The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Poor Man's Lotto: Memoirs of a Black firefighter in America
For those of you who believe there is no racism or discrimination in America's Fire departments, think again. Poor Man's Lotto: Memoirs of a Black Firefighter in America brings to light the racial predjudices that are still part of this courageous group of men. Now only if they can find the courage to face their discriminatory practices. As Former Director of Emergency Services and Homeland Security, it disturbs me greatly and deeply that this continues to be a norm in this agency. Hopefully, Poor Man's Lotto will open not only your eyes but also your minds. Personally, I would be scared to go into a hazardous environment knowing how some of you really feel about Blacks!
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Loyd Dittfurth on
-
finally I got it its a funny kind of forum
-
Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on
-
w
Watched this discussion all day and wondered when it was going to finally go funny. Way too serious. However, the usual suspects kept it safe and sane. Good discussion and much said. Another day DNT!!
-
Permalink Reply by Smoke Eater on
-
Ok. I haven't even read any replies to this discussion yet so I may be barking up the wrong tree. I was ok with the discussion at first until the last sentence. Do you know how many firefighter jobs I lost out on because they had to hire a black? Did you know that it is now harder for a white male to get any job because companies have to hire blacks and females and if they don't then the NAACP wants to shut them down? I worked at a large automotive company for nine years and saw just how bad blacks had it. They didn't have to work, they didn't have to be at work on time, hell they didn't even have to come to work if they didn't want to. And when the foreman would try to write them up like they were supposed to, then he was called a racist. I am getting sick and tired of hearing how bad blacks have it! You don't hear mexicans or chinese crying about how bad they have it. I have black friends who hate some blacks because of how they portray thier race. And Kanye West doesn't help a thing. He said President Bush was racist because of how long it took to get help to the people of Lousiana after hurricane Katrina and we all know that was B.S. These people were warned before the hurricane even got there so as far as I'm concerned that was their fault for not leaving. And you wonder why some people feel the way they do about blacks? Open your eyes to everything, not just the past.
-
Permalink Reply by lutan1 on
-
I'm open to just about any and all topics related to emergency management, including racism. In fact, one of the more interesti8ng books I've read was, "Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster" by Michael Eric Dyson. Interesting read.
However Peter, you've actaully gone on the aggressive attack here and have really lost any support and respect I and probably others would've given you.... :-(
-
Permalink Reply by peter w sherrill on
-
I do not need your validation or any one else's validation. Oh it is interesting how I'm the bad guy now in these discussions! Have you read some of the shit that has been said by your fellow fireguys? You don't get it! I have been down this road of racism first hand. And you always try to reverse the process. I am secure in who I am and what I am saying and what I have seen in this industry. I am also secure enough to recognize that overall you guys are great human beings for what you do, however, I am sure enough to know that there are real issues in your industry and individuals who still resent us! To insist that we are chosen only or mostly based upon the fact that you need a black person or women is highly insulting, like you are the only ones capable of meeting the specifications for the job. My question to you and all the others, are where are the black firefighters in this discussion? Are there any black firefighters on FFN?
-
-
Not really Chief! but what homeboy said was funny! A recovering racist! This is a real discussion. i just wish there were some black firefighters involved in this discussion so we can make some real progress in the FD! We have to deal with this if we are going to make the fire industry better!
-
-
Are you really a Captain? Wholly shit!!! You passed the mental evaluation! I guess you would if the person who was doing the evaluation was white. Definitely wouldn't of passed if I was doing the evaluation. It is individuals with your mind set that validates what I said about going into hazradous situations with you guys. That is some scary shit! Iwould have to depend on you. Hell F!@###Kin no! no way on God's earth!
-
Permalink Reply by Doug on
-
"My question to you and all the others, are where are the black firefighters in this discussion? Are there any black firefighters on FFN?"
I don't know. And yes, there are, as well as Hispanic, Russian, Asian, German, Italian, Filipino, Irish, South African, French, Australian, etc., etc. Look around for them, invite them to this discussion.
-
Permalink Reply by capt4021 on
-
One of my mentors was talking to me when i first started in the fire service and he told me that he was reading in the newspaper people are calling the fire service nothing more than a legal public kkk
-
Permalink Reply by Ernest Richardson on
-
To all. I am the author of the book Poor Mans Lotto. Before you indulge in any Conversation about my book, read it.... I truly mean that because I have read some of the posted discussions about what I wrote in my book. What I wrote about actually happened to me. There is racism in everything we do, against all types of people. I wrote this book and I stand behind any and everything thats in my book. I love my job and I dont mind working side by side with the guys on my job. Its not everyone, its a select few guys on both sides that try to keep the BS going.
I will say it again, before you pass judgement on what other people are saying about my book I invite you to purchase the book and read it. I garantee you wont feel the way you may think you will feel after reading it. To all fellow brothers out there, stay safe.......
Ernest Richardson... Author or Poor mans Lotto.....
-
Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on
-
Peter
I have been following this discussion and I am compelled to respond to it. In your last post you wrote:
"I do not need your validation or any one else's validation. Oh it is interesting how I'm the bad guy now in these discussions! Have you read some of the shit that has been said by your fellow fireguys? You don't get it! I have been down this road of racism first hand. And you always try to reverse the process. I am secure in who I am and what I am saying and what I have seen in this industry. I am also secure enough to recognize that overall you guys are great human beings for what you do, however, I am sure enough to know that there are real issues in your industry and individuals who still resent us!"
So, what is it you are looking for? Are you looking for feedback from the book mentioned in your original posting, or pick a fight with anyone who responds? I’m confused.
Others have honestly expressed their opinions on the subject and, rather than try to educate, inform or discuss you have instead chosen to attack them with statements like the following:
3rd post - "How would you feel if you were at Training Academy and you were Black and some white guys decided to make nooses out of their training ropes. I am hoping that gets investigated. You probably don't think anything of it, however, Black people hung from trees while whites watched with their children as some type of recreation. I'm surprised I haven't started cursing yet. Better go before I go off!"
4th post - "You should read the garbage this young man went through after he got appointed by the chief at his station. Pure Racism! I would never go in a fire with you guys! Not after what I have read!"
5th post - "After some of the attitudes iread about, I would be scared as hell. You guys doesn't mean all of you, however, for those of you who have these predisposed feelings about blacks, which i am starting to hear in the responses, oh forgot to mention about my psych and sociology background, I don;t have that much courage or that much trust."
7th post - "Only a white person could rationalize the noose! However, hanging someone for a crime is one thing, hanging a person because you get mad and whoo has no recourse is another. That's scary. Don't know if Iwould want to work with you buddy!"
10th post - "Are you really a Captain? Wholly shit!!! You passed the mental evaluation! I guess you would if the person who was doing the evaluation was white. Definitely wouldn't of passed if I was doing the evaluation. It is individuals with your mind set that validates what I said about going into hazradous situations with you guys. That is some scary shit! Iwould have to depend on you. Hell F!@###Kin no! no way on God's earth!"
To me it appears you have a giant chip on your shoulder. In looking at your profile I see that you have five years in the fire/EMS field – is this active firefighting, or in a supervisory position?
I won’t discuss my position on racism since I really don’t have one. It doesn't matter to me what the color of one's skin is as long as the job gets done. I believe I was raised with the notion that all men are created equal and that is how I live my life.
I will tell you, though that I served with a black man in a volunteer company in the early 1980s. He passed away a year ago this week and I remember him with fondness. He was a good jake.
Rest in peace, Dick Phillips.
-
Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
-
Ernest,
Much of the conversation going on right now doesn't have to do with your book, but instead addressing replies by the OP. I like how you mention that despite what you encountered you still ove the job and don't mind working side by side with the guys on the job. Whereas looking at many comments here, Peter became prejudicial and made prejudicial statements to many of us who commented, going as far as to say who he would and wouldn't work with, based off an internet statement. That is what most of the comments are about here, not the book, but how Peter is portraying himself on these boards.
As I mentioned in my first post, I may get the book because it is good to get another perspective of things and understanding. What author wouldn't want people buying his book though :-)
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
