I was reading an article in a nursing journal about racism in nursing. Apparently, there are nurses associations specifically for different racial and ethnic groups.
So, would it be a good idea for White nurses to band together in this way? Is that a taboo because it's construed as being as racist or is it just that Whites don't have the need for a group identity because of their majority status? Will that be changing as the demographics of the nation change? After all, in some areas White people are a minority.
Oh don't think I was saying anything against you! I think it's a good topic for discussion! I also think, like someone else said, it has the potential to get heated. I didn't want anyone to take my comments as being negative against anyone. I have no problem with a white nurses association, hispanic nurses association, alien nurses from mars association, whatever. I'll just never join anything, because I am not a "joiner".
The part of the discussion I don't like is when people bring up that 100 200 years ago, black people were slaves in this country. I know for a fact that my family is from the north and were abolitionists, but that doesn't even matter. Even if someone's great great great grandfather did own slaves, what does that have to do with the person who is alive now? How can you hold people accountable for their ancestors actions? I just think that particular arm of the argument is ludicrous.
Otherwise, people are people and if we could all just respect each other and live by the golden rule, we would be in a much, much better world.
I don't think its about holding people accountable for something their ancestors did. I think its more making sure that those legacies of racism, hatred, and discrimination are not continued in the next generation. Even after slavery, which really wasn't that long ago, only a few generations when you think of it, you still had women and minorites being discriminated legally until the 60s. I think itsw great that you know that your family were abolitionist and I am proud for the part that they played in shaping our history. As a black person, I can't trace my history that far back, so thats a big part of why blacks bind together now. It shouldn't be taken as discrimnation. I do agree with you on the golden rule thing. I also think we all could do so much if we just tried to understand each other and then we would realize that we aren't so much different after all!
Scratch what I said above. I believe all associations associated with a color or ethnic group of people should be removed. This is America, and we are Americans. Having associations associated with a type of people might make people feel that they're not apart just because they don't look like the certain group. I know people have posted above about whites graduating from historically black colleges and that's fine but a double-standard like that only separates us as Americans. There should just be one American Nurses Association. No one would feel left out.
What about people who are here on a visa and aren't Americans. I think its okay to celebrate differences as long as you dont let that divide you...
I think white people have had it pretty good in this country and don't need their own association for anything.
Whites have never had to deal with the predjudices that other groups have endured. I don't care if the white person is in the 'minority' in some locations, or even if they've experienced 'reverse' racism. It's still nothing compared to what other groups have dealt with in the past, and even still today.
So, that being said....if Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, whatever...wants to have a nursing group then fine. It shouldn't be offensive to anyone.
I'm a Hispanic male and disagree with your statement. Who cares if whites have had it better? We're talking about the now. We are ALL equal, we're all Americans. This is why its ridiculous to have any groups that prefer one type of person over the order just because of the color of their skin. We have no control of what our ancestors did to others ancestors, so why should white people carry the burden of what they never did?
Would you really want to be associated with a 'white' nurses organization. ROFL, that will make you look really good.
Even if it was a totally innocent group, the idea and perception of it would be very bad and a lot of hatred and evil would be directed your way. Not fair? Blame your ancestors...
No, I would not be a member. of any group that is aimed at any one particular race...but it should be allowed. Now the very fact that it would be viewed as bad and hate filled is in and of itself prejudicial. And personally, I am tired of blaming ancestors for our current actions and attitudes. I am personally responsible for what I say, what I do and how I behave. I am personally responsible for my failures in this society of opportunity. If I am discriminated against..that may make my journey more difficult...but it will not defeat me.
What about people who are here on a visa and aren't Americans. I think its okay to celebrate differences as long as you dont let that divide you...
This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is the same example of someone who is not Black joining a historically Black university. Are they still allowed to join? Yes!
What exactly is reverse racism? And how is it any different than any other discrimination? And you don't care? Do you care when anyone other than white are discriminated against? This typ eof attitude annoys me to no end. It seems that you are saying that white people who are discriminated against deserve it. Forgive me if I am misinterpreting you. But the "I don't care" remark is what gives me that impression.
stereotyping.
.
OMG, did you even READ my post???
I really can't stand ignorance. I CLEARLY said I didn't believe in the term 'reverse' racism. I clarified that. You chose not to read it. If you aren't familiar with that particular term then google it.
And yes, you cleary misinterpreted my post.
Why do people have to nitpick at the words of a post, instead of looking at the actual meaning of it?
What about people who are here on a visa and aren't Americans. I think its okay to celebrate differences as long as you dont let that divide you...
And not every black person in America is an African American, she/he might be Canadian, West Indian, Jamaican. We should be respectful of every one, regardless of their background.
I'm a Hispanic male and disagree with your statement. Who cares if whites have had it better? We're talking about the now. We are ALL equal, we're all Americans. This is why its ridiculous to have any groups that prefer one type of person over the order just because of the color of their skin. We have no control of what our ancestors did to others ancestors, so why should white people carry the burden of what they never did?
I am talking about NOW. I also said that in my post (another example of people incapable of actually reading a post before replying).
Well, I'm out. This is another example of people who just jump and react at the words instead of actually thinking before posting. I won't get into simplist arguments because people are having kee-jerk reactions.
Having a nurse association that caters to one group of people carries even more problems. What about people in South America who are Black? What about the ones who are White?
In some ways, they do. Who gets all the scholarships and preferred acceptance in nursing school now? Men and minorities. You try being a 20 yo white girl from a middle class family and, and just try to get financial assistance in a nursing program. I did not get a dime for my education because I didn't meet any of the criteria for any of the scholarships. I wasn't poor enough (though not rich by any stretch of the imagination - I worked my butt off to get through school), I was a chick, and I was white (still am all those things, haha!). I was on the waitlist to get into my program despite the fact that my grades were good and I had a year's experience in a hospital.
I'm not trying to say that while people have nothing and minorities rule everything, because that is not true. I'm also not saying it is unfair. But as more and more companies are striving for diversity, it does get harder for your everyday average white American to get into school, get jobs, etc. So I don't think that Vito's statement was all that far off.
I understand where you are coming from, but you have to realize many minorities are very disadvantaged and need the help. I am not saying you didn't, I am just saying that if you were born into a situation where you were middle class, you are so much better off then not only the majority of blacks, but the majority of the world! And affirmitive action works in reverse as well. I attend an Historically Black University and there is a good percentage of whites who benefit from aid, and its still a good education. I think some people look at aa and the like as a free ride when really its purpose is just to make things more fair. I think it needs work for sure, but if the legislation that came out of the civil rights act didn't exist, would things be better for all people?
i am talking about now. i also said that in my post (another example of people incapable of actually reading a post before replying).
since you were incapable of understanding my post i will break it down for you.
originally posted by cardiacrn2006 i think white people have had it pretty good in this country and don't need their own association for anything.
who cares if white people have had it good. we're talking about equality, we're all equal. unless your suggesting differently? why should white people carry the burden of their ancestors?? makes no sense to me.
whites have never had to deal with the predjudices that other groups have endured. i don't care if the white person is in the 'minority' in some locations, or even if they've experienced 'reverse' racism. it's still nothing compared to what other groups have dealt with in the past, and even still today.
you mean whites in present day america or whites 100 years ago? our ancestors actions 100 years ago do not reflect anyone else's.
so, that being said....if blacks, hispanics, asians, whatever...wants to have a nursing group then fine. it shouldn't be offensive to anyone.
In some ways, they do. Who gets all the scholarships and preferred acceptance in nursing school now? Men and minorities. You try being a 20 yo white girl from a middle class family and, and just try to get financial assistance in a nursing program. I did not get a dime for my education because I didn't meet any of the criteria for any of the scholarships. I wasn't poor enough (though not rich by any stretch of the imagination - I worked my butt off to get through school), I was a chick, and I was white (still am all those things, haha!). I was on the waitlist to get into my program despite the fact that my grades were good and I had a year's experience in a hospital.
I'm not trying to say that while people have nothing and minorities rule everything, because that is not true. I'm also not saying it is unfair. But as more and more companies are striving for diversity, it does get harder for your everyday average white American to get into school, get jobs, etc. So I don't think that Vito's statement was all that far off.
Financial aid has NOTHING to do with race.
As to scholarships, my upper middle class white brother found them.
Maybe you were wait-listed because your grades weren't the best. You are making these claims based solely on assumptions that are very liekly false.
You are looking for scapegoats, and that is racist.
BSNbyFaith
19 Posts
I don't think its about holding people accountable for something their ancestors did. I think its more making sure that those legacies of racism, hatred, and discrimination are not continued in the next generation. Even after slavery, which really wasn't that long ago, only a few generations when you think of it, you still had women and minorites being discriminated legally until the 60s. I think itsw great that you know that your family were abolitionist and I am proud for the part that they played in shaping our history. As a black person, I can't trace my history that far back, so thats a big part of why blacks bind together now. It shouldn't be taken as discrimnation. I do agree with you on the golden rule thing. I also think we all could do so much if we just tried to understand each other and then we would realize that we aren't so much different after all!