Upset

[IndianaGirl]

Originally Posted by MeganS

But we're the *new* generation. We WANT to move on and let go of the past. Letting go doesn't mean forgetting, it means taking what you learned and making yourself a better person because of it.

I truly do understand racism. I come from a small town - White, Christian central. They aren't racist per say, but they certainly aren't overly accepting. In my high school - out of 900 people - there are about 4 black kids. I do understand it. I learn about it. It's one of my favorite things to learn about it. Understanding it is not the issue here...the problem is that people harp on it. People make other people feel inferior because of it. One of my friends (who is black) once said to me "I'm not really an American." I said "What are you talking about?" She said "I'm only here because YOUR people brought me here." If that's not racism, I don't know what is.

Wise words (not written by me..lol)
GEORGE SANTAYANA:
Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

[chachi]

Now would everyone be just as accepting if an older white paster preached about white supremacy at a white presidents swearing in. There just seems to be a double standard

[IndianaGirl]

Originally Posted by chachi

Now would everyone be just as accepting if an older white paster preached about white supremacy at a white presidents swearing in. There just seems to be a double standard

It would be seen differently!!
Because to talk about supremacy or fighting for rights are completely different no?

[chachi]

Originally Posted by IndianaGirl

It would be seen differently!!
Because to talk about supremacy or fighting for rights are completely different no?

Who is fighting for rights these days?

[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by Ashley V

I see what you and a lot of other people are saying. He did come from a different time frame YES BUT what makes him different than our grandparents is he in the public eye. Our grandparents wouldn't be out making national speeches on race. He was. Everyone is always so worried about being politically correct and using terms like "holiday tree" as not to offend different religions and you can't say "Merry Christmas" any more, but there can be national made speeches about RACE? And I'm sorry, but if he didn't mean it, "like that" then he would have used the past tense... not present.

No I agree with you- he probably meant it just the way it sounded- I just put it in context of the generational gap.

[IndianaGirl]

Originally Posted by chachi

Who is fighting for rights these days?

Me!
Last week I had two busses pass me up because one of them didn't know how to use the lift and the other one didn't want to bother stopping
I had to call Coach America and explain to the person in charge that if their bus drivers dont know how or dont want to pick me up, then they shouldn't be drivers...period! I was treated differently and made to feel like an outcast.
The end result was two people were giving time off to learn their jobs.

[LuvmyYorkies2]

Originally Posted by IndianaGirl

Oh girl I have to disagree with that. Do you know your past makes who you are today. Its not so easy to just let it go and live for how things are now. As much as we would like to believe we understand what they went through or how they felt, we really cant.

[MeganS]

Originally Posted by IndianaGirl

Wise words (not written by me..lol)
GEORGE SANTAYANA:
Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

I didn't say anything about not learning from history.

I, actually, specifically said

"Letting go means taking what you learned, and making yourself a better person because of it."

I have not said a word about not learning about it - I've actually said to KEEP learning about it. But what I AM saying is that people NEED to stop playing the victim. If people come together as EQUALS then no one will feel like anyone deserves an apology for something we had no control over.

Those who cannot learn from history -- history! This is *history*. History is the *past*. the past is of *uber* importance, but it is not the *present*. This is not happening in the *present*. Blacks are not demanded to sit at the back of the bus, they aren't lynched, they don't have to walk through different doors and drink from different water fountains. That is TODAY'S world - the world we currently live in. There is no reason to make comments suggesting that that is still the world we live in. It is NOT, and the world we DO live in wants to STOP that.

[IndianaGirl]

Originally Posted by MeganS

I didn't say anything about not learning from history.

I, actually, specifically said

"Letting go means taking what you learned, and making yourself a better person because of it."

I have not said a word about not learning about it - I've actually said to KEEP learning about it. But what I AM saying is that people NEED to stop playing the victim. If people come together as EQUALS then no one will feel like anyone deserves an apology for something we had no control over.

Those who cannot learn from history -- history! This is *history*. History is the *past*. the past is of *uber* importance, but it is not the *present*. This is not happening in the *present*. Blacks are not demanded to sit at the back of the bus, they aren't lynched, they don't have to walk through different doors and drink from different water fountains. That is TODAY'S world - the world we currently live in. There is no reason to make comments suggesting that that is still the world we live in. It is NOT, and the world we DO live in wants to STOP that.

Do you remember back in 2006 the Jena six?
Here is the article...and yes "lynching" is still being used to make fear
Jena Six - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Nikki+2]

I seriously just think old people get a free pass. They've paid their dues they've lived their lives and they are who they are.

I was in line at the grocery shortly after the election. I was chatting with this sweet little elderly lady behind me. It was quite a nice little chat until she broke out this little gem- "I've noticed they are hiring so many more black people lately- it must be because of Obama". It caught me off guard and I guess I was standing there with my mouth open and then she said- "I don't have any problem with it of course, I was just noticing". So I said of of course, and I let it go. Now if that had been someone of my generation it would be a totally different story. I know we are talking about a public speaker and not a lady at the grocery and I would guess if his prayer had been pre-approved it would not have made it as written but you know- he's an old guy and he's probably dealt with too many women like that "nice little old lady" in his life.

I still chuckle a little thinking of that woman. Did she think Obama sent out an emergency memo to all of the grocery stores?

[MeganS]

Originally Posted by IndianaGirl

Do you remember back in 2006 the Jena six?
Here is the article...and yes "lynching" is still being used to make fear
Jena Six - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I do remember that. Very unfortunate.

My point is, it's not a regular occurance and there are very severe consequences for it. There are still people who think this way, but the law does not allow them to act on it freely.

Every single group faces discrimination. That's just the way it is. Gays, disabled, different religions, everyone.

But the point is, this is not 60 years ago. This is 2009. We are moving forward. It is *important* to learn about the past - I acknowledge and encourage that - but it is unnecessary to speak and act as if we are still in the past.

[BubblPopElectrc]

I think it's funny how people are getting so worked up over his comments and at the same time he is known as being gay-friendly. He can't be but so conservative and "stuck in the past."

[crystalsmom]

Originally Posted by MeganS

I do remember that. Very unfortunate.

My point is, it's not a regular occurance and there are very severe consequences for it. There are still people who think this way, but the law does not allow them to act on it freely.

Every single group faces discrimination. That's just the way it is. Gays, disabled, different religions, everyone.

But the point is, this is not 60 years ago. This is 2009. We are moving forward. It is *important* to learn about the past - I acknowledge and encourage that - but it is unnecessary to speak and act as if we are still in the past.

Megan, I always listen to what you have to say because you are so smart for your age but just because they don't have to ride in the back of the bus and other things you mentioned doesn't mean that their life here on earth isn't maybe twice as hard as yours. Do you remember Katrina and the way they were treated like animals.....I hear people here say "they get so much" well I don't hear anyone wishing to change places with them. I don't for a minute expect you to understand this because you have to live through this and see what happens, yes even today!! I have black friends who have more compassion for those that make rude comments than I could ever have. We have a chance here to work together and put aside our differences and I hope that will be the case.

[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by BubblPopElectrc

I think it's funny how people are getting so worked up over his comments and at the same time he is known as being gay-friendly. He can't be but so conservative and "stuck in the past."

Ha ha, good point. Racists aren't usually known for their open mindedness.

[RebelBelle]

The rhyming chant is a relic from the civil rights movement. He didn't make it up on the spot or conjure it up just for this benediction. The man was reflecting on his history. I'm sure when he was chanting it back then, it was in future tense. He just repeated it as a memory to reflect on and see how far we have come. Unless we can talk to him and find out what he was thinking, I truly think it's unfair to judge his statements.