Originally Posted by JavaBlack

The problem is that most of the remaining inequality is not being seen for what it is:
1. class... Blacks make up a disproportionate number of the poor and working poor. The problems they recognize as problems of the "black community" are really problems of the poor, particularly the urban poor- lousy schools, high crime, lack of opportunity, lack of capital, etc. They are better framed as problems of the poor than racially based problems.
2. social/cultural... There are no legislative barriers left really, but there are many social and cultural issues... more difficult because government can't do much. And in order to be addressed they must be brought up and brought to people's attention- but when this happens, people freak out.

I've had at least 3 employers who would discriminate against blacks. All low-skill jobs. Putting together that blacks disproportionately make up the class that is most likely to need these kind of jobs... and those jobs are disproportionately likely to discriminate when possible- that does equal a net loss of opportunity.
People seem to think this doesn't happen anymore, but I've seen direct evidence. Employers get a little loose-lipped around people they think sympathize with them (similar to how guys, when they're together, will often say a lot of disgusting crap about women- another annoying part of working those crappy bottom-rung jobs). I've actually seen people toss applications into the can over race.
No regulation will stop that. It's already illegal. They get around it.
Nothing short of cultural change will stop it.

Originally Posted by BillyBob

Free crack?

I bet it would reduce the crime and murder rate dramatically. Of course, if blacks usually kill each other, that might not be such a good thing. It's sorta their way of 'culling the herd'.....

Originally Posted by ABoyNamedSue

We've had threads debating about how far we've come since King's "dream" speech. We've had threads debating Rev. Wright's racist views/teachings.

This got me thinking...

a) What exactly is it that black folks aren't getting?
b) How exactly is it the fault of white folks?
c) What exactly do black folks want, that they don't have already?

Is it reparations from slavery?
Who is to pay whom, and why? None of MY ancestors were in America before 1900, so I feel I don't owe blacks anything. Furthermore, how many black folks can prove that their ancestors were slaves? Finally, is "throwing money at the problem" going to solve anything? So what, if a bunch of blacks get a check? Is that going to make everything "all better?" Is it supposed to "teach Whitey a lesson?"

Is it job equality?
At every place of employment I've ever been to, I've worked alongside blacks. As a middle-class white person, I can't find racial job inequality. In my experience, blacks have always had just as much opportunity as whites. Find me one college-graduated black who can't find a job. One.

Is it inequality in schools?
Through the public school system, blacks have just as much an opportunity for an education as whites. Here in my city, enrollment is high in black neighborhoods (keeping them in schools...that's a different story).

Is it "victimization" from "Whitey?"
How exactly is "Whitey keeping blacks down?" If anything, "Whitey" is bending over backwards for black folks. This includes everything from affirmative action, to entitlement programs.

Discuss.
However, I'm looking for examples and specifics. None of this "you oughta know" or "ain't it clear already" garbage. If it's a big enough deal, then it should be easy to provide some clear, and concise examples.

Originally Posted by frodly

What do people from Tennessee want?

Originally Posted by catzmeow

Of course, you know what they say about the North of England, right? Liverpool: Where men are men, and sheep are nervous.