Why is there always a 'black table' at Sodexho?
Ana Maria Lugo
Issue date: 2/16/07 Section: Perspectives
We have found new ways to classify ourselves without so much forethought that racial stereotypes accomplish nothing. This is all setting us back.
White people are not the only people capable of racism. In fact everyone is.
The first thing that comes to mind when the word "discrimination" is uttered is slavery or segregation. It has been more than a century since Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves but the word "discrimination" and its history still run deep when it shouldn't be.
A few years ago the politically correct term to refer to black people was African-American, and low and behold just when I was just getting used to it, someone changed it to Black.
I honestly am confused at the wording I have to choose.
Why is it that we have historically black colleges but can not call any other school historically white?
If the word African-American is politically incorrect, and the words "colored" and "negro" if used today are unacceptable, then why is it called the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and why is the prestigious scholarship called the United Negro College Fund? Why can I not call anyone a nigga without fear of offending anyone, yet I have heard this used liberally in other circumstances. Why is it that there is a scholarship for every other minority but seemingly few for specifically white people? It's acceptable to have a group for the awareness of Asian, Hispanic and Black people but would that still ring true if a group called National Association for the Advancement of White People was ever formed? For some reason, that would connotate white supremacy, which we all know equals to something very bad.
However, I am pretty sure there are plenty of white people out there in need of advancement. I therefore propose that in all fairness and equality they should have a group to promote their welfares.
We stereotype ourselves. We are trained not to expect black hockey players or Asian Football players. We don't expect John Mayer to come out dressed in FUBU, baggy pants and a do-rag while sweetly serenading us with his guitar. The list of stereotypes runs long. Are all Asians smart? Are all Mexicans construction workers or illegal? Do all black people love to eat chicken? Are all white people generally boring and uptight snoots?
White people are not the only people capable of racism. In fact everyone is.
The first thing that comes to mind when the word "discrimination" is uttered is slavery or segregation. It has been more than a century since Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves but the word "discrimination" and its history still run deep when it shouldn't be.
A few years ago the politically correct term to refer to black people was African-American, and low and behold just when I was just getting used to it, someone changed it to Black.
I honestly am confused at the wording I have to choose.
Why is it that we have historically black colleges but can not call any other school historically white?
If the word African-American is politically incorrect, and the words "colored" and "negro" if used today are unacceptable, then why is it called the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and why is the prestigious scholarship called the United Negro College Fund? Why can I not call anyone a nigga without fear of offending anyone, yet I have heard this used liberally in other circumstances. Why is it that there is a scholarship for every other minority but seemingly few for specifically white people? It's acceptable to have a group for the awareness of Asian, Hispanic and Black people but would that still ring true if a group called National Association for the Advancement of White People was ever formed? For some reason, that would connotate white supremacy, which we all know equals to something very bad.
However, I am pretty sure there are plenty of white people out there in need of advancement. I therefore propose that in all fairness and equality they should have a group to promote their welfares.
We stereotype ourselves. We are trained not to expect black hockey players or Asian Football players. We don't expect John Mayer to come out dressed in FUBU, baggy pants and a do-rag while sweetly serenading us with his guitar. The list of stereotypes runs long. Are all Asians smart? Are all Mexicans construction workers or illegal? Do all black people love to eat chicken? Are all white people generally boring and uptight snoots?
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Andrea Walker
posted 2/21/07 @ 2:16 PM EST
Hello Ms. Lugo,
I know that I am probably a little late to comment. I have heard of numerous facebook debates about this issue, and frankly, I just don't understand what the big deal is about all black tables in Sodexo. (Continued…)
Briscoe Greenwell
posted 2/22/07 @ 5:00 PM EST
what i've noticed is..for the most part is black ppl really dont care who sits with them. i mean i'm white, and i have a lot of black friends, as well as a lot of white friends, hell i have friends of all races. (Continued…)
Kim Jackson
posted 2/24/07 @ 10:53 PM EST
There is nothing wrong with there being a black table at Sodexho. I don't see anyone commenting on why there are so many white tables so why is there an issue with there being so little black tables. (Continued…)
cajie
Cajie
posted 5/08/07 @ 12:50 PM EST
Differences were celebrated in the South when I grew up. We enjoyed having exchanges with our many varied cultures in Louisiana. The motto "Live and Let Live" was alive and well. (Continued…)
shaleenclark
Shaleen
posted 5/14/07 @ 11:29 AM EST
Well as a graduate from GCSU, and in response to the uproar on Facebook, let's just be real. It is easier to relate to your own kind as opposed to other races that might not be racially attuned to concerns in specific ethnic backgrounds. (Continued…)
Chris
posted 6/12/07 @ 9:21 AM EST
It's natural to be a part of your racial "community", and that's the reason that there is a black table. How is this any different than the Spanish exchange student table? It has nothing to do with racism whatsoever, it is a natural instinct which allows people to relate to their own race/sex/gender/orientation/etc. (Continued…)
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