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Radio Hosts Call For Anti-racism ‘Blackout’
October 31st, 2007They say that Black folks can show their power by refusing to buy anything on Friday
Could African Americans put a dent in racism by agreeing not to spend a single nickel on the same day of the week? A group of Black radio talk-show hosts believe that Black folks – with an estimated purchasing power near $1 trillion – could force the U.S. government
to take a more aggressive stand against the seeming deluge of racial injustices, from the flurry of nooses and hurry to jail Black youths, to racial profiling and predatory mortgage lenders. Raleigh, N.C., Attorney and radio show host Warren Ballentine says that if African Americans keep their money in their pockets on Friday, they will send a clear message that the Black community is nothing to mess with. He says he got the idea after joining numerous protest marches this year. “After Jena, [the Louisiana march that drew tens of thousands of people] I decided there’s so many things going on in this country as far as [injustices within] the justice system,” Ballentine, who calls himself “The People’s Attorney,” told The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Among other radio personalities who have joined his crusade are Michael Baisden and the Rev. Al Sharpton. “I’m a lawyer and I’m seeing a lot of people across the board suffer from the mortgage crisis,” he said. “I’m asking all Americans to participate, not just blacks. I’m asking people — if you can — don’t spend any money.” With more than 36 million Blacks in the United States, Ballentine says an anti-racism economic boycott can be powerful. “It’s showing togetherness and unity, and it’s one thing we haven’t shown the federal government in a long time,” Ballentine said. “I know this is working because I’m getting death threats and advertisers are starting to worry that they’re going to lose money on this day.” Do you think this is a good idea? Will you participate in the economic boycott on Nov. 2?
f**k you f**k them and f**k everyone
Aint this just like Black folk, posting a good idea like this one day before its supposed to go down? Im wit it and i hope we all find out about it, late as usual
I am a White American woman. I have been sitting here at my computer for quite a while now, just skimming through the debates between “Eveningstar” and “Lee.” I am DISGUSTED. by both of you really, but mostly you, Eveningstar.
I’ll start off by saying that I think the impact you’re supporting with this, “Blackout” as you call it, is a great idea and is exactly the kind of innovation that this country needs. However, I do agree with Lee when she said that a single, solitary day of NOT spending money shouldn’t really wound the economy that much. Instead, a longer period of boycotting OR buying African American merchandise only might cause more damage to society. [and yes, it does seem that you are attempting to cause damage to society.]
Secondly, I have never been able to stand the thought of “one-sided racism” The idea that only whites, or “palefaces” as you call us, can be racist. This concept must have been created based off of the impression that blacks are 1] immortal and 2] superior – neither of which are true. Eveningstar, you are being flat out racist. It’s distasteful and hurtful and you are making me feel like less of a human being. When you say “mah brotha’s and sista’s” I believe you are forgetting that I, too, am you’re sister. We may have the same skin tone, but I still have love for every human being on this earth, and that includes you. For you to think otherwise is the sin. To assume that white people are automatically passing judgement on you simply because of your race is ignorant. Please, realize that there is so much more to a person than their “blackface” or “paleface.” Please, realize that we’re not all out to get you, and some of us, like Lee and myself, support the movement that you are trying to launch.
Lastly, I take GREAT offense to your statements regarding Bi-polar disorder. The fact that you are going for your doctorate at this time is not something to be proud of in your case because I’m not sure what kind of educated human being would go against the SCIENTIFIC FACTS presented by doctors and scientists across the globe. Thousands of studies have been monitered for years and to challenge the ligitamacy of these efforts is a crime. I myself have been diagnosed with this disorder, and have been medicated by some of the best physcatrists and physicains that I have ever known. Without this medication, I am severely unstable and quite honestly, would probably be in my grave by now. This, however, is none of your business.
The point is, you have NO right to determine the signifigance of any medical terminology. You have NO right to oppress people because of their race, religion, medical conditions, or otherwise. And you have NO right to think, for one solitary second, that you are better than anyone else that GOD has put on this earth.
Thank you for your time,
“Paleface”
No I will not participate, I have things to do.
To :i guess i’m just a paleface:
When you come from the part of the south that
Eveningstar resides in, then you would know
where he’s comming from.He’s in the heart of the
dixie full of KKK,no he should not remain dosel
he should tell it like it is .He did’nt create
the mistrust ,mistrust was create on him. I
applaud my brother for not being a punk and will
not bow down to foolishness.No he’s not bitter
he’s seem very happy and proud,but he have compassion for his people and the injustise
that is made on our community……….
With repect I thank you for yout time
A friend of Eveningstar: Bro Jay
here is a very interesting idea…
what would happen if ‘white-owned’ or ‘white-controlled’ businesses & service providers…
refused to sell to goods, products & services…
to usa blacks for the next 30 days?
see ana rand’s “atlas shugged” for the possible outcomes…
ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!
Typo
I am down with the boycott
Let’s do it IT’s a start at a much needed change. Because that one day will hurt stores everywhere. It made a difference in the 50’s and 60’s. SO it definitely will make a difference now.
we as black people will not stand together on much of anything, and 2morrow will prove to be the same disapointment…u may get mad,but the truth is the truth,and if im way off base,please my beautiful black people prove me wrong…
Very good idea we need too show strenght because racism is at it,s all time high.White American has and attack on our youth.Plus we need too take more control is the worst judical system in the world.We are under attack we need not too ignore this.All over the world Japan,Germany,Korea,China kids are saggin none of these people are called Niggas only in Americacan this be done .Worry about the Soldiers and the body bags for a senszeless war . Worry About That Mr. Dallas Mayor.
I will participate.
I think that the boycott is a good start, but like many have said, one day isn’t going to do anything to the economy. Now if this was for a week, then it would hurt the economy. BIGTIME! I believe many people did the samething with the oil/gas industry because of high gas prices. sure, there was a gas out, but the people who didn’t get gas on the day of the gas out, surely filled up on the next day. So we’re back to square one.
And “paleface”, go cry me a river. Most blacks deal with racism on a daily bases. If there was ever a race of people who acted superior, it is whites. I myself, have an EEOC case right now against my employer of 14 and a half years.
As for Lee, I disagree with some of what she said, but she was dead on about blacks need to boycott bad behavior in the black community. Having babies you can’t afford, black on black crime and so on.
I plan to participate!
I’m so glad this day is here! My family and friends are particapating with the black out! We are greatful for Warren,Rev.Al Sharpton,and Mike.All people of color should all Pray for a better America!!!!!!!
Okay, i juswant to say that this “blackout” idea is DUMB. I mean really, do you think that not buying anything is going to have a HUGE effect on the economy? Well let me help you out. Ummmm NO it will not. So all you are really doing is saying “I am ignorannt and because I have nothing better to do with my time, I am goin gto sit at home and not buy anything.” Yup thats really teachin people something. How about you think about the Black people who own businesses. Did you ever think that you will be hurting them. Then what, are you going to blame that on white people too. Say they made you have a blackout day. You need to grow up and get passed this racist s**t. Yes it is bad. No it is not fair, but it happenes to everyone. Mexicans, middle eastern people, asians. Do you see them boycotting. NO you don’t and you won’t. It is really stupid and I think all of you who are ignorrant enough to do this need to get educated and find better ways to go about a movement instead of one that will hurt yourselves.
Lawrence, you sound like a redneck, so I’m sure you will probably be full of beer and boning your mother and sister, so it really doesn’t matter what you think.
I would just like to say I agree with somethings Lee is saying and also eveningstar. This is a start but we need to continue this thing for a longer time. A lot of people I tell about it have no clue what Im talking about. I would also like to apologize on behalf of all african americans to any white people who are reading this. I know all white people are not against us and I know their are some who will be taking part in this effort in support of us. I just hope eveningstar can realize that she is no better than the so called “paleface” with the comments she is making.I leave you with these great words from the good book:
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one to another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my desciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:34,35
Yes lets do this my whole day will be blacked out
I FEEL THIS IS A REAL GOOD IDEA BUT I THINK WHOEVER POSTED THIS MOVEMENT SHOULD HAVE PREPARED US FOR THIS THROUGH T.V. AND RADIO NOT JUST THE INTERNET. I STAND BY THIS IDEA ALL THE WAY BECAUSE IM TIRED OF THE WAY THIS COUNTRY TREATS US ITS NOT RIGHT WE DO NEED TO DO SOMETHING TO CHANGE THE WAY THIS SYSTEM IS TRYING TO BRING DOWN OUR CULTURE.