Do white people just try harder?

Question

It dawned on me. White people are some determined people. (Im generalizing here, you got some slobs among you).

But me and my White bud were having a beer talking about race and it hit me. I black man looks up at a mountain wonders if it is possible to go there. A white person and looks at the ame mountain and say I WILL go there.

Sure, the white man may kill himself climbing, but another will come after him and give the same effort. And they keep trying until they get there. I can think f plenty of examples where white people nearly kill themselves trying to accomplish something. I used to think white people were crazy, but now I wonder.

Timon - I hope you meant to say billionaire. His name is Bob Johnson (I guess so he damn rich I know that)

If Oprah isnot one. she will be.

Answer 1

I guess. I have sat here for 10 minutes trying to think this through. I am slightly torn, throughout history, white people seem to be more determined, and I judge that on the result of predominantly white nations....But if you look at the here and now in America, it seems the people who really have to try are black. There seems to be so much standing in there way of a successful life, racism, environment, etc., I was thinking about it the other day how strong you all really are. I wondered if I would be able to deal with the horrible hateful things that have taken place towards black ppl. I am not so sure. You guys put up with alot of shiit, and a good majority takes that hate and puts it to good use- to better there lives. I can relate to that, rage and anger pushes me to. I think white people in America today can have a good life handed to them on a plate if they just do the basics, where black people have to prove themselves, and achieve so much academically and will still face inequality all the while not giving up. So...I say here and now is a toss up on who tries harder.....sorry I rambled....

Answer 2

It has never ever occured to me that a black person would think this about a white person, (or vice versa). Wow. Um, thank you, I guess, for thinking we have more determination but I'm not sure that I agree with you - although I have not really hung out with black people, (I'm from northern Minnesota - 'nough said). I guess maybe I've thought this way about Asian people - especially since moving to Okinawa, Japan, (my husband is in the military) - those Asians are darned determined! They're the smart ones that get things done. But back to the black/white thing... as far as the crazy white people I think those are the ones with Irish in 'em... haha - kidding but really... I'm going to have to ponder on this question because it really never occured to me that black people would think this about white... I'm surprised. But if you ask me I'd rather have the brotha/sista thing you guys have got goin' on than the whole crazy determined thing we've got. PS - I'm one of those lazyass white peoples. :)

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Answer 3

I think they're raised differently. I grew up in a household where my grandmother was always ranting about "white men" this and that and how difficult it is for blacks to achieve things. I never let that get to me (I had a mind of my own), but I'm thinking that other children grow up actually listening to this nonsense. These are the ones with the victim mentality. "I can't do this because I'm black. They don't like me because I'm black. I can't go in there. They'll stare at me because I'm black." etc. etc. etc. Anyone with that mindset (of any race) isn't going to get far in life.

We should all tell our children that there are no boundaries except for the ones that we make for ourselves. Of course there are boundaries (won't get into that now) no matter how hard you work, but if you stress yourself out over that before you even try then there's no way you'll make it in life.

Approach life with an optimistic attitude.

Answer 4

I dont' know if its so much that we try harder, but we don't hold ourselves back the way other American races do. Really I'm not trying to offend anybody with this.
But white people especially men have never had to recognize their boundaries when it comes to acheiving something. So we don't hold ourselves to those limits. So we move forward and ignore the boundaries.
Minorities have a tendency to play into the stereotypes and hold themselves back. Take the stereotype of black people and swimming. You rarely see black men in swimming competition, is it because they can't swim? No, its typically because they have been told they can't swim so they dont' attempt it and risk failing.
See us "white folk", dont' listen to that crap, don't worry about failing and we do it until we prove everybody wrong.
But then again, some of us are crazy too, lol.

Answer 5

I think it all has to do with how you are raised whether white or black. If you are raised to accept your lot and wait for people to hand you things, you won't ever accomplish much in life. On the other hand, if you are raised to always try your best and want more from life, you will try harder to get it. Doesn't matter what race.

Answer 6

We whites were Crazy Barbarians along time ago so i guess that dieing over and over again does make sense I mean I never have much common sense.


"I think if we make a U turn and go back past the boarder of the Kingdom of Death we might be able to find that wizards house."

Answer 7

I don't think race has much to do with it. It's more what drives you. I helped tutor a lot of young folks at my last job. The guy with three kids to feed, or looking to buy a better car had more incentive than the guy who just settled for next week's paycheck. Wnen our comfort zone gets busted we all discover we've got reserves we didn't realize we had. I've seen many folks of different races make it or break there, and really not much percentage difference by race.

Answer 8

I also believe color is irrelevent but i find that being a BLACK WOMAN i have to work harder to get respect, education, and a good job that I feel others did not have to try hard to obtain I do believe it takes a ambitious individual however some people have to work harder to overcome the stigmaticism of their race ( like they have to prove their worth)

Answer 9

I don't think race has a thing to do with ambition. You either have drive to accomplish something or you don't. There are black NASA astronauts, and there are those who work at McDonald's. It's all a matter of how much you want something. The color of ones skin is irrelavent.

Answer 10

I think what race an individual is has nothing to do with how determined they are. It's more of a personal choice and can probably go back to whether or not they were encouraged when they were younger.