Disclaimer: This is not meant to be a political discussion about the protests and the role of law enforcement, political parties and government agencies. If you don't want to contribute to a positive discussion, please scroll on by.

I'm sure all of us in our little Porsche community have been sickened by the recent images of violence against members of the Black community. While like many of you, I do acknowledged that my success in life and the rewards it has afforded me, like being able to own a completely extravagant indulgence like a Porsche, has been the rewards for a lifetime of hard work and perseverance. But I am also aware of how much luck, circumstances and opportunities bestowed upon me by favorable forces beyond my control, have helped as well.
I feel incredibly lucky, grateful and privileged that I never had to encounter the systemic lifelong discrimination that some of my friends, family members and colleagues have had to deal with simply because of the colour of their skin. And it breaks my heart to see and hear their stories now - stories that they've always spoken of in the past but that I didn't know how to listen, really listen to before.
I don't profess to have all or any of the answers or even the right way to go about helping to bring about long overdue changes, but I want to start somewhere - I want to keep the conversation going, however uncomfortable it may make us feel at times.
So in that spirit, I would like to start this thread where we can post links, businesses, individuals we wish to highlight or want to help.

So let me go first:

David Patterson Go Fund Me

David is one of my daughter's best friends. He is a talented young Black artist who has been trying to move to Germany to continue his studies and his career. He's also a resourceful entrepreneur who started a pest control business and also does web and graphic design all in the pursuit of getting the money together to pursue that dream. I thought of him first for my thread because he's also a Porsche nut; spending hours chatting with me about the cars and would have been my first choice of navigator last Sunday for the drive if COVID-19 social distancing protocols weren't a thing anymore.

Please continue to add to this thread and let's see if we can start to move the needle a bit.

 

Given the pandemic (and really any situation for that matter), my support is going to continue to go to those most in need regardless of race.

 

^^^ well, this pandemic has disproportionately impacted the black community, so we'll take your comment at face value, and thank you for supporting the black community in this time.

I suggest anyone with Instagram follow "CampaignZero", and if you feel like it, contribute to their cause.

 

Whatever you'd like to think but I assure you the people I have helped are not all black (or white for that matter).

Racism continues to exist because people feel the need to constantly label those they deem are minorities rather than just taking a holistic view of those who need help in their communities regardless of race, gender, age, religion, or any other number of attributes. Treat everyone equally, it's pretty simple.

 

Well said.

 

You're racist for calling them the b word. They're called African-Canadians or Jamaican-Canadians sir.

 

I get what you're trying to say, but the issue is that black people are not getting treated equally. Whether that be the laws, the courts, the police, etc, there are issues ingrained in law/policy/people that contribute to the problem. I wish we could snap our fingers and say "Treat everyone equally" and it would be done, but it is not that simple. If it was, black people wouldn't be getting killed for going on a jog or using a phony cheque.

Either way, this isn't what the intent of the thread was.

 

Supporting their businesses aren't going to fix those problems and as stated, there are a lot of people in need right now regardless of race that I feel compelled to help. If you started this thread saying these local and personally known businesses need your support so that entire families can keep a roof over their head, then I'd be 100% on board.

Also, it is that simple. YOU can treat everyone equally starting this very moment. If there's one thing we can truly control, it is our own actions and if nothing else, that is the best place to start. I know this mindset is difficult for people to understand, but being inherently good in our actions and beliefs will actually change things and inspire others (which I'm hoping I can do to those who read this to open their mind) to do the same.

Cheers!

 

Seriously? So every person of colour is of African or Jamaican descent according to you? How tone deaf and absent from the conversation are you? Do your research before you post such nonsense:

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/african-american-or-black-which-term-should-you-use/89-0364644d-3896-4e8b-91b1-7c28c039353f

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:African_American

 

well Phil , that didnt last long ... lol ,

 

 

Actually, the pandemic disproportionately impacted the Chinese community. One thing I have noticed though. The tragic events of George Floyd's death shifted a lot of narrative and hatred from the Chinese community to the authorities.

On another note, racism affects all races, even whites when not in predominantly white neighborhoods.
But whites can be of many races, cultures and religions vs visible minorities. Whites rarely if ever are on the receiving end of racial slurs and if/when they do, it's not to the level that visibles get.
I have friends of many cultures and races. I don't see them as a black man, an Asian man or a white man. I just see a man. If we can all just be nice and help each other, we'd all be in a better place. Let's just support local business regardless of race or culture.

 

OK I can't resist. This is a generous gesture but the colour issue is a red herring. A wise economist once advised high school commencement grads to forget about pursuing a liberal arts or creative education unless they have a large trust fund. Those without one should focus on a professional degree or trade if they want to make a decent living.

Wanting to pursue a musical career, my mum wisely advised "We want you to be happy dear but you have to be satisfied to be poor." Took me 30 seconds to apply for business school. One of my best friends spent $50K US going to art school in San Fran. At 69 he works for near minimum wage on the San Fran ferries.

Think this young 'un could use some good career counselling.

 

I was an art major and soon decided I didn't want to be a "starving artist".

 

Since the train has left the rails. Actually I think BLM is raciest. ALM. I agree blacks or any race can be racist and within races often they discriminate against the female gender. Here in Canada we don't have the same issues as USA, yet they are saying that we are just like them. When it comes to policing, white privilege is not like USA at all. It is more based on where your located and how you carry your selves. If your acting like a disrespectful creep no mater your race don't expect to be treated then same as a respectful law abiding citizen. Don't believe me, take a look at Oshawa courts and you would see the type.
In Canada we have other problem. White privilege is really French speaking privilege and I won't use the term black privilege but instead visible minority and female privilege which is prevalent. I really don't care what your race is , gender, region or even your sexuality is. I treat everyone the same and if your a good person that will be the reason why I would actually like you not because of anything else.