I don’t think it is that far off to suggest that blacks are divided on values by class. There has always been a values divide between poor and middle class–it just seems to be wider now. Money, or lack of it changes values. Two worlds? I think that’s an exaggeration but not too much so. But this divide is a reality for ALL races–not just blacks.

Where Williams makes a complete leap and overreach is in his conclusion, “This comes down to black Americans who believe in family, education and personal responsibility vs. those who point at “the man” or the “system” for the added weight on black Americans.”

There is just no way the data from the report can support this statement. This is simply William’s opinion.

The use of the word “race” at all leads to all sorts of absurd assumptions. As much as we may insist that we are beyond believing that we are part of a “race” defined by inherent genetic differences, yet the discussions we have are defined precisely by the belief that we DO have inherent genetically-based differences from whites, rather than sociological and cultural differences based on our historical and present role and position in American society.

Garbage in, garbage out. Any discussion that starts from the belief in the existence of “race” is bound to become hopelessly stuck in disagreements that can never be resolved, because “race” itself does not exist. What does exist in America is denigration, subjugation and exploitation based on skin color, but not all Blacks are subjugated and exploited in the precisely the same ways. Some of us suffer color-based traffic profiling while driving old Honda Civics while others of us suffer color-based traffic profiling while driving new Rolls Royces.

Anyway, this article from Juan Williams convinces me of two things: 1) We have many more Black spokespeople in the mainstream media than ever before, and 2) We are much freer and more empowered than ever before to tell them that we think they’re full of crap.

I have never, ever seen anyone who has mede this assertion apply it to whites. They are quick to say “there are actually no black people”, but won’t ever say “there are actually no white people”. This is basically the same kind of distancing Juan Williams is doing, and it’s just as cowardly.

Being brown doesn’t mean that we have a common experience.

I’m not certain of the best practices in terms of categorizing folk but surely socioeconomic status is a better determinant of ones experience in housing, education, employment, etc.

I see no difference in his mind set and that of those who blames Europeans for everything.

They exist, live to prove their own humanity in prejudice of others.
I compare this with the racism between Africans in Africa.

It should be dealt with seriously, because as any iceberg, what lurks under the surface is quite BIG.

What is important I do not see discussed…

Pointing actual roads to be paved, instead of the old coward game of blaming.

Remember this next time he complains that black kids make fun of each other for “acting white” when they study. After an essay like this one, isn’t it fair to say he agrees with the sentiment that a studious black kid is at the very least, not acting “black”? Where do people think kids get these essentialized notions of race and intelligence to being with?

Actually, on one level, I’m glad he said something like this. It’ll hasten the complete loss of his credibility.

I’m getting the feeling that you want to revoke Williams’ ‘Black Card’.

LOL

This comes down to black Americans who believe in family, education and personal responsibility vs. those who point at “the man” or the “system” for the added weight on black Americans.

Where does this leave a Negro like me, who believes strongly in family, education & personal responsibility, but totally understands the influenece of ‘ The Man’ and ‘The System’ on Black folk.

Where am I, dnA?

Am I a Good Negro or Bad One?

While he is foolish to say we will be a different race, I predict that if there isn’t some sort of cohesion there will be dissention within the ranks.