After reading my posts the other day, I can see how I may have offended many people here, namely AggieRocket and Another Brother. For this I apologize. After several members called me out for being a racist, I did some deep soul searching and can see how what I said might have been a little too blunt. Honestly, I am not a racist. I own several companies and stores, and 90% of my employees are African-American. I talked to one of my elderly customers, who is African American at length about the struggles faced by those similar to his age group, and I never really realized how bad it actually was. I've only seen pictures and videos. As an aside, my current girlfriend is of African-American background. Next time, I'll try to stay out of D&D. I'm a newbie here, and wasnt aware of how classy my fellow Rocket fans are. Once again, my apologies to whoever I have offended. In ending, I will say that anyone can "make it" in society if they put their mind to it. I have also been a victim of racism and unfair stereotyping. I am neither white nor American just to clarify things. ( I'm not a Chinese YOF either ) Some people may need a bit more mentoring and leadership guidance to reach their full potential. We are all gods, some just haven't realized it as yet.
There is no need to apologize and there is no need for you to stay out of the D&D. That is precisely why it is the D&D. It is supposed to be the place where we exchange ideas and debate issues. That is all that you were doing. As a matter of fact, I commend you for stating your opinion and sticking to your guns. Reading some of my posts on this thread, I realize that I was out of line in calling you out. I honestly do not think you are a racist. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, even in a BBS. I think both of us are guilty of that Sometimes we forget that this is the forum for provocative thought. No hard feelings at all I hope there are no hard feelings on your end as well. Welcome to the BBS and I hope you continue posting here.
oh you have a black girlfriend oh . .that makes it all the difference in the world I mean . . .eminem gets a pass on making a racist song because he was talking about a ex girlfriend who happened to black . . . so why should you be any different ok . .rant over. . . . Question: Did you let your girlfriend read what your wrote? Rocket River " . . . . some of my best friends are <insert discriminated group here>"
I think this is a good thread. I think that people from different races and classes need to talk with (and not *at*) each other more than ever. Haven's honest attempt to grapple with his own actions and reactions in this situation is a good example for us all. I have also appreciated Another Brother's story and perspective here. Here's my take: A lot of white middle class guys like myself often complain about racism in the context of the culture of vicitimization that has developed in recent times. Many of us are angry at blacks and women for making themselves out to be victims and blaming us for many of the world's problems that were here before we were born. I guess what many of us fail to realise is that *we* are portraying themselves as victims, too. If you demand responsibilty from others it is only fair that you take responsibility yourself. As I sit here I am not so sure that I haven't made unfair assumptions about other people based on race. This is an issue that I am sensitive about and think is probably the most important unresolved problem in American history. Still, if I am honest with myself, I know that I have been guilty. Rather than wear a hairshirt about the way I feel, or have felt in the past, I've made a concerted effort in recent years to learn about race relations and talk with people from different backgrounds about this issue. I want to grow and reach a deeper wisdom about race and not give into fear and easy hatred. On a larger political level, I have made it my Roe vs. Wade-like litmus test never to support candidates, or political parties that race-bait, or try to divide different parts of society. It is poisonous to write off whole segments of your country. This is the whole idea of there being "white trash" and "good black people" and all of that garbage. I am a proud secular humanist who believes that all potential and promise is within *our* grasp if only we try and achieve it for everybody.
Because he is more black than Bill Clinton! When I bring up Thomas Sowell or Walter Williams I am told that they do not represent black America. If Mr. Brightside is telling the truth (and I have no reason to believe that he is not) he surrounds himself with black people that he has both hired and romanced. That doesn't sound like the racist that people accused him of being. I need to go back and read his remarks that were so confusing to people...
I tired of folx feeling like because they got a black friend or two that they can say anything. . .then come back with a half-*ssed apology You don't stab someone something . .. then go . . . sorry about that . . . It wasn't because of that . . . I got friends that do that. . . . . Just because someone apologizes does not DEMAND we accept it . .. or even beleive it . . . While he maybe sincere. . . . . OOPS MY BAD does not cover it Rocket River
to our resident black folx in D&D what makes you more angry....when a white person makes racist comments or when a person of another race makes them? i know giddyup was only playing but this just kind of stems from his comments about mr. brightside being black just because he is around black people a lot.
the white person that gives me the wrong directions as I ride a midnight bike-a-thon. sometimes i just wanna ROB them mf's!!!
Close to being on the money, BMoney. I don't fall into the middle class group you're talking about, being too old and still seeing myself as a dyed in the wool hippie... white beard, far too little hair, and middle class life not withstanding, but I know I've had some conversations here with some of our Chinese members when it was like we were talking right past each other. Some of the problems are just poor communication, and threads like this help with that. Of course, giddy just trys to drive everyone mad... I'm a good example of his success. Keep D&D civil!!
I didn't know that not being able to pigeonhole me would carry such a high personal price for you Deck Old Friend! I'm only striving for benign provocativness...
