Quote Originally Posted by Goofball
You're right. I reread your post and you didn't make a direct comparison.

You asked why you should have to "pay" today for what happened to blacks in the past, drawing a parallel or connection between the two experiences. My point was that any possible swing of the pendalum against whites has still caused nowhere near the pain and suffering that North American blacks have been going through for the past few hundred years, and can't be compared.
Fair enough. I agree 100% with you here.

I could make the argument that minorities are still experiencing oppression today, but I have a feeling that you would dismiss that out of hand, so how about a little middle ground we can agree on.

Would you agree with me that blacks were still being oppressed in North America as recently as the 1960's?

If yes, would you further agree that some of those blacks who were alive in the 1960's are still alive today?

There. You've answered your own question.

No, I wouldn't dismiss it. I agree with you that blacks do have it worse today. My problem is with the people who have played the racism card on minor issues, to get sympathy, or to justify their wrongdoings. Also, I do agree that blacks living in the 1960s were treated unfairly and that many of them live today. My point was about them feeling their newfound power after thousands of years.

Your original post would indicate that you are acting like a victim. You ranted about having to pay for past injustices that had nothing to do with you.

A person who is blamed and punished for something they didn't do can very rightly be called a victim.

So, which way do you want it? Are you a victim or not?
I apologize for blowing my top in my first post. I completely overreacted. I don't actually believe I'm being 'punished' for anything, I just have problems with people who believe I should be punished. I'm not saying that you are one of those people, I'm just saying that I've encountered many of them.

I agree, it makes me sick too. Like the guy (there's one in every office) that gets one beer into him then starts with "I'm not a racist, but two black guys walk into a bar...."

The joke always turns out to be extremely racist, but he thinks its funny and takes no responsibility for the effects of his role in perpetuating negative racial stereotypes.
I agree. The whole "gangster" stereotype is still doing lots of damage to Black America today.

I've read the thread through again and find no instances of anybody making that argument. I have tried to stay away from the use of this word as much as possible lately in the Backroom, but you are making such blatant use of the tactic (and I don't even think you realize that you are doing it) that I feel I have to say it:

Strawman.

Yuck.

There, I've said it.

I feel a bit dirty now.

I hope you're happy.

I'm sorry again, I did not direct that comment at you. Once again, I'm saying that I've encountered several people who have made that argument (not here).

Fair comment. As I've said before, trying to help minorities should not be about punishing whites. And that means it should not be about guilt. Any action undertaken only out of a sense of guilt is tainted right from the get-go.
I agree.