Comments on: Why so few Black men are working

By: Robin

Robin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:09:17 +0000

Try as you may, there is no satisfactory explanation for copping an attitude during a job interview.
http://www.bart.gov/about/business/ocr/OCR_nonDis…

By: Selina

Selina — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:03:25 +0000

My mom is a contractor, she's educated and doesn't have a criminal record. As a contractor she has to bid for various contract position and it's very difficult to bid for contracting job when most companies become familiar with contractors that they have been working with in the past and don't wont to give new contractors an opportunity.

Here in Cleveland, OH when a contractor bids for contract position and if that contractor doen't have enough to meet the required amount for bidding they can't contract w/that company.

And two there's other minorities competiting for the same contract work and work is becoming scarce so it's not always of an accusation and a "pitty me" reason why Blacks ( especially Blk men ) are not being able to find work.

By: Swaine Thompson

Swaine Thompson — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:53:17 +0000

As you may have some valid points for "some" – you yourself – fail to accept that – there may be reasons for these issues other than personal responsibility…..which for people like yourself – is always the quickest and easiest answer for this problem. I mean why burden yourself with the replicative and historical effects of institutional discrimination across the country. Why are they illiterate? I guess it has nothing to do with overcrowded schools, lack of opportunities for their parents, which may play a role in their poor attitude. Now, of course one should never posses an attitude …..just pull yourself up…..forget everything you see and hear that directly affects you and your family………and the fact that you are black……….and play by the rules. Stay out of trouble………smile and accept all the BS that comes with discrimination – and maybe, just maybe………you too can get on those fabulous jobs at the Oakland Stockyard. If you cant……..then its your fault.

By: J. Considine

J. Considine — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:53:08 +0000

It's always the fault of someone else. It's always evil outsiders. Guess what? Oakland applicants for these jobs are passed over because a) they are illiterate, b) have no consistent job history, c) have a significant felony record, or d) they actually bring an attitude to the job interview! I worked for years in human relations departments for shipyard, and construction companies in, and around Oakland. It's long, long past the time for Oakland to blame everyone, and everything but their own failures.