Now there are all sorts of state and national laws prohibiting segregation and discrimination and promoting affirmative action. Is America still struggling with equality? Does discrimination exist? NAACP says yes. Their website reports that is still takes place on television, with mortgage lending, and most recently in the advertising industry.
The NAACP states that their mission is to "ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination." While they talk about helping the rights of "all persons," I've never seen them represent any other ethnic groups. Even in their report about the ad industry, all of their statistics refer to African Americans. With a rise in Hispanic population, do we need another group like this for them? Does the NAACP need to keep investigating discrimination, or would it essentially turn into a witch hunt and they'll find it where ever they look? How would they determine if discrimination has ended? Can we come to a point when we don't mention race in a news report?
I'm sorry I've been asking more questions than I probably should, but here's my main question:
Does having an organization such as this perpetuate differences between races? Does it promote a lack of color-blindness?
39 comments:
Ethnicity, gender, cultural background, religious affiliation, and so forth, are some of the things that make people different from one another. People tend to judge those who are different because it’s not what they know or are used to. I think the NAACP did a wonderful job back in the day trying to help people accept the differences in others. Today, however, I think they’re just drawing attention and even causing more problems to the issue of race. I think their focus is in the wrong place.
I believe that groups like the NAACP are necessary. These groups lobby and initiate the need for change for minorities. However, I do believe that there will come a point where these groups are no longer necessary. I believe that day is coming, but we still have a great deal of progress to make. I agree with Jessica, if their focus is race and they are not instigating problems, they will continue to be beneficial.
I feel that organizations such as the NAACP have definiately helped America reach the point that we are at today. They were probably of more use in the mid 90's, but I'm sure their is still work to do regarding equality. I agree with the post, when I hear of the NAACP i solely think of the African-American race. If their aim is to advance the lifestyles of all minority races, they probably still have a lot of work to do. As stated before, they need to be focused on improvement and not on problems.
I agree with the above posts. I think the NAACP has done some great things, but if they do stand for equality for everyone and not just African Americans, they will have to change to include other growing minority groups in years to come.
The NAACP has managed to do some great things for the African-American community over the years. They have worked hard in order to help secure rights that the colored community deserves. However, I feel that in a way, they perpetuate the idea of "separate but equal." By actively stating, even in their title, that they are trying to advance the rights of colored people, they are making a distinction between "colored" and "non-colored." Since the organization works to secure for the colored community the same rights and privileges that had sometimes only previously been granted to Caucasians, it seems that they are trying to secure an equal status with whites, while still remaining separate. What I think would be more effective would be an organization that focused on equality among all people, without accentuating the divisions between different races.
I believe that the NAACP has been necessary. I believe that the UNCF...the United Negro College Fund has been great because a mind is a terrile thing to waste. I believe that "Black History Month" has been interesting. However, whenever I hear of one of these funds of "federally recognized celebrations" (black history month) my immediate response is.....when is white history month? Where's the United Latino College Fund....or the National Association of the Advancement of White Males....because with affirmitive action and such....it's harder for a white male to get a scholarship than I think anyone else. I'm not complaining or saying...boo-hoo for white people....not at all. However, with all the the special lobbying that happens with minority groups,they cause ill feelings from other groups.
I think that the NAACP have their place and don't have their place. I think it's great that they promote advancement of colored people, but at the same time, I think they need not draw more attention to themselves. So I pretty much agree with the above posts.
I think, as well as many other students it appears, that in the past the NAACP has done a great job in gaining ground for the people they represent. Is there still a need for them? Yes. While we have made great strides in the last century towards equality, we are not COMPLETELY there and until we do, I think groups such as these still do serve a purpose. As for the other side, yes it is possible that these groups may begin to "witch hunt." In that case, I do believe that they are merely perpetuating the problem instead of solving it. The problem is, how do we know when they've reached the point where they're no longer helping, but hurting the problem?
Groups like the NAACP have done and can continue to do great things for minority groups. It is good for people to stand up for each other and fight for themselves, but it is too bad that our world forces people to do so.
The NAACP did and does many great things for the people it represents. I can't say that I believe discrimination in many forms is absent in our society (it clearly is not - try and snowboard at alta and see what happens). Whether it be race, religion or whatever it is clear that discrimination exists. Great advancements have been accomplished by the NAACP and by other organizations for the people they represent.
Organizations like the NAACP have generated lots of good in society, but I agree with Trevor. By making the distinction that they are an organization for colored people, they are separating and segregating themselves from the rest of society. If we really want to combat the issue of equality in race, we need to do it as one entity. We need to be united as a society if we want to become united in race.
The NAACP helped...but it's more hindering their cause than helping now. If they were to let go of their strong holds they have on certain organizations, people would hold their own and become the people they're supposed to be and make their own fortune. Why should we give a scholarship to another race when the white man deserves it more? And since when did having equal men's and women's sports become a real necessity? If we need another men's team...just do it. Quit hindering other's performances and let them be real people.
In a way a group like this does promote a lack of color-blindness in society. Like aforementioned, the NAACP was so great in promoting awareness for minority groups, but now they are drawing attention to themselves, at times, in a negative way. If people are constantly reminded of the color of their skin and why changes need to be made, it makes it difficult for others to see past color. I think that these groups need to make a shift in how they spread the word and not make it about color, but about change.
I believe the NAACP was necessary, especially when it was first organized in 1909. You've brought up a good point though. Do we still need the NAACP 100 years later? I don't know the answer. I guess the people to answer that question would be African Americans. If they feel the mission of the NAACP has been achieved, then I think it's served it's purpose. If not, than the NAACP should continue to operate until African Americans feel near racial equity has been achieved.
By joining multiple people together for a single cause, it causes synergy to accomplish objectives that couldnt otherwise be accomplished as individuals. The NAACP has a cause worth fighting for and will continue to fight for equal rights. Yes there is racism in television and advertising and this is a cause that is worth fighting for to promote equality. Because I feel that racism will decrese but always be present, groups like the NAACP will always have something to fight for.
I too believe that in our society groups such as the NAACP will always provide a valuable social and political question. I agree with what has been said, however, with regard to their changing roles. Times change, there's no getting around that. And in response to your other questions regarding whether Hispanics need a similar organization, I'm hesitant to say yes or no. The issue Hispanics face is much different than that of black people in this past century. Theirs is a battle over immigration, which is an interesting debate in itself. I believe a lobbying group would be excellent, especially because of my political orientation on the issue. But I believe such an organization would look much different than the NAACP of the 1900s...
NAACP is fighting a good fight. And it's a neccessary fight. Hopefully it won't be neccessary for much longer. I don't believe they are promoting color blindness. Rather, they promote color awareness. That can be bad, yes, but I believe that the NAACP is generally aiming that awareness towards positive change.
I agree with Jake, that the NAACP creates color awareness. However, sometimes I feel like it may have more of a negative than positive affect. Back when it was first created there was a NEED for a group that lobbied change and equality, but in todays society it is easier to assume that all this group is doing is trying to point a finger. With the help of the NAACP we have come a long way from racial segregation, and as stated previously, a group like this is only beneficial if its existence is to focus on improvement.
Significant change has occured over the last 100 years, but was all of that due to the NAACP? I'm sure they have done a world of good, but maybe the changes we see are due to events unrelated to that organization. There is definately a place for these organizations, but I don't think all the progress can be credited to them. Until Zion is established I'm sure race will always be an issue, so I'm sure there will always be groups like the NAACP.
The NAACP has done some great things for the African American community and it would be nice to have other races receive the same help. It is great to have people stand up for one another.
color-blindness is the ideal — the goal of the utopian society. and while the NAACP does not support color-blindness, it is a necessary step toward reaching our goal of a society without racism. because blacks did not start out with the same rights we did, of course there isnt a quick solution to "leveling the playing field." it will take generations and generations before that can happen — in the mean time, organizations like the NAACP help to give rights to those that face institutional racism
I think the problems with organizations such as the NAACP are that they tend to overshoot the solution. Sometimes they go too far and instead of promoting equality, they promote inequality but in the opposite direction than it was before. It's interesting with 'anti-discrimination' policies like, say Title 9, where a school was supposed to take an equal number of male, female, black, white, chinese, etc. athletes--yet those 'equal' numbers didn't equally reflect the numbers of applicants they were choosing from. If the NAACP is to really represent minorities and promote their good, they should do so equally for all races and proportionally to the population as a whole. The fact that we still need an organization like this probably isn't a good sign as far as 'curing' racism goes.
I grew up in a very diverse part of the country where I always felt that the idea of racism was way over exaggerated. Then about a year ago I visited a friend who lives in a small town in the south, and the story was completely different there. There was a white side of town and a black side of town, and there was a distinct difference in living conditions between the two. I feel that racism still exists in some places and that maybe the NAACP or an organization like that still needs to exist, but i also feel that the way the NAACP handles many situations is wrong, they often create a victim mentality that is way over blown. This, I feel, perpetuates racism rather than solves it.
I think that these organizations are helpful in America. As we look at history, we can see how these groups have helped further freedom and equality in America. I do think that these groups are a good thing, as long as they are responsible and aren't simply looking to make controversy.
It seems to me that the NAACP and related organizations are effective when policy should be changed or regulated. I think they serve a great cause and can do a lot of good, but can only do so much. Policies can only go so far and then it's up to the individual to treat others the way they should.
I think the NAACP has benefitted the African American community in its 100 years of existence. But I also believe that there are many groups who feel discriminated against who don't have such strong representation. I think our country needs to move beyond catering to special interest groups and simply focus on the needs of all Americans. The days should be over when those with more money or political clout receive more representation in government that leads to preferential treatment.
I think these groups are important to help people realize a need for change. I hope that one day these groups will not be necessary but for right now they are doing a good job. having unique characteristics and qualities is what makes us different and can help us unite as individuals.
If we to really investigate everything the NAACP has done to promote racial tolerance we would be very grateful. What have I done in my life to be so helpful? Not a whole lot.
My feelings have pretty much been stated. I think the name, NAACP, implies, even overtly states, a lack of color blindness. however, I feel there is nothing wrong with their cause as they are simply trying to elevate and expand the opportunities of one minority group as opposed to tearing down a "competing" group.
I think the initial intent of the NAACP was valid. Sometimes they (NAACP) takes issues to the extreme. Equal rights are important, for all races. I think that America, overall, is getting better with the race and discrimination issue, but there is still much more to be done. We need to make sure that all rights are secure for all races, and that everyone has the same opportunities.
Groups like NAACP can help to make a difference for African Americans. In the workforce, unions are used to represent the group of employees because it's easier to make a stand and present a united front with a group rather than just one person. The NAACP, too, has made a significant impact on the treatment of African Americans. It is, however, a fine line between solving issues and creating issues out of thin air.
We have to remember that African Americans are still a minority in America and the only reason these types of groups really exist is so they can be evenly represented with everyone else. They want to ensure equal treatment as much today as they did back in the 60's. The reason that specific white groups do not exist is because everything else is predominantly white.
I think the answer to both of your questions is yes. As long as groups like the NAACP exist, there will continue to be racism in America. Of course, the NAACP does not endorse or really contribute to racism, but discrimination and the difference between the races will always be there as long as organizations exist to define it.
This is a very interesting question. I think essentially an organization like this was necessary. There were hate crimes, discrimination, illegal this and that, etc. I say all of this in the past tense because I frankly do not know a great deal about current racial conflict. Not that I don't care--I just don't take notice. It's been my experience in Seattle that race isn't a huge issue (at least I hear less racial comments there than I do in Utah.) My guess is that there are still hate crimes and discrimination even if it's been written out of the constitution (the 60s weren't very long ago). It comes down to people's attitude and that hasn't changed much. So I don't think the NAACP perpetuates racial difference. I can the possibility of them getting out of hand and using race as an excuse in the future, but I don't see it now. And, I do think that the Hispanic American culture does need an organization like this.
Groups like the NAACP I feel were founded in order to give further progress to a movement while simultaneously making all those involved feel that they are contributing towards the ideal of a large group. But there comes a point where the lobbying for equal rights can cause us to justify greater rights for such an enormous time of oppression. This might be considered similar to the women's right movement. I strongly believe that women deserve all the same rights as men and have been oppressed for way too long, but there has come a point where some women begin to belittle men. That defeats the entire nobility of the cause. The reformer Martin Luther is a key figure in history and the first to take a stand against the behemoth that was the Catholic Church. In his 91 points he identified the errors and then called for a "re-boot" of the church to the fundamentals. In a series of three theses he made the point that a reformation needed to happen but then his passions over took him and he began to dictate what the government should be like and how the economy should function. When he stepped outside of his realm of expertise, carried by his passions, he almost nullified his entire argument. I feel that some activist groups can do the same and step outside of the original intents of the groups conception.
I'm in support of any group that can help someone have an equal opportunity. Hopefully these groups will help our country get to the point that everyone will have the same opportunities and we will no longer need these groups.
I strongly support groups like the NAACP that are trying to help minority populations. We as a nation have not grown out of the need for such organizations. There are definitely still racial divisions. The NAACP is not the problem, it is part of the solution. Let's not point fingers at the underdog.
The NAACP has been necessary and has been a larger force for good than anything else. It is an interesting argument to say that now, the NAACP is more of a hindrance than a help–I don't know if I buy that yet... I do see situations where that may be the case though. And I agree with the logic that says that such organizations perpetuate differences between race. That's exactly why they exist; to set themselves apart and make a point that they aren't being treated fairly. I see both sides of the coin and don't know which side is better or worse...
I think there was a time when these groups helped promote a change in policy. However, I think now we need to move on from the past because the focus of NAACP is in the wrong place. It causes people to see more differences than similarities.
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