Yes, white men are being oppressed.

[Waiting For Everyman]

180. K&R One of the most interesting threads

I have seen on here in a long time. You make a very good point, and quite a few of the posts are informative and thought-provoking. I couldn't reply to all that I wanted to, but I bookmarked it and do intend to read it again.

Three thoughts: 1) most of the people living in poverty in the US are white; 2) MLK Jr.'s actions had broad support, and that certainly made them more effective.

And 3) this is something I've learned first-hand recently from a completely unrelated issue. We as people seeking change, have to remember that when a problem is solved, advocates for solving that problem are then out of a job. Especially paid advocates, or those who receive notice or position from it will actually, suddenly and inexplicably, turn and advocate hard against a solution that presents itself, especially if it's a really effective problem-ending solution. They have a vested interest in the problem - in the problem continuing. I was rather shocked to see that but I guess it's human nature and that's the world we live in.

So in this context, if a lot of 99% uniting were to go on, a lot of splinter group advocates would be a lot less influential. That's just something to keep in mind to watch for in advancing toward a goal. We have to remember to ask, "would so-and-so lose something if we were to succeed on this". If the answer is yes, that doesn't mean that so-and-so is necessarily corrupted, but it does mean at the very least to keep an eye on what that person says or does for the cause because he/she will be in conflict over it.

* Points 1 and 2 do not mean in any way to take anything away from the plight of minorities. Their struggles are undeniable. But I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time, and it doesn't usually require giving up small group goals to also push for large group goals. It might take giving up a little bit of overt animosity from time to time toward some traditionally seen as privileged, but that's a small price to pay for the chance for much greater progress on all fronts.