On Dec 5, 2003, at 10:27 AM, Eric Oines wrote:
<snip>
I would argue that desegregation is not the issue. The issue in Minneapolis is (and has long been) racism. In the 70's, Minneapolis came up with a desegregation plan for the schools. What happened? White flight. What causes white flight? [...]
Crime.
<snip>
It is not enough to strive to empower people of color, though that is a most worthy goal. White folks must *relinquish* power to those who have traditionally been marginalized.
If I have so much power, then why am I climbing utility poles in sub-zero weather?
White folks in Minneapolis are still running the show for the most part. They make the rules, enforce the rules and change the rules as they see fit.
Which white people? From what continent? Which religion? Which ethnic background? In what profession are they? Where do they live?
Anti-racism supposes that white folks ought to give up their privilege, accept the perceptions and experiences of people of color as valid and real, and work to improve those experiences for all.
No, you first. Tell me how it works out for you, then get back to me. :-)
<snip>
There are several organizations that promote anti-racism in our fair city. The YWCA, Freeport West, Sabathani and WAMM all sponsor cross-cultural dialogues, film series, speakers & trainings, all geared toward fostering an anti-racist Minneapolis.
WAMM - Women Against Military Madness - anti-racist?
"WAMM's Committees:
Iraq Committee/Campaign to End the Sanctions
The WAMM Iraq Committee/Campaign to End the Sanctions [...] works both
independently and in coalition as a member of the Iraq Peace Action Coalition (IPAC). "
Source: http://www.worldwidewamm.org/wamm/programs.html
------
"The Green Party of MN Coordinating Committee agreed unanimously to join the Iraq Peace Action Committee (IPAC) [...] IPAC's member organizations include Babylon Cultural Center, Code Pink, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, May Day Books, Minneapolis Lysistrata Project, Students for Justice in Palestine, Speak Out Sisters!, TC Campaign to Lift the Sanctions, Welfare Rights Committee, Women Against Military Madness, and the Anti War Committee."
Source: http://mngreens.org/news.php?action=fullnews&id=16
------
"The Anti-War Committee [...] [sees] Israel as an illegitimate apartheid state..."
Source: http://antiwarcommittee.org/resources/Palestine/FreePalestine.html
Before you have the nerve to lecture this city about racism, you must first explain how WAMM is promoting an anti-racist environment in Minneapolis, when they, and the Green Party, are part of
an organization with a membership roster that includes anti-semites.
<snip>
You can have plans and policies which promote or even force desegregation, but there are folks (in and out of government) who will always resist, who will find the loopholes, who will sneak out the back door rather than accept true integration.
Until you've survived race riots at your junior high school, Mr. Oines, you haven't lived.
Neal Krasnoff Loring Park
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.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________
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
