"Race" in College Admission FAQ & Discussion 7

Applying to College
381

<p>nil, first i got to say you must be the over dramatic person on this board. What racism do you face in your upper class neighbor hood? Statistics would show that you are more likely to commit a violent crime against them, but this racism is probably not violent. It is probably just talk. What about the outcasts at your school who are made fun of? Getting made fun of or put down happens for more reasons than race and it probably all feels the same. Your probably gonna say I have no idea how it feels to be made fun of for my race but i dont see how you can feel any worse than anyone else who gets put down for being ugly(something they can’t change) Words are words. </p>

<p>You say you are a tiny minority in your honors and AP classes. You are probably also a minority in your upperclass neighborhood. You would most likely still be a minority in the regular classes at your school. If I went to school in Harlem, I would be a minority there. I would feel out of place, but its your parents choice to live there. What do you want anyone to do about besides asking your parents to move to a diverse area??</p>

<p>That doublebind does not happen to everyone. Why blame your race? Maybe your personality is what failed you? I’m not saying every black kid at my school feels apart of a community, but then again there are out casts at every school. One of the most popular kids at my school is black while my school is predominantly white, its all about your personality and since you apparently don’t have one, you pull the race card. Nice. </p>

<p>Your fourth point is ridiculous. What school do you attend? We learned all about WEB Dubois and other main black figures, but seriously, why do you expect anyone to learn who made elevators safer. Do you expect every achievement to be praised. The first home security system being created by a black women is just not that important to anyone. THe major figures in American history are covered, black or white, but a black stage actor does not need to be mentioned in history class. WHy not mention every actor back then? We get off for MLK day? lol do you live in the deep south?? And either way, how does this mean it was bad to be black? Just because every achievement was not praised and MLK day wasn’t celebrated doesn’t mean that blacks are hated. Ignored? Yes. Hated? Don’t think so. </p>

<p>Your parents having no savings has anything to do with this??? The unemployment rate of blacks being lower could also be caused by the fact that less of them HAVE degrees. This makes them less marketable. </p>

<p>The African American stereotype was created by African Americans themselves. The most prominent African American figures today (besides Obama) are rappers and they portray African Americans horribly. It doesn’t mean you can’t be succesful and YOU can help erase this stereotype by being successful. I don’t see how the added pressure is a negative though and it is self induced. I feel pressure from my parents and white America in general to succeed but you deal with it. I think it would be easier because no one in your town expects anything out of you. If you fail, nobody will care. It is the complete opposite of your view but I see what your saying.</p>

<p>I still think these effects are over dramatic OR you live in the deep south. Wow this is a long answer.</p>

382

<p>Fabrizo,
I understand your position and I think I understand your point of view. To do this topic justice one would have to decide what we want out of a four year education from a college. I agree that no diversity may be required to study tangents and Pi.
However a discussion of racism and its effects on society would hardly be the same for a group of all whites as it would be for a racially diverse class.
I appreciate your point that building a diverse class does not guarantee inter mingling among the diverse students, but the classes themselves are likely to be diverse and thus the opinions exchanged are likely to be such as well.
I have no problem with racially imbalanced schools as well. If one chooses to attend one I believe he/she will be missing an important part of becoming educated in a diverse environment, but then again, different strokes for different folks.
The schools themselves get to decide what type of school it is and from there students decide if they want to attend.</p>

383

<p>No, Matt, I did not receive a minority scholarship because I am not a minority, and you stating that my lack of math skills implies I must have received a minority scholarship shows deep down you are pretty racist (btw, I DO have a degree in Math - but really didn’t care to look at your first and last time stamp). However, my kids and their father are minorities. I grew up in a town in southeast Texas (not my choice) where I saw KKK cross burnings across the street from my elementary school while sitting in class, and also in my neighborhood. This town, and that part of the state (look up Jasper Texas and the dragging death of James Byrd), is still in the national news due to racism , and for you to say it doesn’t exist any longer is ignorant. There are many places, evidently not where you are living, that still are like this.</p>

<p>My kids are hispanic and attend a school with a large hispanic population. While I am not a minority, I have seen a difference in treatment first hand for years, even discriminated against by some of their teachers in a highly hispanic high school. They were discouraged from AP classes despite standardized test scores in the 99th percentile and kept out of advanced Spanish classes (they are not fluent). While you see no difference in how your “friend” has been treated, I can assure you his parents probably have several memories that you have no knowledge of. You’ve not had someone glare at you because of your race or been asked what landscaping company your father works for, have you?</p>

<p>I’ve attended a few diversity scholarship competitions with my D, and during the parent sessions the questions many are asking is “how is my child going to be treated here?” Because while you in your utopian world think that your friend has the same experiences as you, those who live it everyday know better. A minority student sits in an honors class very aware that they look different than most others. </p>

<p>And bottom line, diversity does not necessarily mean affirmative action. A school could have a scholarship for brunettes, men named Bob, or people who are left-handed. It simply means they want to attract something different than what is the norm, and it is their prerogative if they want to have a scholarship for diversity regardless of whether there is financial need or not. The school’s donors have a big say in where their money is going and they want to see proof that it is being used in accordance with their wishes.</p>

<p>And frequently, as in your neighbor’s case , awards are given to kids who don’t need it financially. The reason? Because their parents are more likely to donate to the school, whereas the others economically disadvantaged will be - hopefully - helped out via financial aid. There are many threads on CC about this, and if feel you are being treated unfairly, you should be equally outraged about this as you are about the scholarship you feel your neighbor unjustly received.</p>

384

<p>nil, first i got to say you must be the over dramatic person on this board. What racism do you face in your upper class neighbor hood? Statistics would show that you are more likely to commit a violent crime against them, but this racism is probably not violent. It is probably just talk. What about the outcasts at your school who are made fun of? Getting made fun of or put down happens for more reasons than race and it probably all feels the same. Your probably gonna say I have no idea how it feels to be made fun of for my race but i dont see how you can feel any worse than anyone else who gets put down for being ugly(something they can’t change) Words are words. </p>

<p>Stastics show I am more likely to commit a crime against them- wow. besides that being stupid. what does it have to do with anything? at all?</p>

<p>Ok, outcasts in my school- what a great example. Except, despite your beliefs i can’t really being black. Unless you want to kill me or bleach theres nothing Ican do. Basically, I’m being targeted for my genes or who I was born too. I appreciate that you think thats fair. Of course, you have never eperienced racism in you life. No one has ever told you that it was “bad to be black.” no one has ever looked at your mother at a garage sale and assumed you were stealing the merchandise. </p>

<p>“Your probably gonna say I have no idea how it feels to be made fun of for my race”- exactly, this why we need AA. Because behind your facade of kindness, you absolutely have no idea what life is like for AA. You habe no statistics or credibility. You cannot presume to understand what its like to black in America, neither can you dismiss my comments because you don’t know the whole story. Your case and logic fails.</p>

385

<p>You say you are a tiny minority in your honors and AP classes. You are probably also a minority in your upperclass neighborhood. You would most likely still be a minority in the regular classes at your school. If I went to school in Harlem, I would be a minority there. I would feel out of place, but its your parents choice to live there. What do you want anyone to do about besides asking your parents to move to a diverse area??</p>

<p>Unfortunately, due to racism most of the diverse areas have a lower standard of education. therefore,I feel chronically out of place everyday. I appreciate that you feel I should suck it up (sarcasm).</p>

386

<p>That doublebind does not happen to everyone. Why blame your race? Maybe your personality is what failed you? I’m not saying every black kid at my school feels apart of a community, but then again there are out casts at every school. One of the most popular kids at my school is black while my school is predominantly white, its all about your personality and since you apparently don’t have one, you pull the race card. Nice. </p>

<p>Wow, a low blow. I can’t believe without even knowing me you insulted my personality. I’m not going to say you are racist. You are just a jerk.</p>

<p>That doublebind does not happen to everyone.- So you agree with me.</p>

<p>Uhm, I’m “blaming” race because thats the problem. Read Shelby Steele’s On being black and midddle class. And do me a favour, don’t post until you read more literature.</p>

387

<p>susan, i think the whole thing with black students feeling out of place in honors classrooms is ridiculous. If your gonna complain about that, how about white basketball players feeling out of place in the nba, or Asians feeling out of place in something they are not very involved in?</p>

388

<p>Your fourth point is ridiculous. What school do you attend? We learned all about WEB Dubois and other main black figures, but seriously, why do you expect anyone to learn who made elevators safer. Do you expect every achievement to be praised. The first home security system being created by a black women is just not that important to anyone. THe major figures in American history are covered, black or white, but a black stage actor does not need to be mentioned in history class. WHy not mention every actor back then? We get off for MLK day? lol do you live in the deep south?? And either way, how does this mean it was bad to be black? </p>

<p>Just because every achievement was not praised and MLK day wasn’t celebrated doesn’t mean that blacks are hated. Ignored? Yes. Hated? Don’t think so. - did i say black people were hated. ARE YOU MAKING UP YOUR OWN ARGUMENTS FROM CHEESE?</p>

<p>Look, if you were only taught bad things about african americans and never learned positives- of course, you would not feel good about being black. Its pretty simple logic.
As for the history, Read Howard Zinn’s A PEOPLE"S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES
and JAMES W. LOEWEN LIES your teacher told you.
Then repost.</p>

389

<p>I feel pressure from my parents and white America in general to succeed but you deal with it. I think it would be easier because no one in your town expects anything out of you. If you fail, nobody will care. It is the complete opposite of your view but I see what your saying.
Yes, i feel pressure from my parents and pressure to fight that sterotype–more psychic pressure on me.</p>

390

<p>It wasn’t meant as an insult to your personality, but did you even think of that as an option. Or do you just proclaim anything bad that happens to you is racist or people who don’t accept you only due so because you are black.</p>

<p>If posting on this board is any indication of how you act, then I can understand why no one wants to hang out with you because you take everything so personally and negatively. I’m guessing you would cry yourself to sleep if someone insulted you. Maybe that is why you feel lonely. You need to LIGHTEN UP.</p>

391

<p>SO, from reading your responses. I see that you are not listening to us. You do not care what points we make. You are not willing to consider other points of view. You cannot argue. You cannot back up your statements. You are very proficient ,however, in telling me that I have no personality- which hurts. But, you’re an idiot.</p>

<p>This is your required reading.
On being black and middle class
Lies your teacher told you
A people’s history of the United States</p>

<p>watch
CNN documentary “Being black in America”</p>

<p>and do try to think.</p>

<p>mattt, don’t make me ill. Of course, I have examined my personality and asked myself whethert its my own problem. It isn’t. Matt, its a mark of your racism that you assume that I blame race for everything.</p>

<p>You believe that If i fail a test I say to myself, " oh its cuz I’m black." I never do. Race is a last option for me. I hate it bitterly and I hate proclaiming it. I never play the “race card” . After certain situations; I just finally have to accept that race is a factor. AS for my crying self to sleep. How would you know that matttt? Why are you insulting me and trying to take the focus off the important thingsI’m trying to say. But mattt, if as a 10th grade girl, who is petite, you were followed around by an almost 6 foot tall guy due to your race- he made comments and you were so scared you couldn’t walk through the halls alone- wouldn’t you cry?</p>

<p>I have a right to feel what I want to , but I am by no means a weak-emotiomal person. I deal with a lot of crap and I’m still here. So matt, be less callous and discuss the issues not the personality of someone you don’t even know.</p>

392

<p>The comment on you being more likely to commit a violent crime against them is not stupid. Black on white crime is higher than white on black crime. It’s a fact. I pointed this out because you are most likely not going to be physically hurt by white people. WHile a white person in a African American neighborhood is more likely to have physical racism against him.</p>

393

<p>Heres something I would like you to do.</p>

<p>Try not to view every negative thing around you as racism</p>

<p>Realize to be accepted, lighten up. Jokes are mad about everyone and people probably joke about you being black, but at my school, most of these jokes don’t offend anyone because the african american kid realizes its a joke, and makes some back.</p>

394

<p><<susan, i=“” think=“” the=“” whole=“” thing=“” with=“” black=“” students=“” feeling=“” out=“” of=“” place=“” in=“” honors=“” classrooms=“” is=“” ridiculous.=“”>></susan,></p>

<p>Really? Gee, what experience do YOU have in this area? There are others on this forum who have posted that very fact, but since you have not experienced it yourself, you deem it not to be true. </p>

<p><<how about=“” white=“” basketball=“” players=“” feeling=“” out=“” of=“” place=“” in=“” the=“” nba,=“”>></how></p>

<p>“Gee, I am being paid millions of dollars; I think I will quit because I feel uncomfortable.”</p>

<p><em>Yawn</em> I think I am done with this thread. Matt, you have proven why, regardless of color, you’ve only qualified for basic merit. I wish you luck in your college endeavors, and hope that wherever that takes you that you open your eyes to what happens outside of your insular neighborhood and high school.</p>

395

<p>Think about what you’re saying.</p>

<p>Let’s say that you have 10 white people and 1 black person, and everyone beats everyone else up. Then 10% of crimes committed by whites were against a black guy, and 90% of crimes committed by blacks were against a white guy.</p>

<p>So because there are more white people than black people, your argument really doesn’t show anything.</p>

396

<p>

</p>

<p>No, actually, he’s probably just worried you’re going to hurt him if he complains about it.</p>

397

<p>The comment on you being more likely to commit a violent crime against them is not stupid. Black on white crime is higher than white on black crime. It’s a fact. I pointed this out because you are most likely not going to be physically hurt by white people. WHile a white person in a African American neighborhood is more likely to have physical racism against him. </p>

<p>Okay, so I will console myself with that as I am being stalked around the schoolyard. I should be positive because while my situation sucks it could suck more. Mattt, thats like telling someone who lost his hand to a shark thats hey, at least you didn’t lose your leg!
Matt, pointless,pointless arguments.</p>

398

<p>worried were gonna hurt him. lol no, he is one of the coolest kids i know</p>

399

<p>No nil, pointless argument is that we don’t learn about the great black men who made elevators safer because that drastically changed society. That definitly makes sense to learn about that.</p>

400

<p>Realize to be accepted, lighten up. Jokes are mad about everyone and people probably joke about you being black, but at my school, most of these jokes don’t offend anyone because the african american kid realizes its a joke, and makes some back. </p>

<p>Yeah, i 2nd amarov
Also, this “joke” about being black , what do you consider a joke?</p>

<p>“Forced segregation actually helped black people”&lt;/p>

<p>I’m laughing.</p>

<p>Once again, you don’t address my points you just say that Ican’t take a joke. Once again, you cannot argue legitametly,only attack character.</p>