Were blacks every really truly given a fair opportunity to be successful in America?

Question

And if not, why do people always interject that we need to get over the past when speaking about oppression or reparations. I know for certain they will never be granted, but don't blacks deserve some kind of special treatment or will the element of slavery be swept under the rug and forgotten about because such and such amout of time has passed...were we ever compensated? I think people are very short and insensitive on the topic of slavery.

Answer 1

Don't listen to this stupid biotch talking about black people have their own radio station. We white people do too. It's called MTV, CMT, and Vh1. People like her like to give stupid answers because they have no idea what they are talking about. I am white, but would consider myself to be one of few who really cares what happens to black people. I don't feel black people have had a fair chance in anything. They were brought over here as slaves and even after it was abolished, they have still been fighting fro the same rights we white people have had since we came to America. It is obvious the way white people, especially men think about blacks. Why else has there been no black president? Because every influential black leader was assasinated. Coincidence? No. Some white people fear blacks as a whole. They feel they might somehow become a better race, so that's why they feel the need to suppress them. You already know that a black man and white man could commit the same exact crime, but the black man will get a harsher punishment. That's why the prisons are so over-populated with black men. It's not because they commit more crimes, they just always get prison time where a white man doesn't. Things in this country are f-ed up and always have been. There are things that could be done, but just haven't yet. It is sad to say, that I probably won't see it in my lifetime.

Answer 2

Yes, absolutely. The history of black people in America is a painful one, and one that we should not be proud of. However, with the quality of life in today's society, the idea that black people are still repressed is false. As far as reparations go, it's illogical and unmanageable. Who would decide on a fair amount? Who would decide who pays and who receives? What about someone of mixed race--would the two races cancel themselves out? And what about special programs such as Affirmative Action-if reparations were given, would programs like that just go away? Would resentment among the black population suddenly disappear? I am white, and my family has historically been dirt poor (not anymore, fortunately). No one in my family ever owned a slave. My great-great grandfather fought for the North. Does that mean I'd been exempt from paying? It would be too complicated and simply wouldn't work.

As for current conditions. I live in the deep South. My middle school, high school and colleges were all racially and ethnically mixed. My teachers were of various races. I received the same education that an average black person in the South could expect to get. On top of that, there are biases built into our culture now that favor black people, Affirmative Action being one.

It seems to me that instead of wallowing in a past that you personally never lived, you should be taking advantage of the opportunities that exist for you in this country. Reality is that had your ancestors not come to this country, you would probably not have anywhere near the quality of life that you do now. You would not have access to modern medical care, higher level education, and other perks that go with being an American.

Believe me, I am not justifying the horrors of slavery by making that statement. But I am saying that in the long run, you are better off in this country than almost anywhere else. The US offers freedoms that other countries wouldn't even think of.

I agree that we should never forget what happened to the Africans who were kidnapped and shipped here. But that is so far removed from the black people living here today that the idea of giving you or anyone else today special treatment seems wrong and unfair.

Instead of listening to rabble rousing black leaders who inflame the politics of hate and divisivness across the races, wouldn't it be better to honor your ancestors by using your intellect to get the best education you can (which is fairly easily available in this country, if you just put in a little effort) and live a good, decent life.

The fact that we have accomplished black people in this country--Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey and many, many others tells me that equality is there for the taking. It's a choice now-choose to be a victim or choose to be a part of society that simply doesn't see race as an issue anymore; just personal character and achievement.

Answer 3

I think blacks are given opportunity. As for the past, personally i don't think anyone will be compensated for anything in their past . I don't think slavery will ever be swept under the rug and forgotten. I believe ALL people are equal in God's eyes and it was the wicked ways of the world that caused this destruction. You will be rewarded in the next life in accordance with how you live this life. Be brave, Be Strong, You will get salvation if you choose to do so. We cannot change the past ; but we can all try to make the future better for all races.

Answer 4

I think there are enough free programs and money for "blacks" to make it on their own these days. They just have to be motivated to be able to make somethng of themselves... just like everyone else!

I'm one of those that would be short on the subject of slavery.

First off, I am embarrassed that it was ever done. It's been done throughout the history of this planet so "blacks" are not the only ones having a right to scream. They were sold by their own people in Africa... not stolen under the noses of the tribes.

Second, it was a while ago so I think it's time to get over it, quit blaming others for your current lack of success and take the initiative to better yourself.

Third and lastly... I, nor anyone I know, has ever owned a slave or wished we still had them. I am VERY careful in placing blame in any situation, especially when it could be my fault. I blame the guilty at hand and do not hold an entire race of people guilty for the actions of a few.

Thus... "blacks" currently have opportunities just like everyone else in the US. If you want it for free, you can NEVER have the true pride in saying YOU did it... just like cheating on a test. My advice... suck it up, drive on and take some responsibility for your actions... or lack thereof!!!

Answer 5

Can I Get An Amen? As a African American myself, we don't recieve good treatment and they are always telling us to get over slavery or just forget about it. The Thing Is: We will never ever get over it and it will always be apart us and this country's history. That's a damn shame the land of the free & everybody should get treated the same..yea okay. But then again there are some black people who just act ingorant and they don't realize the affect they have on the whole African American Community.Not only are they representing their behavior but their represeting all of us black people. Because soon other people see a " black" person stealing..etc...they automatically think that all "black" people do that. That what really gets me upset. Black People never get a break in this country..its up to us to get our act together, but then again people should start being open minded!

Answer 6

As Americans we all have the same opportunities as the next, granted some of us (women, minorities, etc) have to work harder but the opportunities are still there. You could ask that question if you didn't see successful "blacks" in our society but there are so many that stand out (Oprah, Morgan Freemon, Martin Luther King Jr. the list goes on). Life and success is what you as a person make it. What I see when I look around is that "blacks" need to quite feeling sorry for themselves and talking about how we (white Americans) owe you something because your great great great grandmother was a slave. Get off your rump, go to college, be all you can be, it is your life make something of it!

Answer 7

Everyone is judged on certain cultural stigmas no matter what color they are. Yes, black people have to work a little harder to succeed but it can be done. Because of our history, we are judged inferior and unworthy of the same opportunites as the "white" race. But it is our own self hatred and bad attitudes that keep us from growing together as a people. When black people work hard and become successful, they aren't congratulated and celebrated by their friends and family. They're accused of selling out and forgetting where they came from. They're made to feel guilty for doing well and "thinking they're better than everybody else". When most white people become successful, it is what is expected. If you always expect to be treated unfairly, to always lose the game, you will. I was up against 8 other blond head blue eyed white girls in a company that is owned and operated by white people. Many people say I got the job because I was the only black person with the nerve to apply. Maybe, maybe not. But I let my skills, my knowledge, and my drive to succeed get me here and keep me here. I have earned my place as much as the next person here and I am damn good at what I do. It's simple, when someone tries to tell me I can't so something, the best revenge is not only to do it, but to do it well. You can't walk around with your damn pants sagging, talking like you barely got a third grade vocabulary. If you look like Pookie the stick-up kid, you'll never get a break. Pull your pants up, talk like you got some home training, and show up on time for something besides free before 12 at the club. Life is hard, but it's harder if you don't try. It's not racist to get upset at someone who sits at home all day and get a check when I get up every damn day and go to work and pay taxes so Shanaynay down the street can sit on her _ss all day with a house full of kids. That goes the same for white Becky on the next street in her trailor with no job and six kids. If I can work and go to school to take care of mine, why can't they?

Answer 8

History is history. To make reparations for oppression that took place over a hundred years ago is ludicrous. Those people are dead. To make apologies to their descendants is equally ludicrous. They don't deserve it. If you think blacks don't have a fair opportunity to be successful in America, you need to remove those blinders and look around. Oprah, Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Morgan Freeman, J.C. Watts, and thousands upon thousands of others. Let's just dispense with this racist garbage once and for all.

'Nuff said?

Answer 9

Regardless of race or color, being born in the United States is the greatest opportunity anyone could have. All Americans should work together to make things better for everyone. Slaves didn't want money and reparations, they just wanted to be free and treated like eveyone else.

Answer 10

I agree with you, but I think that the majority of people have not gotten a true eduation about slavery. In school we were always taught that the south thought of Africans as savages, much in the same was as the native Americans...a lot of what we learned is more propaganda. I think until people's eyes are opened to what truly happened with slavery, compensation will not happen.