We Are All Equal - Article Example

Solution: Understanding; One New Yorker Says Mrs. White came from a French-Russian descent from Minnesota. She is living in New York with her husband, a Canadian-American, for almost 30 years; and the immense population of African Americans in her state made her see some of the distinguishable differences compared to her culture. Although their color did not affect her personal relationships with them, certain disparity when it comes to financial status, health, assistance for older citizen, assisted living, and family support may seem to draw the line between her and other Caucasian neighbors and African American families surrounding them. “We are living in the globalization era and discrimination should be a thing of the past. I think it’s all about attitude when it comes to achieving life’s necessities and some luxury, and should not be cast on the society. It’s largely a personal choice,” says Mrs. White in an interview at her New York household last Tuesday. “However, I cannot disregard society’s role on this,’” she added. Financial Success: For Whites Only? “I was seventeen when I first started working in a convenience store near our house,” Mrs. White said when asked about her first experience about having jobs. It is in the general American culture to work, and ever since the women started to enter the labor force, both women and men are thriving for financial freedom. However, due to discrimination among the African Americans, there were only a few of them who entered into paid jobs (not to mention their position as “slaves” during the slave trade era). Mrs. White added: “They (African American neighbors) work. But I’m not sure if their jobs can compensate them enough. I mean, most of them have three kids or even more.” Recent studies have shown that economic disparity between the White and Black Americans is growing, generally because of discrimination by employers. Whites are more likely to get hired for a job than other Black American applicants. In New York alone, the African Americans are the highest to have unemployment rate compared to other racial groups, and the sad reality is, the gap is accelerating faster. However, contrary to what has been reported, Mrs. White does not think that discrimination is a huge factor. “I disagree that discrimination is the only issue here. My African American neighbors mostly work in a retail company, which has been greatly affected by the recession, and I guess it’s part of how the business works; laying-off when needed.” Mrs. White has seen her neighbors’ efforts to support their family financially and is saddened by the fact that most people do not see this effort. “I don’t believe they’re lazy. I don’t think that a race that has a history of hard labor can be lazy; it’s just that the society has told them so. The problem is, they believe it.” Furthermore, seniority of blacks may be shorter than whites; hence, the more likely is it for them to get retrenched if the business is not going so well. In order to sustain employment in a feisty market competition, it is best to equip oneself with skills and knowledge. “And don’t forget to go to school,” Mrs. White humorously added. “Even whites are not an exemption. Everyone should go to school if they should make their lives easier in the future.” On Health Issues “Oh, I have good friends around my neighborhood, some are Hispanics and Asians, but only a very few of them; most are blacks. And I share some food sometimes, when we’re (Mrs. White’s family) having a special occasion at home.” Diet and lifestyle may have been the best contributors to a person’s health. Mrs. White, who grew up in America, did not lose her French way in eating, and she passed it to her children and even her husband. “It was not hard to influence Jimmy (Mrs. White’s Husband). After all, Montreal was a French colony long time ago.” Mrs. White’s usual menu is French style. “I forgot when exactly was the last time we went to McDonald’s, it’s part of ancient history I guess.” She said jokingly when asked about her family’s food appetite. Mrs. White’s family might be a member of a very few percentage of Americans who dreaded fast foods. Experts have warned people about the hazards of fast foods but due to convenience and affordability, most of Americans still patronize it. “Who cares about cholesterol when you’re hungry and out of budget? And with fast food chains around New York, it decreases the problem’s complexity.” A question made by Mrs. White addressing to the government. “I don’t blame them. My black neighbors are mostly overweight, and I could see that the situation is even worse in other cities in New York. Good food or no food, that’s the decision they have to make, and it’s also true to some percentage of other races.” The Wellness Consumer Health Information of the University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University reported that 78% of the African American population is overweight and obese. The study has stated that there are three main factors of obesity among the blacks. First, they have larger body size; they feel less guilty about overeating and less likely to resort to unhealthy diet practices. “I’m sure they also want to be healthy, who doesnt? But there should be government intervention and of course, lifestyle change through discipline.” Family Values Mrs. White is enjoying her own space in a New York neighborhood. Two of her children are married while the youngest is still pursuing higher education and at the same time working for her expenses, but is not living with her. “She’s out of town for three years now for college. She decided to provide herself with her necessities though her father wants to help her.” Mrs. White, a proud mother, stated. “She’s independent like her siblings. However, I and my husband are alone in this house. Not like my black neighbors. I sometimes envy the kind of bonding they have.” African Americans are known for their strong, extended family ties. They take charge of their elderly, have reunions more frequent than the whites do, and some families live under the same household. “It’s that kind of bonding they have that makes them strong. Although a Caucasian’s house, like mine, is less crowded, an African American home is full of energy with all those kids around. I like it.” Mrs. White has been living only with her husband alone since 2004, and she admits that she misses the days when her children were still young and usually mess up with her living room. “Some may have a negative view on how African Americans are attached with the rest of the family members, but the way I see it, it helps them to balance things psychologically. They don’t feel alone with their family and it helps them a lot to have such kind of support from them.” African Americans gained their rights by the onset of Abolitionism; however, they are still suffering the circumstances brought about by discrimination. “They key is understanding. No race is perfect, even the whites, who assumed that they are dominant above other races have their own set of challenges. My African American neighbors are not all good too, just as my Caucasian neighbors are imperfect. It’s just the way of the world. Remember the Yin-Yang idea? It’s true.” African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are among those races that are thriving to prove themselves every day of their lives just to disprove those who think that they are nothing but a minority. They work 24/7. Meanwhile, Mrs. White is still a busy housewife for Jimmy, and enjoying the rest of her retirement years she worked hard before. Read More