Quote from Mav88:
dude you need to quit drinking
Quote from Yannis:
This all sounds a little bit too much touchy-feely to me. Yes, there are very legitimate human feelings, hangups, history, prejudice, concern, etc issues. But, there's also a huge and growing "minority/underdog 'protection' industry" that gives me pause. The likes of Al Sharpton, Donna Brazil, Rev Wright, Obama, et al may not be happy if all "race" issues disappeared tomorrow, because that's their livelihood, and a lot of money changes hands there. I'm not a cynic, but I'm thinking that they may want/need an oppressed underclass, for the power, prestige and money in it. If one (eg, blacks) is dissolving into acceptance or improved equality, they may be tempted to create and represent another, eg, illegal immigrants.
Quote from Yannis:
This all sounds a little bit too much touchy-feely to me. Yes, there are very legitimate human feelings, hangups, history, prejudice, concern, etc issues. But, there's also a huge and growing "minority/underdog 'protection' industry" that gives me pause. The likes of Al Sharpton, Donna Brazil, Rev Wright, Obama, et al may not be happy if all "race" issues disappeared tomorrow, because that's their livelihood, and a lot of money changes hands there. I'm not a cynic, but I'm thinking that they may want/need an oppressed underclass, for the power, prestige and money in it. If one (eg, blacks) is dissolving into acceptance or improved equality, they may be tempted to create and represent another, eg, illegal immigrants.
What I've learned during my life is that I may be able to do something for a large group of people, sometimes, but I can always change and improve myself. But change what? It's hard to tell. I have always had black friends, especially a rather large group of vaguely related Jamaican Americans who worked with me in Bell Labs, and over the years I have never been able to tell the difference between them and whites, other than their looks. They are as smart, creative, family oriented, stubborn and obnoxious as everybody else I know. Same with friends from South India who took care of both of our children when those two were very young. For the most part, imo, race differences are truly skin-deep, not really worth paying attention to. Until an idiot bigot throws a brick through someone else's window during a party, like it happened to my Indian friends...Quote from Dr. Zhivodka:
It would be axiomatic to an astute reader of history that an a perceived "oppressed underclass," has existed through history in all times regardless of race. The American Experiment is no different. If you feel that there is "underclass protection industry," then it's your right it ignore it. Or you can choose to engage it and inflame it.
Quote from Yannis:
"... I'm not a cynic, but I'm thinking that they may want/need an oppressed underclass, for the power, prestige and money in it. If one (eg, blacks) is dissolving into acceptance or improved equality, they may be tempted to create and represent another, eg, illegal immigrants.