After looking through the SD people pages it would seem that we have more than our share of white folks and a smattering of Asians and people of Indian decent. But as of my last check it would seem no blacks.
I imagine this is probably indicative of the lack of black posters over all.
I wonder why.
#1 - how do you know what color I am by reading my post? #2 - In grossest terms (take that the way you wish) computers, all they stand for, how they work, what they do, what they do for you, the type of discourse they involve, etc., are more closely matched with white cultural style than black. #3 - closely connected to the last point is the fact that computers are expensive, particularly if you are in the lower income brackets. In amerika, there is a large correlation between color and income levels. You may have noticed this.
I remember there have been several studies showing that computers and internet access are less common in black households than other households of the same income level. It seems mainly a cultural thing.
CC said:
I certainly can not. My OP made the point about the lack of people of African decent on the People Pages.
Sailor: I have also read about the lack of computers in black households. I also know many, if not most, posters post from work.
Perhaps culturally there is less interest. Or perhaps there are just less jobs offered to blacks where they would have access to the internet.
>> perhaps there are just less jobs offered to blacks where they would have access to the internet
This would be plainly illegal. You might want to rephrase that to say “perhaps blacks would not pursue that type of job”. It makes sense that if they do not have computers at home they would be less computer literate and therefore would not get those jobs. I think it ties together.
It is not restricted to computers though. It is a whole cultural thing and it also happens in fields like math, science, etc. Black children are not generally pushed to excel in these fields like other kids.
While it is illegal, discrimination does happen never the less.
So perhaps it due to variations on: lack of interest, lack of computer literacy and a lack of opportunity due to either the prior reasons or discrimination.
Do you regard the (perceived) lack of black posters as a bad thing? As a good thing? As a lack to be deplored?
Why are you interested?
I have no picture on the SD people’s page—can you tell what color I am? I have no idea what color you are and would not bother going to the people’s page to find out.
I notice that most truck drivers are white and most highly paid athletes are black. Is this what you mean?
Dear God…
I feared this post would be misinterpreted.
If there IS in fact a lack of black posters, I would certainly believe this to be a shame.
And NO, do I not think it is important that anyone’s race/sex/or sexual orientation be known as a poster. And I certainly don’t think a person’s race/sex/or sexual orientation make their opinions any more or less valid.
I was merely noticing how it seemed odd how there had been no black posters who had posted their pictures. I didn’t go there with the intention of finding out what race anyone was. I just struck me after seeing the 100+ pics how homogenous the pictures were.
My apologies if the intentions of this post seem disingenuous.
BWAHAHAHA!
::wipes tear from eye::
Seriously, you guys…I think what Art is trying to say is that because by reading everyone’s posts you can tell we come from all different backgrounds, places and lines of work, it seems odd that we aren’t more racially diverse, going by the submitted photos. Hmmmkay? This was brought up once before and caused just as big a stink. Lighten up.
voguevixen, I think you are missing what’s happening. Seriousart, proposed the OP and no one has been offended.
CCs post seems quite contrarian and tcburnett was poking some fun. Made me smile.
Everybody’s cool, no problem. Let the thread continue.
Actually Sailor,
I think voguevixen pretty much nailed it.
I would love to hear more about why people think this board’s demographic is as it is, but only if the original question doesn’t become misconstrued.
Which by CC and LouisB’s response, I fear it may be.
Ok Ok… Someone had to ask:
To OP:
If they are black and they live in England. Do they count? Or do they have to be Afican American?
To black people in Europe:
Do you bother with such labels? What do you call yourself? What box do you check on forms? I know there cannot be one for African American. Does it say African? Black? European? Irish? British? Do you care more about where you were born than where your ancestors were born?
What if you were born in America (US) and then you moved to the UK and established citizenship. What would you call yourself? Your kids?
I can only speak for The Netherlands. The population of Amsterdam consists out of non-whites for 40%. Mostly, they are from Surinam, Antillian, Turkish or Morrocan origin, the first two being former colonies.
We don’t have “ethnic boxes” to check on many official forms here, as they are considered inapproriate, mostly. When they are there (when needed, like on medical forms), they read stuff like “white”, “negroid”, “asian”. Nothing PC about it, and that is FINE. As a black taxi driver said to me the other night: “The trouble with the US is that they are focussing on terminology. I am black, and I’m not offended if you call me black. It’s my colour. You are white. So fucking what?”.
All the time lost on terminology and PC-ness could have been spend on the REAL issues.
Although it is not really measurable, I dare say that the Netherlands has fewer problems with racial problems and discrimination than the US. This might be because we’re not so hung up about where we all come from. Firstly, we’re all Dutch. Sure, most of these guys are proud to be from Suriname as well. But that’s another thing than objecting to being called “black”.
I could not agree more
SeriousArt, I fear I was too hasty with my anger.
By coincidence, my wife and I had been having a conversation earlier concerning a relative of mine who persists in using the dreaded “N” word when discussing black people. I have very clearly asked on several occasions that she refrain from using this word in my presence as I find it offensive on several levels, not the least of which is the fact that the best friend I have ever had is a black man. Instead of honoring my request, this relative completely ignores it.
Marcie and I had just concluded that in the future we will simply not see any more of this relative. I fear my anger at the relative spilled over onto the OP. My apologies for casting aspersions on your motives.
Questions about our community tend to get the best answers in MPSIMS. I’ll move this thread there for further deliberation.
LouisB:
Thank you for your kind reply.
I’ve recently run into a problem similar to yours, only instead of a relative it’s an old childhood friend.
I fear I may have to give my friend the same ultimatum becuase of how his use of the word “nigger” sends chills down my spine.
With that said, I can empathize with how my OP could invoke a gut reaction.
Glad things are clearing up before they got ugly.
-brian
I happen to be white, so white in fact I have caused airplane pilots to crash from the glare (Im a redhead too)
I work with two black guys, but the strange thing is I done see them as black, its likethey are just like everyone else,
Yeah Yeah Yeah, I know, that souded bad, but its like o dont see their color.
And as for the “N” word, I can call one of em that as a friendly way of saying hi, but the other guy I havent quite figured out his sense of humor yet.
So I just call him dumbass.
There are posters on this board of all races, including black. Just because they don’t have a picture on the peoples pages doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. Furthermore, there are many Latino, Asian, European as well as other nationalities represented here. Oh, and you shouldn’t judge by pics alone, either. I don’t think anyone would see my picture and say “Yep, she’s Puerto Rican”, but alas, I am.