In a message dated 9/30/2003 9:54:55 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> As is shown over and over again, many white folks will question claims of > racism out of hand. "Oh, they were misunderstood. I'm sure it wasn't meant > > like that." "Let's hear the other side before we draw conclusions." "I > think that's a reasonable action considering the circumstances." "It's a > culture that doesn't respect work or education." Blah, blah, blah... That's true. Many white folks will question claims of racism out of hand, and for good measure hold opinions concerning the characteristics of black people (lazy, stupid, shiftless, etc) that are racist (opinions that are based upon or support the belief that one race is superior to another.) Some whites will question and not automatically support claims of racism because racism is not always the reason a black person doesn't get hired, doesn't get good table service at a restaurant, etc. Despite the prejudices that white people acquire by experiencing America as they do, being indoctrinated are they are, etc., some do not believe that there is an inferior black race. And even some whites with strong, racist prejudices / opinion do not always discriminate against blacks in situations where they are in a position to discriminate against blacks. It was my experience as a team leader in restaurants (cook and waiter) and in many other setting that, under certain conditions, people who often talk like racists don't act like racists. I don't classify whites as racist unless they walk and / or talk like racists. I think the key to fighting racism is to change the racial power relationships by taking steps toward the end of eliminating race-based discrimination that produces racial inequality. SUPERINTENDENT SELECTION In relation to the controversy surrounding the choice of Jennings as school superintendent, I think that Ron Edwards put it well when he wrote "...The issue is not who gets the baton of the education orchestra, but what music is going to be played. Before we debate the who we need to debate the what and the how...." -- web log #162 www.theminneapolisstory.com The superintendent selection process with public hearings and all, which was not used to select Jennings or Johnson, would have created an opportunity to discuss the selection of a superintendent in the context of a discussion about what kind of music we want the education orchestra to play. That should be part of the process, n' est-ce pas? The test score gap widened and graduation rates fell throughout the administrations of Hutchinson and Johnson. I, for one, am getting really tired of hearing that tune. -Doug Mann, King Field REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
