Curious

This is purely out of curiosity. I am NOT racist, but when I saw the name of this forum, I couldn't help but wonder....

Would any of you be offended if there were a "White American Forum"? It just seems like there's a double standard there, because I know plenty of Black Americans that would be really offended if we had segregated anything specifically for White Americans.

Oh you are looking to open a can of worms, ya know?  When OH changed it's look a few months ago there was all kinds of hoopla about this very topic.  Have you looked at the avatars on the main board?  They kind of have a pale appearance. 

There are certain things that may be weight loss related, but may never be addressed on the main board.  Can you tell me the last time you saw topics on the MB regarding what I can I expect hair loss wise if I have dreadlocs?  What about if I wear a weave?-Is a sew in ok, or should I stick with glue, or maybe a lace front wig?  Can you tell me how to modify my favorite greens recipe?  What can I use instead of hammocks to flavor greens or beans?

I know according to BMI charts I should weigh about 130-but I'm a sista and I wanna keep a little thickness, a little junk in the trunk, ya know?  There are certain health issues that will affect me more simply because I'm black-do you think the main board is equipped to deal with it?

Simply put I agree with Eric Holder when he said Americans are cowards when it comes to discussions about race.  Just because we now have an African American president does not mean the playing field is equal.  I recommend you check out CNNs replay of their Black in America documentary tonight and tomorrow.  I just don't understand if people are so offended why they come here.  And those that are offended would spend a little time checking out the board before getting all up in arms they might realize there really isn't anything to be all that upset about.

FYI - this board is not segregated.  There are plenty of white people that post on here.  If you notice - this is a special interest board - so did you go post on the Men's board that it's segregated for just them and why can't there be a women's board?

There are boards for other ethnicities - we have ALWAYS said if you want to get OH to make a White forum - GO AHEAD - actually I really wish they would so that any of you who feel like this can just stop asking this question.  

I suppose you have a problem with the NAACP?  It does have white members.  Or any other Black organization - because I can't think of one - not even our sororities and fraternities - that don't have White members.  WE don't segregate - that's YOUR take and perception merely based on name.  Sort of like how we've historically been treated because of our color, ain't it? 

Perhaps taking the time to see what this forum is all about would give you better insight and allow you to better understand the purpose it serves and what goes on. 

Wow. That attack was a little hasty. I think you guys completely missed my point. I'm really not out to open a can of worms or to be out of line, I really was just curious.

"we have ALWAYS said if you want to get OH to make a White forum - GO AHEAD - ..."

That would've answered my question. The only question I had was, "Would you be offended?"

Lack of knowledge creats ignorance. I would think that being open to answering innocent questions would help solve that problem.

"There are certain things that may be weight loss related, but may never be addressed on the main board.  Can you tell me the last time you saw topics on the MB regarding what I can I expect hair loss wise if I have dreadlocs?  What about if I wear a weave?-Is a sew in ok, or should I stick with glue, or maybe a lace front wig?  Can you tell me how to modify my favorite greens recipe?  What can I use instead of hammocks to flavor greens or beans?

I know according to BMI charts I should weigh about 130-but I'm a sista and I wanna keep a little thickness, a little junk in the trunk, ya know?  There are certain health issues that will affect me more simply because I'm black-do you think the main board is equipped to deal with it?"

That was probably one of the most racist responses I could've gotten, and again, I really was not out to start a race war. I still am not sure if you were joking or being serious. Were you implying that no one but black americans can enjoy soul food or dreadlock their hair?

I think anything more I say at this point is going to be misintrepreted, so I'll just end with saying this... I think an "All American" forum would've been more appropriate. It's never going to be a "fair playing ground" until all Americans- black, yellow, red, and white agree to put country before race and just live together as Americans, no matter how different the color of our skin might be.

you're missing our points and we weren't attacking you.  My comment was meant to translate into 'no - I wouldn't be offended, so go ahead and create one'.  This question has been brought up several times and the answer is always the same - we are an all inclusive forum, we never close ranks or jump on anyone here based on race.

To Michelle's point - there are, in fact, certain things that are unique to the Black experience - perhaps you should stick around and read some of the things we talk about to understand what's meant by that.  True we are all American, but you are discounting the fact that as Americans, we do all have different backgrounds and experiences.   That should never go unrecognized, but it should never be a focus to the point of exclusion, either - which, again, this forum is not.

What's racist about what Michelle said - those are questions WE talk about on this board - recipes we exchange - we aren't saying that no one else but Black folk can cornrow or cook, but putting a topic based forum on here allows those individuals access to one another without being lost in the main board 'shuffle'.

Also - your comment seems to imply that by us being active on this forum, we aren't on others - which isn't the case.  I am active on the R&R, Plastic Surgery, RNY and sometimes post on the Main Board.

Have you posted this same curiosity on the other semmingly group exclusionary based boards?  I'm just curious.  (i.e. the Men's forum, the Gay Forum, etc)

ETA: edits to original response - typed too fast for my thoughts

Does this mean I get to stay out of the corner today?

  Gurlllll - I'm about to put a bed in the corner and get to decorating that mug, cause I'm about to OWN it!  LMAOOOOO  I'll set up a fold out sofa for when you visit.......

Aww thanks!  don't worry I'll bring the .

I was simply answering your question.  There was no attack implied or intended.  If you were offended, maybe its right along the same lines as you being offended by the fact that a Black American Forum exists.

Believe no 'race war' will ensue due to this simple question.  Personally I don't have the time or energy.

I just don't understand people asking questions but not being prepared for the answers.

You were not attacked, trust me on that. 

You have every right to be curious, but I'm now curious as to why you're not curious about the men's forum, or the forums broken down by age, or the pregnancy forum, what about the GLBT board?

Lack of knowledge creates ignorance...you are absolutely right, and what you need to know is that no one rallied for this board, but somehow people tend to come over here believing that us Negroes petitioned OH for it.  Not the case, so it gets a little tiring.  Not once has anyone curious about this boards existence taken their issue to OH where it belongs. 


I am astonished that you found Michelle's response to be racist and quite frankly feel you are out of line.  Why?  Because Racism is the belief that one group is superior to another and implies the practice of discrimination or segregation based on such beliefs.  Where and how did she do that?  If you weren't looking to start a race war, I would suggest not throwing around inflammatory words such as racist...that never ends well.  Racist is a very dangerous word to throw about and I have stated this before...on this forum...to an audience of black folks...fyi.

Everyone can lock their hair and enjoy soul food, but you know that your hair will not lock the same as mine because of the texture that is just a fact, so how could you possibly help me with that?  C'mon now.  Beyond that, there are issues such as growing out a relaxer and alopecia to deal with.   In addition to what Michelle stated, there are a number of health and socioeconomic issues that disproportionately effect the black community.  Who better to discuss those issues with than the black community?  Everyone is welcome on this board, we have a number of non blacks that are "family" had you taken the time to observe you would have seen that.  

An ""all American" forum?  Cute idea, but not practical.  America is, as they say a melting pot...Irish American, Caribbean American, African American, Polish American etc, etc, etc.  There are different customs, foods, ways of life within each.  Somehow the only of the above grouping that seems to threaten people is the African American (read black) while others are celebrated for keeping their ways of life alive.  Why is that?   I agree with some of what you said but I disagree with what it will take to bring about a "fair playing ground"  That won't happen until certain people/races are willing to have open honest race discussions about differences and LISTEN without feeling threatened or being hostile.