Why is it so hard for White people to admit that they have an advantage in this country?

by Administrator Posted 2008/08/05 20:21:27

13 votes
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	They don't have an advantage.	7 votes	54%
	They're in denial.	2 votes	15%
	They should its their country.	2 votes	15%
	Undecided	0 votes	0%
	None of the above	2 votes	15%

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Legion™ 2009/09/28 04:48:00

They're in denial.

+7
Denial of history and frustration that it's so much less of a default truth than it was in years past.
>> See Replies

jams 2009/09/28 07:27:25

They should its their country.

It's not that we have an advantage. It's our country. We are happy to set up a place where so many can enjoy the fruits of their own labors and raise their families in peace.

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Legion™ 2009/09/28 04:48:00

They're in denial.

+7
Denial of history and frustration that it's so much less of a default truth than it was in years past.

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jon 2009/09/24 12:28:38

They don't have an advantage.

Let me tell you about my dad.

Right now he has his MD in Anesthesiology and a BS in Nursing. He paid for it all himself. While attending college they started the draft. After review they noticed that it was primarily blacks and hispanics that wound up being drafted because they came from a poor background and many of them were uneducated for whatever reason, some had sick folks back home (some white people did too), some were lazy (as were many white folks) but for whatever reason they were a majority due to the draft system taking those who contributed less to society. Students, married couples, and injured were exempt. Historically, minorities have always had a higher single parent, uneducated background. There was initial discrimination after the civil war, drug culture, a whole slew of things that kept many from achieving what they had the potential for. Which made them the primary candidates for the draft.

Then the draft committee decided they needed more white people in the military and the education committee more black people in medical school. Draft was restructured so school status didn't matter and they set aside specifically 20 slots per school for only minorities. So it was possible that one white guy who missed the score for medical school on his MCAT had actua...

Let me tell you about my dad.

Right now he has his MD in Anesthesiology and a BS in Nursing. He paid for it all himself. While attending college they started the draft. After review they noticed that it was primarily blacks and hispanics that wound up being drafted because they came from a poor background and many of them were uneducated for whatever reason, some had sick folks back home (some white people did too), some were lazy (as were many white folks) but for whatever reason they were a majority due to the draft system taking those who contributed less to society. Students, married couples, and injured were exempt. Historically, minorities have always had a higher single parent, uneducated background. There was initial discrimination after the civil war, drug culture, a whole slew of things that kept many from achieving what they had the potential for. Which made them the primary candidates for the draft.

Then the draft committee decided they needed more white people in the military and the education committee more black people in medical school. Draft was restructured so school status didn't matter and they set aside specifically 20 slots per school for only minorities. So it was possible that one white guy who missed the score for medical school on his MCAT had actually done better than the best minority (although highly unlikely). It also spread racism and animosity towards minorities in medical schools since they may have been accepted simply because of the color of their skin over the test score of some other white guy who had studied his ass off and spent a lot of money to try to get into his profession.

Short story, the draft missed my dad by a month and he made it into medical school. He worked three jobs to pay for it by himself, no golden spoon. He has put me on the same course and I thank him for it. It's much more satisfying when you succeed on your own ability.

As minorities, there is no way to fail in America. There are student loans, assistance, scholarships, and rates that are provided specifically to minorities to help move them up in life. But many don't take the opportunity to grab their bootstraps and haul their asses up just like many of us so called "privileged" white folks. So start pulling if you haven't already, and quit complaining, it's twice as hard for me as a white male it is for minorities (which was told to me by a single parent Philipino study buddy).
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Disko P... to jon 2009/09/28 05:20:38

+1
" it's twice as hard for me as a white male it is for minorities"

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jon to Disko P... 2009/09/28 05:35:15 (edited)

+1
Read the parentheses. It blew me out of the water when he said it too.

(which was told to me by a single parent Philipino study buddy)

ETA: Note it was in reference to school aid and entrance into the program. They look specifically for minorities and women to fill most programs, but for diversity they look for men in the nursing program. Here is what he had going for him:

States diversify towards minorities, he's Philipino.

States diversify towards gender, he was a male student applying for the nursing program.

He's a veteran.

He's a single parent.

Add all the above in and he has his program admission, financial aid, and free childcare if he needs it. How is that creating disadvantage?

My turn:
http://gullyborg.typepad.com/...

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Disko P... to jon 2009/09/28 05:40:14

Well, no one knows how hard a life white men have than single-parent filipinos.

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jon to Disko P... 2009/09/28 05:45:23

Considering I just added an edit while you replied, I will post it again down here.

ETA: Note it was in reference to school aid and entrance into the program. They look specifically for minorities and women to fill most programs, but for diversity they look for men in the nursing program. Here is what he had going for him:

States diversify towards minorities, he's Philipino.

States diversify towards gender, he was a male student applying for the nursing program.

He's a veteran.

He's a single parent.

Add all the above in and he has his program admission, financial aid, and free childcare if he needs it. How is that creating disadvantage?

My turn:
http://gullyborg.typepad.com/...

And, yes, he knows me. He's a very good friend.

White male, dad makes enough that FAFSA won't provide financial aid, single, straight civilian, no children [that I know of ;) ]. I got where I am on my academic record and blood and tears. In the predominantly white northern half of the US, we do tend to be overlooked since we come a dime a dozen (If it's the state anyway)

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RedRockNv 2009/04/24 13:01:25

They don't have an advantage.

+1
Particularily white males. We are the only class it is legal to discriminate against. I have gone looking for many jobs only to be told "We only hire women and minorities." In our local employment office out of a hundred people only one is a white male. I have been in offices where security was called on me because I was a white male applying for a job. I have been putting up with this my whole working life and I am sick of it. Discrimination is discrimination. When you discriminate against the bread winner in a family you discriminate against the wife and children as well. It is time to end discrimination against white males in the US.

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NamelessGenXer 2008/08/06 21:26:14

None of the above

+2
I hereby admit it:

I am a white American, third-generation from Italian and Irish immigrants of the great wave - none of my 4 grandparents set foot in America before 1910.

I know, without shadow of a doubt, that I have an advantage over people of color, whose families have been in America a helluva lot longer than mine.

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sxybrwn... to Nameles... 2009/05/28 02:30:38

Thank you for your post. I thank you for your honesty.

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Sister Jean 2008/08/06 16:12:00

They don't have an advantage.

+1
I thought I heard of a quota system,where many whites with credentials did not get the job

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RedRockNv to Sister ... 2009/05/02 02:55:03

All to often yes. Been there many times.

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Weeda 2008/08/06 00:29:31

None of the above

+1
Probably because it is sooo not true!! I just don't know what else to answer to these ridiculous questions. My opinion so do not start with the downraving and blocking! Why can't 'some'people try and see that there is more equality than ever these days? Why can't it be that we ALL start looking for what is right and stop breeding hatred on all sides? I am soo tired and saddened by all of this "racist this and racist that" that I could scream! I have been around for a while now, and I encounter all kinds of people every day. People of ALL colors and I have never encountered any of this except on this site. Please please stop this maddness! I am white and I love ALL people and I am very dissapointed in the ones that don't.

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/06 16:04:17

I'd never DR someone who disagrees with me. How are we to progress mentally where everyone is in agreement? Also, I don't think that not talking about race will make it go away. It's funny that when you ask a certain group of people about racism, they believe that it's non-existent and when you ask another group, they believe it's alive and well. Who do you believe?

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/07 14:33:32

First of all, I do not downrave nor did I downrave this one. And I never said it was non existent. When I ask questions like the following, I never get a response. Is it possible that when I ask, they can't think of a good answer. And you rally didn't comprehend what I was tryng to say. What do you want me to do? This is to Kayr and Tresors especially. Ok, I am sad over what happened in the past. I wish it never happened but it did. Do you see that I want to be in harmony with all races? I think I have made that clear. PLEASE tell me what should I do to make it better!! Talk and talk and talk about it? And PLEASE tell me examples (there must be a lot to some??) of racism being alive and well today? I see people of all races, nationalities in many many jobs across the country, I hardly ever hear about someone not getting hired because of their race. And how would you be able to tell anyway? I see all people, regardless of race, being treated very fairly. No, i am not blind and I see also of what goes on. I also see a lot of hatred toward white america . Hating anyone because of their race is wrong. Period. Please someone give me a decent answer, What else do you want us to do???? March in the streets? Please give me some decent and PROVEN facts about racism being so rampant. Ag...'

First of all, I do not downrave nor did I downrave this one. And I never said it was non existent. When I ask questions like the following, I never get a response. Is it possible that when I ask, they can't think of a good answer. And you rally didn't comprehend what I was tryng to say. What do you want me to do? This is to Kayr and Tresors especially. Ok, I am sad over what happened in the past. I wish it never happened but it did. Do you see that I want to be in harmony with all races? I think I have made that clear. PLEASE tell me what should I do to make it better!! Talk and talk and talk about it? And PLEASE tell me examples (there must be a lot to some??) of racism being alive and well today? I see people of all races, nationalities in many many jobs across the country, I hardly ever hear about someone not getting hired because of their race. And how would you be able to tell anyway? I see all people, regardless of race, being treated very fairly. No, i am not blind and I see also of what goes on. I also see a lot of hatred toward white america . Hating anyone because of their race is wrong. Period. Please someone give me a decent answer, What else do you want us to do???? March in the streets? Please give me some decent and PROVEN facts about racism being so rampant. Again I say, WHY can't we all just get along and try to see the good in things happening?Someone please play this song!
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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/07 15:54:30 (edited)

You sound very young and naive. I didn't say that you WOULD DR me or this post. This is what YOU said: "My opinion so do not start with the downraving and blocking!" Just because people are not burning crosses and riding around with sheets does not mean that racism is dead! You could never understand, unless you were not White. I wasn't asking you to fix it. All I wanted was for you to admit that you have an advantage! It appears that you do not take your thoughts beyond the surface. Ask yourself this, why do non-white people think that racism still exists and White people do not? Then when you get that answer, ask why again. Then, when you get that answer ask why again. Then, when you get that answer ask why again, and so on and so forth. You may surprise yourself. Imagine that the White population is the country was the size of the Black population and that the Black population was the size of the Black population. Imagine that everywhere you see White faces, you now see Black faces and vice versa. Do you think that Black people would have an advantage at that point? If so, you really need rethink your previous posts.

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/07 20:41:06

You know something, I think that probably you need to rethink your posts. And I should have guessed that you would not still answer my question. And I honestly and truly would like an answer to it instead of skirting around it. WHY and HOW do you think that racism is still such an issue? Why can't you just give me some examples like I asked? Who knows, I might need to hear them. How do you know (again examples) that the Black people don't have advantages? I may seem young and naive to you, and you may be right about the naive part. Yes, I would love for people in this country, matter of fact, the world to see how wonderfully things have changed. How people, all people are being treated better thatn they ever were. I LOOK for that, I do NOT look for the negatives. I am proud to have many friends, both black, white, mexican, vietnamese , spanish, etc. All of my friends and I enjoy each other's company immensely. I guess we live in a "naive" world, huh? Would you like to join us for lunch one day? I want you to see that harmony can and does exist!

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/07 20:54:29

Would you please respond to my below post before you block me? I REALLY want you to answer. Again, it could benefit me.

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/07 22:29:46

Block you?! Why would I do that? I have all kinds of friends too, I'm not saying that things can not be harmonious and that I do not strive to create such situations. Since you have friends of other "races" why don't you ask them. I may be making things up. Just ask somebody you trust. I think racism is still and issue because we will not confront it. It's still an issue in the same ways it was 50 years ago. Granted, bars and restaurants do not say "Whites Only", but one to come to that conclusion is some places quite easily. Just ask one of your minority friends. It should be noted that you are proud to have "many friends, both black, white, mexican, vietnamese , spanish, etc.", if this was the norm there would have been no reason to mention it.

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/07 22:37:07

Ok, I am listening but I still am not hearing the answer to my question. And I have asked one of my close friends who is black. And he said basically the same things I have said. He stated that there are too many of his brothers that still live with the idea of racism being so bad. Yet they, and you still have not answered the questions I am asking. Why ? Not trying to sound like a broken record but what things have happened to you or others that are examples of blatant segregation or racism? THAT is what I want to
know. You say ask a minority friend and I have already done that so, your answer and/or facts. Maybe if you can give me some valid happenings, I will help in the fight to eliminate them. Talk to me!

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Weeda to Weeda 2008/08/07 22:38:37

I don't mean examples from years and years ago. We are both talking about now and what you feel it is still happening.

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/07 22:48:14

There is nothing that can be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, to be directly related to racism unless a member of a racist organization is involved.. Perhaps I need you to define racism to better answer your question.

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/07 23:01:22

Ok, so you admit that there is nothing that can be proven? My definition of racism NOw would be , someone obviously denied a job because of their race(regardless of which race) and not their credentials. Someone being discriminated because of their race (regardless of which race). If you go into the store or place of business and it is obvious someone won't wait on you if you are not their race. Someone calling another race improper names and obscenities. I am sure there are other examples but these are just a few that I really don't see that much of. It is really quite amazing and quite hopeful and good to see the number of African Americans in postions of authority and power in all fields. And I probably shouldn't say this but I went into a clothes store I have never been in before to look around and I was not spoken to once nor asked if I needed help. Yet every other person that walked in were heartily greeted with friendliness and warmth and were given the utmost attention yet I was completely ignored, when I looked like I was trying to find something. I don't think I have to tell you much about the situation but I was somewhat dismayed and saddened by it. I walked out with my tail between my legs. If the reverse happens, I would be EQUALLY saddened, It shouldn't happen period. Now there may be an example of racism for you! But truthfully it is really not that horrible out there. Now, your turn.

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/08 00:01:59 (edited)

My turn... Does anything you said deny that there is an advantage in this country for White people?

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/08 11:31:36

Did you really read this? I don't know what else to say to you. You have this mind set that will never go away. It is obvious by the fact that you won't truthfully answer my questions about this. And , what have you said to prove there are advantages for white people? Is it that there are no ways to prove it?

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/08 16:11:50

Why the constant denial? I did answer you question... It can't be proven, just like it can't be proven that you were denied a job or anything because you are a woman. Do you think men have an advantage in this country? If so, why is it so hard to believe that White people do? Do you think being black would give you an advantage in Africa? What about being Mexican in Mexico or Japanese in Japan?

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/09 11:56:12

Not in denial at all my friend. If it can't be proven, then I don't get it. I truly think you are the one in denial. I give!

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/11 15:49:24

Why can't you answer any of my questions?

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/12 12:43:01

I really thought I did but why don't you ask me again? In return, Will you answer mine? On second thought, why don't we just hang this up. As one person, I cannot change the world but I will continue to see the good that IS happening. Also, you asked why is it so hard for white people to admit that they have an advantage, etc... I ask, why is it so hard for black people to admit that they are given advantages, that they are treated equally in a LOT of things in life, like the workplace, in the world in general? "Is this racist?" and Is that racist?" questions are really getting me down. Why can't we just focus on all of the things that are not racist anymore? People will look at something that they "think" is racist when it really isn't and then all hell breaks loose, thus, it being alive and well in your eyes. I really am tired of it.

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/12 16:05:26

QUOTE:

People will look at something that they "think" is racist when it really isn't and then all hell breaks loose, thus, it being alive and well in your eyes.

END QUOTE:

Perception is reality. If I think something is true, it is... to me. You've answered all my questions with a question, which leads me to believe that you have no answer or you're just giving up because I disagreed with you for too long. If I was your boyfriend you'd probably breakup with me... "We don't see eye to eye anymore..." LOL I've haven't been given an advantage anywhere in my life... ever. I've done well for myself, but everyone does not have the support that I've had. Black people are given advantages in the world? Like what? Please tell me something. One thing. I'll be waiting....

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/13 12:09:06

No, not given up because I HAVE answered your questions. But it is obvious by the post above that YOU are the one trying to avoid my questions that you never answered. So don't throw that one on me. To your last question, and this is repeating what I already told you!, black people are treated very equally , i.e., are given the best jobs, are treated with the utmost respect wherever I have seen, are not ridiculed in any way that I have seen, are treated the same (if not better sometimes) as the white people. Now you tell me where you have seen that they are NOT given advantages? And please don't answer me question with a question. I have to go to work now but I have some other things to say when I get home this evening. Have a nice day!

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/13 15:51:21

Do you know what an advantage is? Tall people have an advantage in basketball, people from cold country have an advantage in... snowball fights. People being treated equally and someone having an advantage are two different things. Men and women are treated equally, I see women being treated nicely all the time, sometimes even better than men. However, men have an advantage in this country.

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/14 00:45:55

I don't get what you are saying. How is this relevant to our discussion? Not trying to be offensive but what are you trying to say here?

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Corinne [Ninja]™ 2008/08/05 22:48:53

They're in denial.

+2
They think that segregation is completely gone and everyone is equal. The truth is that segregation only ended about 50 years ago and it takes times to get over these kind of things.

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Weeda to Corinne... 2008/08/06 00:33:32

+1
Corrine, could you please give me some examples of segregation in these days and times??? I really don't ever remember it. I am 50 and I have always been friends with every race color and creed. I have rarely witnessed segregation and no, I have not been in a hole. Perhaps if I had wanted to see it, it would have been there. Maybe you are looking to hard. No offense.

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Corinne... to Weeda 2008/08/06 00:36:58

+2
none taken. All I can say is that some people have a hard time getting past it. I did not mean all people, just some. My grandma still says racist things about people, but she is 85 and it is hard to change when you are set in your ways. I just think that some people are set in their ways and are probably not going to change.

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Adminis... to Weeda 2008/08/06 16:04:21

How about a neighborhood. Although not necessarily enforced by the HOA or current residents. Ummm... A lunch room, playground, schools, etc. It's segregation "within" these days. Under the same roof, yet separate.

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Weeda to Adminis... 2008/08/07 20:58:01

In what way are these above example racist? Any facts you can share about segregation in these examples? I have neighbors of all shapes, colors, sizes, backgrounds and I don't see anyone calling my neighborhood being segregated. I am really not trying to be difficult. I am just trying to see what you are seeing. Help me out.

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Weeda to Corinne... 2008/08/07 22:40:04

+1
What could I do to help you get over these things and focus on the positive things going on? I promise I am not being sarcastic. I really want to know.

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Corinne... to Weeda 2008/08/07 22:54:59

I am really not focused on racial differences, I just have observed some differences in society.

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