Soledad O'Brien In CNN's 'Black In America'

I commend O'Brien for these reports. Though I'm constantly wondering why all of a sudden these series are necessary. As a caucasian gay male, I find myself more of a minority than blacks. I'm constantly scrutinized for my sexual orientation and lose out when I apply for jobs when blacks are applying for the same ones. We live in a society of fear. Fear that we are going to offend someone. So instead, it is reverse discrimination. I've worked closely with several HR departments over the past couple of years and I've seen a trend of black applicants and know how it works. Many lack the professionalism (for example, even dressing in normal attire for an interview) needed and their use of bad grammar is noticeable and distracting. I wouldn't want to hire them not because they are black, but because they lack the skills needed. They think they are prime hiring material and resort to the race card when something doesn't go their way. Our fear of being racist has casted a dark shadow on caucasian males. One of O'Brien's reports talk about how two women were racially profiled while on a shopping trip. I hate to say, I was profiled for my age several years ago on a shopping trip. Their problems are everyones' problems. We've all been through it before whether we are black or white. All in all, our divisions that we've created, even the title "Black in America," creates differentiation between race. What is the white version of the NAACP. Whenever white heritage is celebrated, it is viewed as racist. Can I not be proud?

These reports are necessary because other races do not understand what blacks go through on a daily basis. If you find yourself to be more of a minority than blacks then can you imaging what a gay, black man goes through? You can only speak for HR in your area, not all. There is no trend towards black applicants. If HR is hiring unqualified blacks then that is their problem and they need to refine their hiring process. You talk as if you know what is on the mind of black applicants. You CANNOT possibly know! There are many blacks that have college degrees, speak well and represent themselves well. Do not lump all of us together. It is more likely that a black person will be profiled as stealing than the whites who actually are stealing. I have been followed through stores by security when in fact there was a white person near me who was shoplifting. No one was following the white person and they got away with a large haul. Trust and believe that blacks and other races have different problems from whites. Everyday I watch tv and see more white faces than any other. So yes, the title "Black in America" is valid. It is about what blacks deal with because whites have got it pretty easy. No one has viewed white heritage celebrations as racist. Whites are celebrated every day, so I am not clear on your thinking. You can be proud if you so desire. No one can take that away from you, just as no one can take away the pride that blacks exhibit. If you have a problem with the series then you should not tune in. My ancestors are kings, queens and warriors and I and every other black person has the right to know and celebrate this fact. CNN and Ms. O'Brien are presenting a much needed feature. Watch it, take it for what it is worth and have a productive conversation with some blacks about it!

John wrote:

I commend O'Brien for these reports. Though I'm constantly wondering why all of a sudden these series are necessary. As a caucasian gay male, I find myself more of a minority than blacks. I'm constantly scrutinized for my sexual orientation and lose out when I apply for jobs when blacks are applying for the same ones. We live in a society of fear. Fear that we are going to offend someone. So instead, it is reverse discrimination. I've worked closely with several HR departments over the past couple of years and I've seen a trend of black applicants and know how it works. Many lack the professionalism (for example, even dressing in normal attire for an interview) needed and their use of bad grammar is noticeable and distracting. I wouldn't want to hire them not because they are black, but because they lack the skills needed. They think they are prime hiring material and resort to the race card when something doesn't go their way. Our fear of being racist has casted a dark shadow on caucasian males. One of O'Brien's reports talk about how two women were racially profiled while on a shopping trip. I hate to say, I was profiled for my age several years ago on a shopping trip. Their problems are everyones' problems. We've all been through it before whether we are black or white. All in all, our divisions that we've created, even the title "Black in America," creates differentiation between race. What is the white version of the NAACP. Whenever white heritage is celebrated, it is viewed as racist. Can I not be proud?

It's only OK to be a racist if you are a minority. As an African American (I am an American citizen, born in Africa), i see it all the time. I have been denied scholarships, etc. because of my race (caucasian) that are only available to blacks who have never even been to Africa.

Jeff H wrote:

<quoted text>
It's only OK to be a racist if you are a minority. As an African American (I am an American citizen, born in Africa), i see it all the time. I have been denied scholarships, etc. because of my race (caucasian) that are only available to blacks who have never even been to Africa.

Maybe if you don`t put an "X" in the AA box and they see you and your not AA then you might some better luck

"African-American" is clearly a term intended to indicate black Americans, meaning those who've been in the USA for some time, have a distinct history and culture in the USA, and so on.

A white person, or even a black person, born in Africa is not of that same ethnicity. You can play semantics with it all you want, but we all know who African-Americans are and you aren't one.

John wrote:

I commend O'Brien for these reports. Though I'm constantly wondering why all of a sudden these series are necessary. As a caucasian gay male, I find myself more of a minority than blacks. I'm constantly scrutinized for my sexual orientation and lose out when I apply for jobs when blacks are applying for the same ones. We live in a society of fear. Fear that we are going to offend someone. So instead, it is reverse discrimination. I've worked closely with several HR departments over the past couple of years and I've seen a trend of black applicants and know how it works. Many lack the professionalism (for example, even dressing in normal attire for an interview) needed and their use of bad grammar is noticeable and distracting. I wouldn't want to hire them not because they are black, but because they lack the skills needed. They think they are prime hiring material and resort to the race card when something doesn't go their way. Our fear of being racist has casted a dark shadow on caucasian males. One of O'Brien's reports talk about how two women were racially profiled while on a shopping trip. I hate to say, I was profiled for my age several years ago on a shopping trip. Their problems are everyones' problems. We've all been through it before whether we are black or white. All in all, our divisions that we've created, even the title "Black in America," creates differentiation between race. What is the white version of the NAACP. Whenever white heritage is celebrated, it is viewed as racist. Can I not be proud?

How many of those unprofessional blacks have potential? Many are not professional because of their poor educations and the fact that they are untutored in office politics. In my opinion, common sense, integrity, and the ability to generate ideas are the most important assets in an employee. Don't you agree?

Black people don't care if you celebrate your white heritage. Why do you guys always revert to that lame argument?

John wrote:

I commend O'Brien for these reports. Though I'm constantly wondering why all of a sudden these series are necessary. As a caucasian gay male, I find myself more of a minority than blacks. I'm constantly scrutinized for my sexual orientation and lose out when I apply for jobs when blacks are applying for the same ones. We live in a society of fear. Fear that we are going to offend someone. So instead, it is reverse discrimination. I've worked closely with several HR departments over the past couple of years and I've seen a trend of black applicants and know how it works. Many lack the professionalism (for example, even dressing in normal attire for an interview) needed and their use of bad grammar is noticeable and distracting. I wouldn't want to hire them not because they are black, but because they lack the skills needed. They think they are prime hiring material and resort to the race card when something doesn't go their way. Our fear of being racist has casted a dark shadow on caucasian males. One of O'Brien's reports talk about how two women were racially profiled while on a shopping trip. I hate to say, I was profiled for my age several years ago on a shopping trip. Their problems are everyones' problems. We've all been through it before whether we are black or white. All in all, our divisions that we've created, even the title "Black in America," creates differentiation between race. What is the white version of the NAACP. Whenever white heritage is celebrated, it is viewed as racist. Can I not be proud?

First of all, you seem to think and believe that most whites are professional in speech and dress which is inaccurate! I've seen white women in the workplace that wear revealing clothing such as too low-cut a blouses, too short skirts, and too much makeup. White men who come to work looking disshoveled, wearing wrinkled shirts and pants the first thing in the morning, and smelling like last nights drinking orgy! Yes, and many whites can't put two coherent sentences together grammatically! You should see some of the emails that I get from them, laughable! So, your assessment of blacks have now been debunked!

Raven wrote:

These reports are necessary because other races do not understand what blacks go through on a daily basis. If you find yourself to be more of a minority than blacks then can you imaging what a gay, black man goes through? You can only speak for HR in your area, not all. There is no trend towards black applicants. If HR is hiring unqualified blacks then that is their problem and they need to refine their hiring process. You talk as if you know what is on the mind of black applicants. You CANNOT possibly know! There are many blacks that have college degrees, speak well and represent themselves well. Do not lump all of us together. It is more likely that a black person will be profiled as stealing than the whites who actually are stealing. I have been followed through stores by security when in fact there was a white person near me who was shoplifting. No one was following the white person and they got away with a large haul. Trust and believe that blacks and other races have different problems from whites. Everyday I watch tv and see more white faces than any other. So yes, the title "Black in America" is valid. It is about what blacks deal with because whites have got it pretty easy. No one has viewed white heritage celebrations as racist. Whites are celebrated every day, so I am not clear on your thinking. You can be proud if you so desire. No one can take that away from you, just as no one can take away the pride that blacks exhibit. If you have a problem with the series then you should not tune in. My ancestors are kings, queens and warriors and I and every other black person has the right to know and celebrate this fact. CNN and Ms. O'Brien are presenting a much needed feature. Watch it, take it for what it is worth and have a productive conversation with some blacks about it!

Thank you, beautifully stated.

I don't understand the whole topic in the first place...it's very biased towards only one race. I mean why "black in America?" Why not Indian in America, Native American in America, Japanese in America, Mexican in America?

Just because one race choses to always be the victim they get all the attention? Come on people, these "black in America problems" are problems for everybody. People are discriminated against for all kinds of silly things from the way they look to the way they dress, talk, age, etc...

People everywhere lose their jobs and can't pay rent -- it's not just a black thing. Women everywhere are rasing children without fathers. That's certainly not a black in America thing,,,it's just a wimpy man thing.

What I'm saying is if you act like a victim you will be one.

Here's a clue...get a job, stay in school and go to college. Sure, college is expensive, take out a Student Loan to help pay for it. It's only impossible if you continue to think someone owes you something.

These types of series are very necessary. It's an attempt to show and prove, regardless if white america wants to admit it or not, racism still exist. It's an attempt to show the struggles that black americans face today regardless of their social status; background or education; it's an attempt to show the struggles we faced in 1908 are the same in 2008, only difference is we have rights now and it's illegal to openly discriminate.

African Americans in a whole can't escape being stereotyped and clumped together as second class citizens; uneducated; low lifes contributing nothing to this country or world for that matter; when in fact if it weren't for black inventors you wouldn't be enjoying the luxuries of today....But you don't want to remember or acknowledge that. It's as though Black Americans must wear a sign that states "I am somebody"!! I'm not a murder; I'm not a thief; I'm not a drug dealer; I'm not a drug addict...while white americans with the same issues are excused, pacified and justified. Why must we go through life trying to defend ourselves or prove our existence? Why when white america is called to task on the subject we're accused of drawing the race card or racist,looking for sympathy or a helping hand suffering from the "white man" syndrome; when in fact we contribute just as much to society as our counterparts; we own homes; we own our own businessess; we pay taxes we obtain college degrees. Why can't you all see all we want is the respect and equality we deserve, not so much as a race but as a human being.

leem wrote:

I don't understand the whole topic in the first place...it's very biased towards only one race. I mean why "black in America?" Why not Indian in America, Native American in America, Japanese in America, Mexican in America?
Just because one race choses to always be the victim they get all the attention? Come on people, these "black in America problems" are problems for everybody. People are discriminated against for all kinds of silly things from the way they look to the way they dress, talk, age, etc...
People everywhere lose their jobs and can't pay rent -- it's not just a black thing. Women everywhere are rasing children without fathers. That's certainly not a black in America thing,,,it's just a wimpy man thing.
What I'm saying is if you act like a victim you will be one.
Here's a clue...get a job, stay in school and go to college. Sure, college is expensive, take out a Student Loan to help pay for it. It's only impossible if you continue to think someone owes you something.

Leem I have a question, if you were an HR Rep or Manager and you were handed to applications and the names read Heather Jones no college degree or Shameeka or Mercedes Smith college graduate...who would you hire? Be honest.

I was there with you but you lost me at the end...You're assuming once again that the struggles every african american have or are faced with day in and day out are because we aren't doing the right thing or what we're supposed to...

Are they going to do a show on being white in America? Who owns CNN?

I response to Leem. I would say that spotlighting other races in America is a good idea. So give them (CNN) a chance to do it. Better yet, you can suggest it. I'm sure you're not in the minority, and plenty of other people share your opinions.
Why not start it out with Black in America? Blacks have been here, struggling in America and have a strong history here. With the growing Latino population, I can definitely see a similar special airing, and the same goes for other races. This is just a first special, and I think you're jumping the gun by griping about how other races are not represented. These types of shows take time, so again I say, give it some time.

I watched last week program and the program this evening (7/23/08). As a 46 year old interracialy married black man I can relate to your stories with first hand knowledge of at least some of the issues. I grew up in a smalll West Texas town, graduated from a small university some two hours away with a B.A. degree.
During my 3 years there as a student I sought out and attempted numerous times to date eligible black women especially since that was what my mother pushed me to do. Consistently, I came up against young women that we either very confused or they were interested in the most popular jocks or better yet interested in dating white men.
In particular, there was one young lady that I was very attracted to however, it was not a mutual attration. She would not give me the time of day no matter what. We shared 2 or 3 classes and often attended some of the same parties. I often times would strike up conversation with before or after class. Suggest we study together or share notes etc. I asked her out dancing, to go to the movies, out to the park (you name but she was not interested. Finally after about 2 years she agreed to go out with me. The evening ending disastrously. Long story short, when asked her to dance she said no. I asked her if she would like a drink to which she said yes. I left our table to get a couple of drinks and upon returning to the table (less than 5 minutes later) I find her away from the table dancing with a jock she had been chasing. Infact she had dated him previously. Needless to say, I did get her attention well enough that she could see my disgust. I did not pursue her any further and soon after gave up on pursuing black women.
Primarily, black women that I considered my equal, educated single and no children were not interested in black men who were trying to make something of themself via education. I am the third son out of 4 born to my parents. All but one of brothers are current or were interacially married. A closing note, the young lady I pursued for so long I am told, currently resides up the street from my youngest brother. i would love to see this topic or something similar be discussed on your program.

we all have problems. its not worth the airtime!!

Very Necessary wrote:

These types of series are very necessary. It's an attempt to show and prove, regardless if white america wants to admit it or not, racism still exist. It's an attempt to show the struggles that black americans face today regardless of their social status; background or education; it's an attempt to show the struggles we faced in 1908 are the same in 2008, only difference is we have rights now and it's illegal to openly discriminate.
African Americans in a whole can't escape being stereotyped and clumped together as second class citizens; uneducated; low lifes contributing nothing to this country or world for that matter; when in fact if it weren't for black inventors you wouldn't be enjoying the luxuries of today....But you don't want to remember or acknowledge that. It's as though Black Americans must wear a sign that states "I am somebody"!! I'm not a murder; I'm not a thief; I'm not a drug dealer; I'm not a drug addict...while white americans with the same issues are excused, pacified and justified. Why must we go through life trying to defend ourselves or prove our existence? Why when white america is called to task on the subject we're accused of drawing the race card or racist,looking for sympathy or a helping hand suffering from the "white man" syndrome; when in fact we contribute just as much to society as our counterparts; we own homes; we own our own businessess; we pay taxes we obtain college degrees. Why can't you all see all we want is the respect and equality we deserve, not so much as a race but as a human being.

Thank you so much for this! I'm tired of explaining that if we had been treated like Americans- just Americans- to begin with, there would be no need to stand apart. We are not asking for anything. The work in our community can only be done by us ourselves. So why the hostility from other ethnic groups? We are highly visible, always have been, and asking to be viewed as the diverse community we are is not whining.

Very Necessary wrote:

These types of series are very necessary. It's an attempt to show and prove, regardless if white america wants to admit it or not, racism still exist. It's an attempt to show the struggles that black americans face today regardless of their social status; background or education; it's an attempt to show the struggles we faced in 1908 are the same in 2008, only difference is we have rights now and it's illegal to openly discriminate.
African Americans in a whole can't escape being stereotyped and clumped together as second class citizens; uneducated; low lifes contributing nothing to this country or world for that matter; when in fact if it weren't for black inventors you wouldn't be enjoying the luxuries of today....But you don't want to remember or acknowledge that. It's as though Black Americans must wear a sign that states "I am somebody"!! I'm not a murder; I'm not a thief; I'm not a drug dealer; I'm not a drug addict...while white americans with the same issues are excused, pacified and justified. Why must we go through life trying to defend ourselves or prove our existence? Why when white america is called to task on the subject we're accused of drawing the race card or racist,looking for sympathy or a helping hand suffering from the "white man" syndrome; when in fact we contribute just as much to society as our counterparts; we own homes; we own our own businessess; we pay taxes we obtain college degrees. Why can't you all see all we want is the respect and equality we deserve, not so much as a race but as a human being.

Olay clueless, black people are racists too...Wake up. I teach young children in the Houston area and they are of all races, colors, religions, etc.... I have seen black kids being racist towards other black kids who are darker skin than they are.

The common denominator as far as student success goes is the FAMILY and the values they teach them. Most of these kids who excel have parents who are role models for their children. That my friend is not a white or black thing...it's a grown up thing.

Wonder how many Caucasian fence-sitters regarding the upcoming presidential election are now wracked with "white-guilt" due to this program and will vote for Obama?

Scott wrote:

Wonder how many Caucasian fence-sitters regarding the upcoming presidential election are now wracked with "white-guilt" due to this program and will vote for Obama?

That would be their personal problem, yes? There is no need for "white guilt". The problems in the Black community will be handled by Black people, the folks most qualified to handle them.

smart caucasian wrote:

if black men would take responsibility for starting families and not abandoning there childrens mothers, alot less of this would happen. it all starts at home. WAKE UP!!!!!!!!! be good role models for your children. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!

Whitey. It's not easy being you is it? It can't be. You seem to work so hard at stupidity. Try yoga...The harder you run from your fears...the faster they come upon you, to OVERTAKE YOU...so stop, and make peace with the fact that you live in a multiracial world and nothing you do or feel will change it. You will just die a stupid and bitter fool filled with hatred.