It don't matter if you're black or white

Hours after Michael Jackson’s death, people where calling into the radio stations to express their sorrow. One lady’s call enlightened the listeners on how Michael Jackson’s music broke racial barriers in her family.  The lady came from a firm racist family who thought highly of themselves. Race, however, was not a issue when it came to Jackson’s phenomenal talents. It was the first time that her family had accepted a black person into their lives.  Michael had an impact on numerous people across the world.  The love that Michael Jackson is receiving is divine. I am thankful that people are remembering him for all the good he’s done for humanity rather than the negative pieces the media flaunted continually.

 

A Blogger expressed her thoughts on usnews.com on Michael’s positive contribution. “He was a major force in the civil rights movement, breaking down racial barriers without politics or anger, simply through his music which everyone adored, black or white, male or female.” People can now look back with appreciate of his artistic ability while reflecting the time period. The era consisted of a visible change in the way people saw and interacted with each other. The music made people realize their similarities rather than their skin color. 

 

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/letters-to-the-editor/2009/06/29/media-frenzy-over-michael-jacksons-death.html

 

 Before his death, there were plenty of accusations of the change of his physical appearance. The black community looked up to Michal Jackson being the international icon that he is. Many people wonder was Michael ashamed of his race or whether or not Michael wanted to be white instead of black. I feel that Michael wanted race to be nonexistence. He portrayed this train of thought in his songs such as “Black or White”.  I believe the public didn’t see his vision as he did. People assumed he bleached his skin to more white even though he confessed to his skin disease. The media was insensitive to the events Michael has been though while forgetting about his accomplishments. It’s our responsibility to see the good in people, which the media failed to do. I think now the media is focusing on his productive past. I wish Michael could see appreciative people really are since he dealt with harsh criticism for so long. As he looks down on us, we will surely know that he is greatly missed and loved. 

what's in store for me?

I was privileged today to have the opportunity to learn some important historical events in Oklahoma’s black history. I gain knowledge about the sunset laws and the slow integration of schools in the area. Tutoring the law school building was a treat in itself. Law school however never really crossed my mind when choosing a pathway to a career. I always was urge to go to business school because of the opportunities I could obtain by earning a business degree. Pharmacy school or majoring in nutrition was a practical route at one time but law school seemed to be out of reach.

 

 After today, I confirmed my view that law school was for dedicated students due to its intensity. Since I didn’t have my mind on a specific career such as a teacher or engineer, I started my college career as a business major as my dad guided me to do. However business school was more difficult than I had originally expected.  I made D’s in two crucial classes that would ensure my success at the business school.  Since I would have to retake the basis business courses and earn an A,  I changed my major to Public Relations. Also at this time I was expecting a baby boy and my main objective was to succeed in a field, graduate and enter the workforce to provide for my son.  I was not necessarily taking the easy way out but I understood that taking and retaking the same courses until I met a certain GPA was going to prolong my graduation date.

 

I pictured my life in the future and set out some practical goals I certainly intend to reach.

 

In 20 years, I see myself happily married to my current boyfriend. I strive to have a career in Business Administration where it is possible for me to make my own schedule while working in a stress free environment. I want to be very well off to the point where I can focus my attention to a non-profit organization and still live in a comfortable lifestyle. My son will be in college on his own pathway to a career of his choice.

 

In 10 year, I will be working for my dad in business administration in Houston after graduating which a Public Relations degree in December of 2010. I would have like to venture to Africa and France and learn the their language and way of life.

 

In 1 year, I will be 4 months away from earn my Public Relations degree. I aim to be a better public speaker and to take more interest in the world around me. I target to gain professional skills and be more versatile. My son will be almost two! I strive to give him the privileges I had growing up.

Unity

How is that so many people are under represented? Blacks, Mexicans, Asian, Native Americans and Indians make up so much of the countries population however the majority of we hear deals with white people. I feel that since white people have the power in this country, they are the ones that are heard.  They have always had the power and probably always will. There are a handful of wealthy minorities that can have some kind of say in our country but until they demand change the country will stay as is. It’s not impossible for average citizens to make the business world my diverse but it take power that the wealthy have to transform the country.

 

We do have some companies working to make their workplace more diverse. They might be hiring different races with different backgrounds but most of those employees don’t have power or authority in that company.

 

 The article below states, “Management of diversity in business doesn't require white people to share power and control. It requires equity in managing business relationships.” This statement doesn’t settle to well with me. From this statement, I concluded that the goal is to have equality in the work place but not necessary to distribute power. Change starts with power and until minorities obtain control, they will lack representation.

 

http://www.diversityinc.com/public/5839.cfm

 

I feel that companies should WANT diversity. The more diverse a company is the more viewpoints the employees will have to serve their customers. A company that employs Spanish-speaking Hispanics could open the doors to countless new customers.

 

African American have such a unique view point that only a business could gain by their presence. More African Americans are going to college and possessing qualities needs in the professional world. If the white population only hires blacks to meet a certain quota, then it’s up to minorities in power to take control of the future of minorities.  I can understand if the minorities are not qualified for a position. However, companies should actively make an effort to hire qualified minorities to benefit their business. Minorities should apply to business that will allow them to break racial barriers

 

 

 

We would like to think that we live in a society that provides equality for all however we are far from this. As discussed in class, we are moving towards modern racism. We discuss are preferences and bias to the people in our group.  We do not publicly verbalize our prejudice however our actions speak louder than words. We naturally categories people by our own experiences and what we were taught.  These stereotypes tend to follow us until they can be proven wrong by a life experience or interaction. 

 

I grew up in Houston but moved to a small Texas town my junior of high school. The move was definitely a cultural shock. I lived there for four years and experienced slow racial progress being made through out the town. Blacks lived on the east side of town, Mexicans lived on the South side while the Whites and wealth individuals lived on the North side. My family built their house in a new developed neighborhood on the North side of town. The neighbors surrounding us made it hard

 for us to finalize our building plans because they were unhappy of the addition of another red house on the street. There were a total of 2 red houses before building our house. My dad had to go before a committee to argue why he should be able to pick what color he wanted his house to be. This was obviously not about the house’s color but about skin color. Being that his skin was dark, the neighbors were making it difficult for him to establish his house in the predominantly white neighborhood.  The stereotype that blacks were loud and ghetto made the move uncomfortable for our family. In the end, we were able to use the red brick of our choice and successfully established ourselves in the neighborhood. The thought that a black family would bring down the neighborhood is absurd. I feel they based their prejudice on their small town mentality.  After four years, I feel that the community around us saw that we were just another average American family, not the gangster family they had expected. Drugs and the music industry seem to come to mind when a wealth black person is able to live in a privileged neighbor. Hopefully future generations in the town will be more accepting with multicultural neighbors by reducing common stereotypes.

meeting the expectation

The summer time in Norman means schools out and cheer camps are in session. Girls from all over the state are at the University of Oklahoma for one reason, being to meet cheerleading expectation. As I was walking to work, I saw several groups determined to fit the stereotype of a cheerleader. One girl was upset about her weight and felt as though eating would just make the situation worse. The images these young girls want to portray are constantly thrown at them though the media. Cheerleaders are shown in the media as being popular, pretty and skinny. Most young girl seeks acceptance from their peers which cheerleading seems to fulfill. This could possibly result in unhealthy efforts to fit in with the crowd. Eating Disorder increase as young girls view cheerleader’s profile in the movies and television shows.  I feel that the media should break away from the stereotypes of cheerleaders to promote the sport not based just on appearance.

 

Got privilege?

White Privilege is a difficult subject for me. Its something that I don’t have so I feel like I have to work more just to prove myself.  I could relate to multiple subjects in Tim’s Wises workshop shown in class. As a minority at work, I feel that I am given the least responsibility but the most work. White males that were hired months after me received access to programs in their first week at the job. Yet, I had to work and prove myself for several months to receive access to the same programs.  There are many incidents that bother me in the office but I choose not to speak up in hopes to avoid conflict.

 There have been plenty of times when I walk into a store where the employees won’t even acknowledge the fact that I have even enter the store. Yet a white individual could walk in right after me welcomed with warm greetings. I’m appreciative to have the freedom to shop where I please but receiving equal treatment is what I lack now. I don’t want to be viewed as ghetto, poor and ignorant just because my skin is not white. The following link provides a checklist of white privileges based on race.

 

http://www.unh.edu/residential-life/diversity/aw_article17.pdf

 

I found number 16 and 17 interesting on the checklist because it is something that hits home at an early age. As a minority child, its not easy find your skin colors in dolls, books, toys etc. Minority children grow up envying the white race at an early age because of Barbie’s and characters in movies that are made to resemble the white people. I feel as minorities develop into adults, the privileges gained by whites are more evident. Even though, the privileges might not be as clear to the person receiving the benefits.

 

I envy the privileges that I might never experience. Privileges based on social class are possibly obtainable in my future. I would be perceived differently with wealth and maybe even given certain opportunities as some whites. I believe that white privileges will trickle down to future generations if the media continues to broadcast whites as the superior race.

Personal Reflection

Although Will Smith is the highest paid actor in the business, it was definitely hard to name other minorities at his success level. I feel that the media makes it more difficult for minorities to make it in the industry. When asked to name a successful Native American actor/actress, none came to mind.  I realize that society cannot change over night but Obama’s presidential win gives hope to the future.  Also I feel that the only other attention minorities get in the media is when it is sports or music related.  Why is race such an important issue? Why is society so caught up in looks?  Even if one day there is equality for all, I still believe that people will still stereotype or discriminate silently.  I realize also that race is more than just skin color and looks but it’s also culture. The way one goes about their life can be looked down upon or praised. Whites stereotype among themselves along with other races.  These stereotypes deal more with social class. As I grew up in a predominately white suburb, I was able to witness my peer’s thoughts about race.  It was clear to me that many thought most blacks were ghetto, criminals or drug dealers. However, I was neither. It’s amazing how the images they saw on TV blinded them from reality.  It’s almost like if broadcasters would show positive images of blacks they would see blacks in a whole new light. People of all ages will believe anything they hear or see which gives news reports a social duty to report fair and accurately. The reporters and cameraman have the power to positively impact a group of people using the right tools. Reports can present both sides of the story while the cameraman can focus on filming the whole story and not just filming it through their eyes.  This is ideal but not likely by everyone. If the media continues to highlight the crimes minorities commit, then that is the only thing people will remember them by. On a positive note, I feel that Obama’s beautiful family in the media shows the world that anything is possible.