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As much as HN's readers need to see articles like this, I don't know if the sophistication levels on this topic are high enough to handle the discussion that's
by bsanr2 7y ago
As much as HN's readers need to see articles like this, I don't know if the sophistication levels on this topic are high enough to handle the discussion that's ensued.
"Or, you know, fathers," is a... disappointing take, to say the least.
- Strang 7y agoWhat did you find disappointing about the comment? Why not reply to it?
- bsanr2 7y agoIt was meant to be exemplary of the tone of the comment section writ large, and not a direct challenge to that particular comment. I'm dismayed that the level of discourse here matches, approximately, those on certain imageboards which shall not be named. That is to say, for their expertise in technical discussions, HN commenters seem to be woefully unprepared for those related to race and society, on a basic data level.
- umvi 7y agoAn equally disappointing take for me is the whole "the system is to blame" angle where nobody is ever responsible for their own actions. i.e. "free will doesn't exist; you would have made the exact same decision had you been subject to the same pressures" Yes, "the system" plays a role, but it's dangerous to make it the sole scapegoat. I like the idea of mentorship because it aims to change individuals, not just blame the system. Black boys could break free from the cycle, if they had the knowledge and know how. And they can get that knowledge and know how by following the examples of mentors who are not trapped.
- burfog 7y agoNote how "the system" includes our choice of how we assign blame! So when "the system is to blame", part of that is the fact that we so often assign blame to "the system" instead of holding individuals responsible. The part of "the system" worth blaming is the part that puts blame on "the system".