Posted by Pharzeone:
Posted by Bippity10:
Posted by Pharzeone:
Posted by Bippity10:
Another important thing to do is meet someone face to face and talk to them like a man before you judge them. Obvioulsy difficult for some of you to do. Good luck with that.
Bip, do not get me wrong. I am not judging you but your story reminded me of this story that I came across last week about reshaping America image of black persona. And Ben was a reference that was brought up to illustrate this. I am not commenting about but your story. You are not alone with that attitude in the AA community and I find it interesting that America has taken notice.
I guess I'm just not understanding your point. Maybe it's going over my head.
My problem is with guys like Sebstar. I can guarantee we could sit down and talk about 100 topics facing black america today and agree on 90%. But the 10 where we disagree constitutes the makings of an uncle tom. Now since we have never met and have never discussed 100 topics facing black america today he has determined my whole thought process, belief system and way of life based on the discussion of one or two topics. I may be wrong but to me that isn't well thought out, logical thought. It's jumping to conclusions and generalizing anyone that does or doesn't agree with your point of view. Not sure how that thought process differs from your typical everyday racist.
This same topic (about blacks overcoming racism and not using it as an excuse)was discussed at summit where the Uncle Ben story was brought up. At first I didn't understand the connection until I read what they did with the Uncle Ben character. He was remade this year or last year. He is now a self made black man who rose above racism to become a chairman. The question at the summit was how do you feel about this. And the response was interesting while some felt that it was a great move by Mars, Inc. (parent company) to reshape the image of one of the most negative images that were held in black america. While others actually found this "new Ben" more racist than the "Uncle Ben" since it now assumes that this how a AA should be respresented in America. That being successful defines what all black culture is trying to achieve. I just found your story interesting as it related to that summit.
[Edited by - pharzeone on 09-04-2007 11:47 AM]
Actually didn't mention anything about succes in my post. My fathers route was his route. That's what he chose and that was his decision to be part of corporate america. I chose a different path in which I wanted to work for myself and own my own business. NOt to make a lot of money but so that I can have the middle of my days free to do what I love, coaching basketball. My brother chose a different path which is to graduate with a degree in international business relations and travel to 3rd world countries and assist something to do with finances(he's explained it to me a million times I don't get it). The truth is that we all have our own idea of what success is and we chose it. All different paths as you can see.
Again if you reread my post you would see that I talk about being an individual. Beleiveing in who you are and determining your own success. Think for yourself and determine your own success. Not once did I quantify success as being in a white corporate boardroom. That's just your interpretation based on my father's path. And at the same time disparaging my father's hard work. Good job.
I think anyone that thinks racism doesn't hold blacks back is naive. Anyone that beleives that blacks don't contribute to holding themselves back is naive. Be who you want to be, whether that is a teacher, caoch, IT specialist or as someone's "slave" in a corporate boardroom, stop lettign other people define your level of success. Stop lettign people tell you what "white" and "black" behavior is. Stop letting people tell you what anything is. Figure it out for yourself.
