seattle schools say only whites are racist

Parent Cafe
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<p>Thomas Sowell, Larry Elder, Samuel L. Jackson, Condi Rice</p>

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<p>The best role model is your parent. Not some far-off politician.</p>

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<p>But what if the parent isn’t a good role model?</p>

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<p>Well, that’s the problem isn’t it?</p>

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<p>Don’t mention Condi Rice to liberals, ChuckNorris. Colin Powell either. They sure do care about black people, until black people realizing they are being screwed over by the liberals. Then it’s okay for Ted Rall to draw a comic calling Condi a “house ■■■■■■■■ It’s okay for Democrats to throw oreos at a mixed-race Republican candidate too.</p>

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<p>Hello, reality.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.politicalcortex.com/story/2005/11/3/145015/641[/url]”>http://www.politicalcortex.com/story/2005/11/3/145015/641&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Hm. Interesting. I retract my oreos comment.</p>

<p>However, here’s liberal darling Ted Rall’s Condi comic for you:
<a href=“http://images.ucomics.com/comics/trall/2004/trall040705.gif[/url]”>http://images.ucomics.com/comics/trall/2004/trall040705.gif&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>And here’s him mocking 9/11 widows:
<a href=“http://images.ucomics.com/comics/trall/2002/trall020304.gif[/url]”>http://images.ucomics.com/comics/trall/2002/trall020304.gif&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Here’s Ted Rall saying that the Army is like the SS:
<a href=“http://www.uexpress.com/tedrall/?uc_full_date=20040504[/url]”>http://www.uexpress.com/tedrall/?uc_full_date=20040504&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Here’s him calling Pat Tillman an idiot:
<a href=“http://images.ucomics.com/comics/trall/2004/trall040503.gif[/url]”>http://images.ucomics.com/comics/trall/2004/trall040503.gif&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I think some people are confusing the definitions of, “racism”, “discrimination”, and “prejudice”. For those who fail to parse the terms accurately, the definitions can in some circumstances appear to be virtually indistinguishable. But there ARE important differences.</p>

<p>“Racism” relies on the assumption that one race is INHERENTLY superior to another or others. However, this criterion does not soley define the term. “Prejudice” could just as easily incompass a belief in the inherent superiority of one racial group over another or others. One need only look at some of the more radical arms of the black muslim movement, and the incendiary rhetoric of Louis Ferrakhan, et al. However, the definition of “Prejudice” is NOT dependent upon an assumption of racial superiority. Prejudice could just as easily encompass the dogged belief that Democracy is superior to Socialism, or that Pomeranians are superior to Shih tzus. Prejudice is limited to BELIEFS, which may or may not pertain to racial judgements. </p>

<p>“Racism” is not only predicated by the "belief in the superiority of a certain race, but also by the use of widespread discriminatory practices instituted by members of the racial group that wields the bulk of social, political and economic power in a nation or society. In America, and indeed all of western civilization, the caucasian race holds the defacto status of "top dog. It is whites who hold the bulk of economic, political and social clout in most of the developed world. Is there any arging this? —And let’s not obfuscate things by bringing up the issue of “poor whites”. They may not hold much in the way of economic or political clout, but they still retain many of the social benifits of membership in the defacto “superior race”. This is one reason a poor white in a suit will sometimes have far less trouble hailing a cab than a well to do black man in Armani. </p>

<p>Now please understand me, I am NOT saying that all whites are racist (heck, my spouse of 23 yrs. is white. I certainly wouldn’t have married him if I thought he were racist). But all whites do inherit at birth automatic status as members of “the superior race”. This translates into everyday social and political advantages, both large and small, and so numerous and pervasive, that most whites fail to be even be conscious of them. </p>

<p>“Discrimination” entails an ACT of discrimination, which may or may not entail a prejudicial belief that one thing (or race) is inherently “better” than another". At times, “Discrimination” may simply boil down to an act of choice concerning that which seems to best serve a particular use or objective. An act of discrimination may be based on the prejudicial belief that one race is better than another, or it may be based on the belief that there is a more pressing need for Lacross players than English Lit majors in a particular round of college admissions—or the belief that it is good for a college environment to include a wide range of differing racial backgrounds and points of view, and thereby choosing according to this rubric at decision time. In this way, I do not believe that race-aware admissions decisions are “racist”. Discriminatory, yes. Racist, no!</p>

<p>Some people have suggested that “black people cannot be racist”. If racism depends on the widespread social and political upperhand, I agree that in the current gobal political landscape, blacks do not wield sufficient clout to institute widespread discriminatory policy to the disadvantage of other races. Yes, there are a few pockets of somewhat concentrated black political clout in some American urban areas, but these are the exception. </p>

<p>I DO believe that blacks can be racially prejudiced and just as inclined to resort to stereotypes as any other race. And blacks can be racially discriminatory in limited social and political circumstances. But by in large, blacks cannot be racist, because racism is a social, economic and political institution established by the racial group with the greatest clout. And that group need not be a numerical majority, as evidenced by the South African Gov. under Apartheid.</p>

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<p>Mugabe in Zimbabwe is certainly a racist black person.</p>

<p>The term “racism” is usually applied to the dominant group in a society, because it is that group which has the means to oppress others, but readily applies to any individual or group(s), regardless of social status or dominance.</p>

<p>rac·ism Audio pronunciation of “racism” ( P ) Pronunciation Key (rszm)
n.</p>

<ol>
<li>The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.</li>
<li>Discrimination or prejudice based on race.</li>
</ol>

<p>I see nothing about “You must be in power/white to be racist” in any definition.</p>

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<p>right you don’t need to be caucasian to be racist except in the way that the SPD has interpreted it.

  • from the weekly article I linked earlier*

</p>

<p>Its pretty difficult to stay involved in the district, when you motives are always considered suspect.</p>

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<p>poetsheart, that was perfect.</p>

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<p>But all whites do inherit at birth automatic status as members of “the superior race”. This translates into everyday social and political advantages, both large and small, and so numerous and pervasive, that most whites fail to be even be conscious of them.</p>

<p>and when those “advantages” are not enough to help them succeed what then?
What about Caucasians as a whole in the Seattle school district who come 4th or 5th in academic measures as I illustrated earlier compared to other ethnic groups.
What about that-we have measures in place to support minorty students as I mentioned above- even if a Caucasian student comes from a back ground of lowish income. of parents with little education and isnt succeeding in school ( ex two years below grade level- despite normal or higher IQ)- there are inadaquate if any supports for students if they are white- because of course if whites aren’t succeeding then it must be because they aren’t trying hard enough, whereas if minorities aren’t succeeding it is the system.</p>

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<p>a picture of 18 of the 24 high school seniors that seattle schools gave scholarships to recently- does it look like minorities are discriminated against in the school district?
<a href=“http://www.seattleschools.org/area/main/comp.dxml?app=Story&storyId=1953&settings=default[/url]”>http://www.seattleschools.org/area/main/comp.dxml?app=Story&storyId=1953&settings=default&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Oh, gosh, I can’t believe this was even said. Larry Elder? Geez. He happens to also be a Republican, which is why I guess his name was tossed into the ring as a candidate of “suitable black leaders”. I guess, then, we should add Alan Keyes while we’re at it? <em>sigh</em></p>

<p>And I’d venture to say, also, that many blacks would beg to differ with the statement that “they need leaders”, period.</p>

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<p>I know Alan Keyes and I didn’t mention him on purpose. He is a fool. Larry Elder is a libertarian. He joined the Republican party as of four years or so. Alan Keyes on the other hand, is as much a fool as Obama or Sharpton.</p>

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<p>could you expand on what you mean when you call these intelligent men “fools”?</p>

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<p>People don’t like to be called fools or racists.</p>

<p>I’m wondering how the people who wrote the school district articles think they are going to solve anything by saying that whites who deny they are racists are just in denial. That’s the same as calling them liars; no one likes that! It is downright insulting and it seems like the authors of that article is just trying to stir up strife.</p>

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<p>So Emerald, you don’t believe that your whiteness confers upon you any particular social advantages in America? </p>

<p>On another note, as you probably know, I’ve been participating in CC forums for over two years. I have read many of your posts expressing ire and frustration with the minority (black in particular) leaders in both your city and school system. Your frustration and anger have come through loud and clear. In general, I defer to your accessment of the situation because I’m not there. I don’t have a child enrolled in seattle schools, and thereby, have no alternative frame of reference by which to judge things. I posted this question to you in another thread, after reading one of your more recent condemnations of the administration of your D’s school, but you probably never saw it, seeing as it came just as the thread was petering out: Are there No black parents who are as concerned and involved about the detrimental and illogical policies and practices being conducted at the school? I’m not talking about the critics and “aggitators” who show up at meetings and condemn every effort as racist. I’m talking about moderate individuals who understand the need for ALL students to be challenged and encouraged toward academic excellence, who participate in committees and forums, and strive to work hand in hand with the faculty and administration of the school for the betterment of ALL students. You speak as if all the black students at your D’s school are academic slackers whose parents either could’nt care less or act only as malcontents, and that white students (and their concerned and beleaguerd parents) are constantly under siege. Is the dicotomy actually that strict? Have you NO allies among the black parents?</p>

<p>Emerald, I have long admired your unflagging determination to insure that your Ds recieve all the adacemic tools and support that they have needed over the years to ensure their success. I had to do much of the same on behalf of my own D. But not everyone would quit their job to get in the trenches the way you have. You are a mother tigress. Who wouldn’t be impressed by that? I just sometimes wonder if it’s possible that your perspective might be just a tad bit skewed when it comes to the racial politics of seattle’s schools… Like I said, I’m not living it. I’m not there. But if what you say is the unvarnished, unbiased truth, it’s a wonder ANYONE graduates from Seattle Public schools ready for college.</p>

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<p>My concern is that a couple things are going on
first we are allowing students and staff members to be held to a lower standard if they throw the race card-( let me tell you about the principal of the school my daughter transfered out of sometime)</p>

<p>I would prefer and apparently voters of Washington who passed I-200 ( which I didn’t vote for by the way) that we provide support for student on a need basis- perhaps using socioeconomic indicators, not racial ones.</p>

<p>I don’t have a problem with virtually all the students who received scholarships from the Seattle school district being “of color”
I don’t have a problem with my daughters school having African American scholar program or the other programs whose acronyms change every year.
I do have a problem when it is assumed that because I am white my daughter is excelling.
I have a problem when that makes it impossible to get help for her, even when I quit my job and volunteered in the school at least 3 times a week to do so.
I don’t see why we can’t support all kids who need it.
If we don’t acknowledge the kids who need support, we can’t help them.
We are acknowledging the minority students who need support ( although not near enough support is given to recent immigrants- they are really underserved- but because they often don’t even know the language enough to know where or who to complain to- it doesn’t get addressed like it should)
I don’t think I have a skewed perspective- I realize that some of the mostly “minority” schools have lower income, have less experience teachers and have poorer results than we should expect.
But I don’t think that a website that states that “whites” are the oppressors are helping anything. I really don’t.
I think that while there needs to be an accurate assessment of the needs of the families and the students in SPS, and there should be measurable attempts to address those needs, I don’t think by routinely placing blame on Caucasians- that those needs will be filled.</p>

<p>SPS really can’t afford to alienate parents like me who are white, but who work to help all the kids.</p>

<p>I know kids who are plenty smart- but they are taking the easy way out because the teachers let them, because the liberal white( and black) teachers buy into that all the black students are economically disadvantaged, don’t have parents who care at home, and aren’t capable of better work.
MOst of the black parents I know- do care very much what their kids are doing in school & want them to be held to the same standard as everyone else.
When I speak of it being assumed that I am “rich” it has been from community members who are of color, who no longer have kids in the system. Im not speaking of the other parents. I know and like many of these folks, but I admit that I was hurt and shocked when they used me as an example of someone who is so privledged that she has time on her hands to attend board meetings.</p>

<p>I don’t really understand where they are coming from, because they are a different generation than I, and had to experience much that I will never understand.
I can empathize with them, but we haven’t really gotten to a place where we can understand each other.</p>

<p>But I also see the assumptions harming the students. This may be an isolated case I don’t know- but for example I was talking to my daughters principal and a young man who had recently graduated from college and had come back as part of a community grant to work in the school. The principal was having difficulty getting him to work with the student council, because he refused to work with the vice president ( he didn’t say why- but she was the lighest member of the council, but as far as I know, none of them were white)
The young man apparently felt that because she ws light skinned, that she had, had, an easy time of it, and didn’t understand where a majority of the schools students were coming from.</p>

<p>The principal was trying to give him more background on why that wasn’t true, and I stuck my nose in and tried to explain that I saw a different school than when he had attended. I saw that students if they wanted to, could take both remedial and AP classes- that teachers were willing to be contacted after hours to help students.</p>

<p>BUt this argument just convinced him that because I was white and educated, I saw a different side of the school. ( this I admit was a little irritating to me- considering he had a college degree as did his parents) when I tried to explain to him that my daughter * wasn’t * part of the “gifted” group he was thinking of, that my husband was a factory worker and that I didn’t graduate from high school, he didn’t believe me. he thought I was mocking him to make a point.)
I feel this attitude will hurt kids.
The kids I know are great- they work together really well.
It is the adults that are messing things up- but the more adults mess things up- the more they will send their kids elsewhere, both white and black, and fewer kids will have the opportunities my daughter has.
I am not going to stop being involved int he schools.</p>

<p>I feel like I have to do extra- for the kids whose parents can’t be there.</p>

<p>But the district has been poorly run for years- and while there are some really great schools-it makes me really nervous wondering if they can turn it around or if we will become another city with a very poor population with kids in public schools, and very affluent population with kids in private schools, and everyone else moves to the suburbs.
I don’t want to live in a city like that.
I did like this artcle about her school however
<a href=“http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003040152_garfield05m.html[/url]”>http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003040152_garfield05m.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;