Blacks don't want to serve their country during the Iraq War

[TheNoNamedOne]

Black enlistments are way down since 2003, despite stronger recruitment efforts to target them and other poor socioeconomic communities. They are smart, and their families are urging them to not get involved in this war, which they view as for oil -- not the protect freedom, war against terror, spread democracy, search for WMDs, etc... bull that Bush and Gang has been able to lure an adequate amount of recruits from white America with (although that, too , has seen its drop, but not as precipitously as in black communities).

After the Vietnam War the armed forces used black musicians and singers as ad men to peddle the military as a path to success and movement upward in society. Now, however, black singers respected in the black community are pilloring the war, and that along with family, keeps them away from recruiters and their offices.

Nation (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10040667)
Drop in Black Military Recruits Coincides with War

Morning Edition, May 7, 2007 · All four service branches of the military are reporting dramatically lower rates of enlistment by African-Americans.

Traditionally, a quarter of all new recruits have been black. But since the start of the war in Iraq four years ago, the number of new black recruits has dropped by almost half. Despite an aggressive push by the Pentagon to recruit among black youths, the campaign has faltered.

Who wants to support an illigitimate war? In general we are seeing that the black community sure does not.

Are they right for not wanting to serve in this war? Does it make them less patriotic? Aren't those serving patriots?

[socalheart]

Have there been any studies on what these men are doing instead of joining the military? Perhaps they have jobs nearer their families, are in college or are otherwise detained... Is there a similar study on Hispanic/Mexican/Latino enlistments? What about Asians? This article seems to be written just to stir up "trouble" to me, and not to provoke thought and awareness. There's already a lot of division about the US military.

[Asshat]

Perhaps enough of our society has “turned the page” where one’s ethnic background has less of an impact on the opportunity to pursuit a "better life."

Perhaps this is a natural redistribution which brings the choice of military service more in line with actual demographics.

The acid test would be to study the demographics of ethnic groups in all career fields and see if the downward trend in the military is matched by an upward trend in university attendance, entry-level blue and white collar jobs, and executive positions.

[TheNoNamedOne]

A poll from BlackMilitaryworld.com was recently conducted:

A poll on the Blackmilitaryworld.com website asked visitors if the Iraq War has swayed young blacks away from military careers. Of 113 responders, 73% feel that the war has had a significant role in the black recruitment decline, with another 17% indicating that the war has had an effect but to a lesser extent. The remaining 10% did not see a clear connection.

And here are some of the comments by African Americans on the issue:

“I believe this is true. Patriotism is one thing, risking your life for a very unpopular "war" is another”, says a website responder. “This was last deemed a peace keeping mission a few years ago, when the war was declared "over." I forbid my sons from entering the military.”

And that is what part of the original study has pointed out, that black parents are having a decisive affect with their children in pointing them away from the military as an opportunity for advancement. Combine that with the music that most inner city blacks listen to, then the recruitment possibilities are narrowing substantially.

And note, that with fewer blacks serving during time of war and moving up through the ranks with combat experience, usually a route through quicker promotion, blacks will be under represented in leadership positions of the future military -- which could cause further schisms not only within the military, but also outside of it making even future recruitment even harder:

“Black Americans need to be aware that if they don't get back to enlisting in the military and joining the ROTC programs which lead to commissioning as an officer, there is going to be a noticeable deficit in black leadership in the military in the coming years.”

[Asshat]

The comments above could have (and are) made by every ethnic group out there. In doing a quick Google search (Google makes us all smart) I found refuting statements. In other words, your opening statement could be true- "Blacks don't want to serve their country during the Iraq war-" however neither do Caucasians, Asians, and most of Europe.

However, the last comment concerning Black leaders in the military is (and has been) valid, but the perspective of that comment concerns me. The number of Black officers has always been proportionately less than it’s enlisted. However, this is the military; is there a difference between a Black Private and a White one? Are White Officers going to somehow issue "bad" orders to Black Privates? If those statements are true, and if it is a concern that a lack of Black leaders within the military is cause for alarm given the reasons above, then EEO is sort of a joke, isn't it?

The issue should be one of a lesser amount of minorities being allowed the opportunity to serve as leaders- and that is a social issue, not a military one.

[DoctorP]

I had typed a lengthy reply earlier and then decided against posting it mainly due to wording.

Here goes: (and this is merely my opinion)

All ethnic groups, to include blacks, latinos, asian americans, caucasion, etc... feel pretty much the same way. The military is primarily made up of lower and middle class families. The kids that enlist, no matter what their race, enlist as a means of either gaining education money, gaining a marketable skill, or for the simple reason of having a steady paycheck. You may hear the patriotism talk about sometimes, but the first three reasons I believe are the main reasons.

For 20 years, the military has been a safe place to work. Minor conflicts here and there, but unless you were infantry you were really never in any danger. Truck drivers, cooks, and the other supporting roles that people normally take in order to gain a trade skill, were never really in harm's way. For this reason, joining the military was a good option for everyone...even those who normally wouldn't be considered military material. People would join, serve 4 -8 years, then leave for the civilian sector and live happily ever after with their VA benefits.

That is no longer true. Even supporting staff now go out on patrols, are subjected to convoy attacks and IED's. It is not such a safe job anymore. People are thinking about it much differently now. Wouldn't you?

[TheNoNamedOne]

Even supporting staff now go out on patrols, are subjected to convoy attacks and IED's. It is not such a safe job anymore. People are thinking about it much differently now. Wouldn't you?

Yes, I would, but blacks seem to be thinking about it much harder than whites. Why?

[Honduh]

WTF is up with you and these race related threads?

[atb35]

The whole topic is retarded. Inter-cities, ghettos, and poorer areas are predominantly minority populated. Where does most of the crimes and killings that you see NUMEROUS times throughout the day on the news come from? These areas. So this thread is stating that blacks would rather stay in their home that is riddled with killings on a daily basis, over joining the military with the POSSIBILITY of going to Iraq (good possibility, but not definate). Even if they do go to Iraq, they have training, armor, and much better weapons to defend themselves.

I think more likely, some idiot that wanted to stir up shit gathered BS evidence and wrote a story.

[DougP]

Wow there's actually a site called BlackMilitaryworld.com

[Honduh]

theres a website/tv show/magazine for everything "black"

[atb35]

Just to stir shit, wouldnt it be fun to open a (white/asian/latino)military.com?

[dk]

Just to stir shit, wouldnt it be fun to open a (white/asian/latino)military.com?
I've thought about it from time to time, but it'd be too much drama for me lol. Someone should make a hate site directory with links to every hate site in the world. Call it ihateyoualot.com and give everybody who hates something a reference to find whatever it is that they hate--be it white people or tomatos...

[Honduh]

Just to stir shit, wouldnt it be fun to open a (white/asian/latino)military.com?

then it would become racism. :crying: Maybe when im out of the military...:thumbup:

[TheNoNamedOne]

WTF is up with you and these race related threads?

What do you mean? Are you saying topics on what may be race problems in society should not be fair play for discussion? Taboo?

To answer your question, though, I find racial topics, as well as most other controversial topics, interesting. Any problem with that? Or are you so PC that they should not be discussed?

Are you bothered by them? If so why? If not, then why even bother with the question? In that case it should be irrelevant.

[CGoki]

Damn to all the PC that exists today. What has happened to people? Rhetorical question obviously.

[Honduh]

What do you mean? Are you saying topics on what may be race problems in society should not be fair play for discussion? Taboo?

To answer your question, though, I find racial topics, as well as most other controversial topics, interesting. Any problem with that? Or are you so PC that they should not be discussed?

Are you bothered by them? If so why? If not, then why even bother with the question? In that case it should be irrelevant.


no, no, no...not at all, in fact I enjoy race related threads, its actually kinda funny to me...however it seems you just made alot of them, thats all. :cool:

Myself being politically correct...some things, sure...but for the most part, i'm a dam redneck at heart.

With that, discuss away. I will chime in when/if I feel necessary. :thumbup:

[TheNoNamedOne]

Fair enough, Honduh.

Hope others chime in as well.

[Just VP]

Is popularity the only reason for ones country to be behind a war. I mean Darfur is pretty popular with the Holywood types...If we were fighting there would that get the "popular vote"? You can say what you want...the military is doing good things in Iraq. It's too bad so many people have to be swayed by liberal "progressive" types to see it. I would bet liberal "progressives" would be all for going into Darfur.

[Honduh]

Is popularity the only reason for ones country to be behind a war. I mean Darfur is pretty popular with the Holywood types...If we were fighting there would that get the "popular vote"? You can say what you want...the military is doing good things in Iraq. It's too bad so many people have to be swayed by liberal "progressive" types to see it. I would bet liberal "progressives" would be all for going into Darfur.

:thumbup1:

actually :thumbup:

guyjin, have you been there yet?

[DougP]

I wouldn't say popularity is the reason!
But who honestly wants to DIE for something that is surrounded in so much controversy and doubt!?

I wouldn't say its the country that's surrounded by controversy and doubt. Not every man woman and child that is a US citizen is surrounded in controversy and doubt so therefore I don't think the entire country is either.
So is it still a bad thing for someone willing to die for their country? I mean if that's what they are willing to serve and die for.

[Honduh]

Its the media thats surrounded by controversy and doubt. Bad things sell media. When someone dies, it sells the media's point of view. If they did a night of good things, day in and day out, people who have already formed there opinions would have nothing to look forward to every night.
When General Patarais (sp) comes out here next month for his report, everyone (who has watched the liberal ****** up media) is gonna say "thats not the truth, the truth relies in the people who have died" ...see where that goes.

Guyjin, not to attack you personally, but it seems you haven't been there, and the only thing you have seen is whats on the boob tube. I know you either enlisted, or re-enlisted during this time of war...knowing dam well that the odds are pretty good you will go at some point in time, why? You chose to do it, but you have such negative feelings for it. Im sure you opinions havent formed overnight...You sound like my parents who open up a liberal based news paper, or watch CNN every night at 7:00 to form your opinions on what goes on.

Go speak with some people who have been there. Okinawa is now becomming a rotation place for many who have done some time there...go sit down with them, drink a beer, eat some sushi and get some feelings from those people.

[N3philum]

wtf is wrong with liberals??