This week I was driving to work, flipping through the radio channels, when I happened to come across Reverend Al Sharpton on the Tom Joyner morning show. Now we all know that we are facing some of the worst unemployment rates since 1983. There are currently over 15 million Americans looking for work. The national unemployment rate of 10.2% is just that, an average. It means some places that have been hardest hit by the recession have rates that are much, much higher. That being said, it shocked me when Reverend Sharpton stated that in New York City the unemployment rate for African-American males is 50%!
It's not just coming from Reverend Sharpton and its not just New york City either. There is ample evidence that racial inequities remain when it comes to unemployment. The disparity for the first ten months of 2009 has been even more profound for those with colleges degrees. The unemployment rate for African-American college graduates has been nearly twice that of their white, male counterparts. Check out this interactive graphic from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/11/06/business/economy/unemployment-lines.html
This week in class we will discuss Affirmative Actions programs and what equality means in America. We will look at how far the gap is between the ideals of America versus the reality. So my question to you this week is "Why do you think this disparity still exists in 2009 an what can we do about it?". Answers are due no later than Thursday, December 10th, 2009. By the way, I have fixed the link and have checked it twice so I really encourage you to check it out. This will also be the last week to make up any remaining blog posts you may have missed. I will not accept late blog posts after Thursday, December 10th, 2009.
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ReplyDeleteI have heard in the news lately how excited they are the unemployment rate has dropped .2% and is now an even 10%. This doesn't get me excited in the least, as this drop isn't even a larger fraction of a scale. As for the differential rates for African-Americans, I am not going to concern myself for them any more than I would for a fellow cracker. I realize they are still being deliberately excluded from many chances of careers, but what can I honestly do about it?
ReplyDeleteTruthfully as I said, I care about them just as much as I care about my white neighbors, which isn't much at all. I know everyone has the same rights and should be treated the same, but I also know this doesn't always happen. It is sad, it really is, but some people may not change.
By the way, James, I couldn't get that link to work for anything. You failed to link me to a better realization of Americas problems this week. Way to go
Just as we discussed in class, we all have our perceptions of what equality is defined as. It is a sad truth that those ideas are not being fully expressed in reality. I am sure that there are many reasons why African Americans and other individuals are suffering from high unemployment rates. I do believe that discrimination plays a significant role in this misfortune. I pray things turn around one day.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should be treated the same regardless of their race, but unfortunately, we live in a world that consists of people that choose to discriminate against other races. Discrimination has been around for a very long time and it is really is said that people of different races are discriminated against. African-American people have always been categorized as a minority, have always struggle more than any other ethnic group, and for those who make up in their minds to make a difference for themselves, they still may find themselves having to prove to others their stability, qualifications, and their worth. I’m not sure if things will ever change – it would be nice. Lee
ReplyDeleteI personally get really touchy when it comes to a topic like this one, because discrimination is so wrong in all kinds of ways. I work in retail and may I say you see discrimination left & right all day long.
ReplyDeleteI was raised to treat others that way I want to be treated. I stand to that devotion very strongly, because I look at people from inside out. Yes, you first see his or her ethnic, appearance, and body language but why discriminate on those elements. Situations have gotten somewhat better for African American in the world today, but not to the most high. I pray that African American still stay strong in what he or she may believe in doing as well as accomplishing, because when two or more gather together in one accord God is in the mist of handling the situation.
I'm can't say when or how the change will happen but I believe in faith discrimination among anything will change!!! ~Anesia~
I am embarrassed as an american citizen, in 2009 we are still faced with racism. It seems that older generations are more apt to be racist because of the era in which they grew up. Segregation didn't just happen in schools, bathroom, and on buses, it was everywhere. But I think that as times goes on and we mesh together the result is less racism and more equality. I think that younger generations are more accepting of all minorities.
ReplyDeleteI think that this will only be changed by education and time. Although we haven't eradicated racism, I feel that we have made progress. After all, we have an african american president.
Why do you think this disparity still exists in 2009 an what can we do about it?"
ReplyDelete-I think this still exists because of peoples narrow minded opinions and negative thinking. Weather its caucasions who are being narrow minded to not accept the times that we live in a country with an African American President or the African American's who are mentally talking to themselves in a negative mannor and teaching that to thier children.
I believe that both of these mind sets are damanging to not just themselves but to those around them, this is also a mindset that can be overcome.
Progress is here, change a mindset!
-Naomi
* "Why do you think this disparity still exists in 2009 and what can we do about it?"
ReplyDeleteThe disparity of the current racial unemployment figures are, unfortunately, grouped in with other discriminatory practices such as denial of housing, gatherings, private clubs, and others. Even though there are rules in place to prevent racial discrimination in the U.S.A. regarding employment, many of the final hiring decisions are still left up to individuals who may hold biased beliefs. These individuals sometimes are able to pull strings or control things behind the curtain.
I agree with the comments Naomi made. It is a "narrow minded" way of thinking and the "mindset" needs to be altered in some way. Even though many positive changes have been made over several decades, beginning with the early Kennedy administration, this "mindset" still exists today. "Why it exists" is not an easy question to answer and "what can we do about it?" is even harder to answer. I do what I can by treating everyone with respect and giving everybody a chance. That is my contribution for helping to make a change in our world.
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Keith M.
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first off i dont want to offend anyone but i myself was included in that unemployment group for 7 months last year, but a part of this issue has to do with laziness plian and simple. the thing that alot of americans are not seeing in my personal opinion there are some job opertunities out there alot of it has to do with people would rather set on there ass and draw unemployment pay rather then get a job, if you truely want to work u can find a job even if its flipping burgers or bagging groceries. as far as the racial difference in the statistics go i think that yeah there is a biased opinon in people as there always will be we may be the land of free but there is still a racial bias in the job market.
ReplyDeleteI think if we are going to fix the lack of equality, then the government to specify equality instead of infer it. The laws should state equality in sexual orientation, race and religion especially.
ReplyDeleteI looked up white, female, high school graduate and my unemployment rate was 9.8%. I put black, female, high school graduate and the rate was more than twice mine, 20.8%. I agree that there are stigmas against other races and I know that stereotypes aren't always true, but I also know that stereotypes are begun from a kernel of the truth. There are stereotypes against me as a white Kentuckian, that I don't wear shoes and I'm from the sticks. For the record, i own more that 75 pairs of shoes and I grew up in a city, against hunting and fur. I understand that there are so many of that stereotype that there is no reason to fight it. I avoid people who think like this because it shows how close minded they are. This is the same way I feel about this topic. Instead of being defeated and whining about being discriminated against, get up and try harder, work harder and prove yourself. I feel like the whole discrimination thing is an excuse. The government should do a survey along with the rates so that they can ask how many of these people have applied for a job in the last week. Most likely it wouldn't be much. It's so much easier to sit at home and collect unemployment. I have never collected unemployment and I would never think of that as an option. I have been on my own for 3 years and have been fired and without a job. I got a new one or found other ways to make money. The cultural differences have a impact on how you will respond to situations. A black girl who was brought up on food stamps will think it's okay to do the same for herself. That is the problem. People do what know they know. When you know, better you do better. Bill Cosby did a controversial speech about the ghetto and the cycle of being poor. It is exactly how I feel and it is inappropriate for me to say the same things because I'm white, but because he's black he can. That is the same thing turned around. The unemployment problem is just one of many that continues to broaden the gap between races. People aren't going to change their minds. You have to change it for them. I would like to see minorities rise up and band together to change the statistics. Clubs can be started at schools to help minorities gain skills and experience to not be turned down. I don't think the unemployment rate is the fault of the minority races. I think it is very unfortunate that things are working this was still, but it is time for people to take things into their own hands and change the world. Obama is in office for change. I think people need to jump on board and start working together as a country and not as a melting pot of differences.
For one I think it's ridiculous that the unemployment rate is high anyway. Especially when jobs keep saying that they are hiring and they need employees. I also realized that they are very picky when it comes to who they want to hire. Now as far as the racism issue, I feel as if the reason why people are still like this is because they still believe that Africain-Americans can't achieve anything or they just don't want them working for their store because they look different. Come on people we are about to go into 2010.
ReplyDeleteI am glad though that maybe there has been a little change in this world, for instance, we do have a African-American family in the white house. I really don't know how we can accomplish of everyone getting along, but I do believe that one day we will really make a big change.
I think a lot of Americans walk around and speak of their pride for the U.S. They speak as if we are all equal and are proud of progress in our history, but are blind to see the struggles people face in today's world. I think that in looking at the chart and the information given on unemployment rates for African Americans and any other minority group, just inforces a clear reality that even through all of our battles, the battles are continuing today. If we don't address the issues of continued racism and post it all over the media, people will live with blind folds on. Why is it, that I can sit down in the past week and turn to any news channel and learn about Tiger Woods life, but I haven't heard about unemployment rates this week. If the nation wanted to address this issue of racism or abuse to equal rights, they could bring it into the forefront and start tackling the big problems. A majority of our citizens listen to the media like it is a God; they believe what they hear, they are aware of what the media wants them to know, and they are lacking the full understanding of the truths of our nation. These truths that aren't being heard, is the breakdown of our nation.
ReplyDeleteI know one thing, there have been many times that this nation has come together for good to accomplish great goals. For example, Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 and two recent obsticles that because of the media, we came together and reached out to help those in need and make a difference. The nation worked as a whole nation because their was a common concern and goal that needed to be attended to. Global warming in another example of bringing awareness to a problem- it is an on going work in progress but progress is being made all the same. The same thing could happen if we pushed racism to the fore front and tell the American people that we can no longer live in such an ass-backward society.
I found these statistics to be astonishing and would not have believed it unless I saw it for myself. The unemployment rate alone is completely out of control but the fact that it is so bad for African American's is really sad to me. I think that although, there could be other reasons for this the most obvious is definetly that racism is still playing a part in our culture. I really don't know if there is any solution for that problem as the problem is caused because of people's beliefs. It is very sad, and scary to think that our country is so far behind in these regards and I don't know if there is an easy fix or even a fix at all. Maybe some of these ideas and beliefs will die when some of these old racists die?
ReplyDeleteI think we still have racicm alive and well in this country. Some will argue that some are unemployed by their own doings, but I cannot believe that 50% of African AMerican males choose not to be gainfully employed and make a living for their families etc. Whether you discuss African Americans, Women in the workforce, or blind short people with no arms and legs being set aside while prejudice hiring and firing is done on a daily basis the fact remains true racism is here to stay. Unless I become President that is! lol
ReplyDeleteIt's sad, that discrimination still happens today. As United States citizens, we built this country on freedoms and differences. However, here we are, still fighting over issues that have been around since before our country was built. Equal opporunity is what we are suppose to have, but that is not the case.
ReplyDeleteI currently have one job with limited hours and am needing a day job because I need the money. Honestly I have never had any trouble getting jobs either because of what I look like or through knowing people but I am a little nervous about finding the job that I want right now. I am hoping that my look will assist in me landing a job and I feel lucky that it has helped me before, but it also may not get me the job I want because there are just too many places that are not hiring, and if they are they may not be able to put me on for as many hours as I want. I don't believe that discrimination against what someone looks like should concern someone on hiring them or not and hurts to hear that things are still that way. For someone to be told they need to adjust certain things about themselves if there is a problem is one thing, but to not hire someone because of their age, ethnicity, etc is not something that anyone should be proud of. It is not fair to the economy and is probably part of what is continuing to keep it down. If people were more fair to each other, I believe that it would solve issues like this one.
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