now, this better have good documentation to prove this one. in our society nowadays, i hate when folks always press the issue of it’s because of the color of my skin. when are we going to get over this fact and truly see that folks can be treated equally.
what i truly would like to see, that those on welfare – truly get out of the house and work, instead of getting free money. it’s ashame that folks think that money grows on trees. you wonder why we might be on a recession, when folks would rather sit than work. to me it’s rewarding when we work for the almighty dollar that appears to be harder to spend.
This has nothing to do with people on welfare and everything to do with people who are working. It would be hard for anyone to comment on this without the facts. Certainly racism is used as a cheap, nevertheless how would you know this is the case in this case? You should have never brought welfare into this and that was plain wrong.
This comes from a person who thinks Rodney King is a fraud. But if we are too be a fair society, we must look at things both ways.
It is no longer a question of if but when an EPL claim will occur. M & S seems to have all the appropriate measures in place to avoid such a claim but finds itself defending accusations regardless. The defense cost alone will most likely be staggering. Nationwide job bias charges rose 9% in 2007. Racial discrimination was up 12% to the highest level since 1994. Always offer your clients EPL.
Aercromie & Fitch just had a similar discrimination lawsuit brought against them. Where are the black models and employees? If they have models now of color it is only because they had to change their M.O. People kill writing the color of their skin quote. PLEASE! Most white people take it for granted that when they patronize an establishment that they will see people of same skin tone managing and working the front lines with people of color relegated to the back (i.e. cooks, janitorial technician, etc.). Some of us white people think we’re entitled to be “served” by people of color. I really don’t see how this is any different than a “caste” system or the old plantation mentality.
My black brother-in-law applied for a management position and was told he could get the job as line cook where he had to work with mostly Hispanics. Just because you see a Black cook does not always mean that they wanted to do that job – it may mean that they will do what they can to make ends meet and not be on welfare (mostly Whites).
Walgreens recently had to settle with current and former Black employees over pay raises and chances for promotion. The real reason you’re upset is that people are no longer “taking it” anymore and are actually prospering in these types of lawsuits. If white women can sue in class action lawsuit (Merril Lynch) and be successful then why can’t people pf color.
Is discrimination that much harder to prove than sexual harassment or what exactly is your beef? You know racism when you see it but would rather look the other way and think “oh no one of color is applying for these positions, so that’s why I don’t see them or maybe they wanted to work in the back”.
I would rather not work for an establishment that felt I was inferior, go to work for one of their competitors and steal all of their business than file an EEOC complaint. You’ll never put someone out of business filing EEOC claims but you’ll kick them hard by taking & serving their customers. By being better at your job, you’ll get ahead. Asking the govenment to fight my battles just shows I shouldn’t be in the workplace to begin with.
Saints Fan, you are off base as well, in my opinion. When we have had two consecutive Secretary of States who are black and blacks in leadership positions at corporations, in sports, you name it, I don’t think black people as a whole can make a complaint that they are not being offered and taking best positions. I feel discrimination has crossed the line to the port were people will give a black person the position over a while person to show they are reaching out. It’s time we be color blind and end all this nonsense, yet take issue with racism as it happens as well as take issue with affirmative action when that happens.
we hear a lot of cases where they all call foul play against discrimination. more of it being biased than actual truth. i know that it still exists and i wish it did not. i have a son who is engaged to very beautiful black lady and a daughter who is dating a black guy, yet i am white by background. i have been in the usn, where it only mattered of getting the job done. you could be purple or pink polka dotted and so long as you can do the job successfully – i don’t have a problem. but when things don’t always go your way, don’t always try to push the discriminaty suit. if it being done, then fine. but eventually it’s going to be like the kid who cried wolf and when the wolf finally showed – nobody came to help!
as far as welfare – there are many folks on welfare that can actually get a job. i brought this up because i know that they can succeed. you look at the article, it kept stating small table or in the back of the restaurant. as a client, you can choose where to sit in the restaurant as well. you could chose to sit next to the window or at an actual table instead of a booth. or if lucky, it might be a good friend that is working that nite as a waiter.
when you come to sit and think about our society, we are so quick to blame racism. so quick that jesse jackson and company are moving in. sometimes there’s not a need for that. sometimes there is. when martin luther king stated free at last – it would be nice to say that everyday and everyone. i think it should be. but why should we have a quota or percentage of those to be of a certain race or creed? don’t you think that is racist too? as a society we need to step back and think.
we can grow as a nation. but it takes all of us, including those that can work. why do you think we have so many immigrants working for little as possible? that is because we have so many folks that could work, but plan on that federal funding called social security. i know that sometimes we fall on hard times. if we have faith in ourselves, we can proudly pick ourselves up and move out. we can state that we help bring the economy back online. we can say i was able to send my son/daughter to college. I was able to provide for my family without the assistance of the federal government. I put a roof over my family’s head and food on the table. what happened to the word ‘I’?
Really, do you think that that happens ALL the time when a Black gets a position that a White person is better qualified for? Have you had this happen to you personally, know someone it has happened to or is this just a silly supposition of yours? The two Black secretaries of states were appointed – not elected but who was really running the show – Rumsfeld (a white man last I checked). Condi is a fish out of water. Yes I am well aware that Blacks are making strides in arenas other than entertainment but we’re just now on the cusp of getting a Black president? Give me a break – like white males have done a great job and the current one is the worst of the whole group. Let someone else get – they can’t do any worse and they will have to be the clean-up woman for the messes made.
Some people aren’t color-blind and that’s when they get hit in the wallet. It’s not always easy to pick up and leave a job either. Ask a single mother or father or married couple with a load of debt and mouths to feed. All this I’d rather leave than ask the government to fight my battles B.S. is just that – B.S. If that’s the case then in case of a disaster you should be more than able to take care of yourself and God forbid the insurance company you’re insured with screws you (not in my case). If you don’t need the government then apparenly too there is not a need for FEMA, Homeland Security, the FBI, etc. You can take care of yourself, can’t you?
Most people do not feel they are racist until you have to deal on a personal level with someone who doesn’t look like you (i.e. they “take” your job or marry into your family – Guess Who’s Coming To DInner, anyone?).
we don’t have enough information to make a decision here, let’s not jump off a cliff. I am concerned you cited the ‘Walgreen’s’ case as proof of racial bias; that case was a load of crap.
Is there racial bias out there? Sure, but those who suggest it’s just like it always was are really doing damage to their alleged cause. And don’t put down the role Condi has played in govt, she’s probably the smartest person to ever hold that role.
We’ve all seen many a company get held hostage by the litigation costs of unsubstantiated complaints. I do have a hard time believe an established business with a top notch reputation is going to hire a group by then systematically assign those employees so they make less money due to the size of their table…That kind of thinking takes too much energy to manage…even someone with a racist grudge would have a problem getting that done just right. It sounds more like opportunistic paranoia, but let’s see what the facts indicate.
Having dealt with a ton of EPL claims, I find most of them to be bogus. People love to use the race card, gender card, age card, discrimination card, etc. when they don’t get what they believe they are entitled to. I would say that 9 out of 10 EPL claims ar truly bogus. Hopefully one day, people, the Courts and jurys will hear the “wolf cry” and realize it for the b.s. that is truly is.
When was the last time you heard any other nationality use that term? Probably never. Do you ever wonder why the only people on the face of the planet who consistently cry “racism” are blacks? They invented the word and aren’t likely to let it go anytime soon, particularly when it serves them so well. “If the only tool you have is a hammer……..every problem looks like a nail”.
I have to agree with Peter’s comments as they mirror my own experience with EPL claims. At some point in time, blacks will have to realize that reliance on the “race card” isn’t getting them very far. If they aren’t getting what they want, maybe they should start with an honest self-assessment. Nobody owes them a job. Just like everyone else, blacks need to EARN a job. If they don’t they dress, speak, and act professional enough to work with the public then they don’t deserve those positions.
Well, Saints Fan, I’m one of those bitter Americans clinging to my beliefs because I’d like the government to stay out of my way. Every encounter I have with a governmental agency leads to frustration. I don’t need FEMA, the FBI or Homeland Security to help me get or keep a job. I’ll never build a home below sea level or on a beach. I’m just not that stupid. The government nor any insurance company can keep you from risk. People have come to EXPECT freedom from risk. They are unrealistic.
We’re on the cusp of getting a black President, huh? And look who’s been put up–a junior senator with almost zero federal experience. Great choice! And THIS is the crux of this whole discrimination issue. When a minority doesn’t get what they think they’re entitled to, they shout discrimination and a few of you kick in with the white guilt. There’s your BS, brother. You get ahead via knowledge (gained through that obsolete factor known as education) and experience. Deal with it!
Oh, come on, InsureExec, you know what he’s really calling Dr. Rice–an Uncle Tom. She doesn’t toe the race line so she’s a fish out of water.
Joycelyn Elders is his idea of a effective bureaucrat.
Well put Brokette. One has to wonder why after all these years, blacks haven’t been able to produce real contenders for responsible positions like the President of the United States. There’s been a virtual drought since Dr. King who I admired. If you look around all you see are the Jesse’s and Reverand Al’s doing the only thing they know……..playing the race card while offering nothing new and constructive. I’m beginning to question whether they’re capable of delivering more qualified contenders.
Drought of black talent? I disagree, also usually the President is not the most talented person out there. The problem is, when someone like Condi Rice succeeds, this is the worst thing that can happen to the so-called black leadership. The last thing they want is to see black success. Their jobs depends on keeping their own people down, that is why Condi is hated so much! Does liberal America hate Condi as much as they hate Karl Rove? Of course they hate Condi more, she is a black woman, how dare she disobey them! Sadly, these phonies think that black people should not have minds of their own. Racism must stop from every angle, is that agreed Mr Sants fan??? Quit with the hypocracy!
You may want to consider some facts about Baltimore City:
64.34% Black or African American
31.63% White
38.5% – High school graduation rate
52.1% – High school dropout rate
26.1% – Percentage of people without high school degree
38.0% – Percentage of population not literate
Could these statistics be a factor in this allegation of discrimination?
InsExec: You may disagree, but that’s simply an opinion. You didn’t make the case to support it.
The initial comment about a “drought” in black talent was made was based on FACT. Where are the responsible, progressive black leaders today who will serve as role models and move the race AHEAD instead of driving using only the rearview mirror? The world knows Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are two of the biggest racists in the country. Consider this. Since the majority of barriers (alleged, pereived, or real) to racial equality have been eliminated for quite some time, how long will it take for blacks to attain their goal of equality based on ability, skill, and talent?
For all of you jackasses that want to make the point that Blacks have never had a viable candidate – how about Shirley, Jesse and Al (apparently you REALLY hate them) and others. Most of the civil rights struggle was a grass roots effort and first things, first. You wouldn’t understand first of all being White and then secondly ignorant and obviously racist. You can spew the little Condi and why Blacks hate her comments but how do you feel about the Strom Thurmonds, the Trent Lotts, the Sean Hannity, the Limbaughs and the Bull Conners of this world. Knowing you all, you probably feel they are right as apparently this comment line has turned into the FOX Network. You all really showed your true colors but no one has really offered any real solutions only critiques that you felt you had to get off your chest. You really don’t like being put in your place or someone offering a comment. It’s just the mob / lynch mentality of the 20th and 19th centuries to jump on a group of people and dare them to answer you. It’s scary to think some of you are decision makers and you use the IJ to express how you really feel. God forbid you have a Black superior and this is how you really think? We have had a history of great thinkers – A. Philip Randolph, James Weldon Johnston, Langston Hughes, Walter White, W.E.B. DuBois, Andrew Young, etc. There was a Black president that serviced very briefly in the 19th century. Why don’t you do your homework rather than have your own little pea-brained discussion of Black people like we don’t read the IJ and we’re not privy to these inflammatory comments.
That’s not unity but we’re all Americans when it is convenient for Whites, i.e. an attack from an enemy. There are plenty of people of color fighting for your rights and here you are denigrating them like their capable of doing anything. I guess back in the day some of you actually thought black-face was pretty funny too and apparently your parents, grandparents handed down the hate too. I guess you think Blacks are still under the 3/5th compromise and are still sub-human.
Who knows if one of those little girls bombed in Birmingham could have ran for office but Condi is from there and I don’t like because she’s Black it’s just that other people control her and like to say “ooo we got one” and “how’s this are you satisfied?” mentality. That’s what whites like to do – get a Black and say take this. When it comes down to it she’ll be the scapegoat just like Colin Powell. Rumsey will be the hero and the hard-liner.
We invented most of your household item including the cell phone, ignoramuses (just thought I’d throw that in for free).
Yeah, these comments are real eye-openers and make me sad for race relations because you can’t even see past your own jaded and ignorant views. You’d rather ASSume things.
Tell all us ign’ant white folk why, with all the truly accomplished members of your community, the current Afican American candidate is the best. Please enlighten us.
I think that what inflames people against your cause is that all of us have been discriminated against. White folks just don’t talk about it constantly and waste time hating the discriminator. Selection will always take place in any society so, personally, I’ve had to move on to an environment (working or otherwise) that acknowledges my talent and supports my goals.
Further, I don’t necessarily support every Fox commentator nor do I feel the need to support the view of every white person on the planet. I’d like to know why hateful African Americans enjoy the support of the majority of the black community.
In closing, no one appreciates the venom with which you judge our most personal thoughts. In case you missed it, our system of government is unique in the world because it does not punish thoughts. Only when put into action do they become punishable offenses. If YOU prefer a system that punishes people who do not THINK as you do, I suggest a call to Hugo Chavez.
Everyone can say they aren’t racist or discriminatory, but everyone is in some way, or maybe you’re like me, I”m not racist nor discriminatory, I just hate everyone.
How do you know most Blacks support so called hateful African Americans? That’s like my saying all whites agreed with Jim Crow. I can make comments about what I see writing on this website and get a pretty good idea of where people are coming from ergo my previous comments, thank you very much.
I could care less if you or anyone else does not appreciate my comments – Freedom of Speech or would you rather the 14th amendment not exist at all? How come my comments are venomous as opposed to several bloggers that want to debare the viability of the Black community and our so called poor choice of Black leaders and lack thereof? You just hate someone standing up for themselves and last I checked the sign didn’t say “Whites Only” when posting. If you’re going to dish out hateful and spiteful comments then be prepared to receive it in return and my statements are not hateful – just factual.
And my comments/opinions are borne out of my life experience as well, ergo factual. And if you don’t think I wasn’t “discriminated” against as a woman in the insurance business when I started 30 years ago, you just haven’t been paying attention. Or you’re a newbie to the industry.
You don’t need to file a discrimination claim to get ahead. You need to get your head down and your hiney up and get to work.
Apparently, honest disagreement is now referred to as “hateful”. What a clever way to marginalize those who have a different life experience and view of life from your own! I’m not buying it, however.
These cases happen all the time. Did the blacks who are supposedly discriminated against ever stop to think, maybe I didn’t get the job because I can’t speak proper English (I’ve never heard a black person say the word “ask” it’s always “axe”), or because I don’t have the qualifications, or because I don’t present myself very professionally? No, they immediately run to their ACLU lawyer and cry racism rather than take the responsibility of bettering themselves to try harder for the job. And they will always get away with it, because blacks are allowed to use discrimination as an excuse for being lazy and everything else, and whites are more and more being discriminated against for no reason, just to please the ACLU. We’re still paying blacks off for slavery, when none of us alive today was even around to witness it. They don’t have to work as hard to get what they want, they only have to sue us.
Don’t know where you’ve been. I previously worked for a fortune 100 insurance company and more than one fortune 500 company. One CEO was of indian descent — he worked for the company for 30 years and worked up thru the ranks eventually becoming CEO, the RVP of one office (the ‘top dog’ in a fairly large office of 800) was black, as was my direct supervisor. At another company, the head of our claims department, head of the IT department, and the casualty product manager were black. I say this not to prove my diversity–in fact I consider those facts to be wholly irrelevant–but to provide you with concrete examples of how racism and sexism have moved from mainstream into marginalia in the corporate world – it’s now the exception rather than the rule, and that’s certainly a very good thing.
And at all companies, believe it or not (and you clearly don’t believe it) race was CERTAINLY NOT a factor in anything, whether it be hiring, promotions, etc. These individuals rose to their respective (significant!) posts by hard work, commitment, and results. They were all extraordinarily bright, competent individuals, and I admired all of them.
So, though it might not have always been the case in our country, I am confident that education, experience, intelligence, hard work and dedication are all that’s needed to succeed. In my experience the corporate world, in particular financial services such as insurance, is fully color blind. I’m sure exceptions have and will probably continue to happen, and such ignorance should be dealt with accordingly.
So, when you say (and I quote) “God forbid you have a Black superior and this is how you really think?”, you really just sound extraordinarily ignorant. Take off your blinders and welcome to the year 2008. It’s not 1950 anymore.
If I ran the Maryland McCormick and Schmicks I would put the best and most knowledgeable servers at the most prominent tables, and the lesser and least knowledgeable servers in back. As a manager, I know my management is measuring the bottom line, not the color of the server. The managers income and bonus system is based on the restaraunts performance and bottom line. Nobody else, or hardly anyone else, cares what color the server is.
Malcolm X meet Peter and his friend Wolf. Your post was not only full of b.s but it was boring, long winded, full of half truthks and complete lies. Please get off your cross as some people really need the nails.
i have not problem with anyone who can succeed and accomplish there task. it’s not a matter of what color of skin. some of the terms i hear today, make me wonder why we still see discrimination. african-american? wait – how many of you are born in africa and have a dual citizen ship? i was born in germany and i don’t call myself a german-american. many others are truly born in a second country for a variety of reasons – military kids, vacations, etc. we need to stop trying to segrate ourselves by using various names. in fact, we are all americans if we have become citizens or born in USA. on that citizenship paperwork, it does not declare a color, nor gender, or anything else. it does allow you to state that you will help defend our nation and our constitution. this is why we have our freedoms today. we need to stop and look ourselves in the mirror. there are some famous black americans who have made their path of success. colin powell, condelisa rice, and others to name a few. these folks are just recent. there are many from the past. as a society today, we need to stop and look at how everyone has help each other out. inventions made that help not only the various races, but any age. so many folks are smart, but when we start down the road of being discriminatory, we look so dumb. i know of two (2) industries/service that don’t use color as a bias. car insurance is purchase not based on color but on factors of age, driving convictions/accidents and many other factors. hospitals have a creed to take care of the sick – they don’t bar you because of your skin color. how many of you may have had a blood transfusion? do you know that it’s color is red and everyone has that. this blood does not discrimate because of color, only if it does not match the blood type (good reason for typing/matching blood). Not only blood donors, but what about organ donars?
JJ – you are an idiot! What do you mean “we’re” still paying the blacks off since slavery. Blacks were promised 40 acres and a mule and they have yet to receive it! Furthermore, quit marginalizing blacks into an uneducated category. It is obvious that you are used to the stereotypical black and have yet to be around those who do not fit that stereotype. Race is such a pitiful subject in America and discrimination is alive and well, just as it was in the 50s and 60s!
To MH– YOU marginalize the “race issue” by claiming that “discrimination is alive and well, just as it was in the 50’s and 60’s.” You can’t be serious!
I was raised during the 50’s and 60’s and taught that integration was not only acceptable but desirable. We were taught in PUBLIC SCHOOLS that all men were created equal and endowed by their creator with inalienable rights. What do you think the civil rights movement and subsequent civil rights legislation was all about?
No one really takes you seriously because you refuse to take off your victimology glasses and acknowledge ANY progress whatsoever.
Individuals will always discriminate because we continue to enjoy a modicum of freedom of choice in this country. However, we shame and punish it in the public forum–business, education, politics–but you’ll never turn a racist’s heart. Louis Farrakhan is proof positive of that.
Are you seriously STILL complaining because your great-great-grandfather never got his mule? Get over it already, what the heck would you do with a mule in today’s society anyway, that’s the question I’m “axing” you. I don’t discriminate against blacks, it’s the other way around. Whites are constantly discriminated against these days because blacks have to have everything handed to them due to their inability to work hard and earn it like the rest of us.
now, this better have good documentation to prove this one. in our society nowadays, i hate when folks always press the issue of it’s because of the color of my skin. when are we going to get over this fact and truly see that folks can be treated equally.
what i truly would like to see, that those on welfare – truly get out of the house and work, instead of getting free money. it’s ashame that folks think that money grows on trees. you wonder why we might be on a recession, when folks would rather sit than work. to me it’s rewarding when we work for the almighty dollar that appears to be harder to spend.
This has nothing to do with people on welfare and everything to do with people who are working. It would be hard for anyone to comment on this without the facts. Certainly racism is used as a cheap, nevertheless how would you know this is the case in this case? You should have never brought welfare into this and that was plain wrong.
This comes from a person who thinks Rodney King is a fraud. But if we are too be a fair society, we must look at things both ways.
Are you smoking crack or are you always this illogical?
Wudchuk and InsureExec, you are both full of nonsense.
It is no longer a question of if but when an EPL claim will occur. M & S seems to have all the appropriate measures in place to avoid such a claim but finds itself defending accusations regardless. The defense cost alone will most likely be staggering. Nationwide job bias charges rose 9% in 2007. Racial discrimination was up 12% to the highest level since 1994. Always offer your clients EPL.
“Mister Wudchuck”,
Aercromie & Fitch just had a similar discrimination lawsuit brought against them. Where are the black models and employees? If they have models now of color it is only because they had to change their M.O. People kill writing the color of their skin quote. PLEASE! Most white people take it for granted that when they patronize an establishment that they will see people of same skin tone managing and working the front lines with people of color relegated to the back (i.e. cooks, janitorial technician, etc.). Some of us white people think we’re entitled to be “served” by people of color. I really don’t see how this is any different than a “caste” system or the old plantation mentality.
My black brother-in-law applied for a management position and was told he could get the job as line cook where he had to work with mostly Hispanics. Just because you see a Black cook does not always mean that they wanted to do that job – it may mean that they will do what they can to make ends meet and not be on welfare (mostly Whites).
Walgreens recently had to settle with current and former Black employees over pay raises and chances for promotion. The real reason you’re upset is that people are no longer “taking it” anymore and are actually prospering in these types of lawsuits. If white women can sue in class action lawsuit (Merril Lynch) and be successful then why can’t people pf color.
Is discrimination that much harder to prove than sexual harassment or what exactly is your beef? You know racism when you see it but would rather look the other way and think “oh no one of color is applying for these positions, so that’s why I don’t see them or maybe they wanted to work in the back”.
B.S.!
I would rather not work for an establishment that felt I was inferior, go to work for one of their competitors and steal all of their business than file an EEOC complaint. You’ll never put someone out of business filing EEOC claims but you’ll kick them hard by taking & serving their customers. By being better at your job, you’ll get ahead. Asking the govenment to fight my battles just shows I shouldn’t be in the workplace to begin with.
Saints Fan, you are off base as well, in my opinion. When we have had two consecutive Secretary of States who are black and blacks in leadership positions at corporations, in sports, you name it, I don’t think black people as a whole can make a complaint that they are not being offered and taking best positions. I feel discrimination has crossed the line to the port were people will give a black person the position over a while person to show they are reaching out. It’s time we be color blind and end all this nonsense, yet take issue with racism as it happens as well as take issue with affirmative action when that happens.
we hear a lot of cases where they all call foul play against discrimination. more of it being biased than actual truth. i know that it still exists and i wish it did not. i have a son who is engaged to very beautiful black lady and a daughter who is dating a black guy, yet i am white by background. i have been in the usn, where it only mattered of getting the job done. you could be purple or pink polka dotted and so long as you can do the job successfully – i don’t have a problem. but when things don’t always go your way, don’t always try to push the discriminaty suit. if it being done, then fine. but eventually it’s going to be like the kid who cried wolf and when the wolf finally showed – nobody came to help!
as far as welfare – there are many folks on welfare that can actually get a job. i brought this up because i know that they can succeed. you look at the article, it kept stating small table or in the back of the restaurant. as a client, you can choose where to sit in the restaurant as well. you could chose to sit next to the window or at an actual table instead of a booth. or if lucky, it might be a good friend that is working that nite as a waiter.
when you come to sit and think about our society, we are so quick to blame racism. so quick that jesse jackson and company are moving in. sometimes there’s not a need for that. sometimes there is. when martin luther king stated free at last – it would be nice to say that everyday and everyone. i think it should be. but why should we have a quota or percentage of those to be of a certain race or creed? don’t you think that is racist too? as a society we need to step back and think.
we can grow as a nation. but it takes all of us, including those that can work. why do you think we have so many immigrants working for little as possible? that is because we have so many folks that could work, but plan on that federal funding called social security. i know that sometimes we fall on hard times. if we have faith in ourselves, we can proudly pick ourselves up and move out. we can state that we help bring the economy back online. we can say i was able to send my son/daughter to college. I was able to provide for my family without the assistance of the federal government. I put a roof over my family’s head and food on the table. what happened to the word ‘I’?
Really, do you think that that happens ALL the time when a Black gets a position that a White person is better qualified for? Have you had this happen to you personally, know someone it has happened to or is this just a silly supposition of yours? The two Black secretaries of states were appointed – not elected but who was really running the show – Rumsfeld (a white man last I checked). Condi is a fish out of water. Yes I am well aware that Blacks are making strides in arenas other than entertainment but we’re just now on the cusp of getting a Black president? Give me a break – like white males have done a great job and the current one is the worst of the whole group. Let someone else get – they can’t do any worse and they will have to be the clean-up woman for the messes made.
Some people aren’t color-blind and that’s when they get hit in the wallet. It’s not always easy to pick up and leave a job either. Ask a single mother or father or married couple with a load of debt and mouths to feed. All this I’d rather leave than ask the government to fight my battles B.S. is just that – B.S. If that’s the case then in case of a disaster you should be more than able to take care of yourself and God forbid the insurance company you’re insured with screws you (not in my case). If you don’t need the government then apparenly too there is not a need for FEMA, Homeland Security, the FBI, etc. You can take care of yourself, can’t you?
Most people do not feel they are racist until you have to deal on a personal level with someone who doesn’t look like you (i.e. they “take” your job or marry into your family – Guess Who’s Coming To DInner, anyone?).
we don’t have enough information to make a decision here, let’s not jump off a cliff. I am concerned you cited the ‘Walgreen’s’ case as proof of racial bias; that case was a load of crap.
Is there racial bias out there? Sure, but those who suggest it’s just like it always was are really doing damage to their alleged cause. And don’t put down the role Condi has played in govt, she’s probably the smartest person to ever hold that role.
We’ve all seen many a company get held hostage by the litigation costs of unsubstantiated complaints. I do have a hard time believe an established business with a top notch reputation is going to hire a group by then systematically assign those employees so they make less money due to the size of their table…That kind of thinking takes too much energy to manage…even someone with a racist grudge would have a problem getting that done just right. It sounds more like opportunistic paranoia, but let’s see what the facts indicate.
Having dealt with a ton of EPL claims, I find most of them to be bogus. People love to use the race card, gender card, age card, discrimination card, etc. when they don’t get what they believe they are entitled to. I would say that 9 out of 10 EPL claims ar truly bogus. Hopefully one day, people, the Courts and jurys will hear the “wolf cry” and realize it for the b.s. that is truly is.
When was the last time you heard any other nationality use that term? Probably never. Do you ever wonder why the only people on the face of the planet who consistently cry “racism” are blacks? They invented the word and aren’t likely to let it go anytime soon, particularly when it serves them so well. “If the only tool you have is a hammer……..every problem looks like a nail”.
I have to agree with Peter’s comments as they mirror my own experience with EPL claims. At some point in time, blacks will have to realize that reliance on the “race card” isn’t getting them very far. If they aren’t getting what they want, maybe they should start with an honest self-assessment. Nobody owes them a job. Just like everyone else, blacks need to EARN a job. If they don’t they dress, speak, and act professional enough to work with the public then they don’t deserve those positions.
Well, Saints Fan, I’m one of those bitter Americans clinging to my beliefs because I’d like the government to stay out of my way. Every encounter I have with a governmental agency leads to frustration. I don’t need FEMA, the FBI or Homeland Security to help me get or keep a job. I’ll never build a home below sea level or on a beach. I’m just not that stupid. The government nor any insurance company can keep you from risk. People have come to EXPECT freedom from risk. They are unrealistic.
We’re on the cusp of getting a black President, huh? And look who’s been put up–a junior senator with almost zero federal experience. Great choice! And THIS is the crux of this whole discrimination issue. When a minority doesn’t get what they think they’re entitled to, they shout discrimination and a few of you kick in with the white guilt. There’s your BS, brother. You get ahead via knowledge (gained through that obsolete factor known as education) and experience. Deal with it!
Saints Fan: Can you get into more detail about this and explain exactly what you mean. Be specific and do not be vague.
My prediction is you will not response or won’t respond with anything specific as you don’t want to admit you are a hypocrite.
Oh, come on, InsureExec, you know what he’s really calling Dr. Rice–an Uncle Tom. She doesn’t toe the race line so she’s a fish out of water.
Joycelyn Elders is his idea of a effective bureaucrat.
Well put Brokette. One has to wonder why after all these years, blacks haven’t been able to produce real contenders for responsible positions like the President of the United States. There’s been a virtual drought since Dr. King who I admired. If you look around all you see are the Jesse’s and Reverand Al’s doing the only thing they know……..playing the race card while offering nothing new and constructive. I’m beginning to question whether they’re capable of delivering more qualified contenders.
Drought of black talent? I disagree, also usually the President is not the most talented person out there. The problem is, when someone like Condi Rice succeeds, this is the worst thing that can happen to the so-called black leadership. The last thing they want is to see black success. Their jobs depends on keeping their own people down, that is why Condi is hated so much! Does liberal America hate Condi as much as they hate Karl Rove? Of course they hate Condi more, she is a black woman, how dare she disobey them! Sadly, these phonies think that black people should not have minds of their own. Racism must stop from every angle, is that agreed Mr Sants fan??? Quit with the hypocracy!
You may want to consider some facts about Baltimore City:
64.34% Black or African American
31.63% White
38.5% – High school graduation rate
52.1% – High school dropout rate
26.1% – Percentage of people without high school degree
38.0% – Percentage of population not literate
Could these statistics be a factor in this allegation of discrimination?
InsExec: You may disagree, but that’s simply an opinion. You didn’t make the case to support it.
The initial comment about a “drought” in black talent was made was based on FACT. Where are the responsible, progressive black leaders today who will serve as role models and move the race AHEAD instead of driving using only the rearview mirror? The world knows Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are two of the biggest racists in the country. Consider this. Since the majority of barriers (alleged, pereived, or real) to racial equality have been eliminated for quite some time, how long will it take for blacks to attain their goal of equality based on ability, skill, and talent?
For all of you jackasses that want to make the point that Blacks have never had a viable candidate – how about Shirley, Jesse and Al (apparently you REALLY hate them) and others. Most of the civil rights struggle was a grass roots effort and first things, first. You wouldn’t understand first of all being White and then secondly ignorant and obviously racist. You can spew the little Condi and why Blacks hate her comments but how do you feel about the Strom Thurmonds, the Trent Lotts, the Sean Hannity, the Limbaughs and the Bull Conners of this world. Knowing you all, you probably feel they are right as apparently this comment line has turned into the FOX Network. You all really showed your true colors but no one has really offered any real solutions only critiques that you felt you had to get off your chest. You really don’t like being put in your place or someone offering a comment. It’s just the mob / lynch mentality of the 20th and 19th centuries to jump on a group of people and dare them to answer you. It’s scary to think some of you are decision makers and you use the IJ to express how you really feel. God forbid you have a Black superior and this is how you really think? We have had a history of great thinkers – A. Philip Randolph, James Weldon Johnston, Langston Hughes, Walter White, W.E.B. DuBois, Andrew Young, etc. There was a Black president that serviced very briefly in the 19th century. Why don’t you do your homework rather than have your own little pea-brained discussion of Black people like we don’t read the IJ and we’re not privy to these inflammatory comments.
That’s not unity but we’re all Americans when it is convenient for Whites, i.e. an attack from an enemy. There are plenty of people of color fighting for your rights and here you are denigrating them like their capable of doing anything. I guess back in the day some of you actually thought black-face was pretty funny too and apparently your parents, grandparents handed down the hate too. I guess you think Blacks are still under the 3/5th compromise and are still sub-human.
Who knows if one of those little girls bombed in Birmingham could have ran for office but Condi is from there and I don’t like because she’s Black it’s just that other people control her and like to say “ooo we got one” and “how’s this are you satisfied?” mentality. That’s what whites like to do – get a Black and say take this. When it comes down to it she’ll be the scapegoat just like Colin Powell. Rumsey will be the hero and the hard-liner.
We invented most of your household item including the cell phone, ignoramuses (just thought I’d throw that in for free).
Yeah, these comments are real eye-openers and make me sad for race relations because you can’t even see past your own jaded and ignorant views. You’d rather ASSume things.
Dear Mr. X:
Tell all us ign’ant white folk why, with all the truly accomplished members of your community, the current Afican American candidate is the best. Please enlighten us.
I think that what inflames people against your cause is that all of us have been discriminated against. White folks just don’t talk about it constantly and waste time hating the discriminator. Selection will always take place in any society so, personally, I’ve had to move on to an environment (working or otherwise) that acknowledges my talent and supports my goals.
Further, I don’t necessarily support every Fox commentator nor do I feel the need to support the view of every white person on the planet. I’d like to know why hateful African Americans enjoy the support of the majority of the black community.
In closing, no one appreciates the venom with which you judge our most personal thoughts. In case you missed it, our system of government is unique in the world because it does not punish thoughts. Only when put into action do they become punishable offenses. If YOU prefer a system that punishes people who do not THINK as you do, I suggest a call to Hugo Chavez.
Can’t we all just get along?
Everyone can say they aren’t racist or discriminatory, but everyone is in some way, or maybe you’re like me, I”m not racist nor discriminatory, I just hate everyone.
Brokette,
How do you know most Blacks support so called hateful African Americans? That’s like my saying all whites agreed with Jim Crow. I can make comments about what I see writing on this website and get a pretty good idea of where people are coming from ergo my previous comments, thank you very much.
I could care less if you or anyone else does not appreciate my comments – Freedom of Speech or would you rather the 14th amendment not exist at all? How come my comments are venomous as opposed to several bloggers that want to debare the viability of the Black community and our so called poor choice of Black leaders and lack thereof? You just hate someone standing up for themselves and last I checked the sign didn’t say “Whites Only” when posting. If you’re going to dish out hateful and spiteful comments then be prepared to receive it in return and my statements are not hateful – just factual.
And my comments/opinions are borne out of my life experience as well, ergo factual. And if you don’t think I wasn’t “discriminated” against as a woman in the insurance business when I started 30 years ago, you just haven’t been paying attention. Or you’re a newbie to the industry.
You don’t need to file a discrimination claim to get ahead. You need to get your head down and your hiney up and get to work.
Apparently, honest disagreement is now referred to as “hateful”. What a clever way to marginalize those who have a different life experience and view of life from your own! I’m not buying it, however.
These cases happen all the time. Did the blacks who are supposedly discriminated against ever stop to think, maybe I didn’t get the job because I can’t speak proper English (I’ve never heard a black person say the word “ask” it’s always “axe”), or because I don’t have the qualifications, or because I don’t present myself very professionally? No, they immediately run to their ACLU lawyer and cry racism rather than take the responsibility of bettering themselves to try harder for the job. And they will always get away with it, because blacks are allowed to use discrimination as an excuse for being lazy and everything else, and whites are more and more being discriminated against for no reason, just to please the ACLU. We’re still paying blacks off for slavery, when none of us alive today was even around to witness it. They don’t have to work as hard to get what they want, they only have to sue us.
Hey, Al Gore invented the internet, so we’re all even!
To Mr. X:
Don’t know where you’ve been. I previously worked for a fortune 100 insurance company and more than one fortune 500 company. One CEO was of indian descent — he worked for the company for 30 years and worked up thru the ranks eventually becoming CEO, the RVP of one office (the ‘top dog’ in a fairly large office of 800) was black, as was my direct supervisor. At another company, the head of our claims department, head of the IT department, and the casualty product manager were black. I say this not to prove my diversity–in fact I consider those facts to be wholly irrelevant–but to provide you with concrete examples of how racism and sexism have moved from mainstream into marginalia in the corporate world – it’s now the exception rather than the rule, and that’s certainly a very good thing.
And at all companies, believe it or not (and you clearly don’t believe it) race was CERTAINLY NOT a factor in anything, whether it be hiring, promotions, etc. These individuals rose to their respective (significant!) posts by hard work, commitment, and results. They were all extraordinarily bright, competent individuals, and I admired all of them.
So, though it might not have always been the case in our country, I am confident that education, experience, intelligence, hard work and dedication are all that’s needed to succeed. In my experience the corporate world, in particular financial services such as insurance, is fully color blind. I’m sure exceptions have and will probably continue to happen, and such ignorance should be dealt with accordingly.
So, when you say (and I quote) “God forbid you have a Black superior and this is how you really think?”, you really just sound extraordinarily ignorant. Take off your blinders and welcome to the year 2008. It’s not 1950 anymore.
If I ran the Maryland McCormick and Schmicks I would put the best and most knowledgeable servers at the most prominent tables, and the lesser and least knowledgeable servers in back. As a manager, I know my management is measuring the bottom line, not the color of the server. The managers income and bonus system is based on the restaraunts performance and bottom line. Nobody else, or hardly anyone else, cares what color the server is.
Malcolm X meet Peter and his friend Wolf. Your post was not only full of b.s but it was boring, long winded, full of half truthks and complete lies. Please get off your cross as some people really need the nails.
i have not problem with anyone who can succeed and accomplish there task. it’s not a matter of what color of skin. some of the terms i hear today, make me wonder why we still see discrimination. african-american? wait – how many of you are born in africa and have a dual citizen ship? i was born in germany and i don’t call myself a german-american. many others are truly born in a second country for a variety of reasons – military kids, vacations, etc. we need to stop trying to segrate ourselves by using various names. in fact, we are all americans if we have become citizens or born in USA. on that citizenship paperwork, it does not declare a color, nor gender, or anything else. it does allow you to state that you will help defend our nation and our constitution. this is why we have our freedoms today. we need to stop and look ourselves in the mirror. there are some famous black americans who have made their path of success. colin powell, condelisa rice, and others to name a few. these folks are just recent. there are many from the past. as a society today, we need to stop and look at how everyone has help each other out. inventions made that help not only the various races, but any age. so many folks are smart, but when we start down the road of being discriminatory, we look so dumb. i know of two (2) industries/service that don’t use color as a bias. car insurance is purchase not based on color but on factors of age, driving convictions/accidents and many other factors. hospitals have a creed to take care of the sick – they don’t bar you because of your skin color. how many of you may have had a blood transfusion? do you know that it’s color is red and everyone has that. this blood does not discrimate because of color, only if it does not match the blood type (good reason for typing/matching blood). Not only blood donors, but what about organ donars?
JJ – you are an idiot! What do you mean “we’re” still paying the blacks off since slavery. Blacks were promised 40 acres and a mule and they have yet to receive it! Furthermore, quit marginalizing blacks into an uneducated category. It is obvious that you are used to the stereotypical black and have yet to be around those who do not fit that stereotype. Race is such a pitiful subject in America and discrimination is alive and well, just as it was in the 50s and 60s!
To MH– YOU marginalize the “race issue” by claiming that “discrimination is alive and well, just as it was in the 50’s and 60’s.” You can’t be serious!
I was raised during the 50’s and 60’s and taught that integration was not only acceptable but desirable. We were taught in PUBLIC SCHOOLS that all men were created equal and endowed by their creator with inalienable rights. What do you think the civil rights movement and subsequent civil rights legislation was all about?
No one really takes you seriously because you refuse to take off your victimology glasses and acknowledge ANY progress whatsoever.
Individuals will always discriminate because we continue to enjoy a modicum of freedom of choice in this country. However, we shame and punish it in the public forum–business, education, politics–but you’ll never turn a racist’s heart. Louis Farrakhan is proof positive of that.
Are you seriously STILL complaining because your great-great-grandfather never got his mule? Get over it already, what the heck would you do with a mule in today’s society anyway, that’s the question I’m “axing” you. I don’t discriminate against blacks, it’s the other way around. Whites are constantly discriminated against these days because blacks have to have everything handed to them due to their inability to work hard and earn it like the rest of us.