All-Star Themed Practice Controversy

[Ashley]

You are correct, BET came before MTV, but I remembered having to request for this and paid the premium cost, whereas, MTV was part of the basic channels that came with any and all cable service. Additionally, MTV, this channel excluded all black music videos and Michael Jackson's Thriller was the very first time anything of color appeared on MTV... When BET started playing videos and did not exclude anybody - we saw videos from artists like Lisa Stansfield, Lil' Jon and many White videos that even MTV did not show because of the genre of music - R&B... I remembered, Blacks were forced to create their own dance program - 'Soul Train' because richard Clark's American Bandstand refused to allow anybody of color on that program... Unfortunately, due to the world we inherited, many of the Scholarship programs that are race specific because it was necessary for the times...but not so much now...

Someone mentioned that admissions to medical schools are so unfair and will agree wholeheartedly, if I thought everybody have the same opportunities and starting out even...

I think you're trying to make a point, but Disney channel used to be a paid channel too.

 

[cheerisloving]

Blacks are like any race group that has a unique history...

I think the problem is that blacks have always been around the country in great population more than any other ethnic group. (I know we are ALL immigrants but I'm talking post colonization.) So people don't get that there are so many things about the black community that is unique. Just like people understand different aspects of Asian culture, blacks have their traditions that stem from African ancestry. Most American traditions are from Europe, and were adopted when the country was founded.

I grew up as the only black student in most of my classes (the only girl in my elementary school class). I've been shocked to discover how much my white peers didn't know about black culture and it's impact to American culture. Just like any other minority group we have organizations around and we have groups around to maintain our history and our culture.

My HS had a special group for minority students that was often times criticized as being 'racists' but it wasn't. Statistically, they found black and hispanic students weren't in AP programs, so they made the group for high achieving minority students to support each other. Most racial groups exist because there is a need for them.

 

[TheVipersMom]

So guys this was a fun thread huh?

80s theme anyone?

I hope you people that were around in the 80s don't get offended by her leg warmers. I was born in 88 so technically I wasn't old enough to remember the 80s so I don't count.

 

[Ashley]

My HS had a special group for minority students that was often times criticized as being 'racists' but it wasn't. Statistically, they found black and hispanic students weren't in AP programs, so they made the group for high achieving minority students to support each other. Most racial groups exist because there is a need for them.

I was a computer science major in college - so pretty much the only girl in almost all of my classes. I kept getting these requests to join the Women in CS groups. I just never got it - why would I need to join a group for just women. I don't feel singled out, I don't mind being around the boys. But now that I'm out of college and out of that bubble and I'm the only female developer at work, I get it. I get why things like that exist. I wish I had taken advantage of it.

 

[kristenthegreat]

FYI there's no such thing as reverse racism. It's all racism.

You know, I'm starting to wonder if we were talking at cross-purposes here on the non-existence of reverse racism. Because it's just racism.

For the record, this is my current internet definition of racism:
the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.
prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.

While prejudice:
preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

It's interesting, that it only seems to be via Americans that a 'power' addition is insisted upon for the definition. Even odder still, in looking through Wikipedia's definition of the term, it argues that there is a split as to whether "power" should be included in the full definition. It even mentions the whole "prejudice+power" stance. Considering it mentions discrimination based on race, and that is easiest done when you are in power, and in the majority of cases that applies to caucasians, I can understand the correlation. It is silly to say that blacks can't be prejudiced. I think the disagreement is coming from whether or not you include the "power requirement" in your definition. I never did, and I find it interesting that NONE of the definitions I've found (Merriam-Webster included, I don't have access to an Oxford English Dictionary), specifically list it either.

I, personally, am VERY excited to see 'Dear White People' for a number of reasons: Acting, writing, and for the interesting commentary I hope follows. It looks really interesting/hilarious and has gotten AWESOME reviews. Funny side note: most of my discussions about race/privilege comes from my Half Brazilian/Half Jewish friend.

 

[icequeen]

You are correct, BET came before MTV, but I remembered having to request for this and paid the premium cost, whereas, MTV was part of the basic channels that came with any and all cable service. Additionally, MTV, this channel excluded all black music videos and Michael Jackson's Thriller was the very first time anything of color appeared on MTV... When BET started playing videos and did not exclude anybody - we saw videos from artists like Lisa Stansfield, Lil' Jon and many White videos that even MTV did not show because of the genre of music - R&B... I remembered, Blacks were forced to create their own dance program - 'Soul Train' because richard Clark's American Bandstand refused to allow anybody of color on that program... Unfortunately, due to the world we inherited, many of the Scholarship programs that are race specific because it was necessary for the times...but not so much now...

Someone mentioned that admissions to medical schools are so unfair and I will agree wholeheartedly, if I thought everybody have the same opportunities and starting out even...




Actually I have been told that a few times regarding school. I go to a private catholic college for nursing school and was told "not official" by a white and a black graduate. If there is one spot left for that semester and both a white and a black student have the same GPA and test score they would take the lack student. Sort of like meeting a quota.

 

[Official OWECheer]

This statement just reminds me of when people say "Black people shouldn't complain they have a whole month dedicated to them". I just stare at them and ask, "So when's white history month?"

I shimmied for the video, but the video doesn't match up with the statement above it... I'm confused.

 

[Cheermom1969]

So guys this was a fun thread huh?

80s theme anyone?

I hope you people that were around in the 80s don't get offended by her leg warmers. I was born in 88 so technically I wasn't old enough to remember the 80s so I don't count.

Are you calling me old???? Class of '87 over here!

 

[ACEDAD]

You are correct, BET came before MTV, but I remembered having to request for this and paid the premium cost, whereas, MTV was part of the basic channels that came with any and all cable service. Additionally, MTV, this channel excluded all black music videos and Michael Jackson's Thriller was the very first time anything of color appeared on MTV... When BET started playing videos and did not exclude anybody - we saw videos from artists like Lisa Stansfield, Lil' Jon and many White videos that even MTV did not show because of the genre of music - R&B... I remembered, Blacks were forced to create their own dance program - 'Soul Train' because richard Clark's American Bandstand refused to allow anybody of color on that program... Unfortunately, due to the world we inherited, many of the Scholarship programs that are race specific because it was necessary for the times...but not so much now...

Someone mentioned that admissions to medical schools are so unfair and I will agree wholeheartedly, if I thought everybody have the same opportunities and starting out even...

I get your point, but words mean things. "Anything of color" is not accurate because JJ Jackson was a VJ from the first day. And I'm pretty sure Beat It aired before Thriller.

Also American Bandstand had black people on the show by the early '60's and Soul Train didn't start till the early 70's. I was in elementary school then.

But your overall point is still accurate.

 

[kristenthegreat]

Actually I have been told that a few times regarding school. I go to a private catholic college for nursing school and was told "not official" by a white and a black graduate. If there is one spot left for that semester and both a white and a black student have the same GPA and test score they would take the lack student. Sort of like meeting a quota.

That might very well be true, for a number of reasons. The one thing I always wonder- if they did get rid of Affirmative Action, even now, would colleges be as open and diverse? One of the greatest things about my college was that I had to learn to grow with people of all different cultures and backgrounds and opinions (and we're in NYC- so everyone's feisty as heck lol). I know we'd like to think we don't need it anymore, but I don't think we're still there yet. Like how we still need feminism.

 

[Pebbles49]

I think you're trying to make a point, but Disney channel used to be a paid channel too.

Yes, my point is MTV because it was a basic channel immediately would had a wider appeal and more people to watch its programming and had more power to dictate the public's taste... Whereas, BET channel did not have a chance to be watched by a diverse group, because it was a premium channel, thus only selected audience. Likewise, when the Disney channel was a paid channel I will not select it and will not no about what it offers or any of its programming...

 

[TheVipersMom]

Are you calling me old???? Class of '87 over here!

Well if the shoe fits ...

You better lace that .. Up and wear it

 

[ACEDAD]

High school class of '80 just so everyone knows my age perspective.

 

[Cheermom1969]

Well if the shoe fits ...

You better lace that .. Up and wear it

Fine I'll wear it but it needs to have orthopedic soles and inserts...

 

[TheVipersMom]

High school class of '80 just so everyone knows my age perspective.

Omg I can't.. Lol
I'm going back to the parents forum.