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Scottmil,

I understand your pride in our city.  I share much of that pride. There are many wonderful things about it. I still must stand by the statement that

"Portland is simply too modern and too sophisticated for the average 'colored' person to do well in"

is a bigoted statement. Here is why, instead of using the word "people" the word "'colored'" was used. This drastically changes the meaning of the sentence. The word 'colored' is a both connotatively and denotativly loaded term. It's origins have strong ties to racist epitaphs of the south and propagation.

If the intention of the statement was to be all inclusive of all races the correct term to achieve that would be "human", "people", "person" or other term that is universal, but these words were not used.

The choice of using the term "colored" over "people" syntactically singles out a race as unable to be sophisticated.

The term "colored" is most often associated with the black community. To say that the black community is unsophisticated is an inherently racist idea. Jazz music is beleived through out the world to be incredibly sophisticated. Jazz is a uniquely American invention widely understood to be formed by the music of African American slave decedents. Other incredibly clear examples of sophistication are the writing of Deboise, the art of Basquiate or the acting of Morgan Freemen.

Also I have many friends across the pond who would disagree about the sophistication level of Europe. Take "Brittan's got Talent" or "French Idol" as examples. Let's also remember that the UK brought the world "The Spice Girls".

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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How is the quote judgemental or rascit, arthurseery?

I do not exclude anyone, including myself from that statement. So I fail to see how that is racist or judgemental. I have open ears and will listen to your side of the story.

I also stand by my statement for everyone to look inside and admit that biases, bigotry, racsism is real and ubiquitouse. Due to the nataure of being a social animal human to think that a person can escape all the sociological and historical pressures that are in part a causal factor of racism is most improbabal.

Therefore we are all racist to some extent. How we deal with that is up to the desire of the individual as well as society as a whole. I believe overcoming racism begins with the individuals admmitance to oneself that one has been socially taught to be rasicist, then one can begin to recognize behaivors that are inherently unequal. 

So I'm interested to hear how you think this is judgemental or racist?

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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Wow, I am deeply saddened to hear and read some of these comments. Words like "You want Special Treatment!" and "Portland is simply too modern and too sophisticated for the average 'colored'" show a deep lack of empathy and understanding of living in a diverse world. These statements are racist.

I speak for myself when I say that I don't want special treatment I want equal treatment. I have been a victim of racism in a couple of the jobs I have had here in Portland.

I, while highly qualified with years of experience was denied a job promotion (which went to a less qualified white person) because i "didn't match the look of the other employees" and that I was "not what the patrons wanted to see".

Far too often do people of color strive to achieve but are denied opportunity simply because of the color of their skin. This, my Portland, is racism. 

If there has to be a changes to laws, or programs put in place to change this disparity then I do not consider them "special treatment" I consider them an acknowledgment of institutional, political, personal racism and a path to a more equitable environment for all.

Once again I plead with you to look in your own heart and have the courage to admit your own bigotry and do something to change that.

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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