71 replies to this topic

[chris v]

Hell, on the news today there was a murder of a white supremist in Citrus Heights. When you will see that racism is still a big issue in America.

So here's a good example to you next time you claim I am the biggest racist on this forum. That white power piece of $hit and his crew murdered a member of my club because we were anti racist.

[caligirlz]

There was an article in the Folsom Telegraph yesterday with more details. Looks like you all missed it, since many of the regulars were involved in the heated discussion in the robbery thread.

http://folsomtelegraph.com/detail/172623.html?content_source=&category_id=1&search_filter=&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=

Black History month ended in El Dorado Hills and Folsom last Sunday with a gathering of about 30 at the Mormon Island Relocation Cemetery for a ceremony intended to bring global attention to “the earliest California Gold Rush pioneers of African descent” buried in graves marked “Unknown” and as having been moved from “N-word” Hill.

The event, billed as an International Faith-Based Prayer Circle, was part of the “continued quest to bring global dignity and respect to the earliest Gold Rush pioneers of African descent” in 2011, the United Nations International Year for People of African Descent.

The observance was arranged by Michael Harris, a Sacramento student of African American history and culture, director of the Negro Hill Burial Project and an historian for the National Black Farmers Agriculturists Association.

Harris, 47, said he is attempting to win the support of federal, state and regional politicians, administrators, educators and business leaders in removing the “foul, wicked and racist language” from 36 grave markers..

Somehow I am not surprised that this is all related the enforcement of the UN's global policies upon sovereign nations, and the pawns that take up the cause.

[eVader]

What does the rap community have to do with changing the "N" word on gravestones? Intention and context are the difference in any derogatory word. Are you really that naive to not know the difference?

You don't get it. As Dude and others have asked why is it ok for anyone to use the N word in today's society?

Steve, as to white kids, high schoolers, young adults using the word often, why do you think that is? Could it be cRAP music's frequent use of the word has made it "popular" or "cool"? As Bill Cosby and others have lectured, everyone stop using offensive words and it will no longer be "cool".

Like some, I use foul language at times (bad habit for which i dont have an excuse) but i can't say the N word not because I am a white guy but because society today says it isnt right and very hurtful to many people. Society dictates what is acceptable Kids and rude adults will stop using the N word when it stops being acceptable by society or in this case peers

BTW there will always be preferences, discrimination or "racism". Always. Sometimes it will just be cloaked by one's comfort zone or preference. An example - one is generally most comfortable with their own race, personality, social or financial status than different. I see it in those from India, blacks, Mexicans, Chinese, Italians, Russians etc. Better to recognize this while being tolerant and embrace other races, cultures, personalities.

[Steve Heard]

You don't get it. As Dude and others have asked why is it ok for anyone to use the N word in today's society?

No, YOU don't get it! I't NOT okay! Black folks have for years been begging, pleading, and threatening record companies to stop allowing this, but they don't because it makes them money. Just because rappers say it does not mean that it's okay with black people or anyone other than the rappers and the record companies.

Steve, as to white kids, high schoolers, young adults using the word often, why do you think that is? Could it be cRAP music's frequent use of the word has made it "popular" or "cool"? As Bill Cosby and others have lectured, everyone stop using offensive words and it will no longer be "cool".

Sure, if they are using it while rapping the lyrics to a popular song. It doesn't make it okay, but I can't expect kids to sing their favorite songs and then skip over the offensive words.

What I'm talking about however, is the use of it in derogatory reference to black people. Could it be, is it remotely possible that some may get it from their parents?

I recall after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, my daughters 8 year old classmate, Muhammed, was ostracized, pushed around, called 'terrorist' and 'muslim', and 'bomber'. Where did the other 8 year olds get that from? Certainly not rap records. No, we generally get our racial epithets from home.

Like some, I use foul language at times (bad habit for which i dont have an excuse) but i can't say the N word not because I am a white guy but because society today says it isnt right and very hurtful to many people. Society dictates what is acceptable Kids and rude adults will stop using the N word when it stops being acceptable by society or in this case peers

It's not acceptable by society. If the word is offensive, it shouldn't be allowed only if no one else says it. Imagine if it were the F word. F___ hill cemetary. Would that be okay? Rappers say that one, too.

BTW there will always be preferences, discrimination or "racism". Always. Sometimes it will just be cloaked by one's comfort zone or preference. An example - one is generally most comfortable with their own race, personality, social or financial status than different. I see it in those from India, blacks, Mexicans, Chinese, Italians, Russians etc. Better to recognize this while being tolerant and embrace other races, cultures, personalities.

There's a big difference between preference and exclusion. When I was a kid, whites 'preferred' not to hire, rent to, educate their kids with, socialize, or otherwise interract with blacks. That's not, however, what this argument is about. For the record, I am most comfortable around like-minded individuals, not like-skined or like-raced. I do not, however, exclude people with different opinions. I have socialized with Robert Giacometti, Bill Z, Davburr, The Dude, and others with whom I share some beliefs and disagree on others. None were chosen because of their race.

[eVader]

I thought i was clear but Steve you didn't get it. The use of the N word is NOT OK period. I understand your point and very very valid. You have posted in the past about discrimination, racist behavior and hateful speech. Totally get it and agree.

My point was the jackwagons be they black, white or anything else using the N word are not helping solve the problem and instead making it cool. But then again people act on $$$ and sideline doing the right thing. We have met briefly and while we have seemed to be in disagreement, wouldn't miss an opportunity to share a beer with you and chat.

I'm done with this thread.

[Steve Heard]

I thought i was clear but Steve you didn't get it. The use of the N word is NOT OK period. I understand your point and very very valid. You have posted in the past about discrimination, racist behavior and hateful speech. Totally get it and agree.

My point was the jackwagons be they black, white or anything else using the N word are not helping solve the problem and instead making it cool. But then again people act on $$$ and sideline doing the right thing. We have met briefly and while we have seemed to be in disagreement, wouldn't miss an opportunity to share a beer with you and chat.

I'm done with this thread.

I'll close my involvement in the thread by saying that when someone says, as you did, 'why is it okay for others to use the word', I say that it is not.

I find that a specious argument which only distracts us from the matter at hand. Should Kanye West say, 'how come I can't say it, but it can be on grave stones?'

I'll take you up on the beer offer. I'm actually quite hilarious in person. A lot funnier than any of those other guys I named. I got jokes. :-)

[asbestoshills]

It's a waste of time to try to explain to some people on this forum the history behind the N word b/c they aren't capable of understanding the horror of it. Perhaps, in the not so far future, when their race becomes a minority by the numbers and economically they will understand. As white people lose their dominance in the economic realm, some other group will make a name for them and maybe they will start to understand the deep hatred towards minorities that is a fact of history in America. However, it is unlikely as we have evolved from slavery that they will suffer as much as the black community has in America. As time goes on white people will experience more prejudice and racism b/c of the population and economic trends. In fact, some minorities that I know that are business owners, refuse to hire white people b/c they have a prejudice against them and think they are all lazy, fat and can't get along well in work groups. Obviously this isn't true, but truth has little to do with prejudice and racism. So, as the tide changes, so do the kinds of racism that we will see, but it still doesn't make it right. So, like the other poster said, there are racists on all sides, but it's up to us to educate and tolerate others no matter how you think of them personally. All racism is something to overcome, but as long as a community tolerates it, it becomes an acceptable way to live. Here's another example of what happened in an Ohio school just yesterday. Where's the sensitivity here?

Ohio school sorry for making black student 'slave'
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GAHANNA, Ohio – The mother of a black Ohio fifth grader assigned to play a slave for a social studies lesson says the school should be more sensitive.

Principal Scott Schmidt of Chapelfield Elementary in Gahanna (guh-HA'-nuh) called Aneka Burton to apologize for what happened to her son, Nikko, on Wednesday. Columbus station WBNS-TV reports Schmidt said no harm was intended.

Ten-year-old Nikko says the class was randomly divided into "masters" and "slaves" and that the only other black student got to be a master. Burton says her son refused to take part in a simulated slave auction and was sent back to his desk.

Burton says she appreciates the apology, but the exercise was inappropriate.

The school district said in a statement Thursday that officials acted promptly once the concern was raised.

[doj_gal]

You are not erasing history, you are giving repect to a deceased relative. There could be a plaque explaining the changes. Like I said, if the family of the deceased or the community feel like they don't want their people called "Ns" anymore, why the hell do you care? Were your people ever enslaved in this country? Hell, on the news today there was a murder of a white supremist in Citrus Heights. When you will see that racism is still a big issue in America. It was just last summer that all of the white kids in an Alabama public pool ran out when the black and hispanic kids went swimming. We have a long way to go. The laws have changed, but there are still many white people that can't stand miniorities and some of them are on this forum.
I don't care who says the "N" word, but I do care about the context it's said in and the intention. However, it's not for me to decide b/c these weren't my ancestors. Let the African AMerican community of Folsom decide what they think it's right.

THERE ARE PEOPLE IN ALL RACES THAT SEGERAGATE AND HAVE HATRED TOWARDS THE OTHER RACES, NOT JUST WHITE PEOPLE. I AM SO SICK OF YOUR NEGATIVE B.S. TOWARDS PEOPLE OF RACES OTHER THAN YOUR OWN.

I really try to not even focus on race, sometimes it comes up, sometimes in a negative manner. I feel bad that you have had the life experiences, which clearly demonstrates not only your anger but utter hatred for the "white race". You need to get into some sort of counseling for those issues.

THEN>> you have the audacity to paint another person in a negative light and call them a racist...Take a good look in the mirror and stop spewing your hatred...I know I have had enough of your garbage, trashy attitude and overall b.s.

[john]

Hey folks, this is obviously a sensitive subject - but we all need to dial it down a little.
Let's not get personal with this... keep it on topic.

PS - It's OK to disagree with people. Just realize your opinions may not sway them.

[Robert Giacometti]

I'll take you up on the beer offer. I'm actually quite hilarious in person. A lot funnier than any of those other guys I named. I got jokes. :-)

I Call BS on you for this one....you might be funnier looking...never mind skip that one, I shouldn't eb sending emails in front of the mirror but I'm still funnier in person.

[doj_gal]

"The way to keep yourself clear from making assumptions is to ask questions. Make sure the communication is clear. If you don't understand, ask. Have the courage to ask until you are as clear as you can be. Once you hear the answer, you will not have to make assumptions because you will know the truth." -Don Miguel Ruiz

[caligirlz]

In Sac Bee today

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released documents Tuesday acknowledging it was responsible for using a racially inflammatory version of the name Negro Hill when that town's cemetery was moved to El Dorado Hills to make way for Folsom Lake in 1954.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/04/3599903/us-agency-admits-role-in-racial.html#ixzz1LMkrYXDz

2nd article here
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/03/3596713/it-may-be-time-to-bury-racial.html?storylink=lingospot_related_articles