RE: race conversations...

[Guest guest]

Namaste everyone,

 

These race talks are really going a bit beyond what I seems would be the

scope of discussion of this list, but that's simply my opinion. I've been a

member of this list for quite some time now, have seen a few instances of

bickering here and there, and I hope this topic doesn't turn into one of

those times.

 

I see a lot of valid points being thrown out... I also see a lot of

stereotyping going on, generalizations made, statements being made when one

does not or has not experienced what another has, etc. A few have mentioned

this before, but I want to just mention it again, as I see it is still going

on.

 

I'm also seeing statements about prisons and the relationship to

Black-American and Hispanic prisoners. The majority of the people in prison

and jails are guilty of committing crimes. Granted, there are some that are

innocent that are incarcerated, too. I do see instances of where courts and

the judicial system overall are biased, unfair, and poorly balanced in the

treatment of "minorities" versus Whites. There are no hardcore facts on

this topic... why? Only two people in the world know if someone is truly

innocent or guilty - the person committing the act and God. (Of course,

unless the person was caught red-handed committing the crime... but I am

relating this more to those who are incarcerated and claiming innocence.)

There can be factual evidence about the amount of prisoners claiming

innocence who are locked up, but nothing solid about an actual number. We

can only speculate, and the curve would be based upon our own beliefs and

experiences in life.

 

But I don't see race as any type of excuse... not for poverty, crime, pity,

and so on. I believe people should be treated (and treat others) as a

person... a member of the only important race we have - the human race. I

see every able adult as being able to take control of their lives and make

positive changes. As an example, my mother abused me as a child... I've

never once laid a single finger on either of my children, no matter how

badly they may have misbehaved. I knew it was wrong for her to hit me, and

I knew that I would not be that same person - I would break out of the

"cycle" and be my own good person, independent of the abuse I grew up with.

 

I also believe that in addition to respecting the opinions of others here on

this list, we should also not try to tell people what to do, how to react,

or how to feel. I've seen a lot of finger-pointing and calling-out

lately... and I don't think any of us are in a position to play "teacher"

and try to point others in the direction that we see fit. I understand

having compassion for others and truly wanting to let others know about your

stance and what you feel is right, or even what Amma teaches. It's one

thing to have a discussion and toss around ideas, brainstorm, and jive on a

topic - it's quite another to tell someone they are wrong, when most of what

we are discussing are ideas, thoughts, and feelings - not factual evidence.

 

Again... just my two cents on all of this. We all have our own

perspectives, beliefs, ideas, and such on race issues. I grew up as a

Hispanic in a predominantly white town. I was called yellow-nigger,

chico-bitch, and told that my mom was having a bowel movement when I was

born, since I was darker than other people. I have my perspective on race

issues, just as everyone else does, according to their life experiences. I

respect all of your opinions and beliefs, and I openly encourage everyone to

keep sharing on this topic.

 

Also, F.Y.I... although there are some people on Section 8 Housing that are

unemployed out of laziness, there are also just as many people receiving

Section 8 funding due to being low-income (single mom... no education...

low-paying job... no child support, etc.) and people that are disabled and

truly unable to work.

 

¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-

¸.•´ .•´¨¨))

((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::..

-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::..

 

"Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart

that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the

choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma

 

_____

 

Ammachi [Ammachi] On Behalf Of

ckeniley2003

Wednesday, December 07, 2005 8:04 PM

Ammachi

Re: courageous conversation about race: always two sides

for balance

 

 

Hey Ravi,

 

you obviously do not know how section 8 housing works.

Nobody forces anyone to live anywhere ....these projects were

created by liberal -socialist folks who wanted to help the low

income people.....with section 8 people can live very very

inexpensively...but I agree it is a vicious cycle and should not

exist...but, NO oNE ForCES ANYONE TO LIVE THERE....I say get

a job and pay your own rent