Warning: Volatile Topic

[dawgball]

One of our employees from St. Petersburg, Russia, is coming to the states for two weeks at the end of March. He is coming over for his other job, then we are flying him to Atlanta for the last weekend.

We were chatting Monday about flight/hotel arrangements for his trip to visit us. Near the end of the conversation he types, "Jason, I am concerned about where I will meet up with you guys."

A little background, Andrey has spent substantial time with myself and my two partners as we visit Russia and Ukraine. After telling him that we would pick him up at the airport he was extremely relieve, and I asked why.

His response, "I am very afraid of african americans."

After my initial shock he went on to explain that his feeling is that all AAs carry guns and are dangerous. He said this was a combination of stories from friends who had been to "the Bronx" and music videos. He could not understand why they advertise to be so violent and disrespectful if they really aren't that way.

I've been thinking about this a lot this week. I wonder if this is a common miconception around the wolrd. Or does it even matter?

Another question: From a global perspective, what positive things are trumpeted from the black community here? We are much more progressive as far as race relations here compared to most parts of the world. I think our media (and Jesse Jackson) would like for you to believe differently. We still have a ton of work to do, but we are certainly going in the right direction.

Thoughts?

 

[bryanz]

how smart is this guy ?

 

[bryanz]

how smart are you ?

 

[dawgball]

My guess is that he is the top 5% of the world population in intelligence. He is very well versed on world affairs (not just US intervention) which is why I was so shocked at his comment.

If this came from some hillbilly neighbor of mine, then I would have passed it off as nothing but ignorance.

 

[dawgball]

how smart are you ?

Not as smart as most. Is this making you feel better?

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Amusing someone who can't answer simple questions--asking someone else how smart they are.

Instead of being condescending Brantz you should point out examples where there are black communities with little poverty or crime in the world to comfort him

 

[dawgball]

Amusing someone who can't answer simple questions--asking someone else how smart they are.

Instead of being condescending Brantz you should point out examples where there are black communities with little poverty or crime in the world to comfort him

Actually, this is a little off the mark. He has no fear of Africans or other people of color. It is african americans. Coming from an outsider point of view, I don't think he is too far off base.

I think it is very similar to the misconception that all Muslims are bad people because of the vocal/visible minority.

And if bryanz does not think that the black music industry serves as a commercial for african americans, he is sorely mistaken.

My question posed here was (maybe I should restate) is what visible african american groups on a global basis could I point him to, so violence is not the only perception he has of them.

 

[THE KOD]

dawg

when you take him to Atlanta , drop him and his luggge down on Simpson St near the Georgia Dome.

He will get a good understanding of African Americans there.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

I'm letting that up to the intellectuals like Brantz--thought he have list by now.

Seriously If you have opportunity for casual night out --you might consider having a black friend of yours join your crew. If I was in strange country would feel more at ease in any situation if accompanied by people I know.

 

[dawgball]

bryanz -- I want to point out that I am not taking your comments as an insult. This is a tough topic to talk about. I am just wanting some help on trying to educate him to the fact that this is not how the vast majority of african americans are.

I think it would be dangerous for us as a society to ignore the fact that this is a real perception that exists outside of our country. You may dismiss this individual as an idiot for feeling this way, but I can assure you that he is neither uneducated or secluded from world events.

I usually use this guy and his friends as my sounding board to learn what the real perception of the US is in Russia. Currently.... not very good due to the Kosovo event. This is mainly due to what they point out is a very inconsistent approach from how the UN and countries have dealt with Abkhazia (I had never heard of it until our discussion -- oops).

Abkhazia

Anyway, I would like to hear your take on the situation.

 

[bryanz]

Amusing someone who can't answer simple questions--asking someone else how smart they are.

Instead of being condescending Brantz you should point out examples where there are black communities with little poverty or crime in the world to comfort him

you are so right.

 

[bryanz]

Amusing someone who can't answer simple questions--asking someone else how smart they are.

Instead of being condescending Brantz you should point out examples where there are black communities with little poverty or crime in the world to comfort him

why don't you point them out ? are there any that exist ?

 

[bryanz]

bryanz -- I want to point out that I am not taking your comments as an insult. This is a tough topic to talk about. I am just wanting some help on trying to educate him to the fact that this is not how the vast majority of african americans are.

I think it would be dangerous for us as a society to ignore the fact that this is a real perception that exists outside of our country. You may dismiss this individual as an idiot for feeling this way, but I can assure you that he is neither uneducated or secluded from world events.

I usually use this guy and his friends as my sounding board to learn what the real perception of the US is in Russia. Currently.... not very good due to the Kosovo event. This is mainly due to what they point out is a very inconsistent approach from how the UN and countries have dealt with Abkhazia (I had never heard of it until our discussion -- oops).

Abkhazia

Anyway, I would like to hear your take on the situation.

I didn't take your post as an insult . I just wanted to point that out .

 

[THE KOD]

I am insulted that dawg ignored me.

I will have to try to say something more intelligent maybe.

 

[THE KOD]

CAUTION!

Don't read any farther if you're a huge pussy.

yyz

 

[IntenseOperator]

it's just getting warm

 

[buddy]

I've been told by African Americans in poverty stricken areas there is no moral standard in the home. Forget adult supervision. The adults don't understand morality. They do not know right from wrong or good from evil. It's worse than you think. This is generational ignorance and its spreading at a geometric rate. They are educated by television, video games, rap and hip hop. They can't express themselves and the level of confusion and frustration is off the chart. In a neighboring community, African American teenage amusement is having four gang bangers in a car with an automatic weapon, drive down a residential street, count ten houses and start shooting. Yeah, I can understand why Andrey is concerned. I have blacks living up the street from me who moved from a black neighborhood. Why did they move? Because they were concerned about their safety.

 

[bryanz]

I've been told by African Americans in poverty stricken areas there is no moral standard in the home. Forget adult supervision. The adults don't understand morality. They do not know right from wrong or good from evil. It's worse than you think. This is generational ignorance and its spreading at a geometric rate. They are educated by television, video games, rap and hip hop. They can't express themselves and the level of confusion and frustration is off the chart. In a neighboring community, African American teenage amusement is having four gang bangers in a car with an automatic weapon, drive down a residential street, count ten houses and start shooting. Yeah, I can understand why Andrey is concerned. I have blacks living up the street from me who moved from a black neighborhood. Why did they move? Because they were concerned about their safety.

this is stupid.. you could replace : I've been told by ____________; fill in the blank, with any group of people. you pick it.

 

[bryanz]

Amusing someone who can't answer simple questions--asking someone else how smart they are.

Instead of being condescending Brantz you should point out examples where there are black communities with little poverty or crime in the world to comfort him

I don't have to answer your simple questions, you have all the answers.

 

[IntenseOperator]

I have good friends that are black ....