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Friday, August 14, 2020

'Race Relations, and my Life of White Privilege'... Part 3

 


Let’s just see where we are and bring this up to date somewhat.

Question:  What is the purpose of the looting and rioting under the banner of fairness for Blacks?

‘Black Lives Matter’ and others who expound daily about ‘systemic racism’ do not really say too much about what they want – other than slogans and turmoil.

‘Systemic’ is defined as affecting or relating to a system as a whole.’  Presumably, a system against Blacks and other minorities.  OK, I understand those words; but is it true?  Is it outdated?  It appears that BLM would like us all to take their word that it is more necessary than ever.

Actually, ‘affirmative action’ and those targeted issues have been around since the late 1800s.  The law was basically codified in the 1960s with the presumption that it would ultimately expire or become unnecessary.  It was not intended to be a quota system, but a system of increased opportunity for the disadvantaged.

In truth, the law has become more pervasive and has evolved into an unofficial quota system.  We all should understand that by now.

For example, the ‘system’ is often applied unequally in favor of Blacks to the detriment of other minorities in hiring and education.  A recent finding by the U.S. Justice Department, which included a lengthy investigation, has shown that admission to a prestigious university, specifically Yale, has discriminated in favor of Black applicants to the disadvantage of Asian (and incidentally White) candidates.  Asians are a minority, but… supposedly not ‘disadvantaged’ and are inexplicably unqualified to benefit.

We, of course, see the same sort of discrimination in hiring and promotions.  Is it important if it corrects past wrongs?  Well, if you are looking for a job or a promotion within your current job and you do not happen to be Black, it could be important.  The question, I suppose, is will it ever end?  And, will there be a time when everyone is equal?  Doubtful.

Blacks are unquestionably disadvantaged in so many ways.  I do agree with that.  We can see it all around.  Nonetheless, it is hard to explain.  One thing that I am fairly sure about is that it has little to do with the color of their skin.

Thomas Sowell and Robert Woodson, well known Black scholars, have an opinion on this.  I do not want to overly simplify their words, but I want to highlight two of their prominent theories regarding the Black situational underachievement.  They are…

1)       The failure in Black communities to sustain a family unit to protect and nurture their children.  In other words, children need/require a family unit which preferably includes a mother and a father or other stable family unit.

2)      The children in Black communities need ‘school choice.’  They need the opportunity to go to any school to get an education; and not be necessarily required to attend a neighborhood school with a dubious educational reputation and other negative factors like criminal activity prominent in the immediate community.

Just one last thought, regarding the above.  If Blacks et al feel that the violence, looting, rioting, and attacks on law enforcement will ultimately bring all races together.  Well, I think those who believe that will be disappointed.

These postings are to be about my life of ‘White privilege.’  The next post will be more personal in nature.

 

 True Nelson

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