When satire goes too far

That was just plain wrong. Those responsible should be held accountable. The administration should dole out appropriate punishment and the rest of us should move on; including the African-American students at Tufts University. Don't allow people like that to detract from your education.

Their claimed intent was completely lost on me, a middle-aged white guy. I don't know if their intent really was satire, but if it was, they failed.

This smirking, sickening type of humor by conservatives is one of the factors that lost them the recent elections. People see it for what it is now.

It's disturbing to read, but I'm not shocked that someone would print this.
I feel really bad for all the minority students at Tufts that are going to have to prove even harder that they deserve to be there.

Mary, people like you really disgust me. You claim to be open minded and a liberal person, yet you are completely closed to anyone with different ideas than your own.
Following is a perfect example of you'r now personal hypocrasy. You of course will offer up excuses to wash your hands of 'democratic' and 'liberal' bigotry, or say 'of course, every political group will have bad people,' like you usually do. But you just said this is "a good case for African-Americans who claim conservative is just another word for racist." And lumped all conservatives.
I say the same to you!!

This is really getting tiring. The descendants of white, racist, slave owners forever doing what they can to deny black folk entry into the mainstream. Affirmative Action has been the main vehicle of opportunity for minorities in this country. Maybe some think it has achieved its goal. Since this country doesn't want to pay the descendant's of slaves reparations, let affirmative action stay in place for as long as slavery, segregation and Jim Crow lasted. I guess you could say, oh, about 200 years. Then we could talk.

How could Tufts University not know that this carol was insensitive? This sorry attempt at satire attacks blacks and only blacks. Affirmative Action benefits everyone. It diversifies schools and workplaces. In fact, white women are the greatest benefiters from Affirmative Action. If this carol was an attempt to satirize Affirmative Action, why didn't they refer to white women or any other groups that benefit from Affirmative Action? This bad attempt at satire was clearly insensitive and racist. Our world is very short-sighted. By the way, I'm am tired of people and organizations making racist comments and then coming out the next day with an excuse me apology. Please people save your apology. You can't be so stupid to make ignorant comments and not know that it is insensitive. People who make these comments know exactly what they are doing.

There aren't enough adult blacks alive in the US to displace even a significant fraction of the white workforce. Whites are losing their jobs because rich white CEO's are sending their jobs to China while pulling in five-figure annual bonuses. Any victory that is won as a result of repealing affirmitive action will be short-lived as many of these jobs will be sent overseas eventually anyway.

Sadly, much of this is true and many blacks are given a 'pass'.

We pay for it later when we receive inferior service from the 'professionals' that have been spawned by such a system.

Some people don't like this song that was thought up by these brilliant students because they know there is a lot of truth to the jingle. This song only exposes the evils and racism that is affirmative action. BTW, since this has to do with a college, how come there is no blog about the black former North Carolina State professor who said recently at Howard University that blacks must "exterminate" all white people? And after he said that he received an ovation from the audience. I didn't realize Howard University was such a racist place?

Before I pass judgement I want to be sure this wasn't written by some "black kid". This happen before. Right here in Illinois last year when a kid who didn't want to go to a all white school protested by insidiously, posting racial insensitive threats on her campus as a rouse to get her parents to send her somewhere else. She was caught and is now on probation. I'm sure this is not the case here however, I thought I'd bring it up.

to Jerry sica bro :again with the racist pseudointellectual babble.nothing about the 'satire"was true as usual youre on hitlers side,and your Karma will catch up with you.Pay close attention to the pedophiles and serial killers in your neighborhood before you talk negatively about minorities.have you actually been reading your history books ..I dont think so...great loss in SICA controversy by the way,keep up the "bad' work,show all people that reichwingers and neo-con(artists)have a direct road to Hades...bye Loser!!!!!

It seems like the more progress Afro-Americans makes,some hate mongers are jealous,and will try anykind of stunt to remind the nation of it's sad history of the treatment of it's citizens. These kind of publications should be a reason for an arrest for hate crime. Hate crimes should be a reason to fill our jails with caucasians,and others, who infringe on the rights of other American citizens, by spewing out hatred.

Why include a song that was written to glorify Christ,and make the world aware of a savior of the world, who was to come to save the world from it's sins,and to bring peace to the hearts of mankind? Have the world became that evil?

As always, I am amazed by the comments.

"The administration should dole out appropriate punishment and the rest of us should move on; including the African-American students at Tufts University."

So much for free speech, huh? I guess freedom of speech only counts if Morty agrees with it. Do you hear yourself? Punish people for expressing their opinions artisticly? Of course, in light of the climate on college campuses around this country, I would expect no less.

"I feel really bad for all the minority students at Tufts that are going to have to prove even harder that they deserve to be there."

But you don't feel bad for other students who have to prove that they belong in their respective programs because of the destructive, racist program that is Affirmative Action? Black leaders and the democratic party have not only not made any notable advances in civil rights in the past few decades, but have been successful at turning blacks into government dependents.

London's entire comment.

So, let me get this straight. Not only are you not in favor of merit-based admissions and hiring, you are also not in favor of free speech. You don't care if a substantial percentage of minorities in more prestigious universities don't graduate. You favor access to elite colleges over an actual diploma. You are in favor of punishing innocent people because of the actions of their decendants. You are in favor of racism against whites, but not blacks. Am I missing anything here?

"Affirmative Action benefits everyone. It diversifies schools and workplaces. In fact, white women are the greatest benefiters from Affirmative Action. If this carol was an attempt to satirize Affirmative Action, why didn't they refer to white women or any other groups that benefit from Affirmative Action? "

It benefits everyone, except white males. I hate to break it to you curtis, but diversity is not important. You know what's important? Having educated, skilled, hard-working people in the work force. When you lower standards for admissions and job qualifications you run the risk of having uneducated, unskilled, and lazy people getting the job of a more qualified applicant. But hey, at least you'll have your diversity. And while I'm at it, I don't think we need any carols to open a person's eyes to the unbelievable amount of handouts that women get. The idea that a woman can't get ahead in this country is mind-boggling. With all of the free hand-outs that women get, I refuse to listen to any woman who claims that she can't get ahead in this country.

"Whites are losing their..."

Well, how about you go out and get an education and move to where the jobs are. How about investing in some stocks. Maybe do some research and profit from current and future booms? Rich white CEO's get rich by producing. CEO's that don't produce don't remain CEO's for long. How about motivating yourself and aspiring for something more.

"Some people don't like this song that was thought up by these brilliant students because they know there is a lot of truth to the jingle."

I would hardly call these students brilliant. If they truly were brilliant they might have used their creativity for something productive and be out there making a few bucks. The rest of your comment is pretty spot on. I love the hypocrisy in the black community. Your example is just one of many. How many people caught the Larry Johnson on Inside the NFL a few weeks ago? Had a white person said what he said on national tv, he would be vilified in the same way that Michael Richards was. But, he's black, so it's ok.

DOC's comment.

Well, I thought about ignoring you because your comment was just so ignorant. I just can't do it, though. So, because he thinks that discriminating against more qualified whites in favor of diversifying colleges and the work place is just as bad as discriminating against blacks (if I'm wrong, then I apologize and he should rethink his views), that means that he is in favor of killing minorities to purify the white race? I'm sorry, I just don't see the connection. Please clue me in. Also, please don't try to get into a debate on white race is better. Katrina "victims" shooting at National Guard members and police who are trying to help them just doesn't leave a good taste in my mouth.

You know, all of you bleeding heart liberals need to step back and take a look at what it is you are trying to say. Who the hell cares if somebody says something racist. If what they are saying doesn't apply to you, why would you care? If you are truly offended, maybe you should take a good hard look at yourself and see if the shoe fits a little too well. Grow some skin and get over it. Every person out there is going to say something at some point in time that will offend you. Are you going to demand retribution and waste valuable time that could be better used?

A childhood saying comes to mind that many of you might benefit from. It goes something like this:

Sticks and stones can break your bones, but names will never hurt you.

Didn't your parents ever teach you this? If not, it's never too late to learn.

It appears that if one looks hard enough for something to be offended by, the thin-skinned will ALWAYS find it.

Unfortunately, it appears that a thin-skin is not an uncommon malady for some groups.

Being politically incorrect at times, I fail to see the reason for the weeping and gnashing of teeth regarding SATIRE.

I have borne the brunt of many an off-color jibe yet my skin was somehow thick enough to withstand it and forbid it to impede my thinking. I can well imagine that Chris Gardner handled and quieted his detractors with professional and timely action, not weeping about the world around him.

Thank you and Merry Christmas, Mary.

Using satire is funny at times, bad at times.

Thanks for not posting my link Mary. What, don't want people to know how bigoted 'liberal' democrats are?

As sickening as this 'explanation' is to digest, it and the 'carol' that prompted it show how absolute and horribly entrenched the level of ignorance is that exists that can produce such 'humor'.

Would that we didn't already have a President and an Administration showing the more stinging truth of the wasted effect of education on conservative ideologues.

And they have come from privilege, connections and power. What's their excuse?

I don't agree with much of what Mary writes, but this was absolutely chilling to me.

With situations like this popping up around the country at various colleges and universities, Conservatism is becoming a synomym for the words racist and prejudice. As a student at DePaul University, I witnessed first hand the insensitivity and blatant racism these conservative students groups partake in while hiding behind "free speech". I have learned not to follow any particular political party as they both have graveyards in the closet when it applies to race, but as long as various institutions of "higher learning" continue to create an environment of fear, and embarrassment to students of color by not dismissing such groups, liberal or conservative, no progress can be made in institutional racism. DePaul attempted to create a "teachable moment" after we were scared with an 'Affirmative Action Bake Sale', by inviting speakers to discuss Affirmative Action policies and how it applies to all people. We all learned with that series of talks that most people don't even realize what Affirmative Action is, and just enjoy using it as a punchline/sound bite. Ms. Mitchell, I beg your readers of all races to become educated on the actual topic before they condemn it. We'll all be better for it.

the most ridiculous part is the contrasting of Jesus and people with brown skin (newsflash - Jesus wasn't white), the rest of it is similarly amateurish & pathetic.

Hey Doc, are you so stupid that you could never come up with an original opinion on this blog? All you can repeatedly muster up is a tired response referencing SICA, white serial killers and pedophiles. BTW genius, where are your facts to back up the serial killer and pedophile references? Bye loser!

I don't know which disgusts me more; the song or those here who are defending the song on this message board. For the past 140 years the country's power structure has been able to hide its sins by convincing white people to focus on the 'straw man' argument that black people are somehow taking something away from them. They did it during reconstruction and you believed it; they did it in the 1920s and you believed it (and rioted over in more than a few major cities); and they did in the 1970s and you voted in the 'law and order' president who ended up giving us Watergate. You are being misled beyond belief. Blacks are given a pass? Black people are getting away with something at your expense? You dupes! You read this newspaper: look who's going to jail for taking shortcuts to hiring at City Hall? Look at the stickup men who ran Enron? Who greased the path so Halliburton can steal 1,000x more of your tax dollars than the 'welfare queens' and 'affirmative action babies' that you complain so much about? Wake the hell up!

Mary why do you act as if you are trying to defend the dignity of blacks when you write articles like the on in the Tuesday Sun-times you dispute Tank Johnson's characterization of his deceased friend as a good man because of his actions and recently you used your column to defend a teen arrested for robbery and assault under the guise that he's a good kid. Good kids don't roll with gangs of robbers.

Why take issue with satire toward blacks when you slams black men at every chance you get. You are as fake and bogus as they come. You wouldn't know a good man if he was staring you in the eye.

To Jerry, the poster who said the audience at Howard U gave a "standing ovation" to the nutty professor who said it was time to exterminate white people: The Carolina Journal reports it differently, saying the remarks "received slight applause in the room". See the whole story here: http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=2869

Affir. action only feeds racism to a new generation. It is reverse racsim at its best. Its great how it teachs young nwhites that even know they scored higher and worked harder they are not invited because they are not black. When will black leaders see this? Oh yeah they do, thats how they make their money and fame . From racism. Mary you should be ashamed as well. You wait like a snake in the dark for the next white on black crime to occur to spit your venom out at all that want to read your obvious hate. Carefully ignoring all the black on white crimes that occur so much its sickening.

Where to start, this ridiculous satire is an unfortunate indication of deeper issues. These offspring from the white middle class, who have known privlege their entire lives, are offended by the prospect that someone less fortunate might be given a comprable opportunity. Their access to superior schools, more opportunities in tutoring and fuller socially educational experiences are not enough of advantage to satisfy their need for personal opportunities (read superior schools and educational opportunities). The mere fact that someone of a "lesser" social class be introduced into their select circle is considered unacceptable. I would encourage these budding young scholars to review the pedigree of their newly elected Govenor. Although he may not have been born with all of the social and cultural opportunities of his predecessor, it appears he has done exceptionally well with the opportunities he was afforded. He has proceeded to exemplary accomplishments and has a bright future that may benefit us all, as opposed to a privleged minority.

"Sadly, much of this is true and many blacks are given a 'pass'.

We pay for it later when we receive inferior service from the 'professionals' that have been spawned by such a system.

-Jim"

It is true that a white person does not want to hire an unqualified black. The facts show that they would rather hire an unqualified white (Ala Brownie). Blacks have always had to work harder than whites to be accepted and that will always be the case.

"Some people don't like this song that was thought up by these brilliant students because they know there is a lot of truth to the jingle. This song only exposes the evils and racism that is affirmative action.

-Jerry"

You ignore racism and yet you hate counter-racism. You're in denial.

"how come there is no blog about the black former North Carolina State professor who said recently at Howard University that blacks must "exterminate" all white people? And after he said that he received an ovation from the audience. I didn't realize Howard University was such a racist place?

-Jerry"

If every black person at howard is responsible for one nut-job's comment then every white person is responsible for Jim Crow and slavery. Start paying us reparations.

When Micheal Richards made his racist rant, the majority of whites in the audience were clapping. Should they be included as defendants in the pending lawsuit against Richards?

just another example of when white men say something that may offend someone they are labeled racists . it seems people get upset when someone saids something that has some truth to it. if some one says something to me that i find racists or offensive if i know its not true then i ususally laugh

it continues to amaze me how black people feel they are the only race of people that are exempt from SATIRE...as if no one is supposed to make fun of us because we are black. get real...

How Dare they speak an obvious truth!?! Whites are openly discriminated against in academia. Blacks get admissions they do not deserve. And fools are shocked that the injured parties don't like their second class citizenship. If Universities did not put Race Uber Alles this kind of thing wouldn't ring so true.

Who gives a flying fart about stupid things like this? I mean really.

And conservatives wonder why black people won't vote for them. This is preposterous.

Jerry - right you are. TO quote him "And the one idea is, how we are going to exterminate white people because that in my estimation is the only conclusion I have come to. We have to exterminate white people off the face of the planet to solve this problem.�
In fact, they broadcast his speech on C-SPAN.
Worse, yet, this clown actually taught "African American Studies" - yes, our tax dollars hard at work. But just try to fire him...and you'll get the race card played at its best!

Racist vituperations are heaped on whites every week in college newspapers around the country, and the mainstream media ignores them. People who can’t take a joke or face up to the reality that “affirmative action� is in fact, the very institutionalized racism they claim to be opposed to, need to grow brains and spines.

Also, judging by some of the infantile, utterly nonsensical posts made here by defenders of affirmative action, I’d say no amount of preferential treatment or lowered standards can help some people accomplish anything positive in their lives.

Posted by: Tom | December 18, 2006 08:25 AM

Their claimed intent was completely lost on me, a middle-aged white guy. I don't know if their intent really was satire, but if it was, they failed.

Tom, I am in agreement with you on this one. I don't even remotely sense satire. I don't know if I can state if the carol is racist except for the lame line Fifty-two black freshmen. My feelings on this topic is, why was the intent to show a racist perspective from the writer of the carol.

This is not even grade school angst aimed at fellow classmates, but I will state, the editor of the paper should have known better to allow this to be printed in the school paper, but that would be censorship.

I went online and noticed it costs about $46,000 dollars per year to attend Tufts University. Any administrator in their right mind, is simply not going to give a marginalized student with poor grades, this type of funding to attend this university, if not ACADEMCIALLY ASTUTE to do the course work! Not even a freaking athlete!

This is what Ms Mitchell trys to bring to the forefront about Privilege Individuals, who simply don't like being cast in that light.

At almost $50K a year for tuition, you would think a student would be more focus on their studies.

I would love to make $50K a year in salary, wouldn't some of you?

If I go over the posted speed limit. The courts calls it speeding. If I take merchandise of a store shelf which is not free or an giveaway promotiom and sneak out of the store with it, this is called shoplifting or stealing. How is it that racist get to lie, degrade, belittle, show true prejidices and call it SATIRE! Education is a waste of time if you can rename anything you want to justify your racism.

Here we go again with the affirmative action bashing. White women have benefitted the most from this. How many white female CEO's are there? How many white women run are executives in corporations now? I am sure it is more than black men and women combined. I have seen it myself in companies where white women have risen from assistant (secretary) to project manager or department head, no degree required. Also, you have white women fronts of businesses here in Chicago. So let's stop with this. If affirmative action was run correctly, there would be zero complaints but you have so much fraud and abuse that it is sad. And for the longest time I have felt that athletes should not get a scholarship, that the monies should go to a real student. The kids that are taking up space are wasting that money. Just my opinion. There are too many kids that drop out of college each year whose lives could be changed with a degree.

to John Jenkins: John, yes jobs are going overseas. But what white men are you blaming for this? I bet you'll point your finger at those no-good conservatives, right? Well guess what, Bill Clinton is the man who pushed through NAFTA, who pushed through and signed all these WTO agreeements, GAIT and what have you. Start paying attention, please ! When did this downsizing and outsourcing begin on a heavy scale? The 90's, who was in charge then? The man you call the first BLACK president. Oh yeah, here is an example: The absolute biggest exploiter is NIKE. There so bad they moved out of Indonesia and into VietNam because Indonesians wanted a dime more. Lets let these VietNamese do it. They'll work 14 hours in the sweatshop instead of 12. And have more political prisoners besides. Hey John, whose getting rich making commercials for NIKE? Is it old conservative white men? Everytime I turn a TV on and see the commercial, I see guys named LeBron, KG, Kobie, and what have you doing those commercials..As far as the Enron's of the world go, lets see we caught them at the START of the Bush Presidency. Do you really think it just started then? Or had it been going on? And did Ken Lay and other CEO's (especially Tyson) ever thank President Clinton for those free rides traveling they use to get?

to Mary Mitchell: As far as this 'piece of garbage' at Tufts, I suppose this means ALL whites have to get 'labeled' and 'stereotyped' because of it. Does this mean we get to stereotype you and all black people because of Farrakhan's comments, Charles Barkley's comment, Michael Irvins atrocious comments, Dusty Baker's same thinking as Jimmy the Greek? Or how about that North Carolina State professor who wants all white people exterminated? If its a conservative, then it must mean racism. OK, then in YOUR eyes, Affirmative Action has to be racist because Richard Nixon's Administration pushed the idea and implemented it. It was Dwight Eisenhower's actions and policies that started the school de-segregation practices. It was he who PROTECTED the African-American children at Little Rock. It was Eisenhower appointed judges (democrats, especially people like Al Gore's dad were furious) who approved and okayed the Brown v. Bd. of Education verdict. I suppose Robert Byrd is automatically ok because he's a democrat. So what if he's an ex-KKKlaner. And if you dismiss it as ex-, then so is David Duke. Whereas I suppose a conservative like Charleton Heston is no good. So what if he marched with Dr. King at Selma and took a brick in his shoulder for doing so. Fact is, ALL OF US should be judged by our INDIVIDUAL character and not by the party they are affiliated with. Or how the media labels them. Is that fair enough? THIS ISN"T THE SITUATION TODAY....and as far as this Tufts debacle goes, last I heard Tufts was an elite, private, and very exclusive NEW ENGLAND University. It doesn't speak for the vast, vast, vast majority. Am I right? Your reply?

The Tufts are jerks ! Is that blunt enough? So why blame all conservatives and whites? Can we blame all blacks because a black ex-professor at North Carolina State is calling for the extermination of all white people. Or Larry Johnson, Michael Irvin, Dusty Baker's, Louis Farrakhan's, etc. racist and/or stereotyping comments? BTW, Tufts is an exclusive, private, expensive NEW ENGLAND University. 95% of whites could never send their kids there, either. And you all know it. So why lump all of us together? Unfair and racist.

I'm sorry, but if this was satire, then George W. Bush is the most popular president to ever grace the White House. Unfortunately for this conservative paper, however, he's not...and this is definitely not satire.

In fact, as echoed by many already, this "satire" is a racist rant that plays up stereotypes, ignores facts, and is severely hurtful to many people who are legitimately pulling their weight in college.

One word sums up what I feel right now: disgusted.

Sincerely,
A Fellow College Student Across the River in Cambridge

SURPRISE!!! Racism still exists. Lets not get too carried away with this poem because it is just one act in a play that has been running since before the Constitution was signed. We know that the world has plenty of racist people, the students at Tufts just decided to go public with their feelings.

I'm not going to recite the pros and cons of affirmative action, I will just ask that if you are going to comment on it, please know what you are talking about. I would suggest that rather than getting your information from the students at Tufts, FOX news, or the NAACP, you go to the nearest law library and read the affirmative action cases, starting with Bakke, and moving on to Hopwood and the numerous other Federal cases involving affirmative action.

Once you read the cases, you should have a much better understanding of what affirmative action is, what it attempts to accomplish and who benefits from it.

For the record, affirmative action benefits not only the student who has been accepted to a college or university, it also benefits the other non-minority students on the campus, the school in general, the school's community, the State, the Country and the world.

Think about that for a moment, go read the cases and then respond either pro or con.

Ok, as ignorant as the satire was, Black people need to realize our potential. It is NOT a white university that graduates the majority of black dentist, it is NOT a white university that graduates the majority of black engineers and it is NOT a white university that graduates the majority of black pharmacist. Start telling you're children from day one that they will be going to Meharry, Morehouse, Spelman and FAMU. Do not allow these institutions to flounder because you think youre child has a better chance if they graduate from A white college. Howard University is ranked #88 in America's colleges, Pre Katrina, Dillard univ. was highly ranked. It is our DUTY to ensure that these schools will remain HBCU'S and flourish. Black people need to patronize those who welcome us. If Tufts or any other college needs to fill an affirmative action slot, they need to put in work for it. We are giving away too much and not reaping the benefits

to Jerry: While I don't agree with everything you say, the sad fact is you are telling the truth about the ex-North Carolina State University professor. BTW, his name is Kamau Kambon. And yes, students at Howard were cheering. Very sad....What also is sad no black leaders, politicians, or columnists will condemn this. Like they do a Tufts. Why?....only fair if this comment also is shown, by the way. Because interested in what folks replies are.

A kid w/o a degree gets accepted to a prestigious grad school at a major Ivy League school simply because he is the President's aide and so many claim AA is a one way street?

Just one, among maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaany examples.

But, hey, we're supposed to be talking about the Black folks.

Nobody asks for a quota system, most of us despise it.

We simply ask for the same opportunity(s) that others receive.

&, I notice, in this discussion, no talk of the high level of cheating on admissions exams, an epidemic that seems to not have infected the Black community anywhere remotely close to the levels it has elsewhere . . .

Jerry please you probably didnt know that Howard University even existed. And does this song make Tufts a racist university?

Mark, remember that not all whites in America are "the descendants of white, racist, slave owners". A few generations ago, my Dad's family didn't own anything, ANYTHING, certainly not any slaves. As recent as 50 years ago, my Mother's family was starving in Nazi occupied Holland during WWII. Yes, the carol was ill-advised and insensitive. But please don't lump all whites into the same racist stereotypes. Don't forget the dream of Dr. King; if you decide to judge me, please do so on the content of my character, not on the color of my skin.

Great Job, DOC! You failed to bring up a strong argument to contradict Jerry, but instead stooped to the typical liberal ways. That is, to attack personally when you have lost the debate. In his post, he brought up the former Professor that went on a rant about exterminating white people, to cheers in the auditorium at Howard University. Now, instead of reducing your side of the debate to mere whining, why don't you tell us? Are blacks capable of prejudice and racial hatred towards others? Which is more offensive? A stupid song about blacks, or the numerous rap songs that degrades whites? How about the professor? Did you find his remarks offensive? And if so, where did you post your objection so we can read them? Stop being so thin-skinned, and instead look at what is being said and done by both sides. Until EVERYONE stops the inflammatory remarks, neither side ( THAT INCLUDES BLACKS, DOC) has the moral high ground, and are instead reduced to being whining HYPOCRITES. Such is the case for those that complain about this incident. If the stupid song offended you to the extent that it hurt your pride, then your pride is pretty fragile! God bless the 1st Amendment, right Mary?

This may sound far-fetched, but I believe that Affirmative Action was sold as an equalizer built to protect Blacks from discrimination, but its true purpose was to further racial animosity and keep certain people in power. I'll explain.

Under Affirmative Action and other civil rights legislation, Blacks could not be denied positions solely on race (legally). White corporations had to diversify, but they were not willing to hire the most qualified African Americans, so they picked the least qualified African Americans to prove they could fill quotas. These people were then "trotted" in front of Whites under the guise of having to fill quotas. This caused a backlash which led to the election of one Ronald Reagan. Other things including "race norming" give the impression that Blacks are inferior and need help in order to succeed.

The truth of the matter is that "affirmative action" has always existed in this country. For 400 years, it was to the exclusive benefit of White people. It was called slavery, then Jim Crow. During this period, Whites were able to build corporations, generational wealth, etc, things that Blacks legally could not do. Saying that everything is okay now does not erase the 400 year head start that Whites have on AFrican Americans, especially when Asians, Arabs, and others can come into the U.S. and get loans, grants, etc that are denied Blacks living in the U.S.

Truth be told, the biggest benefactors of current Affirmative Action programs are White women. This is a tool that Whites use to skirt the so called purpose of AA. Just put the name of the company in the wife's name and take advantage of programs. This and the fact that "disadvantaged" business can only gross so little revenue ensures that those in power stay in power, only offering these disadvantaged business small kickbacks in exchange for fronting so called "joint ventures" in getting government contracts.

I wish that AA could be done away with altogether. But it can't until America's attitude changes and Blacks truly are no longer at a disadvantage through no fault of our own. If nothing else, that poem will open up a discussion of AA, and we can all see what White America feels (but does not say). As offensive as the poem may seem, I'm glad it was printed, and I'm glad they were honest with their feelings. We know now what we are dealing with.

Let's face it, there are many opponents to affirmative action (discrimination) which impacts a lot of people who would otherwise get into the college of their choice. I have 2 cousins with terrific grades who could not get into the schools they wanted while minorities with inferior grades could. Those facts are indisputable and apply all too often.

Mitchell comment;

How did you establish that the minorities had inferior grades?

Mitchell comment;

How did you establish that the minorities had inferior grades?

I didn't have to...it came from the admissions counselor at one of the colleges my cousin was trying to attend. His words, not mine...isn't that what affirmative action (discrimination) is all about at state universities? Taking in minorities with test scores who wouldn't otherwise get in.

Mitchell comment:

Not all minorities at universities have inferior grades. "Inferior" is the key word here. Most universities have admission requirements for all students and those with "inferior" grades aren't even considered.

Mitchell comment:

Not all minorities at universities have inferior grades. "Inferior" is the key word here. Most universities have admission requirements for all students and those with "inferior" grades aren't even considered.

Mary Mitchell,
You are giving me flashbacks of a former president, with your version of, "It all depends on what the definition of 'is', is". You know perfectly well that Mary L. was referring to minorities being consistently admitted to state universities with "lower" test scores than their white and asian counterparts, and that SOME (not all, of course) whites were NOT being admitted, though there scores were higher than SOME of the blacks who were admitted. That IS what AA is all about. Do you think blacks would be discriminated against by universities if there were no AA? Just look at the many university presidents, including the white University of Michigan president. She seemed almost in tears as she explained that she would fight to the bitter end any attempt at ending AA. Not necessarily the words of someone looking to discriminate against blacks, now is it? So now that we know where her heart is, and that blacks need not fear being discriminated against at U of M, lets see how well blacks do when they must score as well as their white and asian competitors.
Kinda reminds me of a child who's about to take the training wheels off for the first time in their lives. This child is scared of the unknown, but quickly realize that they can ride as well as the other kids when given the chance. Its past time for the training wheels to come off of the black community.

Mitchell comment:

My point was just as clear.

Mitchell comment:

Not all minorities at universities have inferior grades. "Inferior" is the key word here. Most universities have admission requirements for all students and those with "inferior" grades aren't even considered.

I want to be sure I understand your point...are you saying that students accepted under affirmative action programs have equal to, or better test scores than the college's base acceptance criteria? If you are, you are sorely mistaken.

Mitchell comment:

My point is not all minorities that attend universities with affirmative-action programs have "inferior" grades.

So if I understand your position, you claim that minorities who attend a college by way of AA do not have inferior grades to the general student population. At the same time, you started this discussion by saying people who consider their political affiliation as "conservative" are racist..certainly that is one way to generate discussion on a blog like this.

Mitchell comment:

What does one have to do with the other?

jim wrote December 18:
"Sadly, much of this is true and many blacks are given a 'pass'.We pay for it later when we receive inferior service from the 'professionals' that have been spawned by such a system."
Jim, where did you earn your GED?I am African - American , physician , Board Certified in my speciality. Affirmative Action didn't help me pass my licensure examinations, board test etc.. hard work Jim ..just hard work.

Let me give you some insight buddy..obviously you are quite confused.
Critics of affirmative action characterize it as a Black issue because this enables them to use the negative racial stereotypes associated with African Americans to portray these policies as undeserved hand-outs to an “underqualified and unmotivated� group of people, rather than as policies designed to uncover the capabilities of millions of Americans of all hues and genders. Sadly, the media is often complicit in these portrayals. In this respect, the heavy participation of white women in these programs is obscured by media portrayals which, for the most part, completely ignore the role of affirmative action in promoting equality for mostly white women. Here are the facts:

Studies show that affirmative action has brought about significant benefit to white women. For example, Between 1972 and 1993:

The percentage of women architects increased from 3% to nearly 19% of the total;
The percentage of women doctors more than doubled from 10% to 22% of all doctors;
The percentage of women lawyers grew from 4% to 23% of the national total;
The percentage of female engineers went from less than 1% to nearly 9%;
The percentage of female chemists grew from 10% to 30% of all chemists; and,
The percentage of female college faculty went from 28% to 42% of all faculty
Please do your research before you post Jim..at times you appear extremely uneducated

To Lee, you need to read my post more carefully. I didn't say the black racist at Howard University received a "standing ovation". I said he received an "ovation". Remember, if you're going to match wits with me on here you better have your stuff together. Just ask your homeboy Doc.

Mitchell comment:

What does one have to do with the other?

At the top of your lead-in how "African-Americans who claim conservative is just another word for racist."

That is an extremely racist viewpoint made to generate nasty and testy comments (of course not the first time). Isn't that what you get on people for doing in some of your responses? I consider myself a conservative in my political views so your lead-in says African Americans consider me to be a racist.

Mitchell Comment:

"In the process, they made a good case for African-Americans who claim conservative is just another word for racist. " I'm not sure why this offended you, but I'm certainly NOT saying ALL black people consider ALL conservatives racist.

Mitchell comment:

Not all minorities at universities have inferior grades.

Mary,
Of course not "ALL" minorities at universities have inferior grades. The fact is, there shouldn't be "ANY" persons admitted into universities with inferior grades to someone that scored higher, yet was denied admission. That is discrimination, plain and simple, against the individual that was by-passed. This very practice has been applied in the past against white persons seeking promotions in police and fire departments. These persons, though scoring higher on the promotional exam, were by-passed by SOME "inferior-scoring" blacks that were promptly promoted. Lawsuits were filed on behalf of the white plaintives, and the plaintives won on the grounds of (YOU GUESSED IT)...discriminatory practices on the part of the municipalities involved. Sugarcoat it all you want, Mary, but you ARE supporting discrimination with your support of affirmative action. But, I guess in the eyes of affirmative action supporters such as yourself, discrimination is OK as long as its someone elses ox being gored. How hypocritical is that?

How many white women...are executives in corporations now? I am sure it is more than black men and women combined.
Posted by: leonard hamilton | December 20, 2006 06:05 PM

As well in should be, Leonard. After all, whites make up approximately 65% of the U.S. population. Of that 65%, its logical to assume that half are women. Therefore, 32.5% of the U.S. population are WHITE WOMEN. Now, blacks (men and women COMBINED) only make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population.

Let's see now.
White WOMEN only: 32.5%
ALL Blacks: 13%

It would only be logical that there would be more white women executives than black men and women executives combined. Do you think that, with your measely 13% of the population, you and yours should have more executive positions in U.S. corporations than white women, who make up nearly 33% of the U.S. population?

Leonard, you say "I am sure it is more than black men and women combined". Based on population statistics alone, there SHOULD be more. But then, I guess, logic has no place in such a feeble mind.

to the other John: You are right that not all whites are descendants are white slave owners. How right you are. The HIGHEST estimate is that 4% of whites (thats 4 of 100) had ancestors who may (thats may) have had something to do with slavery, whether it be owner, transporter, seller, etc.

to ALL: Remember how the 'Affirmative-Action' program came about. It was started by the REPUBLICAN president, Richard Nixon. It was the idea of he and his advisor, Dr. Arthur Fletcher. Despite hostile and bitter reactions from some politicians, including Al Gore's dad.

John you are quite confused buddy. Affirmative Action was not started by Richard Nixon. Please do your research before posting! You sound like Jim

1961. President John F. Kennedy's Executive Order (E.O.) 10925 used affirmative action for the first time by instructing federal contractors to take "affirmative action to ensure that applicants are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin." Created the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.

1964. Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law. This was landmark legislation prohibiting employment discrimination by large employers (over 15 employees), whether or not they have government contracts. Established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

1965. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued E.O. 11246, requiring all government contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to expand job opportunities for minorities. Established Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCC) in the Department of Labor to administer the order.

1967. President Johnson amended E.O. 11246 to include affirmative action for women. Federal contractors now required to make good-faith efforts to expand employment opportunities for women and minorities.

1970. The Labor Department, under President Richard M. Nixon, issued Order No.4, authorizing flexible goals and timetables to correct "underutilization" of minorities by federal contractors.

1971. Order No.4 was revised to include women.

Best regards