Quote:
Originally posted by JRutledge
bebanovich,
First of all you made a stereotype that was inaccurate and out of line. You assumed that some kids from a specific area are the only ones that are willing to fight or are willing to behave in a bad way. Those are the comments I have a problem with. Then you tried to use Bill Cosby to back that up as if Bill Cosby has any credibility with the African-American community on this issue. Ever heard of Michael Dyson (Professor and Author)? He wrote a book addressing the many issues that Cosby raised and is widely in disagreement with Cosby as well as many other African-American scholars and leaders that took Cosby on. Knowing this does not make me an expert but I am related to an individual that writes about race and teaches racial issues in her day job as a college professor. I can tell you that much of the African-American Scholar community thought Cosby was out of line much like your comments. Many of the problems that take place in the Black community are no different than any other community. We have a violent society, not just violent communities.
Peace
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Let me start with the Bill Cosby issue because I don't want it to get lost. I definitely did not bring him up initially, nor can I ever imagine a case where I would cite him as an expert. The idea that I tried to use him to back anything up just isn't right. It did happen on this thread but it wasn't me. My main point about him was I'm glad he's concerned about the issue, he has a right to speak, but being Black does not make him an expert on this or a "Black leader."
I have also heard the name Michael Dyson but have not read his work. I plan to go take a look at his books today - thanks for the recommendation. One more point about race and expertise. . . obviously being of a majority races does put a cap on ones' credibility. I can read all the books I want and work with as many kids as I want and have as many conversations as I want but I can't replace the knowledge that comes with experience. I just wanted to make the point that people should really understand and own their ideas about race rather than find a mysteriously appointed "Black leader" like Bill Cosby to speak for them.
As far as stereotyping, it certainly wasn't my intention to imply that only kids from a certain area are capable of or willing to behave badly. I have also tried to point out repeatedly that my kids didn't and, in general don't, behave badly. I was trying to point out that sliding standards can be disheartening and insensitive to cultural differences - especially in cases like this. In can also be a bad idea when culture, class, etc. is not an issue, but that wasn't my purpose in posting.
In the course of naming the thread (something I'm pretty crappy at) and in making some generalities based on conversations and experiences with my kids I have generated and, judging from the content of a few posts, definitely encouraged stereotyping. For that I apologize.
[Edited by bebanovich on Mar 1st, 2006 at 04:01 PM]