Food for thought for all of us.

[magythekat]

http://www.urbancure.org/article.asp?id=3141

Very interesting outlook by the author.

[Tracian]

What a bunch of racist hate.....

Star Parker is a racist?

[baltoman99]

Um, so what am I supposed to get from reading that? What interesting outlook does she provide? I've read all the talking points before. Just because an African-American woman is saying it this time doesn't make it anymore true.

She's one of the dwindling few in the AA community who still believe that Republicans have their best interests at heart. I guess old Star missed last year when it was Republicans blaming minorities for the woes of the country today. :rolleyes:

[Carol25]

What a bunch of racist hate.....
Star was a single mother on welfare living in Los Angeles.

from her bio:


Nationwide, Star shares her story and policy suggestions through college and church lectures, community outreaches, and empowerment conferences for inner city pastors. She has hosted radio talk shows in Christian and secular markets, and currently is a regular guest editorialist for USA Today.


http://www.urbancure.org/book/biography.html (http://www.urbancure.org/book/biography.html)

Hardly a racist. She wants to empower anyone who was in her situation.

[daniel green]

Did you read it?:rolleyes:

Yeah.

Unbelievable.

And her facts are so wrong. Pretending, as she does, that welfare is for "mostly blacks," despite the facts and figures pointing to just the opposite.

The language is inflaming and racist.

[Carol25]

Um, so what am I supposed to get from reading that? What interesting outlook does she provide? I've read all the talking points before. Just because an African-American woman is saying it this time doesn't make it anymore true.

She's one of the dwindling few in the AA community who still believe that Republicans have their best interests at heart. I guess old Star missed last year when it was Republicans blaming minorities for the woes of the country today. :rolleyes:
This isn't about parties. It's about taking the opportunities that are around you and believing in yourself.

I'll grant you, it is more difficult these days to obtain a job, but those Pell grants are out there for the asking. Make use of them and work your bottoms off. Wait for your opportunity! Make use of this time.

She wasn't willing to continually be enslaved. She wanted something better. Don't you think everyone should be encouraged to try for better rather than rewarded for less?

[Carol25]

Yeah.

Unbelievable.

And her facts are so wrong. Pretending, as she does, that welfare is for "mostly blacks," despite the facts and figures pointing to just the opposite.

The language is inflaming and racist.
I didn't know there were figures out there showing these statistics. Would you post them for us?

[Tracian]

Did you read it?:rolleyes:

I did read it, Star Parker is an African American woman, I don't quite get how she is racist against African Americans, rather she is offering her opinion.

[Carol25]

Of course that one statement does not belie the fact that she came out of her situation to become a successful woman. She talks about what she did to overcome her lot in life. Wouldn't you think that could be an inspiring message and help others in that same situation?

Aren't you really happy for her? Why wouldn't anyone be? And wouldn't we wish that on thousands more?

Why do you have a problem with this?

[Carol25]

I'll address you and tra at the same time...It's the language and partisanship of the article. It makes me sick. If you don't see it, carry on. I do:sad:
No, it's not the language. It was the word, "Republican." She could do all the good works a person on the land could do, but as soon as that dreaded "R" word came up, your eyes bulged.
That's as bad as being a racist. Neither has an open mind. Neither can listen or ever be objective. And neither can admit being wrong. Now that is sad, indeed. JMO

[Carol25]

A person can belong to the Democrat party or the Republican party. It doesn't mean you should dismiss them for what they say or call them names. They have every right to their opinion, especially when they have experienced it.

[Carol25]

How dare you propose to know what ired me. Your defense of the article preceeds you.
Was "partisan" a possible give away?

[SeeksJustice]

Um, so what am I supposed to get from reading that? What interesting outlook does she provide? I've read all the talking points before. Just because an African-American woman is saying it this time doesn't make it anymore true.

She's one of the dwindling few in the AA community who still believe that Republicans have their best interests at heart. I guess old Star missed last year when it was Republicans blaming minorities for the woes of the country today. :rolleyes:


I have to agree with you on that one. I read the article and found it a bit hard to swallow. I think the referenced to the "plantation" are unnecessary and antagonistic. It is unclear what party, if any, she is "empowering" African Americans to align themselves with. And this:

Trillions of dollars later, black poverty is the same. But black families are not, with triple the incidence of single parent homes and out of wedlock births.

It's not complicated. Americans can accept Barack Obama's invitation to move onto the plantation. Or they can choose personal responsibility and freedom.
Does anyone really need to think about what the choice should be?

I'm sorry, but if an African American can and IS President, well, you have to stop with the "everyone is bringing us down" mantra. Just not buyin it.

We all have to deal with personal responsibility and we ALL have freedom here.

[Tracian]

Bill Cosby was attacked as well for saying things very close to what this article offers; granted without the metaphors, but it was a similar message. He too, was demonized by offering his opinion by some.

[Carol25]

I have to agree with you on that one. I read the article and found it a bit hard to swallow. I think the referenced to the "plantation" are unnecessary and antagonistic. It is unclear what party, if any, she is "empowering" African Americans to align themselves with. And this:

Trillions of dollars later, black poverty is the same. But black families are not, with triple the incidence of single parent homes and out of wedlock births.

It's not complicated. Americans can accept Barack Obama's invitation to move onto the plantation. Or they can choose personal responsibility and freedom.
Does anyone really need to think about what the choice should be?

I'm sorry, but if an African American can and IS President, well, you have to stop with the "everyone is bringing us down" mantra. Just not buyin it.

We all have to deal with personal responsibility and we ALL have freedom here.
You know, SJ, I see where you are coming from and I accepted it because she was talking about her own personal experience. I was focusing on welfare in general. I doubt if she seeks out audiences that a black only or refuses to talk with others who do not share her race. It was just not the focus for me.

That's not something I look at first. I just heard "rising above the welfare system" as her focal point as well.

[SeeksJustice]

You know, SJ, I see where you are coming from and I accepted it because she was talking about her own personal experience. I was focusing on welfare in general. I doubt if she seeks out audiences that a black only or refuses to talk with others who do not share her race. It was just not the focus for me.

That's not something I look at first. I just heard "rising above the welfare system" as her focal point as well.

I completely get what YOU are saying Carol but I think that the "point" gets lost in the words that are used.

The welfare system was put into place to help women and children in times of need. She focuses on the African American community to rise up against a system that by all rights was abused and destroyed by many who took advantage of that system.

Also, there are not only African Americans who depend on welfare...many whites and hispanics depend on it as well. I just find it "rich" that to ask those to "rise above" a system that they helped to destroy. Sure, there were MANY, not just African Americans who abused the system but when you look at it in an "urban" setting, as she refers to, I just find it offensive.

I had a sister who was forced to have to go on welfare. Did it for 5 years until her youngest was able to go to school full time. She got herself off the system and worked her a** off to support her children. She was not going to rely on the "system". She is very successful now and was thankful that the system was there when she needed it.

[Tracian]

If you are referring to what I think you are, it was a hoax. Please post a link:wink:


http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=16899

From the link:

Cosby was attacked both for his flippant tone and because his argument appeared to “blame the victim” for the racial inequality and racial injustice suffered. Cosby was attacked as being a successful elitist, an African American who had achieved success and was now embarrassed by less-fortunate African Americans. His comments were seen as “a relentless attack on poor and working-class African Americans.” Writing in the Village Voice, Ta-Nehisi Coates charged that Cosby was long on his moral attacks and short on solutions:




Starting in 2004, Cosby publicly denounced black communities for having low standards in allowing fatherless single parent households, high crime rates, and high illiteracy rates. He further stated that it was up to the black community to fix its own problems. He expanded upon his remarks in San Jose, CA during an event to promote the Read-2-Lead Classic. Anger over his remarks continued, but often the validity of what Cosby said wasn't in question (U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) has made similar remarks regarding the decline of the African-American family), it was the forum that was the issue.

In May 2004 Cosby made public remarks critical of low-income African Americans whom he believed to be deprioritizing education in favor of sports and fashion. As a result, Cosby came under sharp criticism, however he was largely unapologetic for his stance. Cosby made similar remarks during a speech on July 1 at a Rainbow Coalition meeting commemorating the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. During that speech, he admonished struggling young men to "stop beating up your wife because you can't find a job" and stated that African-Americans had forgotten the sacrifices of those in the Civil Rights Movement. The talk was interrupted several times by applause and received praise from leaders such as Jesse Jackson.


http://www.fact-archive.com/encyclopedia/Bill_Cosby

[Carol25]

If you are referring to what I think you are, it was a hoax. Please post a link:wink:
If you google Bill Cosby attacked by anti.... you can see how many hits there are.

But here is one of them. (They are not referring to physical assaults)

http://www.afro-netizen.com/2004/06/bill_cosbys_con.html

[Carol25]

I completely get what YOU are saying Carol but I think that the "point" gets lost in the words that are used.

The welfare system was put into place to help women and children in times of need. She focuses on the African American community to rise up against a system that by all rights was abused and destroyed by many who took advantage of that system.

Also, there are not only African Americans who depend on welfare...many whites and hispanics depend on it as well. I just find it "rich" that to ask those to "rise above" a system that they helped to destroy. Sure, there were MANY, not just African Americans who abused the system but when you look at it in an "urban" setting, as she refers to, I just find it offensive.

I had a sister who was forced to have to go on welfare. Did it for 5 years until her youngest was able to go to school full time. She got herself off the system and worked her a** off to support her children. She was not going to rely on the "system". She is very successful now and was thankful that the system was there when she needed it.
Your sister used the system properly. I think that this is how it was originally intended to work!

And you are right. It has been abused until it is now a way of life.

[DesertWalker]

It isn't a black vs. white, rich vs poor, or have vs have not issue. It's simply an issue of respecting that all human beings should be encouraged and rewarded for the hard work and attaining the goals to reach their god given potential. ANY government program that usurps that personal quest to achieve success is wrong.

Just like it is wrong for a parent to allow a child to turn in substandard work to school or a policeman looks the other way when a rich kid breaks the law.

Just as it was wrong to consider Ebonics as a substitute for English, or build special areas where illegals can gather to be hired by happy homeowners for low wage labor.

Simply the point is ... our Government and institutions and villages and families should encourage each and every person to be the best they can be and foster respect for every individual, and their potential, equally.

That makes a strong person and a strong country.

[magythekat]

It isn't a black vs. white, rich vs poor, or have vs have not issue. It's simply an issue of respecting that all human beings should be encouraged and rewarded for the hard work and attaining the goals to reach their god given potential. ANY government program that usurps that personal quest to achieve success is wrong.

Just like it is wrong for a parent to allow a child to turn in substandard work to school or a policeman looks the other way when a rich kid breaks the law.

Just as it was wrong to consider Ebonics as a substitute for English, or build special areas where illegals can gather to be hired by happy homeowners for low wage labor.

Simply the point is ... our Government and institutions and villages and families should encourage each and every person to be the best they can be and foster respect for every individual, and their potential, equally.

That makes a strong person and a strong country.

I'm so glad to see that 'most' of us understand what she is saying and where she is coming from. If there was racism in that article, I must be pretty dense because I didn't see it. Maybe it just wasn't politically correct enough for some..shrug.

[magythekat]

It's in the title, label yourself as you must.

Why are we in denial of things that happened in the past, and call any mention of it 'racist'? That's just denial IMO. We have learned from our mistakes back in 'the day'. Now we can't mention it without being racist???? sheesh! BTW, your remark was nasty, which tells me a lot.

[magythekat]

My remarks are nasty because I disagree? If you can't see the connotations in that article, then I can assume I can't discuss it with you. Please, do yourself a favor, and defend your honor, and not a racist link :^(

This should answer your question.

Quote:
Originally Posted by magythekat
I'm so glad to see that 'most' of us understand what she is saying and where she is coming from. If there was racism in that article, I must be pretty dense because I didn't see it. Maybe it just wasn't politically correct enough for some..shrug.

It's in the title, label yourself as you must. (your remark to me)

I don't need to defend my honor I have plenty of it.

[MaybytheBay]

This should answer your question.

Quote:
Originally Posted by magythekat
I'm so glad to see that 'most' of us understand what she is saying and where she is coming from. If there was racism in that article, I must be pretty dense because I didn't see it. Maybe it just wasn't politically correct enough for some..shrug.

It's in the title, label yourself as you must. (your remark to me)

I don't need to defend my honor I have plenty of it.


I believe this woman is extoling the life she lived(s). And the American responsibility that lets each and every person progress, she relates her own story to highlite how capable people are without dependence living on or the inevitability of a government islet.
She speaks about potential and strength.
Racism was not discernable to me, unless it was more an attempt to criticise or stifle an outspoken 'conservative' voice...?

[dref99]

If you're used to that language and the connotations that go with it, you probably weren't bothered....:sad:

I have to agree with you - the title stops one flat. I had to force myself to keep reading.

Without the welfare she so decries many folks would be homeless and starving. That the system is abused by some does not make it without merit for most. Caring about those less fortunate than oneself makes for an energised healthy community. As for the benefits of capitalism - we are seeing them now and they don't look very pretty.

And the mention of "single parent homes and out of wedlock births" brings one back to sex education and the dismal failure of programs that do not mention birth control - let alone "safe sex" options.

The lady should tell her story without attacking/abusing those who didn't make it, the way it is presented in that article, it appears to me to be both racist and politically motivated.

jmo