Pantagraph.com | Letters | White men didn't have monopoly on slave trade

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

minuteman freshman wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:06 PM:

" for god's sake, people are the same, no matter their race. "

the poor poor white man! wrote on Oct 26, 2007 6:05 AM:

" They just blindly did what they were forced to learn! The poor idiots. Funny how you make it seem like its okay because it was already done in Africa. I'd rather be a slave to my own people than to some other race....same thing about Iraq - they don't want us telling them what is right - who are we?! You people should be glad you don't have to put your name on this! I apologize to everyone for such short sightedness. "

Wow wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:32 AM:

" After reading a lot of these blogs, I guess I didn't realize my town was so racist. Kudos Bloomington-Normal, ya jerks! Way to enforce the "Not in my Town" ideals with your hate speech on "gangstas" and "move back to Africa"... "

As a white male member of an often wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:43 AM:

" unheard-of minority-population that folks rarely ever even consider a "minority", I want to offer my opinion that most white people are unable to realistically empathize with anyone who is a minority. One can guess, one can estimate, one can even apply very accurate and educated study towards the subject- but to actually walk in those shoes? THAT'S the way one truly knows. All else is just guess-work. Never been "the only one in the room"? Never had an entire bus of people turn at look at you because you stand-out as different from them ALL? Ever had fewer rights because of your difference? Ever been disregarded, ignored or worse yet- treated poorly because of your difference? If your answer to any of these is NO- then you cannot possibly EVER know. It would be a very rare situation for someone from the MAJORITY to have a clue about the experience of a minority. In fact, some might argue that it's impossible. And then some of you have the nerve to present yourselves at forums like this and write like it's something you know of- you ought to be ashamed of yourselves! "

To Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 11:57 PM:

" Get your young black men and women to stop talking and acting like they are ignorant gangstas and they will get more respect. "

To:Thos wrote on Oct 17, 2007 10:57 PM:

" The posts I have read represent a debate, NOT racism. This is a signficant issue with the racism topic in this country. If you contest a "minority" viewpoint it is deemed racism. How can intelligent discussion ever occur under these circumstances? "

reader wrote on Oct 17, 2007 9:10 PM:

" Ya I get so tired when blacks play the race card .Most of the slaves were kept by blacks in Africa and elsewhere anyway.They were the ones that taught the whites how to keep slaves .They should be blaming their ancestors not the white man. "

avon wrote on Oct 17, 2007 8:29 PM:

" It is funny how Mercy says the white man OWES him fairness etc. What about the fairness to ALL americans. Get rid of all those little boxes we have to check to let them know if you are african-american, Lation etc. There is no need for that when applying to college or for a loan. Why is it that is necessary.. oh wait.. quotas.... "

How Many wrote on Oct 17, 2007 7:55 PM:

" generations of blacks need to be raised on Public Aid to make up for slavery? How long will it take for black men to take resposibility for their children & stop acting like sperm donors? How long before black women EXPECT their men to help support thir children & stay out of prison? How long before blacks encourage their children to take advantage of our education system & actually try to graduate from school? When will black entertainers stop degtading black women? "

chubbyalaskagriz wrote on Oct 17, 2007 7:16 PM:

" Give me a minute- I'm trying to figure out a way to blame GAYS for this mess too!... "

DB wrote on Oct 17, 2007 4:48 PM:

" Better take the signs down on the edges of Bloomington. No one is paying attention to them. By the way, why are these signs posted like some type of traffic sign? Wouldn't this slogan .............. and yes, all it is is a slogan .............be better posted on a billboard? Or can I be arrested or ticketed for violating the NO RACISM posting? "

To: get over it wrote on Oct 17, 2007 2:27 PM:

" I am not going anywhere. This is MY country as equal as it is yours. Thanks. "

Re: Thos wrote on Oct 17, 2007 2:17 PM:

" and you sir are one who is expressing that racism "

ThosSpence wrote on Oct 17, 2007 1:59 PM:

" So this site is now a venue for the unvarnished expression of racism? Why the pretense of "screening" if racists are permitted to express their bigotry? "

To Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 1:53 PM:

" African Americans are given special compensation in almost every walk of life. Any black student that applies themselves can go to college. Grants are weighed to give the African American student a better chance at receiving one. Many Colleges and Universities have a lower admissions standard for African American applicants than other groups allowing more black students to get a higher education. Employers across the country have diversity programs to assist African Americans in moving up the corporate ladder. Many government contracts for goods and services are given to minority owned companies even at a higher cost. Yet there are more Black Americans living below the poverty level by percentage than any other ethnic group. It s not because they have been denied education or opportunities. Its not because some of there ancestors were sold into slavery. Its not because society has passed legislation to make it illegal to discriminate because of race. A lot of it has to do with choices. "

LDT wrote on Oct 17, 2007 1:40 PM:

" I like to think of myself as being pretty open to anyone. I have a few very good friends that happen to be African American. I respect them deeply for who they are and what they think. It is unfortunate that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are out there stirring up hornets nests all the time. If the black community didnt look up to and respect people like them, maybe they wouldnt be so many young (and old) blacks looking for handouts. As soon as I see a black (or any race) think that they are owed anything, it makes me sick. "

get over it wrote on Oct 17, 2007 1:31 PM:

" Every race had to EARN their place in America. The Irish, Italians, Chinese, Jews, Etc. Unfortunately, Africans were enslaved, whereas other races were not. This is truly sad. However, I do not really care if it happened. I mean, it was 150 years ago for Gods sake. Every other race that faced discrimination or other forms of persecution ended up carving their own niche in society and flourished. It didnt take the Chinese or Jews 200+ years to make it. Although, I suppose you could say that Blacks have found their niche in society. They are extrememly good at asking other people for money. They are extremely good at Robbing, killing, raping, and stealing things from other people (including themselves). They are good at living in section 8 and subsidized housing. But aside from those little niches, they havent done much. Anyhow. if blacks think that thier civilization wuold be so GREAT if they werent held back by whitey, they should go live in Africa for a while. I mean, it is SOOOO much better over there then here. All blacks live in peace, harmony, and mansions over there. "

FOR Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 1:13 PM:

" You are so bent on being a victim, complaining about life here, move back to Africa if you are as disappointed in the U.S. as you claim. I know I certainly won't miss your racisism. It's your attitude that keeps people "separate". I suggest an attitude adjustment or a move. To Africa. Since that's where your ancestors are from. "

Re:Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 1:04 PM:

" So let me get this straight...in the past wrongs were done to blacks in America, no one would deny this, but you are saying that there should be more blacks in positions of power. What percentage of these positions should blacks hold? What would the quota be? Should we tell other people who have put in the time at their position "sorry, but we screwed the blacks in the past so now we must promote one ahead of you?" Once again, not my fault/problem that people in the past were prejudice, don't expect me to pay for it in terms of giving my upward mobility to someone because of the color of their skin. "

Reality wrote on Oct 17, 2007 12:43 PM:

" And not all black men are lazy. "

ThosSpence wrote on Oct 17, 2007 11:44 AM:

" Wat Tyler's, whose knowledge of history wouldn't fill a thimble, gets it wrong again. According to Tyler, determined to insist on "moral equivalency,"FIFTEEN MIILION (!!!) europeans and Americans were taken into "African slavery" at "the same time that black Africans were sold into slavery in the Caribbean." In fact, the total number of Europeans enslaved during that era very likely didn't exceed ONE million, with only tiny numbers of Americans. Moreover, the main culprits, the so-called Barbary pirates, were clients of the Ottoman Empire. So why the characterization as "African"? "

To: They wrote on Oct 17, 2007 10:50 AM:

" Check your history. Native American Tribes enslaved their prisoners as well. (Not saying that slavery by anybody is right, just that it happened). "

Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 10:42 AM:

" I expect or have want to receive anything from anyone. I work hard, I am college educated and I wouldn't WANT to be compensated. I want fair and equal opportunities. And yes, our "fore fathers" certainly screwed the Native Americans. Yet they DO HAVE CASINOS, land placed aside for them and in some areas abide by different laws. At least they got something for the theft of their land. This argument can go on forever - yet attitudes and prejudices will always be there until we get rid of the barriers that stop us from speaking about this issue with intelligence and compassion. "

reality wrote on Oct 17, 2007 10:28 AM:

" no one wants to stop playing the victim. It is too profitable. It is a good way to get something for nothing. Poor me, my ancestors were slaves, so I should be compensated. how long do you expect this to go on? "

Re:Re;Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 10:20 AM:

" Amazing, although I do agree that you OWE me nothing(in terms of monetary value), you DO OWE ME(as well as every white American) FAIRNESS, EQUALITY(As stated by GOD and the Contstitution). As an American I am entitled to it. Something that is STILL not fully acheived. And I don't have have to 'live in the past' to recognize that in present day. Mercy is right, whites never seem to want to answer tough questions like why do Blacks get higher interest rates on loans? Why is there even a need for a "quota sytem"? They are PLENTY of educated, qualified Blacks Americans out there. Yet they are so few in high paying positions. That is what what you DO OWE. No handouts, no 'reparations', just equal opportunity to achieve or fail... "

MONKEY WRENCH wrote on Oct 17, 2007 9:29 AM:

" You know this argument about whites owing blacks adebt because of the suffering from past slavery and discrimantion is getting to be really old. If African Americans want reparations, don't come knocking on my door. I am an immigrant from Germany, as my mother. My fathers side of the family came to the US through Canada and from Italy. I owe nobody nothing! Try asking the descendents of the tribes in Africa that to this day still have slaves! They were the ones that captured Africans from rival tribes and sold them into slavery. Interesting tidbit about that too: many of those tribes were and are MUSLIMS! "

To: Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 9:21 AM:

" Give me a break. Do you not understand that africans had a huge role in the slave trade as well? They sold their fellow villagers into slavery! The people who REALLY are suffering are the Native Americans. Do you have any idea how bad reservation life is?? THAT is a governmental crime. "

Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 9:09 AM:

" to RE: No, YOU don't owe me anything. I hope that when you "friends" are telling "the jokes", you are right up front making sure they know that their attitudes are whats driving their kids to continue this hipocrisy we call America. If you aren't - shut up and stick to what you know best - blaming the victims! "

Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 9:05 AM:

" Oh thank you wonderful white man for bringing me over here! You cut me off from my ancestors, forced a religion upon me, raped and brutalized my women, and placed me in a no win situation - relegating me to second class citizen until I go to heaven. I know now why you are loved around the world. You are only doing what is best for us less people. Give me a break. "

Re;Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 8:57 AM:

" I "owe" you or any other black man/woman nothing!!! Stop living in the past and trying to get something you didn't earn from someone who doesnt owe it!!! Attitudes like yours shows what true racism is. "

Area Resisdent wrote on Oct 17, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Well I guess it is evident that racism is alive and well. It is just finding more "clever" places to hide! "

Question? wrote on Oct 17, 2007 8:28 AM:

" From what I see those who live in Africa have been starving and suffering for years. It has to be the worst place in the world to be with all the starvation,disease and lack of food and medicine. Shouldn't on some level the AfricanAmerican be thankful they are living here? It's not perfect but here you are getting taken care of. Why are none of them returning to their homeland to get back to where they were? "

I have wrote on Oct 17, 2007 8:23 AM:

" Copies of writing from family history and much of it contradicts what is taught. Many slaves were freed long before the civil war and DID own farms. Many were only slaves for a year and granted their freedom. The stipulation was they must move north before a year had passed. Most went to Ohio or Pennsylvania. Of course we all get the Jesse Jackson,Al Sharpton etc stories so they can live off of others without turning a finger to do REAL work. "

To: Re:yes wrote on Oct 17, 2007 8:13 AM:

" I do not fall for bait and switch argument. It does not matter to me if the Asians are more racists now. It is not germane if a grand total of less than one thousand American (merchant) sailors were kidnapped and held to ransom in North Africa some two hundred years ago. Americans were and are just as bad as any when the issue is bias, prejudice and discrimination. Since this was and still is primarily a "white" society in most ways, you must face the facts of the great American failure - to practice what we preach. "

Wow wrote on Oct 17, 2007 8:12 AM:

" All I need to do is read these posts and I'm thankful for the Republican party, hopefully not straying that far from the days of Lincoln. "

Aww wrote on Oct 17, 2007 7:53 AM:

" Say it ain't so Roscoe....Say it ain't so! "

Mercy wrote on Oct 17, 2007 6:12 AM:

" I am sick and tired of hearing about the supposed "quota system" that negatively effects the American white male. I tell you what, a country that aquired FREE LABOR for at least 150 years that virtually built this country into whatever it is today , destroyed and disgraced the family unit by taking children away from their mothers and fathers and SELLING THEM, a government did basically NOTHING when racial supremist like the KKK began to stalk, bully and kill its supposed fellow (of ocurse unilt white people were killed for trying to help or their property were in harms way, then they send in the calvary, reneged on numerous promises (40 acres and a mule), SHUT OUT of the supposed American dream (unless you could entertain them with singing, dancing, or sports) by not giving bank loans at REASONABLE RATES. I could go on and on. The funny thing is, things have improved but don't think for a second that America has paid its debt to African Americans. Not by a long shot. And the sad part about it is, with the attitudes that you read in these comment sections, it never will. "

I think wrote on Oct 17, 2007 6:10 AM:

" that every child who has parents that make less than a certain amount (or doesn't have a large bank account) should have a free college education. However, that child must appreciate the funding by 1. staying out of trouble and 2. studying. They should have to maintain at least a C average. I am sure the next level of society would squawk but maybe if their parents made more but not enough to afford college they could receive discount vouchers but they would still have to maintain standards. "

I agree wrote on Oct 17, 2007 6:06 AM:

" Like everything we only know what we have been told. I was reading where many of the pilgrims worked for 7 years here before they were working for themselves. There are many kinds of slavery. Like you say it happened long before it happened here. And it was commonly accepted. Some political party only chooses to pass on what has the greatest effect for this cause. Like we are the only ones that are the problem. "

To Roscoe wrote on Oct 17, 2007 5:59 AM:

" And your point is? What, worship you? Slavery was wrong, no matter who did it, and a whole heck of a lot of us crackers were responsible for the perpetuation of slavery in the USA. So now what? Get over it, and accept your guilt. "

Big Brother wrote on Oct 16, 2007 7:58 PM:

" There will never be equality until the we erase from every document the question "what race are you". Special compensation and "quotas" for minorities keeps racism alive in th United States . Making the standards easier for blacks to get education grants over any other deserving applicant. Lowering the academic standards to colleges and universities for black applicants. Forcing businesses to hire and promote unqualified applicants in the name of diversity. These are the true catalysts behind racism in the United States. We need more true heroes of equality like Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Bill Cosby, not seekers of inequality like Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, Mychal Bell and the Jena 6. "

ThosSpence wrote on Oct 16, 2007 6:31 PM:

" And of course the even more egregious Yada has to register his own approval of the letter writer's racial hostility and resentment. As is his practice, Yada offers statistics that have no relevance whatsoever to any matter being discussed, ending with a truly stunning bit of propaganda: that the whites who died in the Civil War (surely Yada means those who fought for the Union) did so to emancipate slaves. In fact it was the action of slaves which forced the issue, turning a war for union into a struggle for emancipation. Moreover, the 200,000 black men and freedmen who fought for the union met unrelenting prejudice, discrimination and racial hatred from their supposed "comrades." Most northerners were no less racist than their southern counterparts. Indeed, northerners made it abundantly clear that freedmen were not welcome in the north. The real revisionists here (in the perjorative nut-job sense of the term) are far right extremists like Yada who seek to erase a fundamental feature of America's heritage: white supremacy. "

That Depends wrote on Oct 16, 2007 2:53 PM:

" YadaYada, you ask; "How many people today are there willing to die for members of another race? " Well, that depends on just how Lil Bush misrepresents the truth. Just look at how many appear willing to die for oil. "

Better Blue than Red wrote on Oct 16, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Why doesn't it surprise me to see the usual conservative posters back slapping ol Roscoe here. "

YadaYada wrote on Oct 16, 2007 11:05 AM:

" "Roscoe", well said. I would have preferred that you had added a couple facts: According to the 1860 U.S. census, fewer than 385,000 individuals (i.e. 1.4% of White Americans in the country, or 4.8% of southern whites) owned one or more of four million slaves. 95% of blacks lived in the South, comprising one-third of the population as opposed to 1% of the population of the North. So, 98.5% of White Americans did NOT own slaves. But, in the end, more than 600,000 white men died in the Civil War and the overwhelming majority did not own slaves. How many people today are there willing to die for members of another race? "

to Yes wrote on Oct 16, 2007 9:30 AM:

" Yes, all those cultures were peaceful little happy places until Whitey showed up. Yeah right. The Chinese do a fine job oppressing their population all by themselves. Tibet?? Genocide in Dafur? Whitey isn't doing that one either. Pol Pot, not a white guy, killed millions. Same with Mao. People are violent in general and to try to pin all of the world's injustice on white people is racist and stupid. "

Sorry wrote on Oct 16, 2007 8:48 AM:

" But there is a difference. We founded our country on the principles of freedom, and slavery directly contradicted our purpose. That is why we are so easily attacked. Yes, other countries were brutal and cruel, but other countries were founded on old school thought and tradition. We were a new country offering an open door to the persecuted. We should have known better. To tell you the truth, I think the entire issue has become pretty irrelevant, but it should be clear why America of all places should have acted differently...and ultimately did. "

Yes Deux wrote on Oct 16, 2007 7:25 AM:

" "Ethnocentrism, a hyper-positive fixation upon your own race and creed, is still a form of prejudice and discrimination. " ...and something of which Je$$e Jack$son and Al $harpton are as guilty as anyone. "

Re:yes wrote on Oct 16, 2007 6:44 AM:

" and denying that your race/creed was just as guilty as any other is hypocritical and just plain wrong. Hell go to Asia right now and you see more racist fighting than anything you could think of around here..... "

They wrote on Oct 16, 2007 6:16 AM:

" had a monopoly on the slave trade here in America ! "

Arnold wrote on Oct 16, 2007 6:09 AM:

" Whatchoo talking about Roscoe? "

Wat Tyler wrote on Oct 16, 2007 5:29 AM:

" America fought it's longest war against slavers that captured American shipping and enslaved it's crews. African slavers capured and sold white Americans until we sent the Marines over there and forced them to quit. Over 15 million whites, European and Amercan were sold into African slavery at the same time that black africans were sold into slavery in the Caribbean and, to a lesser extent, Europe. Whites didn't have a monopoly on slavery. "

McLean Democrat wrote on Oct 16, 2007 5:18 AM:

" Stop telling us what to think. That's the job of liberals. "

Yes wrote on Oct 16, 2007 12:39 AM:

" "face it, by today's standards the Europeans of the 14th and 15th centuries were cruel and brutal people" Then face it that they went right on being "cruel and brutal" in the following centuries.Cruel and brutal, abusive and oppressive to Native Americans, Blacks, Chinese and still more. When they could not own slaves, they often opted to just treat people as slave labor, here in America and all over the world. Ethnocentrism, a hyper-positive fixation upon your own race and creed, is still a form of prejudice and discrimination. "

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