Comparison of union bashing to racism is insulting to blacks
The historical reach to use experiences of racism among blacks and other ethnic groups as a comparison to the struggles of union groups cited by Tom Wieder (“Column on ‘union mentality’ was an exercise in prejudice,” "Voices," April 3, 2011) is puzzling. AnnArbor.com is to be commended for including points of view that are presumably opposed to its own editorial board.
As a black person who can recall when blacks were referred to as “colored, Negro, or the N- word,” I find Wieder's comparison is more insulting than those past racial experiences.
First of all, unions have been largely run by white, blue-collar males. Second, unions have done more than their fair share of oppressing blacks and women in their ranks. Ironically, not least of all, unions have long been an elitist group that requires paid membership to enjoy its many benefits.
No one is paying black people for a chance to enjoy racial discrimination in housing, employment, education, and access to wealth. How odd, that some people and organizations that purport to protect civil liberties, including speech, raise the most vehement objections to speech that does not fit their world view!
In evaluating whether unions and their like-minded supporters are more dangerous for civil liberties than publications such as AnnArbor.com, I'll gladly take my chances with the newspaper.
Audrey L. Jackson Ann Arbor
Comments
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
"I've said what I have to say in the article." All appearances to the contrary notwithstanding? " Civil rights for blacks die every time people misuse [Dr. King's] legacy to make a bad conclusion about what he stood for." Indeed they do, and for others as well, when we when we refuse to acknowledge what he did and said, when we refuse to acknowledge the mutual support Dr. King and organized labor gave to one another, and when we conveniently forget that he was in Memphis supporting union workers when he was assassinated. "I don't talk to dead people (unless you count Jesus Christ, who was resurrected to save, well, all of you. Go save your unions or what's left of them. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!" When all else fails, whether it be historical fact or logical argument, retreat into religion. And yet, someone who truly understands Jesus's teachings understands that HE recognized our obligations to our fellow man, to our community, and to humanity. He does not permit us to retreat into our own personal religious cocoon while allowing those around us to be abused, be they black, brown, or white. And, indeed, Dr. King understood this basic element of Jesus's teachings and urged us (and he continues to urge us) to act in ways that support all people who suffer from prejudice, not just those groups who have turned charges of prejudice and racism into a self-serving yet often unsupportable battle cry. Good Night and Good Luck
Audrey
Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 1:37 a.m.
Somewhere in the world, where people are actually suffering from earthquakes, hunger, homelessness, unemployment, and go without transportation, education, and interest-bearing bank accounts, there are other people (living and breathing) who are helping them to get through this difficult economy. I've said what I have to say in the article. No barbs about ignorance or lack of understanding or agendas is going to change my mind. Some believe that emotional abuse or intimidation of women is the answer to a bruised male ego. I have heard nothing that suggests (but for a few comments) that anyone who is bashing ideas from others on the issue of unions is ready to offer doable change for the survival of unions by today's standards. Talking to me about the sanctity of unions won't ensure their survival. For those who didn't know: Dr. King is dead. Civil rights for blacks die every time people misuse his legacy to make a bad conclusion about what he stood for. Journalism is in a coma. And lest I forget, Edward R. Murrow died a long time ago. Unlike the child actor in a movie whose name I can't recall. I don't talk to dead people (unless you count Jesus Christ, who was resurrected to save, well, all of you. Go save your unions or what's left of them. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!
Dennis
Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 5:25 p.m.
As a Union Member for 31 + years i really take offense at some of the statements made by Ms. Jackson. I have been a member of the NAACP. Marched in Civil Rights protest. Was on the HonorGuard for Mandella's visit to the Dearborn Assembly Plant. Look back in history and see who marched with Dr. King. It was the Unions of America and the Democratic Party. . Unions and Democrats have always been and always will be ready to support social justice. You need to take a look at who has been in the leadership of my union to understand that there is not a color barrier at the top of my union and I do not believe that there is with any other union i have worked with, including the MEA.
f4phantomII
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
I believe you are mistaken when you say, "Unions and Democrats have always been and always will be ready to support social justice." It hasn't always been so. The Republican Party was founded , in a large measure, by abolitionists. Plessy v Ferguson and Jim Crow were supported by Democrats. FDR failed to oppose antilynching laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was filibustered by Democrats. Governors Wallace, Maddox and Faubus were all Democrats. The list goes on. Maybe I don't know what social justice is vis a vis justice.
Tony Livingston
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.
I am a union worker and many of my coworkers are black. My wife is a lawyer (nonunion of course) and she has virtually no black co workers. I don't see what this has to do with union or non union. I also don't see why someone is proud that there were few black participants in the Wisconsin protests. I would think they would want to be there to speak out also. Is it thought to be negative that white people went and spoke up?
David Briegel
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
Ghost and Will, And now we must feel much sympathy for the poor, oppressed and downtrodden White man. He has it so rough. What with a Black President and all.
Will Warner
Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
David, Ghost and I are on opposite sides of this one. In general, if you think Ghost and I are agreeing, there is a misunderstanding somewhere. Don't you agree, Ghost?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.
"First they silenced the anti-Semites, and rightly so; then they silenced the racists, and rightly so. Then they found they had a tool – charging prejudice — with which they could silence anyone. Then they found that the tool had lost its power through overuse and misapplication." Prejudice is prejudice. But as your factually vacuous "opinion" piece two weeks ago and numerous of the responses to it made clear, there are certain types prejudice that not only are popular, but that allegedly legitimate "news organizations" will provide a forum for their being spread. Good Night and Good Luck
Will Warner
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
"First they came for the union members, and I said nothing, then they came for....." First they silenced the anti-Semites, and rightly so; then they silenced the racists, and rightly so. Then they found they had a tool – charging prejudice — with which they could silence anyone. Then they found that the tool had lost its power through overuse and misapplication.
Will Warner
Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 1:28 a.m.
David, thanks for your confidence in me!
David Briegel
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
Will, that's a crock and YOU can do much better!!
timjbd
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 7:49 p.m.
Forgive the typos. I'm uneducated.
timjbd
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
I agree that the article you wrote was a slap in the face to union workers. Me and my thuggish mentality included. It was certainly was easy enough for you to kick us now that we're down, though, so why nut? Must've been fun. And no need to thank the labor movement for wresting the right to live a middle class life away from the lords and barons of industry, just because you and your family enjoy it now. People like you will facilitate a return to the good ol' days of child labor, piece work, company towns and wage slavery in due time. Then you can check in again and we can all see how you're enjoying THAT.
AArborite
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 2:09 a.m.
The main difference between union membership and being black is that you can choose to leave a union, but you can't choose to leave your black skin. In my opinion, it is much worse to dislike someone for an immutable characteristic like race than it is to criticize someone's associations. So yes, I think the union guy who wrote the last letter went a bit over the top with his analogy. But I wasn't horribly offended. His letter probably would have been more persuasive if he chose a more apt comparison.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
"The main difference between union membership and being black is that you can choose to leave a union, but you can't choose to leave your black skin." Not to be facetious but Michael Jackson certainly chose to and did.
Matt Cooper
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
Which would be...what?
Tom Wieder
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
It is really odd that some, like Ms. Jackson, would be insulted or bothered by an analogy to racism is a discussion of prejudice. Of course, blacks have suffered more than any identifiable group in America; they were the only ones enslaved, subject to legalized segregation for decades, etc. But the point of my article, as much as anything, is that when we tolerate prejudice against any group, we make it more acceptable against other groups. More than others, blacks should be on guard against, and ready to speak out against prejudice toward others. If prejudice is ignored when voiced against groups that haven't been as disfavored in the history of this country as blacks, it becomes even less likely to be opposed when it is directed at the traditionally most disfavored. First they came for the union members, and I said nothing, then they came for.....
timjbd
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.
Seriously, genetracy? Defending your own point of view is not in any way the same as silencing others' views.. That's ridiculous.
genetracy
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
And then Tom Weidner of the ACLU advocated the silencing of all diissenting speech to his elitist viewpoint
David Briegel
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 11:52 p.m.
I'm sorry gang, but many skilled trade unions and non union fire and police departments were notorious for their segregation during the early years. When I was a young man I remember the first Black fireman hired in Ann Arbor. There was little integration until the 70's and what little there was, was truly resisted by the White majorities. The UAW may have been different but integration was resisted by far too many for far too long! As a member of the majority I was present when many Whites complained about the perceived unfairness of the "affirmative action" that was necessary to integrate many labor unions, police and fire depts. It was truly a blight upon our past.
Tony Livingston
Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 1:02 a.m.
Yes, but at this point, union jobs are wayyyyyyyyy ahead of any non union job as far as hiring and promoting racial minorities (and women for that matter). Skilled trade unions began changing their ways in the 70s. When are others going to start?
timjbd
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 9:28 p.m.
Your characterization of unions is a little outdated, to say the least, if it was accurate of ANY time in the history of the labor movement. Remember when Glenn Beck claimed to be carrying forward the mantle of Martin Luther King (in Memphis to support striking sanitation union workers when he was killed)? Unions are the totality of their membership, that includes LOTS of black people- not only the thugs from "On the Waterfront." African Americans (not only them, of course) greatly benefitted from the efforts of the labor movement. "Negroes are almost entirely a working people. Our needs are identical with labor's needs: decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community". -Martin Luther King, 1961 MLK in Memphis to support striking sanitation (union) workers the day before he was murdered: <a href="http://www.afscme.org/about/1549.cfm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.afscme.org/about/1549.cfm</a> MLK on unions: Illinois 1965: "The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress" Speaking to the AFL-CIO in 1961: "In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as 'right to work.' It is a law to rob us of our civil rights and job rights". and: If you don't see any parallels to what is going on now, you're not comprehending what he was saying.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
We as a nation are nothing if not ignorant of our history, timjbd. Good Night and Good Luck
Terry Star21
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
There is most absolutely no comparison to anything regarding racism. Many people are just too young too realize our past, and too unwilling to believe our stories. The fact that we have made strides and have improved drastically over the years is no consolation. Please do not compare anything to racism !
Basic Bob
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
@ERMG, According to your line of reasoning, if Glenn Beck and Fox News does it, it's OK for Tom Wieder. OOPS!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.
Not my point at all. More like the very dark pot calling the very bright shiny brass kettle "black". Moreover, you and others continue to misrepresent Mr. Wieder's letter. Right out of the Glenn Beck playbook. Good Night and Good Luck
genetracy
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
Great letter Ms Jackson. The main thing I noticed about the union protests in Madison, Wisconsin, is that 99.9% of the participants were white. Yes, there were random photos of blacks but that was more the result of a press photographer searching the crowd for a lone minority participant and then using the photograph to portray the event as diverse. Much is made about the tea party as being a white dominated organization and therefore racist. How come the same cannot be said about the Wisconsin protests?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
"If that is true, why were the black workers not present? Many, many, many black workers are union members." You, apparently, did not read the entire strand? Because had you, you would have seen that only 1 in 17 residents of Wisconsin are Black. Might explain their dearth in Madison. That is, unless someone has the bizarre expectation that unions are not representative of the population at large. Good Night and Good Luck
Tony Livingston
Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 1:04 a.m.
If that is true, why were the black workers not present? Many, many, many black workers are union members.
David Briegel
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.
And that is because Jesus went to the Temple to "Bless the Banksters"!? That is the Mad Hatters line of "fluff"!!
timjbd
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
The train of logic lacking in the arguments of the typical tea party supporter is by design. They are given only a surface layer of spin on a given set of facts and then nothing else beyond it. Usually along with some boilerplate wedge info on abortion statistics or trends in religious affiliation to cement the feeling in their minds that the arguments go with one another. "If I believe Jesus is my saviour then I also must believe that unions are bad for America." "No one will take my guns from me and Medicare is welfare." "ACORN is a gang of thieves and school vouchers are the only way to save education." "Social Security is doomed we shouldn't be taxing the job creators." That's why you hear the same factoids over and over again. If you press them to explain, it's usually incomprehensible and then collapses quickly into anger. I have seen this happen multitudes of times. Frank Luntz and Karl Rove have gotten very scientific about this manipulation since it was first devised.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.
"It is funny how the five red states you mentioned are non-union, have low unemployment, and are not federal aid theme parks like Michigan." If 40th (Idaho) or Utah (18th) is "low" compared to Wisconsin (13th). Strange math, that, but OK And remarkable how many solid red states are in the top 10 in terms of unemployment rates: Florida 48th Kentucky 46th South Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi--tied for 41st Georgia and Idaho--tied for 39th Arizona and Tennessee--tied for 37th West Virginia 35th Indeed, 10 of the worst 15 states in terms of unemployment are solid red states that are, in your words, "non-union . . . and are not federal aid theme parks like Michigan." Source: <a href="http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm</a> And your point is . . . ? But please feel free to finish your statement to its logical conclusion. The six lily-white states I mentioned are lily-white because . . . . ? Go ahead. You can say it. What's the conclusion you want to draw from that fact? Good Night and Good Luck
genetracy
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
It is funny how the five red states you mentioned are non-union, have low unemployment, and are not federal aid theme parks like Michigan.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 8:18 p.m.
Not nearly as good as Utah, where it is 70 to 1. <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/49000.html" rel='nofollow'>http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/49000.html</a> Or Nebraska, where it is 20 to 1 <a href="https://blackboard8.wccnet.edu/webapps/login/" rel='nofollow'>https://blackboard8.wccnet.edu/webapps/login/</a> Or Wyoming, where it is 66 to 1 <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/56000.html" rel='nofollow'>http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/56000.html</a> Or Montana, where it is 129 to 1 (not a typo. 129 to 1) <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/30000.html" rel='nofollow'>http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/30000.html</a> Or Idaho (home of the Aryan nations), where it is 94 to 1 <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/16000.html" rel='nofollow'>http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/16000.html</a> Or South Dakota, where it is 73-1 <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/46000.html" rel='nofollow'>http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/46000.html</a> Those states, good RED states, must have check points at their borders. Good Night and Good Luck
genetracy
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.
If ther ratio of whites to blacks in liberal Wisconsin is 17 to 1, it looks like the fine progressives up there have done a good job of segregation.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 6 p.m.
"Madison is close to the democrat and heavily minority enclaves of Milwaukee and Chicago. I guess they did not feel strong enough about the cause to make the trip to Madison to support their union brethen." So, the rallies were "racist" because people from Chicago didn't come to a rally about Wisconsin politics? And whatever you THINK your point is about Milwaukee, it is a Republican stronghold, which tells me there aren't as many blacks there as you wish there were. And, even if there were, your point is what, exactly.? Only 1 in 17 people in Wisconsin are black. Because there is an "enclave" of blacks an hour away, the ratio at the rallies needed to be larger than the state ratio? Bizarre logic. Good Night and Good Luck
genetracy
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.
Madison is close to the democrat and heavily minority enclaves of Milwaukee and Chicago. I guess they did not feel strong enough about the cause to make the trip to Madison to support their union brethen.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.
"The main thing I noticed about the union protests in Madison, Wisconsin, is that 99.9% of the participants were white. . . . Much is made about the tea party as being a white dominated organization and therefore racist. How come the same cannot be said about the Wisconsin protests?" You and I saw different things. And, that said, 1 of 8 Americans are black; in Wisconsin the ratio is 1 of 17. Source: <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/55000.html" rel='nofollow'>http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/55000.html</a> So the fact that the crowd in Madison was overwhelmingly white seems fairly representative of the state's population. I've never seen a Tea Party event where the black participation approached 1 in 7. Good Night and Good Luck
Kirk Scott
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 4:05 p.m.
I take offense to that...
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.
First, it's not what the letter said. But it's what those who have an agenda want to read into it. Second, blacks are not the only people who have suffered, and who continue to suffer from prejudice. Prejudice is not a wholly owned subsidiary of the black community. Finally, there were (and continue to be) unions that discriminate against blacks. But for the author of this letter to broad brush all unions in this manner reveals great ignorance. But for the efforts of the NEA and especially of the UAW, the Civil Rights movement verhy well might have taken a very different and less successful course. This letter, indeed, is proof that the letter to which it is a reply was 100% correct. Good Night and Good Luck
Ricebrnr
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.
As another who does not always agree with you, credit where credit is due. I was about to pen the same thing myself.
lester88
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 1:32 a.m.
Score another one for the Ghost.
Basic Bob
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
It has become commonplace for public union supporters to compare their financial battles to the struggles of racial and religious minorities to achieve basic human rights. The same people compare fiscal pragmatists to Nazis. These analogies demonstrate their ignorance of real poverty and discrimination.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 4:24 a.m.
More like the very dark pot calling the very bright shiny brass kettle "black". Moreover, Basic and others continue to misrepresent Mr. Wieder's letter. Right out of the Glenn Beck playbook. Good Night and Good Luck
antikvetch
Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 2:34 a.m.
Yep, it's okay to do as the "other side" does it as well. Way to set the bar -
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
Of course, there is no similar hyperbole on the right. <a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-may-12-2010/back-in-black---glenn-beck-s-nazi-tourette-s" rel='nofollow'>http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-may-12-2010/back-in-black---glenn-beck-s-nazi-tourette-s</a> Ooops. <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/62843-njdc-conservative-nazi-rhetoric-has-reached-epidemic-proportions" rel='nofollow'>http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/62843-njdc-conservative-nazi-rhetoric-has-reached-epidemic-proportions</a> Ooops. <a href="http://www.njdc.org/resources/entry/use_of_nazi_rhetoric" rel='nofollow'>http://www.njdc.org/resources/entry/use_of_nazi_rhetoric</a> Ooops. <a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2011/01/27/u-s-rabbis-protest-fox-hosts-use-of-holocaust-imagery/" rel='nofollow'>http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2011/01/27/u-s-rabbis-protest-fox-hosts-use-of-holocaust-imagery/</a> Ooops. <a href="http://thecommonconservative.com/?p=55" rel='nofollow'>http://thecommonconservative.com/?p=55</a> Ooops. Good Night and Good Luck
AA
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
I was not.
braggslaw
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
I was similarly insulted by the article....
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 11:31 p.m.
@northside Touche. Good NIght and Good Luck
northside
Sun, Apr 10, 2011 : 10:57 p.m.
Braggslaw all of us who read your posts on this site recognize that you are a passionate defender of racial justice, always the first person to be outraged at racism in any shape or form. We can only hope that time heals your wounds over the insult the article caused you.