Racism in full swing... Options

[impala454]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519965,00.html

Maggie and John Anderson of Chicago vowed four months ago that for one year, they would try to patronize only black-owned businesses.

Never understood the notion of making things equal by making them unequal...

[Hartmann]

I'll go out on a limb here and say that it seems like they are not saying they want to discriminate, but instead encourage supporting black businesses. It follows the idea that I think Booker T. Washington or MLK Jr. stated (can't remember), that African Americans cannot change the minds and attitudes of whites, but must change their own attitudes.

As long as there is no discrimination, I see no issue with encouraging black businesses, in fact, it's a good idea.

[Spectatrix]

I think it's more worthwhile to support new/struggling local businesses no matter the ethnicity of their owner, but to each his own.

[chook]

Going way out of the way isn't worth it. They probably live in an affluent neigborhood and feel guilty of it.

[Spectatrix]

Going way out of the way isn't worth it. They probably live in an affluent neigborhood and feel guilty of it.

I agree. I think it's great to explore underutilized businesses near your home and work because you might find some real gems, but driving outside the city just to find a black-owned business? Gimme a break.

[impala454]

I'll go out on a limb here and say that it seems like they are not saying they want to discriminate, but instead encourage supporting black businesses.

Replace the word black with white and decide if it sounds like discrimination to you.

[Hartmann]

Replace the word black with white and decide if it sounds like discrimination to you.

Well that definitely would not fly.

Look, I am fine with people encouraging their neighbors to shop at black businesses, just like I am fine with directories of Christian owned stores.

[Inferia]

Replace the word black with white and decide if it sounds like discrimination to you.

I think you have to make a point. Their idea is to support business owners and entrepreneurship for black Americans. If somehow white people are underrepresented in some form or another in this country as a result of historical discrimination or lack of self-confidence in doing certain things, than I don't think it's that big of a deal. It is very much like the people who do the $1-a-day diet, it's to bring awareness to world poverty, not because they hate people who can afford to eat more than $1 a day. Alternatively, you can do that $1000-a-day diet, but I'm not exactly sure what point you would be proving then.

[impala454]

Look, I am fine with people encouraging their neighbors to shop at black businesses, just like I am fine with directories of Christian owned stores.

With the key difference being that you can choose whether or not you are a Christian, or whether or not you operate your business "friendly" to Christians.

[impala454]

I think you have to make a point. Their idea is to support business owners and entrepreneurship for black Americans. If somehow white people are underrepresented in some form or another in this country as a result of historical discrimination or lack of self-confidence in doing certain things, than I don't think it's that big of a deal. It is very much like the people who do the $1-a-day diet, it's to bring awareness to world poverty, not because they hate people who can afford to eat more than $1 a day. Alternatively, you can do that $1000-a-day diet, but I'm not exactly sure what point you would be proving then.

What difference does the intention make in whether or not it's racist? And "historical discrimination" doesn't mean anything. These people aren't shopping black businesses because of historical reasons. They just want those businesses to succeed for the sole reason that the owner is black. That, is racism.

[cmac]

i think that they want them to succeed because they have historically been in the minority. just like supporting green businesses or local businesses in a sense.
not really racism per se, but i could see how you could be stretched into that.

[Inferia]

What difference does the intention make in whether or not it's racist? And "historical discrimination" doesn't mean anything. These people aren't shopping black businesses because of historical reasons. They just want those businesses to succeed for the sole reason that the owner is black. That, is racism.

Does it comfort you somehow to think these people as racist? Part me feels like you don't really understand racism, and I'm not saying the white man doesn't understand racism, I'm saying you.

[chook]

...white man doesn't understand racism...

Racist...

I go to whatever is most conveniet or a place I just like, unless the business does something I am morally opposed to.

[impala454]

Does it comfort you somehow to think these people as racist? Part me feels like you don't really understand racism, and I'm not saying the white man doesn't understand racism, I'm saying you.

It doesn't "comfort" me at all. What do I not understand? They're choosing not to shop at a store because of the owner's race. How is this not racism? You sound as though it's ok so long as it's not a white person doing it. Doubtful though. That's not right. It's racism, inequality, etc whether it's black on white, yellow on brown, or any other combination. When people stop doing this kind of shit is when we'll stamp out racism.

[cmac]

racisism defined from wikipedia is :

belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

so, they're not claiming that the black race is superior. nor are they pushing hatred on white people. they are just choosing to promote businesses founded by african-americans.
i'm not seeing any hatred or offense that could be taken by anyone unless they choose to spin it that way.

edit: read a little more into the wiki page

Although the term 'racism' usually denotes race-based prejudice, violence, discrimination, or oppression, the term can also have varying and hotly contested definitions. Racialism is a related term, sometimes intended to avoid these negative meanings.

i can see prejudice and possibly discrimination. hmm...

This post has been edited by cmac: May 14 2009, 03:59 PM