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Destroying black youth
TownHall.com ^ | Wednesday, July 2, 2003 | Walter Williams

Posted on 07/01/2003 11:22:27 PM PDT by JohnHuang2

In last week's U.S. Supreme Court's affirmative action decision, Justice Clarence Thomas' dissent included a quotation from an 1865 speech by abolitionist Frederick Douglass. "What I ask for the Negro," Douglass said, "is not benevolence, not pity, not sympathy, but simply justice. ... All I ask is, give him a chance to stand on his own legs! Let him alone! ... Your interference is doing him positive injury."

Forget how the majority used the phrase "compelling state interest" to trump the 14th Amendment's requirement of equal treatment under the law and give continued sanction to racial discrimination. Let's examine some practical matters ignored in the pro-affirmative action celebration of the court's decision.

According to recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports, the average black high school senior had math skills on par with those of the typical nitnth-grade white student. The average 17-year-old black student could read only as well as the average 12-year-old white. Twelfth-grade black students were doing science problems at the level of sixth-grade white students and writing about as well as whites in the eighth grade.

As of 1998, only 18 percent of black students were rated proficient or advanced in reading, as compared to 47 percent for white students, which itself is nothing to write home about. In Michigan, the source of the controversy leading up to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision, just 2 percent of black eighth-graders score proficient in reading, compared to 34 percent of whites -- again, nothing to write home about. In addition to grossly fraudulent education, there's unthinkable school violence at many of the schools that black students attend.

According to a Department of Education report, "School Crime Patterns" (August 2002), "High schools with the highest levels of violence tended to be located in urban areas and have a high percentage of minority students (black and Hispanic), compared to high schools that reported no crime to the police."

The bottom line is given the day-to-day destruction of education for black students at the primary and secondary levels of schooling, most will never be able to compete academically. The fact that the affirmative action crowd demands discriminatory admission practices for post-graduate education such as in law and medical schools confirms something else. Black performance on admittance exams, such as the LSAT, MCAT and GRE, is stark testament that four years of undergraduate education cannot erase the damage of 12 years of fraudulent primary and secondary education.

In the name of diversity, college administrators and their campus sycophants support racially discriminatory admissions practices. They argue that racial diversity enriches the education experiences of all college students, for which there's absolutely no evidence whatsoever. However, since most college students and administrators are white, it might simply mean that racial diversity gives them a greater sense of superiority having a few campus mascots around, who can't hold their own, beholden to them.

Then there's the false-face of diversity, as Justice Antonin Scalia pointed out in his dissent. Academics support campus "tribalism and racial segregation" with "minority-only student organizations, separate minority housing opportunities, separate minority student centers, even separate minority-only graduation ceremonies."

Black politicians and civil rights organizations' loyalty to the education establishment means academic doom to black youngsters. Washington, D.C,. politics and its schools, among the worse in the nation, are a case in point. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, along with most members of the Congressional Black Caucus, use private schools to educate their children. But, when D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams broke ranks with most black elected-officials and endorsed recently proposed education vouchers, Norton blasted him as being "a sell-out."

Whom do you think Frederick Douglass would deem the sell-out: those who seek an alternative to rotten schools that cost taxpayers $13,000 a year per student or those who support the status quo?

©2003 Creators Syndicate, Inc.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Extended News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: affirmativeaction; atriskstudents; blackstudents; clarencethomas; educationnews; frederickdouglass; ruling; walterwilliams
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To: rdb3
If American blacks want their rightful place in American society, they must act as Americans act. Every other American must treat us like they would any other American.

NO excuses. NO comprimising the American spirit. NO hyphenation. America for Americans and all that she offers.

It's just that plain and simple

I totally agree with what you say.

My point of mentioning new leaders was because, the likes of Jesse Jackson are a big influence on some in the black community. And to be honest, they are not helping.

41 posted on 07/02/2003 7:54:34 PM PDT by Mo1
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To: Mo1
My point of mentioning new leaders was because, the likes of Jesse Jackson are a big influence on some in the black community. And to be honest, they are not helping.

Okay. I'll grant you that. You're correct. They aren't helping. They exacerbate the already bleak situation.

Instead of new "leaders," I suggest that we have new "examples."

42 posted on 07/02/2003 8:12:25 PM PDT by rdb3 (Nerve-racking since 0413hrs on XII-XXII-MCMLXXI)
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To: rdb3
"If American blacks want their rightful place in American society, they must act as Americans act. Every other American must treat us like they would any other American. NO excuses. NO comprimising the American spirit. NO hyphenation. America for Americans and all that she offers."

That's all fine and well, and I agree, but the resurgence and renaissance in Black America will be well aided by breaking up a few of the left-wing plantations such as the all-powerful public teachers union that protects bad teachers and bloats the bureaucracy with administation staff, as well as wastes time and effort on worthless slogan-eering.

Vouchers for parents to choose the schools for their children will break up the public school teachers unions and end the decaying urban educational system.

Banning most abortions, or at least making them unpopular via the ubiquitous use of pre-natal ultrasound images, will likewise slow or even reverse the degradation and harm caused by urban moral abandon.

Doing these two things will help all Americans, too.

43 posted on 07/02/2003 8:18:39 PM PDT by Southack (Media bias means that Castro won't be punished for Cuban war crimes against Black Angolans in Africa)
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To: rdb3
Again .. I'm in total agreement with you

Question is .. how do we get the media to focus on better examples?

Because they too are a big influence on what the public sees and hears
44 posted on 07/02/2003 8:32:22 PM PDT by Mo1
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To: Southack
When a person wants to be successful, they look around at successful people and try to determine how they became successful. If you want to be a successful lawyer, you take a good look at the successful lawyers and try to find out how they became successful. If you want to be a general, you look at successful generals and try to determine how they became successful.

In America, when a black person looks at successful blacks in America, what does he see? How did that black doctor get to be a doctor? How did that black engineer get to be an engineer? How did that black actor get to be an actor? Education? Family ties? Persistance? No what he or she sees is affirmative action and civil rights as the key to their success.

Black kids aren’t stupid. They’ve identified how to get ahead in life. Their greatest asset is the color of their skin and they use it very effectively. Why should they study and work hard at education? What do they gain? Nothing that can’t be overcome by the color of their skin. They understand that because of affirmative action, they don’t have to be the most qualified candidate for the job to be hired. All they have to do is meet minimum requirements.

America has set the rules of the game of life and American blacks are just playing by the rules. Whites and Asians see blacks as not conforming to the rules, but they are conforming to the rules for blacks, which are different than the rules for whites and Asians. What blacks kids are doing are the very behaviors that are rewarded by American society when a black person engages in that behavior. Black kids don’t need to act white to be rewarded by society, in fact if they do act white then black kids are punished for that behavior.

If you keep doing the same thing, you’re probably going to get the same results. As long as there are different rules for blacks, they will behave differently. If you want to change how they behave then you have to change the rules. Does America really want to do that? Does America really want a black population that is as educated as the rest of America? Do you think the Democrats want an educated black population? Do you really think that liberal college professors want a black population that was educated to the point where they could really compete for those college professorships and I’m not talking about some phony baloney ethnic studies jobs either? How about school teachers or engineers or computer programmers, do they really want more real competition for that new job or that next promotion? If we really wanted an educated, competent, hard working black population, all we have to do is change the rules so that the rules for black are the same as the rules for everyone else. Until we do that, until we abolish affirmative action, until we stop having different rules for blacks, the black population will remain different and behave differently.

45 posted on 07/02/2003 9:25:43 PM PDT by FLAUSA
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To: FLAUSA; Kelly4023
FLA, WELL SAID!!! Thank you. Peace and love, George.
46 posted on 07/03/2003 10:05:03 AM PDT by George Frm Br00klyn Park (FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!)
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To: cyborg
that was a great post I hope you don't mind I'm saving it and may quote some of it sometime.

You are quite right. (And this also shows the error some make in the genetic debate). Blacks from the countries you mentioned work hard and do well on tests. American blacks don't. Its American black culture and parenting that is the reason that many American blacks are behind. No question.

BTW Your parents may not have been born here but you and they are true Americans and a credit to our country.
47 posted on 07/03/2003 10:45:07 AM PDT by republicman (RINO Hunter)
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To: cyborg
Dear Cy:
At this point, YES, that is all I have to say. I will add to my profile, but that will suffice for now. It is very good that FReepers are very different, I hope to be included in the "difference", as I seek knowledge and TRUTH as it really is.
Perhaps if I were to meet those people mentioned, all involved would be the better for the meeting.
The fact that I can still be referred to as a Nigger in many circles underscores my points.

I'm angry before and after the breath: At some of the things we Black people still wait for. Why are we still fighting for these things, like equal treatment under the law; ALL of the laws? Why do American Blacks still get typecast as the people that really don't want to suceed? Are American Blacks THAT "UNABLE"? How come more of our positive gains aren't being as publicized as much the negatives? Yes progress has been made. Do WE know or care about OUR progress? The tone of many of the comments to the main article is dubious at best. If I hurt your feelings, I apologise.
I will call them like I see them.
"K"

48 posted on 07/03/2003 10:47:41 AM PDT by Kelly4023
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To: optimistically_conservative
"End of Racism" is one of the best, if not THE best nonfiction book I have ever read.
49 posted on 07/03/2003 10:49:11 AM PDT by republicman (RINO Hunter)
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To: cyborg
That screed from Kelly4023 could have been written by any Pacifica radio listener, same tired old stuff.

Your post 33 is excellent. Have you read John McWhorter's book "Losing the Race"? It covers a lot of the same items. Worth a read.

PS: Still getting out on the motorcycle?

50 posted on 07/03/2003 10:52:06 AM PDT by Tijeras_Slim (I am not a prime demographic, I am a MAN!)
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To: Kelly4023
--Why are we (AMerican blacks) still fighting for these things, like equal treatment under the law; ALL of the laws?--

What laws aren't blacks equal under?

51 posted on 07/03/2003 10:55:04 AM PDT by republicman (RINO Hunter)
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To: Tijeras_Slim
Never read his book, but the name sounds familiar. It's all about personal responsibility now.

As for the bike, I take lessons to keep myself fresh. My credit is...ahem reparing itself so I am paying for a new one in cash.
52 posted on 07/03/2003 11:39:56 AM PDT by cyborg (I'm a mutt-american)
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To: Kelly4023
The fact that I can still be referred to as a Nigger in many circles underscores my points.

* Words do mean things. I would never call someone a nigger. I've never called anyone any racial epithet. However, having attended a predominantly black school I've been called whitey, coconut,etc. Everyone was made fun, especially the students that were not black. Actually I'm not sure if you are familiar with her but Michelle Malkin has been called everything under the sun. That is the risk one takes for interacting with people. I just do not go out into the world thinking who is going to call me a name though...

I'm angry before and after the breath: At some of the things we Black people still wait for. Why are we still fighting for these things, like equal treatment under the law; ALL of the laws?

* I would have to respectfully disagree with you. I think the law is very fair in this country. People may not be fair in daily interaction but I do believe that the justice system works overall. Now we can get into things like death penalty,etc. but that's another thread.

Why do American Blacks still get typecast as the people that really don't want to suceed? Are American Blacks THAT "UNABLE"?

*There are a number of reasons, and I probably think today it has to do with culture and class. Class has much to do with it. Depends on what social circles one is in.

How come more of our positive gains aren't being as publicized as much the negatives?

* I think if a person wants to be ignorant they will be. I do not need a black history month or BET specials to know black people do things. Also, I take media with a grain of salt to report ANYTHING good about anybody.

Yes progress has been made. Do WE know or care about OUR progress? The tone of many of the comments to the main article is dubious at best. If I hurt your feelings, I apologise.
I will call them like I see them.

*First of all, this is Free Republic. Many FReepers are very self reliant, self made people. Anything that appears to be whining is not tolerated. Some black people want it both ways, they want to be acknowledge for doing something, but then they want special treatment for doing what most other Americans do every day. For example, why do people make such a big deal over black men who take fatherhood seriously? Black liberals like Jesse Jackson want to the American dream without being called Americans.

There's so much I can say. Another thing is that there are white people on FR that a bit ignorant. They love to argue and fight. But I'd not sink to that level of discussion. You ought not to call names if you do not want to be called anything yourself especially.
53 posted on 07/03/2003 12:32:30 PM PDT by cyborg (I'm a mutt-american)
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To: republicman
The culture definately affects the way things are going. The phenomena of 'acting white' and 'wannabe' and my personal favorite, 'bougie uncle tom' is alive and well. Not all black Americans are like Jesse Jackon and living the thug life. You won't see many black Americans do the things that white people do, advertized because black people are their own worst enemy. Understand that the mind is the strongest, most formidable prison a person can have. I do consider myself lucky for having the parents that I have. First off, my mother had no preconceived racial hangups and issues/drama/whatver. My father was an older white American whose views are probably closer to Archie Bunker than a limp wristed liberal. I can do things like love classical music and european literature BUT a young black person who shows an interest is probably going to be called 'wannabe' and 'uncle tom' or 'oreo'. Whoever they are need to find new friends. Rap culture definately reinforces this as I can't count on my hands all the black kids who have a 'demo tape' and are 'writing raps'. That's all well and good, but I know that's not all you can do.
54 posted on 07/03/2003 12:59:57 PM PDT by cyborg (I'm a mutt-american)
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To: cyborg
OK cy, let's keep it clean and concise:
I went to predominantly White schools, got called everything under the sun, and was told it was all in fun (even though most times it wasn't) White kids I grew up with wouldn't use racial epithets either (around me), it was always "youse guys". Don't know M.Malkin, got tired of being the "the one and only" and explaining the whole Black Race (even to adults!).

....ever been detained or patted down, cy, just because?
how about followed around a department store? Remember what happend to Earl Graves, Jr? How about Amadou Diallo? Or the Transit cop who got shot six times on the ground (four times in the back) Just unfortunate accidents? No One was charged with any wrongdoing. I digress..

If you have money and a good lawyer, the "law" as it is written works very well. If you have little or no money, you're in trouble. I speak from first hand experience. A good honest lawyer will tell you that himself. How about the practice of "redlining"? check your 13th ammendment then ask someone you're friendly with who is in the real estate game if redlining sitll exists.

Culture;Class. You mean like upper, middle and lower? Culture and class in general or that of "Black People"? You mean like "ghetto" and "bourgeoise"? (you know about that, right?) Where do the other black races fit in here? Some feel they are "better than" Black Americans. Once again, from first hand experience.

Black Men and Fatherhood? We were TOLD by the "majority" we weren't good fathers, we supposed to come from a MATRIARCHAL society, and, after being denied the same recognition as men, how can you be expected to carry on like a man?
But we have carried on. WE ARE Men, and will continue to inspire each other as often as possible to be men, and a big deal NEEDS TO BE made out of it, because of how we have been portrayed. We do make good fathers, quiet as it is kept.

Self reliance is a myth. Do you make your own clothes? Hunt your own game? provide your own power? No. You like all other people in this western society is reliant, yes reliant on a number of things for your very survival. You, like many of us would die without many things provided by others. Because you may pay rent or a mortgage, pay for your own food, pay upkeep on your own car,ect. don't get too cocky. Everyone of us shook inour boots during Sept11.AND the Y2K scam.

I believe in personal responsibility: I paid for my college eduaction, went to day school and worked at night, pay for my house and my other amenities. I try to set a positive example and remain approachable. I try to not just talk about it but BE about it, How about you? and some of the other Freepers?
Finally, I have been called some of the most horrible things under some of the most horrific of circumstances, so I don't care what ANYBODY calls me. I WILL CONTINUE TO CALL PEOPLE WHAT I SEE THEM TO BE AND/OR WHAT THEY ACTUALLY ARE. Can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen.
You think our Black and every other race of youth don't see the stupid games being played, and are not picking out who will be best to listen to given their circumstnaces?
'nuff f now,
"K"

55 posted on 07/09/2003 12:31:43 PM PDT by Kelly4023
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To: Kelly4023
Not saying that racism against black people does not exist, and apparently from reading your posts, you know that's true. It probably will not do any good to tell you that there are worse problems in life. The 'angry black man' thing is not healthy though.

At any rate, I post on a lot of different topics. You need to check out some other threads. Don't know what other FReepers have written to you personally, but to be the 'angry black man' on FR is only going to get the attention of 'angry white men'.
56 posted on 07/10/2003 11:27:29 AM PDT by cyborg (I'm a mutt-american)
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To: Dianna
Which Laws? Crimminal law: check the racial population of the prison in your state (I live in New York) seems more minorities go to jail. Length of prison term, ect.
Check your 15th amendment; ask your friends who sell real estate if "redlining" still exists....
Oh, How about lending practices? Who gets gouged the worst?
Next:
my insanity: Read
http://www.pacificnews.org/jinn/stories/3.19/970912-women.html
http://aad.english.ucsb.edu/docs/berg.econ.wage.html
http://www.thestrategycenter.org/AhoraNow/body_affirmative_action.html

You may be determined to achieve, and have "your priorities" in order, but don't forget that you live in a WHITE MALE DOMINATED SOCIETY, and you like me, still earn a percentage of what the white male earns, and do just as much work. That is their priority.

Just read. Nice hearing from you.
57 posted on 07/10/2003 8:58:25 PM PDT by Kelly4023
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To: Kelly4023
You may be determined to achieve, and have "your priorities" in order, but don't forget that you live in a WHITE MALE DOMINATED SOCIETY, and you like me, still earn a percentage of what the white male earns, and do just as much work. That is their priority.

First, it seems that minorities tend to commit more crime. Not enough white criminals go to jail and black men may very well get longer sentences. I'll grant that.

Don't know about real estate. As for lending practices, as far as I know pretty much everyone is looked at as part of their demographic group. I'd assume a black owned business has a higher failure rate, thus blacks will pay higher rates.

Banks are in business to make money. Smokers pay higher insurance rates even though not all cost more than average. Teen males pay higher car insurance. That is less racism than business.

Women make less, in general, than men because women do not spend as many years in the workplace. For the same work, same education, same experience, pay is the same.

What does "white-male dominated society" mean exactly? How are "they" oppressing me? I honestly cannot say I have ever been treated badly for being female. I've been unable to do certain jobs (more dangerous), and I was glad. LOL!

The only time I felt I was treated with less dignity than I deserved was when I was on WIC. Those people assumed that because I was a relatively young, low income military wife, that I was completely brainless. I shrugged it off. Some people are ignorant and I have no time for them.

58 posted on 07/10/2003 11:30:53 PM PDT by Dianna
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To: optimistically_conservative
You must fancy yourself as some kind of jive-ass English teacher. Well teach, Share some HISTORY with me:

"America, a blatantly white racist society"
If you please, list for me All of the Black Presidents, All of the Black State Senators, Any of the Black-owned producers of raw materials, Any of the Black-owned Airline companies.

"Please don't exclude yourself, your post is so apropos for what is really destroying black youth."
I haven't excluded myself, I use myself as an example whenever I get a chance: I paid for my education, I pay for my house, I take myself to work and keep my job.
When dealing with youth, which I do regularly, I let them know the truth about America: that you will succeed by your own determination. THERE WILL BE OBSTACLES, BE HONEST ABOUT WHERE THEY COME FROM; from within or without (maybe YOU, Teach). Don't be fooled. This way a spade is spade.

Because of the supposed shortage of eligible black men, and the relaxation of a lot of the racial hangups, more black women are considering white men as partners, so that paragraph you corrected (the word is every, E-V-E-R-Y, every) is your crap, you keep it!

Lastly: where have many of the hippies gone? To corporate America, they've taken their father's jobs, and in many cases their attitudes. Not uncommon for a kid to do that.

I don't blame you. Sorry you grew up in an impoverished surrounding. Just realize you are not that powerful as to make your poverty mine. I see you coming. THAT IS my attitude. And yes, IT IS A BLACK THING.
SINCERELY:::::::
"K"
59 posted on 07/12/2003 10:02:50 AM PDT by Kelly4023
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To: Kelly4023
You must fancy yourself as some kind of jive-ass English teacher.

I consider myself a great number of things, "jive-ass" and English teacher are not among them. If that phrase is some kind of ebonics for literate, thank you.

If you please, list for me ...

OK, but first provide those lists using the 63 racial categories on the last census. These include White alone, Black or African American alone, American Indian and Alaska Native alone, Asian alone, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, Some other race alone and 57 possible combinations of the above six categories.

from within or without (maybe YOU, Teach). Don't be fooled. This way a spade is spade.

Yep, I'm a spade.

so that paragraph you corrected (the word is every, E-V-E-R-Y, every) is your crap, you keep it!

Go back and check your post#19. It's your error. What a maroon!

Sorry you grew up in an impoverished surrounding.

LOL. Yep, in fact the racial attitudes I learned in my impoverished surroundings have served me well in many cultures around the world. You?

60 posted on 07/12/2003 1:00:56 PM PDT by optimistically_conservative (Can't prove a negative? You're not stupid. Prove it!)
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