Do you agree with new racism findings?

Question

Dr. Harrison,Univ of GA, Atlanta has found what black people have been saying for a long time. The University of Georgia’s unprecedented study indicates that dark-skinned blacks face a distinct disadvantage when applying for jobs, even if they have resumes superior to lighter-skinned black applicants. "I think it has a lot to do with the general comfort level that people have with dark-skinned blacks and light-skinned blacks," Harrison said. "The media depicts dark-skinned black men as violent and threatening."

Harrison said he was reminded of the controversial Time magazine cover that featured O.J. Simpson during his murder trial when the magazine darkened Simpson’s image to make him appear more menacing. We found that a light-skinned black male can have only a bachelor’s degree and typical work experience and still be preferred over a dark-skinned black male with an MBA and past managerial positions, simply because expectations of the light-skinned black male are much higher.

Answer 1

Yes, I totally agree with that. It's something that's perpetuated in the black community, too. I know two girls (different families) who were picked on by her own siblings for being the darkest one in the family.

The media doesn't help, either. Look at black stars like Halle Berry - she's barely black. Has light skin and white features, yet acted so proud to be the first African American to win some award. Black people in TV shows and commercials are also lighter skinned with more caucasian features.

Answer 2

I think that Dr Harrison's results are pretty typical, and it is sad statement about our society. There is no correlation between skin color and intelligence, but there is definitely a correlation between skin color and opportunities that are available or lost because of skin color.
I went to a primarily black high school, and it was seen in our building and the teachers that taught there, Our school was run down, and the majority of the teachers did not want to teach there. They did not feel that we were college bound,as much as they thought that we were prison bound. There was little parent involvement, and alot of single parent households( in a time when that was not the norm).
I do think this is partially supported by the black community, they treat each other differently based on skin color. They treated the darker skinned people, like they were stupid and not as worthy. I think that they were more prejudiced towards them than the white people were.

Answer 3

I've lived long enough to remember going into offices and seeing no blacks. After the Civil Rights Movement, I'd go in and see light skinned blacks (men and women) and then I started to see dark skinned blacks. Large black men are even more menacing. So yes I am not surprised by the findings.

Answer 4

I had heard a radio show last night that discussed a finding that "black sounding" names resulted in fewer resume downloads than if the name is "white sounding."

Both are wrong no matter what.

Anyone who thinks it's not needs to get with the program.

Answer 5

Might be true, but I would question the study. When you tell people that they are being watched, their behavior changes. How does one do a study without influencing the outcome.

Answer 6

Sadly, you are probably right. Black people get screwed over far too often.

It's the Greeks we should be worried about.

Answer 7

And that goes beyond race too, it also applies to weight, height, gender, and even looks.