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"Separate but Equal"... The Racial Divide.

Posted by Leticia, 10 Feb

For the longest time when we talked about racism it was about black and white. The word discrimination comes from the Latin "discriminare", which means to "distinguish between". To discriminate generally is to make a distinction between people on the basis of class, age, sex and of course race, without regard to individual merit. Have we really improved in the category of race relations or just found another group to "pick on"?

This is Leticia, and the other night I heard a story on the news about a town where the folks were all bent out of shape because one of the students recited the pledge of allegiance in Spanish. The principal of the school said that he fully supported the young man's attempt to unite his culture and his new country. People are still up in arms over President Bush's comments last year about how "the national anthem ought to be sung in English" followed by a Senator introducing a resolution requiring the Star-Spangled banner be sung ONLY in English.

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Now I do realize that there are a few different ways to look at this. This is America. The official language of our country is English. People that were born here know that and people that visit our country are aware that we are an ENGLISH speaking country. Now when I went to on vacation to Germany, I didn't speak a word of German. However, if I made a decision to move there and live there, I feel it would be in my best interest to learn the language. I wouldn't expect them to put out department of motor vehicle booklets in English or when I made phone calls I wouldn't expect to hear "for English press 2". I'm in Germany!!

Now the difference in my mind is that America prides herself on being the melting pot. The country where all races, nationalities all cultures can come together and live "one nation under god". We have China towns and Little Italia's in every major city. In parts of California and Texas we have some cities with more "non-English" residence than citizens that speak English only.

When I went away to school in England for a semester, I was shocked and appalled by the fact that many people from other countries knew more about our history and government than we did. We are the only group of people that can go to another country and get mad because they don't speak ENGLISH. In many other countries, their citizens speak more than one language. It's us arrogant and lazy behind American's that only speak one language and Ebonics doesn't count.

Why all the controversy now? Why is it important for us to know our history? Maybe if we did, we'd realize that in 1919, the U.S. Bureau of Education commissioned a Spanish-language version of "The Star Spangled Banner". Here we are 88 years later...Our State Department even has four versions of the anthem in Spanish featured on their website. Perhaps if we weren't given so many mixed messages, as citizens we could make qualified judgments based on facts not fears. What harm is caused by allowing each group to embrace our anthem and make it their own? What harm is there in trying to get along with a group of people that we've welcomed with open arms into our work force, neighborhoods, schools?

We get upset and angry when we are targeted, profiled, categorized and discriminated against, but we are just as quick to do it to another group. Why is it that we expect others to conform as we continue to fight for and celebrate the fact that we are a free county that takes pride in our ability to be independent free thinkers? What is that, "we love you just the way you are...so, Change!"

Are we saying, "America is the melting pot, it's okay to put in your own ingredients as long as they smell, taste and look like the original ingredients? I get that our national anthem is an American tradition; the question is xenophobia a part of that tradition as well?

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  1.   peacefulwarior says:
    Posted: 04 May 08

    05.04.2008 Peaceful Warrior $TATE OF THE ENEMY vs. ENEMY OF THE $TATE: The American people have been put into a ‘$tate of Grace’, not unlike that of an ‘enemy of the $tate’. The bi-parti$an$hip, and the Bu$h admini$tration, perpetuate $ecret$, lie$, and more lie$ via the ‘realm of $trategic ambiguity’ which is usually associated with National $ecurity, but, does not lead to a path or sojourn to Character (review 9-11), yet, ‘RG’, the mayor, of New York, ‘performed’ emphatically flawless. But, what is the intent of America’s foreign policy? How is it related to the Constitution of the United $tate$? Is its affect in the 'student of life' conducive to ‘the language of life’ which invariably oppresses and suppresses freedoms with bomb$, bean$, ballot$, bullet$, and bandaid$ (I Thessalonians 4:16, 18). The ‘global community’ know that the most important characteristic of each citizen, consumer, and constituent is their ‘credibility’, as the ‘dogma’ of this ‘$trategic ambiguity’ is not valiant for Principle, nor Truth, “for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. The Bu$h admini$tration has achieved this ‘crime of the heart’ (9-11) through deception, lie$, manipulation, and have plunged many Americans into ‘mendacity and demagogy’ which will subtlely ‘channel’ each citizen into a spiriling chasm of homelessness, hopelessness, and despair, because of hi$ war on $addam Hu$$ein, but not on the unification of Pale$tine and I$rael, nor, the ‘War on Poverty’. And the world is, here and now, deceived into ‘uncertain times’ because, there is no truth, there is only anger and anxiety, as well as $ecret$, lie$, and more lie$.

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  2.   cocoadream says:
    Posted: 24 Nov 07

    The "melting pot" term was meant to mean that people from all over the world could come here, and we would all "melt together" as one country, not a bunch of isolated pockets that resembled small foreign countries. Sure retain your culture to an extent, but don't try taking it so far that it is being forced on everyone else. The bit with having more languages is just a waste of time and money making everything in numerous versions. I am sick to death of the way our schools are going down hill due to lack of funding, but more and more money keeps getting pumped into classes like ESL, that don't benefit anyone but those who should have learned the language before they entered our schools in the first place. Why does an American child have to know their alphabet etc before even being allowed into kindergarten, but any kid from another country gets this special treatment? Discrimination against legal, American citizens, paid for by our tax money. Yeah, ticks me off to no end. English may not be the "official" language of the country, but it is the one that is accepted and used nationally as the language of this country. Deal with it already LOL

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  3.   Sakary says:
    Posted: 12 Nov 07

    Country founded by male WASPs, ruled mainly by the rules created by mainly WASPs ... Need to say any more? And actually, same goes for many other countries as well!!! Melting pot? Is there, seriously, still people who believe in that nonsense? It is a dream, certainly worth dreaming and fighting for. But I guess everyone with brains realizes it's a mosaic! A mosaic! Meaning there is diversity, different languages and cultural backgrounds to be respected. Despite the fact that some weirdos (including some very powerful people) seem to think otherwise ...

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  4.   phattkitty says:
    Posted: 22 Oct 07

    I know my comments are a little too late but....Pleasjure just wanted u ladies to acknowlege him and possibly be his friends. He got his ego hurt and he didnt like it one bit. See how he calmed down when Coco started saying nice things about him. Mmmm, go figure. And another thing, i do agree with him just a smidge. I also feel that this blog site is mostly for blk/wht men. If i was a blk man, i wouldnt feel welcome either. I dont know, is that how u felt Pleasjure??

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  5.   sandi says:
    Posted: 03 Jul 07

    I just love you Leticia and your articles. I wish the whole world could think like you do. What a joy it would be to live here. Why does anything have to be divided by race? I love people for who they are not what colour their skin is or what religion they follow. A good person is a good person. Just remember, there is only one race, the human race! We ALL look the same inside:) Love and peace to you all:)

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  6.   justknowingu says:
    Posted: 23 May 07

    hmmmm..something to think about...but there is more pressing matters at hand to concern ourselves with..!

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  7.   Coco says:
    Posted: 14 Mar 07

    Tha's right Pleasjure, we have :) I could not have picked a better person if I tried. It just goes to show that we can agree to disagree and move on. I am happy it allowed me to get to know a fantastic person! !!!

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  8.   pleasjure13 says:
    Posted: 13 Mar 07

    Coco I believe that the site can be very useful as well...just think we made friends...heeeeeee.

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  9.   Coco says:
    Posted: 12 Mar 07

    Now y'all know it ain't that serious. Some of us are just passionate about how we express ourselves. Pleasjure knows he is special to me :) I just wanted to point out that we all are members of an interracial website. If white is your preference, its okay here. If black is your preference, its okay! Its just nice to know that we come here to find love-and the boundaries of race don't exist on this site!

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  10.   JustBelieve says:
    Posted: 12 Mar 07

    This is America the 21st Century. People should speak English or understand it for legal purposes. Forget that way back when Mexico owned part of the United States. Apperenlty the Mexican government cannot develop the land they currently have. The corrupted Mexican government should take care of its citizens instead of trying to bully the United States. This corrupted government should let businesses development so their people can shoot for the "Mexican Dream".

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  11.   pleasjure13 says:
    Posted: 11 Mar 07

    Getting to know each on an individual level is my goal along with acceptance that we have our own individual differences.I think that the core lies within our willingness to get along.

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  12.   lizzy2005 says:
    Posted: 03 Mar 07

    Wow. This article sure brought out some different view points.

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  13.   nicefella115 says:
    Posted: 01 Mar 07

    lol @ fala, how true.

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  14.   sweetnes20 says:
    Posted: 01 Mar 07

    i totaly agree fala.

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  15.   nicefella115 says:
    Posted: 27 Feb 07

    we will always be different in others eyes.

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  16.   Fala says:
    Posted: 27 Feb 07

    Sometimes the comments and the reactions they provoke are more interesting than the articles.

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  17.   Kandikane23 says:
    Posted: 26 Feb 07

    Always something to think about.

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  18.   Tarah says:
    Posted: 26 Feb 07

    LMAO GOT2B4REAL!!! After reading these comments I forgot too! LMAO!!! Hmmm something about melting pot and the National Anthem???

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  19.   Got2b4Real says:
    Posted: 23 Feb 07

    WOW! What was the article about again?!!!

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  20.   Fala says:
    Posted: 23 Feb 07

    See, Multicultural Connections Magazine, another way AR helps us meet new people.

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  21.   pleasjure13 says:
    Posted: 22 Feb 07

    Thanx coco and fala and u2 nikki.At least we kept it real until the end...or should I say the beginning.

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  22.   Cocokisses says:
    Posted: 21 Feb 07

    Fala...girl you know you ain't right :) Pleasjure...you know you are all right in my book! Nikki is a sweetie! See? Coco has love for everyone :)

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  23.   fala says:
    Posted: 21 Feb 07

    Wow! I thought Nikki and Coco sparring with Pleasjure was more entertaining than the article.

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  24.   NICEFELLA115 says:
    Posted: 21 Feb 07

    high road, low road, all roads leead to differnt opionins.

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  25.   Cocokisses says:
    Posted: 20 Feb 07

    Hive five on taking the high road Nikki! I know Pleasjure is a decent person just by his other posts. I just believe there is a misunderstanding and my hope is that it is cleared up with no more name calling. We are all adults here, and hopefully this can be put to bed. Best wishes to you both!

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  26.   unme23 says:
    Posted: 20 Feb 07

    some things people will always see different no matter what.

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  27.   pleasjure13 says:
    Posted: 19 Feb 07

    Cocokisses and Nikki I do not intend to trade any more responses because obviously you two are well beyond restoration.Coco obviously u missed the boat in rescue of your side kick Nikki. If I offended u sorry. If the shoe fits wear it. As 4 u Nikki sorry that I obviously struck a nerve. There is hope however ,in that admitting your powerlessness over your own ignoralities may somehow help u to return you to sanity. Thanks but the city is not so beautiful once it's mascara drools. On second thought I have a notion to apologize to both you (Coco). After all we did get the chance to interact. Personally I just feel that acknowledging another human being is very complimentary.

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  28.   Nikki says:
    Posted: 19 Feb 07

    P13- I guess now YOU know why we don't speak. If I didn't care I wouldn't respond. I'd just go about my day letting you stew in your ignorance and you'd continue thinking that I was just another bitter black.... (Fill in the blank). BUT, I DO CARE. I'm raising a young black man. So, let me just say this is MY opinion. It has nothing to do with there being a "great divide psychologically". It has everything to do with our experiences as black women. 1. MOST black guys don't just stop at hello. 2. MOST believe in the law of averages (the more you speak to the greater your chances). 3. So, they DON'T read your profile because it's NEVER about YOU. 4. They are NOT looking for someone that compliments them they are just LOOKING! 5. Every woman wants to feel special and different. Not just one in the crowd. Finally, I would be shocked if your hellos went unanswered to a sister and you approached it by pointing out something the two of you had in common from HER profile & YOURS. Believe me, while you’re waiting for her to respond to your hello, she’s checking out your profile to see if you have ANYthing in common. P>S> you live in a beautiful city…congrats on that SUPERBOWL victory!

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  29.   Cocokisses says:
    Posted: 18 Feb 07

    Pleasjure, I would hope that you keep in mind one important thing...please note that this is an INTERRACIAL website, and because someone has a preference, it does not make them a "DUSTY ASS SELL OUT". I find that term to not only be very rude, but it was totally offensive. I happen to not have a preference, but let's not lose sight of the fact that some do. I would love to invite you here to Columbus Ohio where Black men make it known that their preference is WHITE WOMEN. I respect it and know that it is what it is. I still acknowledge these brothers because they are still my people. I understand your point and frustration, but I think there could be a nicer way to put it. We are all here to find someone special, and since you are here with us on an interracial site, I take it that you are open to looking for someone of another race too. I can assure you that you won't find any of us calling you a "DUSTY ASS SELL OUT" if you are. Bottom line is that we all want to be with someone who loves us, no matter what their race is. Peace to you all.

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  30.   pleasjure13 says:
    Posted: 16 Feb 07

    In response to Nikki,There is nothing like expressing good etiquette. When you go to a Mexican restaurant it may not be necessary to speak Spanish but a friendly hello doesn't hurt. Just because it may be ones preference not to speak doesn't make it a sound one. I did not bother to waste my time viewing your profile. What do you want one to do scan every profile to see if they prefer white, black, yellow or red before saying hello. Stereotypically your statement "It's kinda like brothers who go out to clubs and seldom greet obese chicks". Nothing could be further from the truth. Again being interested in someone has little to do with exchanging hello's. The problem evolves when a dusty ass "SELL OUT" needs someone of another race to feel good about their own self worth. I would definitely NOT be interested in such a dysfunctional biodegradable "MICRO ORGANISM".

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  31.   nicefella115 says:
    Posted: 14 Feb 07

    great points, great article.

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  32.   nikki says:
    Posted: 13 Feb 07

    In response to pleasjure...I'm trying to find a way to say this without being too sarcastic, mean or bitchy... It's kinda like when brothers go out to clubs and they seldom greet obese chicks! Not because they don't feel like they deserve to be treated nice like everyone else. They just don't want to lead them on and give them the wrong impression. Besides, the more time you spend talking to them, the less time you have to talk with someone that you ARE really interested in. I don't go to Mexican restaurants to eat hamburgers (even though they serve them), and I don't come to an dating site (Multi-cultural or not), to talk to people that I'm not interested in starting a relationship with. It has nothing to do with self hate or dis-respect, it has everything to do with MY preference. If you read my profile and it states what I AM LOOKING for and the group that you represent is not on there...please respect THAT. Besides, do you really what to waste YOUR time with someone that is NOT interested in YOU??

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  33.   Pleasjure13 says:
    Posted: 13 Feb 07

    It is cool to be proud of your race and equally cool to respect anothers.What turns me off when I log into the chat rm many black women who prefer white men seldom greet a black man.There obviously is a great divide psychologically among races as well.Sure it is their preference and my preference is individuality ( all races).

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  34.   Pleasjure13 says:
    Posted: 12 Feb 07

    Equal in who's eyes?

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  35.   mossimo36 says:
    Posted: 12 Feb 07

    Unfortunately, xenophobia is part of our history. Ever see the signs that read Blacks and Irish need not apply. For a while Italians were looked down upon until Baseball hero Joe DiMaggio helped to change that. There seems to be a new demonized immigrant group each generation. Doubt it will ever change as long as there are large groups of people that are different. I wonder why the groups that have been here for so long can't concentrate on our similarities instead of our differences.

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  36.   Pleasjure13 says:
    Posted: 12 Feb 07

    In reality this land belongs to the American Indian. This melting pot shit is bull.

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