Can there ever truly be equality in this country?

Question

Working in retail it has been my experience that some people have an ere about them that makes them feel as though they are better than me. They refuse to look me in my face, throw money at me, or talk to me as if I don't know english. This happens more often than not. I don't want to think that it is because I am an African American female. I want to think that it is a class or gender difference but I'm running out of excuses. I am beginning to believe that other cultures falsely believe that black people will forever be inferior to them. I cannot generalize about everyone because what is true for one is never true for all, but I guess my real question is are there some people of different classes that believe in the back of their mind,whether they will say it or not, that people of African descent are really inferior to them?

Answer 1

Of course there are people out there who believe that they are better than others based on their culture, but whether you believe it or not is what matters. We all who have at least half a brain know that it's not true. If someone was really secure with who they are, then there's no reason to look down on others or depend on social status. It's all based on insecurity - don't let it get to you. Be secure in who you are, regarless of what you have or don't have. And make up in your mind that you will never look down your nose on others who are less fortunate than you. Don't beat yourself up over other people's ignorance.

Answer 2

You ask a very good question and I hope I can shed some light on your predicament. The civil rights law in 1964 gave African Americans equal rights under the law, but , as you well know, you can not change peoples thinking. Many older people in this country grew up with prejudice and segregation, it was a part of their life and it's hard for them to think any other way. As the older generation passes on the younger people are bringing in new ways of thinking and living, very separate from their parents. That is where the changes are coming from and will continue. It is not a fast or easy process, but, it is true and it will evolve more with each generation.

Answer 3

i have to say that the only racism i have ever seen has been the other way- i am white and have a very good friend that is black and when we hang out with her friend and family i hear more racist comments from them than i have ever heard from anyone else, why is it ok for back people to insult white people or to have black entertainment television or jet mag. or miss black america - the united ***** college fund or the naacp- imagine if there was a miss white america or untied caucasian college fund - the aclu would be all over that. all i know is that my family and friends have never insulted or made remarks about my friend the way her family does. we will not have equality untill the racism stops on both sides, and i think some people read more into others actions than is there its probably not racism but just general rudeness of people who think that they are better than anyone who is waiting on them.

Answer 4

There will be racism until everyone is really treated equally by the goverment. Check out Ron Paul, who is running for president. He has got it right. People hold on to hate because they feel that the other groups are getting special treatment. Black people are treated better by the goverment through grants, affirmative action, welfare, etc. Therefore other races have hard feelings. If we stop basing things on race, then racism with eventually fade because everyone will have confidence that the people around them got where they are because of who they are, not their race.

Answer 5

Yes, it is true that some do feel that blacks are inferior, some even unconsciously. It's just something that has been ingrained in peoples minds without them even realizing it in some cases. Even Blacks themselves perpetrate this by the light skin preference, and the ' good hair' 'bad hair' thing within our own culture. It isn't something that can be blamed on just one race or culture, it's just a result of years of slavery, discrimination and ignorance.

Answer 6

to test your hypothesis, you need to go work in a situation where all the customers are black and see if they treat you with the respect you think they should. if you work in retail in harlem, or even mumbai, do you think that because your customers are black they will treat you well? are you sure your white co-workers never get treated as you describe? you need more evidence for your conclusions. also you did not mention age. i do believe there is a lot of racial discrimination, don't get me wrong, but you can't tell what it is from the limited experience you describe. get a bigger picture.

Answer 7

As a former retail manager who's had to deal with every type of weirdo the world has to offer, I would say this...don't take it personally. Everyone has a day that they just dealt with...and if you smile at them and thank them for their business, you've done your job. That's ALL that matters.

Answer 8

There will always be ignorant people. It is difficult for someone's mentality to change after being raised in some way. Complete equality cannot be achieved mentally for all people... but we must continue to teach others to be respectful, tolerant and open-minded.

Answer 9

It will be ages before equality exists. Right now, it is just a vague dream. However, you can control how you respond to the inequality that exists and find ways to improve your situation.

Answer 10

sadly, its the thoughts of people like who your describing make it so no one can move forward. Its not fair, its not right, to me all people black, white, purple, green, man, woman, child; are the same dispite whats on the outside or in between our legs!!