So I’m a little suspicious…
JC
I just posted an article that discussed the military and how it is thought of as one of the more open and accepting parts of our society when it comes to interracial unions and race relations. Here’s another piece (this one is an opinion piece) that is basically echoing the same thing. Call me suspicious, but none of this is really news (as some people commented after my original post). So why is the military getting so much attention *now* for being this interracial haven? Are those who are upset by war and certain behaviors of our military men and women supposed to soften at these stories of tolerance and unparalleled acceptance?
Brian Bresnahan, the author of this opinion piece, was a Major in the Marines and is a veteran of “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
While giving a speech at a local college I was asked what things I liked about the Marine Corps. One of my answers was that everyone was equal. Race was not an issue. When you endure all the Marine Corps has to dish out, or when you enter a combat zone, the only thing that matters is the fight, not the color of the man or woman fighting next to you. It doesn’t matter if they’re red, white, black, brown, yellow, green, purple, or plaid. It only matters that they are fighting alongside you.
These articles are just an interesting trend that I am starting to notice. Keep an eye out… 
Ajax wrote:
So true, in the military (or the Air Force at least) we have to look out for each other because no one else is going to do it for us. And being based in so many different countries (Europe, Asia and the Nederland’s to name a few) you would have to expect Interracial relationships, other young Americans just coming in the military who were brought up different see this and say “wow, we can do this here and won’t get killed or discriminated aginst” I’m not saying it’s a perfect place because there are racists still in the military, but I think the number of I.R. far out number the Racist.
Posted 17 Aug 2006 at 10:57 am ¶
brad wrote:
Wasn’t there a story in the NYTIMES.com about the military having a higher precentage of interracial marriages than American society in general?
Posted 18 Aug 2006 at 3:46 pm ¶
Ann wrote:
brad.
“Wasn’t there a story in the NYTIMES.com about the military having a higher percentage of interracial marriages than American society in general?”
Brad.
Any comments or opinion on why you think that is? Just want your take on it.
Thanks.
Posted 18 Aug 2006 at 8:30 pm ¶
mwarren wrote:
True, the military was one of the first institutions that implemented integration laws. I am currently serving as an officer in the United States Army. And while I have enjoyed the fruits of my labor, I will tell you it has not been easy. There is still racism, and depending on the organization will dictate if the racism is overt or not. If you are in a highly competitive job that is normally held by a white male, then the racism is brutal. BUT truthfully- I have experienced much more support from white male high ranking officials much more than my black high ranking officials. MY SUSPICION is that they do not want to appear as giving favoritism to their own race. NOW THAT IS SUCH A PITY, afterall, white officers do not have that thought in their mind at all. They will mentor their own in a hot minute- take them out golfing, play racquet ball, invite them to their home while mentoring all at the same time. The black officers meet with their mentees in private secret places- away from the public. Makes me feel as if we were still in the cotton field.
Posted 21 Aug 2006 at 10:29 am ¶