Questions of Race
I'd like to first enlighten and then get your opinion on a historically delicate subject. Yesterday I saw an advert for a foundation called the United Negro College Fund.
To briefly summarise this organisation's purpose and background the UNCF were first established 1944 with the intention of helping support the education of African-Americans. Today they help to support some 39 "historically black colleges" across America. A historically black college is defined as a college set up sometime before the widespread end to racism across America mid-way through the 20th Century. During these times ethnic minorities would find great difficulty in seeking an educational body willing to teach them. This seems like as noble cause as any. Education is important and nobody should be treated different, regardless of age, origin, race or religion. For that I wish them the best. However there is a question that has been on my mind since I learned of their existence.
Does it work both ways?
As you would expect the UNCF do not discriminate against anyone. Despite the "black" in "historically black college" any individual, black or not, can join. What puzzles me is this; could you imagine an organisation, here in the 21st century, being allowed to use a name such as "The Caucasian Support Group" or "The White Man Education Authority"? I couldnt be sure but my gut feeling is it would stir a lot of controversy. I am very fortunate, and glad, that I was not brought up in a time or place where racism runs rampant. Our modern culture frowns heavily on discrimination and so do I. However I cannot help thinking that due to the sadly racist history of the caucasian race, we have now become the most targeted ethnic group for racial finger-pointing. Are we given less leniency to speak and focus on the skin colour of ourselves and others? Are the rules more strict for us white folk? If so then racism must not be stopping - simply changing direction. What are your thoughts?
Comments are open.
02/04/2007 
8 Comment(s)
On 08/07/2006 Stuart said:
Very true, I think this is often case with indians. My boss was accused of racial discrimination by this fella after turning him down for a job for no reason other than that he was not right for the position. It happens a lot I think.
On 08/07/2006 Steve Tucker said:
Im not really focusing on elements of racism Stuart; Im focusing more on the unwritten consensus of our society that seems to suggest caucasian people must generally be more careful when speaking of skin colours.
But to support what you said I also knew someone at my old job in the NHS who suffered the same thing. Thankfully noubt came of it.
On 09/07/2006 Elessar said:
I dont buy into double standards at all. Why should i (as a white guy) watch what i say when around someone? I hate the 'N' word, i would never say it, yet black people say it all the time, both in a joking and negative manner. Thats absolute bullshit. If they can say the word, i should be able to as well. Yet i cant without encuring their wrath.
Im dating a Native, i've heard plenty of jokes, but i dont let it get to me. But i hate it when minorities complain, yet will go out and speak negatively about another race...
On 10/07/2006 J Phill said:
I think you all make some valid points on racism, but as far as whites having to watch what they say, it is only because they are the majority, so when they say something that everyone doesn't like, then it stirs controversy.
With blacks, they have these establishments because in the times when we were discriminated against we needed a way to stick together, creating our own culture. As far as using the "N" word, I can't say that it's write that it's used because of it's history. So I wouldn't condone using it at all. I think it's more of a shock factor when other cultures use it. I think it also really depends on who you say it around. I've heard others use it around me and I'd rather them not use it around me because I don't use it.
But in my opinion, it's a word that has gotten thrown way out of its original context and seems to be apart of slang now, which isn't cool to me. The word didn't start off as a positive thing, and I could do without hearing it, but that's just me. I might have gotten off topic, but there really isn't a short answer to those questions.
On 10/07/2006 Stu said:
I know this comment's late to the party, but Elessar made the point "...If they can say the word, i should be able to as well. Yet i cant without encuring their wrath."
I watched an episode of Oprah once (yeah, so what) where a black dude was speaking on the topic of racism. He said a white guy once asked him why it's okay for blacks to use the 'N' word but not whites, and he simply answered "Why do you WANT to use it?". Cue lots of whooping and cheering from the audience. I have to agree, I couldn't care less if I can or can't; why would you want to?
On 10/07/2006 J Phill said:
Stu hit it right on the head. I completely agree, and I can't say that it's a word that blacks are proud of, just apart of the vocab, but yeah, why do other people even want to use the word?
On 14/07/2006 Steve Tucker said:
The "N" word is definitely not cool. You're right Stu. It is just one of those strange cultural things which I for one will never understand.
On a side note... Oprah Stu?? Give me Dale's supermarket sweep anyday!