Foreigners observations/opinion on AA’s in Atlanta

[MisterNY]

Originally Posted by afonega1

The point is that like all races,you have divisions in class.Just like you said black colleges should be abolished,you did not put any thought in why "white"(some mainstream) colleges should exhist.YOU CANNOT EVEN SEE your own narrow way of thinking because it is the way of someone which the issue of race does not effect them negatively.
Are you saying because we are a minority it is our job to PROVE to you we are worthy?You may be sincere but even though you have well educated examples of blacks who are doing well as friends,you prefer to dwell on strangers who are not doing so well.

You say that you control your destiny and every one should have that mentality.Are you saying that racism does not exist?I say this because to control your own destiny has limits for everyone.Racism is the definition of the danger of a society which puts limits on SOME ofits citizens.It has POWER.That power CAN circumvent progress.Especially when a majority has had and HAS power over a segment over a select group?So why should less than 20 percent of the population not complain and just accept that behavior?

I suppose you cannot understand that what you are only observing and not experiencing is not real to you.Yet you are BENEFITING(perhaps unknowingly)from this irrarational behavior called racism .There fore you cannot

Afonega1,

Fall back soldier, you are going places he could never imagine...fall back!! (You are schooling him on a level he's not ready to understand). Great job though!!

[south-to-west]

It's funny that Confused, as well as some of the more vocal folks who defended him, are all quiet now. I'm sure they'll say that they're exhausted or tired of the topic as an excuse, but the reality is that they know their logic is flawed.

On a side note, I'm guessing that Confused is none other than Scraper Enthusiast. If you want to know more about him, search for his posts.

[afonega1]

Originally Posted by MisterNY

Afonega1,

Fall back soldier, you are going places he could never imagine...fall back!! (You are schooling him on a level he's not ready to understand). Great job though!!

LOL!!I've said my peace, I'm now "at ease"

[afonega1]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

It's funny that Confused, as well as some of the more vocal folks who defended him, are all quiet now. I'm sure they'll say that they're exhausted or tired of the topic as an excuse, but the reality is that they know their logic is flawed.

On a side note, I'm guessing that Confused is none other than Scraper Enthusiast. If you want to know more about him, search for his posts.

You had to spoil my dinner!!

[MisterNY]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

It's funny that Confused, as well as some of the more vocal folks who defended him, are all quiet now. I'm sure they'll say that they're exhausted or tired of the topic as an excuse, but the reality is that they know their logic is flawed.

On a side note, I'm guessing that Confused is none other than Scraper Enthusiast. If you want to know more about him, search for his posts.

I remember that character (him and elvez). Total....let me not say it....

[south-to-west]

Originally Posted by MisterNY

I remember that character (him and elvez). Total....let me not say it....

LOL!!! May his screenname rest in peace...

[confusedatl]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

It's funny that Confused, as well as some of the more vocal folks who defended him, are all quiet now. I'm sure they'll say that they're exhausted or tired of the topic as an excuse, but the reality is that they know their logic is flawed.

On a side note, I'm guessing that Confused is none other than Scraper Enthusiast. If you want to know more about him, search for his posts.

South-to-west: I actually was quiet because I decided to take a step back, away from the topic and discussion to think about some of the comments made. I felt that for two days straight, I was trying to defend every word I said, and in turn, did not have much time to reflect on everything that was being said.

Now that I've thought about some of the different issues that have been raised, here are some of my comments:

(1) I conceding the fact that I did not fully understand the history behind Black colleges and their current policies. Historically speaking, I think they were necessary for AA's to get a college education. And I understand that these institutions now carry a far more deeper symbolism.

(2) The underlying reason for my OP was to see other people's opinion on stereotypes I have formed while in Atlanta. Although a lot of you recommend me broadening my horizon, or going to places outside of Five Points (which are all great ideas), I have come to the conclusion that I do not feel guilty for having these stereotypes. I have never acted with prejudice or on racism, nor will I in the future. But I will no longer feel guilty for having these stereotypes in my head. Eventually, I would like to get rid of these stereotypes, but I've come to the realization that a post on City Data will not suffice - it will come with my own personal experiences.

(3) Some of you criticized me for choosing to focus on AA's that I encounter at Five Points instead of the AA friends I claim to have. First off, yes I really do have AA friends. Second, I am not looking past my AA friends. But with two AA friends that I consider to be close and know very well, versus the 50 AA's I see at Five Points or at MARTA in general, you may understand why one has received more weight. And in these stereotypes, I am not saying all AA's are like this. My AA friends are some of the nicest friends I have. However, if I didn't know them, the stereotype would have definitely kicked it. But I do not let that stereotype I have in my head stop me from forming a relationship with them.

(4) Finally, I feel I was correct in not asking my AA's friends directly on some of the things I observe in Atlanta. If they were like any of you who have responded negatively on this post (namely the ones who try to insult me without saying anything with much substance), I would have lost some great friends. Although I want to thank those who responded with some actual content, the rest of you only prove that racism for the most part will continue on forever. Although in the public light many things will be done to combat racism, it will never fully be solved unless people are open to discuss the issues around racial stereotypes, prejudice, and racism, without getting so defensive about it.

For all of you wondering, I was 100% sincere in my OP. For those that don't believe it, you are entitled to your own opinion.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by confusedatl

Although I want to thank those who responded with some actual content, the rest of you only prove that racism for the most part will continue on forever. Although in the public light many things will be done to combat racism, it will never fully be solved unless people are open to discuss the issues around racial stereotypes, prejudice, and racism, without getting so defensive about it.

For all of you wondering, I was 100% sincere in my OP. For those that don't believe it, you are entitled to your own opinion.

Oh, and on THAT note, I think the thread has run it's course!