Is it right to blame a section of society that had nothing to do with the issue?

Question

This was posted as an answer by EvilSpoon:
"The fact of the matter is that WE, the white people of this country, are the CAUSE of the high rate of crime committed by African-Americans. WE are the ones that enslaved them for hundreds of years. WE are the ones that forced them into the bad neighborhoods over the last century. WE are the ones that prevent them from succeeding and getting out of poverty, which is the reason that crimes get committed. WE are the ones that have the vast majority of the power in this country, and WE are the ones that have NOT used this power to help minorities. "

I'm sorry. My ancestors came over on a coffin ship in the middle of the war of emancipation. Few could afford food or clothes, much less a slave. We were given jobs that not even slaves could do because no one cared if we lived or died. Is it right to blame a section of society that had nothing to do with the issue?

Sufi - are you so sure I've benefitted from having white skin? I'm 32, just moved out from my mom's place because I can't afford any rent on my own and being white male I don't qualify for any special benefits.

Answer 1

That is probably the most profound statement I have read since I've been visiting yahoo answers. But I must say, it is time that a certain society take responsibility for their own actions. It is true that people are discriminated against, but you have to overcome all types of adversities. Starting at home, some type of value needs to be taught. I have two sons, it was up to me to raise them, send them to college so they could have some chance of being successful. I have accomplished that no matter who has tried and still trying to keep me down. I experience racism often, and so do other races. But I will not let that determine who I am. I'm also sure I will get thumbs down. Does that bother me. NOT! That's what I expect from small minds, and people who have not been taught any better. Enough said. Thank you for posting this. I also understand that the Irish, Jewish, among other races have had a long journey to survive. Slavery has ended, but it up to each individual to step out of that mentality. I can't and won't blame a white person for things that go wrong in my life. I wasn't raised to hate. Some of my best friends are white and the past won't change that. So all that to say, no is the answer to your question.

Answer 2

No, it's not! It's not even right to blame the descendants of the ones that where involved. Because to hold someone responsible /or/ HATE someone for something there ancestors did long ago is RACISM! ( especially sense nothing of the sort is happening to "African Americana's" today in the USA.) However, there are parts in Africa where whites are not aloud to: receive food or shelter form established homeless shelters, be involved in business affairs/become business owners, own land . . exc - today. But know one seems to be complaining about that hemmmmmm...interesting. No matter what, when, why, how, or where; we are all responsible for are own actions. It's a personal choice. know one can make you fell; sad, mad, depressed, happy, or ,do, anything you don't want to do, - It's a personal choice. Almost all country's have same kind of sad bloody past as we do - can you imagine the kind of mad-house it would be if we blamed all of are false doings on the historicity of the past! So if this is true, then how come whites are widely the image of evil and wrong doing? I personally think it is because we allow it. If we make any attempt to defined are self then we become labeled "racists" so we shut up and take it. Better to endure a moments ridicule, than to be shot or injured because of that kind of label. Let me say though, that we must change this kind of thinking before we become the example of history repeating itself. where whites are forced to endure the same kind of predigests as others have been forced to in the past. PS. I do not resent the comment posted my Mr EvilSpoon. This is how we learn, and come to understand the difference between a "informed" and "uninformed" opinion. Yahoo! answers is a grate use of time for shearing information.

Answer 3

In a way, that is true. I'm white, poor, broke as a joke, but still busting my a** to do what I have to do. Nothing was handed to me because I am white. My boyfriend is black. I have seen him go through hell, but there is always an "excuse" as to why something as happened to him. He has been harrassed, accused for something he didn't do, and wrongfully arressted. I'm not just saying this because he is my boyfriend, I'm also saying this because I have witnessed it. My ancestors were the same way. On the other hand, there does come a time where people need to stop blaming the past on the people in the present. I would give anything to change that.

Answer 4

Anyone who makes general assertions about a group of individuals invariably includes those who do not fit that assertion. This is the main issue with stereotyping. Although the statements might ring true for a portion of the group it is never true of the entire group.

The response by EvilSpoon brings to the public view thought-provoking issues regarding what can "WE" do to change the climate in America in reference to minorities, his general assumptions about the entire white race takes diminishes his points of correcting any injustices.

In reference to your question the answer is NO. In general statements of blame are incorrect, ineffective, may cause tensions among groups and are unproductive.

I would hope that we could look beyond EvinSpoon's self-hate and as a society come together to solve problems instead of placing blame.

Answer 5

My family came here in the beginning of th 19th century. My family had NOTHING at all to do with slavery and no one alive today was there to be a slave owner. Just because someones great great great uncle owned a slave 200 years ago doesn't mean that person has to pay for their ancestors mistake. The biggest mistake people make in their own demise is giving credit and control to people for their own lives. People are in control of their own actions and their own feelings of issues. If something in your life bothers you, it's up to you to make the change, it's up to you to either accept it or take action against it. It's no MY fault that someone centuries back bought Africans from other Africans as slaves. They were all still in Europe till about 100 years ago.

So the answer to your question is No.

Answer 6

When you consider that the person that wrote the first question is a racist and does not want to admit it.
In school we were taught of the indentured servants,these were the whites (and other races thatwetre basicly a free slave,that is they were not called property but owed the land owner and worked for them.This has fired me to succeed.
This is my family history( after the europeans came over and run the NATIVEAMERICANS off our land).
So the first asker should get off his butt and stop the pitty party and get out andwork to succeed and stop blaming everyone but who he should,HIS SELF!

Answer 7

What the opinion from EvilSpoon is refferring to, I believe, is that if whites had not enslaved African Americans, many of the problems currently floating around would not be. Not all whites were involved in the slave trade, but by classifying "whites" and "African Americans" in generalizations, making a point can be simpler without frivolous explanitory additions, including listing exception after exception.

"Whites" in general were responsible for enslaving African Americans--this does not mean ALL whites were responsible.

Answer 8

it's complex, but you do enjoy white priviledge.
it's not your fault that you enjoy status based on your birth
ethnicity. but we are living in a world where the aftermath of slavery impacts us all...whether your ancestors participated or not, we all live in the aftermath. you can try to duck and evade the issue but it won't work. this issue is squarely here for all of us. deciding you have no relationship to it is not true.
if you don't want to accept the blame evilspoon gives out, what do you want to do about the issue? ignoring it is pretty hard in this world. what will you do? you have something to do with the issue now. obviously, you are posting on it trying to claim you have no responsiblity in the matter.

Answer 9

Each person is responsible for there own actions. I think it was Robert Kennedy who said: " Crime is committed by criminals not by any race creed or colour."

Answer 10

I don't believe in 'profiling' but a lot of this I will follow your "profile" of "them". Forgive me for any offence.
"WE" don't have ANY affect on an individual's choice to do right or wrong. "WE" didn't force THEM to have kids that they can't provide for. (i.e. - 6 kids in a 2 bedroom apartment while on welfare). HELLO!!, if you live in a bad neighborhood, don't have kids until you move from there. To "provide for your kids" means (but not limited to) to NOT be on welfare and have a clean environment where you are able to raise children to be a BENEFIT to society.