Quote:Well, I'll wait with an open ear for what you have to say. Hopefully you'll include how these things were able to get you involved.


Also, I'm all about open and honest dialog. You seem to want to limit divisiveness so hopefully you'll refrain from using divisive terms like "progressives." From what I tell from your post so far, the issue in black communities seems to be complex. I didn't detect your issue with Colin's protest as being too overly simplistic, but you'll educate me I'm sure. I'd also love it if you could tell me what the "sides" are.

 

I'd like to clarify a misconception.  A fact is not divisive.  Microaggressions, cultural appropriation and other similar concepts are only used by a certain segment of the Democratic party (or independents that are left of the Democratic party) that tend to refer to themselves as progressives.  That is a fact.  Like most political terms, it is a word that is constantly evolving.  If you want to debate the definition of the word, you could do so with some success, but I am using it to refer to that particular group.  I think they mean well, but by their own nature, many of the concepts they focus on look for differences, not similarities among various social groups.  I say that not to demonize a group of people, but to shed light on how a group of people may be doing something that I believe to be harmful by sharing ideas that are, by their nature, divisive. 

 

As for how I got involved in this issue, I will give you the short version: I was a teacher several years ago in a school that was predominantly Hispanic.  The interesting thing about it was that half of the kids were native Texans from upper middle class families, and the other half were sons and daughters of immigrants or second generation immigrants who came out of impoverished neighborhoods.  They had completely different cultures and values.  The native Texans had more in common with what would be seen as traditional upper middle class white values, and the recently immigrated children shared more in common with stereotypical impoverished black communities.  While I have always believed socioeconomic status played a role in shaping values, it wasn't until I worked there that I realized how deeply it shaped the outlook of young kids.  You even saw discrimination and bias among the students based on their status.  

 

There's more, but that's the short version.  I don't teach anymore, but I use my experiences (including my years at predominantly black schools) to help people understand why low income blacks might have a different perspective than upper class whites.  Also, I feel the need to clarify:  When I speak of blacks, I am only referring, generally, about impoverished black communities.  It is unfair to apply any stereotypes to individuals, and I think it's often an inhibitor when it comes to racial discussions.  I am painting with a broad brush, fully aware that there are exceptions.

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