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In reply to the discussion: Al Sharpton Calls For Emergency Meeting To Address 'Appalling' All-White Oscar Nominees Read more: [View all]branford
(4,462 posts)to address any issue concerning the African-American community, nor would it be prudent. Any suggestion that I could offer would be roundly criticized as arrogant or far worse, if not actually used as evidence of the white privilege of which you complain. You choose you own leaders and spokespeople, but such choices do not immunize them from criticism.
Simply, my point was that if you want to discuss institutional racial disparities and potential remedies, I and others here would certainly consider that a worthwhile discussion. However, when you attempt to initiate the discussion in the context of film awards and Al Sharpton, you end up trivializing and minimizing the very issue that concerns you, although that certainly was not your intention.
I also do not blame Sharpton for any racist system, as you suggest. I blame Al Sharpton for the conduct and statements of Al Sharpton, no more, no less. If people choose to follow his leadership and support such conduct and statements, I will, of course, treat them accordingly.
I will not accept the straw man that things would be different regardless of leadership, and therefore he doesn't really matter. The fact is that for good or ill, Sharpton is indeed currently a major leadership figure in the African-American community, and has been involved in racial, religious and ethnic politics for decades, quite often making the situations far worse. With incidents like Crown Heights and Freddy's Fashion Mart, my otherwise very liberal community (Jews in NYC) mostly view him as an anti-Semite with blood on his hands. Asian-Americans and other groups share similar perceptions. His dismally low approval ratings bear this out.
You claim that you require the efforts of non-minorities to help end institutional racism. Although I do not entirely agree, asking me and a great many others to work with Sharpton and his ilk will not happen, no matter how laudable the goal. You want me to acknowledge and accept the concerns of your community, and I expect commiserate courtesy.
Lastly, I had no idea about your gender, and will happily refer to you however you wish. Note also that much of my prior comment was directed at Raine1967 who commented on both our earlier posts.