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I was the OP of the "I'm an African American, Ask Me Anything" post. I though there was very civilized discussion there. That was over a year ago.
In recent months, I've seen a lot more race baiting and racially insensitive posts on DCUM. However, in my opinion, it's a very small percentage of the traffic and meant to cause a stir. Of course, as a black man, I'm more aware of these posts because the topics usually interest me.
I think that this topic, and many of the responses just give those FEW anonymous posters (of all races) valildation that they have succeeded in stirring the pot.
That's just my opinion of the matter
In recent months, I've seen a lot more race baiting and racially insensitive posts on DCUM. However, in my opinion, it's a very small percentage of the traffic and meant to cause a stir. Of course, as a black man, I'm more aware of these posts because the topics usually interest me.
I think that this topic, and many of the responses just give those FEW anonymous posters (of all races) valildation that they have succeeded in stirring the pot.
That's just my opinion of the matter
Anonymous wrote:Do you have friends who work in STEM fields? If so, did they go to college and what was their major?
Yes. A handfull of friends. Most majored in engineering, math, premed, etc. and went to grad school. Wasn't my path so I don't have a lot of info to give you.
Anonymous wrote:ManHere wrote:Anonymous wrote:Do you know vegetarian AAs? What about serious environmentalists who are AAs? AA friends who are part of those weekend warrior bikers riding around in spandex?
OP Here. I know a few AA vegetarians but not many. Don't know any serious AA environmentalists. Yes, I am a serious bicyclist and it's not spandex (but I know what you mean). I see many AAs on the bike trails and on group rides in this area (and yes, we all wave and say "hi" when we pass each other 8)).
Just the AAs or all other people on the trails?
Maybe Jeff can add a tongue-in-cheek emoticon. I was referencing an earlier question.
Anonymous wrote:Do you know vegetarian AAs? What about serious environmentalists who are AAs? AA friends who are part of those weekend warrior bikers riding around in spandex?
OP Here. I know a few AA vegetarians but not many. Don't know any serious AA environmentalists. Yes, I am a serious bicyclist and it's not spandex (but I know what you mean). I see many AAs on the bike trails and on group rides in this area (and yes, we all wave and say "hi" when we pass each other 8)).
Anonymous wrote:Do you tend to correct others when they mispronounce a word or make grammatical errors or do you let it slide?
Kids yes. Adults no.
Anonymous wrote:Do you eat and enjoy chitlins, fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, cow tongue and/or pigs feet?
No, yes, yes, no, no
-OP
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Why do many teenage AAs make a show of being in a bookstore (maybe not much longer seeing how many are closing)? Is this something similar to how some attractive people feel the need to prove their intelligence?
What do you mean, they make a show of it?
I've never noticed anyone "making a show" of being in a bookstore.
I've never seen it either. Never knew that bookstores were the new teen hang-out spot. Kids are too busy on their iPads/iPhones/etc.
OP here. According to another topic on DCUM, dogs hang out at bookstores too. Since the consensus is that AAs don't like dogs, maybe we have an answer.
Anonymous wrote:I can see where these could get old pretty quickly. But I have to say, I've been hanging out on DCUM since 2008 and I think that "I'm an African-American, ask me anything" is probably one of the best, most interesting and thoughtful threads I can ever remember seeing on this site. At least the first 18 pages or so were really good -- I haven't checked it out since last evening.
It has had its moments (good and bad) since you last checked.
Anonymous wrote:Is going to college and having a college degree akin to having the latest and most expensive basketball shoes, jackets and cell phones for AAs? Is there a sense of entitlement to higher education and it is pursued more because it had been out of reach for many in the past than for educational interest and advancement?
OP Here. College is expensive and hard work. Plus, you sacrifice current earnings by going to college. I think most, if not all people go to college for educational interest and advancement. You have to have access to a lot of money to just go to college for the hell of it.
Anonymous wrote:I honestly think we should just skip the whole bourgeois debate all together. Someone seems like they're looking to take offense and I don't want to ruin the spirit of this thread if this turns ugly/personal.
I agree.
Anonymous wrote:Damn, AA OP!
27 pages later
Signed,
Shocked White Poster
Sorry
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Do you think that people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton perpetuate a racial divide to further their own agenda or purpose?
black guy here. yes.
dont think we all line up with jesse and al when they get in an uproar cause thats not the case at all.
it doesnt give you the green light to go bashing them but just know that all of us dont fall in line to the idea that they are our "black leaders"
follow-up question - when a white person starts "bashing" them, do you automatically get defensive or think it's racist or do you try and hold a good debate/discussion with them about their merits or pitfalls (similar to holding a discussion with them about merits/pitfalls of GW Bush or Clinton)? I'm not trying to be argumentative here, but am genuinely curious since I sometimes feel that I can't have an honest good old fashioned political debate about some black leaders with black colleagues/friends the same way we (meaning me and the same colleagues/friends) have debates/arguments about white leaders. So, I'm asking for an honest answer about your reaction if someone you normally have really good, thoughtful and sometimes heated debates/arguments with about politics starts a similar debate about JJ or AS (or others). Exclude Pres. Obama from this, though, since in my experience, there is less defensiveness when I bring up things I don't like or agree with wrt Obama. I don't know why that is, though.
OP here. I don't get defensive but there is a difference. Having a debate about black leaders like Jesse and Al is different than having a debate about white leaders like Bush or Clinton. You used the term "white leaders" but they are actually leaders who happen to be white. They lead all of the citizens. Black leaders take up issues mainly concerning the black community so if you are having a debate with a black person, there is more sensitivity on their part and they might not feel that you can personally understand how the issue effects them. Kinda complicated but I hope you get what I'm saying.
Anonymous wrote:ManHere wrote:Anonymous wrote:If you were the only AA in a playground with your kids and I come over and say hi, would you think I'm weird?
Sometimes I see that in my neighborhood park and I want to say hi, but I'm not sure what response I would get.
Of course say hi. If not for you, do it for the kids sake. Maybe they will become friends.
-OP
The mom I saw at the park had kids that were several years older than mine, so it might be kind of obvious that I'm just wanting to talk to her. Still, it's no reason not to say hi, so I will.
Good. I don't see how it's ever a bad thing to be obviously nice to your neighbors. Since the kids aren't the same age, maybe you might make a friend.
Anonymous wrote:If you were the only AA in a playground with your kids and I come over and say hi, would you think I'm weird?
Sometimes I see that in my neighborhood park and I want to say hi, but I'm not sure what response I would get.
Of course say hi. If not for you, do it for the kids sake. Maybe they will become friends.
-OP
Anonymous wrote:12:59 poster again, apologies to the other DCUM readers for my tone. I probably should not have allow the poster who I responded to to get under my skin but I just could not help myself.
OP here. I think that PP asked IF you were the the attorney or the legal secretary (notice which one she listed first) because you didn't state it up front. She didn't assume that you were either one. You just said that you worked for a law firm.