I recently had a moral dilemma of epic proportions.
I was tasked with the responsibility of picking up some help with one of life’s more painstaking and tumultuous endeavors.
I helped a compadre move. I HATE moving. With the passion of three Lil Wayne features and Jimmy McNulty watching The Passion of the Christ. Yes, that much. But, for a friend, I put aside my reservations, rolled up my sleeves and hit the skids to be a friend.
Ah yes, back to the help. I’m old. And with this wisdomful old age I realized that backbreaking labor is for the birds. Partridge. So I did what any civic minded individual would do who held an interest in this nation’s economic income distribution problem and similarly stood firmly against Arizona’s immigration reforms: I went to Home Depot to get me some Mexicans.
Except I live in DC, so my Mexicans are really El Salvadorans, but whose counting? Abacus.
Racial distinctions aside, Home Depot is where my dilemma manifested itself. Gangstarr. Anybody whose gone to any locale to pick up some help knows that there really is no rhyme or reason to who you pick up. Generally, you know how much you’re willing to pay and to how many people. Most folks getting their day laborer on are all about that tax-free paper and as a man of the people, I get it. I’ve also dabbled in some tax-free pay a job or two.
It’s possible that you see where this going. Tyler Perry.
So I’m driving into the parking lot and see something like 6,000 day laborers throwing me hand signals which seemed to have ranged from I’m short and gay to gang signs to possibly wishing leukemia and the heebeejeebies on my grandmother. What can I say, I’m not well versed in such labor practices.
Amidst the see of ESL compadres, I noticed a swath of Ebonically proficient dudes. Now, I’m also Ebonically proficient. I’m also listening to Nirvana right now. My point is that I’m a lot of things. My first reaction is to stop, pick my ‘Twan and Jerome since we all speak the same language. But then my spidey sense went off.
“Your boy has a big screen TV and at least 12 pairs of Jordans – hire the hombres.”
Hmmmm. I wrestled with my conscience for no less than 7 seconds when I concluded that I have 3 cousins who are robbers who have sold me stuff that they came up on “suspicious circumstances”. Of course, anybody who has seen your wares can tell somebody else who can tell somebody else who can find a reason to be in your place when you come home relieving you of the stuff you hadn’t sent to Cash 4 Gold yet. But for some reason, I just assume that the homies would be a more likely word-of-mouth siren than the hombres, who did get hired by the way and did a bang up job for a reasonable price and two cases of Coronas.
Of course this touched off a hilarious debate amongst me and my friends about my blatant racism. Which, well, is blatant. I mean, I’ve been robbed no less than 7 times during the course of my short time on this planet and each time it’s been at the hands of people that, ya know, looked like me. I profile. Arizona.
(By the way, four of those times included my next door neighbor on that Westside. Zone 4).
I defended my stance vigorously but in my heart of hearts, I’ve been going back and forth about this. I mean, Tupac said it best, “it’s not them that’s holding us down, it’s us that’s holding us down.” I’m sure somebody more poignant than Tupac said that first but my Bible is missing a few pages.
So I bring it to you, good people of VSB, is Panama Jackson a racist? An intra-race racist? Am I the only one? Or was I just being smart?
Unperplex me. Ugh, that’s nasty. I’m not asthmatic.
-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka VITAMIN P aka TANGLE JIG P aka GIIIIIIIIIIIIRL, HE A 3
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{ 205 comments… read them below or add one }
1: The Drake inspired sentences and the tags on this post are ridiculous! This is why I love you and all your 3-ness
2: I understand your dilemma but I probably would’ve done the same thing. I love my people and I believe in supporting Black businesses but in this scenario I think the Spanish-speaking folks were the safest bet. Not racist, just realistic.
Aw, looks who’s first? Couldn’t happen to a better broad.
Thanks, Cheeks! **throws glitter AND confetti**
lol… “broad..”
lovely… just lovely..
@Cheekie – dang girl, you slippin
I’m slippin’, but time keeps on doing the same thing. Seal.
APPLAUSE! CONFETTI!
“There can be only one!”
Cheekie not first O__O
I don’t know what to believe in anymore lol
I was first, but Panama demoted my post out of hate.
That may or may not be a Pinnocchio version of the truth.
@Cheekie – lookin’ at you tellin’ tales out of school
No.
@MsEsquire77 – I made Drake references? Toronto.
I wonder how that happened. Ripley.
I ALWAYS listen to my spidey sense. Miss Cleo. It will never fail you.
Instinctively you know, the hispanic day laborers don’t really have a lot of choices for work if illegal. The brothas on the other hand, do.
So day layboring for them is either a hustle or a comeup.
You do the math. Euclid.
Exactly. Unless you’re a college student, being a day laborer at Home Depot as a black person is suspect. Stamp it Arizona-inspired, but I call it. Profiled, politically incorrect and perpetually uncaring about it all.
While stereotyping does keep life simple I think we need to consider the economic times. Ninjas are unemployed by the MASSES!!! I personally would have helped the brother. While we do oddly choose to rob our own people perhaps the young men had Ludacris’s perspective in Crash and could not rob from our own people.
You were being practical. Principle has gotten many a pair of Jordans displaced.
I ain’t mad at ya’
No Bullsh*t
@its2010dammit – and see that’s what its really all about, saving the Jordans.
You need to step away from the Drake album.
And yes you are racist. But perhaps, a smart racist.
Co sign!
And, I am glad I’m not the only person who thinks that it is odd that Drake feels the need to cite his rhymes….what in the English major hell is that??
again VSB keeping me up to date and cool. i was just wondering where that whole ‘citation’ ish was coming from. seems like drizzy might be making up smarter after all.
and yes, you are racist and two, ain’t nuttin wrong with that when you have LG’s in the crib. Best Buy.
Are his rhymes so deep that listeners have a need for citations?
absolutely not!
Here I was thinking Drake crafted Hip Hop’s answer to James Joyce’s Ulysses.
clearly i was being funny. satire.
Also, it’s kinda like those people who ruin a joke by over-explaining it after the punchline.
what do you mean he “cites his rhymes?”
He will say a metaphor then basically reference some movie, software or book.
ex. I can teach you how to speak my language. Rosetta stone
Swimmin in the money, come and find me. Nemo
@Liz – You need to step away from the Drake album.
I can’t step away from the album. I love this damn album like a fat kid loves cake. 50.
I think its falling into stereotypes, but you have to hire the best person for the job no matter the race. I moved recently and one guy helped me that i had never met before. He was just a friend of the other guy that helped, who happened to be a good friend. They did not even want payment; just settled for gatorade.
@PJ – with all the stuff my boy had, wasn’t no way in hell anybody was settling for Gatorade. trust me. the illegals (no Cali) i picked up did a damn good job though. quick fast and in a hurry.
OMG – I would’ve done the same thing.
That is sad. LOL
But knowing my track record the hombres would’ve thought I was one of them and may have done me dirty like I would’ve assumed the homies would’ve done.
I can’t win.
@Southernbelle – “I can’t win”. Obama.
I would have probably done the same thing… It’s kinda weird though… Like weird science or something…
@BlackGirlWhoReads – Weird science is weird?
is toucan sam…sam? or toucan? is westside clyde from the west side? things like this keep me up at night. NoDoz.
“My point is that I’m a lot of things. ”
We’ve all concluded that you’re a “racist three.”
lmao i hate that i love you sometimes, cheeks
@Cheekie – and yet you still love me and want me.
I want you..
…to go sit down somewhere and do the opposite of talking.
You made a smart and concious decision no racism there! lol I had a similiar situation happen just last week….
I went to Jamaica last week for a wedding, stayed at this great all inclusive resort in Negril. I was born and raised in Jamaica but i have been living in the States for over 10 years. I speak patio mostly to family or when im talking about people. My genius cousin decides that since were Jamaican and the staff at the hotel is Jamaican she will speak patio to them and then gets mad when they stop waiting on her hand and foot. So i already peeped what was happening so i refrained from speaking any patio while there, everybody knows they treat the foreigners better. I payed good money to enjoy my stay….lol So now my cousin thinks im a sell out…. I beg to differ…lol
Being smart is never being a sell-out. Your cuz is just mad that she didn’t peep out what was up.
sooo true!! some of these natives will do you wrong like that! ha ha ha!!! for some reason, my own people often assume i’m american, and when i break out and respond to them in seTswana or isiZulu, they’re all like “oh, you’re from HERE! you come from the ghetto, soweto, a lowly local, just like us??’ –
more often than not, the service gets better, coz they’re pleasantly surprised that someone who ‘looks like a nee-gro (local talk for african american)’ is not ashamed to speak her own language (we have issues around that – long story)
but other times, oh man… you regret that you opened your mouth to speak in your mother tongue, because they begin to treat you like you killed their sisters child…
someone who ‘looks like a nee-gro (local talk for african american)’ is not ashamed to speak her own language (we have issues around that – long story)
didn’t know you guys had that problem as well…
btw i was born and raised in one of your neighboring countries,so having said that,- WOZA WORLD CUP!!!
:^)
@JamaicanGirl
I had to comment as I am Jamaican and been to Negril fiftyelevin times. With that said, I COSIGN your whole post as this has happened to me every time I go to Jamaica. On my next trip I will wear a sun dress, wide brim hat and biggest pair of bubble eye sunglasses I can find….and can’t forget the vuitton on my arm.
LMAO, do what you gotta do.
Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany
@Tiffany – roger that. ramjet.
I recently hired a moving company to come clear out my condo. When I tell you they sent two crackheads to my spot, that is EXACTLY what they did. Bobby n Whitney. LOL. But for $180 and a clean house under one hour, they earned there keep. Those were the skinniest, no tooth having ninjas, but I swear they each carried my sofa’s in one hand.
Well, at the new spot not really wanting to pony up another $180, come in Home Depot. Rounded up 2 compadres for half the price and got the job done.
i think the most challenging part was actually picking them up and driving to the crib.. that is moral torture.strike>I’m not cheaping out next time. You did what you had to do and so did I.. but that sh*t didn’t settle entirely well with me.
i think the most challenging part was actually picking them up and driving to the crib.. that is moral torture.strike>
Hillarious! Did you drive them in a broke down pick up truck?
Post Fail.
Racist on so many levels. Why not just call a mom and pop moving company? no
You want hook up labor and then got the nerve to be discriminating about it. Lol ninjas and flies..
Smh. Most stick up ninjas I know aint waiting outside home depot for no day labor
This whole thing (except the tyler perry line) gets a slow head shake from me.
But it happens and since my car was recently stolen out my driveway in broad daylight
I can understand you hesitation. But still smh
But dayum that I. See where this going shyt is funny! Lol
@shay-d-lady – ya know, i actually suggested we call a mom and pop moving company but there were outside constraints that caused undue friction and required last minute improvisation.
and you can take your slow headshake to one of them sites that talks mad noise abotu VSB with zero percent of the community participation. no comment.
Hey, a little discernment never hurt anybody. WE KNOW!
peej, sometimes you have to just look yourself in the mirror and say “when in rome”. and by when in rome i mean appreciating stereotypes and putting your faith in them.
besides, hiring illegal messican (or el sal in your case) hombres make for a much better post and twitter updates than your fellow brotha!!! #takethatarizona #vivalaraza
@Gem of the Ocean – it did provide for some hilarious stories that i’m not at liberty to share here. lol.
you think you know, but you have no idea. behind the music.
you think you know, but you have no idea. behind the music.
OH MY GOD! STOP IT!! LMFAO!!
He was wrong anyway. That’s from the MTV series “Diary”. POW! Batman.
you think you know, but you have no idea. behind the music.
See this right here is what’s gonna get me fired. I’m really trying not to literally LOL in the office!
*Channeling my inner-racist*
Panama, you did the right thing. Its difficult trusting anybody while doing “tax-free” business (Especially, The Blacks). The Hombres got more to lose, their busy trying to avoid being capture by our brave men and women at the border. Avg. Black man could do more with their resources but there too busy with other things (Like putting down Black women).
Picking Latin day-laborers over black day-laborers because black people steal stuff while being against the Arizona “Look-a-like immigrant” bill isn’t hypocritical at all. Matter of fact, its down right America!
As America as complaining about the president not being angry enough about an oil spill, while still supporting off shore drilling.
Now if you don’t mind I have to figure out how HUSSEIN Obama is from Kenya, which was own by Britain, Which is half the name of BP!!! O__o
I better make a sign of that.
Panama, you did the right thing. Its difficult trusting anybody while doing “tax-free” business (Especially, The Blacks).
Really?!?!? Maybe Im missing something but someone out there trying to earn work in a time of unemployment being about 15% in the black community seems like a brother who is trying to earn his keep and provide and not making excuses as often times ninjas tend to do.
@coldsweat3 – yeah i’m with you, homes. i was clearly being a racist. i just didnt care.
Sadly , Panama wasn’t thinking that.
His Consciousness was that hombres were more effective in the moving process than the black men. By choosing Hombre he didn’ have to worry about the following:
1. People complaining about the cost
2. Mover taking long breaks
3. Lack of respect between the “employer” and “worker” because they both understand the struggle
4. The possibly that his friend could come up stolen or missing
I do agree that Panama had no proof that any of the black workers would do that. But, he applied past situations that resulted to the solution “hiring blacks to help move my friend’s possession is quite risky”
Actually, its very similar to going to a club and avoiding a “thirsty dude” or “thirsty gal” base on past situations where the common theme is buying a certain drink or hanging out with a certain number of friends.
I wouldn’t call the scenario racist at all. Not to split hairs but doesn’t racism stems from one’s belief that their race is superior to others? That has been my understanding which is why I don’t believe that using racial slurs is necessarily racist…but that’s a different story.
I think Petey Jakes was just prejudice (which is a good thing) in making his decision and it’s something that we all do on a daily basis. He prejudged the situation and made his decision accordingly.
I know I’d definitely prefer a Black man (or even woman) to cut my hair as oppose to a white boy…I prefer my soul food cooked by someone black…Mexicans can do my lawn work…White people can give me good customer service…etc.. We know that any race can probably do any of those things, but I’m not the gambling type.
“He prejudged the situation and made his decision accordingly. ”
My thoughts exactly…haven’t you ever been in a situation, which resulted in you being a victim, and the first question that assistence asks you after hearing the circumstances that resulted in the incident is “What were you thinking?”/”What did you expect to happen?”…that’s what happens when you don’t prejudge the situation. (reminds me faintly of “when keeping it real goes wrong”)
” why I don’t believe that using racial slurs is necessarily racist.”
For the most part racial slurs ARE racist because one only uses them to put another race down and to make themselves or their race feel superior.
If you don’t think racial slurs are racist, what are they?
I believe this is where intent comes into play. If I’m around the homies and we’re talkin’ shyt and I say something about the “crackers” on TV, it doesn’t mean that I hate white people or think that Blacks are superior or anything like that.
I just think the usage of certain terms does not automatically deem someone as racist. It’s not so black and white (pun intended).
“I believe this is where intent comes into play.”
When i first read your comment, I was in agreement. After an hour long seminar that I had to sit in on, I disagree. Just because someone isn’t around to hear the comment doesn’t make the comment a racist comment. Also, in what context would you be using the term “cracker” where it wouldn’t be offensive. If a bunch of white folks were sitting around talking about those “n*****s” we’d all be offended even if they said it in play. Also what causes us to use the racial slur during a joke instead of just saying white people? One must harbor some sort of inner racism to use those terms, right? We know what racial slurs mean. If this doesn’t make sense, blame the boring hour long seminar.
Personally, I use the word “n*gga” a lot. I may use it even when referring to white people, asians, females, and black people…does that make me racist towards black people and I hate my culture and heritage?
If a bunch of white folks was sitting around talking about “those n*ggas” I guarantee I wouldn’t be privileged to that conversation. People have different lingo when they’re talking to different people. Doesn’t equate to being racist though, in my humble opinion. Call me a victim of conditioning, but I know how to use my words appropriately around certain company.
On some real shyt, I just don’t put too much stock in names and what people call me or themselves…maybe I’m different as names don’t break my bones.
Agreed.
“I know I’d definitely prefer a Black man (or even woman) to cut my hair as oppose to a white boy…I prefer my soul food cooked by someone black…Mexicans can do my lawn work…White people can give me good customer service…etc.. We know that any race can probably do any of those things, but I’m not the gambling type.”
I think this is a REALLY good point. We probably all feel that way if we were to give it some thought, but for the most part we don’t go through an active thought process.
I also co-sign on the racist vs. prejudice argument. I had an African-American studies professor in college who explained that racists (like elitists or sexists) are coming from a position of not only superiority, but also institutional power. He said, for that reason, it’s not possible for black people to be “racist.” We don’t have the kind of institutional power necessary to oppress others. We all have prejudices, which I would argue is what a racial slur is or the thought that a(nother) black person would be likely to steal from us.
“We probably all feel that way if we were to give it some thought, but for the most part we don’t go through an active thought process.”
Exactly. I believe we all do it to an extent even if it’s subconsciously.
@jaidevivre – “I also co-sign on the racist vs. prejudice argument. I had an African-American studies professor in college who explained that racists (like elitists or sexists) are coming from a position of not only superiority, but also institutional power. He said, for that reason, it’s not possible for black people to be “racist.””
i have always disagreed with this statement b/c its all boils down to just semantics. telling a black person that they can’t be racist b/c we don’t have the institutional power to be in a position of authority is retarded. puffy got more money than a lot of white folks. that ninja can be racist.
@Panama Jackson,
I agree that it is a semantic argument and I’m not likely to take it more kindly if a Hispanic person calls me the n-word on the basis that I think they are “prejudiced” and not “racist.”
For the sake of argument and good discourse, I would argue, however, that Puffy can’t constitute an “institution” on his own. As a person, he can hold down plenny white people. On a macro level, he’s not going to be on some century long legislative/social/economic type oppression.
puffy got more money than a lot of white folks. that ninja can be racist.
I got my billions up f**king with them white folk, now I dont give a f**k cause Iam richer than them white folks~Puffy
I had too! LOVE that line…
I don’t get down with the “institutional power” of the situation either. That’s why I think it boils down to intent.
I can understand why one would venture into little Mexico for cheap labor, but I too illicit the services of my local junkies. Roller man, Donna Ray and Pee Wee all ways do an excellent job. If youre respected by them then it’s less likely they’ll rob you.
I utilize the services of my local junkie too, but only for those jobs that don’t require that they actually come into my house. For those jobs, Felipe n’nem do just fine thank you very much. Plus they can lay the hell out of some tile.
ps. long time lurker, first time posting.
@Nic – Plus they can lay the hell out of some tile.
that sounds like the intro to a bang bros promo reel.
welcome and sh*t btw
“that sounds like the intro to a bang bros promo reel.”
*snickers*
Your friend needs more friends like you.
I’m old! And the older I get the lighter I travel.
Everything I need for a month fits in a back pack and my camera bag.
The next time I move, anything that doesn’t fit in the first trip to where ever I’m going will be transported by trained professionals or won’t be transported.
* speaking of friends *grinning &waving wildly-Hey ulysses !
now see, THIS is why i f*cks wit ya’ll… cuz i be learnin some stuff..
i don’t know what rock i’ve been living under (florida) but i’ve NEVER seen ANY day laborers outside of home depot.. and that whole scenario has GAHT TO be the funniest thing i’ve read all day..
(then again, the “day” is two hours old, so….)
my mom is good for behaviour like this.. she’s the one that’ll hold her purse a little tighter when she see the man with dreads on the sidewalk.. she’s the one that’ll say “d*mn bwoy wid worms in ‘im ‘ead” when she sees a black man with braids.. i’m usually the one in the background saying that she’s racist against her own race.. and yet, like uncle Ruckus, she doesn’t deny it..
HOWEVER, looking at the situation that you’ve outlined.. i’m sure i would’ve done the same thing.. sad to say, but i BET if you had paid ‘Twon and Jerome the same thing you’d paid Enrique and Juan then you would’ve gotten some kind of comment like “man, what is this my BROTHAH” because supposedly our blackness means that you’re bonded together in brotherhood and supposed to overpay like a mug.. totally cancelling out the fact that had you not shown up, Jerome and ‘Twan would still be playin 52 pick-up in front of home depot..
(i rant, please forgive)
in this situation, i’m not mad at you for your cautious optimism.. especially considering you’ve been thefted many times before..
i love you folks..
“each one, teach one n sh*t”
but i’ve NEVER seen ANY day laborers outside of home depot..
So I’m guessing you don’t frequent the home depot in oakwood? Cuz I just seen some out there this weekend
lol…
other than sweet tomatoes (they make great cookies) or barnes & noble, i DO NOT go to oakwood..
and if i’m by home depot.. trust me, i’m driving by.. there is NO stopping.. the one on pembroke rd is closer.. and there’s a Loew’s down the street..
something about the oakwood one i don’t like..
that might be reason #1.. cuz i’d wanna help everyone.. and feel bad i can’t help anyone…
@Nick
THIS is why i f*cks wit ya’ll… cuz i be learnin some stuff
I love how we can use words like “acumen” in context and then type a sentence like above. True talent…cause I could have pre-judged you as ghetto…but since I know you’re a smart sista, I won’t. LOL *sips low fat latte while listening to drake*
“d*mn bwoy wid worms in ‘im ‘ead”
…and this made my whole day. Kudos on comment
@Nick_L_Odeon – you must not be looking hard enough. real talk. those folks you think are working are looking for work. lol
I thouroughly enjoyed reading this post because I read it in Drakes voice to the beat of Best I Ever Had.
Now down to business
No you are not racist. I would have hired the Salvadorians too just because I would have assumed they need the job more than the black guys (I am assuming the black guys were American) They (the English Speaking black Americans) can (or @ least should be able to) find another job. A legal one where they pay taxes.
Maybe I’m missin’ somethin’, but I don’t see how this is any different from a prospective employer concludin’ that members of our race are inherently unhireable.
I’m tryin’ to understand, but I’m sorry — I can’t agree with promotin’ or perpetuatin’ a stereotype.
“but I don’t see how this is any different from a prospective employer concludin’ that members of our race are inherently unhireable.”
I think this is a little different. When hiring someone for a real job, most of the times you send in a resume and references. Sometimes you even have to do a background check. With that said, an employer SHOULD be able to make a hiring decision based on more than race. In Panama’s case, all he has to go by are past experiences and skin color. So it is different.
Good points Ivy St..
@Kenisha, even though there are guidelines that come into play when hiring for jobs, do you really believe that in today’s society race, gender, how someone looks, etc. DOESN’T factor in when an employer is hiring? Stereotypes still very much exist in many work places. Most companies have a certain image that they wish for their employees to have when representing their brand.
I think you made a mistake. I believe that Ivy’s the one insinuating that everything’s on the up-and-up in HR game. I happen to know better.
There are folks who don’t discriminate who participate in workplace discrimination? That’s a new one.
If that example isn’t parallel enough, what about these?
-I don’t date black women because they…
-Black men ain’t s***, that’s why I don’t fool with ‘em. (My sister’s favorite.)
“I don’t date black women because they…”
I think this is different as well because this is a personal preference. It has to do more with physical attraction than thinking one race is superior.
“here are folks who don’t discriminate who participate in workplace discrimination? That’s a new one.”
I don’t understand this comment. Forgive my inferior frontal cortex.
Pardon me.
That should have read: “There are folks who don’t participate in workplace discrimination? That’s a new one.”
I don’t understand your point, but I will reiterate that employers are discriminatory when it comes to hiring people. Whether it’s justified or not, it happens. That’s all I’m saying.
We share the same view.
Upthread, you seem to have confused my thoughts with the other poster’s.
And you probably really only used the mexicans cause u thought the brothers would charge you the strength!lol
He-ll truth is if you really feared a mofo stealing ur shyt u probably wouldn’t be picking random unlnsured and un bonded ninjas up period! Lol
And that tyler perry shyt still funny lol
I’ll admit that it’s not necessarily the theft-factor that would inspire me to do the same thing, but I think the non-brothas would’ve done the work for cheaper.
Yeah the reason I would have snatched up the D.C Mexicans would have been price. I figure brothers would have driven a harder bargain.
“…I think the non-brothas would’ve done the work for cheaper.”
-Wal-Mart
@shay-d-lady – actually, the black dudes just looked mad suspect. like the cats who i know do stick up jobs. and that is jacked up of me to think. but i cant deny my history. mulatto.
Naw P, you’re not a racist…a bit prejudiced, but that’s a’ight, I understand given the scenario you laid out. Consider this though, the “black” dudes may have just been dark-skinned Panamanians. It happens.
When I moved into this house, I hired professionals. What I got were two negros who confessed to be ex-cons with tats and all. Burgulary convicts no-less. I was overly friendly and tipped well. Didn’t want to give them any reason to think “Oh, I know how I’ll get this uppity negro.” I don’t need all that. Still, I spent the first three months thereafter in a high state of alert. One dude asked me if I thought he could get a good corporate job if he went to engineering school. I was thinking to myself, “hell naw”, but decided lying was more appropriate. I said, “possibly”. I hate lying, but who am I to crush his dreams of doing better. Besides, anything’s possible.
@caballeroso – yeah, and even in retrospect, id have done the exact same thing again. lol. i’m just prejudiced like that. strom thurmond.
i don’t think it’s racist. more like stereotyping. It doesn’t seem like you thought the black dudes couldn’t get the job done as well as the mexicans, you was just worried about the black dudes being “extra”. I actually think it was smart, saving yourself the trouble of possibly having to deal with problems.
@Kirk Lazarus – i’m definitely a stereotyper. i dont even go to bed at night unless i’ve used at least three different stereotypes.
Let me say it like this, and I think I’ve said it here before as well, “I’ve NEVER seen a Mexican/Latino/etc. homeless person or beggar.” They hustle. So, if you are gonna profile me, I’d rather be profiled as a hard worker than a homeless cat. Shout out to the 2520′s in Arizona…I’ve lived there too and they got they nerve to be showin’ out like that.
Not racist at all on the moving thing, more like selective, I totally get that, however your tags today seriously have me CTFU -rick rossino & konquistador west & mariachi music -really????
*sidenote- why did the NYTimes have an article in their arts & leisure section on Drake yesterday? This means he has really crossed-over, or sold-out, your 3-ness thoughts, does this make him bigger than konquistador? please & thank you.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/arts/music/13drake.html?th&emc=th
Panama, Don’t trust them new ninjas over there.
My office building has a bank on the first floor and “security” is always concern. On Friday I get a call to come to the front desk. When I get there two stalwart offices of Chucktown’s Finest want to see the office manager. Matt Dillon and Festus then show me a stack of photos from the buildings security cameras that show two suspicious men casing the bank and the rest of the building. In the back of my mind I’m thinking “don’t be black, don’t be black.” These cats were black and they looked as guilty as R. Kelly at a middle school girls swim meet. All of the pics showed the guys standing in blindspots, peeping around corners (No Willie D) and walking around the garage. One of the cops asked me “What I thought?” and I wanted to reply “These m**********rs are about to steal.” However my negroness caused me to only say “I’ll keep an eye out Sgt.”
So I profiled these two thirsty looking cats on skin color alone. I felt bad about it for about five minutes.
****Drake sidenote**** Does it concern anyone that Khia Shine wrote for Aubrey? Or am I making imagining that?
@Wu Young Agent
That post literally made me laugh out loud…
@Wu
I’m thinking “don’t be black, don’t be black.”
..only because you knew they were. LOL It’s sad but I feel you.
Lol@your Willie D reference. From what I understand Kia wrote a song for Lil Wayne, which Drake sampled for “Best I Ever Had”. Or did Kia write something for Drake that I slept on? Also, what’s up with your state nominating that Greene kat? I read about that on Friday and I was CTFU.
I saw something a few months back about His Crispiness filing a law suit against Aubrey about royalties for “The Best I Ever had” and I assumed he wrote it. I could be wrong. However the fact that Wayne had Mr. Shine write for him makes me question Small Wayne a bit too.
The entire population of the state is trying to figure that ish out about Alvin Greene. No debates, no appearances, but some how this cat won a primary. Me thinks Jim Jones is behind it. (No Champ.) I wouldn’t be shocked if Alvin Green is one of the cats from the security photos. South Carolina politics is starting to look a lot like 1920′s Louisiana, but we just don’t have anyone with the Kingfish’s personality.
In the words of Det. Bunk Moreland “F*** me!”
Definitely some weird isht going on. I’m sure the full story will be out by month’s end. They ain’t gonna let ol’ boy just skate up into the Senate.
My fellow agents of M.E. and I are busy trying to figure out how to get rid of Ill Alvin Scratch and the guy he’s running against Jim Demint. He’s the republican who said stopping Old Purple Lips’ health care bill would be his “Waterloo”. I’m still trying to figure out which “Waterloo” Sen. Demint was talking about. Iowa!?!? Obviously not Belgium.
…if the whole state is wondering about Greene, who the heck voted for him? I get more and more confused by this dude. I really need to know how an unemployed, living with his mama ‘nem, 2003 car driving, public defender on a felony charge having self just had 10 stacks laying around to file to run.
But, it’s always the unassuming ones with all the money. The Millionaire Next Door.
The whole situation smelled of dumb ninjas doing dumb ninja s***.
When I heard about ol’ boy, I was thinking the same thing you thought about dudes on the security photos…”don’t be black, don’t be black”….Sure enough, though, he is (I mean, his name kinda gave it away). S Cack, boy, I tell ya’…smh
*Looks over at Wu and raises a beer in solidarity…
@DG
*Raises beer back. Mumbles* “F*** me!”
The fact that he has a pending felony bothers me a little too. Did you see the girl he showed the lude pictures too?
@DG
I remember the good old days when only sexy people got sexually harassed?
The fact that he has a pending felony bothers me a little too. Did you see the girl he showed the lude pictures too?
Yeah, I saw her…she wasn’t exactly what I’d consider a head-turner, so I assume he was just trying to see how she would react by showing her the pics…maybe he thought she’d be turned on and possibly throw him a lil’ play… I can’t call it.
I just wanted to say thanks for the Willie D reference as well. Geto Boys – Top 7 Hip Hop Groups of All Time!
@Monk
You’re welcome.
@Wu Young – like somebody said, the Kia Shine came from the fact that he produced a track that Lil Wayne spit some of the lines Drake used for the hook on “best i ever had” so he was entitled to some of the publishing without doing any actual real work on it. just speaks to good business on his part. however, i do think his claims were overstated and he probably never got anywhere near what he was claiming.
besides, its Kia Shine. that’s like caring about relationship advice from Slim Thug.
It’s hard not to profile and everyone does it, even if it’s just a little bit. I make assumptions about any and everyone for the smallest and biggist reasons. Sometimes it’s race and sometimes it’s the way you blink. *shrugs* But, I KNOW that I’m
probablymaking these assumptions based on irrational BS, so I try not to put too much thought into them.and then there are those times when my mind’s telling me no, but my negro-tuition is telling me yes . . . lol
*sigh* biggest not biggist
“It’s hard not to profile and everyone does it, even if it’s just a little bit. I make assumptions about any and everyone for the smallest and biggist reasons.”
it’s natural to “profile.” It’s innate in us as animals to determine whether something or someone is a threat or not. The brain does this automatically using past experiences and other sensory inputs. Most of it takes place at a subconscious level. It’s once we start to consciously think about it and try to reason that it might actually be profiling versus what is a natural response.
Yep. What Ivy St. said.
Monk, You’re a neuroscientist?
NEUROSCI GEEKS UNITE!!! #thatisall
p.s. my amygdala and nucleus accumbens are still lit up from last night’s game. GO GREEN!!! Celtics in 6!!
my amygdala and nucleus accumbens are still lit up from last night’s game.
This has to be one of the nerdiest (yet strangely arousing) sentences ever uttered on VSB….got my medulla oblongata all stimulated and sh#t…
I love it!! Your arousal has got me going now.
*high five Gemmie*
Celtics in 6! Go green or don’t go at all!
**** Additional Drake sidenote- just wondering what happened to my comment that went into moderation , never to be seen again ? Was it the link to the Sunday NYT article about Drake, yes good peoples, Drakey-Drake made the arts & leisure section..guessin he has arrived, or crossed over, or sold out, your thoughts, your threeness. please & thank you !
@bajanflchick – i read that article last week sometime i think. and there’s no way in hell that Drake has sold out. especially since who would he be selling out to. he’s an r&b rap dude. his whole schtick is women and fame. i do think folks will be disappointed in his album until they really think about what his purpose was with it. then folks will love it as an album of good music and not a hiphop debut album akin to Illmatic. Drake’s failure will be due to our expectation b/c he delivered a solid album. and you KNOW i wanted to hate it.
There’s a thin line between being a racist and being a realist. Regardless, you did the right thing.
I say this all the time..I’m not a racist, I’m a realist. Kudos
My uncle had a similar Home Depot story, except he actually picked up the brotha instead of the Brown folks. He was pissed. Said that ol’ boy was “bout worthless”. Refuses to hire any other Blacks folks because “they’re lazy”. He’s team day laborer all the way…lol Racist? He doesn’t think so, but then again this is the same man who still calls Asian folks the G word since he was in Vietnam. Love the rick ross and yeezy tags…lmao
You know as much as I do that if you drive around a Home Depot in Texas in at least an F-250, you are going to get waves from the brown folks for work. They are everywhere around my job. Your uncle sounds like a funny dude.
No, you are right! I am dating a Mexican and the only thing he stole was cake from the fridge last night. I cannot speak for El Salvadorians though.
Yea, that was prejudice, but there were other factors that were apart of the pre-judgement. i.e. the Mexicans were probably not going to rob you because they don’t want to do something that might make it more likely to get got by the authorities. The black guys you can’t be exactly sure why they were there, it could be to just make some extra or they could have ulterior motives.
Yes, you were definitely a racist.
Yes, you were definitely an intra-race racist.
No, you are definitely NOT alone.
Yes, you were definitely being smart.
Yes, I hate Drakes incessant need to footnote/endnote his rhymes. MLA.
“Yes, I hate Drakes incessant need to footnote/endnote his rhymes. MLA.”
awww… don’t be like that.. it’s like he’s giving the world a glossary.. Webster’s…
cuz half his audience doesn’t know what the h*ll he’s talkin bout and he wants them to catch up.. “no child left behind..”
matter of fact, he’s doing a public service and THAT’S why he ended up in the Arts&Leisure section..
HE’S A PHILANTHROPIST!!
#sarcastic
alright.. i’m done.. Betty Crocker
“alright.. i’m done.. Betty Crocker”
Lmao. Out of all this cites, this one had me gasping for air. Porno.
LMAO@THE BETTY CROCKER!
Lmao, This post is hot……3 alarm Chili
I think you did the right thing by choosing the El Salvadorians. In my experience, Black folks who work under the table act like they’re doing you some kind of favor even though you’re paying them
tax-free. Latinos, on the other hand, will go above and beyond at a fraction of the cost.I’ve had friends and family help me move a time or two and I always try to make the experience as pleasant as possible–organize my stuff beforehand, BoJangles in the morning, chicken and pizza in the afternoon, and plenty of water, sodas, and beer throughout the day and though those people agreed to help they always complain like it’s part of the job. The last time I moved I hired movers through MovingHelp, a finder service though Uhaul.com and that’s what I’ll do if I move again. I wish my friends or family (or even myself) would’ve had the foresight to go to Home Depot for help.
We are ALL prejudice and racist to an extent. ALL of us. No exceptions as it’s human nature. We do not think politically correct nor are we color blind.
Also, there is some truth the EVERY stereotype as it would not be a stereotype. Let’s just get over this.
Good Morning ya’ll
And I want to add that I profile people all the time..I prejudge like a muh. It’s kept me out of many drama filled situations and safe.
Trust no one I tell you…no one o_O
I don’t discriminate. I give tha side eye to EVERY1 I bring in my spot to do any work. I’m there with through the entire process (when I’m actually in town) and I make sure to let them know that…I ain’t got no job homie, so I’m here ALL day, errrday! Don’t try it potna!
THIS post literally made me laugh out loud..
“potna”
I woulda went with the Amigos too, “Come as you are”, “In Bloom” and “Heartshape Box” are a few of my favs!
“Heart Shaped Box” is a favorite of mine, too.
Those are good…I also like Lithium and Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Polly and Come As You Are puts me in my happy place
Kurt was a bad dude RIP, they changed the Rock game and landscape, love Nirvana!
I love “In Bloom” “Man who Stole the World” and “Lake of Fire”.
Again, kudos on an introspective piece….and i think Michelle sayd it best “There’s a thin line between being a racist and being a realist”.
Not sure if this completely relevant, but some of my white friends get suprised when i tell them that there are some crevices in Low-Income-settlements (for lack of a better internationally compatible word, “hood” just seemed too bland) that i don’t feel safe in, not because it’s wholey occupied by darkies but simply because IT ISN’T SAFE.
(i sincrerely apologise in advance, to those fed the f**k-up, for further commenting on the kid who Does-Right-And-Kills-Everything)
***Drake Sidenote*** Yo P, am i the only one who feels a bit underwhelmed by Thank Me Later?,i mean it’s decent but no Cuban. I know this convo will reach Swine-flu levels, but i think the second-coming type forecasts were a little to premature, and i think the kid should be judged as an artist and not as a potentiall hip-hop saviour. my 2cents
P.S Light up that hotttt fire
@sisanda – i’m actually not underwhelmed by it at all. once i got over hte fact that it’s not a “hip-hop” album, i took it for what it was and i freakin’ love it. thru and thru. its just good music and its dope. now will it end up being on most rappers top albums list? nope. but anybody who really digs music will like it. i tried to hate it but i couldn’t.
tell me..whats really going on…
What Ms. Esquire said. GENIUS. HYSTERICAL.
I don’t know….
I just feel insulted everytime I hear his music. Like he’s disrespecting me on the sly. You know, since he’s always explaining his verses as if I lack basic comprehension skills. What gets me is the “post verse pauses”, as if he is waiting for listeners to first make the connection, and then rejoice in some sort of profound enlightenment thereafter.
Yeah, yeah, I know, what does this have to do with today’s topic? Nothing.
Anyways VSB fam, I’m at the 9-5 so I gots to get busy and earn my keeps. Work.
So I’ll CATCH UP with ya’ll cats later. Heinz.
Well Drake certainly isn’t the only one doing this.. just listen to My Chick Bad w Nicki Minaj… i can recall the lines:
Luda:
“Comin down the street like a parade… Macys” (whack)
“I fill her up… balloons” (super whack)
Nicki:
“Its goin down… basement” (sigh)
What the hell is up w da nursery rhyme sh*t
So I’ll CATCH UP with ya’ll cats later. Heinz.
I about died laughing. Lol!
I’d like to preach that this is the sort of self hatred that leads to our economic retardation as black folk, but the truth of the matter is that some of us are something else.
Case in point, my cousin had one of his coworkers help him move into a nice house. Not a month later, he was burglarized, and the coworker was on some, I can help u get your stuff back hustle. WTF?
But that’s the South Side for you…
@Maximillian – see, thats exactly what im talking about right there.
i remember once in DC i saw some parking enforcement folks rolling real slow by my car. so i went over there to see what they were doing. turns out it was two chicks so i started flirting them up, etc. one of the chicks straight up tells me that she was gonna jack my tags for her cousin and let her other cousin know that there was a car waiting to be robbed on the corner but b/c she liked me she wasnt gonna call that in.
now i’m thinking, she must be joking. but she alerted to me how serious she was. lol. stuff like that makes me leary and racist.
I don’t think you’re racist. I discriminate against everybody, and I would hire movers before I pay Jose and ‘em or Jusebug and ‘em to step one foot inside my house to move my stuff. I believe in supporting my black and brown brothers, just not at the expense of my safety, and the safety of my belongings. Now, if those brothas owned a moving company, then I would definitely call them before I call a 2520 company. And I probably would have thrown in a little extra change for them. But that’s all you will get from me.
That probably makes me core classist than racist. Oh well, I’ll be that….
One more thing…
CELTICS IN 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS!!
I’ve been saying it since the beginning, and Lakers fans still don’t hear me.
lol you and me both!!! besides, the fakeshow is boring me…
I am calling it in 7.
But definitely Celtics!!!
I don’t think you are racist, and after reading this post, I think you were speaking from experience. Discriminatory yes, but not racist. It’s like that one song, “I love black people, but I can’t stand ninjas”.
I didn’t know private individuals could just find day laborers and hire them I thought only like construction companies in Tejas did.*the more you know…*
It’s not racist to be presented with two choices and think about the possible and probable outcomes based on which ones you choose. Maybe the young men sharing more melanin wouldn’t have turned out to be sketchy individuals, but you made your choice and it was fine as well.
Discrimination is needed sometimes (phrase “discriminating taste”) to make good decisions.
No PJ you are not a racist!! Well maybe technically but I would have done the same thing!! Look I live in Brooklyn.. I get my hair done by Dominicans, laundry, dry cleaning and nails done by Asians, my local bodega is owned by Arabs, I get my fresh fruits and vegetables from the Mexicans, and the car service I use and my apartment are owned by West Indians…. Every race has something they’re known for/are better than others at. i wouldn’t go to the Dominicans to get my nails done, just like I wouldn’t use a car service owned by Asians… No offense to anyone, that’s just the way it is…
But after having been to Mexico, I can say without a doubt that Mexicans are definitely a hard working people. I mean, its usually West Indians that are known for their work ethic, but man them Mexicans.. they never stopped working. We stayed in a mini condo in a small beach town and Rosa, Jose, and Humberto (the maid and gardeners) were some of the hardest working people I’ve ever seen. The property was kept immaculate, they worked 6 days a week from 8 am sharp to 5 pm, cleaned/manicured every inch of that property daily. And on top of all that, did that sh*t with a smile on their faces!! You could just see how much pride they take in their work and being able to make a living for themselves.
I’m sorry… I love my people but american blacks just do not have that kind of work ethic anymore. Maybe its because we live a more privileged lifestyle in this country or maybe its just payback for slavery.. But if I had a tough job to do, I would choose Mexicans over blacks ALL DAY (just make sure you hide your good sh*t though… just kidding hehehe)
I love my people but american blacks just do not have that kind of work ethic anymore.-* Based on this -you must be caribbean bred or partly caribbean cause – I never hear American Blacks referring to other Black folks as American Blacks, me tink it cyan only be a caribbean ting…just sayin..not questioning what you are saying just how you said it…that seems to be a distinctive term coined by Caribbean folk …like kissteet, chuopes, etc.
Actually I’m not caribbean although I love the culture (went out w a trini for 4 years also) and feel like i was caribbean in a previous life lol. No i was just differentiating black ppl from US vs. other countries africa, caribbean, south america, etc. who i believe still have a strong work ethic
Speaking of prejudice, I just experienced a huge misconception (aka “Stop assuming sh*t”) in regards to Mexicans. The convo between my sister and I this past weekend went a little somethin’ like this:
Cheekie’s sis, Chyna (no, she doesn’t resemble the probably-has-or-had-a-penis wrestler, she was called that as a girl because she resembled an Asian chick): I just found a hookup for the grass cutting.
Cheekie: Oh, yeah?
Chyna: Yeah, they’re SUPER cheap and if I keep referring people for them, my grass will be pretty much cut for free.
Cheekie: Nice. Gotta love the Mexicans.
Chyna: Naw, they’re Black!
Cheekie: O_O
Chyna: I know!
Cheekie *conflicted between being please with this news and disappointed in myself for what I thought the news was*
So, um. Yeah.
Racist? Yes. But who isn’t?
I have a racist theory that if no one hears it or sees it, then it didn’t happen. That’s why I’m only racist while driving on the beltway or dwtwn DC in the comforts of my car. If you cut me off, swerve into my lane, or use your car as a weapon against me in general, then you are called whatever you look like. White-looking people are called the names white people are generally called in a negative sense. I’m from the south so I have tons of them. All other races are treated the same. No one gets a break, not even my people.
This whole statement is hella funny…and makes a good bit of sense, too. This reminds of something Paul Mooney said on the Chappelle show….”I believe everytime someone says the word nigg@, a black angel gets his wings. H#ll, I say nigg@ 10x each morning when I wake up; it keeps my teeth white”
I just died. LMBO Yeah when I’m in my car consider me the most racist ignorant mofo you can find.
your country is sooo facinating! we def don’t have random people cotching outside home depot waiting for jobs.
EVERYONE stereotypes. we stereotype our own and others. Not ALL stereotypes are wrong or far-off in truth (black people really do like chicken lol). it becomes problematical when the people doing the typecasting work for the government/police etc.. and truly believe what they think they know about ALLL the people of that group.
tomorrow should be an interesting day here in the tdot. drizzy will be in town (of course) to drop the album, doing a cd signing downtown (henceforth..i will be avoiding d/t like the plague). he’s also doing a concert here during caribana weekend. i anticipate the levels of groupies to invade the city to increase 200xfold.
SMDH. We Black people are some of the most racist hypocrites on the planet.
Are you kidding me?
Come on people ~ White people have profiled us forever and a day and then we’re all too happy to turn around and do the same thing to illegal Latin workers!?
Had a White person wrote this blog about hiring Black day laborers we would all be screaming bloody murder across the whole blogosphere.
But we can write this about illegal Latin day laborers and then present the same tired excuses/comments that White people have stated over and over for the past 20+ years.
My, my, my – how the oppressed have happily become the oppressor.
We are justified. Call it a vicous cycle. I would agree with you however being that I do not think politically correct…(f you were in front of me, I would agree)…but this is a blog so we can all be honest.
Everyone is prejudice…including you. We all think these thoughts from time to time. Truth is Panama is not wrong to assume that. Statistics back up these stereotypes that we all have…now why this is..is a completely diff blog.
It is not about being politically correct at all.
It is about moral correctness.
Meaning you can’t demand from others what you yourself are not willing to give.
And as far as I’m concerned if Black people today are not going to stand for anything that is moral and just then we deserve what happens to us in this country.
We need to stop crying foul when WE are the targets of racial profiling, hate crimes, police brutality, drugs in our community, housing scams, poverty, media assaults on Black women and men, etc.
Especially if we plan to turn around and heap the same abuses on others.
Really we are no better and do the exact same as White people.
So when White people target Black people there is no need to complain since its justified vicious cycle in their eyes.
Hell how about White people just do away with Civil Rights and bring back the Slave Trade. After all that was another “justified” vicious cycle.
Clearly you didn’t detect my sarcasm. My point was…in theory..you are correct, however it is not realistic. We do not and should not speak our ignorant thoughts out loud to others but we DO think these thoughts from time to time. Reread my thread. You damn skippy I’m going to be mad if this was written by a white man. Call it hypocritcal. We have accepted racism and abuse from whites for hundreds of years…i think they can take a joke or two from Chris Rock.
@divalive – i never said i was perfect and i’m clearly conflicted. but hey, i added money back into the economy and i can sleep at night.
me and the clipse, we good.
Public Service Annoucement **Completely off topic**
As I walk through the ATL international airport to board my flt to Tx I felt I needed to warn all my VS Brotha’s in a committed relationship who have neva been through here to use extreme caution when approaching the area. Great love for your SO and or extreme focus will be needed. That is all.
Yeah, Hartsfield International is pretty crucial…
Welcome back, btw….
lmao you are so special.
but WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! glad you made it back safely, ex-e-boo
enjoy your time back home!!
Thanks Gemmie. Lol, just lookin out 4 my peeps. Preciate the well wishes errrone! Bout 2 fly. Lata!
Hey, welcome home Tx10inch.
*plays Kanye’s “Homecoming” for you* Just forget all the Chi references… o_O
Preciate it cheeks!
YES LAWD…ahem, don’t mind me. *books flight to ATL*
Order of street laborers I would pick up:
1. Latinos, this just seems right
2. Brotha man, might be called “Sista” a thousand times but hopefully my friendly smiles makes him want to prove his manliness in strength. (Probably will try to holla though, ugh)
3. Native American man, don’t see too many of them but if i did all i could think about is that indian man with that lone tear. Gotta help him out
4. 2520, starting to hit the bottom of the barrel
5. Asian man, don’t see any of them on the street. Would be highly suspectible would think it was some undercover Asian mafia smuggling ring. He would have to ride in the back of the U-haul…
is suspectible a word…don’t think so
Quite the moral pickle you picked for yourself Panama.
Let’s examine the levels of wrongness here…hiring day laborers is (potentially) technically illegal…won’t ask you to specifiy any additional potential incriminating circumstances….but you 1) provide a days work to an eager employee 2) possibly help provide for a family of 10-12 people who that one laborer could be supporting back in El Salvador 3) get a job done for the cheap
Choosing the hispanic workers over the black people based solely on the fact that the black people were well….black was prejudiced and morally wrong and if a white person woulda done it we’d all be looking for Al Sharpton (ok maybe we’d prefer that he not speak but you know there would be outrage) The black guys could have just been down on their luck or recently released from prison but completely reformed yet ineligible for most gainful employment ….but prejudices and stereotypes exist for a reason because we all know there’s at least some truth behind them and had you have hired the black guys and things went wrong all the people hollering about how wrong you were for choosing the Hispanics wouldn’t be there to help recover your goods
Is the white person who locks their door and uses extra caution when driving through an unfamiliar black neighborhood prejudiced or prudent or both?
Moral of the story: We all make decisions based on our personal prejudices sometimes. So we probably shouldn’t be so quick to judge when other people do it.
While we’re on the subject…well not really but I sitll have this question….I mean this in the most non racist way possible but why is it that every single parking garage in the entire DC metro area (and Atlanta) is staffed by Ethiopians (or people of some other East African descent??? Is there a school of Parking attendant arts in East Africa that recruits and employs them en masse and brings them over here or what? I really really want to know.
@ K. LySha
This comment almost had me on the floor! You are absolutely right though, they have that market on lock.
Not only is this question non racist, it’s also the answer. lol. They BALLIN in those garages too. I used to always peep this one guy driving around in this Lexus. I figured it was a monthly customer that got valet service or something so the guy was moving it for/to him. THEN I saw that bamma out n about in the DC area in that car. THEN I saw another one of the attendants out n about in a Benz on Dubs. Them cats cakin’.
Yes indeed! They have GA 400 on LOCK!!!!
damn Panama, I feel ya’, but your inner Uncle Ruckus spoke
not mad at you at all
i wish, i wish i wish i wish i wish i wish i WISH i wish i could find a halfway decent damned brotha to do some work. same as i wish half the black owned stores down south weren’t nasty. i feel that sometimes black ppl don’t respect other blacks and therefore won’t do as good a job for a black person as they would others.
i think there’s some merit to recognizing that a certain segment of the black population does not like or respect other black people, and instead of appreciating you giving them your $$, by using their services, they try to get over.
to me its like being a black woman who loves black men and wants to date one, but notices that all the black men in a certain clique seem to treat sistas like sht and other chicks like queens. is it racist to avoid them, or a self-protective reaction to THEIR racism.
prejudiced, sure. stereotyping, sure.but how many times is a person to let someone abuse them before they wise up?
and naw, im not justifying racist behavior.
fwiw, i think most ppl hire laborers of a different race than themselves because being from different races adds some social distance that makes the whole imbalance of power easier to deal with. remember when Weezie didn’t want to hire her old friend as her maid and the friend was offended but Weezie didn’t want to offende her by offering her a job as her servant?
Panama Jackson! A friend of mine told me about this new blog. (Well, new to me. I’ve been out of the game for a minute. Went to law school. Sold out to Mista Charlie. You know, the usual. Lol) Anyway, I just want to say that this post was poignant hilarity. You can drop it on an angle. Acute at that. So, do dat, do dat, do, do, dat, dat, dat. That is all
Long time lurker here, first time poster. Basically, whatever pre-conceived notion you had of black people looking for honest work just to rob somebody perpetrates the problem. If a man can’t get honest work, they turn to dishonest work. So a homie is probably out right now stealing somebody’s jordan’s because you wouldn’t help them out with some honest work. Good job
Being racist and being prejudice are different. In your actions you were prejudice (an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge OR preconceived judgment or opinion). i truly believe that everyone is prejudice in some minor way. Deny if you desire, but it’s the truth.
I was born and raised in Washington DC and I have to say
1.) I don’t blame you them fools back home will steal and kill from you in a minute.
2.) I don’t condone stereotyping at all but sometimes our people give us no choice.
Classic chris rock theres a civil war going on between black people and N@gga’s. Loved this line and it tells ya all you need to know:
“Your boy has a big screen TV and at least 12 pairs of Jordans – hire the hombres.”
Felling uptight? Quarters could bounce off backs?
Cant even remember your last good old fashioned Saturday evening brought to you by Spliffs, Sly, +Sabbath?
Even if you can’t, I understand. Done properly that is.
So, why not take off a load, get the lead out, and when in Kashmir do as the Kash’s before y,all turn into a bunch Supernauts.
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