Has the NAACP outlived its usefulness?

[EazyBreazy]

Out of curiosity, I wanted to get the opinions on this question from you enlightened types. I myself am of the opinion that it has progressed from trying to get actual racial issues corrected to a stance that is far more trivial by taking social issues and making them racial issues or for that matter taking a non-issue and making it a racial issue. I've actually encountered more racism from black people than i've seen from white people. This may be because I am not opposed to going to the "wrong side of town" or whatever to play pool. IDK though maybe I'm deluded and the NAACP actually does do useful things.

These are just my uninformed opinions. Could you more learned ones help clear this up for me plz?

[HashiriyaS14]

While there is quite obviously still material discrimination in our society, I will admit that all such organizations tend to, at times, make non-racial issues into racial ones to justify their own continued existence.

But no, I don't think the organization has outlived it's usefulness.

[CakeDaddy]

Out of curiosity, I wanted to get the opinions on this question from you enlightened types. I myself am of the opinion that it has progressed from trying to get actual racial issues corrected to a stance that is far more trivial by taking social issues and making them racial issues or for that matter taking a non-issue and making it a racial issue. I've actually encountered more racism from black people than i've seen from white people. This may be because I am not opposed to going to the "wrong side of town" or whatever to play pool. IDK though maybe I'm deluded and the NAACP actually does do useful things.

These are just my uninformed opinions. Could you more learned ones help clear this up for me plz?

The next time to walk into that pool hall.... walk in with a different attitude and see what that'll get you. If you walk in with your chest out and mean mugging..... you will get that look from others. I learned this with white people many years ago. It turned out that I was the problem.

As for the NAACP..... more power to them. They stand for a great cause that actually benefits people.

Im just curious, but in what what did they show you that they were racist. Cracker, white bread, snow flake, vanilla, did they steal your girl.....what?

[themadscientist]

I was talking to a black guy about how I am descriminated against as a white man. He laughed but the more I explained specific examples he started to see the unfairness of it.

He never really stopped to think about it before and when I said "I am everyone's bad guy, a WHITE, HETEROSEXUAL, MALE", he chuckled then after thinking about it said "yeah, that's true, that must suck."

[JustinStrife]

Yes they have.

We have Affirmative Action which is reverse Racism running amok now.

[EazyBreazy]

The next time to walk into that pool hall.... walk in with a different attitude and see what that'll get you. If you walk in with your chest out and mean mugging..... you will get that look from others. I learned this with white people many years ago. It turned out that I was the problem.

As for the NAACP..... more power to them. They stand for a great cause that actually benefits people.

Im just curious, but in what what did they show you that they were racist. Cracker, white bread, snow flake, vanilla, did they steal your girl.....what?

wow way to jump to conclusions about my attitude and the way i carry myself. At any rate, Would you care to share some examples of things the NAACP has done recently that have benefited society by correcting a wrong?

[CakeDaddy]

At any rate, Would you care to share some examples of things the NAACP has done recently that have benefited society by correcting a wrong?

sure, but not until you eplain how you encountered racism from the blacks in the pool hall

[EazyBreazy]

Cake, Why are you trying to make this about me? My experiences are irrelevant to the question of the thread.

So again I ask, Would you please provide me with proof of the NAACP doing something worthwhile in the recent past? I'm not attacking the NAACP, It's just that I cannot remember the NAACP doing anything noteworthy in a very long time.

[WDRacing]

sure, but not until you eplain how you encountered racism from the blacks in the pool hall

I've encountered race issues in several places, from bars to stores where I buy music related software and supplies. How exactly? There was a group of black guys hanging out in every situation this has happened, I went about what I needed to do, be it having a drink or buying midi cables. In each instance I've been "eye balled", crowded and it's gone as far as me being told to leave. I'm a 34yr old white male. I've lived in several countries and been to 12. The only thing I can say I am is prejudice against stupid. But dumb has no color. I don't walk around with a chip on my shoulder either.

To say black people can't be racist is naive and basically one of the most ignorant things I've ever heard. Sure, it's the other guys fault right? BS...

Does racism exist? Hell yeah it does...but it's on every side from every race/color/creed. It's not a white vs thing...hasn't been for years. Racism is perpetuated by the ignorant. So pick a side, you're either stupid, or you're not. There is NO other way of looking at it.

For the record, I've experienced racism from asian/latin/european people not just blacks. I'd also jump and support any person no matter the color/creed/race if they were being attacked for no good reason aside from their color. Why? Because it's the right thing to do.

Perpetuation of racism is every one's problem. And no, I think the NAACP still has some work cut out...

[HashiriyaS14]

^^WD is on point here.

There is indeed reverse discrimination, things like affirmative action, but that doesn't somehow mean that there isn't still discrimination against the black population also, as there plainly still is.

You have to work the problem from both sides. The NAACP hasn't automatically outlived it's usefulness just because there's a black POTUS or because some white guy doesn't get a job because of affirmative action, as there are still lots of black people being discriminated against elsewere. I do resent that it is politically incorrect to claim "reverse discrimination" however, when it quite plainly DOES occur. Why can't people just accept that both happen? Why does it have to be one or the other?

These are individual acts happening to individual people, of COURSE both happen simultaneously.

[CakeDaddy]

Cake, Why are you trying to make this about me? My experiences are irrelevant to the question of the thread.

So again I ask, Would you please provide me with proof of the NAACP doing something worthwhile in the recent past? I'm not attacking the NAACP, It's just that I cannot remember the NAACP doing anything noteworthy in a very long time.

Go back and read you original post and you'll see your questions as being: "Could you more learned ones help clear this up for me plz?" Your question(s) was or were loaded and all over the place and I simply picked a spot. And that spot was your pool hall experience.

I want to help you identify what racism is in a pool hall.So, in what way did they show you that they were racist?

If you do not want your "irrelevant" experiences to be talked about.... DO NOT POST THEM! Find another way to move your point or question for that matter.

I'll ask again...in what way did they show you that they were racist?

As for the NAACP doing noteworthy... enjoyhttp://www.naacp.org/programs/index.htm

[AZhitman]

I have a better idea -

How about people (ALL people) recognize that:

1) Life ain't fair.2) Some people have to work harder than others.

There's no need for a gov't-sanctioned program to "advance" a certain sub-set of the population.

Would you approve of the NAAWP? Why not? Because we all "have it made"? Really? Drive through rural Arkansas and tell me that.

No - Its time has passed. It's done nothing of consequence for years, and it's a relic of a time when people couldn't "bootstrap" themselves into a better way of life.

Those days are gone. And in the rare cases they're not? Too damn bad.

[DJ Raijin]

I have a better idea -

How about people (ALL people) recognize that:

1) Life ain't fair.2) Some people have to work harder than others.

There's no need for a gov't-sanctioned program to "advance" a certain sub-set of the population.

Would you approve of the NAAWP? Why not? Because we all "have it made"? Really? Drive through rural Arkansas and tell me that.

No - Its time has passed. It's done nothing of consequence for years, and it's a relic of a time when people couldn't "bootstrap" themselves into a better way of life.

Those days are gone. And in the rare cases they're not? Too damn bad.

I've seen rural Kentucky man. Some of those people barely have running water and yes, they're white. I've been in homes in rural PA that have dirt floors. Yes, dirt floors.

The Hitman is on point with this post. Right down to the letter.

I'd like to show how deep the "reverse racism" actually is in America:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT1TkLgf ... uQDVTczGbA

[CakeDaddy]

EazyBreazy,

I have an online p0ker tourney in an hour. Hurry up with your reply. I want to help you!

[joe603]

I grew up in the Northeast...Conn and upstate NY. I was in the Air Force for 9 years, been stationed in numerous cities and countries...and I have never seen racism run as deep as it is here in south...specifically in Atlanta. It is REALLY bad from both blacks and whites. As you get closer to the city, it's black racism against whites....further away and it changes to white racism against blacks.

I think a lot has to do with the media. They seem to sensationalize racial issues to the point where if there isn't a racial issue in a story, it's not deemed as interesting. Hell, I find myself cursing at the criminals in racial tones sometimes...It's actually really starting to bother me.

I usually stay away from this forum, but this topic has been bothering me for a while. When I was in school (a year ago), we had a discussion about the "nappy headed hoes" comment...There were several black students who were offended not by the comments of Don Imus, but by the reaction of Al Sharpton. They don't feel that he represents all black Americans and that he has an agenda.

As far as the NAACP, I tend to agree that it has outlived its existence. Just like labor unions, the NAACP had it's time....and it was needed! However now it just seems to incite more race issues. Affirmative action is another thing that has outlived its usefulness. I think that if there was a white-advancement group it would be compared to the KKK.

On the other hand....

Our society has become WAY to politically correct. We're so afraid to upset someone that we have lost site of what's really important. We are so afraid of terrorists, kid violence, upsetting religious people, upsetting gay people, upsetting a different race or gender....when will it end?

[DJ Raijin]

I think that if there was a white-advancement group it would be compared to the KKK.

On the other hand....

Our society has become WAY to politically correct. We're so afraid to upset someone that we have lost site of what's really important. We are so afraid of terrorists, kid violence, upsetting religious people, upsetting gay people, upsetting a different race or gender....when will it end?

The "Klan" is a joke. Maybe in the 1920's, they were something to be feared. Back when they held over 60% of the house and senate and were able to march freely on DC. Hell they were almost a political party until Hoover buried them. They now have less than 500 members nationally.

If you want a White Supremacist group to fear, it would be the Aryan Nation. They number in the 10s of 1000s and they're more devious than the Klan ever was. They have a farm in northern PA with about 250 acres of land that they use for training. What are they training for? Lord knows.

But you are completely right. We are WAY too sensitive. What's wrong with Black and White? If it's good enough for me to be a color, why isn't it good enough for someone else to be a color too?

And we should do away with "hyphenated americans". African-American, Asian-American, Mexican-American.....it's too much! Why can't we all be American? Why do we perpetuate segregation by holding onto these titles? Why do I have to check what my race is when filling out an application for something? What does it matter whether I'm white or black? Equality is all well and good, but I don't want to get turned down for government assistance when I really need it, just because I'm not the right color.

[AZhitman]

I refuse to ever use the term "African American"... or any other hyphenated label.

Don't like it? Make me.

You wanna have dual citizenship? Fine. Go get it.

But half the people who CALL themselves that have NEVER traced their lineage, NEVER retained their customs, and NEVER educated themselves on the history of their ancestors.

They also wouldn't SURVIVE a month in their "claimed homeland".

Therefore, I refuse to use the hyphen. I've never identified myself as "Armenian-American", and never want to.

[EazyBreazy]

EazyBreazy,

I have an online p0ker tourney in an hour. Hurry up with your reply. I want to help you!

A) You are a fool to think that you rank that high up on my list of things to do. I'll get around to you whenever I want. It is the internet btw.

B) You are even more of a fool to think that I want your help. I work for everything I've got. I don't need your help, charity, or advice.

C) You are still stuck on the me thing. Why can't you gtf over it and respond to the thread in general.

You've been trying to muck up this thread and elicit a reaction from me since you came in here. You without knowledge of me or how I act assumed it was my fault. I like WD have been around. I've been to 9 different countries, lived in two for over a year each, and lived in even more states. I've never encountered any reverse racism except for in my home state of MS. Don't even give me this business about me doing something, I'm just playing pool w/ a friend and a dude comes up to me and says you're on the wrong side of the track aren't you whitey.

but alas I've given you what you want, now go away or contribute

[JustinStrife]

I refuse to ever use the term "African American"... or any other hyphenated label.

Don't like it? Make me.

You wanna have dual citizenship? Fine. Go get it.

But half the people who CALL themselves that have NEVER traced their lineage, NEVER retained their customs, and NEVER educated themselves on the history of their ancestors.

They also wouldn't SURVIVE a month in their "claimed homeland".

Therefore, I refuse to use the hyphen. I've never identified myself as "Armenian-American", and never want to.

I'm a Cracker-American.

[AZhitman]

LOL - CRACKAWEED!

EB, well-said, Sir. Nicely-done.

[CakeDaddy]

A) You are a fool to think that you rank that high up on my list of things to do. I'll get around to you whenever I want. It is the internet btw.

B) You are even more of a fool to think that I want your help. I work for everything I've got. I don't need your help, charity, or advice.

C) You are still stuck on the me thing. Why can't you gtf over it and respond to the thread in general.

You've been trying to muck up this thread and elicit a reaction from me since you came in here. You without knowledge of me or how I act assumed it was my fault. I like WD have been around. I've been to 9 different countries, lived in two for over a year each, and lived in even more states. I've never encountered any reverse racism except for in my home state of MS. Don't even give me this business about me doing something, I'm just playing pool w/ a friend and a dude comes up to me and says you're on the wrong side of the track aren't you whitey.

but alas I've given you what you want, now go away or contribute

No need to name call.

edit:

yes.... racism! I think you are going to just have to pick your spots better, unfortunately.


Modified by CakeDaddy at 8:56 PM 5/3/2009

[AZhitman]

He answered your question, clearly and concisely.

Apparently you're not reading too well.

[smockers83]

Apparently you're not reading too well.

Has he ever? Nope.

[EazyBreazy]

No need to name call.

edit:

yes.... racism! I think you are going to just have to pick your spots better, unfortunately.

So after all that the only thing you can offer is pick a different spot. Where's the budweiser commercial for Mr. Guy who nitpicks small points while being wrong and still brings nothing to the discussion?

[AZhitman]

...and then edits his post when he realized he lipped off too soon?

Oh wait - Not a commercial. Reality.

[Jesda]

NAACP is still very useful to demagogues.

[EazyBreazy]

NAACP is still very useful to demagogues.

had to dictionary . com the last one lol. I'll have to be careful otherwise my stupid will start showing.

...and then edits his post when he realized he lipped off too soon?

Oh wait - Not a commercial. Reality.

I live by the time proven psalm that it's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought an idiot than to open it and remove all doubt. Especially since I haven't quite mastered the whole omniscient thing yet. lol

[CakeDaddy]

So after all that the only thing you can offer is pick a different spot.

Well.... Its pretty simple. I'll still stand by my first comment of walk in with a different attitude and try not to stick your chest out.... I guess what I’m saying is humble yourself in awkward surroundings, but if that isn’t the case then it may be safe to pick another spot. Its unfortunate, but it may be your safest bet, especially after said, "you are on the wrong side of the tracks" You would hate to get hurt after receiving a warning like that. You can not reason with ignorance and hate. God knows I've tried. I've been in similar situations and took the same abuse from whites and some hispanics, but I know when to fall back and swallow some pride. I think I think I catch more heat because I’m of two races (Puerto Rican/Black) and fluent in Spanish, but like I said... you do not want to get hurt.

I’m sure the NAACP would not approve of the comments from the guy(s) in the pool hall I really do wish you the best, so so careful and I’m sorry you went through that.


Modified by CakeDaddy at 4:16 AM 5/4/2009

[EazyBreazy]

Just so you know, I'm 5'6 lol, so when i walk into where ever i go, it doesn't matter what kind of attitude i have i'm likely not to be taken as a threat. especially since a hard sneeze would send me flying backwards(stick thin lol)

Can you honestly say that the NAACP has done something that has directly affected you or anyone you know within the last 10 years?

Would you be offended if there were some type of organization for White people championing equality?

Would you be offended if a university championed itself as a Historically White College? http://www.ed.gov/about/inits/....html

These are just questions. I would like an honest non-defensive reply if you can. I don't judge people so don't worry about your answers.

[AZhitman]

CD, brilliant post. Period.

It absolutely IS unfortunate that someone has to change their behavior based on their suroundings, but as you said, it's the reality of the world we live in - and it's getting better.

The NAACP won't have one iota of impact on the kind of thing Eb experienced. Ever. That's a personal choice, again, as you said, made by the ignorant ones.