i think the answer is to not take the "race' thing very seriously. again, i may decide that we are two races, those with widows' peaks, and those without. makes about as much sense.

It obviously makes sense to those folks that wish to continue programs that stand to gain from "race" status questions.
If a grant or business can only go to members of a minority- then what is stopping a white person from saying they are black- or asian? How does one prove they are black or asian or pacific islander or any other "race"?

Why does the census ask for race? Funding for minorities is the biggest part of that answer.

i agree, somewhat. i think also the justification is for reasons of research, to study the patterns of "race" in society. anyway, i am not supporting the whole thing, just offering an alternative explanation.

If this man

http://b1ff.org/wordpress/wp-content...rack_obama.jpg

was going to go to one of these

http://blog.ericharmatz.com/wp-conte...-fountains.jpg

in the 1950's. Which one do you think he would have to drink out of?

I dare any of you to say he could drink out of the one on the left and not get his a$$ kicked.

Do you people honestly think that people that the color of a persons skin does not matter? Yes we have come along way from the 40's and 50's but please do not be so delusional as to think that Obamas race was not a factor (negative or positive) to very many people who voted for or against him on that basis alone.

My father was turned down for a position with Delta as a FO because he was Jewish. He was told this to his face. Hatred based on religion, race (or what ever you want to call it) national origin, economic status or anything else people can come up with still happens.

yes, he would have been lynched.

remember, though, the whole "black" thing is based originally on the "one drop" theory i.e. one drop of black blood makes you "black" (whatever that means - its not science, thats for sure) it means nothing. just that people are irrational and ignorant.

It means nothing if you are fair skinned and can drink out of the water cooler on the left. It means everything (including your life as you pointed out) if you are not what ever the "right thing" is.

Historically, white rich Christian men made the rules. Those who were not were at the short end stick. Minorities (regardless of what makes you one) are usually screwed.

I agree that the entire idea is irrational and ignorant, but it exists. And as far as I can tell, it will always be present.

you'll get no argument from about the christians (tho i am sure others here will damn us both to... somewhere)

as for racism, well, it will be used by the powerful and corrupt to influence the ignorant, as long as it has legs. :(

I agree that there are those who use it to their advantage (Sharpton) and there are people who use it to keep people down. I believe the later out number the former.

How ever, both Sharpton, Jackson and others are old enough to have experienced the choice of which fountain to use. Given that experience, I tend to cut them a bit more slack. Yes it has colored their view of the world but how could it not?

Dig that Bro..man I kinda miss BBQ.back in the states...Me hungry now...gonna wander over to the food court an have some Satay..

Anybody know of that PLESSY v. FERGUSON trial? @_@ Yeah...

I am sorry, MTU, I have no answer for you. I will say that I believe that everyone can choose whatever race they believe they are...as long as they actually are some percentage of that race.

What I mean is, if someone is part Irish, part Polish, and part French, they can't go and say they are Chinese. But they CAN say they are Irish. Or they say Polish. Or they say French. That's my view.

But I agree with LUVMBDiesels, that race should just be 'human'

I might be 1/16 american Indian (native american) but we can't be sure because my grandfather's mother was an orphan....but she was really dark complected.

Well welcome to the new century. When does your idea of race become free of your view that everyone else is stuck in the 50's? I mean you don't think that folks should drink out differing water fountains do you? Sounds like your idea of race is based on what you think others believe. Strange idea that never crossed my mine. Both you and JR used very negative terms to show how blacks can be associated with others terms. Hmmmm.

You actually think Barack Obama could go around telling everyone he is a "white man"? Give me a break.

Yep, but I usually can sneak away without them noticing. :cool::cool::cool::eek::D

We should celebrate the fact that race has evolved into a lesser issue in our country than it was a mere 50 years ago. The social change that has occured since, while some see as painfully slow, is incredible when compared with the history of racial conflict before it. The current generation of Americans live in a much more diverse, culturally mixed society and there's no indication that's going to change.