It is irritating how many people today believe that racism will end as long as every American minority has a special day, week, month, club or organization dedicated to them. One such example of a holiday that supposedly helps to eliminate racism is Black History Month, which takes place every February to celebrate the various accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans throughout American history.
Frankly, I don’t even like the term African-American to begin with. First of all, not all blacks are from Africa, and second, “hyphenating” everyone’s racial category in a country that, today, accepts people from all nationalities and backgrounds is a modern-day form of segregation. I wish we could all just be Americans.
This is not to say that I am ignorant of or naïve about racists within our society, but racism no longer characterizes society as a whole. I would argue that focusing on everyone’s ethnic background — American-born or not — in the form of club organizations and holidays is racist because all it seeks to do is give preferential treatment to self-segregating groups whose main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood.
A recent article on this issue, published by Newsweek and written by Raina Kelley, reminds people such as myself of the importance of Black History Month: “[It] is a measure of how fully or accurately our story is being told and a reminder of the work yet to be done.” Kelley argues that “bemoaning” the existence of the month is wasted time that could be spent “[proselytizing]” for issues that need more national attention, such as “failing inner-city public schools, institutionalized poverty, health-care disparities, and job discrimination.”
Kelley does not give concrete modern examples of these ills, nor does she offer a proposal herself on how to fix them. I, for one, do not chalk these issues up to being the fault of the elusive “white man.” I think much of the problem today in the way of racial relations, is with America’s obsession with political correctness. Perhaps these issues are not being addressed because no one feels comfortable enough to say that they are not necessarily the fault of the “white man,” but are also partially the result of personal responsibility — or in this case, a lack thereof. As it is, you probably think I am a racist for delving into this issue to begin with.
To make my point, we have an “African-American” president; other African-Americans in the spotlight are former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, GOP Chairman Michael Steele, Oprah Winfrey, nationally syndicated talk radio show host Larry Elder and many more. This list doesn’t even begin to encompass the slew of African-American actors, actresses, and singers. What was that about job discrimination? Furthermore, it is a known fact that things like affirmative action give preferential treatment to American minorities. I would go so far to say that universities and companies seek minority candidates for the sake of calling themselves “diverse.”
I agree with Kelley in that there are many issues since slavery still extant in the African-American community, but I do not agree that in today’s world it should all be attributed to the “white man.” While slavery is a scar on American history, its legacy has also opened so many opportunities with an equally powerful political force: The Civil Rights Movement. The statement that we live in a “culture over-reliant on stereotype and slow to explore the complexity of racial issues” just doesn’t hold true anymore in post-Civil Rights America.
Still, when that movement radicalizes, it undermines itself and creates a familiar divisive rhetoric. We are all Americans, and we should all be held to an equal standard and judged based on our merit, as opposed to our skin color or ethnic background. While remnants of institutionalized racism have led to our current obsession with diversity and political correctness, Americans must have the freedom to take personal responsibility and to critique others without having the threat of racism hanging over their heads. It is only when this is a real possibility that people of all ethnic backgrounds can engage in a dialogue about solving issues affecting the totality of the American citizenry.
Hanna Guthrie is a second-year English major. She can be reached at hguthrie@uci.edu.
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New University is the official UCI campus newspaper since 1968.
Rebecca Says:
what is going on in your head
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 1:58 am
Cynthia Says:
I find it amusing that you point out Raina Kelley’s lack of “modern concrete examples” of the issues she mentioned in her article. If you honestly think that those issues NEED concrete examples, you shouldn’t be writing an article on this topic (which you clearly know nothing about) in the first place.
And thank you for suggesting that minorities take “personal responsibility” for the problems that face them. That’s a very enlightened, non-racist thing to say.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 9:06 am
Lacie Says:
“all it seeks to do is give preferential treatment to self-segregating groups whose main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood.”….? wow just wow
I would appreciate informed opinions in my school newsletter, not this.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
DC Says:
It must be nice to be so completely insulated by your white privilege that you can’t even recognize racism.
I suggest you utilize the resources at your disposal in the UCI School of Humanities to educate yourself on how colorblindness (”I wish we could all just be Americans”) and neoliberalism (”these issues are…partially the result of personal responsibility) perpetuate structural racism.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Shatina Says:
I am assuming that your argument is based on the assumption that minorities/people of color in the United States do not need certain policies, holidays, or as you would call “preferential treatment”
Let us go point by point
1. Black history month does not eliminate racism. It is a celebration of the culture and contributions that African Americans have made in this country; forced or voluntary. America was not built on the foundation of religious freedom. It was built on the back of oppression. America would not be where it is today without the oppression experienced throughout the nation (you do understand that this is the base of capitalism?)
2. And no, not all Blacks are African Americans and not all African Americans are Black. Why hyphenate? It recognizes the bi-culturalness of Blacks in America. Many White people do not understand this because they have never stepped out of their culture. Blacks step outside of their culture everyday to navigate “White” institutions. Americans are quite multicultural in this pluralistic society. Interesting, many non-minorities do not understand this concept because their culture dominates, never having to question norms because they are the norm.
3. No, racism does not characterize our society. It gives the world its culture, oppression and domination, marginalizing certain groups while making others wealthy (take a class in sociology)
4. Political correctness exists because of the history of our nation. If we were to let people say what they wanted to say when they wanted to say it, I am sure you will see how much racism truly exists. Issues are being addressed in many marginalized communities. Dominant communities may not see these efforts because they do not need to. They continue to benefit from the system in place so they have no need to reflect on it and challenge it. (step outside of your zone of comfort).
5. Affirmative Action was not created so minorities could have “preferential treatment”. AA recognized that minorities (including women, who by the way benefited most from AA policies) were being discriminated against. It was created so that people could have “equal treatment”. Still, women, minorities, and lgbt individuals still do not receive jobs and receive lower pay in jobs than male, White, and traditionally heterosexual counterparts. (read a book).
6. And you want to talk about high powered African Americans. AA make up approximately 10% of this country. Therefore, there should be 10% of AA in office, 10% in movies and film, etc etc etc. And our president endures more criticism than any president we have had. If you saw his recent address, the disrespect he endured was massive. Please examine how race plays into those dynamics. I dont have the space to make you attuned to every racial dynamic experienced. But think, for example, what would it be like if the Obamas had a pregnant teenage daughter?
7. You use the words like “post-civil rights” and “remnants of”. I challenge you to think about how racism still exists in our society. Employment, culture, education, income, etc. See who is on top and who is on the bottom. Then ask yourself why. As much as we would like to believe that america is this all-ecompassing society.
So, my recommendations I have given are 1) take a class, 2) read a book, 3) step outside of your comfort zone, and 4) think a little harder about the things you see going on around you.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
JB Says:
Is NewU really so hurting for submissions that it’s printing these racist anti-racist diatribes?
If you took a single sociology class in your time here you would realize just how idiotic this argument is, and just how much it misses the real problem (institutionalized racism).
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Leo Says:
The beauty of America is in its differences. To promote standards that are “equal” for all regardless of a person’s background is promoting to ignore the person and demeaning their culturally influenced upbringing and is essentially racist.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
I feel sick Says:
Hanna should attend the activities related to Black History Month, take a sociology class, take an African American Studies class, and talk to individuals in this community about why their clubs, their spaces, their events, and their identity are important to them before making such general statements. This is ill-informed and un-researched journalism which the New U and all of UCI should be ashamed to publish.
Make no mistake, I am not attacking Hanna as an individual. I believe her experiences and education up to this point have lacked analysis and examples which would make her aware to the institutional racism still present today. Nevertheless, editors at the New U should not have allowed this to go to print and should have asked that, in the future, she submit articles supported by academic and scientific literature which do no disregard the lives and experiences of real individuals at this university and throughout this country today.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 2:03 pm
C Says:
I am appalled by this essay. The pretense of “equality” means nothing when we live in a country founded on inequality. These problems were not packed away and shoved into some remote attic post-Emancipation… Have there been any real changes? Racism is not explicit and therefore it has stopped? Please stop crying about the “eternal victimhood” of minorities when YOU are the one playing victim in this essay.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
T. Willoughby-Herard Says:
CORRECTED
A quick glance at the author’s facebook page indicates some profound ideological commitments. Universities are spaces for learning. Repeating right wing ideology does not constitute learning. The level of polarization of U.S. politics has contributed to a decided anti-intellectualism in which any opinion regardless of how erroneous, in some quarters, is given as much value as generations of scholarly opinion.
Is it true that most history departments in the United States focus so much on African American history and life that there is nothing more to learn about or say about black people?
Respectable newspapers have come to designate ideological positions using the adjectives “right” and “left” so that readers know a bit about what they are getting. But, overall this is a very mis-informed and partisan assessment of Carter G. Woodson’s intervention into U.S. Historical scholarship. I am shocked that the editors would publish something that a basic google search refutes. http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmintro1.html
As a colleague of mine would suggest, “it might have been better to begin by reading a book on the subject.”
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Bryan Says:
WHAT IS THIS I DON’T EVEN
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Anonymus Says:
in this article all i see is opinion backed with no facts just myths
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Cindy Amobi Says:
Wow, I can’t believe this article was published. But hey, we do live in America, the “land of the free,” so I’m just going to exercise my free speech and explain just a few of the reasons why the sentiments expressed in this article are uninformed and insulting, in addition to revealing the severe lack of understanding of race relations in America that this author apparently has.
Evidence of confusion #1:”I would argue that focusing on everyone’s ethnic background…in the form of club organizations and holidays is racist because all it seeks to do is give preferential treatment to self-segregating groups whose main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood.”
Are you a part of any of these “self-segregating” groups? I’m going to guess the answer is no, so let me give you a little overview. Some of their main purposes are outreach to minority communities, educating the public about their respective cultures and experiences, so that articles like this might never be written, and providing a support system. But maybe you think that isn’t necessary? Perhaps you have an explanation or solution to the fact that this campus has no recruitment and retention center for communities that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, with many of its members coming from school districts lacking sufficient books, teachers, and other essentials conducive to knowledge. I’m guessing you’re also convinced that the campus is already well versed in the histories of different cultures, and such ethnic studies programs like the African American Studies program, are unnecessary and don’t need to be advocated for. And I’m sure you’ll stay convinced that minorities don’t need support groups when nearly each year a new freshman experiences being calling a n*****, and the UC system boasts such delightful cultural celebrations as the Compton Cookout of UCSD, and the “Gansta Berfday of UCSB.
Evidence of Confusion and lack of research #2: “…we have an ‘African-American’ president, other African-Americans in the spotlight…what was that about job discrimination?”
Personal responsibility should be taken by each person. But I guess the fact that the unemployment rate of young black male college graduates is nearly double that of their white counterparts can be attributed to something other than discrimination (please do your research: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/us/01race.html)? And also recent studies that show that many minorities will not even be called in to an interview due to how their names sound? Wow I guess we really are “all Americans” who are treated equally. Clearly we just need to get over the differences.
Evidence of confusion, and backwards thinking #3: “While slavery is a scar on American history, its legacy has also opened so many opportunities with an equally powerful political force: The Civil Rights Movement.”
Am I reading this correctly? Should we be grateful to slavery for bringing us the Civil Rights Movement?? WE WOULDN’T NEED THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT WITHOUT SLAVERY. And if you believe that all the goals of the Civil Rights Movement have been met, then you and me are clearly living in two different Americas.
You don’t understand the lived experience of the minority in America.I only touched a few of instances of ignorance in your article. Before you write an article with such bold statements, please do your research. You sound confused.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Ashley Says:
I invite you to take an African-American studies course during your time at UCI, if you have not already. It will give you a new perspective and answer questions you may have about the existence of social organizations for racial groups.
You’re right. There is a black face in the white house, but there are millions of people that wish his face was white. During his campaign citizens country-wide said they weren’t “ready” for a black president. Where’s the equal standard in that.
To say that we no longer live in a “culture over-reliant on stereotypes” is incorrect. Didn’t you hear that Black people are great dancers and skilled athletes? Didn’t you hear that Asians are smart? Even in the smallest cases… stereotypes exist and play a large role in the way we think.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
2ndbreakfast Says:
Uh oh. Looks like someone’s never seen The Color of Friendship. Tsk tsk tsk. Poor thing. Someone enroll her in an African-American studies course, quick!
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Jeff Says:
Ok so cultures should stop celebrating their achievements and their history because it is SO WELL REPRESENTED in every other historical text? A group or race celebrating their achievements has nothing to do with making them feel special. It’s about breaking down stereotypes and showing what we are capable of.
This isn’t a mere birthday we’re talking about. This is a means of showing the rest of America what minorities have done to make America what it is and showing young minorities what they can do despite the system that attempts to hold them back.
This article is ignorant. Enough said.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Tsoul Says:
Dear Hanna Gunthrie,
Coming from a school commonly referred to the “University of Chinese Immigrants”, please do not tell me that, “racism no longer characterizes society as a whole”.
Please do not tell me that, “club organizations and holidays [are] racist because all [they] [seek] to do is give preferential treatment to self-segregating groups whose main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood”, when Cultural Clubs are created to promote a supportive and inclusive communities which celebrate a shared culture and set of values, and when Cultural Holidays, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day are created to celebrate the lives and triumphs of Civil Rights Leaders. These are created not to cry “eternal victimhood” but to celebrate the racism that has been so apparent throughout American and World history.
Please do not tell me that, “Kelley does not give concrete modern examples of these ills, nor does she offer a proposal herself on how to fix them”, when you too fail to give me concrete examples of success in racism, nor do you provide any solutions too exterminate this illusion of racism.
Question: Why do you put “white man” in quotations, yet never add quotations around African-American?
Question: How can you say that racism is not a problem, because we have an “African-American” President (Wait, what happened to you not liking the term African-American? Why do you keep using it?) and Black celebrities in the Music and Entertainment Industry, when I turn on the TV and fail to see an Asian or Asian-American (whichever you prefer) almost 90% of the time? How can you say that racism is not a problem, when anti-black crimes make up over 1/3 of all hate crimes (http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2008/data/table_01.html)?
Why would you say, “I would go so far to say that universities and companies seek minority candidates for the sake of calling themselves “diverse” ” when it is widely known that they do, in order to give all races an equal chance at education and success?
Lastly… please do not tell me, “Frankly, I don’t even like the term African-American to begin with. First of all, not all blacks are from Africa, and second, “hyphenating” everyone’s racial category in a country that, today, accepts people from all nationalities and backgrounds is a modern-day form of segregation,” when you yourself recognize that BLACKS are not from Africa. AFRICAN-AMERICANS are from AFRICA.
I would love to continue to break your article down and show that you indeed are, “ racist for delving into this issue to begin with.” But I’m tired. I’m tired of reading your bullshit. I don’t know what sparked your decision to write. But next time, do some research, take a trip down to the Cross Cultural Center. Ask them what they think about racism.
I applaud your effort, but I boo your ignorance.
Until you write again,
From The Soul
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Charles Shutt Says:
Can’t we just be post-racial already?
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Emily Says:
What the fuck is wrong with you? UCI shoul be ashamed to give you a degree in two years. Words like these are exactly why we need Black History Month and cultural clubs.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 6:32 pm
JMB Says:
You should be ashamed of yourself, and forced to attend a Black History Month event. I can not believe the NewU published this. Take your bigotry out of our newspaper, we people of color don’t expect to be made uncomfortable by reading it as we see White Privilege in action.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Nicole Says:
WHY is this author even able to write, let alone, have her work published? “they are not necessarily the fault of the “white man,” but are also partially the result of personal responsibility — or in this case, a lack thereof.” Like, really??? Oh no, here is my favorite one, ” I would argue that focusing on everyone’s ethnic background — American-born or not — in the form of club organizations and holidays is racist because all it seeks to do is give preferential treatment to self-segregating groups whose main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood.” So…we’re supposed to forget to cherish and celebrate our history and “identity?” I recommend she takes some serious humanities courses, better yet, get a new brain. Ignorance MUST be bliss for you.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 7:09 pm
none Says:
why are you even on staff for the new u? This article is def. racist and you don’t know squat. I also, read your last article and that was pretty offensive too and it just sounds like you’re an ignorant fool who came out of living in a secluded hole and just recently came out and believes everything you hear. Seriously, before you write another article you should consider checking up on your facts and become educated on the articles you are suppose to write. Your ideas on equality are so idealistic and such an American way to think about it. So, to become equal we must forget our history and culture? Your mommy and daddy must never had taught u to take pride in your culture and history? It amazes me that you got an acceptance letter to UCI, people like you make me sick and reminds how stupid people are in this country. Please, go back to your hole or stop being ignorant and become educated because you will go no where in this world with articles like this. You are just going to piss everyone off and it looks like you already have.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Aida Says:
Ok, so I can’t believe the New U would even allow this article to be published, especially after I worked so hard to get that tiny blurb about the incident at UCSD in regards to the “Compton Cookout” fiasco. It is precisely because of people like Hannah Guthrie that events like these are thrown and then mercilessly defended cause we have apparently entered a “post-racial era”. It is amusing that as a sophomore, you have already grown tired of Black History Month. Let me tell you, that since infancy underrepresented populations in this country have been subjected to “American” history without being included in the picture. Apparently a neat and single paragraph is sufficient to accurately portray the history of African-Americans (and yes, I did say African-Americans, sorry you feel uncomfortable with the term, but we are enlightened enough to define what we want to be called, to be frank…). I suggest that you make the most of your time at this learning institution and really get to know what Black History is about–it’ll make you uncomfortable to realize that the concept of the “home of the brave” isn’t all that it has cut out to be, but at least it’ll cure you of your ignorance.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Anh Says:
I believe the majority of responses here have already pointed out the blatant ignorance of this article. What I’m going to address is the New University’s FAILURE to fairly represent student voices. A good friend of mine, Nathan T. has been trying to get his articles published, most of which contain subversive contents based on the student movement that has been picking up momentum. He got a very hostile reply letter from the New University barring him from writing for them and forbidding him to stop by their office or even trying to contact them in the future. If this is a student newspaper, run by the students for the students, then why are there gaps in the spectrum of opinions that gets published? Why is it that only articles like these that reaffirm the status quo of color blindness and social ignorance get prioritized while articles that would actually be informative and conducive to social change at UCI get completely censored and ignored?
@Hanna: The majority has the PRIVILEGE of color-blindness. Those of us who belong in the category of “minorities” do not have such a privilege of living our lives completely ignorant to the forces that oppress us and prevent us from enjoying the same rights as the majority. So what if Obama is now our president? Black incarceration rates have not gone down. In fact, Obama isn’t even that keen on catering to the black community since he wants to maintain somewhat of a moderate stance so that he can get reelected in 2012. It’s all politics. Do you honestly think that just because we now have a visible black figure in office that all of the horrible institutions that are holding us down are just going to collapse? I really do hope you will have a chance to take one of the sociology or African American Studies classes offered at UCI. I think it will be a very eye-opening experience.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Jessica Says:
Next quarter, go take a class on White Privilege and Racism at the Cross Cultural Center. It’ll teach you that just because you think everyone’s equal doesn’t mean that everyone is actually treated that way. The amount of racism still happening, especially at UCI, is appalling, and you’re doing nothing but propagating it by insisting that it’s not happening.
I’ve never met a single person that believes creating a holiday or club will immediately stop racism. One of the points of these holidays and clubs are to bring to the notice of people like you that racism is still prevalent and needs to be fought. Black History Month, however, not only deals with alerting people to the continuation of racism, but is a celebration of everything that African-Americans and Blacks have fought for and accomplished. And why shouldn’t we have Black History Month? We should have Black History Year, just to make up for the amount of history we learn that takes no notice of African-American and Blacks at all.
You are fooling yourself if you think racism no longer characterizes society. Have you heard of the Jena 6 or Oscar Grant III? Both of those incidents of racism occurred within the last 5 years, and they are only some of the more prominent ones to come to light. Racism is still an enormous part of American culture, whether the white majority acknowledges it or not. And if you’d bothered to look at the news in the past week you’d have read that the authors of a book about kids and race, NurtureShock, who have done a large amount of research and realized that the one thing that makes kids racist is to not talk about the fact that there is racism. Pretending that Blacks and Whites are not treated differently is not the way to combat racism.
Raina Kelley does not need to give examples about the modern problems she talks about because they are so numerous as to be impossible to consider false. And she is correct, in that the effort and time spent trying to get rid of Black History Month, something that does no harm to anyone and increases appreciation for a minority, would be much better spent on something that would help improve living conditions for many people. Kelley also does not need to offer any options on how to solve the issues, nor should she have to. Her point is not to solve the issues, but to make people aware that there ARE issues. Besides, something as complex as what she is talking about is not something that can be solved by one person.
I’m absolutely disgusted at your blame-the-victim mentality. Your so-called “elusive white man” is not so elusive. He’s most of the people you’ll meet on the street. And yes, it is entirely his fault that people currently being wronged today are being victimized at all. It is in no way the victim’s fault for earning the hate of someone to whom he has done no harm. Neither is it the victim’s fault for trying to have the problems in society recognized.
How many more prominent White celebrities and politicians can you name than Black ones? Try it, I bet the amount of white people you are able to name will be so much larger than the amount of black people you are able to name. The people you have named are, unfortunately, a minority who have managed to bypass the odds. Affirmative action is, not as you are inferring, a means of preferential treatment, but a way of giving minority students a chance that would not be present to them otherwise. You are probably assuming that affirmative action takes college spots away from white children who might deserve them, but what you have failed to consider is that it gives chances to actually get into college to the students who do not have the benefit of money and being a majority. Being white and rich gives you so many more options than someone who would benefit from affirmative action currently has. And I can promise you, companies and universities that promote their diversity are saying this more because it gives them a good reputation than because they are actually diverse.
Please, next time you want to argue about racism, actually spend time thinking and learning about it before attempting to prove a point.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 9:45 pm
GetOverIt Says:
Hannah,
Great article. I agree with everything you said. For all of you LIBERALS who go around prancing and who promote being OPEN-MINDED to others ideas, thoughts, and opinions…your all just HYPOCRITES. You can’t take the criticism.
“in the form of club organizations and holidays is racist because all it seeks to do is give preferential treatment to self-segregating groups whose main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood.” – IT’S TRUE. Blacks still feel like America owes them something. We are living in the 21st century, America doesn’t owe them anything.
African Americans, “blacks” (whatever term they accept these days since all seem to offend them) need not to limit themselves by this club or groupie crap.
And yes, I am ASIAN and YES, I chose to attend UCI. You think UCI is full of asians, then get out. It’s AMERICA, leave. Go to another country.
We have a BLACK PRESIDENT for goodness sakes. OH any by the way, Barack Obama was raised by WHITE PEOPLE.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Anonymous Says:
This article is probably the result of someone who has watched too much Fox News and looks outside her Irvine dorm room and thinks the world is just swell. I’m not going berate you for your offensive rhetoric and ignorant opinion, but this education you’re getting here costs quite a bit of money if you hadn’t noticed. I suggest you actually take the time to use it to expand your knowledge of the world around you, instead of posting misinformed diatribes about “self-segregating groups whose main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood”. Get real, Hanna, you should know better.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Rebecca Says:
The author is not a staff writer, FYI.
Also, a brief moment to defend the editorial staff. Although I am not an editor for the opinion section, I will say that usually a writer pitches us a story idea, and sometimes, due to time constraints, we don’t receive it or get a chance to edit it until the last minute. At that point, the articles are set in the layout, and if the article is terrible, we either have to publish the article or quickly write something ourselves.
Both of these usually end with messy results.
I’m sad that we’ve given reprehensible opinions a platform, but at least on the website we have a public forum where an unlimited amount of people may enter into discourses with the writers.
Speaking of which, I love the outpouring of intelligent criticism this article has received. Keep it coming…
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Anonymous Says:
@GetOverIt
Since calling you an idiot and leaving it at that might seem rude, let’s do this one by one.
“For all of you LIBERALS who go around prancing and who promote being OPEN-MINDED to others ideas, thoughts, and opinions…your all just HYPOCRITES. You can’t take the criticism.”
First of all, if you think all of these negative responses are “liberal”, then congratulations, you’re about as informed as Glenn Beck. There is nothing partisan about thinking ignorant rhetoric by a person who actually believes that “failing inner-city public schools, institutionalized poverty, health-care disparities, and job discrimination” are not modern problems for the black community.
“IT’S TRUE. Blacks still feel like America owes them something. We are living in the 21st century, America doesn’t owe them anything.”
Who are you to say that blacks still feel like America owes them something? And by the way, living in the 21st century isn’t saying much, institutional prejudice didn’t end with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“African Americans, “blacks” (whatever term they accept these days since all seem to offend them) need not to limit themselves by this club or groupie crap.”
I’m glad you’re so concerned with the black community’s problems that you recommend that they don’t deign to “limit themselves by this club or groupie crap”. Why not doing some research and actually finding out about the black community, instead of basing your assumptions on anecdote or stereotype.
“And yes, I am ASIAN and YES, I chose to attend UCI. You think UCI is full of asians, then get out. It’s AMERICA, leave. Go to another country.”
Riiiight, because if a window is broken, then fuck it, move to another house. Except blacks didn’t really choose this house (remember?), and they weren’t the one who broke the window.
“We have a BLACK PRESIDENT for goodness sakes. OH any by the way, Barack Obama was raised by WHITE PEOPLE.”
DID YOU HEAR KANYE WEST HAD A NUMBER ONE ALBUM? AND WE HAVE A MIXED RACE PRESIDENT! OH MY GOD BLACK PROBLEMS ARE OVER! WEEEEEE!
Wake up, moron.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Kevin Says:
@Hanna
I can understand why you must think the things you do, because you have been conditioned a systemic 1000 year old oppression, and you probably came from a school that lacked/never discussed diversity. I beg you to understand, to inform yourself more thoroughly before making such bold statements (and they are bold statements).
Read this article about the achievement gap between black/latino and white students that still occurs in our country:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AXYhgXaAYKnEZGNnZjV6NjZfOGQ5NzZnNGd6&hl=en
Read this article about the culture of poverty, in which Americans denounce poor people (mostly people of color) and have been led to believe that blaming the victim is always the solution:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddtnm3vx_30c3zbbbtc
Watch this youtube clip of Tim Wise, a prominent white anti-racist who explains the origins of whiteness, and you find that his speech lacks evidence, read his book: White Like Me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Xe1kX7Wsc&feature=related
And finally, please take a sociology/African American studies class (or even speak to a professor during their office hours). It will do you a lot of good. Don’t fully commit to your current discourse of thought just yet, because many many people will provide tons of factual evidence to discredit what you are saying. At least attempt to see things from another lens and take advantage of the educational classes offered to you. If you truly believe you are right, then an African American Studies course shouldn’t deter you right?
Peace,
Kevin
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Nathan Tumazi Says:
It’s nice to see trash like this gets to make it into the New U while my articles–which you can find by a simple Google search, along with my book (yes, I am a UCI student who is a published author)–are censored by a hostile group of (conservative) editors.
The New U wasn’t always like this. There used to be standards and diversity of opinion. Now all we get is ignorance and elitist views from people like this writer. It saddens me to think that such junk knowledge passes for credible information in a newspaper which proclaims itself for the students and by the students.
This article isn’t even redeemable. It’s beyond tragic. It’s grotesque and sick. It’s illogical and irrational. Yet this is a second year English major at the most prestigious public system of higher education in the country writing about race/ethnicity. I wonder what this bright one thinks of the feminist movement or the LGBTQ movement or radical ecology? Well, the good news is, we won’t have to wait! The New University–with it’s fair and balanced staff–will be printing opinions like this from now on.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Diane Says:
Oy…think about what you’re saying before you say it. Or rather before you print it for the world to see…
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 11:42 pm
G Says:
Quit condemning the author (Hanna does have the right to speech) and use your anger effectively to turn heads and spur some dialogue and race discourses on this campus (which is always going to be an ongoing and necessary measure).
I honestly doubt we will ever become a “post-racial” society because race will always be present and we will never be colorblinded into one American race. The real catch is, we must acknowledge and celebrate our racial/cultural/multiple differences while simultaneously building communities and solidarity in combating, which is definitely possible but requires everyone’s effort here at UCI to at least build such a community on our campus.
We must use our collective anger toward historical and current structural racism and, to quote Audre Lorde, “dismantle the master’s house.”
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 at 11:50 pm
anon Says:
@Getoverit Your ignorant spew is a disgrace to Asians. You think this girl will fight for your people’s rights? Especially as an even more under-represented race? I really hope your being sarcastic in your comment, and it’s also very evident how racist you are to Black people in the way you refer to them.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 12:43 am
An. Says:
@Getoverit: you used “your” where you should have used “you’re.” way to attack the intelligence of previous replies when you fail to use correct grammar.
@Hanna: I believe you misrepresent the purpose of cultural clubs and organizations. can’t their purpose be to share with the greater community those things about their culture which they are so proud about? As we have all seen after walking by booths and tables on campus, each organization has something beautiful and unique to offer to the rest of the campus. This is what I choose to see when I walk by. Do you really take the energy to choose to see a negative side?
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 1:36 am
black Says:
If you are going to attack black people, attack with valid arguments and facts! NOT IGNORANCE! Take some African American Studies Classes! Know who you are attacking, don’t attack with Ignorance!
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 1:37 am
Michael Says:
I honestly have no idea what to say about this article. It is ridiculous and ignorant beyond words. What could have been going through the writer’s head when she was spewing out this naivete and lack of intelligence? Her arguments lack any concrete evidence, and her claims mirror the same oppressive thoughts that have perpetuated hate and and racism for so many years, and that continues to do so.
Everyone has already proposed many educational resources Hanna should turn to in order to educate about herself on these matters. Writing this article, for her, is like entering a sword fight without a sword. She will be cut down–and this is exactly what is happening to her.
It sucks, because I know what she looks like and so whenever I pass her on campus I am afraid that I will forever associate her with this article and the bigotry she is thinking. I hope this isn’t the case, but it sure seems like it right now…
What is happening to the UC system right now?? We’re going down a dark path.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 1:39 am
Anon Says:
Actually, I’ve been giving this [Black History Month, Asian Awareness Month and such] a lot of thought lately, especially as the med school has been busy organizing “Diversity Week”. It’s not so much the idea that there’s a “special holiday” dedicated to the cause that bothers me, but rather that there NEEDS to be a special holiday designated at all.
Shouldn’t we be learning about the history of all Americans all year long? Haven’t we made enough progress that these designations should no longer be necessary?
I’m trying to remember what I learned in school as a kid growing up in southern California and sadly, I don’t remember learning much about Black history or Chicano history or API history outside of these designated time periods.
It feels ironic to me that we fight so hard to have this special recognition when its existence is a confirmation that we aren’t equal at all.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 3:13 am
Vileana De la Rosa Says:
Dear Hanna Guthrie,
Your article exposed an astoninshing ammount of racism and ignorance. The fact that such an article was published in the New U represents the CURRENT RACIST UC institution. I am appalled and disgusted.
Sincerely,
Vileana De la Rosa
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 3:33 am
RickyMack Says:
@ignorant people
Have you ever heard of a man named Paul Robeson? Born in the early 20th century he was an international renowned concert singer, an actor on the film and stage, an All American football player, who after his undergrad attended Columbia Law, he was also a peace activist who dedicated his life to anti-colonialism and achieving equality throughout the world. Did I mention he did all of this prior to the Civil Rights era and was a Black man?
I never heard of the man before and I highly doubt you have. Yes, he was a socialist as well and part of his erasure from the history books was due to the Red Scare, but the only reason I learned of the man who was the first Black actor to play Othello, during the height of racism, on Broadway was because there are areas of study dedicated to focusing on the cultures of such marginalized groups.
Please, please, please…listen to Mark Twain “It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” before you decide to publish anything. There is nothing wrong with expressing your opinions and belief, but just as you are free to do so, others are just as free to critique and criticize.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 7:01 am
Patrick Ross Says:
The reactionaries on this page are simply trying to shut out a legitimate voice. You are all pointing to the same sort of literature that perpetuates the stereotypes and precepts that a liberal must accept to believe that racism is an endemic, inevitable hindrance to minorities of all kinds.
There is no doubt that centuries-old racial stereotypes in the cultural zeitgeist resulted in the despicable reality of slavery, Jim Crow, and the other atrocities committed against black people. Is it legislation, however, that has reversed that?
I would say that it most certainly is not. Had legislation been followed to begin with, then every individual would have been entitled to liberty (a word that presumably excludes slavery–although liberals have perverted logic more manifest than that of antonyms), among other things of course (namely, life and the pursuit of happiness).
Legislation, like racism, springs from this collective consciousness, our American zeitgeist. After all, Jim Crow was a legislative manifestation of the dastardly racist sentiments poisoning the minds of people all over the world in one way or another. (That, mind you, exited centuries before they arrived in the Western Hemisphere)
That is to say that racism existed apriori to the constitution, but the constitution was itself independent of that cultural cancer.
Is that to say that the 13th amendment was a bad idea? Not at all. It is clear that a federal mandate was necessary to eliminate slavery completely. However, does the welfare state follow from the thirteenth amendment? They are entirely mutually exclusive.
It is neither logical nor the moral imperative of the United States to provide a series of economic stimuli for the African-American community. (or anyone else for that matter) It seems to me that is the author’s point. There is a legacy of racism that is not unique to America, let alone the west at large, but (and this is unique to the United States) there is also an apparatus in the culture that opposes it independent of the legislative branch. Trying to legislate racism or reverse-legislate it, as occurs at present, will not work and simply has a cancerous effect on society, ghettoizing people either directly. (in the case of Jim Crow legislation) or indirectly (in the case of the apparently-beneficent welfare apparatus)
The work of Martin Luther King, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes (and, really, anyone else of any color or creed who has expounded on the plight of Black America) did not spring from the pens of legislators. Any figure of “black history” stood on his or her own feet.
So, I believe all of you here who have reacted emotionally and interpolated a great deal into a very general, 700 word piece, are simply missing the point: the legacy of racism has, unfortunately, marginalized black people, but a cultural cancer requires a cultural remedy. In other words, BLACK HISTORY is a good thing, but involving the federal government in the promulgation of such things, whether European, African, Fijian history, merely slows the natural free market of ideas from weeding out such ills from our culture. Black History “Month” is for that very reason, unnecessary and patronizing, as I see it.
Ideally, our culture would abandon divisive (and decidedly imprecise) terminology—white, black, African-American, etc. What she is saying, if I understand correctly, is that “the struggle against racism” is probably won much more easily by letting the free market of ideas debunk the fallacies of racism, understood independent of the intellectual accretions that have been stacked upon the term since the 60s.
Has everyone here forgotten that racism is fundamentally a worldview that judges people by skin color and ethnic background? To create federally sanctioned cultural niches in our body of legislation, whether those niches be in support of Christians, Jews, “Whites,” “Blacks,” or whoever it happens to be—is simply to reinforce such flawed nomenclature.
Really, awareness of the scientific facts of racial equality—that is, the very simple reality that, biologically, no one race is innately inferior or superior to another—would go a lot further a lot faster than all the intellectual frippery associated with multiculturalism.
Again, that is not to say that any one culture is bad, but rather that culture is an intensely individual, relative concept and the federal government would do best to stay out of it, rather than attempting to elevate one “culture” over others (if we can even realistically delineate the multiple, relative facets of culture into neat little terms like “Black,” “African-American,” “Chicano,” or what have you).
To do so, I contend, is to diminish and trivialize the very cultures one hopes to elevate. Celebrate everyone’s history, rather than splintering our intellectual vocabulary with all this cumbersome, imprecise language.
America’s history is black history and vice versa, we were built by laborers of all kinds, by all stripes of people. There is nothing wrong with stating things that way, but to divide our history into European, Black, etc. is perpetuating the same sort of nomenclature we’ve relied on in the past, and it is inadequate.
The same applies to the academic structure that has erupted from our national debate: African American studies, sociology, etc. are merely cumbersome “agencies” in a grand academic bureaucracy that slows genuine intellectual discourse by sidetracking it—splintering it into a panoply of imprecise labels and classifications that leads to the kind of reactionary anti-intellectualism that has erupted from my peers on this webpage.
It’s time for our national debate to grow up.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Johnny Says:
This woman is a poster-child for sub-urban, insular, privileged ignorance.
I hope she doesn’t let the opportunity to understand offered by such a diverse campus go to further waste.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Johnny Says:
@ Patrick Ross:
I won’t go point by point with your post for brevity’s sake.
My take-away from Hanna’s piece is that there is no need for recognition of racial identiy since racism is not longer a legitimate problem. What you appeared to have taken from it is that somehow the government should not be in the business of legislating recognition (if I’ve understood you correctly in my hasty reading).
On the former point — I don’t have the time to go into just how wrong Hanna is (with respect to that point).
As for the latter– legislative desegregation forced young people to come together and subsequently allowed mutual learning and trust building. You think this would have happened more favorably without?
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Geneva Says:
It makes sense that someone who has never dealt with the hardships and situations of being a minority would say something this degrading and racist. you definitely need to take classes, like other people have suggested, to open your perspective on what it is really live as a minority in america. You use ridiculous information to try and hold up an unthinkable argument, that just amazes me one would get away with in the NewU. You definitely need a reality check and at least read up and do more research on something you obviously know nothing about.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Anh Says:
@Patrick Ross: So to boil down your argument (in other words, I’m going to cut out all of the pretentious bullshit that you threw in there in order to elevate yourself above the rest of the responses here by trying to approach this from a more “logical/rational” viewpoint), you’re basically saying that minorities should stop relying on the federal government in order to pass affirmative action laws that would cater to their needs because that would only perpetuate further segregation and self-discrimination by giving them special treatment. It’s an argument for COLOR-BLINDNESS. It’s this same neo-liberal thinking that Hannah probably used in order to shit out this nugget of gold. America is a nation that has always aggravated the races by pitting them against each other using the same kind of neo-liberal rhetoric that you proposed.
I think you’re missing the whole point of politics in general. The political is found in the active CONTESTATION of the boundaries/limitations of the Law. Minorities have only gotten to where they are now because of their historical struggle to push for the same rights as the majority, to say that the law must also protect their rights and give them access to the same privileges that have always been naturally allotted to the majority. And YES, these affirmative action laws ARE NECESSARY because institutional discrimination prevents minorities from having access to the same occupations or obtaining the same salaries as the WHITE MAN, gentrification prevents minorities from being able to afford housing in decent neighborhoods so that they can send their children to decent schools to pursue can an education that will allow their kids to have an opportunity at a decent job in their future… when all of these things disappear from the world then I will consider taking you seriously.
You act as if all of the races are on the same playing field and therefore nobody should get special treatment. You obviously need to revisit those history books. You name drop figures from the Black Civil Rights movement and state, “Any figure of “black history” stood on his or her own feet.” I guess we’ve obviously been reading different history books because the works of Martin Luther King are writings that respond to the segregation that was endemic at the time. Martin Luther King Jr. joined the riots and got himself arrested in order to gain the attention of Kennedy, who would then finally be moved to deploy the FEDERAL ARMY in order to FORCE de-segregation of the public facilities that white people adamantly guarded. So I don’t understand how you can argue that these people should just “stand on their own feet.” Martin Luther King Jr. wrote for the purpose of inciting these politicians to action so that they can mobilize the judicial body of the government to protect the rights of minorities.
You’re arguing for an egalitarian utopia that subsumes all of the different cultures and ethnicity into one white-wash hell hole that I guess by definition would be equal only because the historical suffering and struggles of the people have been bleached out of the context. Each ethnic group has its own unique historical trajectory that should be celebrated individually according to the customs and cultures of that group. Just because a group celebrates Black History Month doesn’t mean that they are trying to elevate themselves above the rest of the minorities. In fact, I believe the Black Student Union are encouraging people from all different backgrounds to engage with them and learn about their cultural values and beliefs so that we can develop a better understanding and respect for each other. I don’t think these students celebrate Black History Month with the intention of establishing their superiority over other minorities and the only people who would accuse them of such a thing obviously has some kind of racial guilt in their psyche.
You and Hanna are both arguing for the erasure of Black History in order to prevent people from self-victimizing. But the reality is that these people don’t have to “self-victimize”. The institutions that are currently in place do that for them just fine. And if pretending that everyone is currently all “equal” will help you sleep better at night, then by all means. I just find it ironic that you feel the need to tell the rest of us to grow up when you obviously need a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Joe Says:
I agree 100 percent with this article. People should not look for temporary fixes like a national holiday. All black history month does is widen the racial barrier. Honestly this holiday does way more harm than good. Imagine a white 5 year old who knows nothing of racism is watching the news. He sees a segment on black history month and has to ask his mom why these certain people get a special day. And the mom explains all the shit that happened in America’s past and how its important to stop racism (i know this is very general). However now this child who knew no separation in race before, is now conscious of the racial differences of his black friends. This child now knows racism, and no matter how hard he tries he will not be able to look at a black person without having the tension come to mind. It could make him self conscious of his own race, or embarrassed/ shamed/ uncomfortable around black people. Lets say in 20 years this kid has to hire someone for a job, a white person, or a black person. who is he going to higher. Now a society that does not acknowledge racial differences ie. does not celebrates black history month, there will be a cultural shift. Stop acknowledging race, period and you will stop seeing racism.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Reuben Paul Says:
The Caucasian’s greatest privilege in America is to be treated fairly.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
jane Says:
WHY did the editors of the New U let this pass? If they’re trying to create controversy this is NOT the way to do it. First off, pick a writer who can actually write and articulate their thoughts logically. Second, the New U really needs to revamp their shit and start printing articles of MERIT and not the cliche topics that have been running. I’ve talked to a lot of the student population here on campus and most of us are not happy w/ the people running the New U at the moment. Many of the editors are stuck-up, standoffish, and not very approachable and BORING. Although, this is obvious from the article they just let run. Get people who can CHALLENGE the student body, not piss them off.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Patrick Ross Says:
Anh, you’ve misread my post, perhaps willfully. The same was done to Hanna by the rest of the critics. I never said MINORITIES shouldn’t agitate for affirmative action legislation. Rather, I said that NOBODY should agitate for such privileges. As far as I’m concerned, YOU have fundamentally misunderstood the beauty of the American political system.
Again, the constitution and the welfare state are mutually exclusive. “Politicking” for a constitutional amendment, then, is to be distinguished from “agitating” for particular exemptions or privileges wrought from the minds of some rogue legislators, not from the founding framework. Your example of King demonstrating to have existing rights and inequalities enforced illustrates the distinction. He did stand on his own, so much so that the force of his character and intellect cut through the aposteriori racist apparatus of the south, straight through to the fundamentals of our American system–in other words, it galvanized the judiciary to enforce the constitution, as you’ve pointed out. Furthermore, King’s demonstration had entirely different purposes than those who agitate for a welfare apparatus in that they seek to address the fallout of racism, and, I believe, they do so in a backward fashion.
Discrimination in the workplace already is illegal, so how is it, by your line of reasoning, that a new legal apparatus–affirmative action–is going to have a better effect in equalizing the workforce? Assuming you’re correct in asserting that there’s a white racist under every corporate bed, do you presume that an outside entity dictating the corporation’s hiring processes is indeed a remedy for racism? I’d submit that a truly functional, equal workforce cannot exist without first eliminating or largely blunting racist sentiments culturally, with little or no action by the government; in other words, they are mutually exclusive endeavors entailing different undertakings.
Ultimately, employers are going to go for the best candidates by hook or by crook, and, forcing them to hire someone based on skin color, without any consideration of the individual corporate entity’s business strategy (or any hiring entity for that matter), will simply slow things down in general, decreasing opportunity for people of all races and creeds. Indeed, it already has as the so-called “Great Recession” has shown, but that’s a different argument that would require all new lengths of contrarianism.
You have not only inferred that I believe all races to be on equal footing, but that such footing can ever be attained, which are both incorrect assumptions. That is not to say that I believe all RACES can, should, or will be perpetually “unequal.” (a relative term by the way) It is to say, rather, that EVERYONE is inherently unequal–in other words, equal by way of particular disadvantages, which our system accounts for. The blind man is at a disadvantage from birth, as is the down syndrome baby.
However, blindness and down syndrome are physical ailments, not social constructs like race. Racism–defined broadly as the presumption that another can or should be judged on the basis of his or her skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or any other such socially-constructed role or naturally-given trait–is an intellectual fallacy, akin to geocentrism. It is a notion that can be overcome rather easily in the information age, and, given the quantum leaps race relations have made (to which Hanna referred) as communication technology advances, this seems to be occurring. Just as some sorely deficient souls still cling to the notion that sun revolves around the earth, so too will there always be a racist of one form or another.
You are putting words in my mouth. I have no illusions about an egalitarian utopia. We do not live in one now, never will, nor will any species ever to walk this earth (at least of the current evolutionary crop) because of natural and unnatural, amorphous sociopolitical realities that create disparities of one kind or another. The aftermath of racism—the disparities between particular groups that have resulted—is reality and can be addressed, just not by affirmative action or the welfare state.
I contend that too much ammunition is spent on red herrings; intellectual force is wasted on an over-emphasis on cultural differences (black history month included). Hanna’s assertion that one should take “personal responsibility” somehow seems to call up the old phantom of Bull Connor in many of you. However, what I believe she is pointing to is that intellectual energy is better spent–in our culture at large but in marginalized cultures in particular–to discourage behavior that will inhibit people of ANY race from being productive members of society.
It is manifest that socioeconomic status will negatively-affect birth patterns, drug use, and stability, but I don’t know when it became thought crime to think that an individual’s personal decisions can affect such outcomes. Furthermore, those individual decisions are influenced by one’s surroundings; given that we do have this certain subset of our population (that happens to be black because of the historical reality of racism) that is deficient in job placement, drug use, and college attendance, among other things, it does not follow that in all cases this is because of current racism. The fix is in the cultural approach to advancement. In other words, it would behoove not just black people, but people of all kinds, to emphasize forcefully the values of saving, sobriety, etc.
I think that throwing money at the problem has discouraged emphasizing such values, instead emphasizing the unfortunate circumstance of someone born bearing the legacy of slavery by virtue of, say, living in Compton or other ghettoized areas. Creating a cultural self-conscious neurosis by designating them “oppressed African-Americans” is not going to help the problem–if anything, it hinders “black” advancement, as it would for anybody so labeled.
I do not believe you throw money at these problems in the form of welfare because, as far as I’m concerned, money is only the physical manifestation of work produced. (Then again, most people here will probably disagree with me there) Simply redistributing the money is not going to fix the problem. It follows that if somebody doesn’t have the initiative to invest in a book, then they’re going to spend the money at McDonald’s. (thus sending it right back into the “evil corporate apparatus”)
I operate on the premise that black culture must work in tandem with every other culture in existence to eliminate racial stereotypes by doing its damndest not to perpetuate them–by screaming loudly for the marginalization of gang culture, by vehemently denouncing drug use, by embracing education, and, most importantly, individual initiative. Of course, if you operate on the premise that they already do, that the system simply precludes them from partaking of these things, then we’ll have to agree to disagree, or launch into a digression, your choice.
Operating on my premise, we (regardless of race) need to encourage education as a value in these marginalized sectors of our population, among other positive behaviors. This can be done culturally. It need not be done through a textbook or a lecture, although it can and should be done in classrooms as well. Black History Month is therefore a good concept in theory, but a flawed one in practice. A simple name change might suffice (and that’s a big might—all the economic and social issues that have entered this discussion and get subsumed by Black History Month could alter that contingency), but that’s easier said than done given that we still operate on this unfortunate vocabulary.
I do not argue for some idealistic egalitarian state, nor for the erasure of black culture. What I argue for is an economic, intellectual, and cultural free market approach to governance and private sector interaction that does its best to disavow any bias whatsoever, except that which is merited by historical reality. (Education’s thrust, for example, is likely to be “biased” toward the west given the fact that the lion’s share of modern political, social, and technological apparati stem from Helenism—specifically, the scientific method—disseminated via migratory and imperial forces) I believe to enforce that non-bias, cultural work must be done, but not of the kind we see elevated in black history month, which becomes a ritualistic celebration of some vague notion of “blackness.”
It is not blackness that wrought the achievements of the celebrated individuals, but simply that “personal responsibility” to which Hanna referred. Rather than focusing on them as “black,” the culture should highlight what made them succeed—their dedication and effort in their particular field.
I don’t think either of us disagrees with you necessarily on the issue of whether or not culture of all kind is a viable apparatus for combating racism as an intellectual fallacy. I disagree with you, and surely Hanna does too, that the government should be part of the equation in all but the remotest circumstances, and I also disagree that the system is perpetually stacked against minorities and must therefore be dismantled. Again, legislated racism (Slavery, Jim Crow, etc.) is aposteriori to the founding documents; it is an intellectual battle that must be waged with only careful, appropriate use of our political institutions, lest we destroy them in the process.
That I advocate for a free market of culture does not mean I’m for eliminating one culture or elevating some kind of sterile monoculture to the fore. I simply think everyone would be better off to abandon the EXISTING, sterile, artificial vocabulary of multiculturalism and engage in their cultural pursuits independent of federal funding, and without the patronizing thrust inherent to the designation “Black History.” (“White History,” et al.)
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Kevin Says:
Maybe it’s just me, but I have no clue what the hell Patrick Ross is talking about. Did you even read Hanna’s article? I don’t even think she knows what you’re saying. Your two posts read like a midnight meditation by a stoned William F. Buckley.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
anon Says:
@Patrick Ross Let me guess, you are white aren’t you? Didn’t see that coming. You will never know what it’s like…your White Privilege blinds you.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
S Says:
Thank you, Hanna. This is an excellent article.
The individuals commenting here (many who, like ignorant sheep, simply revert to calling you a racists) prove your point excellently. So many that support this ideology want to believe that the whole world is against them; this victim-hood has so warped their world view that they completely lack the ability to self-reflect.
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Michelle Mar Says:
Dear Hanna,
I appreciate your honesty in writing this article; however, I have many problems and rebuttals with some of the points that you made on racism in our current society.
It is naïve to argue that racism does not exist in a post-modern era America. People of color overwhelmingly represent the poor and the uneducated and the consequences of slavery and racism still affect today’s society. How is it that Blacks, who make up 12.4% of the US population make up 24.7% of poverty rate, while white (non Hispanic) who represent 75% of the US population, only make up 8.6% of the poverty rate (Institute for Research and Poverty, http://www.irp.wisc.edu/faqs/faq3/table1.htm; US Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov/prod/2001pubs/c2kbr01-1.pdf)? If that is not a sign of how the consequences of racism and slavery still affect our society today, then I am not sure what does.
Because we have an African American president does not mean we are a not a racist society. Many other nations have had female government leaders, such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and more, but I have yet to hear anyone argue that such countries are the forerunners in the international community for gender-equality societies. The same concept applies for race. Electing African American President is a step towards race-equality, but we are far from becoming a color blind society. According to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, 52% of the 9,952 victims of hate crimes committed from 1997 to 2006 were targeted because of their race (http://www.fbi.gov/page2/nov07/hatecrime111907.html). In 2006 alone, there were 5,020 victims of racially motivated hate crime, 66.4% of the victims were due to the offenders’ anti-black bias (FBI, http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2006/victims.html). Even worse, on college campuses alone, 57% of hate crimes were motivated by race (US Department of Justice, http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/bja/187249.pdf). Even in the “modern era” of 2006,” racially motivated violence is still very commonplace. In response to your argument that ethnic clubs on campus are “racist” because they are divisive, ethnic clubs are created to provide a safe network and safe haven for people of color.
Affirmative action may allow a very small percent of people of color to rise to leadership positions, but it does nothing to break down the oppressive and cultural racist system. According to the US Current Population Survey and the National Committee on Pay Equity, in 2006, Black men made only 72.1% of the white men’s median annual earnings at the same job (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0882775.html). Even worse, Hispanic men only made 57.5% of the median annual earnings at the same job as a white man. As seen through these wage differences by race, affirmative action may provide “employment opportunities” for people of color, but this does nothing to undo the institutionalized cultural racism that is so inherent in our society.
I don’t necessarily agree with your phrase “blame the white man,” for these problems. It is not our white friends who were responsible for hundreds of years of racism, slavery, and oppression. However, it is the ethnocentric and naïve PERSON who does not see the importance and consequences of race that perpetuates a racist culture. Both people of color and whites who have closed their minds to understand the history consequences, and relationship between slavery, racial oppression, imperialism, to our modern-day racist society are perpetuating a racist culture that will allow the effects of slavery and racial oppression to still carry on through the modern era. Perhaps if they, and you, open your minds and listen you could understand.
Sincerely,
Michelle Mar
Political Science and Sociology Undergraduate
University of California, Irvine
Posted on February 24th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
andrew Says:
Wow, I can’t believe that people are actually defending this article. This excerpt bothers me particularly. \/\/\/\/\/
…Oprah Winfrey, nationally syndicated talk radio show host Larry Elder and many more. This list doesn’t even begin to encompass the slew of African-American actors, actresses, and singers. What was that about job discrimination?
^^^^^ Yeah, black people don’t face job discrimination – provided they can entertain us right? I think the job discrimination that you’re referencing refers to the abnormally high levels of unemployment among African-American, I’m sorry, American-American men in this country.
People are different, differences are beautiful. And the less time you spend trying to homogenize us, the sooner you’ll realize this.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 1:14 am
anonymous Says:
I would highly recommend you to take Soc 63 – Race & Ethnicity with Professor O’Connell before leaving UCI. He may open your mind to many aspects you were unaware of before.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 3:57 am
Patrick Ross Says:
@Michelle “Both people of color and whites who have closed their minds to understand the history consequences, and relationship between slavery, racial oppression, imperialism, to our modern-day racist society are perpetuating a racist culture that will allow the effects of slavery and racial oppression to still carry on through the modern era. Perhaps if they, and you, open your minds and listen you could understand.”
You seem to forget that the people on our side, Hanna included, have acknowledged a “racial aftermath” in the culture. The intransigence, sorry to say, is with your ilk. That we disagree with a welfare solution means we depart from this sociological orthodoxy of yours. You therefore respond with a religious fervor, as the others do here: that “we just don’t get it.” However, nobody here has denied a plight–they have simply criticized your methods. (i.e. redistributive economics) Perhaps if YOU opened your mind by considering the possibility that free market solutions themselves do not perpetuate racism rather than reverting to the easy ad hominem “racist” epithet that so many of you have, then perhaps we could have a constructive dialogue.
As is evident here, academia has produced a system of intellectual guerilla warfare, where weak arguments that appeal to authority and emotion successfully guilt critics into shutting up and then attempt to overwhelm any remaining critics by strength in numbers.
Well, throw your sociology books, your African American studies classes, your Muslim Student Unions at me. You won’t shut me up and hopefully you won’t shut Hanna up either.
I reiterate my previous point: this debate should grow up.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Bonnie Macquire Says:
I don’t even attend your school. As a matter of fact I attend the University of Toronto in Canada; however this article has become a joke to people in our school. It is getting a lot of negative attention for being the most racist, color-blind (sorry to be ablest) piece of work I have ever had the disadvantage of reading. This is produced from an obviously white privilege mentality in which you are obviously unable to escape. I ENCOURAGE you to read an article by John Sorenson entitled, ‘I’m not racist, and nobody I know is either” and then come back to me with this crap you have managed to shit out.
Hannah this is disgusting, and I really hope you are not pursuing a political career in the near future, because this SHIT will haunt you. In addition I encourage you to demand a refund immediately from your school if this is the kind of shit they are teaching students. Asshole, you give white people a bad name.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 7:14 am
Evil White Man Says:
Kevin, You’re a genius, really. The guy you attack writes a brilliant essay, of a quality that even William Buckley would admire. (Sorry, that’s a literary reference: beyond you: you can go to the library and look him up; let’s all say the word L…I…B…R…A…R…Y real slowly so Kevin can get it) Your best response? Gee, guys, I don’t understand. Then personal attacks. Yup, you’re a genius. And how do you like this personal attack, moron? Is it anathema to you? Oh, sorry, again, big word. Everybody, let’s say A…N…A…N…T…H…E…M…A real slowly again for Kevin. Now, friend, go back, read the essay out loud with your lips moving so you can maybe understand it, return here, address the issues, and I will then engage you in honest debate. Really, genius, try it; you might like thinking.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 8:05 am
Michael Says:
To “S”
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr:
“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than a sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”
I pity you.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 10:21 am
S Says:
To Michael:
Thank you for quoting MLK. I’m sure he would agree with you and your friends that we are a better society now for providing advantages to people based on race (through Affirmative Action) and through perpetuating racial differences by continually emphasizing them in racial clubs. Additionally, he would certainly agree that the best way to make progress in race relations today is to never forget that most of the problems of any given minority are the fault of the White race and its oppressive nature.
Thank you. However, do you happen to have any original ideas? You’re a sheep, and you’re repeating the mantra you’ve heard since grade school. You’re making my point for me.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
UCI Student Says:
I find it interesting that there’s such a huge disconnect between the worldviews of minority and majority groups, as evidenced by the responses to this article. In this regard, different experiences color the perspectives with which we view different issues. Everyone is clearly arguing from a fixed perspective, so there’s absolutely no bridging the divide in opinion. This says a lot about the seemingly insurmountable differences that dictate these misunderstandings in our society today.
That being said, I think this debate has become overly politicized and ideological. This isn’t a matter of “leftist” or “rightist” points, but that of common civility and decency. The author has no right to speak for the African American community of which she is clearly not a part, has no right to denounce efforts to increase awareness of the socioeconomic and cultural disparities between different demographic groups. Though I don’t agree with them, I would argue that her points are potentially legitimate if formulated in a more objective and empirically justified manner. The fatal flaw in her writing is that there is a complete dearth of concrete evidence with which she substantiates her assertions.
To the New U: I am disappointed in your lapse in editorial judgment. Even if you find it justifiable to publish such a piece, you should have at least offered a counter-view in a concurrent article.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Krithika Says:
To assume that Black History month aims to eradicate the presence of racism and then disavow its significance for failing to do so results, as assumptions always do, in making an a** out of YOU and me. This interpretation, nurtured in the womb of ignorance, impedes the delivery of a comprehensive awareness of the African-American plight. The inception of Black History Month, by Carter G. Woodson, was an endeavor to illustrate the history of a race beyond its enslavement. This history, omitted from the textbooks of institutionalized education, required an alternate channel for its indoctrination. Each year, the month of February bears the challenge of educating mainstream society on the contributions of George Washington Carver, Marcus Garvey, Booker T. Washington, Madame CJ Walker and countless other African Americans; judging by your piece- much remains to be learned. The blood of slaves greased the engines of capitalism, which in turn churned out profits for white society. Over 100 years after the abolishment of slavery, the lion’s share of the profits remain in the same hands. The Survey of Income and Program Participation, which collects data for the U.S Census, reports that the white median household net worth is $90,000; the black median net worth is $6000. This is “a concrete modern example”, per your request, of the institutionalized poverty indicated by Raina Kelley in her Newsweek article. It is ONE of the many ills afflicting African Americans and other oppressed minorities. Its symptoms, which are starkly apparent, remain misdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge about the disease. This misdiagnosis precludes any system wide remedies and produces claims such as this : “these issues are not necessarily the fault of the ‘white man’, but are also partially the result of personal responsibility- or in this case, a lack thereof. “ It is no wonder then that the sickness continues to spread. Systemic discrimination does not require the knowledge, consent, or culpability of the “white man” or any man for its subsistence. It relies instead on the hazy logic of people like you, who continually cast a fog over the truth of the issue. To invoke a lack of “personal responsibility” individualizes the scope of the issue and absolves the system of any culpability. It is analogous to manufacturing a car with faulty breaks and blaming the driver for crashing. Confusing opinion with fact is a dangerous thing and PUBLISHING the uneducated opinions of people gives them a mask of legitimacy. As a second year, you still have the chance to rise above your ignorance: Do yourself a favor and TAKE IT!
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Rebecca Says:
We offered the chance for a concurrent rebuttal, but no one responded. Now we have a few writers lined up for a rebuttal to be published in next week’s paper.
This is the Opinion section, and again, although I am not an Opinion editor, we have published all sorts of opinion pieces, some of them barely coherent. When you have a deadline, you need to fill that space. As an editor for this paper, one who is fond of my colleagues and their hard work, I can recognize our weaknesses. One of them is that many weak writers submit to the paper — but when no one else is submitting, what can you do?
I encourage everyone who is angered or disappointed by this article — or any other dumb article we may have published in the past — to write for us, to counteract and eventually override reprehensible opinions and poor writing. As editors, there’s only so much we can do to fix the articles that are submitted to us.
This paper has had its ups and downs, but I firmly believe that this year, the editorial staff is stronger than it was in previous years. I am saying this not to absolve us of responsibility, but just so that readers are aware of the situation in the New U offices.
Also, I would encourage people to send letters and/or emails to the editors, instead of (or even in addition to) posting comments here. Letters to the editor are often published in the print editions, and the Opinion editor has (surprisingly) not received any letters about this article — yet.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Patrick Ross Says:
Rebecca, it’s clear your one of those fair and balanced journalists. Thanks for revealing yourself. I hope your colleagues do the right thing and disavow your flagrant bias, if not dismiss you from the paper entirely.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Michael Says:
To S
What is your point exactly? You seem to be just rambling…
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
ED Says:
Rebecca STOP trying to make EXCUSES for this article. Filling space and deadlines and weak writers is GARBAGE.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Rebecca Says:
I’m not making excuses for this article, I’m offering the perspective of the editorial staff. This article cannot be excused, but hopefully people can see that this was a journalistic mistake, and not the result of a conservative effort by any means.
To Patrick Ross: lol.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Patrick Ross Says:
Rebecca, the only journalistic mistake made here was yours. Your comments are unprofessional, libelous, and insubordinate. You are an associate editor and do not speak for your staff. This is the editorial message as far as I can tell:
“Hanna Guthrie has every right to her opinion. If you, or even if the editors of the New U, don’t agree with the specifics of her ideas, that does not change the fact that freedom of speech is an important part of what this section is about.”
Mengfei Chen, Opinion Editor
If I’m not mistaken you’re the associate editor for a different section and have no place speaking on behalf of the staff. Such unprofessionalism should be reprimanded, and I would hope the newspaper seeks to maintain enough objectivity vis-a-vis its writers and its readers that it would see that way.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
anonymous Says:
Reading all these comments made me realize how glad I am that I’m graduating soon and escaping the neo-nazis here that would dare attempt and forming a rebuttal for the people criticizing this blatantly terrible/ignorant/tasteless editorial. These caucasian people blaming people of color for the racism they inflict upon them? “Free speech for all! Why can’t we all just the N word?? We’re taking things too seriously! We’re just asking for it!” Clearly there is something wrong, when white people are saying that people of color don’t deserve a month dedicated to celebrating their history, especially considering all the white-perspective spew of history we’re given throughout grade school and even up until college. They cannot and will not even try to see from the minority perspective because they believe theirs is the only true and right. Asking for colorblindess and lack of culture or celebration of it is what’s best, because we’re only asking for racism if we do so. If that isn’t racism than I don’t know what is. Patrick Ross, what the hell do you want out of us? Actually, I probably don’t want to know.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Miley Cyrus Says:
Patrick Ross’ pretentious assholery existed apriori to his birth.
Also, he co-wrote a piece with Hanna in the Anteater Review so he knows her quite well.
I’d like to draw attention to the fact that this is the 69th post. Today I have purged my juvenile tendencies.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Rebecca Says:
I do not speak for Mengfei, nor am I acting as spokesperson for the rest of the editorial staff. I am, however, offering a perspective from the “other side” of this article, as many people are wondering “how did this get published?” I’m trying to make the process as transparent as possible, to show that the editors who put this into print had no agenda other than to publish a student’s opinion piece.
I agree with Mengfei’s statement. The article was posted in the Opinion section, and given the nature of an Opinion section, we have published lots of articles with strange arguments before. When they are not strange, they are controversial: it seems that every week, we have a Pro-Israel or Pro-Palestine article, and either stance garners lots of negative responses.
This one seems to have gathered the strongest negative response, and personally, I can see why.
Once again, I am posting here as Rebecca the person, someone who has some insight into this newspaper’s editorial policies, not as the opinion editor or editor-in-chief. I am not speaking from a platform of authority. I am merely responding as someone who is appalled by this article, and letting people know how it came to be published.
It’s like what Mengfei said: this is a matter of free speech and free press. Rebuttals are being written, rebuttals will be published. People’s opinions will be heard, more people will respond. Hopefully this can continue in intellectual discourse instead of hateful words and vicious comments*.
I was personally upset by this article, which is why I have been driven to personally respond. I am doing so outside of a professional context; I cannot be a representative for the paper as a whole. I recognize that this puts me in a difficult position, but I am trying to act as an ombudsman, as opposed to a rogue editor.
*Note that here, I am not necessarily referring to the article, but to some of the comments that we’ve received regarding both this article and the recent BSU statement regarding the “Compton Cookout” incident.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Hilary Duff Says:
Patrick Ross is a highfalutin twat.
“Also, he co-wrote a piece with Hanna in the Anteater Review so he knows her quite well.”
XD
Way to go Patrick! Maybe you should have written this article for her, you seem to know what she’s saying better than she does.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Lee Says:
…just read the article and responses! Wow, one would think the Socialist..I mean Sociology Dept., made replying to this article some kind of homework assignment. (Do we get to see everyone’s final grade??) Considering the depth of course recommendations made to this author, one would think there’s some kind of enrollment deficit over in the Humanities department. Is Sociology at risk of being cut from UCI? If so, how will those following in the footsteps of Shatina, Cindy Amobi, Aida, Jessica, the ever popular Anonymous and the rest of the Sociology 101 contributors above, find a way to articulate why failure is not only acceptable, but expected? Would be so bad if this lot could actually learn to look for opportunity in our society rather than blame?
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Denise Says:
Was it not MLK who said, “I have a dream that one day people will be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”? How then, are people supposed to judge others by their character when programs like affirmative action still exist?
An employer can be faced with a black and a white candidate for a job. How can the interviewer know that the black candidate earned everything on his or her resume – couldn’t some of it be a result of affirmative action programs? Now, the black candidate could be a straight-A student and deserve every accolade on the resume. But the only way for the employer to KNOW that is the case is if social programs for minorities didn’t exist. Until that happens, blacks and other minorities will continue to be victims of prejudice because people will resent that they have access to preferential treatment.
To have a day/month devoted to hyphenated Americans for the purpose of celebrating their heritage is to suggest that the country they call home (the US) is not good enough for them. By celebrating their ancestral history in a way that calls such attention to their being different is, by nature, divisive. Do you see anyone promoting French-American month or Russian-American day? European immigrants came to America in droves at the turn of the 20th Century. You can say that they never had to deal with racism because they are “white,” but that would absolutely FALSE. They worked hard to combat racial slurs and prejudices about laziness, never demanding special recognition for their heritage or accomplishments.
I’ve never heard of African-German day or Chinese-British month. Yet blacks and Asians have made great contributions to Germany, Britain, and other nations. So why is it that minorities only seem to demand such special attention in America? The answer is because they know they can get away with it. European nations, socially liberal as they are, would laugh in the face of anyone who tried to assert that people of a different skin color should get preferential treatment. There are enough idiots in America to entertain the idea, and the best democracy in the world allows them the right to have their say.
You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Hanna has the right to free speech, and just as you demand that she tolerate your opinions, you should tolerate hers.
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Ronaldo Says:
Since throughout my academic career I have managed to avoid the “humanities” department whenever possible, could someone please clarify how the “repressive Capitalist white man” has so successfully concentrated, wealth, freedom and civil liberties within the “privileged class” Hanna is being accused of being a member? With contrasting Socialistic examples like Cuba, China, India, Venezuela, Russia, let’s not forget much of AFRICA; please tell me how Capitalism as practiced in the Pre-Obama era has been so bad. For most of you claiming “under privilege” and “repressive victimization”, I ask how your plight might be better in any one of the fore mentioned countries.
By all means, stop your complaining and get a life…or better yet make your life and stop expecting everyone else to give it to you! The quickest way to foster resentment, hate, and yes racism, is to stick you hand in someone else’s pocket and expect some of their hard earned wages! It shouldn’t be necessary to remind anyone here that you’re all adults and perhaps now would be a good time to start taking on adult responsibilities. (In case you haven’t noticed, your mommy isn’t around to tuck you in at night any more…at least I hope not!)
Anyway, to most of the “replicants” above, I would suggest, like many have suggested to Hanna, you consider taking greater advantage of your time at UCI in areas clearly outside your comfort zone. For starters (and a great way to lose that Freshman flab), join the UCI Intramural Sports program and learn to COMMPETE for something. Once you’ve learned that ethnicity is not the root cause for all your failings, take a stroll over to the School of Business and take some REAL classes. Find out who the “White Man” really is. He’s that guy (or gal) who walked through those doors ahead of you, worked their butts off, and will be soon telling you what to do (unless of course you prefer to remain forever on the dole as a perpetual student, college professor, or other govt. employee). If you want to end “racism”, become “THE MAN” by first becoming A MAN and take responsibility for your life!
Posted on February 25th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Nathan Tumazi Says:
Patrick, stop telling Rebecca who she can or can’t speak for. Don’t be such a sexist pig.
And as far as Mengfei’s pretentious bullshit about freedom of speech, where is my article? I have been waiting for 4 months to get a response–just a response to be published. I used to write for the New U back when it was a little more sane. Now it’s just a disgrace. This horrible article about Black History Month manages to get published, and yet my article–which is Leftist–gets censored. Where is my freedom of speech? Where is the diversity of opinion and thought in this newspaper?
Mengei cries out for people who are angry at this article to write their own opinion article and send it in for publication. Well, I did that. 4 months ago. 19 emails ago. 800 words ago. 1 petition ago.
Isn’t it interesting how this article–by the treasurer of the Republican part at UCI–manages to obtain publication, but, gasp, someone with a progressive voice receives nothing but censorship. Mengfei is not at all desperate for articles. I told her I had 7 and none will ever see the light of day because I am not part of the Republican ideology of the New University. Let me quote Mengfei:
“Hanna Guthrie has every right to her opinion. If you, or even if the editors of the New U, don’t agree with the specifics of her ideas, that does not change the fact that freedom of speech is an important part of what this section is about.”
I guess that’s double-speak for “freedom of speech is an important part of what right-wing conservatives want for themselves and no one else. Hence, my censorship of leftist articles and the publication, and my defense, of Hanna Guthrie’s insighful article.”
My how the New U has dug itself a grave.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/irvinequality/
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 12:06 am
UCI Student Says:
This Patrick Ross guy is a Palin supporter:
“I ended up voting for McCain, but my vote was really cast for Palin. Say what you will about her intelligence, but all I care about is a politician committed to reigning in government. I don’t care if she hasn’t read a page of Shakespeare as long as she isn’t calculating how next to involve government in matters where it doesn’t belong. The presidency should be a rather simple job. The less the president “does,” the better.”
Source:http://www.newuniversity.org/2008/11/opinion/moderates_murdered_mccain_now169/
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 12:27 am
UCI Student Says:
Patrick Ross is apparently retarded:
“I ended up voting for McCain, but my vote was really cast for Palin. Say what you will about her intelligence, but all I care about is a politician committed to reigning in government. I don’t care if she hasn’t read a page of Shakespeare as long as she isn’t calculating how next to involve government in matters where it doesn’t belong. The presidency should be a rather simple job. The less the president “does,” the better.”
Source:
http://www.newuniversity.org/2008/11/opinion/moderates_murdered_mccain_now169/
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 12:29 am
anonymous voice Says:
It’s funny how students at a university, which is supposed to be a forum for constructive dialogue and exchanging ideas, are using straw man arguments to shoot down Hanna’s comments. Hanna is not ignoring the fact that racism exists in today’s society. Rather, she’s suggesting a different way for minorities to tackle the problem.
And isn’t it just as racist to categorize all white people as being rich and privileged? What about all the rural white farmers in Oklahoma and Alabama who are struggling to get by? White privilege? Tell that to the Duke Lacrosse Three. I don’t understand why the Jena Six were made to look like heroes. They did basically the same thing those LAPD officers did to Rodney King, and you don’t see white people glorifying those twisted cops.
Just about every ethnic group in America has faced discrimination. Look at Italian-Americans. They were discriminated against in the early 20th Century by Anglo-Saxon Protestants who hated Catholics. They were accused of trying to undermine America. They still have to deal with all sorts of nasty stereotypes like the idea that Italian-Americans are connected to the Mafia or that they all are obsessed with tanning beds and fist pumps like the cast of “Jersey Shore.” And yet that doesn’t stop Italian-Americans from making an impact in society.
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Alumnus Says:
If you’re really shocked by the fact that this was published then you ought to read the Constitution again. Remember that part about free speech?
Some responses:
===”JB Says:
Is NewU really so hurting for submissions that it’s printing these racist anti-racist diatribes?
If you took a single sociology class in your time here you would realize just how idiotic this argument is, and just how much it misses the real problem (institutionalized racism).”
1) Quasi-double-negative and 2) sorry, but the sociology department is not the citadel of supreme truth many of you believe it is.
===”JMB Says:
You should be ashamed of yourself, and forced to attend a Black History Month event.”
Because nothing wins hearts and minds like forcing someone to attend an event…?
===”T. Willoughby-Herard Says:
CORRECTED
A quick glance at the author’s facebook page indicates some profound ideological commitments. Universities are spaces for learning. Repeating right wing ideology does not constitute learning. ”
Likewise, Willy, repeating left wing ideology does not constitute learning. How terrible for a student to say that skin color isn’t a big deal – mon dieu!
===”Nicole Says:
WHY is this author even able to write, let alone, have her work published?”
Must have slipped through when the Thought Police were changing shifts. Didn’t we cover this already?
===”50. anon Says:
@Patrick Ross Let me guess, you are white aren’t you? Didn’t see that coming. You will never know what it’s like…your White Privilege blinds you.”
His color matters how? Shouldn’t you attack him on his argument, or are we not over color yet?
btw “White Privilege” sounds like a great Milkquarious cover band
===”Miley Cyrus Says:
Patrick Ross’ pretentious assholery existed apriori to his birth.”
Miley, honey, don’t forget to sign up for Writing 39A.
===”Charles Shutt Says:
Can’t we just be post-racial already?”
Amen, brother.
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 1:40 am
UCRacism Says:
“I agree 100 percent with this article. People should not look for temporary fixes like a national holiday. All black history month does is widen the racial barrier. Honestly this holiday does way more harm than good. Imagine a white 5 year old who knows nothing of racism is watching the news. He sees a segment on black history month and has to ask his mom why these certain people get a special day. And the mom explains all the shit that happened in America’s past and how its important to stop racism (i know this is very general). However now this child who knew no separation in race before, is now conscious of the racial differences of his black friends. This child now knows racism, and no matter how hard he tries he will not be able to look at a black person without having the tension come to mind. It could make him self conscious of his own race, or embarrassed/ shamed/ uncomfortable around black people. Lets say in 20 years this kid has to hire someone for a job, a white person, or a black person. who is he going to higher. Now a society that does not acknowledge racial differences ie. does not celebrates black history month, there will be a cultural shift. Stop acknowledging race, period and you will stop seeing racism.”
Oh man, Joe, I totally dig your elementary school level argument here. It’s pretty cute. Except, your analysis totally ignores something called the political economy of racism. Also, I guess you haven’t heard of ‘institutionalized’ racism either? Please do some basic research before you post some primitive argument that further perpetuates racist discourse.
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 1:48 am
Concerned Says:
To Hanna, S, Patrick Ross, and other defenders of the article:
It begins with ignorance, then misinformation, then the perpetuation of lies. It then turns into hate.
Just tonight a noose was found on the 7th floor of the Geisel Library at UCSD (http://twitpic.com/15ea36). And you all are saying we’re overreacting??
Honestly?
It is disgusting how ignorant and bigoted you all are. What tops it off is how none of you even realize that you have been brainwashed and indoctrinated by your parents, the media and other sources for so long and are stuck in the cycle of oppression. I challenge you think critically, think for yourself, and be smart.
Stop perpetuating hate.
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 2:42 am
Ronny Says:
Since throughout my academic career I have managed to avoid the “humanities” department whenever possible, could someone please clarify how the “repressive Capitalist white man” has so successfully concentrated, wealth, freedom and civil liberties within the “privileged class” Hanna is being accused of being a member? With contrasting Socialistic examples like Cuba, China, India, Venezuela, Russia, let’s not forget much of AFRICA; please tell me how Capitalism as practiced in the Pre-Obama era has been so bad.
For most of you claiming “under privilege” and “repressive victimization”, I ask how your plight might be better in any one of the fore mentioned countries. Stop your complaining and get a life…or better yet make your life and stop expecting everyone else to give it to you. The quickest way to foster resentment, hate, and yes racism, is to stick you hand in someone else’s pocket and expect some of their hard earned wages! It shouldn’t be necessary to remind anyone here that you’re all adults and perhaps now would be a good time to start taking on adult responsibilities. (In case you haven’t noticed, your mommy isn’t around to tuck you in at night any more…at least I hope not!)
Anyway, to most of the “replicants” above, I would suggest, like many have suggested to Hanna, you consider taking greater advantage of your time at UCI in areas clearly outside your comfort zone. For starters (and a great way to lose that Freshman flab), join the UCI Intramural Sports program and learn to COMMPETE for something. Once you’ve learned that ethnicity is not the root cause for all your failings, take a stroll over to the School of Business and take some REAL classes. Find out who the “White Man” really is. He’s that guy (or gal) who walked through those doors ahead of you, worked their butts off, and will be soon telling you what to do (unless of course you prefer to remain forever on the dole as a perpetual student, college professor, or other govt. employee). If you want to end “racism”, why not become “THE MAN”…though that will require you to first become “A MAN” and take responsibility for your life!
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
S Says:
Yes, you are overreacting.
I don’t really care what happened at UCSD; it doesn’t make my point any less valid. In fact, it just sort of nauseates me to read about, because everyone at the university just reacted like some perfectly progressive PC robot.
Take these for example:
“This is truly a dark day in the history of this university,” Chancellor Marye Anne Fox told students gathered along Library Walk. “It’s abhorrent and untenable.”
{…}
“I was very upset. I asked campus police to escort me to my car. It is a really awful experience to be threatened on your own campus,” Leon said.
Leon, who is Latina, said she feels threatened and fearful because of the racial tensions on campus.
etc.
Wow, give me a break. One wacko student does something crazy (which, by the way, we don’t even know their motivations for yet) and everyone is quaking with fear and lamenting how evil our society is. Meanwhile, the destruction of the entire state Israel is called for DAILY on our campus. Where’s the outrage there?
I guess I just wish people would grow a back bone or, at the very least, be consistent.
By the way, LOL. We’re the ones who are indoctrinated? How about you come up with some of your own ideas and stop telling me what your Sociology prof thinks?
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
UC Nothing Says:
What racist trash!!!
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Steph Fan Says:
…just read the article and responses! Wow, one would think the Socialist..I mean Sociology Dept. made replying to this article some kind of homework assignment. (Hopefully the department chair will share everyone’s respective grades.)
By the way, with all the course recommendations, is it safe in assuming the department is suffering from a shortage of students? It wouldn’t be surprising, since most of us in this “repressive Capitalistic” society are too busy preparing for REAL jobs!
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Steph Fan Says:
Since throughout my academic career I have managed to avoid the “humanities” department whenever possible, could someone please clarify how the “repressive Capitalist white man” has so successfully concentrated, wealth, freedom and civil liberties within the “privileged class” Hanna is being accused of being a member? With contrasting Socialistic examples like Cuba, China, India, Venezuela, Russia, let’s not forget much of AFRICA; please tell me how Capitalism as practiced in the Pre-Obama era has been so bad.
For most of you claiming “under privilege” and “repressive victimization”, I ask how your plight might be better in any one of the fore mentioned countries. Stop your complaining and get a life…or better yet make your own life and stop expecting everyone else to give it to you. The quickest way to foster resentment, hate, and yes racism, is to stick your hand in someone else of different ethnicity’s pocket and expect to receive some of their hard earned wages!
It shouldn’t be necessary to remind anyone here that you’re all adults and perhaps now would be a good time to start taking on adult responsibilities. (In case you haven’t noticed, your mommy isn’t around to tuck you in at night…at least I hope not!)
Anyway, to most of the “replicants” above, I would suggest, like many have suggested to Hanna, you consider taking greater advantage of your time at UCI in areas clearly outside your comfort zone. For starters (and a great way to lose that Freshman flab), join the UCI Intramural Sports program and learn to COMPETE for something. Once you’ve learned that ethnicity is not the root cause for all your failings, take a stroll over to the School of Business and take some REAL classes. Find out who the “White Man” really is. He’s that guy (or gal) who walked through those doors ahead of you, worked their butts off, and will be soon telling you what to do (unless of course you prefer to remain forever on the dole as a perpetual student, college professor, or other govt. employee). If you want to end “racism”, why not become “THE MAN”. However, that will require you first become “A MAN” and take responsibility for your life!
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Steph Fan Says:
Stephannie,
Do you typically slam invited editorial contributors once the responses turn unexpectedly negative? If so, I would recommend you consider changing majors to Poly Sci. Professionally (and I use that term l o o s e l y) the career would better suit you!
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Joe Says:
Dear US Racism,
I do apologize for the simplicity of the argument. I was being condescending (and yes i guess that is immature). BTW I am very well informed on horrors of institutionalized racism, I’m not some tool that doesn’t do research before making a point. You fail to understand that I too want racial equality. I just have different feelings on how this should be accomplished. I wanted to simply outline a principle. If society teaches people that they are different than other people, in principle you are giving cause for divide. You are to quick to judge and your sarcasm makes you sound pretentious. And the fact that you are directly quoting me and insulting me on a personal level makes you uncivil.
-Joe
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Joe Says:
PS. UC Racism,
I fail to understand how something like black history month could possibly affect the political economy of racism.
- Joe
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
C Says:
Despite what the editor of the opinion section has written, this article is not just about “bad timing” — it is about reinforcing the racist discourse that has already become so entrenched in our world.
We need to take a look at history in order to see how things really haven’t changed beyond the artifice of civil liberties. And yes, I call it artifice. Because the reality doesn’t shift because of enfranchisement — the problem runs deeper.
““He who is reluctant to recognize me opposes me.” – Frantz Fanon
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Samantha Says:
First of all, people like you are why I hate being white. Second of all, I am shocked and completely disappointed by a so-called “educated” person being capable of such ignorance. There are so many statements in your article I want to attack that I don’t even know where to start…and it seems like all these previous comments have that covered. But regarding Obama, you should probably read up on a little Cornel West. “Obama is A fulfillment, not THE fulfillment of MLK’s dreams. It’s not just about black faces in high places.”
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
SFIII Says:
From just about all of the responses I’ve read, it looks as though most of the prejudice, racial stereotyping and outright hatred is being slung by those disagreeing with Hanna.
So let me see, stating one’s opinion about how (Your Race HERE) History Month no longer serves to honor (Your Race Here) contributions to American Society, but has seemingly devolved into an agenda for promoting wealth redistribution and Socialist class warfare cloaked in racism, makes the observer a “hate filled racist”?
Wow, there are a lot of damaged people out there who really need to get therapy!!!
Posted on February 26th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
anonymous voice Says:
Perpetuating hate? Wow, I can’t believe you’re connecting Hanna and Patrick to whatever knucklehead thought it would be funny to put up a noose. Typical liberal tactic. Just label anybody with a conservative viewpoint as racist. The truth is all of you who used such straw man arguments to label Hanna and Patrick are the real bigots. Hanna and Patrick aren’t racist. You’re just intolerant of conservatives. You’re conservaphobes.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Tom Says:
The American Double Standard Act. (ADSA).
Content of character. Two wrongs dont make a right.
We are all equal.
Peace
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Glenn Says:
There are a couple good points. Mexican-Americans, African-Americans, italian-Americans… we really are all just Americans.
Quote from article “Americans must have the freedom to take personal responsibility and to critique others without having the threat of racism hanging over their heads”
I agree.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Tom Says:
There is nothing wrong with Hanna Guthrie’s thinking.
As long as the govt keeps counting and segregating minorities we will have racial issues. And the govt wants it that way, it creates votes and govt bureaucracies and bigger govt. They get to stand there and say “See, we are helping you, when in reality they really care less. I think Warren Beatty did a movie relating that.
Drop the hyphens and join the melting pot.
Diversity is the new word for Affirmative Action.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Thomas Knaack Says:
You college people crack me up…you are all indoctrinated by your teachers and have no idea of the freedoms you expouse so thoughtlessly….ever hear of free speech….it only exists in your environment for minorities….if your caucasion or priveleged and critisize….then your automatically a racist….and you buffons are our future leaders….unreal.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Dan Says:
Racism is alive and well in the US. Colleges teach it, jobs are granted based on it, courts mandate it, society perpetuates it. However, it is not the kind of racism you think it is. Why is there no white history month? Where is the college of white studies? Demographically, white males are a minority: why are they not recognized as such? The EEOC counts all gender, racial, and ethnic groups except white males, why? The brainwashing starts at an early age, diversity “training” teaches you to be bigoted. Just try and stand up for you gender or race as a white male, you are branded as KKK or AB before you speak a word. Most multicultural studies courses teach that only white people can be racist; how is that possible? The hypocrisy is manifold: call a white person any derogatory name you wish with no consequence, call any person who is not white and male a name that offends them (this week) and you will charged with a hate crime. Deny a white male a job based on race or gender, no problem. Do that to any other group: off to court you go.
Until people start identifying with their humanity, and not their race, ethnicity or gender, this pox upon our society will continue. The only way we will move into a truly post racial society is when we value acceptance more than vengeance. When we forgive those who have (or perceived to have) wronged us only then do you become a mature adult, promoting the public welfare.
The resources used to support ethnic or gender studies only exacerbate the issue. They would be better spent teaching positive, accepting thought processes that reinforce forgiveness, not perpetrating the fraud that teaches people to hyphenate their heritage. Are we not all just Americans?
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 11:57 am
rj Says:
Dear concerned, my parents are an inter-racial couple and by no means did they brainwash me, thanks for checking though. This article is in no way related to the hateful act at UCSD that should be forgotten. I think that most people know it was a hateful and despicable act, so in turn lets try to move forward instead of pointing the finger.
I think that the only thing bad about this article is its timing. Hanna brings a very valid point to the table that we should all accept and not slander. Growing up in these times of political correctness causes us to question the fact do we have to treat people differently now because our ancestors treated them much differently (lets not get into it) in the past?
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Deeksy Says:
Hanna, well made arguments, despite the views of the commenters. Slavery is a scar on American history. And, scars only heal when left alone, not when exacerbated. Black History month only serves to remind us of the atrocities of the slavery. How can you heal your community if you cannot move on?
Keep on Hanna. Maybe you can be foster the first step in healing with this candid, real article.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Graduate Says:
Come on people, give it a rest. Yes, by the way, I’m white, whatever. I graduated from UCI and am in graduate school for social work and criminal justice right now. Yes, fine, there is racism out there. But the more comments I hear about what a hard time black people have in society, the more I ask, “well, what do you want ME to do about it?” People will separate themselves into groups, it’s their nature. People will be attracted to those who are the most like them, particularly in physical appearance. That’s the way it is. Generally, GENERALLY there isn’t that much racism out there. Please don’t forget there are “black” people who are racist too, it’s not just “white” people, and by the way, what the hell is wrong with calling people black if their skin is very dark? Caucasians are called white without a problem, so get off your high horse of political correctness and calm down. I don’t treat people differently because of their skin color, I treat them certain ways based on their actions. The black criminal is the same in my eyes as the white criminal, and ne’er will the two be different.
Call me ignorant all you want, dissenters. I don’t care. I vote for individual responsibility. In certain parts of the country yes, there is rampant racism. But again, WTF do you want me to do about that? Some members of minority groups choose to lump all white people together and choose to be accusatory which I find to be incredibly hypocritical. As far as affirmative action is concerned, if I had been applying to UCI and had the same grades as a black girl and the same SAT scores, I would be pissed if she got in based on her race. Is that not racism? For the good and the bad, separating people based on certain characteristics will always be out there. But I agree with Hanna wholeheartedly on one thing: slavery is over, as far as today’s generations are concerned, nothing is owed to you. You don’t know what it was like either, so don’t pretend you do and that someone else’s slavery who you have never met has followed you today. Black people are not the only people who have been enslaved throughout our world’s history, so you are not entitled to any more than anyone else.
The more you bring it up, the fresher it is in someone’s mind. Think about it. It makes sense. If no one makes a big deal about it, it won’t be one. Barack Obama specifically avoided questions about his race, why? Because he didn’t want it to be a factor in the voter’s decision, and that was the right thing to do. I voted for him because he was the only candidate to reach out to my generation.
Yes, I’ve taken Intro to social problems. Yes, I’ve taken classes on the total crime ratio when it comes to race. But you know what? Crime is crime is crime. Give it a rest. And while you’re at it, call me racist all you want. I’m not, I’m just a person who is sick of the trouble stirred up by people who are still so angry about the past; still angry about something I can’t control; still unwilling to actually solve what they believe is a problem. There is no solution. Not as long as you perpetuate the problem.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
David Says:
As the writer of this missive, your opinion is so naive and uninformed. You want to argue that self-aggregation by minority groups leads to victimhood, all the while bemoaning the victimization of the “white man”. As a second year English student, where did you get such attitudes……your “John Birch Society” parents or the most recent CPAC newsletter? The statements that we have achieved a post-racial society are negated by the very tone of your article and the call-out of a few “token” successful minorities as evidence that no racism exists in our society. You just don’t see it because it doesn’t affect you. Get a clue, get some experience and next time, maybe, you will be able to articulate an informed opinion.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
kz723 Says:
Please correct the article to mention that Affirmative Action only helps the so called disadvantaged minorities (Latino, Blacks, American Indian). It actually is a way to reduce the number of over represented minorites (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian) and increase enrollment for the under represented minorities. AA has a neutral affect on whites.
Also why is it wrong to have conservative thought in universities, when every single professor it seems brainwashes our students with their liberal left wing lectures.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Graduate Says:
By the way, you know who I would call African Americans? Someone who was BORN in Africa and is now an AMERICAN citizen. If you were born in America, you’re an American like the rest of us, sorry. You’re as much an African American as I am a European American, and no one calls me that.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Cho Says:
For those that are bashing this writer…
If you think that Black History month is fine, where is the Asian History month? Where is the Native American History month? Etc… Shouldn’t the other race’s accomplishments be celebrated as well? (Before you jump the gun, I’m pointing this out to emphasize that if we did have all these singular history months, this would start sounding even MORE racist… )
Yes, Affirmative Action helped Women, Blacks, other minorities… etc.. in the PAST. Just like Social Security, to help the people in the PAST. Isn’t it time to move beyond this? We already have a black President… people can’t say there’s a ceiling to social mobility if the most powerful person on this planet is a black person can they? Every immigrant that comes to this country to make a better life for their families, still struggle… this struggle has not cease. I’m sure with the large Asian student body at UCI, you can understand the sacrifices that our Asian parents had to endure to come to this country… to make a better life for us. Yet we worked hard, moved forward, we looked at AA and said… we can do better, we don’t need it. Yet why do we still need it for other minorities? I would be offended if I was a minority that NEEDS affirmative action to get me that top job. If my hard work does not merit a promotion, and they gave it to a lesser qualified person because of their race, I would be upset, I would sue… the American way. But that’s basically what AA has become, excuses to move up in society… so don’t use AA as a history lesson towards Hannah.. I’m sure she knows the history of it.. as do most of us UCI Alumni/student bodies. She’s saying, when are we going to move beyond all this? Isn’t it about time we should not have Affirmative Action? Or at least move towards that?
I think people are mistaking this article by thinking it’s racist, instead they should read it as a progressive movement… that we should ALL start moving beyond focusing on a particular race. Why not just have “American History” month and focus on ALL the races that made this country great?
For those people that think Racism is as bad as ever, tell me… when do you think Racism towards anyone will end? What century do you think it will stop? Because as I see it, America has come a long way… we have a nation full of opportunities for any race… and if we focus just on one race, you are neglecting the others. That’s not how I see America.
It’s ignorant to attack someone for having the courage to think forward… instead of backwards. Maybe some of her words weren’t as eloquently put, but she has the right idea. As an American who is of Chinese heritage that went to UCI… I would be offended if someone used Affirmative Action to get me into a school, get me that top job over someone that was more qualified. I would be offended if they had an Asian History Month, but no other American’s history was focused… aren’t we all Americans? I would be offended if every time someone said to me that I’m “Chinese American,” and not simply “American.” I really believe that Black people who have African heritage would feel the say way… Why not just call them “Americans?”
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Eddie Says:
The author is ignorant!
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Mandy Says:
I have to agree with this article 100%. What has Black History month done to help the issue of racism in todays society, if not enforce it a little bit more and more.
Let me ask you all a question
1. When you were in High School or Jr. High what ALL WHITE CLUBS did you see on campus? If not any, what would happen if a group of ALL white students wanted to start a ALL WHITE club? what ended up happening?
I know that when i went to High School if I saw a student with a WHITE POWER badge on their back pack, they were taken to the office, suspended or ask to remove the badge. NOW take same situation but with a african-american student or hispanic that had black power or a badge that said brown power. I would see that student basicly passed over because NO ONE wanted the threat of being sued or accused of being racist. If you want equal rights for EVERYONE then it goes BOTH WAYS!!!! NO MATTER WHAT
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Elijah Says:
The replies are shocking. To state that the content of this article breeds is the reason racism exists counters the intent of the statement. Over the years, public censorship in the form of potlitcal correctness, has silenced articles of this nature; few are published because of the nature of the responses to this article. Yet, as many have stated in their, replies, racism is evident. In turn if, as many stated, racism exists, and it’s understodd that few articles expressing a counter opinion are published, then how is it possible to attribute racism to an article such as this? It seems that the status quo, “let’s not talk about it” practiced over the years, has failed, so its time to try something different. This article does that – it expresses the opinon of the author and likely, the opinion of many other Americans, who celebrate their culture when and how they choose, without the need to present it pointedly to other Americans.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Gustaf Says:
To assume that white people all live the same cultural existence and don’t understand racism is stereotyping, isn’t it? It is also pretty naive.
What would the reaction be to the formation of a white student union or celebrating white history month?
Everyone feels connected to their heritage. When does that cross the line and become ethnocentricity? Focusing on our differences rather than emphasizing our common experience is what causes these tensions.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Darlene Says:
Dear Ms. Guthrie,
“Even a fool APPEARS WISE, when he REMAINS SILENT.” Perhaps in the future, when it comes to matters that are beyond the scope of your curiosity, you should consider adhering to the latter.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Ted Says:
Why is everyone who says something an “African-American” is offended by or disagrees with a racist?”
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Mikie Says:
If I were to stand on my own soapbox and proclaim that we MUST have a “White history Month”, what would the vast majority of the respondents to this article say? What else would they call me but a racist pig, etc, etc. So, if a person of ‘White” ancestry, suggests a month to celebrate “White” history, is called a racist, than what is a person or group of people who promote the same for any other race? No one will negate the accomplishment of black people throughout history. At least I won’t. Then why do they get “special” recognition? A black man was the first to do open heart surgery. His accomplishments have saved countless lives. Why then are his accomplishments only pointed out during “Black History Month”? Many people celebrate his work every day of their life. It’s why they are still alive. Why is it that some people have to continually segregate peoples work or accomplishments by race? If we as Americans are going to get into the 21st century with a color blind eye, then we all must get over our self’s. I grew up in a military family. My father told me: “there is no such thing as a “Black Marine”, Mexican Marine or any other except for Green Marines”. “We are all the same”. That is they way I was raised and for too many years I have watch the so called leaders of the black communities purposely segregate “their people” into their “own” communities so as to concentrate “their” power base using “their people” to prop themselves up. That’s right, I said ‘USE’. Mr. King was a great man. My white father told me that if I must judge another person, I have to judge them by their character rather than their skin color. That was long before the “Dream Speech”. So long as we legislate a separation of the races, we bread racism. So long as Mr. Jackson continues to use racism to extort people and groups, will never accomplish the goals of Mr. King. I urge all of you to go back and really read that speech. Maybe it will help to set you free from the hate you have instilled in you. I can work with, get along with, be friends with any one of any race, religion, ethnic background or even sexual orientation. I don’t care. They are people that, until they prove they don’t deserve it, will be treated by me as an equal. I have learned many, many “things” from people that are “different” from me and my heritage. My “White” heritage goes back to the early years of this country. A country where “All men are created equal by their creator”. Stop the petty BS bickering. All you are doing is guaranteeing that racism and race conflicts will continue to fester through YOU and your children.
As a side note: I find it interesting that Nathan Tumazi says:” The New U wasn’t always like this.” Just how long has this person been at this University? As I hope most of you can probably tell, I am what you would call an old person. This person I “assume” to be a young man, seems full of hate. While some would say it keeps you warm inside, it just perpetuates the same kind of racism you are against. You are creating this hatred in the current generation of children of all races. Children are born very open to the world. It is their parents and peers that teach them to hate. How many of the children that grow up in the “Black” communities grow up hating the “White Man” that never comes to their communities. Who teaches them this hate? It isn’t safe for “White” people to come into these communities. They will be assaulted and some murdered just because they are white. I don’t care where your family originally came from. It’s not a point of contention for most people. It’s when you start screaming that the world isn’t fair then people start finding you to be a nuisance. I have told my son that the world is not fair. He is a white, blond haired, blue eyed male. It is perfectly LEGAL for people to discriminate against him and no one will listen to him because of what happened 150 years ‘or so” ago. That his family fought with the North in the civil war means absolutely NOTHING. And it shouldn’t. He also shouldn’t be in a position where it is LEGAL for people to discriminate against him because he is white. My son will have to stand up for himself and excel for himself because no one will do it for him. Whereas it is ILLEGAL for Nathan to be discriminated against. Each person has to be “judged” by their character. I have spent many years teaching this to teenage boys involved in a youth group. I really hope this generation of young people in the Collages and Universities can start spending some productive time getting past the self imposed race issues and start looking past the past and start looking towards a real future without the racist problems of past generations. It starts with the children and goes from there. It may be too late for most of you, but try with your own children and don’t instill racist tendencies in them. This goes for people of ALL races. Please don’t use the example of the French. They hate everyone who is not French and white. This is a personal observation. May the God of your choice grant you the happiness and prosperity you feel you deserve. (How’s that for a Politically Correct statement?)
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
colorhuman Says:
You wrote,
“I would argue that focusing on everyone’s ethnic background — American-born or not — in the form of club organizations and holidays is racist because all it seeks to do is give preferential treatment to self-segregating groups whose main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood.”
I think you main point (if that was it) is correct.
Here’s why;
What you you fear controls you.
What you focus on defines you.
So long as people focus on color there will be division and racism.
Only when people of color see themselves as people and not people of color will racism end.
So long as people of color focus on their difference they will be feared; racism is promoted not abolished.
Stop the focus; stop the fear; stop racism.
Discussion of color deserve no place among our leaders, our educators or churches in a meritocracy.
Why does it continue then? Why does any business endure; money and power.
So long as there is money and power to be derived from the business of color it will endure.
Stop the conversation; stop the flow of money and power; stop racism.
I ask you, “What is the point of discussing color, who cares, what does it matter?”
it matters nothing to the color blind, not a whit.
It only maters to:
Those who derive power from color
Those who derive control from color
Those who enslave themselves to the power and money mongers.
Heal thyself.
When minority leaders spend all their time focusing on education, hard work, ethics and unity and none of their time on questions of color will those groups assimilate.
The ONLY thing stopping them is them.
If your neighborhood is bad, make it better or move.
If your school is bad, make it better or leave.
If your job is bad, improve it or move on.
Hard word, education and morals are like tax cuts and celibacy; they work every time they are tried.
What I see is way too much focus and fear of “can’t” and not nearly enough focus on “CAN!”
Pay attention in school.
Work hard.
Respect yourself and your neighbor (that means NEVER have sex outside marriage)
Ah, but this will never happen.
Why?
“Because you will always have the poor among you.”
There will always be those who seek to garner power, control and profit from the weak, the undereducated, the lazy, the greedy, the immoral, the ill informed.
There is big money in “black power” and plenty who willing play the game.
Are you in or out?
That is the one thing you control.
Are you in or out of the race game?
Forget everyone, are you part of the game?
Personally I cannot imagine having this conversation with any friend or at work and yet here it is.
I have focused on it so hopefully at least one of you out there will decide to never again allow race to be any part of your life, your conversation, your curriculum, your motive, your heart.
No color.
Only shades of one.
We are after all 99.99% the same.
What kind of devil would focus on the difference?
The one you empower with your focused attention enabling them.
Stop the conversation; stop racism.
Let’s talk solutions for all.
Am I optimistic we will see this new world. No.
But you can change your world today. Turn it off, move one, focus on what you can do.
Am I optimistic for some. Yes we can.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Barry Says:
Thank you for the article. Correctly labeled as Opinion, you have laid bare the abandonment of academic freedom, freedom of thought and expression that prevent us from resolving the issues that divide us.
1. The idea that “only someone who has lived the live of a ________” on its face disqualifies anyone but the member of ______ from communicating or understanding the issues. The arguement is inherently divisive…or as you put it self-segregating…and isolating.
2. The irrational idea that one’s ethnicity can ONLY be understood by someone with that ethnicity also says, in a representative democracy, ONLY someone who shares my ethnicity can represent me. In any city, district or school this says that there are always going to be people who will be unrepresented…because it is ethnicity not values that define us.
3. Historical revisionism…saying it was not freedom that was the basis of our culture…is simply untrue. It is anti-capitalism and marxism re-interpreting history to demonize the “oppressors”, even when they succeeded without slavery (as in the North) but fact does not matter…the point is to claim a moral superiority from which to demand redress.
4. Using statistics to conclude that because of “unequal, statistical outcome” there must be some inherent inequality in opportunity is simply junk logic. It does not prove that racism or oppression are the cause of such difference.
5. The desire to suppress such a point of view, dismissively calling it “ignorant” is to substitute ad hominem for arguement.
6. Lack of responsibility for one’s own choices in the arguement that “unemployment for college graduates who are _____ is higher than others” ignores the obvious question: if they chose ______-American studies as their major, then is it possible that the marketplace does not recognize that as an employable skill…say instead of engineering…and that the choice of major has a correlation to employment apart from ethnicity?
7. Circular arguement that “there has been no recruitment/retention center…for underrepresented…communities” points to a ‘lack of advocacy’ as evidence of racism.
8. To the point that the “Civil Rights” movement does not make up for slavery, I would agree. But the Civil War did deal with the issue head-on. Shouldn’t there be some credit for the elimination of slavery through a war and thousands of lives, and the amendment of the Constitution to right the great wrong? That we continue to work on perfecting it is something to be proud of, not a justification for victimhood eternal.
You have tapped into the well spring of hubris: arrogance that one’s own view is right and that anyone who disagrees is ignorant. We will only make progress if we have the exchange of ideas, if we give the respect that we claim to deserve, and if we educate rather than supress ideas we disagree with.
Judging from the comments you have receive, we have a long ways to go.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Chao Says:
Thank you for writing this article. Although many people are reacting negatively, know that many of my friends and family feel the same.
This ecology of victim-hood needs to change. The practice of celebrating previous injustices on perpetuates the belief that they are still victims. This creates a mentality of entitlement that can be seen in the calls for reparations, affirmative action. In the end it hurts the community its meant to help.
I have witnessed far too many under qualified students, who barely struggle through classes, be admitted to top colleges based on their race. Everyone knows that it’s much easier to get into top schools if you have an African American or Hispanic background, even though the schools profess race has no impact on admission. No one wins in this situation; the minority student struggles in an overwhelming academic environment, other students more qualified get past-up due to their race, and minority students with good academic backgrounds are viewed as under-qualified.
Thank you again for having the courage to write what we are all thinking.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Get Right Says:
“I see no changes all I see is racist faces misplaced hate makes disgrace to races
We under I wonder what it takes to make this one better place, let’s erase the wasted ” –Tupac Shakur
Educated thought:
any illustration or political feat (personal opinion or not) distinctively taking aim at any race that has been hindered past, present, or future not only shows narcistic views, a cold hearted root, inhumane motivation, and a microscopic mental capacity, but also is a insult to the ethnic background who birth the author as well as add fuel to the fire. Hey everyone has a right to voice their opinion and freedom of speech so……
Let the fire burn ( Educated the ignorant):
“Perhaps these issues are not being addressed because no one feels comfortable enough to say that they are not necessarily the fault of the “white man,” but are also partially the result of personal responsibility — or in this case, a lack thereof” — Hanna Guthrie
“Lack thereof…….lack thereof………lack thereof………what we talking ‘bout lack of unity or lack of knowledge….lets talk ‘bout lack or reparations…..that cant be replaced with affirmative action hire some or letting a few into college……..personal responsibility………….yeah there is a lack of………….clean out America’s closet……the treasury department couldn’t cover the cost it would take to purify the bad blood…….” so Hanna Guthrie what u talking ‘bout?
Just be lucky the good hearted are willing to educate themselves and handle the situation and deal with growth diplomatically I mean a noose in a gym (an incident that took place on the campus of UC San Diego Feb. 26,2010 how ignorant) get real we all remember the watts riots, the Rodney king riots and I quote “We might fight with each other, but I promise you this: We’ll burn this bitch down, get us pissed!” –Tupac Shakur. Why play with fire and get burned when you can educate yourself and get right.
May GOD bless us all
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Cooley Says:
I’m white. I have ‘white privelege’. I /don’t/ understand what minorities go through on a daily basis. I understand that my ancestors (3/8 English) probably oppressed many of today’s minorities.
I’m also 1/4 Irish. My people were oppressed for almost 1,000 years by the English, and in the cases where they made it out of Ireland to America, were also then oppressed by Americans. They faced much the same discrimination that African American’s faced AFTER the Civil War and slavery was abolished. But the Irish don’t seem to be oppressed today. They became upstanding members of society by their own hard work, in a society that was very much against them succeeding.
I’m going to be honest with you folks: I don’t get it. I mean it, I don’t. I’ve been pulled over for no other reason than my car (in horrible condition at the time) was suspicious in an upscale Orange County neighborhood. They ran my plates, found out I had no outstanding warrants, and sent me on my way. This is the same event that, for people in minorities that I’ve talked to, is racist.
I’ve never seen somebody turned down for a job based on their race. I’m also not the guy looking at job applications. I’ve never seen someone pulled over just because of their race, but I don’t tail police cars all day long.
Personally, I think of myself as fair. I don’t discriminate in my words or my actions. But I’ve never felt oppressed, so I don’t really understand where all this vitriol is coming from.
That’s just how I feel about it.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Cho Says:
To reiterate… this is the writer’s Opinions. She should have the freedom, and right to write something if given the chance to do so. To all of you that tells her to keep quiet, and not say anything, you must not appreciate the freedom we are offered in this country. Whether you agree with her or not, she should still have the right to say these things.
Is it so wrong/outrageous of what she wrote? She didn’t say anything “ignorant” or racist about a particular race. She is stating her belief that maybe it’s time to move forward and not have racial separations at all, and perhaps we can all move towards a more unified America.
I’m really surprised that any of the UCI, Asian students would…
1) Piss on the freedom of speech on this topic, considering they must be educated to attend UCI… and forget the 1st Amendment rights we have in the US. Let the writer say her piece, and you can say your’s… no need for name calling, and no need to prohibit her words.
2) It’s ‘ignorant’ that the Asians that are upset with this article are blinded by the fact that Affirmative Action is working AGAINST Asians. Ivy league schools are still using Affirmative Action to prevent “too” many Asians to go to their schools… Apparently there are too many of us that are qualified, but they can’t let all of us in. How would it make you feel to know that even with a 3.9GPA, because you’re on the bottom of the Asian scale, you wont be accepted, and instead, another minority with 3.0 GPA will take your place? So the next time you want to use Affirmative Action to defend your argument, please use your REAL world logic and understand that AA has gone far too long, and it’s time to stop it. I doubt I could use AA and force and NBA team to allow me to join their team, even though I’m 5′ tall, and can’t shoot worth crap only because I’m Asian.
3) Tell me, what month is Asian History month? Oh… there is no Asian History month?… How about a Week? There must be a week somewhere right? No. But why is that the case? I’m pretty sure Asians had a significant role in expanding the railroads across the US, I’m sure Asians have made an impact in elevating the educational systems across the US, etc… but there is nothing there. How about Native American History month? Shouldn’t their race be just as important? Guess what, there isn’t even a Native American Day to celebrate their race. If we had any of these, it would look to be a “racist” thing to do… otherwise why not have any other multi-ethnic race in America focused for a month. Every year when Black History month comes around, it reminds me that no other minority group has a month to celebrate their race.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
reality Says:
Excellent article.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
American Says:
” We are all Americans, and we should all be held to an equal standard and judged based on our merit, as opposed to our skin color or ethnic background”- doesn’t sound very racist to me…. call me crazy. I guess we’ve come to a point that if you don’t support reverse discrimination, you’re a “racist”.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
RoseRed Says:
Bravo to you Hannah for having the guts to write this!! I could not agree with you more. Having a month that glorifies one race just perpetuates racism. I don’t understand this attachment that certain minorities have to being a victim. Weren’t the Native Americans treated just as poorly as the blacks were over 100 years ago? Not that I think any minority should have its own month, but for the sake of argument, where is the Native American History Month? What about the Chinese History Month? Mexican History Month? Using the line of reasoning that persons who think Black History Month is a good idea, to be fair, we should have a history month for any minority that lives in this country.
Affirmative action is another institution made to negate racism, but in reality it also merely perpetuates it. If minorities are equal, what makes them unable to obtain the same job based off of their own merits? Why does it have to be based on the color of their skin? This is not 1930 anymore, why must racism still be such a big part of our country? You can’t have it both ways – either we all are equal, or we are not. The fact that affirmative action exists suggests we are not all equal.
The president is black, that fact alone should show how far we have come as a nation, and despite the fact that racism may still exist on an individual level, as a country we have come so far to overcome racism, why must we be reminded every February of atrocities that were prevalent long ago in our past? Why drudge up those memories for an entire month every single year? And yeah yeah, I know, Black History Month is to celebrate the accomplishments of a particular race, not remind us of atrocities that happened so long ago. But those days are long gone, why must we, as a country, devote an entire month to this every year? It is really beyond me. The white race has accomplished quite a bit, can we have a White History Month? No, because anyone to suggest that would be tagged as a giant racist.
I am a graduate of UCI, and had a student teacher once tell her class that minorities can’t be racist because they don’t have power. Well, a minority is the president now, can blacks finally be labeled as racists when they make blatantly racist remarks? Or are we still going to laugh when a black comedian says the N word and cause an uproar when a white comedian says it? Yeah, probably. It’s sad.
And to everyone so utterly offended by this article…it’s an opinion article. If you can’t handle opinions that differ from your own, maybe you shouldn’t bother coming here. We are all entitled to our own opinions, you may politely disagree but calling the author ignorant and a racist (like she knew would happen) is ignorant in itself.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Roy Bauer Says:
Ms. Guthrie, you certainly have a right to your opinion, but, as I’m sure you are aware, you do not have a right not to be criticized for it. Perhaps you are young and inexperienced. No doubt you will grow and learn.
I sympathize with your criticisms of political correctness and the sometimes silly gestures, rituals, and rhetoric of our time. But you seem not to see the very real and serious problems underneath the blather. Your piece is insensitive and poorly argued. It is always offensive to pretend to inform the burdened of the “real” magnitude of their burdens. And that we recognize and celebrate “Black History Month” is hardly tantamount to our “blaming” someone of difficulties! And our racial and ethnic problems are obviously an outgrowth or continuation of much older problems that can hardly be explained as arising from the relatively recent phenomenon of “political correctness”!
I do hope that your critics will resist the temptation to go beyond pointing out the flaws in your thinking. You have expressed an opinion, and they rightly respond to it with arguments, not with hostility or dismissal.
Good luck to you. I’m sure you have much to offer.
Posted on February 27th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Kat Says:
WOW, I can’t believe the Huffington Post is linking to this awful article. I don’t feel the need to reiterate most everybody’s arguments, just to say that your argument exemplifies why we need Black History Month so badly. We don’t have a “White History Month” or a “White History Day” because we have WHITE HISTORY ALL THE TIME, EVERY DAY, EVERY MONTH, EVERY YEAR. Please pick up a real history book, one of the ones that actually suggests Africans might have emigrated to the Americas before Europeans (who would, of course, have you believe that they “discovered” this place), or actually identifies Woodrow Wilson as the white supremacist that he was.
I’m only too sorry to see people giving you comments of support. Your sentiments are not the least bit strange, and have been said only too often.
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 2:38 am
Rudy Mondragon Says:
First off Hanna, I want to respond to your piece in the most respectful way possible and say that I offer my stance on this issue out of love for our struggle with a collective understanding of one another.
First off, the creation of different clubs and organizations on college campuses come out of a response and need of the creators of these groups. Groups are formed out of a need to support people that can relate with one another in order to persist in the institution or raise political concerns and social issues. Just for your knowledge Hanna, Black History Month is not a holiday, it is one month (out of the 12 months) that celebrates black culture and pays critical attention to the ongoing black struggle.
From a country that accepts people from all nationalities and backgrounds? Last time I checked, there are over 65,000 undocumented students that graduate from high school in one year. We do not live in a country that accepts people from all nationalities and backgrounds. What this country does accept is the exploitation of undocumented and people of color. If there is something that gets on my nerves is when people say that people of color self-segregate. Have you ever thought that the people that “self-segregate” do it in resistant to assimilating to the white normative? That is an example of the white dominance that we suffer from in this country.
Have you looked up the definition and history of the term and process of racism? Racism, in short is a tool of domination that has constructed a system of division based on physical characteristics. When you utilize racism as a tool, you are attempting to over power a group based on an idea of superiority over another racial group. I could be wrong (which I doubt) but I don’t know of any club and organization on UCI’s campus that is racist because they celebrate their culture and raise critical issues in order to move towards positive change. These groups that you talk of, if they do raise their concerns for social change, they do it because they are trying to improve a collective understanding of our differences in an effort to be able to live with one another. Don’t think that is racist….
Raina Kelley is a columnist, she is not a policy expert or reformer, therefore we can hold her responsible or fault her for not having a proposal on how to fix things. I think that mentality is the problem, we think that there is one answer or formula that we can use to move into a post-racial society. We can not water down this issue, it is going to take a collective effort to move into a post-racial society. It will have to come from the rich, the people in the margins, people of different colors, ethnicities, backgrounds etc. More importantly, it will take a reduction of peoples privileges to move on to a more just society.
The problem lies beyond just blaming the white man. It starts with the system that is designed to benefit some over others. It is problematic to say that people need to take personal responsibility for their issues. That is the easy way out to explaining issues of poverty, misrepresentation of students of color in higher education, etc. We need to look at how the system is working against some and for others. Good example, the UC tuition increase has major implications. Institutions of higher education are tuition driven institutions, which means they rely on the hard cash that students pay from their own pockets. Therefore, with a tuition increase, the UC system is going to recruit out of state students who can afford to pay out of state fees, international students who can afford to come to this country and pay tuition. All at the same time excluding california students who have the grades but not the money to afford the tuition increase. Therefore, the UC system is catering to the students from high socioeconomic backgrounds and not the students from California which the California Master Plan of Higher Education first sought out to serve.
Hanna, I wouldn’t say your racist from bringing up this issue, I would just say that you come from a high class background and that your privileges have blinded you from seeing another perspective on this issue. Most of the stuff you talk about reminds me of the dangers of thinking we should live in a merit based society. Meritocracy, the illusion that if you work hard enough you can achieve the american dream is the biggest lie that I have ever heard.
We have a black president, big deal, this does not mean we live in a post-racial society just yet. Don’t get me wrong, its great to finally see a president of color because of the symbolic battle that we have overcome. But, as Cornel West reminds, there is still a great deal of work and change that needs to occur so that our nation moves to a more just society. Hanna, you give great examples of black politicians and artists that we see on TV everyday, but how about the people of color that we don’t see on TV? Affirmative action is necessary in this world because people of color are still being denied access to employment, higher education, and their social rights. I would not say its preferential treatment, I would say affirmative action was designed in resistance and in response to the racism, discrimination, and exclusion of people of color.
Let me tell you what the post-civil rights era means to me. We have come along way since the 60s and the struggles that our brothers and sisters went through to improve our situation today were necessary. Although we have come along way from that, there is a problem with being content with that progress alone. Yes we don’t have separate bathrooms, buses, water fountains, and schools, but we do have over crowded schools, poor health care, inequity in higher education, etc. Therefore, post-civil rights era to me means a conditioning of peoples minds to be content with this progress and be grateful for where we are. To that I say no, I refuse to take a small piece of the pie and be content with false generosity.
Your last paragraph has assimilation and meritocracy written all over it. To say that we should all be judged based on merit just does not happen in our world. I refer back to the example of undocumented students, they go to our nations high schools and do better academically than others, yet are denied state and federal financial support, in-state tuition (there are only a few states that grants undocumented students in-state tuition today), and the right to work legally. If we did base things on merit, shouldn’t students that fit this description go to college and be given the right to work legally? Lastly, we cannot live in a melting pot society, we all come from different backgrounds and have different experiences. We can not judge people equally if one comes from a wealthy background versus one that comes from a working class background. This country functions to benefit the wealthier one obviously. To move towards an assimilationist society is to disregard the plurality of our country. What we need to do is embrace our differences and work towards being able to live with each other and understand one another. Not until people can come to terms with recognizing their privileges that blind them from seeing how their power is being used to oppress others, can we move into a dialogue of how we can move towards a just society.
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 4:00 am
Forward Says:
Our recent blog post, “A Note to the Privileged at UCSD”, seems to fit here too. The sheer (LOUD) ignorance from some people here is astounding. I’m amazed to see people demonstrate a total lack of understanding of what even basic words like “liberal” or “racist” or “victim” mean. UCI and UCSD are both in a sad state.
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 6:28 am
ACF Says:
Hanna,
Your essay is excellent and scratches the surface of the deeply irrational arguments by the diversicrats and pro-affirmative discrimination crowd.
ACF
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 9:56 am
gabriel san roman Says:
“Ho ho ho Hooooooooooooo! Fiction can be fun, but I find the reference section a little more enlightening.”
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Get Right Says:
I can understand and agree with Hanna on some points. But Hanna they way your opinion was structured and express it seem you were more so releasing anger and frustrations and one could even say you are jealous of the fact that it appears that some are giving an advantage over others due to race.
Hanna understand the advantage giving to them is not real an advantage at all but is like giving a glass of water to a group of people who thrist for more. Slavery went on far longer than the holocaust and did way more damage to the victims. Unfortunately it will take more than a few decades before any and all parties involved sincerely awake with peace in their hearts.
Hanna whenever voicing such opinions instead of suggesting serious potential solutions you will anger those who choose at subjects. And if you do think of some serious potential solutions that actually work you might some who you never thought turn their back on you.
What every need to realize is that the system is what it is and if you really seek change, improving the situation, and justice for all, dont jus prey to GOD but keep him in you : think before you speak (if you cant think of what to say to someone without offending them how can they sincerely hear you), help before you judge (we all have problems it is called living when we help each other we are helping are selves), push forward with piece even if no one else want to who can stop you in the eyes of GOD.
Hanna you are passionate and will be very successfull if you choose to rise to a Higher Education
take care loved one may GOD bless
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Realistically Speaking Says:
Peace, love, and everybody get the fuck out of Irvine ASAP!
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 11:43 am
Cedric D Says:
It is easy for a wealthy, pampered suburbanite to wax eloquent about how Blacks need to “take personal responsibility” for their situation. But Miss Hanna, what exactly would you do if you were born in the projects? What would you do if your ma was a single parent on welfare and you were 1 of 7 children growing up in a chaotic, slovenly, unkempt apartment? What would you do if your classmates at school constantly disrupted class and made it impossible to learn (during the rare times they weren’t selling drugs or knifing each other)? What would you do if you were born with an IQ of 85, one sigma below the typical NASCAR fan? How would you react if employers turned you down for jobs, because “the last time we hired a Black girl she screamed ‘discrimination’ every five minutes?” How would you like it if the Macy’s security guards followed you around because you look like the shoplifter they caught last week?
You need to put yourself in other peoples’ shoes before you write this kind of tripe. Not everybody in America has it as easy as you do.
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Alexandra Says:
Yes, the author is naive and ignorant, but so is the editorial staff that allowed this article to be printed.
The Opinions Associate Editor should have known better.
The Opinions Editor should have known better.
The Associate Editor in Chief should have known better.
The Editor in Chief should have known better.
The Advertising Manager should have known better.
The Adviser for this group of “journalists” should have known better.
Hanna’s article is a reflection of the group of people who write the New University newspaper. I hope you collectively give a written apology to your readers for poor judgment if you want to regain any credibility.
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Mrs. Gustaf Says:
I am “white”. My family is Irish Catholic. We came to the US during the Troubles. As recently as 30 years ago, we weren’t slaves, we were servants. I doubt many people in California would recognize what that might look like. Now I am the oppressor,lol.
Look to the road ahead, your opportunity lies there.
Posted on February 28th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
chris Says:
sure, she may have the right to express her opinion. but save it for her blog, facebook, etc. a publication such as new U should have some sort of qualifying threshold or something, which this article does not pass. if any hot tempered literate person could throw up some ignorant, inflammatory, irrational, un-researched and poorly formed piece on here, who would want to read it?
for the first time in awhile our country is so split, two parties actually get their news (which ends up being radically polarized) from two different sources: fox vs msnbc, etc. so you now have 2 groups of people, becoming more polarized by the day, arguing with one another while drawing from two sources both claiming to be TRUTH, yet with radically different ways of claiming that truth (fox uses emotion & volume, other sources are more tempered, rational and fact check). oh well, looks like we’re headed for a civil war in less than 2 decades i’d wager
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 11:46 am
Cho Says:
Cedric D,
We do not choose our environment, just like we can’t help every single person equally. Yes, with your example, there are Blacks that have a tough life from south central LA, and they go through all the drug dealing in their neighborhoods, etc. I’m sure we’re all aware of the blight kids go through there… but guess what, there are people that succeed upwards and move beyond this. We have Black celebrities, athletes, government leaders that have climbed out of their social economic position and did it without Affirmative Action.
Whatever happened to Personal accountability? Are you telling me that because of the structure in the life of that child, that they cannot get out of their situation without assistance? So you would put this child that got a 2.5 GPA because of the tough life they lived, over a child that got 3.5 GPA because they lived in a better environment? That’s basically Affirmative Action as it is right now, in the REAL world. You know how many Asians are rejected from Ivy League schools because they were Asians? Even for the Asian kids that goes to UCI, most of them know with their 3.8GPA, high honors, etc.. and not at UC Berkley because they already accepted “too” many Asians for that semester. Their place given to another minority with lower qualifications.
People forget that EVERYONE struggles. Whites in Michigan right now are living in poverty, low job rates, high crime, etc… or the Asian immigrant that came to this country, working minimum wage in a restaurant so that their kids could go to a good school, yet you used your example to diminish the hard working people that are Not Black and made it out of poverty.
How about looking at the people that succeeded out of these situations and returned back to their community to help them out? How do you expect Non-Blacks to help the children you just described when the Blacks themselves don’t help their communities? (Not saying all, but think about how many stories you hear about So-and-So athlete growing up in Compton, becoming and NFL superstar, living in a multi-million mansion, and not doing anything for the community where they grew up)… there are a lot of successful Black Americans that don’t go back and help… how do you expect the rest of us to?
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Rebecca Schuman Says:
I have long held that the only redeemable section of the New U is the police log that details noise complaints, pot smells, skateboarders loitering in parking structures, and other examples of UCI’s “criminal element.” This mind-numblingly smug, impressively ignorant, and thoroughly tired and boilerplate-tastic collection of race-baiting oldies-but-goodies that would make Newt Gingrich proud (there are famous Black people; ergo, employment discrimination doesn’t exist! Something tells me Hanna Guthrie never took Intro to Inductive Logic) serves as excellent proof of my theory.
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Roman Says:
Good article.
Apparently, it takes a lot of guts to say the obvious these days:
When you start praising people for their race, you create a fertile ground for racism.
When you start adjusting people’s worth according to the color of their skin, you create injustice.
As long as some minorities are more special than others there will never be true equality.
Yes, I’m one of those unrecognized minorities and I hope to stay as such.
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Ryan Says:
Hey Hanna,
It’s Ryan (from Vista). I completely agree with you. I know what you are trying to say, everyone else doesn’t understand what you mean, but I always got your back.
P.S. I haven’t seen you in a long time!
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 3:57 pm
sara Says:
It is funny that so many among the commenters are telling you to go take some “ethnic studies” or “race relations” mumbo-jumbo indoctrination class. They (and you too) should take a statistics course, rather.
By the way, as a UCSD graduate student, I am totally embarrassed by how Chancellor Fox has baited the “racial state of emergency” here. Indeed, racism persists.
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 6:18 pm
dear cho Says:
CONSERVATIVES: BAWWWWWWWWW
@Cho: Now here’s a model Asian who surely isn’t shaming the rest of their community by outing themselves as a flaming racist. Michelle Malkin would be proud. News flash: Affirmative Action no longer applies in California since we voted it out of existence back in 1996 for Proposition 209. So I don’t understand why all of the conservative nutters on here are still crying about how AA is hurting their livelihood. A more productive thing for them to do would be to go back to jacking off to such admirable idols as Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin so that Fox News can fill their heads with more “forward-thinking” bullsh*t that they can spew back onto here.
Cho, if your sorry @ss didn’t get into UCB or UCLA, then that actually is because you are stupider than your superior Asian peers who did get in because they worked and studied harder. NOT because of black people being privileged over you for acceptance. Somebody needs to take responsibility for their own failures in life. I cannot fathom why you are arguing for Hanna (and by proxy conservative America) when as a “fellow Asian” you know just as well as I do that the government can throw our @sses into “internment camps” the next time any Asian country dares to bomb this precious USA because that’s how forward and progressive we are. And I’m sure Hanna will write an article justifying that.
@Hanna: Getting your close-minded conservative friends to post in your defense does not change the fact that you are a racist bigot. It just means that you’re a coward who has burrowed even deeper into the conservative sh*tter from which you came.
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Cho Says:
Alexandra,
Last time I checked, we live in America. Freedom of speech.
You should know better about Freedom of Speech.
If you don’t like people’s freedom to write an opinion in the Opinion section, maybe you’re living in the wrong country.
Alexandra should know better that if we take people’s freedom to express themselves, then this country would start falling apart, and leading to a bastardized version of communism.
If you are so against freedom of speech, perhaps America isn’t the country for you.
Hannah’s article is an OPINION, that’s why it’s in the opinion section. It does not reflect UCI, the newspaper, any of the editors, any of the supporters, anyone other than Hannah. I hope you take the time to learn what an Opinion section means, and what the First amendment in the Constitution says about this.
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 7:55 pm
anson Says:
Cedric D
Are middle & upper middle class black kids in need of the same help that black kids from the projects need?
Should it be ONLY about skin color?
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Cedric D Says:
Cho,
“We have Black celebrities, athletes, government leaders that have climbed out of their social economic position and did it without Affirmative Action.”
Listing a few individuals who overcame their circumstances does not mean that the entire population can pull it off. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Larry Ellison defied the odds and joined the billionaires’ club – but most who try to follow their footsteps will fail.
Again – many of us never even had a chance at a reasonable education, an intact household, a father in our lives, or even a triple-digit IQ. Things that you (apparently a Korean) most likely take for granted. Then add the fact that new people immediately stereotype YOU to be smart, law-abiding, quiet, and not a troublemaker – you can see the immense advantages you have, owing to PURE LUCK and nothing more.
Our community, our society, and even nature itself all conspire to keep us down. All we ask for is one month out of the year – the shortest month in fact. Cut us a little slack already will ya?
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Marissa Says:
Hanna,
Let me be one of the few to say that I actually agree 100% with you. Being a “minority” myself, I understand completely that racism is brewed because we think about giving special privledges to various ethnic groups. Its absolutely ridiculous to think that ethnic clubs promote and give support to their counterparts and not have any effect on the overal society. What these clubs do is only segregate themselves and make it more apparent to everyone else that if you aren’t that ethnic group, you really cant be involved (and if you are you need to justify your reason there and have others accept you).
Racism continues because we think of people in collective groups, rather than individuals and im sure Martin Luther King Jr. would agree. The problem with this society is that individualism has died and collective grouping has taken its place. Take for example our governments way of categorizing people when applying to college or filling out the census. Racism cannot be tackled until we stop thinking collectively.
I recently went to Africa where many educated Africans (Kenyas) told me their distaste for the word “african-american.” They dont think they should be called this because they are not african. No where in their attitude or socialized culture do they resemble Africans. So many, from my own experience, would agree with you there.
I am a so-called “minority” myself and I want to thank you Hanna for being so bold and brave to tackle this issue. I think everyone (besides the obvious Black-Americans) would have to agree with you that having a Black History Month is ridiculous and not only segregates and promotes racism to continue but also doesn’t allow for any stereotypes to be shattered.
We are Individuals people, not groups.
Oh and by the way….
Every single race has been a slave and/or oppressed in one point in history, not just Blacks.
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Massiel Says:
I am surprised that given the recent events on all of the UC campuses that the staff of the New U had the gall to publish this article. All claims to free speech aside, this is another example of racism masquerading as conservative truth revealed. Guess what, articles like this and people like you are why student groups for minorities are necessary. If nothing else, the recent events at UCSD and UCD have shown us that our campuses are not exempt from racism and ignorance. Obviously UCI contributes its own share too.
Posted on March 1st, 2010 at 11:42 pm
Laura Says:
Hanna,
You claimed “Furthermore, it is a known fact that things like affirmative action give preferential treatment to American minorities. I would go so far to say that universities and companies seek minority candidates for the sake of calling themselves “diverse.”” I assume you have some sort of proof or personal experience to back that claim up? I know you claimed it was a “known fact” but I would like some evidence. Perhaps you have been part of a college admissions committee that rejected a qualified White candidate for an unqualified person of color? Perhaps after losing a job to a minority the person who made the decision called to let you know that you were declined the position because of your skin color? Better yet, maybe they gave you a copy of the other person’s resume so you could compare their qualifications with your’s?
Or maybe, just maybe, even in post-Civil Rights Movement America racism is still very prevalent (albeit more subtle) and you assume that a White person is more likely to be qualified for a job than a minority.
Oh and claim my “main purpose is to cry eternal victimhood,” I’d like you to know I am a White woman.
P.S. As an English major I’m surprised that you weren’t taught then when referring to a race, “Black” is capitalized.
Posted on March 2nd, 2010 at 1:34 am
IN THE TRENCHES Says:
OMFG ANOTHER NUT CASE WHO THINKS THE WORLD SHOULD BE LILLY WHITE, EVERYTHING SHOULD BE ABOUT WHITE HISTORY RIGHT? BECAUSE YOU COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THE STRUGGLE OF THE BLACK RACE.THANK GOD FOR THE 28 DAYS THEY GAVE US, EVEN THOUGH IT’S THE SHORTES MONTH OF THE YEAR.
Posted on March 2nd, 2010 at 9:41 am
Ms Diva Says:
WOW……some of you folks not only have too much time on your hands…..you don’t have a clue. Being a 55 years old BLACK woman…..I know a little something about racism….when I see it or read it!!! Enough said.
Posted on March 2nd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Cho Says:
Cedric D,
See this is where the problem lies. You are assuming my background simply by my name. I’m of Chinese heritage, and parents came to this country to start a better life 30 years ago. We lived in Culver City, in the “Projects,”… Stoner Ave. to be precise. I was neighbors to the early days of Crips and Bloods. I had friends at school dealing with gangs, drugs, etc. Both my parents worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I am what you would term.. latch-key kid. My family knew very little English, and myself included. My parents didn’t have money… dad worked as a busboy, and mom as waitress. Yet somehow.. the importance of education was instilled in me. Slowly and surely, my family moved up economically, and I was able to attend UCI… with a Student Loan. Are you saying that I was “lucky” to move out of that situation simply because I was Asian? That getting better grades than most of my classmates meant nothing… heck, I could have gotten C’s and moved up the social ladder because I was “lucky.”
So under your example… just the simple fact that if a person is Asian, we are “Lucky” to have an advantage in America? That we don’t face the same racism like any other minority? Are you that blind to see that the only difference in this example is that my parents at least told me to do well in school, and I can be anything I want… instead of other minorities that don’t value education as high priority, and instead ask that their kids focus on sports, being a superstar celebrity, or simply just “work.”
Again – Many of us “Asians” aren’t in major sports teams, many of us aren’t shown in the media except on the local news, many of us never had the chance to become the leader of the free world. Yet you will hear none of us “Asians” will ever complain about it not being fair. We don’t need any advantage… that’s not what our culture told us. Instead we ask that people value our hard work… that our work alone should be the merit of our character. If we aren’t part of the LA Lakers, it’s ok… we understand that in the real world, we can’t have be be accepted in every single sport team. Media… when they talk about Blacks not being focused on television… how do you think it makes us “Asians” feel when there are hospital shows with 1 Asian doctor out of 20? But it’s ok, we understand that this is just television.. this isn’t the real world, we don’t need to force people to accept us just because we’re Asian to be on a TV show or movie.
Cut you a little slack? Just because of your skin color, that makes the rest of us have to give you an advantage in America? What you are telling me is that any Non-Black people are keeping you down, and that you are asking for One short month of the year to celebrate your people, while neglecting every other race that comes to the US? Last time I checked, the United States is a melting pot of different races and cultures. I would love for you to tell that to our President. That the reason he became the President was because society cut him some slack, and not because he was qualified for the job.
Next time please don’t ASSume people’s backgrounds and make rash judgments.
Posted on March 2nd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Junsu Says:
@ Cho
Your ignorance is stunning. There is something called “Asian Awareness Month”. Google It! As for AA being used against Asians in acceptance at top colleges. Well, I don’t have an answer for that except to say that the issue is obviously, again, not about blacks but about whites. No white American would accept Harvard or any other premier American university being all Asian. AA, quotas, whatever you want to call the policies that universities use to create some semblance of diversity on their campuses is complicated and should not be given over to simple diatribes. Even by Harvard’s own reckoning, most blacks that get in there are not descendants of former American slaves; most of them have parents from Africa or the Caribbean or were born their themselves.
To all the comments, including Cho’s, that bemoan Black bellyaching. Please consider a few points. Unlike Asians, Cho, Blacks can’t just watch programs from their parents country when they don’t their people represented in the American media. Or did u forget that Blacks don’t know where they came from? Perhaps you’ve never learned about the acts of historical erasure that were forced among Black slaves so that they lost all memory of their former language and people. Calling themselves African-American is an attempt, as limited as it may be, to reclaim that lost past and give themselves a connection to a cultural heritage that is not the White, largely Anglo-Saxon culture that was forced upon them. For Blacks, there is no other cultural referent to turn to except what they create here for themselves. You may have China, Taiwan, et. al when America disowns you. What do they have?
And I believe it was also Cho who said this. Social Security was designed to help people IN THE PAST. Are you serious? What planet/country are u living in? Don’t u realize that Social Security is essentially a retirement savings program that helps most of stupid Americans who don’t save (the marginal propensity to spend in this country is 0.98/$1–it may drive the world economy but there are obvious problems here)? It is very easy to get emotional about things in a forum like this but please do your homework next time on the issues u raise.
Posted on March 3rd, 2010 at 6:50 am
the model minority Says:
Just to clarify: AFFIRMATIVE ACTION DOES NOT HURT ASIAN AMERICANS! THIS IS A MYTH!
Some people argue that Asian Americans do not need affirmative action, and are actually hurt by it. They view Asian Americans as a “model minority” which has successfully integrated into all walks of society. The truth is that Asian Americans are not a “model minority.” Reports that Asian Americans have the highest household income and are generally academically successful hide a larger reality. For example, while Asian Americans may have household incomes equal to or greater than whites, they also have, on average, more individuals contributing to a family’s household income. This helps explain the higher household (but not per capita) income level.
This myth is actually detrimental to the Asian American community at large because while it showcases a favorable stereotype of the smart, docile, hardworking Asian American (who usually happen to be from developed countries Taiwan, Japan, or Korea, and whose parents usually immigrated to America with a strong educational background and skill set needed for easy assimilation into white society).
But what most people don’t realize is that while some Asian ethnic groups have low poverty rates, other segments – particularly Southeast Asians (Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines to name a few) and recent immigrants – have poverty levels far exceeding the national average. Asian Americans in the workplace also face a “glass ceiling,” which limits their advancement into management and executive positions, and earn less than white counterparts with comparable education.
Similarly, Asian Americans are often portrayed as “whiz kids” who are overrepresented in the nation’s top educational institutions. While a segment of our student population is highly visible on many university campuses, this has masked the hidden educational needs of other Asian Americans.
Source: http://aaldef.org/programs/affirmative-action/affirmative-action.html
IN OTHER WORDS: Asian Americans who are arguing in favor of Hanna’s article, HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO KEEP BEING THE WHITE MAN’S LAP DOG? You’re just trying to align yourself with the white majority because you somehow have the delusion that they will accept you in their society. Therefore you distance yourself from other minority groups and nod along with whatever repressive bullshit the conservative media feeds you.
Posted on March 3rd, 2010 at 11:41 am
Cho Says:
@ Junsu
Next time, please read the entire post. The point I made, and what Hannah’s point is, why do we even have ANY month that celebrates a particular race.. let alone “Asian Awareness Month.” During May, I’m sure the media wont cover the “Asian History” much, and I’m sure it wont be anywhere near the scope it has on Black History month. That’s the issue here.. it’s not the same.
So like you said, you are ok for Affirmative Action to give a school a semblance of diversity… tell that to the other minorities that qualify by their grades/merit of hard work, but can’t get into their dream school because their policy is to “diversify” the student body, instead of giving the best students the chance for the best education. Please do more research on this matter… as of right now, an overwhelming amount of Asians are rejected at top tier schools because of this “Diversity” you obviously accept. Why are you so complacent on this? I feel bad for ALL minorities that a school would limit a particular race, just so they can be “diversified.”
Once again you didn’t read the message I mentioned about Social Security. It’s a program that worked well in the past, it’s barely working ok now, and in 2040 or earlier, the program is finished… most of us college grads will not get anything out of this program. It’s a program that helped in the PAST, and it will be a major problem in the future. Just like Affirmative Action. It worked great to give minorities the chance to move up, because there were no opportunities for people. But now, there are more chances for minorities to succeed. It’s not the same situation it is in the past… now Affirmative Action is hurting some minorities from chances, while giving others a benefit.
Instead of doing your homework, how about just read before you start writing your opinion on things. Next time you wont jump into a discussion looking so foolish without reading the gist of the message, instead of just the words. Did you even read the entire Hannah’s Opinion piece? Most people didn’t.. they assumed that by reading.. “No more Black history month” that it MUST be racist. Read the content, not the single words in the message.
Posted on March 3rd, 2010 at 1:23 pm
S Says:
What are you taking about? Of course affirmative action hurts Asian Americans. We’re talking in generalities here.
Asian households have a higher average income than other minorities because they’re more successful academically and, therefore, they have better jobs. Their culture puts more emphasis on academic and financial success than others. Sorry you can’t deal with this obvious truth.
Posted on March 3rd, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Bonnie Macquire Says:
@Mike,
The reason why there is no ‘white history month’ is because the other 11 months is white history. When I was in grade school…even high school all we were taught was white history…then they would sprinkle a little bit of black history in there just so they didn’t seem racist. I could give an hour long lecture on white history, but I surely couldn’t do the same for black history…there is a reason for that. It was NEVER taught.
Could you imagine being in a school and all they taught was black history all year…and then randomly they will bring up Benjamin Franklin just so you don’t feel left out? I don’t think so.
Posted on March 3rd, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Bonnie Macquire Says:
@ Marissa,
What the hell are you talking about? People in Kenya are not African? So what the f’uck are they…European? Get the f’uck out of here with your uneducated self. In addition. I don’t mean to personally attack you…but claiming to be a minority does not legitimize your argument, it just makes you sound more stupid and ignorant. Just a thought you should really consider next time.
Posted on March 3rd, 2010 at 10:29 pm
the model minority Says:
@S: Asian Americans benefit from affirmative action. First and foremost, racial diversity yields crucial educational and social benefits for everyone. Educational and social institutions must reflect our diverse society. Furthermore, underrepresented Asian American populations rightly deserve affirmative action consideration. For example, many University of California campuses included Southeast Asians in their affirmative action plans until Proposition 209 outlawed their efforts. This enabled many qualified Southeast Asians to gain access to some of the most elite University of California campuses.
Source: http://aaldef.org/programs/affirmative-action/affirmative-action.html
Actually, we are not talking in generalities. We’re talking about the nuances of different cultural diversities among minority groups. I believe what you mean to say is that because you never benefited from affirmative action, neither should your peers who might themselves be Southeast Asian because you don’t think that anyone deserves special treatment. It’s not a matter of Asian Americans being hurt by affirmative action. It’s a matter of your racial paranoia.
Please at least skim over the following:
SOURCE: http://www.understandingprejudice.org/readroom/articles/affirm.htm
Myth 1: The only way to create a color-blind society is to adopt color-blind policies.
Although this statement sounds intuitively plausible, the reality is that color-blind policies often put racial minorities at a disadvantage. For instance, all else being equal, color-blind seniority systems tend to protect White workers against job layoffs, because senior employees are usually White (Ezorsky, 1991). Likewise, color-blind college admissions favor White students because of their earlier educational advantages. Unless preexisting inequities are corrected or otherwise taken into account, color-blind policies do not correct racial injustice — they reinforce it.
Myth 3: Affirmative action may have been necessary 30 years ago, but the playing field is fairly level today.
Despite the progress that has been made, the playing field is far from level. Women continue to earn 76 cents for every male dollar (Bowler, 1999). Black people continue to have twice the unemployment rate of White people, twice the rate of infant mortality, and just over half the proportion of people who attend four years or more of college (see Figure 1). In fact, without affirmative action the percentage of Black students at many selective schools would drop to only 2% of the student body (Bowen & Bok, 1998). This would effectively choke off Black access to top universities and severely restrict progress toward racial equality.
Myth 6: If Jewish people and Asian Americans can rapidly advance economically, African Americans should be able to do the same.
This comparison ignores the unique history of discrimination against Black people in America. As historian Roger Wilkins has pointed out, Blacks have a 375-year history on this continent: 245 involving slavery, 100 involving legalized discrimination, and only 30 involving anything else (Wilkins, 1995). Jews and Asians, on the other hand, are populations that immigrated to North America and included doctors, lawyers, professors, and entrepreneurs among their ranks. Moreover, European Jews are able to function as part of the White majority. To expect Blacks to show the same upward mobility as Jews and Asians is to deny the historical and social reality that Black people face.
Myth 7: You can’t cure discrimination with discrimination.
The problem with this myth is that it uses the same word — discrimination — to describe two very different things. Job discrimination is grounded in prejudice and exclusion, whereas affirmative action is an effort to overcome prejudicial treatment through inclusion. The most effective way to cure society of exclusionary practices is to make special efforts at inclusion, which is exactly what affirmative action does. The logic of affirmative action is no different than the logic of treating a nutritional deficiency with vitamin supplements. For a healthy person, high doses of vitamin supplements may be unnecessary or even harmful, but for a person whose system is out of balance, supplements are an efficient way to restore the body’s balance.
Posted on March 5th, 2010 at 2:40 am
Ryan Says:
This is quite honestly the most intellectually defunct amalgamation of talking points and irrational hostility weaved together into one awful article. Although you’re certainly afforded the freedom to express whatever opinions you may have, this piece is resoundingly uninformed and composed entirely of nearly absurd or quite blatant fallacies. In the future I would suggest extensive fact checking before you write about policies such as affirmative action or advocating the demise of identity politics when you clearly demonstrate a tremendous lack of knowledge on all the subjects you touch upon in your free-wheeling marathon through the contemporary American racial landscape. I think what irritates me personally is your entitled attitude of superiority, and belief that your discourse is somehow elevating and coherent. Such banal and trivial ramblings should not be published unless one is open to the notion that they might be aggressively lampooned.
Posted on March 6th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Patrick Ross Says:
Since Rebecca took it upon herself to censor both my comments (and I have evidence of it, including some from the EIC himself), let me start by re-posting this:
“As an editor for this paper, one who is fond of my colleagues and their hard work, I can recognize our weaknesses.”
Of course you’re not speaking from your editorial position, Rebecca. I can recognize these weaknesses as well: This is an unprofessional outfit.
And to T. “Massiel”: Are you afraid you use your own name when criticizing your friend? Oh, and of course we should just forget about little details like “free speech.”
Posted on March 9th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Patrick Ross Says:
“This is quite honestly the most intellectually defunct amalgamation of talking points and irrational hostility weaved together into one awful article.”
Ryan: I could have sworn at first you were referring to the critical comments, including yours, before I got to the end of that sentence.
Posted on March 9th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Rebecca Says:
Hey Patrick, I didn’t censor any comments. Try talking to David again, or better yet, try talking to me. I would prefer meeting in person to discuss your dissatisfaction with my comments than for you to continue to rant about me to our mutual friends and my co-workers.
Speaking in my capacity as an editor is a different thing than speaking from a position of authority as a representative of the paper. I’ll still hold to that. I realize that I was straddling a thin line in my comments a couple weeks ago, and my argument may not have been semantically air-tight — I was really quite upset, which is why I was moved to respond in the first place.
Posted on March 9th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Patrick Ross Says:
Rebecca, I have nothing to say to you except what I’ve said already, and this to boot: You owe your readers and writers an apology. If you want to sit down and sing cumbaya, do it with someone else.
Posted on March 10th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Patrick Ross Says:
And I should add, like I said to David when I got the initial cumbaya offer: if YOU have something to say to me personally, you can call me. I have nothing else to add about this. You have the number, you have my email, and if you need any of it again, talk to Shapan. But if all you want is heat off the paper publicly–not happening; you went there, your problem.
Posted on March 10th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Patrick Ross Says:
One more thing: Let’s assume you’re right too–that speaking “as an editor” is mutually exclusive to speaking for the staff.
What of this little gem:
“As editors, there’s only so much we can do to fix the articles that are submitted to us.”
If by not having delivered a “semantically airtight” argument, you mean you danced a sloppy jig as you pirouetted between “Editor,” “Editors,” “Ombudsman,” “Rebecca,” and back to “Editor” to cover yourself, then yeah, yeah I think that’s right. Don’t give me this “let’s talk” garbage. Everything anyone needs to hear is available right here. In fact, you wouldn’t have even had to bother responding if I hadn’t approached your Editor in Chief about the multiple comments you deleted when you lost your ground to stand on. The only reason you have to bother responding is because of that.
Posted on March 10th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Patrick Ross Says:
I’m taking screen caps of all these comments, mind you, and I will have witnesses. Any funny business and it’s all getting paper trailed so it can be reported to other media outlets.
Posted on March 10th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Patrick Ross Says:
And yes, yes I did “rant” about your censorship to our mutual friend, who is also your colleague, and who happens to agree with Hanna and me as he told you. Furthermore, he’s publicly defended the article when it was lambasted by one of your ilk in a classroom, so if, on your high horse, you think you are speaking for your staff (or wait, only as you, or as ombudsman, or…), then you’re mistaken.
Posted on March 10th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Jaime Ballesteros Says:
One day we will see a Hannah Guthry in a medium close-up shot on our LCD flatscreens. She will be a champion of the right- articulate, rehearsed, unflinching, and tenacious. She’ll be dressed professionally but still with a sense of being casual enough to have a slice of pizza with. See, that way the young kids like her too. Her new book will be flying off shelves. Some will be praising it, some burning it. Either way the checks will get signed and tickets to the couches of various morning shows will be booked. Just as with this article a big fuss will be made but at the end of the day none of the words will matter because at the end of the day no one’s opinion is changing. We’ll chase ours and each others’ tails until we get caught up in the next Hannah Guthry or at least until another book is released and we all run to our closets to see if the old righteous dress still fits. It’ll work like gangbusters. Crown publishers will be salivating. We’re an extremely marketable demographic like that and no doubt Hannah Guthry 10.0 will pull at all strings until finding that perfect note to prick up our ears. And god bless her. This is what this whole game is about. If anything, lets give the Hannah Guthry credit for living her values. This Hannah Guthry speaks in so many words of achievement based on merit and she proves her dedication to this ideal in her life. Toasts to her for her achievement these last couple of weeks. Here we have a twinkling star of a writer who reminded us to stay on our toes, because whoever you are and whatever you believe in, you are reminded that for every one of you there is another who thinks you’re just plain stupid. They’ll quote you, dissect your beliefs, one-up you on diction, and do numerous other funny things like break your arguments down into cute numbered sections being the trained and efficient test takers that they are.
The Hannah Guthry has helped motivate with her so-so written opinion piece some of the best student held actions I have seen in my four years at this otherwise painfully quiet University. I let my camera run until it’s batteries died as students of BSU, MSU, WSA, and various other allies of their cause stood together IN PART because one of the many Hannah Guthry’s reminded them of the reason these groups exist. Kudos be to Hannah Guthry who asked if we really need a Black History month and as only a true genius can, answered her very own question by demonstrating that obviously we do. So then, the least we can do is give her more attention. We should highlight her achievements. She is an icon and I want to make silk-screen reproduction paintings of her.
So years from now Hannah Guthry 10.0 will be bobbling in our television sets and causing a commotion because damn ‘nab it, she just can’t take that damn preferential treatment of minorities. The books will be published and the checks will be signed, because if she’s anything like Hannah Guthry circa 2010 she wouldn’t have a choice the poor thing but to bask in just how subversive she is always with the courage to put her name on her opinions. Still, that doesn’t mean I have to spell it right.
Posted on March 11th, 2010 at 1:33 am
Reader176 Says:
^ Hahaha. Everyone is really upping the sarcasm I can see.^ Stay civil people.
peace.
Posted on March 11th, 2010 at 2:12 am
JaimeB. Says:
One day we will see a Hannah Guthry in a medium close-up shot on our LCD flatscreens. She will be a champion of the right- articulate, rehearsed, unflinching, and tenacious. She’ll be dressed professionally but still with a sense of being casual enough to have a slice of pizza with. See, that way the young kids like her too. Her new book will be flying off shelves. Some will be praising it, some burning it. Either way the checks will get signed and tickets to the couches of various morning shows will be booked. Just as with this article a big fuss will be made but at the end of the day none of the words will matter because at the end of the day no one’s opinion is changing. We’ll chase ours and each others’ tails until we get caught up in the next Hannah Guthry or at least until another book is released and we all run to our closets to see if the old righteous dress still fits. It’ll work like gangbusters. Crown publishers will be salivating. We’re an extremely marketable demographic like that and no doubt Hannah Guthry 10.0 will pull at all strings until finding that perfect note to prick up our ears. And god bless her. This is what this whole game is about. If anything, lets give the Hannah Guthry credit for living her values. This Hannah Guthry speaks in so many words of achievement based on merit and she proves her dedication to this ideal in her life. Toasts to her for her achievement these last couple of weeks. Here we have a twinkling star of a writer who reminded us to stay on our toes, because whoever you are and whatever you believe in, you are reminded that for every one of you there is another who thinks you’re just plain stupid. They’ll quote you, dissect your beliefs, one-up you on diction, and do numerous other funny things like break your arguments down into cute numbered sections being the trained and efficient test takers that they are.
The Hannah Guthry has helped motivate with her so-so written opinion piece some of the best student held actions I have seen in my four years at this otherwise painfully quiet University. I let my camera run until it’s batteries died as students of BSU, MSU, WSA, and various other allies of our cause stood together IN PART because one of the many Hannah Guthry’s reminded them of the reason these groups exist and why their work work is so important. Kudos be to Hannah Guthry who asked if we really need a Black History month and strangely answered her very own question by demonstrating that obviously we do. So then, the least we can do is give her more attention. We should highlight her achievements. She is an icon and I want to make silk-screen reproduction paintings of her.
So years from now Hannah Guthry 10.0 will be bobbling in our television sets and causing a commotion because damn ‘nab it, she just can’t take that damn preferential treatment of minorities. The books will be published and the checks will be signed, because if she’s anything like Hannah Guthry circa 2010 she wouldn’t have a choice the poor thing but to bask in just how subversive she is, always with the courage to put her name on her opinions. Still, that doesn’t mean I have to spell it right.
Posted on March 11th, 2010 at 2:17 am
Jack Says:
Guys come on, it’s an opinion!
You guys are preaching about tolerance and making your voice heard, and that’s great, good for you. But when someone else speaks their mind and it’s not in line with what you think, you don’t criticize them or tell them to shut up.
By telling her to silence herself you’re doing the exact thing that you’re fighting against. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? By lashing out at some poor girl, you are victimizing her and demonizing yourselves.
Anyone who doesn’t agree with her article has that right. It’s an opinion! But do it in a constructive manner and write up a response like a normal person instead of being whiners.
If she got her opinion in the paper, then all of you can do the same. But don’t abuse some poor girl over her thoughts. Be civil, please.
Posted on March 12th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
bckat Says:
Proud Republican Hanna G. left out some descriptive adjectives: “I wish we could all just be [white European] Americans.”
Posted on March 13th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@ryan Says:
@Ryan, that was the biggest bunch of big words/run on bullshit sentences I’ve ever seen. You don’t have to prove to anyone that you have a big vocabulary. If you work so hard to write a comment to this article, just go write for the New U. Seriously man, I bet you proofread that shit like 12 times. Come on.
Posted on March 17th, 2010 at 12:40 am