• This is a political forum that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats every person's position on topics equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's politics, many ideas are split between and even within all the political parties. Often we find ourselves agreeing on one platform but some topics break our mold. We are here to discuss them in a civil political debate. If this is your first visit to our political forums, be sure to check out the RULES. Registering for debate politics is necessary before posting. Register today to participate - it's free!

Have White Americans benefited from Civil Rights era gains?

Have White Americans benefitted from Civil Rights era gains?

  • Yes, we've benefitted greatly same as Blacks

    Votes: 9 81.8%

  • No, I've noticed no significant benefit to me

    Votes: 1 9.1%

  • No, I still get along nicely with my African-American peers

    Votes: 1 9.1%

  • No, things have gotten worse for me as a White American since the Civil Rights era

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    11
  • Poll closed .
O

Objective Voice

DP Veteran
Joined
Apr 14, 2008
Messages
12,995
Reaction score
5,734
Location
Huntsville, AL (USA)
Gender
Male
Political Leaning
Moderate
The movie, Selma, debuted today and among the masses who gathered at the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, AL were many Blacks and White both young and old just as it was during the actual march so many years ago.

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, we, of course, hear of the significant gains made by African Americans in Civil Rights legislation and social acceptance. But I was wondering on this day where African-Americans celebrate the essence of "we shall overcome" if White Americans feel the same way? In short, do White Americans feel as if things are significant different for them as well in a positive way since the Civil Rights era? What gains, if any, do White Americans feel they've obtained in a post-Civil Rights era in America?

I know it's a strange question to ask, but I'm curious to know how White people feel about the changes this country have made since then and how such changes are affecting their lives today.
 
Last edited:
Objective Voice said:
The movie, Selma, debuted today and among the masses who gathered at the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, AL were many Blacks and White both young and old just as it was during the actual march so many years ago. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, we, of course, hear of the significant gains made by African Americans in Civil Rights legislation and social acceptance. But I was wondering on this day where Black celebrate the essence of "we shall overcome" if White Americans feel the same way? In short, do White Americans feel as if things are significant different for them as well in a positive way since the Civil Rights era? What gains, if any, do White Americans feel they've obtained in a post-Civil Rights era in America?

I know it's a strange question to ask, but I'm curious to know how White people feel about the changes this country have made since then and how such changes are affecting their lives today.
Click to expand...

Things are so much better for race relations that all those saying that they are not. Have their heads in the sand. For instance, I am currently dating a black girl. That was frowned upon back then for a white man. I also have many black friends. Couldn't have black friends back then without huge ridicule.
 
If you can argue that civil rights gains for blacks (and other minorities) have been squandered by today's self appointed civil rights leaders, then you can argue we all have taken a giant step backwards. We had our opportunity to make real strides in how we relate to one another, unfortunately politics got the upper hand. As a result, we still see division everywhere we look. Mainly because we have too many people out there that have made a career, and even a business model, out of looking for it.

An option missing from the poll is "It was all squandered for political gain."
 
Objective Voice said:
I know it's a strange question to ask, but I'm curious to know how White people feel about the changes this country have made since then and how such changes are affecting their lives today.
Click to expand...

Having a larger pool of potential buyers has helped the economy and housing prices.
 
OrphanSlug said:
If you can argue that civil rights gains for blacks (and other minorities) have been squandered by today's self appointed civil rights leaders, then you can argue we all have taken a giant step backwards. We had our opportunity to make real strides in how we relate to one another, unfortunately politics got the upper hand. As a result, we still see division everywhere we look. Mainly because we have too many people out there that have made a career, and even a business model, out of looking for it.

An option missing from the poll is "It was all squandered for political gain."
Click to expand...

A fair assessment to a degree. However, what I'm looking for is more of a personal touch from White American posters. To wit, have you experienced gains of any type since the Civil Rights era? If so, explain. If not, do you see things as pretty much the same, not different at all or worse?
 
It's hard to say if there have been any significant changes for whites, since we have no way of knowing what the reality would be if the civil rights hadn't taken place.
I'd personally be surprised if there was any significant gain or loss at all. It really wasn't about whites en masse- just about legal rights for minorities. I don't see much of a potential impact in either direction. It's not as if the job market is static and immovable wrt the numbers, and I've never felt like my job chances were any less as a result of the civil rights movement.
 
ModerateGOP said:
Things are so much better for race relations that all those saying that they are not. Have their heads in the sand. For instance, I am currently dating a black girl. That was frowned upon back then for a white man. I also have many black friends. Couldn't have black friends back then without huge ridicule.
Click to expand...

That's not true. My parents became adults in the late 50's and were friends with people of other races.
 
The USA is better off because of the Civil Rights revolution and we as a people - the American people - owe a great debt to those who struggled and fought for these rights.
 
As a bussiness owner I can't say I'm more free because of the civil rights era. In fact, the legislation that came out of it violates my property and assocation rights. If anyone truly believes we are better off because of the civil rights act they're idiots.
 
Henrin said:
As a bussiness owner I can't say I'm more free because of the civil rights era. In fact, the legislation that came out of it violates my property and assocation rights. If anyone truly believes we are better off because of the civil rights act they're idiots.
Click to expand...

You aren't a very good businessman if you want to discriminate against entire portions of the population. Good businesses will try to capitalize on those markets
 
ModerateGOP said:
You aren't a very good businessman if you want to discriminate against entire portions of the population. Good businesses will try to capitalize on those markets
Click to expand...

That doesn't much matter.
 
haymarket said:
The USA is better off because of the Civil Rights revolution and we as a people - the American people - owe a great debt to those who struggled and fought for these rights.
Click to expand...

Rights my ass.
 
Henrin said:
That doesn't much matter.
Click to expand...

So are you saying those portions of the population doesn't matter to your business? Then why are you complaining that de-segregation. Which is what I assume you are talking about infringes on your rights. Specifically? Or do you just not like looking at minorities?
 
ModerateGOP said:
So are you saying those portions of the population doesn't matter to your business? Then why are you complaining that de-segregation. Which is what I assume you are talking about infringes on your rights. Specifically? Or do you just not like looking at minorities?
Click to expand...

It's bad business to discrimate, but that doesn't make it not my right to do.
 
haymarket said:
racism is a monster which does not die easy it would seem.
Click to expand...

What ever gave you the idea that racism could die in the first place?
 
My life, as a white person, has changed in two significant ways because of the civil rights era. First and foremost, had it not been for the civil rights era, I would not be married to the original poster and have the beautiful family that I have. :) But that aside, had it not been for the civil rights era, the life of my family would be vastly different. Our country is built by and founded on immigrants. We are an immigrant nation founded on a belief of freedom and diversity. Had it not been for the civil rights era, my children would be growing up in a place where everyone was basically just like them. They would live next to and go to school with people who were just like them. They would not have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and about other people. They would not have the opportunity to be a part of this great big country we call a melting pot.

The civil rights era and all it includes has helped me grow as a person. It has helped teach me compassion, empathy, and love for my fellow man. It has taught me that we are all in this world together. It has taught me what happens when we do not work together to get through life and it has shown me what can happen when we DO work together as a people to overcome all of our challenges and tribulations. I guess what it boils down to is this.... the Civil Rights era and all that it includes, has taught me love.
 
Henrin said:
What ever gave you the idea that racism could die in the first place?
Click to expand...

Badly underestimating evil. Believing that all people wanted to move beyond willful ignorance and advance and progress into the light from the darkness. Assuming that people wanted a nation which truly was the greatest on the earth and whose people would have the opportunity and freedom to be all they can be so the nation can be all it can be.

I badly made all those wrong judgments about some racists.
 
Last edited:
Desegregation was already happening before the civil rights era ever began. To say that the civil rights era is responsible for it is ridiculous.
 
apdst said:
That's not true. My parents became adults in the late 50's and were friends with people of other races.
Click to expand...

That might have been true for your parents growing up, but it might not have been the case for ModerateGOP since in most cases racism is geographical almost as much as it is conscionable.
 
Objective Voice said:
The movie, Selma, debuted today and among the masses who gathered at the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, AL were many Blacks and White both young and old just as it was during the actual march so many years ago.

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, we, of course, hear of the significant gains made by African Americans in Civil Rights legislation and social acceptance. But I was wondering on this day where African-Americans celebrate the essence of "we shall overcome" if White Americans feel the same way? In short, do White Americans feel as if things are significant different for them as well in a positive way since the Civil Rights era? What gains, if any, do White Americans feel they've obtained in a post-Civil Rights era in America?

I know it's a strange question to ask, but I'm curious to know how White people feel about the changes this country have made since then and how such changes are affecting their lives today.
Click to expand...

Yes, absolutely, since the need for federal "safety net" spending is at an all time low. We have expanded civil rights so much that it is considered "discrimination" to expect folks to support themselves and their dependents. ;)
 
Henrin said:
Well, there is some subjective nonsense. Tell me, how do objectively define the word evil?
Click to expand...

I don't pretend to nor feel it is vital to do so. Like the Supreme Court and obscenity - I simply recognize it when I see it.
 
Henrin said:
As a bussiness owner I can't say I'm more free because of the civil rights era. In fact, the legislation that came out of it violates my property and assocation rights. If anyone truly believes we are better off because of the civil rights act they're idiots.
Click to expand...

Care to explain how Civil Rights laws infringe on your business and/or personal property rights? Exactly how have you been negatively impacted by such laws?
 
ttwtt78640 said:
Yes, absolutely, since the need for federal "safety net" spending is at an all time low. We have expanded civil rights so much that it is considered "discrimination" to expect folks to support themselves and their dependents. ;)
Click to expand...

Sarcasm aside, you do realize that said "federal safety net spending" isn't done exclusively for Black people, right?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom