always been open to anyone and everyone, and I take pride in the fact that our members make people feel welcome. There is nothing stopping anyone of color (whatever color) from joining - and I'm sorry, I don't think we're obligated to go out of our way to prove that. If people of color are put off by the fact that the forum is largely comprised of white males in the 25-35 age range, that's their problem - not mine. If people of color are leery of how they'll be treated, it is not my job to change their biased and inaccurate perceptions. If people of color shun this forum because they feel that minorities aren't represented, I would suggest they follow the advice of Gahndi and "be the change that you want to see...". clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
March 23, 200718 yr "How can urbanohio, move forward and expect people of color to get involved" Unlike certain organizations in Cleveland (and Ohio), this site has always been open to anyone and everyone, and I take pride in the fact that our members make people feel welcome. There is nothing stopping anyone of color (whatever color) from joining - and I'm sorry, I don't think we're obligated to go out of our way to prove that. If people of color are put off by the fact that the forum is largely comprised of white males in the 25-35 age range, that's their problem - not mine. If people of color are leery of how they'll be treated, it is not my job to change their biased and inaccurate perceptions. If people of color shun this forum because they feel that minorities aren't represented, I would suggest they follow the advice of Gahndi and "be the change that you want to see...". I think my question has been misunderstood (which can often be the case via the internet). I'm not stating or implying, in any form, that people are not welcomed or should not join, based on the age/race of the majority of members! Let me phrase it in a different way. How can urbanohio move forward without understanding people from various backgrounds, religions, races, cultures and sexual orientation?
March 23, 200718 yr Well what do you mean by "move forward"? Are you suggesting that there is somewhere we should be, but aren't? I'm really not following... I think the forum does a good job of being inclusive and understanding, and most members seem genuinely interested in hearing about others' experiences. So what next? Do we have a corporate retreat with group hugs, trust falls and skits to teach us how to interact with those who are different? And exactly who are you referring to when you suggest that some of us don't understand people from various backgrounds, religions, races, cultures and sexual orientation? Just as the white males on the forum shouldn't make race/gender-based assumptions - neither should the minority members. clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
March 23, 200718 yr Your answer is what I expected. Most white people don't understand (get it) and physically have to be in the presence of a person (or persons) of color while the situation is being played out to fully understand. Maybe I don't understand, or maybe I don't agree. I am aware of the burden that many black people feel, I don't agree that is something that white people are doing to them. Also, through my career path and studies I am aware of what it feels like to be the only white guy/only American/only whatever in a room full of people who are noticably different. I know what it is like to wear the burden of being a "spokesperson" for whatever group of people I am perceived to be representing- though granted it is not as continuous as it is for a minority navigating a "white" world. It's hard, and it's uncomfortable at times, but it is also something I am aware I take on myself in those situations. I don't have to be a spokesperson in those situations, neither do you. You choose to be. However, I'm a firm believer that a person who is qualified and has a proven track record should get "x" regardless of sex, race, ethnicity or religion. No jokes about this? Seriously? Shouldn't X have a say who gets him? I am afraid I do discriminate based on gender. Sorry.
March 23, 200718 yr I will say it may be difficult to find individuals who say they have never felt a form of racism. Significant or not. At least around Cleveland. From a purely legal stand point, it is against the law to discriminate based on gender and also any ethnic background. With one exception. Of all of the combinations one can construe, the only combination where it is legal to discriminate against is that of a white male. This is the only individual who can legally be passed on an acceptance and/or hiring, based solely on gender and race, in order to give the position to any other combination of race/gender. Not only is this form of discrimination legal, it is encouraged. If this form of discrimination is not enacted, the employer is called "racist." How ironic. An employer/institution is "racist" for NOT hiring based on skin color.
March 23, 200718 yr The whole point of the privlege is that you DON'T have to deal with the racism, stereotypes, and prejudices that others do. No, it's not your fault that some people are racists, but its a privlege you have to you dont experience it.
March 24, 200718 yr First off this is one ugly topic of discussion! There will never be a perfect meeting place. In regards to racism, entitlement as stated before some will understand, most wont! I find it EXTREMELY hard to believe that Columbus rates so high, but I believe its because of all the annexation and that the majority of "middle class" or "upper middle class" blacks live with city boundaries. I cleveland most if not all of the mc or umc black families live in the heights, althought it appears that most black mc & umc singles are moving back to the city. I find Ohio stifling and not progressive for people of color, especially blacks. The whole point of the privlege is that you DON'T have to deal with the racism, stereotypes, and prejudices that others do. No, it's not your fault that some people are racists, but its a privlege you have to you dont experience it.
March 24, 200718 yr I think there is plenty of opportunity here, but you've got to work for it. I am from an umc black family and my parents have tons of successful friends. Even I have friends making moves here. I think though we need to continue nurturing what we have as far as opportunity, while trying to create more opportunity and market this.
March 24, 200718 yr I think there is plenty of opportunity here, but you've got to work for it. I am from an umc black family and my parents have tons of successful friends. Even I have friends making moves here. I think though we need to continue nurturing what we have as far as opportunity, while trying to create more opportunity and market this. Where is here?
March 25, 200718 yr I think another interesting tidbit here is that while the metro population has been shrinking its been non-hispanic whites leaving, The percent change in Cleveland's non-hispanic black, hispanic and Asian-Pacific islanders has been growing (between '90 and '00, latest available). Growth rates were 12.8%, 47.6%, and 69.1% respectively. http://diversitydata.sph.harvard.edu/profiles.jsp?ma=1680 *This is just Cleveland-Lorain-Elyria, not Ashtabula or Summit and Portage counties.
March 31, 200718 yr The northernmost street in Cleveland Heights: Runnymede Boulevard. I had friends over there, when I was at Monticello.
April 25, 200718 yr Again? Columbus is magazine's No. 9 best city for blacks Wednesday, April 25, 2007 3:42 AM By Sherri Williams and Tracy Turner THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/04/25/TOP_CITY.ART_ART_04-25-07_A1_IM6G28P.html Columbus remains one of the nation's top cities for blacks to live in, beating out traditional Southern magnets Memphis, Tenn., and Birmingham, Ala., which dropped off the list while neighbor Indianapolis made its debut. Black Enterprise magazine, a New York-based business publication with 3.9 million readers, names Columbus as the No. 9 city for blacks to "live, work and play" in its May issue. Washington, D.C., is No. 1. For more information, click above link.
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