Woman Vows to Only Shop at Black-Owned Stores

[proud2BlibKansan]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- We all have New Year’s resolutions. Ultimately they all involve changing some habit into positive behavior. But one local woman’s goal benefits an entire community.

"I've made a commitment to shop only black-owned businesses for an entire year," said Lora McDonald.

As a social worker, McDonald found she was earning a living off working with blacks and wanted to find a way to put some of that money back into the black community. She decided to patronize only black-owned businesses for an entire year.

In two months McDonald has struggled with singling out those stores to meet all of her needs. She has, however, found the only black-owned grocery store in Kansas City - Leon’s Thriftway.

“Their service is incredible, like I never carry my own groceries to my car," said McDonald.

more . . . http://www.nbcactionnews.com/mostpopular/story/Woman-Vows-to-Only-Shop-at-Black-Owned-Stores/iIPO-DBzu0-0hEA_9SJHwQ.cspx

[babylonsister]

1. Now why would someone unrec this?? Rec'd, and good for her-

she's being proactive.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[skyounkin]

139. I have to disagree completely

this is not a rich rule the roost site and by making it donors only would make it just that.

Just rec the story up and leave the trolls to suffer reading storys they hate.

[Name removed]

128. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bkozumplik]

135. theres rascist assholes on both sides of that debate

Because of that, I just dont ever feel like dealing with it.

[Vincent441]

177. If she is doing a service for blacks and they are paying her aren't

they even?

[Name removed]

195. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[marmar]

2. I think the un-rec'er unrecced without reading this story.....Good for Ms. McDonald.

nt

[peggygirl]

6. There is someone who unrecs all left-leaning posts right off. nt

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. More than one person

RW trolls do it and they brag about it on their sites that can't be mentioned here.

[marmar]

9. Very true......

....and welcome to DU !!!

:hi:

[NoPasaran]

20. Unrecced for relentless whining about unrec

Deal with it

[marmar]

21. Unrecced for unbelievable levels of stridency

nt

[eShirl]

24. recced for aggravated unreccing

deal with it

[proud2BlibKansan]

34. But the whiners didn't start the thread

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

54. Recced for disingenuity about reason for unreccing. -nt

[pampango]

58. K&R for more discussion of reccing and unreccing rather than the OP. n/t

[Cronus Protagonist]

84. +1 unrec

It can't be the greatest thread if it's full of whiners.

[RB TexLa]

3. How is this different from the people here all the time saying they are only going to buy from

Americans?

[marmar]

5. Que?

No entiendo. No deseo entender.

[nxylas]

4. Place your bets now

How long before the first "But if she vowed to only shop at white-owned stores, you'd all be condemning her" post?

[EFerrari]

33. It took 29 minutes. n/t

[eShirl]

10. "As a social worker, McDonald found she was earning a living off working with blacks"

What is she actually saying?

[babylonsister]

11. That she wants to give back to the community that keeps her employed? nt

[eShirl]

13. I guess I'm the only one who gets a vibe of condescension from the article then.

oh well, maybe it's just me

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. Oh I can see that

But I think she has pure intentions.

[ProfessorGAC]

40. That'd Be My Guess, Too

One could easily see condescention in that statement, but i do think her intentions are genuine and good.
GAC

[EFerrari]

42. It can be difficult to talk or write about power imbalances

without engaging in them while you're at it.

[pipi_k]

57. I didn't see a tone of condescension, really, but I did think

to myself, "Well good luck with that" because if she's having trouble finding black-owned businesses for more common things, she's going to have a hell of a time keeping her vow when it comes to having to buy things that aren't so easy to get hold of.

Then she'll either have to go without (a water heater, roof repair, dental treatment, etc) or break her vow.

[KamaAina]

109. From "City Slickers":

Billy Crystal: "So where're you from?"

African American father (with son): "Baltimore. We have a dental practice there."

(awkward pause)

Son: "Yes, we're black, and we're dentists."

[Raineyb]

121. Wow your opinion of what black people are capable of must be really low. n/t

[pipi_k]

157. Oh stop it...

I never suggested that black people can't be doctors or dentists.

What I DO mean is that IF there isn't a black dentist in her area, how the hell does she find one close enough to be convenient?

What does she do? Call all the dentists in the area and ask them, "By the way...are you BLACK?"

Jesus H Christ, it really gets so tiresome having to explain stuff to people who want to find some evil hidden meaning in everything.

[dencol]

188. I totally understand your point.

Minorities often have a more challenging time getting into certain lines of business, starting up businesses, etc. because of the discrimination they face. I think we can all agree that the disparities we see have NOTHING to do with abilities, and everything to do with the negative effects of harassment and discrimination of the under-represented minorities. I don't think anybody was suggesting otherwise

[pipi_k]

194. Thank you so much....someone further downthread said much the same thing

It's not the talent that's the problem, it's the concentration in a certain area, the availability, the competence level, the opportunity, and so many other things.

In fact someone else pointed out that, in a relatively well integrated area, there were very few solely black-owned businesses.

And yes...the whole problem of starting up a business, especially when the person might need a business loan...and let's face it...there are some banks that still might find valid-sounding "excuses" for not lending money to minorities (or women), whatever their "policies" state.

So many factors...

[Autonomy]

198. I understood your point as well

She is likely to run into a bunch of difficulties in reality, as opposed to cyberland where everything is cynically wonderful all the paranoid idealized time!

[Raineyb]

211. What difference does it make?

If she's planning on making the effort I don't think having to walk right outside her door and fall into the office is a criteria she's looking for. People shop around for doctors and dentists and if she's in a city it's highly likely that black doctors and dentists aren't exactly rare.

So what exactly was the point of your post then since you apparently dislike what I inferred from it?

[pipi_k]

222. Do I really need to repeat it? OK...

Your words...

"Your opinion of what black people are capable of must be really low" n/t


How anyone could gather that from what I wrote is a mystery, but there it is.


The point of my post is in at least two, if not three, other places in this thread.

It has NOTHING to do with "what black people are capable of".

It has everything to do with what black-owned businesses are available to her in her area.

She vows to only patronize black owned business for a year. How many solely black-owned hospitals do you know of? In an emergency, or even without an emergency, if there are no hospitals that fulfill her criteria, she either goes without, or she goes back on her vow. The doctor she sees may be black, but he could be part of a mixed race partnership. In that case, she's not "supporting" the entire black community as much as she's supporting one black doctor...which is admirable, but not what she set out to do.


What if a black doctor in her area isn't seeing any new patients?

So, yes...there could be black doctors, dentists, etc., in her area, but there is always the possibility, is there not, that these doctors could be so swamped with patients that they are not even seeing any new patients...


In any event, you basically accused me of believing that black people are, in general, incapable of being anything beyond janitors and trash collectors - with no evidence whatsoever.

[Raineyb]

227. You're right I did,. And I'm inclined to stand by it.

There's no really good logical reason why you should continue to argue how hard it is going to be. So what? If she's chosen to do so then that's the choice she's made. Yet you seem to have a need to continue to argue why it's going to be difficult as though you want dissuade her. Clearly the woman isn't reading DU so it can't be that. I sensing another agenda that hasn't a damn thing to do with the Ms. McDonald's convenience. (Which frankly as Ms. McDonald isn't concerned with it why the hell should YOU be?)

[pipi_k]

232. Who the hell were you talking about?

Are you talking about Number23, or the social worker?


I'm not trying to dissuade anyone, as I'm smart enough to know that the woman in question probably isn't going to be reading DU anytime soon.

My point in arguing the point is to try and get through to the (IMO) intentionally obtuse some way. I can see it's not going to work.

You've got your prejudices, and that's fine.

I am an objectionable person with possibly questionable motives (or so I infer from the replies here) and so no matter what I say, it won't ever be good enough.

You say it's my fault for not making my point well enough, and so when I try over and over to make it in a way you will understand, that's no good either.

You and your little friend have definitely taken this whole stupid discussion way beyond the bounds of rational discussion straight into the shithole of personal attacks, and I can't even claim to be a victim of it, as I allowed myself to get sucked into the idiocy. More's the pity.

[Raineyb]

234. This sub tread is about the social worker. Why are you bringing other people into it? n/t

[pipi_k]

237. It's your fault. You didn't make yourself clear. n/t

[Number23]

134. Interesting that you automatically assumed that no one black would be able

to provide the services that you mentioned.

[EFerrari]

148. LOL. My dentist in Berkeley was also one of the Raiders' dentists.

[pipi_k]

159. And it's interesting that you automatically assumed

that's what I meant.

yeah...don't bother ASKING me what I meant...just ASSUME it.


good lord.

[Number23]

160. I read what you wrote. This is a web site with you know, actual WORDS on it

And words actually mean things.

Your direct quote: "Then she'll either have to go without (a water heater, roof repair, dental treatment, etc) or break her vow."

What other possible explanation could you have besides an automatic assumption that because there will be no black dentists, roofers, etc. that this woman will have to either "go without" or "break her vow?"

[pipi_k]

179. How about....

No black whatever-she's-looking-for IN HER AREA????


I've seen black teachers, lawyers, psychologists, nurses, physician assistants, and pulmonologists. So don't even try to suggest that I would think blacks are too stupid to be dentists, OK?

It's not all just black and white, no pun intended.

What if there's a LOCAL black dentist who's part of a partnership that isn't entirely owned by blacks? If that women goes to that dentist, she's not supporting a solely black-owned business, is she? Which was what she vowed to do.

What if there's a black dentist in her area who isn't seeing any new patients?

What if there's a black dentist who is incompetent? Yeah, it does happen. I know some here would probably want to believe that NO black dentist could EVER be incompetent, and anyone who would dare to call incompetence (or plain personality incompatibility) must surely be a "racist", but it does happen.

There are lots of possibilities besides the one you saw through your own filter despite having "read" my words.


ETA:

This statement in the OP which says:

In two months McDonald has struggled with singling out those stores to meet all of her needs. She has, however, found the only black-owned grocery store in Kansas City - Leon’s Thriftway.

It took her two months to find a store that met all her needs while still fulfilling the vow she made.

If it took that long to find a store, then she'd better get busy right now hunting up things like black-owned hospitals, dentists, doctors, plumbing companies, and whatever other solely black-owned entity she might be likely to need in the coming year, because in an emergency, she might be FORCED to either break her vow, or go without.

Simple enough concept to understand, and exactly the point I was making.

[Number23]

184. lol You have probably burned 20 calories getting all worked up in this thread

Makes me wonder why??

So don't even try to suggest that I would think blacks are too stupid to be dentists, OK?

Where in the world did I say that?? Projection is such an UGLY thing, pipi. And your frothing, spittle-filled comments about "bad black dentists" are almost as ridiculous as they are bizarre.

I'll stop now while you're still way behind. This exchange is making you look real... something...

[pipi_k]

187. Just as amusing when

someone "forgets" what they wrote:

"Interesting that you automatically assumed that no one black would be able

to provide the services that you mentioned. "


Yeah, you're right. I should have asked what this meant instead of assuming you were trying to accuse me of thinking blacks were too stupid to be dentists or plumbers or whatever and could not provide the services.

So what does this statement mean, anyway? Are you saying that you don't think I thought blacks were too stupid to provide certain services? Really...tell me what the message was there.

As far as the "froth filled comments" about bad black dentists goes, I guess you haven't been around to see the comments some DUers have made about anyone who dared to say they didn't like Obama, for example. Yeah, there really are people here who take any negative comment about a black person and turn it around into "racism". People don't just dislike Obama as a person...they dislike him because (gasp!!!!) "he's black!!!" In that case, I fully expected...still do to some extent...to be blasted for being a "racist" because I dared to suggest that some black dentists/lawyers/teachers/doctors might actually be incompetent.

If you haven't seen that shit, then count yourself lucky.



In any case, if it makes you feel better to be way ahead (while I'm so far behind) then go for it. My purpose here isn't to run around "getting ahead" of people or imagining that I'm mentally or morally superior to others, because I know I'm not.

[Number23]

191. Oh yes, I've seen it. And I've also found that most of the ones here doing the most protesting

that they "aren't racists" are usually the ones on this site with the most HIDEOUSLY questionable comments about race. Without fail. Funny that, huh??

How you jump from me saying "it's Interesting that you automatically assumed that no one black would be able to provide the services that you mentioned." to me accusing you of saying "blacks are too stupid to be dentists" says EVERRRYYYTHING that I need to know about you, honey. You seem to have some serious issues, and to quote that dude from the movie Cool Runnings, "whatever is wrong with you is no little thing."

Hope you work out whatever the hell is ailing you soon, but I'll be damned if I'm going to read one more word of your foolishness. Please find someone else to simultaneously bore and disgust.

[pipi_k]

193. Can I laugh now?

Funny how the table turns, and the person who accused me of getting all worked up is now bored and disgusted and accusing me of having "issues".

You should probably have left well enough alone from the very beginning, yes? Let this be a lesson to not engage someone you find disgusting and boring. Life is much more peaceful that way.


Before you go, I'd still like an answer to the question I asked...

What did that statement mean about my assuming there wouldn't be any blacks who would be able to provide those services?

Were you, or were you not, accusing me of racism?

Not that I expect an answer either way. It wouldn't be cool to actually call me a racist, would it? And it wouldn't look good to turn around and change the words to the song.



You know, there's an old saying that goes:

"Whenever you point a finger at someone else, three more are pointing back at you."


Have a nice day

:)

[veganlush]

200. As an objective observer of your exchange with number23..

..and as someone who knows neither one of you, I have to say you are absolutely right and you applied reason and logic to your posts, something I can't say for the other one-who displayed classic projection-ism.

[Number23]

201. What exactly did I "project?" I asked a question and she immediately flew into

saying that I was accusing her of saying "that black people were too stupid to be dentists" which does not even come CLOSE to what I said or even implied. If that ain't somebody feeling heat from somewhere I don't know what is. It's too bad that the heat she was feeling had absolutely nothing to do with what I said to her and seemed to be coming from some inner source, if you know what I mean. It's quite funny -- what you consider "reason and logic" sounds *this close* to being completely unhinged to me.

She posted her initial post and got THREE responses from people who questioned her wording or its tone, but somehow I'm the one who projected something. What exactly did I project?

Edit: You know what I just realized? I don't know you and not to be rude, but I don't care what you think about my posts. Why in the world did I post this to you?? I'm sorry. Please just completely disregard this post and carry on agreeing with whomever you want to agree with. I know what I read and I stand by every word I said to that person, particularly the line about her having issues.

[pipi_k]

208. You didn't question my wording or its tone

You questioned my apparent belief that I would think there are no blacks qualified to provide the services I had named.

I was minding my own business agreeing with someone and then three people jumped in to assume whatever it was they assumed, one of them being yourself.


If, as you are trying to imply now, I misunderstood the nature of what you said, then you are going to have to do a little better than jumping on someone with a snarky-sounding one liner that explains nothing.

And if, as you claim now, I made a big deal out of it, that's because you didn't bother to try and explain your snarky sounding one liner. Just kept on adding fuel to the fire, twisting my words around.

Then, when I tried to explain to your satisfaction what I really meant, you got even nastier, accusing me of sitting here with foaming mouth and spittle flying everywhere, getting myself into a rage. Which wasn't what happened, I can assure you.


As I stated, I was minding my own business. You engaged me first, not the other way around. Next time you want to "question someone's wording or tone", do it in a more respectful manner.

[Number23]

210. I wasn't even talking to you! And I told the poster to disregard and you STILL freaking responded!

And with more poorly worded, run-on nonsense!

Next time you want to "question someone's wording or tone", do it in a more respectful manner.

LOLOLOL Oh wait, you were serious??? Yes, you and your posts definitely warrant respect. (FYI - THAT was snark, honey.) But here's the thing... now YOU are engaging ME. Stop.

[pipi_k]

223. But, but, but...

I never said I was going to ignore you!


you said you weren't going to reply to me anymore!

You said you weren't even going to bother reading anything more I had to say!

Yet here you are replying to me



Please...do yourself a favor and put me on "ignore". You'll feel much better.

[Number23]

236. lol SOMEONE MAKE HER GO AWAY

This poster is like a Labrador turd stuck to my damn shoe!!! She just KEEPS responding to me! I can't make her GO AWAY!!!!!!

[pipi_k]

238. Takes two to Tango, baby

Nobody is twisting your arm to keep responding to me, either.

Why don't you be the more mature one and just stop the entire interaction?

[pipi_k]

209. Thank you...I do try

to make logical arguments, even though I don't always succeed.


It doesn't bother me when people disagree...I would just like them to not be disagreeable when they do it.

[Raineyb]

214. Actually, you're talking out of your ass

Words mean things you know and if the point was made badly or was misunderstood (and frankly, I'm not convinced that it was) then it's the fault of the writer for making the point badly.

Given the track record of the person to whom you're replying (something you clearly didn't bother to take into consideration) it is not unreasonable for Number 23 to come to the conclusion she came to. I came to a similar conclusion based on the same statement.

[pipi_k]

226. "Track record"?

Look...if I have, as you say, any sort of "track record" which you find objectionable, then just do what I asked Number23 to do. Put me on "ignore".

[Raineyb]

228. I'm perfectly capable of determining when people need to be put on ignore than you very much.

I don't need any suggestions from you on when to do so.

[pipi_k]

231. Yeah, I know...

"You're not the boss of ME!!!!"

sigh...

:eyes:

[Raineyb]

233. Good. Please remember that the next time you feel like giving me orders. n/t

[pipi_k]

239. OK, seriously...

I'm honestly starting to feel sorry for you.

[Raineyb]

212. So she goes to another area? So what? People do things like that you know. n/t

[pipi_k]

224. Yes, they do. And she could

depending on what sort of transportation she has. Do you know whether she walks to work? Takes a bus? Has transportation that isn't dependable enough to use for travel more than 15...25...100 miles away?

and also depending on how far away she would have to, or want to, travel if she does have reliable transportation.


and depending on how many dentists she actually wants to call to ask the $64,000 question:

"Are you black?"


Or maybe, in your mind, she would only have to look at the name to "know" whether or not someone was black?


Two can play at this game...

[Raineyb]

225. Well since no one is forcing her to do anything what difference does it make?

She's CHOOSING to do this.

You're going through an awful lot of trouble to make arguments against what she's doing as though you're trying to dissuade her? Why?

[pipi_k]

230. Hey I don't give a hoot what she does, personally

And I'm not trying to "dissuade her" from doing anything.

Again...you are reading my words and intent through your own filters here.


I'm just making a suggestion here. If she doesn't want to engage someone as objectionable as myself, put me on "ignore". How simple can that be?

As I said before...she (and you) engaged me first while I was minding my own business replying to someone else. Which I don't have a problem with, except for the fact that the both of you posted a one-liner snark without a shred of proof that the point I was trying to make even deserved it.

Don't bother asking me what I meant...no...just make a sarcastic comment and then instead of following up with cogent discussion ON THE ISSUE, the two of you make this all about ME.

Even my eight year old granddaughter would think there's something wrong with that tactic.

[demwing]

206. jeez relax!

Y're reading too much into her words. Yes words mean something, but sometimes words only mean what they appear to mean, and not what you assume they mean.

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. I think it's rather obvious

:shrug:

[Statistical]

14. Only black people need social workers?

Seems a strange comment to make.

Also she didn't earn her living off the black community she earned her living from taxpayers. Unless there are no non-black taxpayers in the entire city her claim doesn't hold water.

[proud2BlibKansan]

18. She's working in a black community

with all black clients.

It also doesn't say who her employer is. So we have no way of knowing if the taxpayers are funding her salary. Lots of companies employ social workers, not only the govt.

[Igel]

93. The article doesn't say who she works for.

But we do have a way of knowing if the taxpayers are funding her salary. Google remains our friend.

Ms. McDonald works for a private non-profit. Its name doesn't say that, but the website at http://www.kc-crime.org / tells us that "The Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission is a non-profit citizen's organization that benefits everyone in the metropolitan area, not just Kansas City."

Her all-black clientele consists of former convicts that she's helping to reintegrate into non-prison life.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/loramcdonald
=-============================================

Second Chance Program Coordinator
The Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission
(Program Development industry)

March 2008 — Present (2 years 1 month)

The Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission is leading efforts to ensure a quality continuum of services for ex-offenders, which will further our mission of creating a safer community. As Program Coordinator, I handle aspects of development, implementation and perform some direct service for people with felonies.

Program Director
Cross-Lines
(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

May 2005 — March 2008 (2 years 11 months)
=================================================

The organization she's on the BoD of is at http://wyserveswyworks.tripod.com / . (I didn't know tripod was still around.)

And, no, most of us really don't have much privacy. In this case, however, she seems to have provided the information herself so there's no invasion of privacy involved (and so I don't feel bad about repeating her information).

Click here to go back to the main forums.

[Bitwit1234]

15. She can do what she wants it's her choice BUT

what would happen if people said they were going to buy from all white, all catholic, all baptist, all german...same thing. THEY would be called racist.

[proud2BlibKansan]

28. Well if you find anyone doing that be sure and post it

:eyes:

[liberation]

175. Alright! Here we have the first attempt at a false dichotomy

Ding.. ding... congratulations I guess.

[Skip Intro]

213. +1

[The_Commonist]

16. I have vowed only to buy things from nice people.

I won't shop at stores owned by assholes.

[Statistical]

19. A person could starve doing that.

:)

[slackmaster]

41. Me too!

I hate assholes.

[kctim]

22. Anyone who uses race as a qualifier

is a racist.

[kwassa]

25. Only if you are inventing a new definition for the word "racist"

and can get the rest of the world to adopt it.

Otherwise, you're out of luck.

[Statistical]

26. How about this one:

racist - discriminatory especially on the basis of race or religion

She is making decision on where to show on the "basis of race".

[kwassa]

27. Doesn't work

No one is being discriminated against. There is no idea of racial superiority involved. There is no expression of any real power.

[Statistical]

35. One can discriminate by actions.

If a group of white people chose to only shop at white shops to help the "white community" would that be equally non-racist.

[EFerrari]

39. No, because there is no economic parity between the white community and

the black community.

[kctim]

44. Pick and choose in order to justify a wrong

She is responding differently to different groups based solely on race. Favoring one race over others. She does not have to dislike, or even hate, other races for her actions to be considered prejudiced or discrimitory. She is no different than a person who refuses to shop at black owned stores.

Funny how such actions are ok as long as they are preceived to right what an individual personally considers to be a wrong.
Funny how those who "say" they are against racism, are always the first to see and use it every chance they can.

[kwassa]

50. You're wrong. You mistake "racism" and "racialism", as many do.

"She does not have to dislike, or even hate, other races for her actions to be considered prejudiced or discrimitory."

There is no evidence of prejudice in anything she said, so that idea is moot. If you wish to consider it discriminatory, the idea essential for racism is one of racial superiority. It is right in the definition of racism.

Here is the difference. Read and learn, courtesy of Dictionary.com.

rac·ism   /ˈreɪsɪzəm/ Show Spelled Show IPA
–noun
1.a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2.a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3.hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

ra·cial·ism (rā'shə-lĭz'əm)
n. 1.
a.An emphasis on race or racial considerations, as in determining policy or interpreting events.

b.Policy or practice based on racial considerations.

[kctim]

62. You are dancing and hiding, as most do with this issue

Racist - 2 : racial prejudice or discrimination.

Her actions display prejudice in that they are "an irrational attitude of hostility directed against a group." That is IF one views witholding money for food and shelter as being a hostile action.

Her actions display discrimination in that she is responding differently based only on race. Race is a category of PEOPLE in this case, not of an individual.

The "racialism" BS is nothing more than a feel good attempt to justify racist actions that are preceived as being for the "common good."

[EFerrari]

66. It is "for the common good" to support minority owned businesses.

There is nothing irrational or hostile about that.

[kctim]

76. Sorry, but I disagree

It is "for the common good" for all of us to stop placing everybody into little groups, and to start supporting all local businesses. People who use race in order to support or avoid a business, are being irrational. Any successful business does not want to be known as white, yellow, red or black, they want to be known as the best.
And sorry, but affecting a persons livelihood by using race IS a hostile action.

[EFerrari]

82. What you suggest completely ignores the virulent racism that does exist

in this country which is only possible to do if you are white.

[kctim]

99. What I suggest is how I live

and yes, I fully understand that asking people to not judge others by the color of their skin is a pipe dream of mine.
Ignoring race does not mean one ignores racism as you state. To feel guilt, to pity or to fear somebody simply because of the color of their skin is something I will never understand.

[EFerrari]

101. Guilt, pity and fear have nothing to do with redressing economic inequality

by supporting minority owned businesses.

[Orsino]

94. Ah. I must have been discriminating...

...when all of my charitable dollars last month went to Haiti.

C'mon, get real. Seeing a need and trying to fill it isn't discrimination.

[DissedByBush]

150. Agree on need

How about promising to go to only local businesses in an economically depressed area?

Need may often correlate with race, but it is not determined by race.

IOW, a race-based policy will result in you giving to a less needy person.

[Vincent441]

182. In other words we aren't black americans or white americans

we are all americans

[Raineyb]

217. Oh please! What country do YOU live in?

Because the country *I* live in likes to applaud that line but it doesn't live, govern, or even actually believe it.

[asdjrocky]

73. What continent do white people come from?

Are white people a race?

[kwassa]

86. Like I said, you invented your own definition of "racist"

and are now attempting to ascribe a motive to her that isn't there."an irrational attitude of hostility directed against a group." She displays no hostility or irrationality. You just made that up.

In other words, no one is rational unless they think exactly the way that you do.

When you get to write your own dictionary, you can make up your own definitions. Until that time, she is not racist.

[Raineyb]

125. So you're changing the definition of prejudice as well?

The woman isn't saying she doesn't want to shop at white owned establishments because she doesn't like white people. She's said nothing like that. What she did say is that she makes her living with black people and she's like to return the favor.

You're entitled to your own opinion but you can't just change the definition of words and not expect anyone to call you out on it.

[EFerrari]

59. You apparently don't understand what racial discrimination is.

Supporting a group or community that has or is discriminated against is not bigotry.

It's not racism to support black owned businesses. Ditto for gay owned businesses or women owned businesses. It's not bigotry to actively recruit women in tradiitoinally male fields. It's not discrimination to support girls' team sports.

[Vincent441]

183. that depends, are you recruiting women because they are

qualified or because they don't have a penis

[EFerrari]

215. No, it doesn't. There are plenty of incompetent people who have a penis

in their present job simply because they have one.

[Vincent441]

181. Good point!

[marmar]

30. Mon dieu.....

:eyes:

[pintobean]

43. She's white

and you need a better dictionary.

[Statistical]

45. "Shes white"???

There has never been a member of a race, religion, ethnicity that discriminated against there own?
Hell there have been cases of Jews becoming neo-nazis.

"Shes white". :rofl:

[EFerrari]

117. Boy, talk about unclear on the concept.

So now supporting struggling minority businesses is by definition self-hatred?

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[kctim]

79. What difference does that make?

Or did you just make such a racist remark to prove some point to yourself?

Merriam-Websters is just fine, thanks though.

[pintobean]

88. Why would you

jump in and insult me like that? My comments weren't even directed at you. If you read Statistical's above comments, you might be able to put my reply into context.

'She's white' is a racist remark? If I say 'I'm white', is that also racist? Is "Barack Obama is our first black president" a racist statement?

[kctim]

96. I was wrong and apologize

I followed the tree wrong and thought it was a response to my comment. My bad.

I did go back and read as you suggested and will just say I agree with post #45.

[pintobean]

120. You apologize for not following the tree correctly

but not for calling my remarks racist? Please explain to me how that was racist. I simply introduced a fact that Statistical obviously didn't have (see #35).

Which part of post #45 do you agree with? The part where I'm being laughed at for my two word factual statement, or the ridiculous introduction of neo-nazi Jews to this discussion? Maybe both.

On a side note: Reading through this thread, one could reasonably suspect that one person has more than one user name.

[Ter]

199. So?

Alan Keyes is black. So is Clarence Thomas.

[pintobean]

207. Thank you, for that flash news bulletin,

Mrs. Wiggins.

[EFerrari]

32. False. Taking positive steps to redress eonomic injustice is not racism.

[kctim]

46. In other words

the end justifies the means?
Now where have we heard that before?

[EFerrari]

51. No, that's not a paraphrase of what I wrote. lol

[kctim]

63. Yes, it is

You said, "Taking positive steps to redress eonomic injustice is not racism."

If the ends are economic justice and the means to reach that end is to treat races differently, based solely on race, then what is it?

[EFerrari]

65. It's called fostering parity.

As I posted to you down thread, supporting a group that is historically discriminated against is not bigotry but a counter to bigotry and injustice.

[kctim]

71. I said racist, not bigot

and sometimes the only way to fight bigotry, is by being racist.

[EFerrari]

81. Nope. Supporting people who have suffered oppression is not racism. n/t

[kctim]

100. I didn't say it was

What I said is that the way some people show their support can be racist. Especially when their support, or non support, is based solely on race.

[EFerrari]

106. Nope. I suggest you spend some time with the concept "racist"

until it's clear to you.

Racism, like any form of bigotry, is always about hurting a group of people, in the case of racism, because of their race/ethnicity. If I choose to support a black small businesswoman, that isn't racism. That's a choice I make to foster the health not only of the black community, but of women in the community and that can only benefit the larger, majority community as a whole because we are only as healthy as each of our members is. If I boycott her because she is black or female, that is bigotry.

[kctim]

122. It is quite clear to me, but thanks anyways

Who is it that determined that one must hurt somebody in order to be doing something racist? Wouldn't witholding money from a business hurt that business? Are you not hurting other races by choosing to only shop at a business of a particular race?

By your logic, you could boycott her because she is black, just as long as you convince others your racist actions are actually in support of the small businesswoman with a different race.

Look, you are free to see color in everything everybody does, I just prefer to see people.

[EFerrari]

123. " Who is it that determined that one must hurt somebody in order to be doing something racist?"

That is the definition of the term.

[Number23]

138. "Who is it that determined that one must hurt somebody in order to be doing something racist?"

Errrr... the person who coined the term "racism" 4,000 years ago?? :shrug:

[Vincent441]

185. nice logic pretzel!

[EFerrari]

202. Enjoy your stay.

[Raineyb]

218. ...

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

37. By your logic, affirmative action is racist. (Then again, lots of right-wingers believe just that.)

[kctim]

47. Is it discriminatory in any way?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

53. You tell me. And please follow your reasoning to its logical conclusion.

[kctim]

67. Aw, another unwilling to answer

when the answer points out ones own hypocritical belief and refusal to acknowledge such belief.

Its logical conclusion is yes, it is discriminatory. If it was not, it would not benefit those who are wronged and who are deserving of its help.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

92. You didn't actually reach the conclusion. Is affirmative action racist or not? -nt

[Orsino]

95. The answer would give too much away...

...to anyone who hasn't figured it out yet.

[kctim]

105. And you have figured what out exactly?

That free thinking Democrats, not just lockstep lefties, also frequent DU?

[EFerrari]

107. I've never met a "free thinking Democrat" who didn't understand the term "racist"

as you have not understood it in this thread.

[kctim]

124. LOL!

I understand it better than you could ever imagine. What really pisses you off is that I don't just roll over and accept YOUR hypocritical definition of it.

Sorry, but no matter how much you dance around the subject, treating somebody worse or better because of their race IS a racist act.

[EFerrari]

126. See above.

[kwassa]

192. Treating someone better is not a racist act.

Try as you might to make it so.

You literally don't understand the definition of racist, or if you do, are deliberately ignoring it.

[Orsino]

132. It's another clumsy tell. n/t

[kctim]

102. Certain parts of it

are based on race, so parts of it are racist. Unless you falsely believe it is only about taking from one race and giving to another, as one of my neighbors does. You don't think that is all it is about, do you? You do understand the history and the need for AA, right? Studied and actually know WHY you support it?

[EFerrari]

108. So, you're against taking from white people to give to black people?

Thanks for the clarification -- I mean, thank your neighbor for the clarification.

[theorbiter]

89. Well...

in a world where everything is sunshine and flowers, there is no disparity or inequality of the races cultures and religions and a peaceful utopia shines upon all the land, then yes, one would be a racist for picking and choosing to only do business with ones own particular race, culture or religion.

Meanwhile back in the real world......

[KingFlorez]

115. Um, no

It's not like she's only shopping at black owned businesses because she hates other races, she wants to give back.

[yodoobo]

156. racism is not a two way street

Thought you would have learned that by now.


Shopping at only white stores would be racist.

But shopping at only black stores is not because black stores are already discriminated against by white racist.

[liberation]

176. Sorry... someone had already made a false analogy earlier trying to twist into a racist matter

no price for you, thanks for playing though.

[Tailormyst]

23. I think people should spend however they want

[proud2BlibKansan]

29. Which is exactly what this woman is doing

:)

[Brewman_Jax]

31. The fact that she has so few options

should be troubling. :(

[proud2BlibKansan]

36. It's very troubling

I can remember when we had a very vibrant economic system in all parts of the city. Even back before the Civil Rights Act was passed, we had a black downtown as well as black doctors and lawyers and accountants. But not now. It's quite sad.

[Fire1]

119. "a black downtown?" Never heard of such. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

136. Yes due to segregation

It was a very vibrant neighborhood. Not long ago it was rehabbed and is now home of many restaurants and bars as well as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. That is a really awesome museum!

[EFerrari]

151. In Sunnyvale, the colorful area of town, which had its own everything

was out by the bay. That's where the indigenous people retreated to and after that, that's where the migrant Mexican laborers lived and later, that's where the three black families lived. I didn't even know that until I could drive. But when I checked with my mom who was a realtor in the area, she confirmed that white realtors weren't supposed to sell to non-white people west of Hwy 101 or they'd be fired. (Of course as you know, my mother isn't even white but a tiny Latina woman who was treated to all kinds of stuff at the all white real estate offices where she worked in Sunnyvale, that "model" city.)

[Lars39]

38. In many cities, black neighborhoods were split by building bypasses

through them. Many black-owned businesses went under. :(

[proud2BlibKansan]

48. What happened here was even worse

They condemned a stretch of land about a quarter of a mile wide and about 5 miles long. Houses were torn down and the land sat vacant for nearly 50 years before an African American was elected mayor and lobbied the Feds for the funding to finally build the highway. 50 years.

[Lars39]

52. Can't get more deliberate than that.

Their whole future uprooted. :(

[EFerrari]

55. It looks like that's what "integration" was in a lot of places.

Tearing down the black community.

[Love Bug]

49. Good for her

I hope she writes about it at the end of the year and tells of her experiences. Why shouldn't she support her own community? I try to support small businesses whenever I can.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

56. In most instances, she'll be shopping at locally-owned, small businesses

That's a good thing.

You can quibble over the race qualifier, but overall it's a positive thing.

[EFerrari]

68. People respond so strangely to "racial qualifiers".

Do they think that all Black Studies departments teach racism or what?

lol

Yes, local is great.

[Tim01 2.0]

60. Huh, I'm white. I guess I'll only shop at white stores.

Actually, I do understand what she is saying. I do my best to shop at stores that are owned by people who share my point of view about things.
I think she could find a way to say it without sounding like a black separatist.

[EFerrari]

61. She's not black. And even if she were, there is nothing wrong

with the black community supporting the black community.

[Tim01 2.0]

69. Nothing wrong with the white community supporting the white community. nt

[EFerrari]

70. There is no comparison.

[dustbunnie]

75. Technically there isn't and white people do it all the time.

Middle easterners frequent grocery stores, dry cleaners, restaurants, you name it, owned by other middle easterners. Same for people of German or Italian or other ethnicities. Many religious Jews do all of their business with other religious Jews. And they obviously aren't going to eat just anywhere.

For that matter, I give business to women whenever I can. I give money to fight breast cancer but have never given a dime for prostate cancer research. (Sorry.) I give to animal charities, then children, and only then, whatever pennies are left over, go for adult causes. People make these choices every day.

[EFerrari]

112. The thing is, the premise is false.

How many businesses do you know that are struggling because they are owned by white people?

[dustbunnie]

127. I was only remarking that white people do in fact often select based on color --

particularly when ethnicity/religion is involved, and it's involved a lot, depending on where you live. A lot of white people forget about all that when making blanket statements. There wasn't really much more of a premise attached to my post... unless maybe I didn't explain it well?

[EFerrari]

133. Oh, I didn't mean your premise but the premise

that black people supporting their community is the same as white people supporting white owned businesses. There is no parity there in the first place. And, you make a good point.

[Ikonoklast]

64. Good for you.

Bless your heart.

[proud2BlibKansan]

91. LOL

:thumbsup:

[fishwax]

145. .

:thumbsup:

:rofl: (Bless your heart always makes me :rofl:)

[goclark]

72. She gets my vote ~ during the Civil Rights struggles

in the '60's, the idea was to "call attention to the problem, by any means necessary."

Rosa Parks did that ~ she sat down and did not get up. That one brave act allowed ME to sit on a Bus, something that is taken for granted today.

I recall growing up in Maryland. We were not allowed to sit on the main floor to see a movie, our seats always had to be in the Balcony.

I wish I knew the group (probably the NAACP brave members) who broke that "tradition" in Maryland because evey time I go to a theater,I always have to think about where I will sit ~ I usually will get a flashback and will pay more just to sit on the Main floor. Even now a Flashback.

She has certainly" called attention to the issue" and I applaud her.

I live in the center of Los Angeles and I am African American.
I don't know of ONE grocery store that is owned by an African American, not ONE.

We are known to be consumers, not OWNERS and she is reminding all of us of the real situation in America for those that are minority or lacking in $$'s.

It is sad that now, everyone is suffering for lack of jobs and not being able to put food on the table for their family. Even the once middle class is getting a taste of what it is like to be "ignored."

[EFerrari]

87. goclark, I heard this great story yesterday on BookTv

about how there used to be a black town where Arlington is now, called Freedman's Village. One of the more famous residents of that town was Sojourner Truth. And apparently, long before Ms. Parks made her stand, Truth was hopping on public transportation and demanding to be allowed to ride. LOL -- she was a handful -- maybe, two handfuls!

The presentation was about "Black Men Built the Capitol" and the author found many great stories like this one. :)

[goclark]

90. Love it, love it,love it! Txs

[EFerrari]

97. The segment can be streamed here:

http://www.booktv.org/Watch/11304/Black+Men+Built+the+Capitol+Discovering+AfricanAmerican+History+In+and+Around+Washington+DC.aspx

[Fire1]

74. Kudos to Ms. McDonald. n/t

[jmowreader]

77. I like it, so long as she's got an "except in case of emergency" clause in there

If one of the light switches in her house goes out and the only black-owned store that sells them is in Columbia, MO, is it really worth spending the fuel to drive 230 miles round-trip?

[Jim__]

78. How did the news learn of this?

Did she actually go and announce it to them? That would make me question her actual motives.

[flvegan]

80. Such flames. I like to shop at places that are vegan owned.

When I can, of course. I should probably just be killed outright.

[Broke In Jersey]

83. I only shop from left-handed midget owned busniesses myself....

[Cronus Protagonist]

85. well, sure, but are they also GLBT friendly?

lol

[mitchtv]

131. Let's see, should I buy from the Gay owned small business,

or go with the staits that donated to Prop H8? Hmmmm

[omega minimo]

129. is that where you buy your anchovies?

:puke:

[BuelahWitch]

98. Good for her for promoting not only black owned businesses

but also, for the most part, small businesses. The only franchise I'm familiar with in the list is McDonald's.

[EFerrari]

103. It's really cool because the paper used this story as an occasion

to list black owned businesses, aka, to promote them.

[timtom]

104. That is a wonderful and kind thing to do.

I'm glad it wasn't a racist decision. This is what America should be about -- thoughtful actions such as this.

[izzybeans]

110. A couple tried that here in Chicago as well. It was very hard, even in

this overwhelmingly segregated city, most of the businesses are white or immigrant owned.

Good luck to her!

[izzybeans]

113. I just want to add

by the logic of some people on this board, it would be double-reversies racism to free the slaves. What about the poor white people? Why doesn't anyone try to lead them to freedom!?$%@#!? Where is the under ground railroad for whites?$#$!!!! I'm series!!!

If initiatives like this and affirmative-action are racist why not every attempt to empower african-americans? Why stop with these? The status quo is much better, right?

[Duchess]

152. Super Secret Double Probationary Racism

I don't think what this woman did was double super secret probationary racism and I don't think it was wrong. I do think her actions were misguided and I think her train of thought is a superficial way to address the problems of economic inequity.

Racially profiling your spending habits only perpetuates the same old shit that we eventually have to overcome. The real problem is financial inequity. There are a lot of disadvantaged people of every racial background. Trying to put a single color on the problem does a disservice to everyone. A better way to target her spending might be to focus on locally owned businesses in an economically depressed area but that's her own business and she is trying to help the best way she knows how.

Personally, I think race is a random genetic variation that should not be a source of pride or shame. I guess you would classify me as white. Honestly I could care less about my ethnic heritage (or anyone else's for that matter). I can't control what I look like so I don't really think about it much.

I've always considered (and have been taught) that people should not be judged based on race. So, focusing on it as the primary way to think about a problem is a little foreign to me. I think the people on this board you disagree with may have a similar opinion. I don't believe they really think helping empower African Americans is wrong. They probably just think greater good can be done by empowering ALL Americans.

Maybe I can afford my viewpoint since I am White. Maybe totally disregarding race can be considered a form of racism. Maybe my opinion would change if I grew up with a different skin tone. Honestly, I haven't walked in those shoes but I'm trying to use my limited perspective to assess this situation to the best of my ability. The way I see it, the world is a fucked up place and the weak get stepped on all of the time - It is a problem we should work to address. Racism is only part of the overall problem and efforts to address the problem can't be focused on race alone.

[izzybeans]

155. Seems like a reasonable point of view

I think we disagree to an extent, but its definitely reasonable.

Personally, I do not find these campaigns practical. The case I mentioned in my previous post just above proved to be even in neighborhoods that are nearly 100% African-American here in Chicago.

The people who attempted it had to drive 20 miles to find a black owned grocery store.

Programs that support entrepreneurship and micro-lending in AFrican-American neighborhoods are probably less "superficial" as you call it. But the spirt is there. Me? I try to buy local. The success of my neighbor is returned to me in incalculable ways.

I was merely responding to the error in logic that some posters above use (predictably) when arguing against any intervention to correct inequalities.

[EFerrari]

172. If you have to overcome being a black business owner

you're probably not black.

And yes, totally disregarding the fact that racism is on the violent rise in this country is a form of passive racism.

This lady never said she was solving all your problems. She said she was going to buy from black vendors in her community. She's doing something. What are you doing?

[pipi_k]

190. Thank you for bringing up a point I tried to make above...

and got jumped on for.

I suspect (but am not absolutely sure) I may have been accused of being a racist, even though race itself wasn't the point behind what I wrote.

Sometimes there just aren't any black/Chinese/Muslim/Jewish/Woman-owned/whatever businesses in a specified area and people have to either compromise (and break a vow they might have made) or simply go without.

[KamaAina]

111. She ought to be able to get a book out of this

or least a few good magazine articles.

[EFerrari]

114. You know, you're right!

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

116. Just to add fuel to the fire....

The CEO of Olive Garden is an African American.

So then there's that....

:hide:

[EFerrari]

118. I bet he smokes over his nursing child, too.

:yoiks:

[DonCoquixote]

163. er.

Why did you put on the sad face/smiley because someone pointed out that one of the largest restaurant chains in America, one based on Italian cuisiine, has a Black CEO? That should be cool! If anything, people might want to go there to shpow that getting a Black CEO was a good thing, especially since they could have used a cheap line like "well, we wanted an Italian."

[EFerrari]

166. Because the logic of the humorous post that I replied to

was that the gentleman is working for an evil entity, ie, The Olive Garden. (Humor)

Can he help that they're evil? Probably not. :)

[mwooldri]

141. and the CEO of American Express is Ken Chenault...

A guy with a quite a good suntan built in IIRC. Never met him yet tho...

Mark.

[omega minimo]

130. Anything that gets Amerkans to think about and use their purchase power is important.

:thumbsup:

I support my local independent businesses and farmers.

[EFerrari]

137. I agree. Local rules!

[omega minimo]

186. We're fortunate on the Left Coast in that regard. Hope others have options and purchase powerfully

:yourock:

[EFerrari]

203. Hey you!

:yourock: back atcha!

[Number23]

140. I'm sure that the struggling black-owned businesses there thank her. *I* thank her

The inclusion of her list of black-owned businesses is fantastic and I hope that the publicity benefits everyone involved in this story. Happy to rec

[baldguy]

142. And which black-manufacturered car does she drive?

Would there be as many supporters on DU if a consumer vowed only to shop exclusively at white-owned stores? Or Asian-owned? or stores owned by Latin-Americans?

I didn't think so.

[EFerrari]

144. Good grief.

What part of supporting business owners that struggle in this economy AND with discrimination is unclear to you?

[baldguy]

146. The problem with this sort of consumer behavior is that it doesn't address either of those problems.

[EFerrari]

149. Wrong. It sure does and it got a laundry list of black businesses into the paper.

[NoSheep]

158. Of course it does.

[baldguy]

162. How? It only works to artificially limit the consumers' choices & the merchants' available market

To the detriment of both. The only color capitalism recognizes is green.

[EFerrari]

167. And that is what that consumer brings to black owned businesses: green.

Why is her choice artificial but yours isn't?

She is the market, too, isn't she?

Let's get this thread going for another fifty posts. I'll join her.

[JI7]

189. you don't think black people own/work in car dealerships ?

[JoeyT]

204. I'd say it was their choice

Just like it's her choice.

What I thought of it would largely depend on their reasoning for doing it. There could be valid reasons for any of the above, I suppose.

Edited to add: Which should be taken with a grain of salt, since I don't really wholly identify with any particular race.

[bluestateguy]

143. That is her choice as a consumer

It is not a choice that I will make, but I will accept that that is her choice and leave it at that.

[bigwillq]

147. Cool.

That's her choice. Her money. Her choice.

[gleaner]

153. I admire her.....

There is nothing racist about her actions. She is supporting the community that she works with. Kind of the opposite of a boycott. She is doing a good thing. We all need to be more community minded whether the businesses we frequent are due to work, as hers is, or politics as many of mine are or simply because they are smaller businesses in our neighborhood which make it a better place to live.

I can't imagine how anyone can construe a bad motive to her. I learned a saying way back when I was in high school french, which roughly translates to "you are the evil you think." Does that speak to anyone at all?

Quakers are very bit on boycotts. If a business or corporation is doing something we consider hurtful or harmful to the community at large we do not do business with them. We write to them and tell them why. Usually they will answer and ask what they can do to get our business back. So we tell them. They almost never want it back enough to change, but at least they know that we are out there and telling our neighbors, friends/Friends and family.

You mainly talk with your mouth and some of your actions, but you can also talk with your commerce. K&R to make up for the gratuitous unrec from earlier.:kick:

[EFerrari]

164. I've always admired the Friends for their cohesion on issues of social justice.

It's hard to think of any faith group that has been more committed or more effective.

[gleaner]

240. Thanks.....

I think cohesiveness comes out of questioning. We question ourselves, our culture, each other and discuss our differences and the things we know are unethical or wrong. We are not a lock step community. We believe strongly in spirited discussion, disagreement, direct action and conflict resolution. Dissent is one of the main ways to promote justice in the world, as are civil disobedience and non violence. We don't seek personal power. All we want is help create a peaceful and just community that everyone can share and live in.

[Cincinnati Kid]

154. This whole idea of only buying from the black community didnt work out so well in Detroit.

Detroit is a shell of its former self. Racism goes two ways.

[EFerrari]

161. Did you forget the sarcasm smilie?

Now the black community is responsible for the failure of the US auto industry?

This thread is just unbelievable.

[proud2BlibKansan]

169. Yes unbelievable is right

Starts out with one of the longest rec/unrec conversations I have ever seen here then evolves into a rather bizarre discussion of racism.

I do always appreciate when you add to these threads. :hug:

[EFerrari]

173. It's an accident.

I set out to write a memoir/cultural history of Silicon Valley and realized I couldn't do those years without knowing more about black history and the Civil Rights movement.

Next thing you know, I'm reading about how W.E.B. DuBois, probably the most gifted American intellectual in the 20th Century, is arrested by the FBI in his 80s because he attended an anti-war conference in another country.

In his 80s. For attending an anti-war conference.

Sociology, black history, journalism, civil rights, no one did as much as he did during that time. When he died in Ghana, everyone sent their ambassador to his memorial -- everyone but us.

So, I'm a little touchy about this right now because I can't believe school children don't know him. I can't believe that you can get through a college education without hearing his name. I was lucky. He was included in two lectures in my 8 years at Berkeley, mainly as someone who disagreed with Booker T. But no one taught me that he was the founder of American sociology, for example.

If this country was any more ignorant, we'd all drown brushing our teeth.

[liberation]

180. Same here

I am not a sociologist or a liberal arts guy by any stretch (scientist) but I have always been fascinated in history and philosophy. And I have seen a clear attempt at completely ignore and down right erase from the pages of history powerful and interesting black and latino thinkers.

It is yet another attempt at controlling and forcing minorities to play in our society, so long as they are willing to accept the roles dished out to them. There is nothing more threatening to the powers that be that powerful and smart representatives of minorities. Because as soon as the middle and lower classes can establish that their social status, rather than their race, brings more commonalities among them than differences. Well, as soon as that happens the whole divice and conquer approach by the people at the top... simply dissipates and stops being effective.

[EFerrari]

219. It is, at bottom, censorship, isn't it? n /t

[proud2BlibKansan]

165. This is one woman; your comparison doesn't work

Enjoy your stay. :hi:

[EFerrari]

168. This thread has made me think of something.

Why is Black History month never capitalized? Why is there never a campaign that month to support black businesses?

[proud2BlibKansan]

170. Because it's Black History Month not Black Business Month

:)

[EFerrari]

171. Someone needs to hire me.

:rofl:

[Raineyb]

221. ...

[pundaint]

174. Cool, now only buy stuff made in America

[bc3000]

196. Impossible!

Buy it from white, black or anyone else and it's still going to be made in China, very likely by children.

[shockra]

178. The only political blog I've donated to this year is the Black Agenda Report

(And thus the only political blog I've donated to, ever)

After I finally got a paypal account a few months ago, I just happened to notice that was the only blog I was agreeing with anymore. Except for Chicagoan Cinie, of Cinie's World, but she doesn't take payments. She's the only blogger in the whole damn internets I was reading who couldn't stand either Obama or Palin from the git go, which matches my view. She also called it many months ago that Palin is the new Phyllis Schafly. Boy did the PUMA Palinbots not like that (but it looks like they've finally all been chased away). Republicans for Palin I can understand. Former Hillary supporters for Palin make me want to WRETCH. If ANYone should be smart enough to get she's no Hillary Clinton, not even in the same universe as Hillary Clinton. It should be THEM.

No, Palin is not a "Liberal Feminist". GodDAMN. I lost some of my favorite blogs to that delusion.

My first blog stop for a very long time was John Smart of the former Liberal Rapture (before the name got stolen). Really bright and funny, but he felt the need to be nice to Palin and her bots, as some were regulars. Would have donated to him first if I hadn't finally had to get away from those particular people, and so his blog. I really should donate there. If I can Just. Keep. From. Reading. The. Comments.

He, like Cinie, is gay. And he has the cutest little dog named Bob Barker.

So I guess what I'm saying is...I will only consider donating to your blog if you're black and/or gay. Cuz you seem to be a lot smarter than the dozens of blogs I ended up having to quit on last year when they lost their minds. Well, there does seem to be a large element of truth, there. I noticed many years ago when reading feminist books that women of color wrote the sharpest stuff. Lesbians also noticeably sharper but lesbians of color the most astute of all. It seems that suffering multiple oppressions you either build up extra layers of denial to deal with all the extra pain or you become much more attuned to reality than the average bear.

I do visit Palingates quite often now. There's endless entertainment there. However, they're way too pro-bama for my taste.

[Autonomy]

197. Not sure about her reasoning

but it's an interesting resolution nonetheless. It seems, if she is a government social worker, that she should only buy at government establishments. But regardless of her reasoning, her quest cannot hurt the black-owned businesses, which could contribute to a social need. Maybe. I'd like to hear a follow-up on her experiences at the end of the year.

[urgk]

205. In Savannah, they ran the interstate off-ramp...

...through the African American-owned business district. And bulldozed a swath on either side of the actual structure. Of course, the conservatives keep asking why "they" can't pull themselves out of poverty. The easy non-answer answer is that "they" didn't pull the economic heart out of their own community.

[EFerrari]

216. Bingo.

[EFerrari]

220. Btw, when was that, urgk? About what year?

You make an excellent point, imho.

[Book Lover]

229. Good for her

It'll be interesting to see how her year goes. I think this is a great idea!

[apnu]

235. +1 Karma for her. Supporting locally owned businesses is always a win. (nt)