Please dance at the back of the bus.

I guess some places are still trapped in the 50's

Now THIS is a thread about race... I hope those at the integrated prom take the high road. It seems there's a potential for violence here that's pretty scary.

Even scarier though is that a "small number of juniors" can influence so many into taking such a ridiculous and ignorant stand. Cherry Kool-aid anyone?

Personally I think it is fucking ridiculous. I feel sorry for someone the ignorant and intolerant. Sad that minds are still closed.

What bothers me is that the local administration and/or government didnt come out against this. I realize it is not "technically" against the law, but it seems to me that this is morally wrong.

More here

And here

If the white students raised their own $ to have a prom, they can have it. Is it wrong? No more so than a private male club (Augusta National) not allowing women.

If the $ for the prom was from tax payers (it isn't) then prom should be integrated.

Thats all fine and good, but everybody knows Augusta is a male only club. The women who play there but are not allowed to join know this. Plus Augusta would not be able to exist as a "whites only" club. So the point is irrelevant. There are plenty of male only and female only organizations in this world that everyone deems acceptable. That you see this "whites only" prom as acceptable reeks of bigotry on your own part. There is no other reason for it other than it being racially motivated.

Last I checked this High School was almost 50/50 black/white. I know they raised thier own money to pay for it, I know there is no law against it, techically it is a private party. But isnt it about time we put this issue to bed once and for all. The issue is not that it is "private", they should be looking at the issue of why these bigots felt they needed a "white only" prom to begin with? Why in this day and age, the school administrators, who should be setting an example, have not spoken out against this is beyond me. Unless they wish to perpetrate the racist feelings that this subject stirs. What about the parents and other role-models who could use this as a chance to mend fences and age-old differences. Instead they dropped the ball and proved to everyone that in certain places, racism is accepted AND encouraged.

Ok I am not saying this is right but why is it ok to have a Black Policeman Union or Black only beauty pageants etc... I think you can all think of a few more race oriented organizations that are socially accepted.
I have never heard of a white only organization this is socially accepted. No don't even start the KKK shit. I wouldn't qualify with them no matter what I changed being I am from Australia and Catholic. I think they would tar and feather me also. Besides the hood would look stupid on me.
Any thoughts?
Sense when is it ok to segregate any race?

I gotta to agree with you on this one man. This whole thing is ridiculous. I think it is pretty damn sad. Georgia is not looking to good to the rest of the country lately. Between this and their flag issue the state looks like a bunch of bigots.

Whats sad is that in the year 2003 people like you and these simpletons (for lack of better words) have yet to step beyond the color of someone else's skin. 50% of the school's population is black, they share the same classes, sports teams, cafeteria, and bathrooms but they can't dance together? Its ridiculous to me that these people feel the need to make this kind of statement to validate their collective 'us versus them' mentality.

I pity these people for not growing up and looking beyond the fences of their plantations.

If the prom was paid for by the school with taxpayers money it would have been wrong. It wasn't. The students paid for it themselves.

Regardless of what anyone thinks about it, people have a right to associate with whomever they choose on their own time and with their own money.

How come no one complains about the numerous "black only" events and organizations?

Even in the US House of Representatives they have a Congressional Black Caucus. No white congressman allowed at their meetings. Where is the outrage over that?

Where is Jesse Jackson on this issue? You don't hear him making a big deal out of it. Why? Because there is no large corporation or deep pocket to "shakedown".

NOW...I agree with you all. The administration and even more, the city officials should have stepped in years ago and put an end to this. For fear of swaying the public opinion (and upsetting their friends), elected officials did not and will not step in. The same (type) idiots sitting in office in Albany are the same (type) idiots siting in the governer's office. The flag issue (ressurected) should have never been an issue to begin with. The same with this issue. Who cares who raised the money? The fact is, it is still affiliated with the school and the school shouldn't want to be associated with it in no way, shape, or form. If they want to have a private dance, be my guest. But they should be mandated to doing it on a different night than "The School's Prom" and the school's name should not be mentioned 1 time that night. But i'm pretty damn positive that the same jerks that support this flag issue, support seperatism.

Point taken...I agree that you can be affiliated with whom you please. That is our constitutional right. However, I don't think it should be called "Taylor County High School Senior Prom". Who knows, they never said that it would, but they never said that it would not be called that. If that's your desire, then do it on your own time and in the name of your own organization.

Great point Madman. I think this works both ways. I would disagree if the blacks had said they want a black only prom as well. This does point out the double standard that exists in this country though. If you are a minority it is OK to gather based on your skin color and ethnicity, and to exclude others based on it. If you are white and do this you are a bigot. What would happen if some congressman tried to form a Congressional White Caucus?

Is this accurate, or mere conjecture on your part?

From the CBC website:

"The goals of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) are to positively influence the course of events pertinent to African-Americans and others of similar experience and situation, and to achieve greater equity for persons of African descent in the design and content of domestic and international programs and services. The Caucus has not only been at the forefont of issues affecting African-Americans, but has garnered international acclaim for advancing agendas aimed at protecting human rights and civil rights for all people. Today, the Congressional Black Caucus stands 38 members strong."

I don't think they intend to exclude anyone.

They already have, its called The Republican Party ! :p

Humm maybe if you where white and South African you could attend other than that I doubt it.

Never said I was racist, don't imply that I am. I am for 'fairplay'. If there are member only clubs, black only groups, hispanic only associations etc., etc., why is it wrong to have a white only function?

Does Augusta have a right to males only? Yes. Can N.O.W. be females only? Yes. Can the Boy Scouts exclude gays? Yes. Can fraternities exclude women? Yes. Can sororities exclude men? Yes. Are there female only health clubs? Yes. The list goes on and on. I have no problem with them doing this, period.

I do agree that it should be a dance, not a prom affiliated with the schools name. If that is the case, OK. Have fun kids.

We have raised a bunch of pansies who have to have everything their way. Heaven forbid that there be diversity in America. We are all different people, different likes, dislikes and choices in ice cream flavor. We don't all have to think alike, feel a like, act a like.

Tolerance and understanding? Yes. Capitulation to a central thought process where the individual is lost? Oh hell no.

Ridiculous.
Don't be the token idiot on this thread.

Dislike the competition?

Too late!

I shit you not.

You cannot be a member of the CBC if you are a white Congressman.

Their web site can say anything they want. Do you think they would put anything on the site that would paint them in a bad light?

Being a member of the CBC and attending the meetings are two different things...

Of course they have closed door meetings. All congressional caucuses do. If they are holding a hearing that is different. Then non caucus members would be in attendance.

Does the CBC shock you or something? They have been around for a long time.

You all make good points, on both sides of the issue. What I see though, Is that things like The "Miss Black America Pageant" dont make me feel like I am being discriminated against. Do you really think Augusta is prejudiced against women? Or do they just want a mens club.

You can place doubt on whether or not you think these kids' purpose is to be discriminatory. This prom, is racist. There is no other way it can be construed for those who are living in reality. There are no other reasons you can give for it. The CBC, BET, all these things are looked at as positive outlets for black society. Do any white people here REALLY feel discriminated against because of BET, CBC, Miss Black America. Yes I know there is no Miss White America, or a CWC, or an NAAWP.(regardless of what some would say).

Its just the wrong thing to be teaching these children, our future, about how we should treat those different then ourselves. You all can agree on that cant you? Please tell me you can at least agree on that?

Naw, I'm familiar with the group

I just don't believe your statement, "No white congressman allowed at their meetings"

As a subset of a larger organization, it just doesn't make sense to me that they would be exclusionary when it would be absolutely necessary for them to interact with all members of Congress in order to achieve some of their stated goals.

I heard Trent Lott was going to be the guest dj. j/j

Sad really that shit like this still goes on. Yes they paid for it themselves but what does this shit about "Concerns for interracial mixing" sick really. I wonder if they allow Jews or Asians. Then again it is most likely sponsored by David Duke.

I hear Banjo's

Madman, I thought you were in rehab, or did you graduate early?

White people shouldn't dance anyway.

Can this statement be refuted?

I can't do it . . .

We had our moment in the 80's with "kick" dancing.

Come on Graham! Pull out those MC Hammer pants and busta move for us.

Whether you believe it or not it is the truth. The only white people who would be at such meetings would be a congressional aide.

Hey myfly...

So I guess you are saying it is OK for blacks and other minorities to think of themselves as a collective group. It is only wrong when white people do it.

A lot of double standards here. Would a NAAWP be a positive outlet for white society?

The prom thing may be racist but people have a right of association. If this was an all black prom it never would have made the news.

Good points on both sides. There does seem to be a double standard. I guess my view is that....if a minority group associates or has a group to look after their rights or causes it is different or to me looked at differently than if the majority puts together the same type of group. The minority group since their numbers are smaller can not force anything on the majority but that is conversly true with the majority.

NAAWP

I dunno, I think this guy has some moves...


So does she...

95% of 6th grader would agree with you.

I got to agree with Bucweet. Justin Timberlake, whether you like him or not, can boogie.

And Britney, well... It's Britney, nuff said. Yum.........

Well smack my ass and call me Sally.

I agree there. My point is that I feel someone should start taking a stand against this kind of behavior if we are ever to truly move forward. It may seem idealistic, (probably) but there was a chance here for someone to make a difference. Yes I know it is Georgia, in race relations Georgia is about 30 years behind NJ, or NY, where my guess is that this would never be allowed to happen. Bottom line is I know there is nothing illegal about it. It just bothers me because I know there is only one reason behind it. I just hope that when these teenagers come into the real world they stay in Georgia.

My experience with this subject comes from my son's high school days. He graduated last year. He and his friends never attended a high school dance. They, and many others, never attended such events due to the events and dances being an all black affair. We live in a neighborhood where the majority is white. The school majority was white.
Only the blacks would attend the dances. Less than 10% people attending where whites or philipinos.
Reason being....The only music played was rap. Gangs would come from Norfolk and Porstsmouth and wait outside looking for trouble. There were many fights and many more arrests each and every time.
He chose not to go because he is a good kid. He chose not to go because he hates rap. It had nothing to do with race. Once again, it all goes down to characteristics and integrity.
Why shouldn't these kids have their own dance with their own culture. They should be allowed to enjoy their prom as well.
I don't think race here is an issue.
The NAACP and CBW are the ones keeping the brother down. They are nothing more than a left-wing strongarm keeping the blacks in line and making them vote democratic. Ask any major successful and educated black man that very question. I am sure he would agree. They want you in the ghetto, they need you in the ghetto.

Now that I can agree with. I see you are from Allen Iverson country. I heard that area can be pretty hardcore. Maybe I am wrong in thinking this is about racism. There are many clubs in Philly I wont go to that are primarily a "black" club. Not because of the music (which I hate), but because of personal safety. I have said that if a black man went into a "white" club up here he may get a look or two. But if a white man went into a "black" club, he may not leave. This may be skewed logic. And I wish I didnt feel this way, but I have seen and heard too many things to change my opinion.

I think because its Georgia, because they are kids, and because its 2003, my view may be skewed as well. When I think of Georgia, I think of the confederate flag, '65 ford pickups with a gun rack, KKK, marryin' your cousin, and BAD sports fans. Oh, and being pulled over by Sherrif Varner for having long hair and Jersey tags. Telling them you work at the Trump Taj Majal for Donald Trump and them saying (I shit you not), "looky here boys, we have a celebri-tee in our midst." (banjo playing softly)

So on the reverse of this does this make all minoirty organizations racisist as well?
Just because I am white does not mean I need to give excuses for the trailor trash that run these WHite Only organizations.

There are numerous clubs here in Atlanta that I ABSOLUTELY refuse to go to because of the crowd and sometimes the music. Here, certain music draws certain crowds. If a featured guess at a club is known for rowdy music...chances are the it's not gonna be a nice crowd. So I won't go. But as for "white" clubs, it's kinda funny. I think it's all based on location. In Buckhead, everybody parties together. In some cases, I acutally prefer partying with white people as opposed to black people. White people love to drink and have a good time. Where as in some black clubs here, there's a lot people looking for trouble.

That's Georgia. Once I got established in my career I moved further away from the city and further into the country. And it was indeed a culture shock. For white people out there, racism, seperatism, and the confederate flag is a way of life. I moved into a mostly white neighborhood (my wife & I) and you wouldn't believe the looks. It took forever to have a conversation with my neighbors...can't say why other than the fact a black man had the nerve to buy a house in THEIR neighborhood. On top of that a young (24 at the time) and educated black man. *assuming anyway* I could be working in the yard at the same time as my neighbors and not a word. But like I said, that's Georgia, rural Georgia.

MEYEX, I don't know how you do it without loosing your mind. In the words of my Kiwi friends...good on ya

Mike
You DO NOT live in the country or rural Georgia. Maybe 25-30 years ago but not now. I live farther out than you and it's not consider country or rural. I'm 47 miles one way from Atlanta city limits and it's still considered the Atlanta metro Area. To be considered rural you need at least 75 or more miles outside Atlanta city limits.

Thanks Mark for clearing that up for me. I just assumed that since there is so much open land and country around me it was rural Georgia. Not to mention not far from my house, there is a guy that breeds cows on one side of the street (Schell Beefmasters) and a guy that breeds horses on the other side.

Who/what is CBW?

I don't think the majority of minority organizations operate with the premise the their race is fundamentally superior to another race.

Mike, not jumping at you. Open land doesn't constitute country. We had cows behind our house. It's till considered metro area

If the students paid for it, then they ultimately should decide who can and cannot attend right? If I have a party, I am not just going to let anybody in off the street.. Now this "dance" whether it is a racist issue or not, should not be in any way shape or form sponsored or named by or for the school though.... If a group of racists want to have a party that's their right, right???? Whether we think it is wrong or not.. It's a major double standard, and if anybody here thinks that all black or any other minority groups are not being racially biased in their exclusion/inclusion policies, well you got your head up your ass.

Don't even tell me that the Miss Black America pageant isn't racially biased....

Sorry, the CBC.

Let's face it, there will always be double standards.

Just the other day, I walked into "Lady Fitness" and tried to join, but they said it was only open to women; I left in frustration. I then went across the street to a hall where, over 25 years ago, I belonged to the Boy Scouts of Canada. I noticed the sign above the hall now reads "Scouts of Canada" as they now openly welcome females into the organization. The Boy Scouts was once a place for pre-adolescent boys to gossip about the opposite sex; that is now a thing of the past.

Whether it is gender, race or sexual orientation, there will always be groups which will exclude others; that is just the society in which we live. From my experience, an organization can get away with exluding any particular group, as long as you are not white, male and heterosexual.