Posted by TexasChic on January 17, 2006, at 20:36:08
Has it been long enough that that statement isn't lame anymore?
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Mayor Ray Nagin apologized for a... speech in which he predicted that New Orleans would be a "chocolate" city once more and asserted that "God was mad at America.""I said some things that were totally inappropriate. ... It shouldn't have happened," Nagin said, explaining he was caught up in the moment...
During the speech Monday, Nagin, who is black, said that the hurricanes that hit the nation in quick succession were a sign of God's anger toward the United States and toward black communities, too, for their violence and infighting. He also said New Orleans has to be a mostly black city again because "it's the way God wants it to be."
The mayor said his speech was really meant to convey that blacks were a vital part of New Orleans' history and culture and should be encouraged to return. "I want everyone to be welcome in New Orleans — black, white, Asian, everybody," he said.
Nagin said the other main point ... was that when blacks do return, they must work to stamp out the crime and political infighting that have held them back.
-------------------------You know, as a non black person, I understand the need to rally around a specific group that is downtrodden. I've seen it happen with women all the time. But everyone freaks out about race. I think as Americans, its impossible to know who has African blood and who doesn't considering the history of out nation. The biggest bigots probably have a black heritage that they don't even know about.
I can't even comprehend slavery. Its like completely alien to me. We all came from the same place at some point, no matter what your beliefs! We just happen to have enough people in the world now that we can segregate according to skin color and/or race.
Oh well, off the soapbox now. If I offened anybody I am truly sorry, it was not intentional. I know how touchy the subject is, and I by no means think I'm the authority on it. I am only one very ignorant girl just trying to comprehend this world I was born into.
-T
poster:TexasChic
thread:600165
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060115/msgs/600165.html