I’m a white guy who grew up in Oakland Californian. I still spend a lot of time there. I absolutely agree with everything Barkley said. I’ve been saying the same thing for years to my friends (black and white), but I’m not a famous athlete so no one gives a cr#p.
The hardest people to convince about of the facts of black America are white liberals from the burbs. They are so sanctimonious about ‘Republican racism’ (so called), but whenever I tell any of them I from Oakland and still have family in Oakland they always shudder....because....lets face it, they are afraid of the stereotypical black dude....the very dudes who they vote with every two years.
I respond by saying black people are absolutely fine and it’s not them (per se) making parts of Oakland unsafe. It’s liberal politicians and ignorance making parts of Oakland unsafe. It just so happens most blacks are liberals which to this day I don’t understand why. Any city run by liberals will be screwed up, it doesn’t matter what their color. The liberals took over Oakland in 1965 and it’s had problems ever sense. We’ve had a couple of decent mayors, but most get into power with liberal stem-winder speeches unfortunately
By the way, I love Oakland. It’s the greatest city on the face of the earth. The weather is fantastic, there is a of of culture, Jack London Square, a cool down town area, and the A’s, Warriors, and Raiders are great symbols for the city (no jokes about the Raiders please).
Thank you Charles for saying it like it is. I wish President Obama had your wisdom because things will never change in the black community until a black politician with your attitude comes to prominence.
The hardest people to convince about of the facts of black America are white liberals from the burbs.
Agreed. I live in a neighborhood with a make up much like Ferguson's in terms of racial mix an income, and no one here is cheering the rioters. I suspect all, and know some, of my black neighbors believe Michael Brown was an innocent gunned down by a cop, but they still don't approve of the violent retaliation. Although of course most of them are also old enough to know how retaliation works out in the long run; going on their past history, some of them likely felt differently when younger.
The only person I know who is cheering on the so-called "peaceful protests" and arguing that random black violence is justified is a white liberal who has lived her whole life in the suburbs. Although for some weird reason I think it's less than she's scared of the "stereotypical black dude" -- although she is -- and more because she identifies with him somehow. An "if that were me, I'd want the right to lash out, and I'd have the power to do so" kind of thing.
Never thought I’d see the day when I’d say “Charles Barkley for President”! (Well, maybe I still won’t go THAT far.)
Good to have someone that the black kids look up to (?? or is Barkley too old now?) saying stuff like this. Although I’m sure they get the message from other stars. Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman have football camps back in their gang-ridden hometown(s) near LA (Compton is one, maybe both).