The battle for true equality for blacks is far from over
On March 18, 2006, the undersigned invited a few friends and associates to meet at the Ypsilanti District Library on Whittaker Road to discuss the situation of African-Americans, primarily, and other minorities.
Statistics during the last 40 years had remained the same as it related to the disproportionate black incarceration rate, the K-12 school achievement gap between Caucasian and black students and overall economic disparity between the majority and minority people. The reaction of nearly all of the 15 persons who attended indicated that no entity was addressing the aforementioned issues effectively.
Raymond Mullin is president and founder of The Loyal Opposition to the Status Quo Inc.
The purpose of the Loyal Opposition to the Status Quo, Inc. is to advance the social and economic life of African-Americans and other minorities, through education, communication, rational thought, leadership and community attitudes.
“Education” connotes the idea of learning. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines education as “the action or process of educating or of being educated.” This includes learning about the world from all sources, having an intellectual curiosity and possessing the energy, intellect and desire to be informed about everything that touches one’s life. Education does include, but is not limited to the topics that are covered in school settings, such as the humanities, visual and performing arts, the sciences and mathematics, and business.
The element of “communication” is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a process whereby information is exchanged between individuals through a system of symbols, signs or behavior.” Empirical facts indicate that there is a less than a desired amount of communication among peoples in our country. This includes a lack of communication between and among the races, classes and casts. The members of the LOSQ are of the opinion that increased communication between and among these groups is essential for the advancement of all people.
The third element of the LOSQ’s purpose is “rational thought.” This refers to the ability to think and react based primarily on facts versus emotions. This requires a minimum amount of education and the ability to communicate with others. One goal of the LOSQ is to promote intelligent and humanitarian thought that will assist the development of the entire community.
To participate
- The LOSQ will conduct its 5th annual Celebration of African-American Life in Washtenaw County on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Perry Child Development Center, 550 Perry St., Ypsilanti. This is an event during Black History Month that focuses primarily on local African-American individuals and organizations.
While the LOSQ was started to address minority issues in general, its primary -- but not its exclusive purpose -- is to address the plight of the descendants of African-American slavery in the United States.
Our country was founded with a significant number of black slaves who contributed to the economic growth of the United States. When most African-Americans were freed by the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States in 1865, they continued to add to the economic growth, power and prestige of America; however, full citizenship did not come with their newly pronounced liberty. After the Civil War until today, African-Americans have not attained the attributes of full citizenship. The “Badges of Slavery” remain as a significant reason for our second-class status.
It is the LOSQ’s position that the institutional social and economic condition of the descendants of American slavery will not begin to improve in any significant manner until the community attitudes of America changes to accept the premise that all of its citizens are entitled to realize the same hopes and dreams that our country professes to endorse.
It is this writer’s belief that only an infinitesimal amount of Americans -- black, white and other -- truly believe that Americans of African descent are equal in every aspect to other groups and have the capacity and right to share fully in the American dream. It is the goal of the LOSQ to address these issues of inequality primarily through education and the other four components of its purpose.
Raymond G. Mullins, of Ypsilanti, is president and founder of the The Loyal Opposition to the Status Quo Inc. He is an attorney in private practice.
Comments
accountability
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.
Being a positive role model ie. parent...priceless. Teaching our kids moral and ethical responsibility.....priceless. Making sure our kids get to school and stay in school...priceless. Helping our kids achieve success...priceless. Success isn't just measured in dollars and cents! Teachers spending countless hours for our kids...priceless. Kids have these things at their fingertips today!!!! Kids of all races can be given these tools...its priceless! Let's lead by example and show ALL kids that their life can be a success! ITS PRICELESS!!!!!!
shepard145
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 4:45 a.m.
As long as people like this refuse to see themselves as Americans first and insist their identity is derived from the color of their skin, many will be doomed to failure and never see the opportunity before them. Success has no skin color and everything else is a dead end.
Rocket J. Squirrel
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 3:24 a.m.
Was whine served with that cheese?
bornblu
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
While I am not involved with, nor ever have been, with the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, I would refer Mr. Mullins and the members of LOSQ to the mission statements. "Act as a catalyst for personal and social change through the empowerment of people with disabilities; and, to replace the perception of disability as tragic with a disability culture of promoting pride, power, and personal style". "To assure the equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities within our community". These individuals of all ages, color, faith, family structure, background, and education do not seem to have the "woe is me" or "blame of past/others" attitude, but pursue individually, and as an organization, what they are "entitled to". While they demand, and pursue equality, through litigation if necessary, they also ask for no more than to be allowed to be a responsible person within the community, regardless of their disability. IMHO I feel that the LOSQ could learn much from the AACIL.
Leftjay
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.
And how does that differ than LOSQ's stated mission of improving African American community through education? How is that woe is me? It's really funny that most of the comments do not talk about his desire to improve under-preforming schools, but focus with relish on making broad generalizations about what the Black "needs to do". Isn't he trying to do something positive?
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:46 p.m.
Anecdotes are not data. You can use an anecdote to disprove an absolute, such as 'all white people are richer than all black people,' but nobody has much any claims. White privilege and male privilege are demonstrated (very strongly) by differences across populations, you can't use outliers to disprove privilege. America is NOT a land of equal opportunity by any metric, no matter how hard you pretend it is.
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
Ivor - don't worry, I don't say these things for posterity or in the vain hope of changing these guys minds. I say these things for the benefit of everybody on the fence, and everybody willing to learn more. It's important to challenge arguments that come from a position of ignorance, and to expose them for that.
Ivor Ivorsen
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
Peter, If it is any consolation, I get what you are saying. Save your breath.
Leftjay
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
Lol Another one sentence response. You win.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
You have got to be kidding me....right?
Leftjay
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
What are you not agreeing about? What is gibberish? I commented on AA.com because I believe it's readers are able to participate in reasonable dialogue. Is that possible, or the supporters of folks like Mr. Mullins, and his detractors always meant to not disagree? What again about Mr Mullins plans do you disagree with? He never really gave specifics, so is his desire to help improve African- American communities offensive to you? Please give a long explanation than a sentence.
Pickforddick
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
Sorry, I do not agree with writings from that source.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
Gibberish
Leftjay
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
I agree with Peter. Congrats to all have exceeded despite the odds- you earned everything you have and deserve to be recognized for it. However, please understand you are outliers. There are also negative outliers in affluent communities too, where a kid failed despite having two-parent household, great schools etc. so yes there are exceptions to the norm. If you look at data, it will show that the odds of growing up with better resources will likely mean you that you are going to have a better quality of life than the "have-nots". By the way, what in the article is the author saying that is so wrong? Is attempting to improve the lives of African Americans through education sucha silly thought ? Also his organization is a non-profit, so the people who donate will obviously share his goals and beliefs. Here is someone "from their own community for once" as many folks like to say, who is trying to make a difference. The dude is a private attorney and could probably live a comfortable life while having a "sucks to be you" attitude towards other African Americans, yet he wants to help. Some of my beloved A2 brethren need to stop being haters and start being participators! :)
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
What do you disagree with and why?
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
Retoric from the left means nothing
Pickforddick
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.
I strongly disagree
jjc155
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:12 p.m.
1. intact family-I came from a single parent family before it was "cool" to blame that. 2. adequate housing-I was homeless for alittle over 3 years, when I was very young. 3.excellent k-12 education (Dexter, Saline, AA or similar)-Went to public school in detroit and dearborn. 4.regular access to health/dental care-have had medical insurance for about 1/2 of my life 5.post-secondary education-i did go to and graduate from college 6. the means to pay for post-secondary education.-I worked my way through college, no help from parents, loans or .gov 7. family capital, or the ability to borrow or ask for $ from relatives when needed.-wouldnt ask for money as most of my family is worse off than me. 8. safe neighborhood.-saw a person get beat to death in the street in front of my house when I was about 12years old. 9. reliable transportation (decent family car).-we did have a car, actually lived in for 3 years (see above housing) 10. educated parents.-mother has nursing degree 11. membership in dominant ethnicity.-I am white, but according to most I am an anomoly that worked from next to nothing to from birth to being a college educated, home owning, stable family having, job having person. Remember America is the land of equal OPPORTUNITY not the land of equal OUTCOME (nor should it be).
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.
Congratulations on overcoming numerous obstacles in your life. Continued good luck to you in the future. If you have the time and desire, and if you haven't done so already, please consider serving as a mentor to a child who could use some direction and hope in their life.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.
Great explanation and congratulations on being a True American.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Guess you are not allowed to disagee
Pickforddick
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.
Thank You Black Stallion, That is exactly what is wrong in this country and you hit the nail on the head, time for "ALL Americans" to change this and make this a better America for all.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
It all starts with "The Family" we have many Americans who do not believe in "The Family" they want to have babies out of wedlock and the fathers do not help support those children but expect the rest of society to take care of them. This is what needs to change in this country if we want all Americans to prosper. This can happen if individuals take responsibility for their actions but not until that time. This is going on throughout all races and needs to be addressed.
Ivor Ivorsen
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
Average American here, having a hard time understanding this whole "why don't they make themselves rich already!" strain of commentary. Let's be honest, how many of "us" got to where we are today without a good number of the following advantages when we were young: 1. intact family 2. adequate housing 3.excellent k-12 education (Dexter, Saline, AA or similar) 4.regular access to health/dental care 5.post-secondary education 6. the means to pay for post-secondary education. 7. family capital, or the ability to borrow or ask for $ from relatives when needed. 8. safe neighborhood. 9. reliable transportation (decent family car). 10. educated parents. 11. membership in dominant ethnicity. These advantages were just "there" for many of us. We didn't earn them, we didn't start from nothing. I have feeling a lot of the commentators here have created personal mythologies that probably don't square with the reality of their own upbringings. My point is simply this, the history of this nation has left us with millions of Americans who simply do not have the same starting point as other Americans. Look at the list above--subtract any four or five and you a recipe for endemic poverty and inequality.
genetracy
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 2:46 a.m.
Well Ivor, nowhere did I mention anything about race, because welfare in this country is abused by every race. Welfare abuse produces the same results no mater who abuses the system. I heard the same analogy about money wasted on the space program back in the 60's. If what you said about the current space program now and how Rubio is trying to keep it running, well, it is call pork barrel politics, something EVERY congressman/woman is guilty of. Finally, you offer no solution to the current welfare morass other than "let's throw more money at it". What has our current president proposed?
Ivor Ivorsen
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Genetracy, Its sounds like we're getting back to Reagan's favorite cliche: the army of "welfare queens"--the amoral "inner -city" women who supposedly produce astonishing numbers of fatherless children just so they collect more and more government hand-outs. Welfare is a funny thing though. Recently the U.S. space shuttle program ended after nearly three decades, threatening the jobs of thousands of skilled technicians in Florida. The solution for these workers? Find a private-sector job in another state? No, its get your congressional delegation, including ulta-conservative senator Marco Rubio, to lobby for billions more of tax payer money to fund another spaceship to launch small groups of people into low-earth orbit for unclear reasons. Somebody has yet to explain to me what our billions of $ bought us in the last 30 years of manned space shuttle flights, and I have yet to read a rational explanation of such continued expenditures, other than to keep those technicians (and potential Rubio supporters) employed. On the other hand, the results of a few thousand dollars of dreaded, amoral "welfare," or other government subsidy, can be observed in a clean, well-lit classroom with Wifi and new computers (not to mention a highly-trained, well compensated educator) very near to our own homes, here on Earth!
genetracy
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
Well Ivor, this nation is on the fourth generation of welfare recipients and there is not end in sight. How can any type of family structure survive if a woman is given financial incentives (welfare) to have an unlimited number of out of wedlock children and never have to work a day in her life? The kids are behind the curve before they are born. I am no bible thumper but in my career, I have witnessed the carnage first hand. I do not know who can create a successful family structure. The government cannot. Every social service agency in the world cannot. Schools cannot. I feel the only hope has to begin with the individual. Blaming society is beyond cliche.
pest
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
1 - I had intact family 2 - I had adequate housing (nothing fancy but it was a roof over our heads) 3 - good (not excellent) education 4 - yes, had healthcare 5 - no post-secondary education. couldn't afford it 6 - see above 7 - family still struggles daily and I help support my parents when I can. No extra money in the family 8 - safe neighborhood 9 - reliable transportation (but cheap and had to purchase myself from my job when I was a teenager) 10 - one parent educated, one not 11 - yes. I'm white What I have - I earned myself.
Ivor Ivorsen
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:58 p.m.
"No intact family? Whose fault is that?" Children can choose their parents? Now that's taking the boot-straps thing to a whole new level! I think perhaps you missed the point. There are advantages that many of us enjoyed as children but did not earn or request. These advantages moved a good number of us ahead in many respects--we had access to good schools, help when needed, and access to capital when necessary (pay for education, car for work). Many of our parents were educated and part of work/social networks that provided opportunities and acculturated us to certain behavioral norms We weren't rich, but we came from good middle income homes. For the boot-strappers out there, can any of you describe a plausible scenario that has a person "working their way through" a four year degree at a competitive college or university? A $80,000-year part-time job?
Pickforddick
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
Great post genetracy Great
genetracy
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
Everything you list is something the federal government has tried to legislate into existence but failed miserably. 1. No intact family? Whose fault is that? 2. There is government housing (HUD) and the projects are havens for crime and drugs. 3. Public shoools are available for everyone. Pouring more money into public schools has not improved schools and student performance one bit. 4. Great idea, who pays for it? 5. Free college. Succeed in grades 1-12 first. 6. Become eduacated first, get a job, and you will have a means to pay for it. 7. Great idea. Peolpe need to save more and spend less on frivolous items. 8. More police? Great idea. How do we (the taxpayers)pay for them? 9. Free cars to everyone? Use public transportation until you can afford one. 10. A parent can only become eduacated if they spend they formative years working hard and succeeding in school. 11. Good one. The Chinese, Indians(from India), and Pakistanis are minorities and dominatied the fields of medicine, engineering, and science in this country. How did this happen? They take eduation very seriously.
genetracy
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
Who is this country does not want want to see blacks advance and succeed? With that said, I am white and went to integrated public schools since kindergarten. The thing I have noticed about some blacks since my early days is how they vilify anyone of their own who tries to well in school ("talking white" comes to mind) and succeed academically. I have since more than one inteligent black fall to wayside, not because of white racism, but because he fell into the culture of not "selling out" or worse yet "being an Uncle Tom". This attitude continues to this day and success in the black community should be defined by more that just athletic prowess and entertainment.
KeepingItReal
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
Its interesting that Mullins would identify the "Fourth Element of the LOSQ platform as LEADERSHIP. Take a look at the leadership status of the NAACP in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. Its laughable. Yet, these two communities continue to subject themselves to this clown show. No one respects it. When your leadership begin to show some leadership, then maybe you can point to it as a key element in your community.
Pickforddick
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
That is what I call kepingitreal......good job
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
That's a pretty ambiguous and non-sensical string of words for being a specific objection.
KeepingItReal
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
Laura's Child. Notice. All big pronouncement and bluster but nor follow through. Typical of black leadership to come out and play on the emotional heartstring of the community but there is no follow through on serious matters. It doesn't matter whether its the LOSQ, NACCP-Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor, they are more like a hot air ballon. Let the air out and they will fade away.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:01 p.m.
Work on making life better for all Americans and stop arguing for "Pete's" sake
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
What are your specific objections to the NCAAP leadership in Ypsi and Ann Arbor?
Kristen Cuhran
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:30 p.m.
For those interested in these issues, I urge you to come out to next week's Fair Housing Book Group reading of The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. Fair Housing Center Book Group, Ann Arbor Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 12-1 pm, brown bag lunch The Ann Arbor FHC Book Group meets every two months in the AnnArbor.com Community Space, 301 East Liberty St., First Floor. The space is handicap accessible. Books can be purchased locally at Nicola's Books in Westgate Shopping Mall for 15% off (you must mention the Fair Housing Center Book Group), online using goodshop.com (for books and e-books- you will get a coupon for your book plus you can designate a nonprofit to receive a percentage of your purchase), or found at your local library. <a href="http://www.fhcmichigan.org" rel='nofollow'>www.fhcmichigan.org</a>
Pickforddick
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.
@TheBlackStallion, Very well said Stallion, when are we going to all start acting like Americans and get over this racial stuff? Start looking forward people instead of backward. Some of the comments on here are disgusting and have nothing to do with making America better and Americans better. Wise up people.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4 p.m.
Diana, May I suggest that you put forth the effort to help Americans, by that I mean all Americans and stop trying to pit different races against each other, we are all "Americans" and we should be striving to make life better for all of us, even the privileged ones such as yourself. I say this in a kind way because I am tired of everyone trying to divide us.
vaseline
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.
The true problem is not race, but economic disparity. Those with more money, regardless of race, have children that do better.
Laura's Child
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
Reluctantly and due to various circumstances, The LOSQ is cancelling the 5th Annual Celebration of African-American Life in Washtenaw County. We will begin planning for the 2013 celebration soon. Thanks. Raymond G. Mullins President
accountability
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
My parents always told me when I was younger that "God helps those who help themselves". I tell my own kids the same thing today. I hold myself accountable for my success and my kids have to also be accountable for their successes. I HATE the blame game. It will get us nowhere!!!!! Enough already!!!! If people continue to blame others for where they are today then it can probably be concluded that they WILL NEVER go anywhere. If people choose to play the victim then they will stay a victim and that is an unhealthy way to live. People who play the race card really only hurt their race in my opinion. We each need to take responsibility for ourselves...we have choices! We all have opportunity to succeed but in order to take advantage of an opportunity we have to be willing to work hard!
towny
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
Maybe because the average american is dumb,deaf, blind and stupid.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
Very well stated......Why can't the average "American" understand this?
RUKiddingMe
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.
"The forth element?"
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
@DBH. Nice quotes. Too bad that one is 34 years old, and the other is close to 100 years old. Hey, here's a newer quote for you, from November 2008: "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer" ... ... ... "It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America." So, you're all set. Obama said so after he was elected.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
I agree with you EyeHeartA2 100% some people are never satisfied and want everything for free.
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Your Obama quotes are good, and I agree with them. I have no quarrel with what I see as the fact that an election of a president whose father was black is a defining moment in American history and its politics. I see that progress has been made and, as such, it makes it easier to keep the dream alive that equality in America is possible. That, however, does not mean that equality has arrived. When your goal is 100, moving from 1 to 10 is progress; it's not 100, though.
A2James
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
Not to discount the plight or contributions of non-whites in our country, but the Irish, Italians, etc. were treated almost as bad, and made comparable contributions to building the infrastructure to our country, as sources of cheap unskilled labor. And back then, we didn't have the welfare safety nets (food stamps, subsidized housing, etc) for most poor people as we do now. Nowadays, everybody has an opportunity to better themselves, with much more opportunities than back then. If you choose to be self-entitled and expect things to be handed to you for minimal or no effort, then you are not going to succeed, no matter what race or gender you are. Booker T. Washington said it best: "Success isn't defined by one's position in life...it is defined by what one had to go through in order to get to where they are..."
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
A2James, with your expanded explanation/clarification, I have a better understanding of your viewpoint. Thanks.
A2James
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
Diana: Again, the point of my post was that POOR people, not just African-Americans, contributed largely to the building of infrastructure in the country. It's OK, your knee-jerk response doesn't offend me, or even surprise me...
A2James
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
DBH: absolutely not. Slavery is different than indentured servitude or simply being poor, and I in no way meant to marginalize it. The author of the article was talking about the use of slaves to build infrastructure, and I was just stating that poor whites were also used for that. A lot of them were poor Irish who were shipped here by the British government, via Canada in the mid 1800's.
hifromdiana
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:33 p.m.
A2James, that comparison is just offensive. My grandparents were Hungarian and Russian immigrants, and they certainly had their share of obstacles here. But I would never even dream of comparing their struggles to slavery. You have got to be kidding me!
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:56 p.m.
You're comparing slavery to the historical ethnic disparagement of the "...Irish, Italians, etc."? Hardly.
OldGerman
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
My Dear Concerned-Community, can anyone explain why did Governor Snyder pick a white judge to fill the bench when the courts are already racially imbalance with white male judges and do not show a diverse reflection of the community, a community that he's from? ...I would suggest that its time for people to stop looking in the mirror and look around themselve and observe reality. Just maybe, you will see we still have a lot to do if we want to advance humanity and ourselves...
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:44 p.m.
An actual step to address inequalities inherent in our system is for white males to acknowledge the privilege that we have, as opposed to blaming minorities (and here I'm using minority to mean a group of people with a minority of power, not population) for their position, a position that white men put them in through a thousand years of oppression and persecution or more. It's okay - we can acknowledge it without blaming ourselves personally. Being a white man doesn't mean we're bad, but it does mean we have benefited from bad things whether we accept that or not.
Davidian
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
Tell that to the hillfolk living in shacks in Appalachia. White guilt is absurd as it is false. Speak for yourself. Some of us come from nothing.
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
I'm sure you have a well-reasoned and nuanced rationale for your disagreement, TBS3.
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.
I agree with this. Well put.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
I do not agree with this mentality
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
This article brings two quotes to mind: "We should have learnt by now that laws and court decisions can only point the way. They can establish criteria of right and wrong. And they can provide a basis for rooting out the evils of bigotry and racism. But they cannot wipe away centuries of oppression and injustice—however much we might desire it." - Hubert H. Humphrey (1911–1978), U.S. Democratic politician, vice president. "A liberation struggle is like a struggle against dirt. No matter what type of bath you take ... in three weeks you'll smell like you've never seen a bathtub. What we don't understand about a liberation struggle is you never win it, any more than you "win" clean dishes. As soon as you eat on them, the dishes are dirty again." - Florynce R. Kennedy (b. 1916), African American lawyer, activist, speaker, and author.
trespass
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.
The LOSQ is not about asking for handouts from government but its purpose is to make opportunities to enrich the education of primarily black students in under performing schools. It takes voluntary contributions to do its work. It is still a small organization that is hoping to grow and be able to organize significant projects. Thus, I don't understand all of the negative comments. Mr. Mullins is just trying to make the readers aware that many forms of slavery such as indebted service or forced convict labor existed long after official slavery ended. This was also the purpose of a recent PBS documentary. White flight to the suburbs also weakened urban schools. We are less than two generations from the civil rights movement and there are still entrenched social problems that will take not only time but effort to overcome. The LOSQ is one of those efforts. I think the community should support such efforts and not deride Mr. Mullins for trying to tell you that there is still a need for such efforts in the Black community.
hifromdiana
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
The "boot straps" mentality in the comments so far is appalling. There are undeniable structural inequalities that have created huge disparities in economic stability, education and health outcomes for racial minorities. It is MY job, as a person afforded a great amount of privilege because I'm white, to do what I can to change those structural inequalities. Raymond and the LOSQ, I support you.
shepard145
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 4:50 a.m.
...and the excuses for bad behavior and squandered opportunities TODAY flow like wine.... ...and regardless of the unemployment rate in the black community, you will vote for obama again?? LOL
mavfunn
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
"It is MY job, as a person afforded a great amount of privilege because I'm white, to do what I can to change those structural inequalities." Is this privilege a function of your skin color or your income? Are the structural inequalities that plague our current system a function of one's skin color, or one's socioeconomic status. I would argue although the former occurred in the past, what occurs now, and what is the real crux of social inequality of people regardless of their race relates to poverty first and foremost.
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
Why do think that that insults your intelligence?
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
Oh My God....Please don't insult my intellegence
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:39 p.m.
She already did, and you two clearly ignored it. Here it is again: <a href="http://nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdf</a>
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
That should be very interesting accountability !
accountability
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
Diana, will you please explain what "great amount of privilege" you were afforded because you are a white person?
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
Criticism not well taken I see
hifromdiana
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
Black Stallion, DBH did a pretty good job of reading my mind. I have been afforded privilege because I am white. I don't have time to go into all of the reasons why, but luckily, there's a classic essay on this readily available that I'd encourage you to read: <a href="http://nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdf</a>.
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
Stallion, I am not a mind reader, I don't know what Ms. Parrish feels. However, based on her comment and your reply, it seems as if you have it backwards. My reading of her comment tells me (and I could be wrong, of course - see mind reader disclaimer above) that she does not feel privileged to be white, she feels she has a great amount of privilege BECAUSE she is white. She might feel privileged to be white (as you stated), but that cannot be inferred from her comment.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:44 p.m.
@DBH.............is that why she feels privileged to be white?
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
Stallion, Ms. Parrish obviously can speak/write for herself. Pending a reply from her, this might get at what she meant by the "boot straps" mentality: "It's all right to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps, but it is a cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps." - Martin Luther King, Jr., civil-rights leader (1929-1968)
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
Please explain "Boot straps" Mentality
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:27 p.m.
Sorry......I do not agree and am entitled to my opinion.....wouldn't you agree?
towny
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
Tried of hearing about this. Younger generation does not hold the same beliefs of older generations. Look at all of the bi-racial couples and marriages today. I agree with earlier post only time this is thought of when this is brought up. There are to many african americans that started with nothing and have achieved success. Time to move on. Please.
towny
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
Sorry, meant to say look at all the african americans that have started with nothing and have achieved success.
David Briegel
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
And according to the AnnArbor.com Curmudgeon Club the only racism that exists is against the poor, persecuted, downtrodden, oppressed and discriminated against majority white man!
glimmertwin
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
I can't speak for everyone, but the only time I ever even think about anyone being different from myself, racially that is, is when I hear about nonsense like this.
DBH
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
If you are a minority, I am happy for you. If you are not, your comment makes total sense.
towny
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:09 p.m.
I agree totally.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
I agree, seems like some individuals like to cause more problems than they ever thought of solving.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
Guess you are not allowed to disagee. What a pile of crap this "paper" has become.
towny
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
I agree. A2.com does remove statements that do not agree with there core values.
The Black Stallion3
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
You are only allowed to agree, not to disagree, so it seems.
Davidian
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.
Instead of looking for someone or some entity to address issues of inequality, the black community should look in the mirror first. Change comes from within. Exactly 70 years ago, the US government was putting Japanese Americans in concentration camps. There was a race war being waged across the Pacific with all the trappings of government propaganda. Yet one never hears about Japanese-American inequality today. There is entrenched poverty and we as a society need to address that. But the racial blame game needs to stop. It's old, tired, and an excuse for bad behavior and personal failure.
shepard145
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 4:48 a.m.
This post has a valid point and the deniers are doing nobody any favors offering sympathy to the 300 year old man argument. MLK had it right - too bad more folks love the day off and run their mouths but could not state one of his dreams if their futures depended on it!!
Davidian
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
@genetracy: not revising history. I had this in mind: <a href="http://bss.sfsu.edu/internment/posters.html" rel='nofollow'>http://bss.sfsu.edu/internment/posters.html</a> I hold the Japanese fully responsible for their actions in WWII and I support the atomic bombing. But those were Japanese...not Japanese-Americans. And yet we put Americans in concentration camps. @Ivor: Time to pull up the bootstraps.
genetracy
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.
As for the "race war" in the Pacific during WWII, (a war he Japanese started I may add). The Japanese started their expansion in the far east because they felt only they were superior and destined to rule that part of the world. They considered themselves racially superior to the Chinese, Koreans, and Philippinos, and yes the Caucasions. Judging how the treated the Chinese (Nanking comes to mind) and allied prisoners of war, Japanese racism would make the most ardent German Nazi blanch. I see more and more of this revisionist history coming out that somehow the big and mean American racists started the war against the poor docile Japanese.
Ivor Ivorsen
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
Davidian, Comparing the historical experiences of Japanese-Americans and African-Americans is just silly. Where do I start? That hundreds of thousands of Africans were brought against their will to the British colonies and enslaved? That millions of their descendents would toil in bondage for nearly 250 years, only to be released into a harsh system of segregation and second-class citizenship that would last another hundred? The legacies of these great historical injustices are still unfolding around us in the 21st century. The Japanese arrived in relatively small numbers as farmers and businessmen on the west coast in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, only to have their dreams of success stopped cold by white racism and envy. Interestingly, several prominent conservative commentators, most notably Michelle Malkin, have recently defended the internment of Japanese-Americans during WW II. "bad behavior and personal failure" is an amazing phrase that demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the rich and complex history of our nation.
pest
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
It is my belief that there is only one person who can hold a person back - ones' self. Achievement, pride, success, values is not a racial issue - it is a personal issue. I do not owe anyone anything due to the past nor do they owe me.