I recently heard an anti-racism radio ad that went something like this: A man is introduced to an audience as the CEO of the company (applause). The new CEO begins to speak, and we're taken to a private conversation between two employees in the back of the room. One employee says to the other something like, "I'm really proud of Andrew (the CEO). He's really come a long way, for a black man. Know what I mean?" The other employee pauses and says, "No, Jimmy, I don't know what you mean." Then the announcer comes on and says something about hate stops when we take a stand. Now, I would be totally fine with this ad, if we weren't getting a completely different message every where we turn. I think it's great that "Andrew" became the CEO, and it is completely unnecessary to point out his color. However, if this is really the goal, then why must we continually hear about great things that are now being done by blacks? For instance, Mississippi State just hired a black football coach, and instead of hearing about how qualified he is and how he was the best man for the job, all we hear is that he's the first black football coach in the SEC. I just don't see how these two agendas mix.
Another recent article from our very own News Star told us all about the Bayou Classic (The rivalry game between Grambling and Southern - two predominantly black universities). The paper said (I'm not making this up), "It was like a black Mecca [as opposed to the white mecca]; a great black event." There is no way white people could get away with saying that. Am I missing something here?
By the way, I ran these thoughts past a co-worker of mine, who happens to be a middle-aged black woman. She agreed with me whole-heartedly.
Posted by at December 2, 2003 09:06 PMYou make good points. I have noticed the exact same thing, myself.
There is a commercial for the NAACP that runs before movies sometimes here in Memphis. In it we see MLK, Jr. and his family and supporters walking slowly to the steps of some sort of courthouse, knowing full well they are about to be arrested for something (protesting?). The commercial never even gives ONE clue as to what the deal is. Just that they are being arrested - such martyrs! Could it be that perhaps they are breaking the law? The commercial would have you believe that just because they are black, they are being arrested, which is obviously incorrect. This is all done with swelling and majestic music in the background as several police officers walk slowly up to meet them. The camera focuses on a black police officer - the Uncle Tom? - who embarrassingly and it seems shamefully is forced to handcuff MLK, Jr. (another long close-up of black hands being shackled). The message says something like "The NAACP will never stop fighting". It's very vague, and in my opinion promotes the idea the blacks NEVER get a fair shake in life and have absolutely no voice.
Andy - that's not MLK jr. They play the same commercials in the theater here. It's Kweisi Mfume, head of the NAACP.
No, Aaron. I DON'T know what you mean.
Posted by: Duane at December 3, 2003 10:37 AMYeah, thanks. I stand corrected. I knew it wasn't him as soon as I left that comment... I was thinking perhaps it was his son, but now I know.
Posted by: andy at December 3, 2003 01:14 PMAlong the same lines, if prominant minorities or women speak against afirmative action, many voices from the Left will say "well, they owe their success to afirmative action, so their criticism can be dismissed"...
Posted by: Siergen at December 3, 2003 05:37 PMI think affirmative action ultimately takes away from minorities who are actually qualified. When a minority gets an important job, people will think the got it because they needed to fill a quota or wanted to make a politically correct move, rather than a move motivated by having the best possible candidate for the position.
Posted by: the booth at December 3, 2003 06:37 PMAndy,
It's not 'what' was said but 'who' said it.
That is the only thing that is important. It's been proven over and over, remember NOW's support of Clinton and trashing the women that claimed sexual harrassment? It goes against their stated beliefs but the beliefs aren't important if the offender is in the correct political party, the correct gender, the correct race.
It is really amazing that they don't see this..
Posted by: debbie at December 5, 2003 10:21 AM