Offended officers leave multicultural training session [Archive]

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**DONOTDELETE**

09-23-2002, 06:54 AM

Associated Press

September 20 2002

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Five white city police officers walked out of a recent multicultural training session, saying the black instructor was biased against the United States, authority figures and white people.

The Aug. 28 session, designed to increase sensitivity between officers and the largely minority population they serve, was temporarily suspended because of the complaints, The Hartford Courant reported.

"I'm a Gulf War vet, and I shouldn't have to sit and listen to someone bad-mouth my country," said Officer Darren Besse, one of the officers who walked out of the class after it deteriorated into a shouting match between the instructor and the officers.

Besse said he and the four other officers were not opposed to the eight-hour training session. But he said the instructor, Margaret Steinegger-Keyser of the Center for Conflict Transformation in Hartford, took her mission too far.

Steinegger-Keyser, a native of South Africa who moved to the United States four years ago, told the gathering of officers that her country has become more of a true democracy, Besse and other officers who attended the session told the newspaper.

The officers said Steinegger-Keyser went on to say South Africa was less oppressive of minorities than the United States in the 10 years since apartheid and white minority rule were overthrown.

"She made it really clear that she thought our country was racist and that police in general contributed to the problems in our country," Besse said. "She's saying all this a few days before the Sept. 11 anniversary. It just didn't sit right with us."

Read the rest here. (http://www.ctnow.com/templates/misc/printstory.jsp?slug=hc%2D20012724%2Eapds%2Em0004%2 Ebc%2Dct%2D%2Doffisep20)

n_carolyne

09-23-2002, 07:51 AM

As a former state employee in the Criminal Justice system and a current county employee, I have sat through plenty of training classes called "Cultural Diversity" and "Mulitcultural Sensitivity", and they are such a crock, for lack of a better term.

Most of the class time was spent with different minorities complaining of the treatment their race has received through the years and whites too afraid to comment, even when called upon, for fear of being labeled a racist.

I actually had one class where the instructor stated that anyone who was offended at any comments made by another student was to raise their hand and say "Ouch," at which time to offending student should immediately stop talking.

These classes don't benefit anyone, as most white employees resent the fact that they are forced to go through the class, and most minorities resent the white employees for being that way. It causes a vicious cycle that keeps racial strife alive and well within the workplace.

Daskid

09-23-2002, 08:03 AM

These classes don't benefit anyone, as most white employees resent the fact that they are forced to go through the class, and most minorities resent the white employees for being that way. It causes a vicious cycle that keeps racial strife alive and well within the workplace.

Could be that's the point. images/icons/cool.gif

**DONOTDELETE**

09-23-2002, 11:12 AM

Well, these white cops should know better than to try to stand up and voice their opinion. Following your conscience these days equates to being a trouble maker, and everyone will get the lynching rope PDQ; eventhose you would think you can trust.

There is no room for courage and honesty or honor in our wonderful new secular American utopia.

Here we are all potential criminals with something to hide, and that is by design so we will be sure to behave.

**DONOTDELETE**

09-23-2002, 11:58 AM

I am rather surprised that the officers walked out of the training session. Most officers in this neck of the woods have been beaten down enough to know they are not ALLOWED to have an opinion only what the politically acceptable responses should be. Good for them.

This is a county where within the last year 3 jury verdicts were overthrown because the big bad prosecutors made the TERRIBLE mistake of making disparaging remarks about the accused! Perhaps the rest of the county and state will wake up and take the lead of these police officers. Somehow I doubt it though.

I really have to laugh that this person from South Africa can come to the United States and preach anything about peace keeping and law enforcement. I suggest she go back to her own country and clean up the mess there before we can "learn" anything from her.
images/icons/rolleyes.gif

**DONOTDELETE**

09-23-2002, 11:07 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Daskid:

Could be that's the point. images/icons/cool.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My thoughts EXACTLY... it's like having a renewable resource!

pja

09-24-2002, 12:25 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Besse and other officers said Steinegger-Keyser became combative when they challenged her assertions about South Africa and the United States, especially when one officer questioned her about persistent violence and unrest in her country caused by blacks. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The truth hurts. I suggest that the instructor try taking an anger management class.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Steinegger-Keyser, a native of South Africa who moved to the United States four years ago, told the gathering of officers that her country has become more of a true democracy...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The funny thing about South Africa is that when the full and open elections were held they had a 99% voter turnout. People stood in line for literaly days just to cast their vote. However, if you look up voter turnout records for recent elections their voter turnout runs less than 50% frequently. When the voter turnout runs less than 50% the concept of "democracy" is failing as well as the concept of "representative republic". You can't have honest "democracy" or honest "representative republican government" when you consistantly have less than 50% of the voter population participating. So the babe's glorification of South African "democracy" is total javelina poo.

I cheer these cops for their unwillingness to consume a lie.

Pat (aka pja)

DesertFox

09-30-2002, 11:25 PM

After five years in Phoenix I have yet to encounter one of these things. I will NOT keep MY mouth shut if the time ever comes.

**DONOTDELETE**

11-13-2002, 03:54 PM

...hmmm......but the United States is a racist country, not just individual racism but systematic racism...I do not of course know anything about the specific officers that walked out of this training program. But there is without a doubt a problem in the police force with racism especially with racial profiling, and there have been numerous incidents were white police officers have used way too much violence against minorites...

...those police officers should step out of their bubble that there is nothing wrong with Amerikkka...

...there are tons of problems and a lot of them are related to race and power relations...the people in power are mostly white males and they intend to stay there......

Radical-Conservative

11-13-2002, 05:41 PM

...hmmm......but the United States is a racist country, not just individual racism but systematic racism ya think so?

well then please GET THE HELL OUT OF MY COUNTRY! thank you images/icons/smile.gif

**DONOTDELETE**

11-13-2002, 05:48 PM

great answer! you deal with criticism in a great way! How old are you?

Large_Al

11-13-2002, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by Che:
...hmmm......but the United States is a racist country, not just individual racism but systematic racism...I do not of course know anything about the specific officers that walked out of this training program. But there is without a doubt a problem in the police force with racism especially with racial profiling, and there have been numerous incidents were white police officers have used way too much violence against minorites...

...those police officers should step out of their bubble that there is nothing wrong with Amerikkka...

...there are tons of problems and a lot of them are related to race and power relations...the people in power are mostly white males and they intend to stay there......You really have a lot of hate and rage in your posts. It's a shame to be so misguided and think that you really make sense.

So basically you hate all white men. I'm white and you hate me. Don't worry I'm not offended. I face this kind of racism all the time.

Someday Che when you can afford it or get somebody else to pay your way you may want to get into counseling. Then you may find a different outlook on life and your fellow man.

Timberwolf

11-14-2002, 11:45 AM

Al, you can stop wasting your breath on the likes of Che. S/He/It (that's pronounced "shee-it" images/icons/grin.gif ) cannot see reality through the taint of S/He/Its' reality.

Che, if you REALLY wanna see racism, visit the interior of Africa, the haven of China (or any of the East Asian countries), or damned near any country in the Middle East. Here in the States, our disdain is not for people of color/ethnicity, but of those that refuse to get of their ****ing dead ass and go get a job. I say, "scroom". I am sick of supporting them b/c they are too lazy to work.

If that makes me a racist or a bigot, fine...I'll proudly wear either/both of those titles until the day I die. At least I'm not a clueless idiot, like you. It is actually kinda funny b/c YOUR post denigrating Americans and whites in general makes YOU a racist.

TheRealLobo

11-14-2002, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by Che:
great answer! you deal with criticism in a great way! How old are you?That wasn't criticism Che. That was bigotry about RC's country, that he loves. He decided that apparently you don not love the country, and invited you to depart.

I make the same offer. Move your ass on out. Amazing that the people that find it intolerable in their countries come to America, and then bitch about how intolerant it is.

**DONOTDELETE**

11-14-2002, 03:29 PM

America does have racists living in it. So does every other country in the world. Some people will just not change and people's perceptions are the way they are.

I don't disagree with multi-cultural training. I've done it, I've seen other areas of this world and I appreciate the differences in the world. However, truth be known that as much as I want to deny it, racism is a part of my life.

I'm white, middle class and live in a major city center. I can honestly say that despite how much I try and treat everyone the same, for some reason it is very easy to classify people based on their ethnicity, gender or financial position.

These officers walking out I think was a fine thing. They should love their country and not have to listen someone belittle it. However, they should recognize that racism does exist and to ignore it is wrong.

**DONOTDELETE**

11-14-2002, 05:14 PM

Che

THERE ARE SEVERAL OF US HERE FAR EXCEEDING YOUR FIFTEEN YEARS PINWHEEL LEFTIST CLOWN BOY~!

IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO RELIEVE YOURSELF IT IS NOT WISE TO DO SO ---NEAR OUR FLAG~!!!!!

DONT LIKE IT ,..SUE MUE~!!!PUKESTER

http://people.delphiforums.com/artcruncher/REPEROMATIONH2.gif

TheRealLobo

11-15-2002, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by Reffric:
America does have racists living in it. So does every other country in the world. Some people will just not change and people's perceptions are the way they are.True. Good point.

I don't disagree with multi-cultural training. And this goes against what you said above.

Why should "diversity training" and "multi-cultural education" be MANDATORY?

I know the answer to this question, but I'll wait for you to see if you seriously want to discuss it or not before I give it.

These officers walking out I think was a fine thing. They should love their country and not have to listen someone belittle it. However, they should recognize that racism does exist and to ignore it is wrong.You're right and wrong here. I don't think the cops ignored it...I think they recognized it, and didn't want to listen to it anymore. I too have been to such training, and it is generally teaches acceptance of everyone...except for the 'opressors'.

**DONOTDELETE**

11-15-2002, 10:24 AM

Large Al said: "So basically you hate all white men. I'm white and you hate me. Don't worry I'm not offended. I face this kind of racism all the time."

Che is very much a white male, he just realizes that we live in a society with a lot of racism and if you are white you have privileges just because you are white...

Che do not hate white males, he does not hate anyone...