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<p>Everyone that knows me knows that I am not racist and despise racism but the Army has kicked a hornets nest with the recent publicity on the Black Engineer of the Year Award, or BEYA, conference, held in Washington D.C., Feb. 7-8.
</p><p>We as a profession of arms should not be supporting segregating awards based on race. </p><p>I am aware that this is not an Army award but a civilian award to civilian engineers, but the Army should not be promoting or supporting programs such as these merely because of the image they portray.</p>
</p><p>We as a profession of arms should not be supporting segregating awards based on race. </p><p>I am aware that this is not an Army award but a civilian award to civilian engineers, but the Army should not be promoting or supporting programs such as these merely because of the image they portray.</p>
EO
Awards
Racism
Edited 12 y ago
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 26
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Here's another perspective: it's demeaning. <div><br></div><div>Saying I'm the Best Minority Officer implies that I wouldn't stack up against the whole field if compared to everyone. I don't want that award. </div>
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1SG(P) (Join to see)
I think such an award is appropriate. But only if folks who newly realize they're black are eligible as well. (I'm trying to add some levity)
http://vimeo.com/68856094
http://vimeo.com/68856094
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SFC (Join to see)
Update: The conference call went very well, he was very receptive to what was being said. I think the take home point was that the publicity of the event was done all wrong because of how it was received by the general public. According to our conversation there was a Caucasian person that received an award which completely baffled me.
All in all I think the conversation went very well and he understood my point that had it merely been the Engineer of the Year award it probably wouldn't have caused such a firestorm.
I am supposed to be getting a call back once he takes our talking points to the boss.
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SGT William Howell
CPT (Join to see) CPT, based off your answer I would have a sneaking suspension that you would stack up well against ANY of your peers.
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Here's my thing.... If this were to be a WEYA (White Engineer of the Year Award), what would be the response?? I'm sure that the winners are deserving, but that is not the point at hand, is it? But, if this were WEYA instead of BEYA I'm sure the NAACP, ACLU, NNC, NUL, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and any other black rights organizations would be having a heyday... not to mention the media. Equality should be equal... on all fronts, regardless of race, creed, beliefs, etc. Racism will continue until we stop highlighting race in acheivements.
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SFC (Join to see)
I agree with the CPT, by placing a race requirement on the award relegates it, as if the awardee wouldn't measure up unless compared to those of the same race. It is demeaning.
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SFC (Join to see)
SSG Graves, you should learn the difference between being a racist and having prejudice. Being a racist means my race is superior to yours and it involves hate. Everyone is not a racist but everyone has prejudices.
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Agreed completely. It's hypocritical to proclaim "equality! equality!" and then turn around and make race a prerequisite to an award. The only way to get rid of racism is to stop acknowledging race, period. No more white, black, brown ,red, or whatever color you'd like. Just HUMAN. Once we stop categorizing ourselves, the battle is half won.
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Just more proof that there will never truly be "equal rights". As long as one uses their race as an advantage, the others will always try to achieve that same advantage to become equal again. Once both are equal another advantage will be sought to make the first stand out again. It is a repeating cycle, and it is annoying and I am tired of hearing it, seeing it, watching it... smh if only everyone would just work for what they wanted instead of trying to get it handed to them for free.<br>
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While I am proud of whoever won, I'm in the same boat. I hate to admit that there is still so much division. Almost every unit I've been in was divided by cliques, based on origin. There may be that one token SM that would hang out with a group of others, but that was usually about it. Granted, they often seemed to work well together. It was always evident which group was in charge, which was usually based off of the color of the 1SG (that I've seen, I'm sure its not always the case). There are also the gender divides as well. I am happy to say I haven't seen THAT MUCH racism, but it still exists. I would almost venture to say that it is often the minorities I see doing the discriminating. It could very well just be my field, as I've noticed various differences amongst them.
However, I feel that any group that feels the need to distinguish themselves from the others, based on race, is wrong. As long as this is allowed to happen, there will always be separation, whether intended or not.
caveat: My statements are based on what I've seen and experienced. I realize each of our experiences are different. I do not mean to disrespect anyone. This is purely my observations. Each place will have its own vibes and chemistry. I also realize, being combat support, that combat units may have more cohesion, and thus less of a divide.
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Well first off congratulations to the SM who won the BEYA I'm sure they earned it and it's a great accomplishment. But this seems kind of a backward step the Army is taking bordering on the old format of segregation in the Armed Forces of old. Now if I'm mistaken please set me straight on the subject I would appreciate the knowledge.
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SFC (Join to see)
It was not for military members, it is a civilian award. I did not clarify that fact in my original post, I like many others assumed everyone has heard of it. I have edited my post.
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SGT (Join to see)
SGT McMullan,
I agree, it's a great accomplishment. BG C. David Turner and SFC Milvia Mae Kendrick were the honorees during the BEYA Stars and Stripes recognition dinner. The NCO's award was presented by SMA Raymond F. Chandler III.
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell served as the keynote speaker and presenter for two awards at this year's 9th Annual Stars and Stripes recognition dinner, Feb. 7, 2014, in Washin...
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SSG (Join to see)
SPC Thundercloud,
Thank you very must for the post and the information much appreciated.
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I have a few friends still serving that are black and their sentiment is this is an insult. We've been told since OSUT "you are not black/white/yellow/brown - you are GREEN." Ok so what you are telling me is that now, 23 years down the road we are NOT all green? Come on, give me a break. Stop the social experimentation in the Army - it's disgraceful and demeans every Soldier regardless of race. As to awards - race based? No... Rank based - you betcha....
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SGT Randy Kuhlman
Excellent point, Chief! This only lowers the effectiveness of the Army, as Soldiers are very likely to further segregate themselves and create sub-cultures of mistrust and anger.
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Where is the Latino Something of the Year Award? or the Asian Whatever of the Year? what a stupid idea, to put a race in front of the award, instead of saying in big letters the Engineer of the Year is so and so
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As my DI said, "You're not black or white or yellow. You're all green now!!
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