As one DiversityInc reader commented, "we will never outgrow discrimination, but we should learn to understand and accept the philosophies and opinions of those who don't exactly think, act or react as we do." We asked you for your thoughts on "the struggle" and about people you know who just are "not getting it," and here's how you responded.
Click here to submit a question or comment to "Ask the White Guy."
(See also: Why Whites Don't Understand the 'Struggle' and Derek Jeter's Not Black Enough? Joe Torre Discriminates? What's the Truth?)
Like Mr. Magsby who commented on this article, I am in the same situation. Black female, currently working in law enforcement, looking for new career opportunities, so I went back to graduate school and finished this past spring just to find out there aren't any opportunities available [to] me. I have gone to quite a few interviews and the only jobs they deem me appropriate for are administrative-assistant positions, which I know I am well overqualified for. I am beginning to believe I am being interviewed simply to fill some EEO reporting sheet. I am truly beginning to believe it's not what you know, it's who you know. Unfortunate for me, I don't know the "whos"! In order to keep my sanity I think I'm going to stop looking for a while until I have the patience and strength to do it again.
—Teresa Johnson
I work in a predominately white-female industry (insurance). If white females in management think they are discriminated against, what chance [does] a black female have to get equality in the workplace ... There should be a definite distinction between racial and sexism.
—Michelle Phillips
[Whites] don't get it because they haven't lived it, therefore they don't understand it. When you have a white person that has struggled all his/her life to achieve his/her goals, then you might have someone that understands it, to some extent. The race part of the equation is the part that they will never get. Being a minority automatically gets you all flagged up in corporate America and even by society itself. I believe that for whites, or anyone, for that matter, [to] understand any type of struggle, you have to go through it in some level. We need to teach corporate America that the reality of a few won't work for all. And that the "one-size-fits-all" solution won't make the cut this time around. They need to have people from all backgrounds talking to them and teaching them what [does it feel like] to be in their shoes for one day. That might open some closed eyes that need to be wide open.
—Lucimar Flores
[Who just doesn't "get it?"] My parents! In high school I was taking AP biology, chemistry, physics, etc. But did they encourage me toward college? No! Secretarial school and nice husband were all planned. I joined the Navy. Sometimes diversity should begin at home! By the way, I'm an American of African descent.
—Cassandra Wang
Why is it assumed that African Americans should view people who are biracial as black? People who are biracial, depending on their appearance, often have vastly different experiences than people who are perceived as solely or completely black. As Orlando Patterson wrote in Slavery and Social Death, being black far too often carries a social stigma that is part and parcel to being perceived as black and inferior. Being partially non-black is often viewed as a "mitigating" factor by the dominate [sic] society and can reduce the experiences of overt racism.
—Kierra Foster-Ba
I am getting sick and tired of folks spouting off about how things in 2007 should be any different than they were in 1957. I am 68 years old, retired and reaping the benefits of retirement in White Hall, Ark. But I tell you, "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair!" Sheffield was just passing on the identical thoughts of so man ebony-hued folks who know exactly what he is talking about. While diversity is a noble topic indeed, the following facts indicate that ethnic allegiances are alive and well in America, and rightfully so. Why does the sports media so passionately go beyond the bar in making the Bonds, Sheffields, Sharptons, Jacksons and others dedicated to representing themselves in an individualized manner seem so insensitive and out of touch? Oh yes, how many colleagues come to mind that bear African-American heritage? Oh yes, there may be a few clerks or support staff plugging away in his office space, but you can bet the journalists are few and far between. So what am I saying? Simply that we will never outgrow discrimination, but we should learn to understand and accept the philosophies and opinions of those who don't exactly think, act or react as we do!
—Bob (Hubba Jubba) Moss
As a successful Title VII plaintiff in a pay-discrimination case where 15 years ago all my colleagues got raises except for white males (Rudebusch v. Hughes), I cannot understand how anyone would support preferences based on race or gender (with respect for your attack on Connerly). Although it is taking decades to dismantle them, they are inherently immoral. As the Supreme Court recently reiterated: Racial classifications are suspect, and, as Judge Thomas noted, we must beware of those bandying about racial theories. Viva Ward Connerly!!!
—Ed Hood
More Reader Responses >>
