The blatant undercurrent of racism here is unbelievable. It is fine for a caucasian to have a view of race relations, of course. But no white person has lived the experience of being black in America. There remains, even to this day, repurcussions from this shameful past episode of "these United States".
It goes beyond slavery. Within my lifetime:
- Black people had to ride in the back of the bus
- Could not eat in the same restaurant
- Had to use separate restrooms and water fountains
- Could not swim in the same pool
- Had to sit outside the church and listen on speakers, while whites went into the air conditioned building
- Go to the back of the Dairy Queen to be served
- Discriminated against at the polls
- Treated as less than equal on many other levels
So is it any surprise that given this experience that some people are still upset and hold some resentment? I bet most of you would if you had experienced this growing up.
As for the inane comment about the NBA and the NFL, not very many people, black or white, get the opportunity to play in those leagues. There is not a White Congressional Caucus, because historically, the entire body was a white caucus. People who are in a minority status meet to strategize ways to advance an agenda more favorable to them. A higher percentage of blacks are living in poverty than whites, all because of institutionalized discrimination. We have come a long way, but it takes generations to overcome previous multi-generational discrimination. I long for a day when society is colorblind and no longer has a need for affirmative action programs. I think we are getting closer, but until all have a fair opportunity at achieving the American Dream, we can't quit.
I do believe that some Affirmative Action programs have lived past the need for them, and this is a danger. We need to find a way to insure every child, Black, White, Native American, Latino, Asian-American, or whatever background, gets the best possible education and opportunity to acheive their maximum potential. This makes for a better world for all.