Every generation feels misunderstood by those preceding it. And it doesn’t help matters that the older generations, and establishments, feel obligated to wield the Hammer of Thor against every move and thought we make. Yet, this is how societies develop, grow, evolve and ultimately survive. It’s like passing a torch in life’s grand race.
The thing is, my generation has some problems with the torch we are about to take off with, and we aren’t shy about letting the uppers know.
Boldness, zeal, angst, creativity, action and openness are characteristics of youth. Life is a mystery and the brevity of our lives prevents us from accessing many of its clues. We want meaning, purpose, acknowledgement and the ability to prove to the older generation that we are indeed serious about our roles in life, even if we don’t know what that is. And so we take actions, we unite behind leaders and explore the depths of our persona.
It is when we act, and act effectively, that the big dogs get frustrated. By acting, and establishing our generational brand, we force the established thoughts, groups and figures to not only question their life’s work and purpose, but to recognize the inevitable passing of the torch.
This is where conflict arises. Rather than gracefully welcoming us to the world stage, offering a wink and a tip of the hat, the dominant forces try their hardest to break us down and shoo us out of town. They will even accuse upcoming whippersnappers of things outside of our realm of experience in order to discredit us within their own circles.
Which, I might add, is a great Saul Alinsky tactic:
Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy. Look for ways to increase insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty. (This happens all the time. Watch how many organizations under attack are blind-sided by seemingly irrelevant arguments that they are then forced to address.)
Take last week for example, when Max Blumenthal launched an attack on James O’Keefe claiming racism. Yes racism, a concept and word my generation has been taught to reject, and an experience we have never actually endured.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say my generation is colorblind. We modern-day American kids were born into a free and equal society, and our familiarity with institutional racism begins and ends with our textbooks. Our parents, schools and culture have conditioned us to not judge natural characteristics of our fellow man. Lessons from the past have shown that doing so results in a second-rate society that holds itself back from operating at optimum levels.
Take a look at my age group:
1. Our schools have never been segregated. Those days are long gone in relation to our time on earth and the development of our society.
2. We are more likely to throw a fit about someone’s eating habits, clothing, athletic affiliation, political stance, religious views and preferred music genre, than the skin color of our peers.
3. We played a major role in electing President Obama, who is not only the first black president of the U.S. but also the first man to be a minority in the nation he was elected to lead.
Since race has never been an issue for those of and around my age, we are able to conduct higher levels of human bonding. We group ourselves according to ideologies, coming together and uniting around self-determined topics, attractions and goals. Don’t get me wrong. We are not the flower children full only of peace and love. Cultural conflicts still exist, and will continue to exist so long as man has a mind he can call his own.
It is human nature for us to want our thoughts and ways of life to prevail over things that threaten their very existence. Also, those of us who are truly devoted to our cause will wish to inform others of our beliefs and act on our convictions, in hopes of encouraging others to stand up and do the same. As the famous poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said:
Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.
The liberal media generation, and the current progressive establishment, have been repeatedly reminded, by O’Keefe, that their torch-holding time is up. And in their last efforts to discredit one of their successors has dared launch horrific accusations based on false premises. Not only are they discrediting themselves, but they are also being immature about the natural progression of society.
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134 Comments
It's not just you young whipper-snappers. I'm 40, and there have been more race riots BY BLACKS than AGAINST BLACKS during my lifetime. But which is the fear the left feeds? Which is the danger we're constantly warned against?
White racism still exists, but as a political force it has faded almost to invisibility.
Beautifully said, Hannah.
Some grow old gracefully, bestowing the wisdom of their years upon the young, and watching with pride as the new generation seizes the day.
Then there are the lying leftists, who cling viciously to the tatters of their evil schemes to dominate. Sucks to be them.
Well done young lady … wisdom beyond your chronological age.
Hannah, I agree that your generation is by far the least racist in history. Is that not what the progressive elites have been working toward since the sixties? Are they not happy with progress of any kind? Or have the PE's hijacked the equal rights movement and are now showing themselves, once again, as the imposters that they are. Socialist Progressive Elitists are the BIGGEST RACISTS of any generation and they are gaining more influence and access in every segement of society and more frighteningly, in government.
Good article Hannah. Keep in mind, however, that no matter how much equality exists in today's schools etc, the charge of "institutionalized racism" will be thrown thrown around as an all-encompassing meme to justify the feigned outrage of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, et al, and keep them semi-relevant. Until this is exposed for the absurdity it is, the charge of racism will never really die.
Where I went to high school in the 70's it was a melting pot. Well, a self-segregated melting pot. There were haves and have nots, but they didn't skew to any race. Culturally, like races hung together, but often, through clubs and sports, those lines disappeared as well.
The Cosby Show's success and the revelation that he'd deliberately chosen well-spoken kids for the parts of his family members started getting the Powers The Be riled up. Why? The NAACP doesn't have much power when it's obvious people are moving up and they aren't dependent on them. When they live their lives, work hard, behave as individuals and gain success. So the complaints and attacks got louder. Bill Cosby was criticized for not being 'black enough'. He changed to soothe his detractors, the show changed and eventually he became a shell of his former powerhouse self.
Then Sharpton pulled the Tawana Brawley hoax and it was the beginning of the end of the racial harmony that had been evolving naturally. This was a bid for bucks and nothing more.
Now, many black leaders are aware that they must keep their people downtrodden and angry if they're going to keep making money and growing their own power. It's the most despicable thing.
I recall an episode of ER where the male black surgeon kissed the female, white, British surgeon. There was a PR landslide. All media had orgasms over it as if it had never, ever happened in the history of all mankind.
Not so. I remember several TV shows that had interracial couples in plot lines. Around that time I also watched a video of an old Charleton Heston movie called "The Omega Man" (circa 1970 approx) and his romantic lead was a black woman. Yes, they kissed and rolled around on the floor a bit but made no comment on their races because they weren't really comment-worthy. Two decades before this ER bit, it was not a huge deal to see the same thing, but they pretended it was.
The left makes money and gains power by fomenting racial disharmony and it's one of the most reprehensible things they do.
Not to be picky with you whippersnappers, but on #3) http://www.japan-101.com/government/alberto_kenya...
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Other than that, nice article. I would add:
By acting, and establishing our generational brand, we force the established thoughts, groups and figures to not only question their life’s work and purpose, but to recognize the inevitable passing of the torch.
You're also going after their livelihood. How are people like Sharpton going to make a living when screaming racism at every turn ceases to bring home the bacon?
The first interracial kiss on network TV was on Star Trek. It was (in the story line, at least), coerced, but there you go.
Hannah,
I am your age, and have been thinking and seeing these same things over and over. I say we take the whole thing over right now..if they won't pass it we will take it from them.
Woo Hoo!
Craig Becker bites the dust!!!
US Senate just voted NOT to confirm the nominee to the NLRB !!!!
I was born in 1981. I'm white, my first friend was black. It startled my relatives that the first person that I brought over to play was black. I never understood, and still can't understand. In my generation, race doesn't mean much. You either do or you don't. You are either inner city, suburban, or rural; thats where the differences stop. You don't have to be black/mexican/etc. to be in a danger to society. Race doesn't mean a damn thing. Little kids understand this becuase they don't know the difference in skin color and what it meant to previous generations. And the people that bring the race card out everytime are the real racists. They benefit through instilling false beliefs and empowering themselves through class and race. Pure and simple. Yes there is still racism in the world, but look at the people in power now and wonder what they have to gain from it. My generation has nothing to gain from hating another child of GOD, and 99% of us know this.
I was talking to a teacher friend of mine the other day. He is of Mexican heritage like many of us here in Texas (I'm half Mexican) and was working teaching high school in Dallas. He had to intercede to break up a fight between tow highschoolers of African American decent and the first card these kids played was the "race card". Forget that they were pummeling each other, it became a racial thing, right off the bat.
Wwe must turn that corner first, and soon.
That and always remember Bill "Bubba" Clinton when he says "he would be bringing us coffee a few years ago".
Or Harry Reid "he has a negro dialect, and light skin"…
Racism is alive and thriving in the modern Democrat Party.
Well said, Hannah.
I always saw it as a harbinger of good when a few of the kids in my classroom, filling out one stupid federal form or another, asked me what they were supposed to fill in under "race." Often they had grandparents of several different backgrounds and the concept of race had carried, until then, literally no relationship to themselves, personally.
I hope and believe that real racism will become increasingly rare and decreasingly acceptable with each generation.
I think, though, that before you respond too quickly to any charges of racism the left may hurl at you, you should keep in mind the incident of Contessa Brewer and the Gun-Toting Racist of Arizona. That hateful, racist travesty was aired by only one network, it's true, but who on the left called them out on it? They are all complicit; they are all guilty.
They don't think you're racist. They don't care if you're racist. They just want you on the defensive, and they don't want to have to actually discuss ideas and principles with you. They think that calling you a racist will accomplish that. You're right, though, that they are discrediting themselves. Their numbers and their creditability keep falling. Keep after them. As long as they are making hysterical accusations, you know you're making headway.
I was going to make the point about Peru, too.
that;s why nobody bought Blumnethal's argument…
It's tired, old paradigm leftist agitprop. Used to work, once upon a time. No longer. Everyone has now been exposed to, and accepted, minority races and religions.
Truth is, nobody really gives a rat's rear end.
True conservatives see the person's inner strengths and character. Palin, Jindahl, Mike Steele- even Will Smith.
All post sexist/racial individuals who project inner strength and clarity of thought.
Max Blumenthal? Who cares??
1. Our schools have never been segregated.
And are the worst in the developed world, too.
Hannah, take my torch…please. Just kidding…you have a beautiful writing style and know how to turn a phrase.
Not so sure that racism ceases to exist, but overt racism receives strong and nearly universal condemnation…when it flows from white…to "all others".
I would dare say, however, that racism exists in the manner in which we have grown to accept the stereotyping and easy insult against certain segments of our population.
The entirety of the South, faith based folks, corporate executives, those who serve in the military…in your lifetime, Hannah…have been routinely painted with a very broad and very ugly brush.
It wasn't always like this.
You and your generation are very unlikely to have ever seen a movie that did not involve corporate greed, military or espionage corruption, or unethical behavior by one class of American citizen.
You probably have never seen a comedian or pop culture figure tell a racist joke or have a racist punchline…except against one class of people.
It is no longer acceptable…except when those who control the news, entertainment and academia…say it is.
Take the torch, Hannah…but keep it lit for all the people, not just some. That, will show us the way more than anything else that is said on the subject.
Gee, why are they the worst when liberals keep pouring money into them and the teachers are so well-compensated?
Congratulations for a well written article. I'm 62 and watched a portion of my generation act up in college and protest some of the most ridiculous things imageable. Suppose I belonged to the Oakie from Muskogee crowd and now it is with great pleasure I watch the shrieking crowd from my era throw tantrums when they realize that they have become their parents and grandparents. No matter how loud they shout, how many pills they take or how many facelifts they have performed, they will have to give in to the new generation. They have a choice of cooperating or becoming irrelevant and bitter old fools.
Yup. Another Ocorpseman FAILURE that is good for the rest of the country.
Thank a friggin' liberal for the state of education today. They've been driving it into the ditch for 30 + years.
Teachers Unions are trully evil and misguided.
"Zinn-esque" education is plain wrong.
Because it has nothing to do with money.
When the posers and misguided remnents of the "sixties generation" move on we will all be better off as a country.
They're entering their 60's now – and are as generally WRONG about things NOW as they have been for 40+ years.
For those of that generation who didn't march around wiith a Viet Cong flag and make fools of youselves – thank you.
Puts a stake through the heart of "card-check"!!!
Makes my day!
I like that idea! The only reason racism still exists is because old(er) people keep telling us it's a big deal. No, it isn't. And if you people would shut up and listen to us, we could tell you that.
Without the Sharptonites, our generations would not be looking at Harlem as a cesspool of white oppression but rather as a terrible social & economic dilemma that needs to be fixed for the sake of all residents, not just a specific color. It would be so much easier that way. Racism? Give me a break.
Do you want green chile with your floor cheeseburger today, Dhasselhoff…?
And what can we get for your car…?
So VERY true…
Hannah, you owe me a split for mentioning me…
Mjolnir
Which is an unbelieveable postion for any American to take. A rule that makes a person's vote to unionize PUBLIC?
No chance of union intimidation and thuggery there, huh?
We must survive this fool Ocorpseman and REBUILD our country from the inside, one pol at a time, one teacher at a time, one "journalist" at a time, one crooked banker at a time.
I like that term: "race merchants".
That's the way Sharpton, Jackson, Bertha Lewis, and then entire Congressional Black Caucus should be known.
"Race merchant Al Sharpton was discovered on a Manhattan street corner today attempting to persuade a young, African-American woman to cover herself in refuse and animal feces in order to earn a few bucks and get her mom off her back".
Works for me.
Ah. What was that? Early 70's? (I would love to know the story line, if you're so inclined)
Hey, the Mod Squad was two white people and one black person teaming up to fight crime and save the day everyday. They didn't make out or anything, but appeared to be best buds. Can't have that, now can we?
Unfortunately the one flame in the torch we have far too often failed to pass down is the US Constitution and the history that created and defines it.
It is about time young people speak out against the liberal establishment. That's why I started blogging. Although it is harder than you might think. http://truthmachine.blogsome.com/2010/02/09/the-m...
Definately true. I'm 25 and nobody in our generation will seriously harbor racism.
I wonder about the younger edge though… there is a HUGE rise in racist jokes I've seen – as a reaction to the hyper-sensitive treatment the subject gets. Go for shock value… though that's far different from actual racism. It's mocking the hyper-sensitivity… maybe between us and our youngers we'll get rid of that fixation on the subject with our recognition that playing up everything as "racist" only entrenches a racially-divided society.
The Leftists cannot afford an end to racial division. They need it, they crave it, they thrive on it. Victimhood, grievance and resentment is all they've got.
I was born in 1969, so I'm a 40 year old man and as such I have to correct one thing: Technically, I'd say my generation was really the first to enter a world completely without segregation. Sure, as kids, our parents or teachers told us THEY remembered that just "a few years ago" things were different for blacks. But my generation was the first to NOT experience it first-hand. And that shaped us. We were truly the first generation to judge someone not by the color of their skin but by the make-up of their character. It seems Hannah is part of the SECOND generation to be born into a country with no segregation. Bottom line: Hannah is correct. Racism does not exist for us. It wasn't a way of life for us at ANY time.
You are so right. I was a late 60's baby and never got to see the vestigages of segregation while going to school in the late 70s and 80s. We were the first generation to not give a d__n about skin color, and now we are in our 40s. Problem here though, isn't our president also part of our generation? He's surrounded by the late 60s hippie group, but he's much younger than them. Curious, isn't it?
Speaking of "…beginning and ending with textbooks", Hannah, and before I take a shower, because I am feeling a little creeped, I just came across one of my daughter's college (freshman) textbooks, though one that was in a binder, not a published hardcover textbook. Cleaning out a cabinet of papers, I came across this black binder. Inside, the cover page reads American Voices. What I skimmed was a lot of apologetic history (?), anti-white highlights, an essay entitled Raza, and Chicano's Manifesto. She called, on her way home from work, and I told her I was reading The Attempt to Indocrinate My Daughter. I'm relieved it didn't work.
It was never about racism to begin with.. that is what they want you to believe.. if you look a little closer you can understand that meta physics, religious and political views that became polarized around racial lines are what caused the problem… race just was an enabling factor that was much easier to blame than the reality of differences in culture, history and religious beliefs..
But remember – ONLY whites can be racists.
Don't forget what the university of Delaware says (emphasis mine):
A Racist: A racist is one who is both privileged and socialized on the basis of race by a white supremacist (racist) system. The term applies to all white people (i.e. people of European descent) living in the United States regardless of class, gender, religion, culture or sexuality. By this definition, people of color cannot be racists, because as peoples within the U.S. system they do not have the power to back up their prejudices, hostilities or acts of discrimination.
So if you are white, congratulations – you are ALREADY A RACIST!
Thank you Hannah.
Take a snapshot before and after segregation. Once nice, White schools that were safe and clean became backwards hell-holes. Funny how the media refrains from studying this issue.
I find it baffling that someone in their 40's has gone through life with blinders on such as you have. So, areas inundated by Blacks or Mexican ALL become pre-historic cesspits…..just by coincidence you thing? Strange. Funny how your type usually lives in all White neighborhoods, though, so it is just based on your naivite. Deep down, you know the score.
I have posted at a forum for years that was not a race-based site but you would think a race war is going to break out. No one likes Blacks.
I see less and less raciism among indivduals in my travels over the last 20 years… there are and always will be some ignorant fools taking up space… But I see no more" Institutional racism"…That is in the government/ large corporate employers, all bending over backwards to give everyone an even chance…Some way more even then others…
Actually, I suspect nobody has a problem with Americans – some of whom may be Black, but their identity is their American nationality. And I also suspect many people do not mind Blacks – some of whom may be American, but their identity is their Black race. I believe that no one likes the rest, which is what they REALLY are deep down inside. And it has nothing to do with race, although it has no shortage of Black members.
You are an idiot Faustino. There are all kinds of writing. I'm glad Hannah is herself. Just tune out. Editors, hell. They are the problem.
I am in my mid-50s now and I too was not brought up in a racist environment. Nor were my friends and schoolmates. While I agree that racism is something that is taught, I strongly disagree with your assessment that "once the Boomers die off, racism will go with them."
Where the heck do YOU live? I might be a Boomer, but the majority of the racist idi0ts I've seen are much younger than I am.
Try taking a stroll down 8 Mile in Detroit, K-street in DC, or in the suburbs of Macon, GA if you think racism is a "Boomer thing."
I'm mortified that I even had to address this, but 99% of the people here on Big Forums make honest and realistic assessments. Yours was pure BS.
I'm white and born in 1961. In the 70's, I spent paper route money on records, many by soul artists like the Stylistics, Chi-Lites, Jackson Five, Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose…
I didn't care what race they were… I liked the music.
And my father and my older brother teased me about it, both of them often calling the Jackson Five the "five little n—– boys".
During the 2008 Presidential Campaign, I supported McCain and my brother supported Obama.
I had my reasons, none of which involved his race.
My mother, a Hilary supporter, ended up voting for McCain. She and I had discussed it and she had her reasons… legitimate non-race related reasons,
My brother, the blatant racist as a teenager, had the nerve to tell my mother (prior to the election) that the reason she wouldn't vote for Obama was because he is black.
The liberal in the family, now pretending to be enlightened, played the race card… to try to guilt her to sway her vote.
It taught me a lot about the hypocrisy of liberalism.
Hay… Faustino I've read all ten of your posts. Frankly I don't see any sense of your bona fides to be criticizing Hana's writing style or ability. I am two and a half times her age and I haven't come close to changing the world like she has, but who knows maybe you really are all that…
Which was the plan all along – to destroy Whites.
Funny how you have all been PROGRAMMED to say "skin color" instead of RACE. You do not change race when you tan. Race is far more than skin color. Why does the Red Cross whine about there not being enough BLACK organ donors, hmmmmmm? And why did the FDA approve a heart medication for only Blacks, hmmmmmmmm?
Jamesb I've looked at your posts, clearly you have it together, but hey with all respect don't automatically write off all us old people. I know… you said generally but you would be very surprised to find out how many of us fossils have very open minded but not radical outlooks.
I'm just sayin.
No one to play with tonite Fonzie? If you can wait while I adjust my "sheet", we can go burn a cross or play hangman behind that statue of Robert Byrd…Call me…But the deal is off if you pass me in points…I'll know the fix is in…
This line of thinking is very dangerous in my opinion because it props up the status-quo of race relations in this country. The MSM has taken a similar position that we are in a post-racial era, etc. Using examples of election results or multiracial friendship cliques amongst youth does not cancel out the common situation of a poor Hispanic or Black family having less access to resources.
I think we can all agree that there is a disparate amount of opportunities between people in the US. There are many factors in providing opportunities to succeed including race, class, wealth, intelligence, gender, education, physical attractiveness and location. Some factors are bestowed upon people by birth, other skills or qualities are gained through hard work and experience.
Today, when interviewing for a job Candidate X, a young Black woman with great credentials doesn't lose out on the job to Candidate Y, a young White man because of racism. Much more likely is that societal factors have opened up doors for Candidate Y while Candidate X has missed out on many similar opportunities. Candidate Y gets the job because he is better educated, has a more prestigious internship and puts the interviewer at ease. This is the modern manifestation of racism where no one is directly racist but together actions yield a structure that produces a workforce separated by race and gender.
Liberalism in general seeks to take the inequity into which we are born and make waves to end our lives with everyone on a more equal scale. Class warfare, high taxes on the wealthy, government assistance and scholarship funds all seek some social justice to bring about this end and for the most part fail to bring down the rich to the middle or elevate the poor up to the middle.
Conservatives seem content to leave the rich alone and deny or underestimate the levels of poverty. For example, the Heritage Foundation says this about poverty in America on their website," While real material hardship certainly does occur, it is much more limited in scope and severity than one might imagine." This has left conservatives having to paint themselves as compassionate to dispel this notion in voters and has caused many young voters to believe that being a Leftist is a way to cure the ills of the world. It has also led many young people to believe that being a Republican is out of touch with making the world a better place and funnily enough, I have read several online dating posts that state Republicans need not apply. Ignoring that racism and poverty exist doesn't solve many problems either.
My hope is that Hannah and people like her on the Internet can use their voice to highlight opportunities for people to succeed and to shine a light on organizations, politicians and people that are corrupt, doing a disservice to the public and wasting resources. Spreading information freely and openly gives me hope that we will find solutions to today's and tomorrow's problems. Hannah, please use your voice more constructively than using the, I'm not racist, I have a black friend" defense. Race is a very important factor in how people portray themselves, how they are perceived and how decisions are made, especially in politics. Admit racism exists in subtle ways and in large ways in our society, face it and have honest dialogue with people of all races to understand their experiences.
I was an 18 year old during the Vietnam era, and I was in graduate school when all the fervor broke against the "establishment." The new Establishment is the old '60's Left–and they cannot get used to the fact that they are no longer the "change agents," but the protectors of a corrupt culture which began with high ideals but is now merely a politico-Media machine that cooperates with itself to retain power.
Brendan, if I may, you are only flaming the embers. "common situation of a poor Hispanic or Black family having less access to resources.."
Please man, how is it they have less access to resources, and to what resources are you referring? . Define what you are trying to say, man, or admit that you are only spreading the word of ineffectual liberalism.
Not sure where you are living, but in my experiences, your candidate X gets the job because of what I perceive as racism….quotas, diversity, and the like. Lived it, baby. Candidate X is well versed in "actually" and parroting, and defends "her" placement as an entitlement. HR isn't going to get within a ten foot pole once "X" is hired. "She" uses the set in place system of racism and even challenges those who might offer constructive criticism.
So, Brendan, reading your last paragraph, do you not think Hannah has "shone a light" on the corrupt?
To add, after re-reading your last paragraph, Has Hannah not "shone the light on the corrupt those wasting and doing a disservice to the public"? You can have all the hope you can fit into a bucket, but nothing is accomplished. And finally, how in the double hockey sticks can you state that " Race is a very important factor in how people portray themselves." That is quite a racist statement all in its entirity, and I think it is your perception, and not the norm, that leads you to state such a blatant, generalization. I think you're so off base that you are struggling with time zones, and colors. .
What you and O'keefe did to ACORN was beautiful. You are a national treasure. But – I think your writing is a little clunky. Where's the editor ? I basically agree with your sentiments about the current generation not wanting to let anyone upset the apple cart – but to write about how brave you are in upsetting the apple cart seems like the kind of navel gazing the baby boomers would specialize in. Just keep raising hell and let others write about it.
Hannah when I see what you and James are doing it gives hope to us fossels.
Carry on girl…I
Where in the freak does he get this stuff? Made up?
He's Lorben's little poodle…Pull the string and he spouts democrat talking points…the one's they spout among themselves…
Unfortunately Hanna the gosh darn baby boomers are not ready to pass the torch. My generation – the first after the boomers – and your generation had better get it together.
Just taking the torch won't work. We must rip the torch out of their hands for good. In all of their glory (whatever) they'll never admit that they built up a house of cards as it crumbles before their very eyes.
And their solutions….do it exactly the same way all over again. That brand of denial will have to go to the grave.
You and James O’Keefe are in the middle of it and therefore I want to read what you say. If i want to read what Obama says I will read Bill Ayers book Dreams of My Father.
You are apparently quite uneducated. Let me help:
http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.a...
"Successful transplantation is often enhanced by matching of organs between members of the same racial and ethnic group"
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1365/is_4_...
"Since being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June, BiDil, the first drug marketed specifically for treatment of heart failure among African Americans….."
You are apparently quite uneducated. Let me help:
http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.a...
"Successful transplantation is often enhanced by matching of organs between members of the same racial and ethnic group"
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1365/is_4_...
"Since being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June, BiDil, the first drug marketed specifically for treatment of heart failure among African Americans….."
James
Many were misguided back then, most wised-up, the ones that didn't are the "toetaggers"…They are living testement to the expression "there's no fool like an old toetagger"… or words to that effect..
I'm well into middle age at 41, but I too was never brought up to racism. It remains baffling to me to this day, something that I know exists but is simply incomprehensible. It rather irritates me how often I've had anti-racism preached at me, when it was never necessary, and the imputation of racism to me and others of my age group (the vanguard of Gen-X) was and has always been insulting. I don't know any racists–I've never even met a real old-school KKK-type racist; in my experience all that's left are the eugenics-obsessed Democrats anxious to keep African-American numbers down through abortion instead of midnight castrations.
Reid mentioned Obama's light skin, and was right about one thing–it certainly makes him more acceptible to his party of a certain age. To conservatives of my age group, it's not even something one notices other than as a descriptor.
Thing is racism MUST be taught. It is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. Racism is one of the first fruits of science-worship; the rationalization of garden-variety xenophobia into a cruel and evil belief in the gradation of races via evolution. Eugenics was the great new scientific discovery of the late 19th century, and now that it has been discredited everyone is zealous in their attempts to forget its origins. Most of my generation was not taught eugenics except for the 'don't marry your cousins' leftover, and racism was something for weird old people. The next generation got even less of it. Once the Boomers die off racism will go with them, and good riddance.
Hannah,
Don't fall into the trap of trying to "explain" that you nor James are racists. Reasonable people see what is happening.
America is and has been for probably fortty years the least racist country on planet earth. By 1970 racism against blacks was not supported by law virtually anywhere in the country, and the number of racist individuals has been small and diminishing ever since. The left however has been militating to keep it alive, picking at a very old scab and promoting race baiters as "civil rights leaders". Jesse Jackson is a person Martin Luther King Jr did not trust, and his usurpation of the title leader of civil rights was a travesty. Without a doubt the day MLK was murdered was Jesse Jackson's opportunity of a lifetime. Al Sharpton, the NAACP and others likewise have lived on a lie these past four decades. These folks serve the media and Demogogue party purposes, fooling as many black folks as will fall for it into staying on the Demagogue party plantation. A goodly percentage of blacks know better (Barrack Obama notwithstanding) , but the media don't listen to them.
Oftentimes people engaged in a fight forget how to be at peace, and probably some of the "civil rights leaders" know no better, or don't know how to earn a living any other way, but many of them surely do what they do because they are just mobsters through and through. And the evil liberal media use them just because they can.
Good one!
By the way, I speak as someone who was old enough to know what was going on when MLK was murdered. Some in my generation, particularly the libtard media, have been handing you the next generation (and mine) a ton of cr-p for all of your lives. They most certainly do not speak for all of us, nor do they represent anything like a true accounting of how things are. They are PRAVDA-US. Don't give them an inch.
Why did obama spend 20 years of his life in a racist church?
Exactly. When I read this, I thought she was skipping a generation. Every 20-something generation wishes those before them would just move over, and then they realize they aren't the only ones on the planet. Otherwise, I greatly appreciate what she and James have done for conservatism.
If I may borrow from Chevy Chase (dating back to an era in which he was actually funny) "I don't judge a man by the color of his skin but rather by the size of his nostrils".
You would do well to admit that hard work has a lot to do with success.
Well………………. he wasn't really listening…… or anything.
Most of the racism I see is reverse racism.
Not to be picky, but you do want to be a journalist, wasn't there some Japanese heritage guy that ran Peru?
I'm a Boomer. I have never felt obligated to OBEY unquestioning, following the herd.
God Bless you, Hannah.
Ms Giles might consider that changes is society does not always cause it to develop, or grow, or evolve, or even survive. As for maping out a course and following it until the end, well that works fine on paper or in a controlled classroom exercise but when you get old like me you learn that reality bites.
I'm sure this young lady belives everything she has been carefully tought, but all is not simple or well in the quest for this perfect world of racial kombaya. Americas public schools have been devistated in that they produce an increasingly less educated populace. Other than that they're okay! Major American cities have "devolved" into crime infested, taxpayer paid for, holding pens. But worse than all these, you helped elect Obama. How's that Hope and Change working out so far. If you say fine then you had better sit down and be quiet and grow up a bit longer.
Great article Hannah. I want to take the opportunity, here and now, to congratulate you on your courage to state the obvious and more importantly, to have the vision at your young age, to take the actions you took against ACORN. The country owes you a debt of gratitude. Keep up the great work. The people have been awakened and are taking heed to what is happening. You have been a part of that awakening. NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE IN !!
You go girl!
Thanks. You now, I was a cool kid, and had a blast when I was little, but it really pains me to think all these liberal kids suffered so. I'm really trying to find compassion.
Hannah, will you go with me to the library tonight? Haha, I will bring the coffee. Well said.
>"Race is a very important factor in how people portray themselves, how they are perceived and how decisions are made, especially in politics."
Speak for yourself. To you, "what" people are is more important than "who" people are.
For the rest of us, character trumps color.
Here's a new take that might dovetail with your column. What do Beyonce, Derek Jeter, Allan Keyes, and Denzel Washington all have in common? It's not what you might think. It's that they have all probably done more for race relations in America than anything leftists like Jesse Jackson, Rev. Farra-con, and perhaps Martin Luther King ever did. They have caused America to look at them and not consider their race. The heavy hand of the left only serves to divide us.
Jim said none of the things you accuse him of saying.
You're a lying troll.
Says the guy who posts antisemitic comments everywhere.
J.I.M. — we were taught to honor Dr. M.L. King and his dream of "by the content of their character, not the color of their skin". I know I believe that to this day.
"Candidate Y gets the job because he is better educated, has a more prestigious internship and puts the interviewer at ease. This is the modern manifestation of racism where no one is directly racist but together actions yield a structure that produces a workforce separated by race and gender."
If it's not based on race, but rather education, experience, and interpersonal skills, it's not racism.
And that's whats most infuriating about people who still peddle in racism. We've now had two generations, with a third and forth coming up fast that hasn't lived through or experienced segregation. At some point, the older generations that did will die off and we'll only be left with generations that didn't. Then there will only be people that don't care what color your skin is. Then what? What are people like Obama going to complain about then?
A culture can be inferior for many reasons. Try reading Tom Sowell's 'Black Rednecks and White Liberals'.
Congratulations, Hannah, on all your (and James') revealing criminal abetting ACORN videos! A word of advice; Quit apologizing for being a White person who dares to criticize an exclusively Black Affirmative Action staffed organization. Being called 'a racist' has actually become a badge of honor. Don't let it phase you in the slightest or deter you in your journalistic efforts. Name calling is the only weapon the Left has in their relentless assault upon the truth.
Secondly, speaking for all us geezers out there, I have three little words for ALL those who resort to criticizing prior generations for the ills of society, "Keep Sucking Air!" With every breath you take you become that much older. Take enough breaths and sooner or later (if you're lucky) you'll likewise live to hear the next generation of self-proclaimed "enlightened" youngsters belittle and blame your age group.
Lastly, just because you've freshly graduated from high school and college, that doesn't mean your educational process has concluded. In fact, the hardest lessons you'll have to learn is UNLEARNING all the pseudo-intellectual crud and indoctrination that was drummed into you during your formative years. Admitting that some of our cherished ideals were nothing but indoctrinated nonsense is a painstaking humble experience that all truth-seekers (except liberals as they are eternally perfect beings) must go through.
Here's a couple of hints to guide you along the path:
a. Having 'discriminating taste' will always be a proverbial "good thing".
b. Segregation is the innate natural order of life. It's why bluebirds associate and mate with bluebirds, and conversely, blackbirds with fellow blackbirds. They may reluctantly and briefly share the same tree or drink from the same pond but their natural safe-guarding instincts guide and prohibit further interaction. To advocate any other state of order is to be de facto "unnatural". Repetition of falsehoods does not make them any more relevant or increase their veracity.
It's culture. But culture can shape intelligence in both directions. But intelligence isn't everything. You can be intelligent and despicable at the same time.
understood and acknowledged. thank you, sir.
"Candidate Y gets the job because he is better educated, has a more prestigious internship and puts the interviewer at ease. This is the modern manifestation of racism where no one is directly racist but together actions yield a structure that produces a workforce separated by race and gender."
If it's not based on race, but rather education, experience, and interpersonal skills, it's not racism.
[ Eli's Hammer ] Pretty well stated, Hannah. (ya, of course there are some however's) The generation is pretty much colorblind…however, not so much so 'Culture-Blind." Your side of the river speak of "Culture-wars" and your loving adult heroes bemoan the "Culture Breeder." Many of those conservative leaders ya all love are institutional racists…and it is passed to the youth by osmosis. The right thinks "Everybody should own one.."
Now…the Left has a problem too! A very complicated one indeed. Lefties tend to think of racial types as "children"….Little pet type objects, who must be trained and herded–They smack of paternalism for people of color. Poor white kids don't exist. To look at them would be to look at ourselves if we fail in life.
UN-ACCEPTABLE!
So, Republican's have their cops make sure we don't have to see poor folks any more than necessary. Democrats use both cops and social-workers to achieve the same.
Like YOU said, Hanna…(paraphrasing a bit) it felt good to get out of the unsafe area. (When conceptualizing the Acorn tact)
The "uppity" and the "flippant" references from the Right are truly innate racism. The kids who are fed a daily diet of this "speak" cannot dissociate completely.
My theory of ending racism [part 001]
Take ALL reference as to color or race from all Identification.
(hee-hee, I feel people's cardiovascular angst all the way out here:)
[ Eli's Hammer ]
[ Eli's Hammer ] Saul Alinsky….(fear mongering, the dark abyss, the spiral argument, the slippery sloppy, misdirection) Right as we speak and read the wheat and the chaff are being re-combined by the Republican Conservative machine. Without Terror and Fear…they have "Tax and Spend. "(cue parrot)
SOCIALIST, COMMUNIST, FASCIST…(a strange amalgam–this witch's brew from the Right.) But there is a fly in the Conservative ointment…Communism and its sister "socialism" can't exist in a post-industrial society. As soon as the pitiful "proletariat" gets a couple a bucks over rent he says "SCREW THIS! …I WANT MORE THINGS"
There goes communism. Socialism can exist is benign forms, and in poorer countries–UNTIL–a few people get a few bucks…then: SCREW SOCIALISM…(cue Money by Beetles) I WANT MORE TOYS!!!"
Yes, the theories are scary. But another thing aids the free world from such ideologies…
(1) We are too spoiled to do without…
(2) Communism and Socialism are UBER B-O-R-I-N-G!
The theories are yawners…Americans can't concentrate for more than about 3 seconds, if commercials jump rates are a test…and they are.
It is certainly fun for the Republican-Conservative to re-live the 50's with all the beautiful fear and propaganda–A time when anything could be said for "The greater good."
And, to dispel any fears that the Left will institute Communism and take down the country—Just watch 25 lefties in a room. You will never fear a takeover again.
[ Eli's Hammer ]
Is it only culture, or is it also genetics? Ah well, if it is genetics and there are significant race differences, I think science will have an answer in the next twenty or thirty years.
How can you be so sure it is culture? We've tried to adjust for "culture" many times, and all of those experiments have failed so far.
Whites are the only ones that are petrified by the indoctrinated guilt which immobilizes them and
blinds them to see the logic and legitimacy of seeking their own interest. And are begrudged and forbidden to do it by a society intimidated by the thugs of the thought police who run all branches of our government and the establishment.
Whites have been brain-washed and beaten into submission by the political correctness merchants of white deprecation in Hollywood, the media and in our halls of learning. And have been reduce to a wiry bundle of apologies and of a jittery eagerness to praise and please all non-whites to receive their stamped approval, sighing from the relief of not being thought as bigots nor labeled a "racist".
Ponder. Meditate. Chew it.
Love your kith and kin.
To manipulate Black voters and get himself elected to office.
Americans have been brow-beaten and traumatized with the guilt of racism since kindergarten. To the extent that you can accuse them of being thieves, liars, child molesters, you name it, and it rubs off them like dust on a CD. But the minute you cal them “racist!” they become petrified with fear and shame, start sweating like a false witness, come completely unglued and fall apart like a crate made in China. Life is over.
Every generation thinks they are far more enlightend than the generation before them. But all that "non-racism" you think is indingenous to only YOUR generation was built on the backs of a several much OLDER generations who fought in the trenches against such racism.
So please, stop slapping yourself on the back. You didn't invent a world without racism, honey. YOU INHERITED IT. You're welcome.
You think this "non racist" world would have just fallen into your collective laps, otherwise?
(My kingdom for a smiley that can roll it's eyes.) Know it all kids, their entitlement mentality and their arrogance born of naivete and ignorance. It never changes. If you could only hear what you sound like to us 40+ year olds. Don't worry, you will. When you are that age, you will be embarrassed you ever wrote the above.
I think Obama might have been telling the truth about not listening to Jeremiah Wright. I don't think that church was about anything to him but a political spring board. Notice now, one year later and he still hasn't picked a church to go to as president. I think it's either because Obama really is a stealth muslim, or he's an atheist. Either way, I think his claiming to be a Christian was phony political pandering and nothing more.
Zeig Heil?
Yeah, that's how Hitler got everyone on his side. Sure. (sheesh)
The painful truth is, we have some racist kooks who came out of the woodwork.
Oh pipe down. Is it wrong to question why some groups lag behind others ? I think culture does influence your IQ – but that doesn't mean it is forever written in stone. Why have Asians surpassed whites in academic achievement ? I believe we are all sons of Adam and have worth in the eyes of God.
Oh pipe down. It is wrong to question why some groups lag behind others ? Why have Asians surpassed whites academically? I believe culture does influence your IQ – but it is not written in stone for all eternity. We are all sons of Adam and we all have inherent worth. We should be judged on our individual merits when dealing with people in life – but that does not mean we can't ask larger questions.
Since I agree with Thomas Sowell's views on race, why should I "pipe down" exactly? You don't even know whom I replying to. Sheesh!
The only thing I would disagree with is the idea they ever had "high ideals." It was never about any "ideal" other than their own self abosrbed good time. I used to believe all that "make love, not war" and the left was against the Vietnam war because they were against killing. Until Roe v. Wade came along, and I in my young naivete (I was only 10 at the time of Roe v. Wade) believed the left would be against Roe v. Wade, because (I thought) they were against killing. Much to my surprise, they were just FINE with killing (as they supported Roe v. Wade), as long as that killing resulted in them continuing to have a good time. That's when I woke up to what phonies the left were. Their only "high ideal" was staying high, having a good time, and not having any responsibilities get in the way of that good time. President Clinton exemplified this same attitude in the way he was more interested in being with Monica Lewinsky than dealing with the terrorism of Al Queda.
LOL! I remember my parents being shocked that Heston's love interest was black in the Omega Man. I loved it! I thought it was funny my parents were so shocked.
It's really no surprise since they coyly allude to the fact that Moses married an Eithiopian in "The 10 Commandments." What cracks me up, is if anyone watches the "The 10 Commandments" they would notice the film has far more to do with the civil rights movement (of which Heston was a supporter) than the actual story of Moses from the Bible. Don't believe me? Study the actual story from the Bible and then watch that film again from the view of the civil rights movement and see if you don't see what I mean.
By 'adjusting for culture' you mean redistributing wealth. That is destructive to all parties involved. Let's take two groups that won't get my comment deleted by the wimpy 'administrator'. The Irish have lagged behind the English for centuries. Their culture helped to foster a nice collective chip on the shoulder. Were they behind because they were genetically inferior? Did they lack a Protestant work ethic? Were they just lazy? I prefer the Irish because they are a warm, passionate people – but that doesn't mean they did not lag behind the English. Yet today they are surpassing the English. What changed?
Who cares if the guy is a 'racist'. Let him make his argument.
The Omega man or Star Trek?
The Omega Man was a remake of Vincent Price's "The Last Man on Earth" (which is public domain now and can be downloaded just about anywhere). Both are adaptations of "I am Legend."
The Star Trek episode is "Plato's Stepchildren." And the only reason they were able to get away with the inter racial kiss is, these aliens with evil mind powers "forced" Kirk to kiss Uhura. (Yeah I bet he hated it like hell
) In an interview about the episode Shatner said, "They asked me if I would mind kissing Nichelle (Uhura). I said, 'What are you kidding. Get a chance to kiss Nichelle??? I LOVE my work!'" Good for Shatner! LOL
Who cares? I do!
The guy never said anything about harming anyone. He thinks there is a genetic basis to the performance of the races. There might be. Would that be the end of the world? Smart people are overrated anyway. Are we not allowed to discuss it?
The race baiters will be dead one day. Then it will be your job to shout down those of your generation who seek to profit from it by maintaing the "hate." No easy task, but I have faith in young people.
Yeah and separate but equal is fine, as long as everything's equal. And BTW, that's how Hitler justified what he did to the Jews, the so called differences in the races. You see us "overrated" smart people have memories long enough to remember when and HOW those "genetic basis" arguments have been used.
Which means I'm allowed to CRITICIZE IT. That's the problem with people (like liberals) who bleat about the "freedom of speech." They always want the "freedom" to say anything, no matter how stupid or objectionable, and then they bleat about censorship if anyone says anything in disagreement.
So, am I not allowed to criticize in your preaching for freedom, or did you want me to "pipe down?"
Yeah nooooooooooooo double standard there!
You really want to continue? I'm just getting started.
LOL
The original question concerned a nature vs. nurture explanation about the discrepancy of the performances between the races. The guy said it was genetic. I'm not sure if I agree, but even if true it is not written in stone for any group (Tom Sowell). I think it's more complicated than that but we should be allowed to ask the question. Larry Summers stated that genetics may be at play with the dirth of women in the sciences. He was run out of town for asking it. Is that what you want?
My brother (engineer) is far brighter than I am. I like to think I have other charms but even if I don't that doesn't mean I don't have worth in the eyes of God.
Speaking of Tom Sowell, here's an article on this very subject that was published today…
http://article.nationalreview.com/424644/innate-s...
I don't think it's complicated beyond what Sowell has pointed out.
It is interesting to watch Obama , who is hailed as a genius, confront the fact that he does not know what he is doing. Imagine the "inheritance" he will leave behind. A column about racism makes me think you think about your non-racism about as much as Obama thinks of his genius. Obama should quit thinking about his genius and maybe you should forget about your non-racism and try to pay attention to where your faults do exist. They do exist and they will sneak up on you much like folly has overtaken Obama and our country while he was busy looking at himself admiringly in the mirror and enjoying how much smarter he thought he was than Bush.
Don't get me wrong , I am a fan and you have a point but I thought a little breather from all the flattery might be due.
Do you think there are genetic differences for those who excel at Track and Field?
No, I think there are genetic differences between those who debate and those who just rant their bigotry, and it has nothing to do with color. LOL
I am always looking for great ideas that work.-Free Medicine Help
Why is it bigoted to notice differences between people?
This is a pie in the sky article totally divorced from reality. Typical White Guilt delusions. And the comments are no better. Racism is not over, in fact the most common form of racism is against whites. There's widespread discrimination against whites in government hiring, university admission and scholarships, AND throw in anti-white curriculum. There's media cover-ups on minority on white crime, and wonderful diverse cities always have the highest crime rates. By the way "lack of diversity" ALWAYS mean too many white people.
Our schools aren't segregated because it was forced, and students segregate themselves anyway. Every ethnic group and race on Earth can have an organization except European Americans because then it's "hate". You want more examples I could go on forever.
The Tea Parties are called racist because it has too many white people, and they're gettin uppity, so we better shoot them down by calling them racist for no reason other than they're white. Can't have white people gettin uppity. Remember the Vanity Fair issue recently about New Hollywood that featured mostly white actors and actresses? Well that was criticized because it was too lily-white. Can't get more racist than that.
People, get out of your touchy feely bubble.
Because invariably, as Thomas Sowell noted in his "Basic Economics," those differences are usually deficits and they are always in another race–never in your own race.
Many Asian people turn bright red when drinking alcohol. Is that a genetic difference? Are we not allowed to notice? Should Larry Summers be driven from his job when he mentioned the possibility of women having genetic differences given their lack of representation in the sciences. People should be allowed to ask questions. Thier motives may be self-serving (like homosexual scientists finding a 'gay gene') and they should be allowed to be refuted by others serving their own interests.
[...] scholar and lunatic Hannah Giles opines in this piece on how racism is a bit of a dead letter these days… The Torch Has Been Passed to a New Generation — and It Doesn’t Include [...]
[...] Hannah Giles, who played the part of the hooker in the famous ACORN sting, believes that her generation is “free and equal” and is not guided by nature. She believes that “race is not an issue” for her generation because it has successfully built a society that operates “at optimum levels” and is “able to conduct higher levels of human bonding.” This proves two things: 1) She did not engineer the sting; and 2) She must be a sociology major. [...]