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ladysycamore · 04-09-2004, 06:34 PM

"But don't you think this country is already polarized enough along racial lines? Wouldn't a black political party just make things worse? It seems to me that too many white "Archie Bunker" types would automatically vote against someone who was affiliated with a black (or hispanic, or Asian) party without even bothering to consider that candidate's stand on the issues. Besides, don't the issues of merit cut across color lines? I'm not niave. I know that racial and ethnic prejudices are still real problems in this country, but doesn't the fact of their existance hurt every last one of us, whether white or black? Just curious."

"You correctly stated that racial and ethnic prejudices still exist in america. they always will as long as there is someone saying "we should have our own ________ because of our color, faith, sex, IQ, etc."
the idea of having a party just for black americans is just as offensive as standing up and saying "ok now, there are too many minorities in our party now, they don't understand what we are trying to accomplish. so as of now, we are establishing a new 'whites only' party" anybody who did that should be tarred and feathered. political issues are not a "black problem", "brown problem", or a "woman's problem" they are "PROBLEMS"
life in america (or anywhere) will never be perfect, but the more people try to separate themselves according to any classification, the more fragmented our society will become and it just becomes a viscious cycle."

I invite you both (and anyone else) to go to the following website, and watch the video clip of Dr. Henry Louis Gates discussing his documentary "America Behind The Color Line". You may find some answers to your questions.

Tavis Smiley--PBS

Scroll down to the section that says, "Empowerment", and click on Dr. Gates' picture to see the video clip. He has a lot to say.

In addition, I invite you to read an except from the book that the documentary is based on:
America Behind The Color Lines excerpt.

Interesting comments from author Michael Eric Dyson:
Michael Eric Dyson On Terrorism and Tupac

Resources:
African American World-History

Black Planet

04-09-2004, 06:34 PM	#13
ladysycamore "I may not always be perfect, but I'm always me." Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: In Sycamore's boxers Posts: 1,341	"But don't you think this country is already polarized enough along racial lines? Wouldn't a black political party just make things worse? It seems to me that too many white "Archie Bunker" types would automatically vote against someone who was affiliated with a black (or hispanic, or Asian) party without even bothering to consider that candidate's stand on the issues. Besides, don't the issues of merit cut across color lines? I'm not niave. I know that racial and ethnic prejudices are still real problems in this country, but doesn't the fact of their existance hurt every last one of us, whether white or black? Just curious." "You correctly stated that racial and ethnic prejudices still exist in america. they always will as long as there is someone saying "we should have our own ________ because of our color, faith, sex, IQ, etc." the idea of having a party just for black americans is just as offensive as standing up and saying "ok now, there are too many minorities in our party now, they don't understand what we are trying to accomplish. so as of now, we are establishing a new 'whites only' party" anybody who did that should be tarred and feathered. political issues are not a "black problem", "brown problem", or a "woman's problem" they are "PROBLEMS" life in america (or anywhere) will never be perfect, but the more people try to separate themselves according to any classification, the more fragmented our society will become and it just becomes a viscious cycle." I invite you both (and anyone else) to go to the following website, and watch the video clip of Dr. Henry Louis Gates discussing his documentary "America Behind The Color Line". You may find some answers to your questions. Tavis Smiley--PBS Scroll down to the section that says, "Empowerment", and click on Dr. Gates' picture to see the video clip. He has a lot to say. In addition, I invite you to read an except from the book that the documentary is based on: America Behind The Color Lines excerpt. Interesting comments from author Michael Eric Dyson: Michael Eric Dyson On Terrorism and Tupac Resources: African American World-History Black Planet __________________ "Freedom is not given. It is our right at birth. But there are some moments when it must be taken." ~Tagline from the movie "Amistad"~ "The Akan concept of Sankofa: In order to move forward we first have to take a step back. In other words, before we can be prepared for the future, we must comprehend the past." From "We Did It, They Hid It"