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Comments on all articles by Zarian Phipps (471)    What Happened To the Hope of Getting Over Racism? Comment by WalkWithMe1948 (3)    (157 days 15 hours ago.) Someone should write an article on "reverse racism" - hasn't the threat been made that if Obama does not get the nomination there will be "riots in the street"? So we will select a black nominee who has no record to run on - and in 4 years we can meet back here to discuss the same problems we have been discussing today! Comment by James P Krehbiel (1,331)    James P Krehbiel (157 days 18 hours ago.) Excellent article. I must congratulate Barack Obama on his apparent nomination inspite of the overexposure, "prophetic wisdom" and bashing that occurred over the Rev. Wright issue! Blue collar whites have used this issue to justify their racial bias. They will continue to do so, but they will have to make a significant choice. Is racism more important than four more years of ruinous ecomomic and foreign policy under a Republican administration? When people pull the lever in November, they better remember what we have suffered under for eight years! Nice job. Instead of calling ourselves "one big happy family" we better acknowledge the racial divide in this country. Comment by Jennifer Cuddy (1,296)  Jennifer Cuddy (159 days 11 hours ago.)I still have no idea who Rev Wright is, and quite frankly, i don't want to know. How could anyone accuse an African American civil rights attorney of racism? however, i don't think Obama should acknowledge the ridiculous notion that is inevitably the result of the ugliness of competitive smear campaigning. i've never been more pro Obama than i am now. good article. Comment by Jeff Brown (5,349)    Jeff Brown (159 days 17 hours ago.)Zarian, I see it as a twofold issue: the press and the opposition finding any dirt they can dig up to slander and the fact that racism has not died out; it's merely not PC to be racist, so most are hush-hush on using the lingo or waiting in the wings to attack when the PC curtain has been weakened or lifted to some degree. Since racism rose from slavery and slavery has been a part of American history longer than it hasn't been, it's going to take much more time, effort, and creating of an awareness of the underpinnings of race hate that still exists. I've studied the issue of racism extensively in my college classes and personal research (my wife and many of our friends are Latino)--having talked to thousands of minority students. I speak to the issue of racism extensively in my article "Illegal Immigration is Not about Money or Laws Broken." Racism is not going away any time soon, and people need to be made aware of its existence and work at overcoming its foolish notion of human difference based on color, race, creed, or religion. All humans have the same desires, needs, and wants regardless of physical or worshiping difference. God help us to be more humane and human in our dealings with each other. robert mealccio sr: (159 days 17 hours ago.) Zarian this speaks to all the separation issues that this world is comprosed of. He said, she said, they said. They are, we're not. They did, we didn't, etc, etc, etc. Sadly race is an issue in this wolrd and color or origin has nothing to do with it. It comes in all races, sizes, religions, nations, social classes, ect, etc, etc. Sadly it gets down to professing means nothing, zero, nada, zilch and it gets down to good people are good people no matter who, what, where. To believe anything that is not substantiated by works and deeds only leads to what you are experiencing. It really gets down to equality and justice for all, a dream men, notice I said men, like Martin Luther, like Lovey Smith, Like Tony Dungy, men, put into use every single day. Good white men and good balck men, good men and woman of every race. To find fault, that we all can do, to work toward equality and love, well that is not with this bunch or many who are like them who profess with words but do not do can do.To end racism it must start with each of us burying our own fist, yes that plank in our own eye and mean it not just profess it. Yes Zarian in my opinion we all have a long way to go, black, white, red or yellow, sadly a long ay to go. The Real Reason the Media is Obsessed with Rev. Wright! Comment by James P Krehbiel (1,331) James P Krehbiel (160 days 12 hours ago.)Zarian, Do not fret over the words of Michael! As a featured writer for searchwarp, Michael has been provided with ample opportunity to make his point about his disdain for Barack Obama, Democratic politics, liberals and racial divide in this country. Now it is time to let others (like you), have a voice. The fact that his mean-spirited trash-talk continues tells you something about his beliefs and the opinions of this site. Keep up the great writing and we will see this through in November! Comment by Zarian Phipps (471) (159 days 23 hours ago.)You are so right....I see what you mean about his negativity....Your point is well taken..... Comment by Michael Kocis (975)   Michael Kocis (160 days 21 hours ago.)Oh ...well thank you for clearing that up...I wasn't there and didn't know Rev. Freak -A-Leak just suddenly came up with these views. He really sounded like he's thought that way for awhile. Cause he HAS. and if you for one minute think this was all a big surprise to Obama ....well who's buying the spin now? Oh...It was really interesting, you comments on the other points I brought up... Comment by Michael Kocis (975) Michael Kocis (160 days 22 hours ago.) You are so far off on why the Rev. Wrong is in the news so much - ever stop to think maybe it's because of what he says ? The guy's a lunatic. Obama's politically eloquent speech on race was the equivalent of a little kid saying I'm sorry , only after he got caught doing something. 20 years - 20 freaking years he listened to this nut, Oh but NOW he denounces him. He's even changed from his glorious speech to denounce him even more, cause the Rev. won't stop. All you people that somehow came to the conclusion Obama is the right man for the job need to buy a calculator cause you think things are bad now - add up what he wants to do, it WILL screw up our economy beyond repair. And if all that isn't enough for you - Barack thinks he can TALK with the leader of Iran ( a guy who believes God picked him to end the world) the guy's an idiot. But Barack can talk to him, turn him around, get his mind right. Wake up people, I told you once we got past "Hope" and "Change" the truth would be reveiled. Comment by Zarian Phipps (471) (160 days 22 hours ago.)Your biased assessment of Obama's chances of success as president seems to be preventing you from thinking clearly about this issue. It wasn't 20 years of outrageous statements...Perhaps if it had been, Obama would have left the church. You are buying into the media spin...... Jim from Memphis: (161 days 15 hours ago.)  This is not a reasoned balanced approach. The author know that he would be leading the charge against Clinton if she went to a church that taught the same things about blacks that Wright teaches about whites. The article shows hatred and contempt for anyone that holds a black man to the same standards as a white. Racism is racism. It does not matter if it comes from a white church or a black church. Obama has spent 20 years in a church that says that its central theaching is the Black Value System. This is one of the most racist documents in the country. Obviously the only racism that Obama is concerned about is that that comes from whites. Comment by James P Krehbiel (1,331) James P Krehbiel (161 days 10 hours ago.)Apparently Jim, you did not take the time to listen to Obama's speech on racial divide in this country. Maybe you should do that before making uniformed statements about the author of this article and the candidate. Comment by Zarian Phipps (471) (160 days 22 hours ago.)The Black Value system is not a racist doctrine. In fact, the need for such a thing came out of the racism directed against African-Americans and the fact that basic things like self-respect had been stripped away from the psyche of Black people. If the situation is the same hold both accountable, unfortunately, no matter how you want to spin it, the situation is not the same in the country for Blacks and Whites. Comment by James P Krehbiel (1,331) James P Krehbiel (162 days 7 hours ago.)Zarian, What an eloquent exploration of Barack Obama, the issues of racial bias and the impact of the media on this election cycle. THIS ARTICLE SHOULD BE FEATURED! You clearly distinguish the candidacy of Obama from those who would choose to derail him. This is the kind of article that brings balance to this site about Obama! There has been too much Obama bashing featured. Keep writing about this because you are good. Thanks for a reasoned, balanced approach. Comment by Zarian Phipps (471) (160 days 22 hours ago.)Thanks James, I respect your opinion and I hope more people become aware of the political mind games that are being played..... The Clinton letdown to Black America! Comment by Steve Radford (855)  Steve Radford (263 days 11 hours ago.)Zarian, Very revealing article. Is Obama defined only by race? Is the color of a man's skin reason enough to secure a single vote or cost him a single vote? I don't think so. Can you stereotype an entire race of people as so ignorant that they would consider nothing else in their selection? "we all know the fine line that Obama has to walk in order not to appear threatening to the White voters in the United States". Did I really read that? Or "when it is against one of our own?" Who exactly fits into that exclusive group? We (humans) really aren't making much progress are we? Still in Hell: Two years after Hurricane Katrina! Anonymous: (334 days 6 hours ago.) So very sad to hear that after two years, your pain is as fresh as the day it happened. I am ashamed by the treatment of our own people by their own government. I have learned that you cannot trust anyone anymore. We are on our own in this world, depend on no one, other than yourself. I pray that your life brings you much happiness, peace, and a really good paying job! Does the United States Need To Formally Apologize To African-Americans For Slavery? Anonymous: (1 year 77 days ago.)  African Americans will always be the stepchild of the United States of America. The problem is not an owed "apology", although, an apology could not hurt, it is the on-going injustices in blaming the victims of slavery for their continuing condition. African Americans have been settling for sub-par services and education and some have successfully transitioned to a state of being colored green and not automatically black. There is so much that I would love to type into this space, but suffice it to say that this is the mindset of some African Americans today. Working poor African Americans today "wish" that they had been born another race just for the opportunities afforded to the other races that migrate here. An African American is automatically discounted as "less than" based solely on the color of their skin and they are just tired of it. They are simply bored with the whole "color" thing and wish that they could be taken as they are and not as they are perceived to be based on the few and not the many. If only other races would understand that there are millions of African Americans who are working hard and expecting no handouts or handups from any race, we could get on with the business of curing the ills of the world and living in God’s grace. Thank you for writing this article. Response from Zarian Phipps (471) Jean from Houston, TX: (1 year 212 days ago.) When I heard about the US gov't putting pressure on the Japanese to apologize, I remembered Zarian's article & thought "How hypocritical!" I could be wrong, but it seems like I remember that we've already apologized formally for putting the Japanese Americans in internment camps during WWII and for horribly mistreating the Native Americans during our westward expansion. If my memory of those events is correct, then it seems completely obvious that African Americans are also owed the courtesy of an apology. Apologizing when one has legitimately wronged another is a very freeing experience. Maybe that would jump start a healing process that seems to be languishing. Response from Zarian Phipps (471) Comment by Joseph Collins (416)  Joseph Collins (1 year 218 days ago.)Zarian and Robert - my initial reaction was to not wade in on this one, but I found both of your comments to be interesting and compelling. Zarian's article explains the African American position very well. Robert's comments were also thoughtful and probably mirrors the opinion of many other Americans. Thus, Zarian and Robert should both be congratulated on doing a good job of laying out why this issue has been and continues to be so difficult to resolve. However, rather than taking a position either way, let me throw out some red meat. The U.S. State Department is currently putting pressure on the Japanese government to apologize for using tens of thousands of Asian women (Chinese, Korean, Filipino, etc) as sex slaves in official military brothels during WWII. Does this put the U.S. in the position of being hypocritical? I would be interested in hearing Searchwarp reader's opinion on that. Thanks! robert melaccio sr.: (1 year 219 days ago.) The act of owning slaves is still in existance today on the part of all races and not just whites. It was part of the culture of many cultures at that historic time and as mentioned still is today. Certainly it is even mentioned in the bible. That aside the fact that people owned slaves and were citizens of this nation was a sin. I have to say that there are many forms of exploitation and all are not any better then the other. Personally, and I do not mean this is a negative context, if your still hung up over an apology by a government long since gone then in my opinion the apology is not the issue. I believe it has more to do with ones own forgiveness and self esteem. This government represents many people of diverse cultures who had and have nothing to do with slavery. That is not to make light that blacks were and are abused in many socities by all races but so are others and the list is quite long. So what should we do? Should we ask the world to do no less? Should you not expect they apologize? While we are at it I am sure there will be a list from others who feel the same about an issue. If Christian, as many Black Afro Americans are, then are we not to forgive and move on? Yes, slavery is a sin and the horrors of slavery were a blight on the souls of those who owned them. If someone is still blaming the dead then there is no hope for reconciliation. The true character and strength of the Afro American People is their triumphs as spelled out in the Robinsons, Dungy, Obama's, Carvers and Kings and untold numbers who defeated those who foster hate by their individual triumphs and who continue to do so each day. An apology may be nice but in my opinion it solves nothing. The words are hollow if not uttered by the sinner for they are just uttered for political expediency. Best wishes. Response from Zarian Phipps (471) African-Americans Are Tired of Being Treated Like Second-Class Citizens Comment by David Tanguay (6,524)  David Tanguay (1 year 232 days ago.)This article brings me back to a time in the 60s when I was a rebel to the establishment. (Well still am today in fact) but I use to tell people about an “instant psychoanalysis” it seems most people of that day would judge a book by it’s cover and not by it’s content. I’ve talk to blacks today that tell me conditions in society are a lot better today than they use to be. But I also remember an interview with the late James Brown who said [quote] “a black person will never be free in this country” a lot of us have a different meaning of the word freedom. I like a remark from “Monk” (the detective on television) when he relates his phobias this way “it’s a blessing and a curse” black people seem to have a natural way of analyzing a situation. Response from Zarian Phipps (471) Comment by Robert Melaccio, Sr. (6,790)  Robert Melaccio, Sr. (1 year 235 days ago.)I have to agree with the first response with the exception that racism is alive all over the world and not just here in America. To say other wise is just not knowing or admitting to the truth. You see blacks still take other blacks as slaves even today in many parts of the world as do other nationalities. While I agree blacks may have a harder road, we must not forget everyone experiences prejudice. The forms of hate and racism can be found everywhere but many times we only realize that which inpacts us. In effect ignoring that promotes the other types. Now I also have to agree with the first responder. If you condone the things that go on and blame everyone else then you have lost before you started. The list is endless of those who made something of themselves and came from slavery and poverty and attained the highest levels of society and I am talking about blacks. The proof is there to be discovered and the stories marvelous. I'm white and I never fail to teach this to my black students. I will not allow any black student the easy road because they can if given the opportunity succeed. That they have the power to be anything they want to be but the choice is theirs. Everyone has the power to rise above if we spend a little more time working at it instead of complaining. Also, if one wishes to look you will find a long list of the oppressed. It is the greatest sin of mankind that we somehow fail to love each other as the same - humans. Response from Zarian Phipps (471) Comment by Peggy Butler (2,999)  Peggy Butler (1 year 235 days ago.)Zarian, I'm sorry that I mispelled your name in the first response. Moreover, I want to say, you have a way of expressing yourself that is EXCEPTIONAL. Hence, keep writing, and I hope this article receives the attention it so richly deserves. Response from Zarian Phipps (471) Comment by Peggy Butler (2,999) Peggy Butler (1 year 236 days ago.)Zaire: As a journalist who writes about issues pertinent to African-Americans, I wholly agree with your article. Moreover, I agree that racism is alive and well in America. But why we are placing blame, let's not forget that segment of the Black population, who instead of taking RESPONSIBILITY for themselves, quickly point to racism as the culprit for all their problems. Case in point: I have interviewed single moms who inform me that "White teachers are incapable of teaching our children." And when I ask them if they help their kids with their homework, or place emphasis on the importance of a quality education, the response is usually no, followed by a vacant stare. Hence, Zaire how do you address issues like this or Black-on-Black crime? To reiterate, until we become cognizant of financial obscurity, Black on-Black violence, mediocre academic prowess and other issues we will remain powerless. Therefore, it is our duty to bring out the best in ourselves and each other. One more thought: I REFUSE to be labeled a second class citizen, because I DETERMINE WHAT CHARACTERISTICS I PLACE ON MYSELF, NOT SOCIETY. To reiterate, until we become cognizant of financial obscurity, Black on-Black violence, mediocre academic prowess and other issues we will remain powerless. Therefore, it is our duty to bring out the best in ourselves and each other. Response from Zarian Phipps (471) What It Is Honestly Like Being an African American Living in the United States in 2007. David Tanguay: (1 year 242 days ago.) Mr. Phipps, you have a way of getting your message across. Back in the 60s I truly believed the human race was beginning to show promise, however as you just pointed out we are missing something, or just lost our way. I hope we get back on the right track soon. Response from Zarian Phipps (471) |
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