HustleMan, you said earlier in this convo that you traveled alot and got to see the world when you were younger. Did you ever spend some time in the ghetto in LA or any major city? By asking what it means to "act white" shows that you are far disassociated from the problems experienced by blacks. Which is good for you and your family. As I've said, it sounds like you are doing right by your family to teach them right/wrong. But I can see in your posts that you don't understand the "minorities" we are talking about.
It's been real.....
Hey "Tre", do you have an answer about those #'s you said were incorrect? Also, do you know what it means to "act white"?
Chaos,
I grew up in the heart of the city (on the west of Detroit, Mi.) yes I have heard that said before but what I meant was that's silly to say something like that.
Have you taken into consideration (and those that think like you about minorities) that ignorance is a learned handicap it is not race specific?
OK check this out. My parents sent me away to my Grand's farm every summer when I was a kid. You probably know that in the city (Ghetto) the freaks really come out in the summer time and mischief is on full blast. My parents pulled me out of that environment so I guess my point is I learned a different way to live while I was away. I helped farm the land (harvesting corn, picking fruits and vegetables to seel in the open farmers markets) I was not influenced to participate in mischief. Having said that I understood why my friends in the city did some of the things they did ( they pretty much had no guidelines to follow and were not under in type of supervision. I was different because I have rules to obey I had boudaries to stay within.
I went to a private school during the tween and teenage years of my life.
I was exposed to many things kids in my neighborhood never experienced e.g, peace and quiet, intelligent discussions by the open fire, riding horses, tending to the farm etc.
I was reading in the evening before bedtime I had not cableTV or video games I was talk to use my imagination for entertainment.
I can only assume that my friends back in the city were left to the drama of the streets, no guidance and probably wrong role models to look up to.
I don't think I am better than them or anyone else.
I just think I had opportunities to use my brain and my time constructively.
I could say more on this but I think you get the gist.
It's all about how you were trained or how you are not trained.
I was always taught a work ethic, to have a sense of family ( having dinner together every night), obey the rules (not circumvent illegally) etc.
What I am saying is those that you find going against the grain went against the grain because they were not taught properly, not because they are black, white or any other ehtnicity.
I think if everyone (African Americans, Caucasian Americans, Latino/Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans) was given the same educational resources, a sense of self-respect and Identity this country would be in better shape racially anyway.
Take a step back and ask yourself; Why did I not fall into those diverse criminal situations like those that have?
I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters who experienced the same life I was afforded but one has been in and out of jail his entire life! Why is that?
Is it because he is black and the rest of us are not?
Some stats for you
Out of 6 boys and 2 girls this is how we turned out
4 of the 8 went to college
5 of the 8 joined the military ( 1 USMC 2 Navy 1 Army and 1 USCG)
Everyone has atleast some college but we dispersed into society this way:
1 went to the army and an auto factory worker (deceased)
1 is a disabled vietnam vet (Loss a limb during The Tet Off and currently protesting wars in his spare time)
1 is a Chemist (designing insect repellants for humans, pets, lawn and gardens)
1 is a Corporate Lawyer (coca cola & the Georgia Lottery) Also a disabled vet)
1 is a Business owner (Own a chain of Restaurants and Night clubs)
1 is in the Aerospace industry (Disabled Vet)
1 took up a life of crime (currently incarcerated)
1 a home maker and student (2 kids; 1 has already graduated from college the other going to college in the summer)
All that to say it's the individual not the group! This is the make up of an American family; some went straight, some went astray!
HMIC