|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
eHam.net Survey
|
Survey Question
|
|
Have you experienced or witnessed any form of Racism ralated to the Amateur Radio hobby, either on the air, or off the air, at related events, such as radio rallies?
Posted: Mar 04, 2002
(2043 votes, 51 comments)
by M1GGG
|
|
Survey Results
|
|
No - I have not encountered racism
|
64% (1315)
|
|
Yes - I was on the receiving end of racism (off air, at radio events)
|
1% (21)
|
|
Yes - I have witnessed racism (off air, at radio events)
|
3% (63)
|
|
Yes - I have been subjected to racism (on the air)
|
2% (50)
|
|
Yes - I have heard racism (on the air)
|
29% (594)
|
|
|
|
Survey Comments
|
|
Radio Racism
|
|
Frankly, although I've never personally heard racism, there is a form of elitism that is in play all over. Older hams vs. younger, Extra vs. Tech, Code v. No Code. You'd be amazed at how many people are shocked when they discover I'm a ham. Imagine...a woman learning all of those "techical things" I've learned to ignore it. Having said that, anyone who knowingly practices racism in life or on the air should know better. Racism is anathema to the idea that all people of all races of all countries have a free place to talk to anyone they wish. That's why we were allocated space in which to speak. Several people have mentioned 75 phone. Maybe if so many people would stop stopping in to "listen", and there were no audience to be "entertained" those regulars wouldn't have anyone to talk to but themselves. They'd find out pretty quickly it's not too much fun to talk to themselves.
Posted by
KF4FCK
on October 30, 2002
|
|
If you look for Racism, you will find it. But we have to move on.
|
|
Unfortunately, anytime you have a cross section of the population, you will have a cross section of the good and the bad. There are some people who do not care about Racism per se. All these people want to do is stirr up trouble. Sure, I have heard some choice words on Ham Radio, but they are no worse than I hear on AM broadcast bands. What can we do about it? As far as I am concerned, I just tune the dial.
Posted by
CRUCIBLE
on April 11, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
|
Have never experienced it first hand, nor do I recall hearing racist remarks on the air. Still, I know it exists, as we are a part of society, and society has that problem. What I do recall is last fall, I think, or perhaps summer, some group petitioning the FCC - or at least planning to - to grant test-free amateur licenses to minorities, such as gays and Blacks, because they don't have the same opportunities the non-minorities do. It was reported on one of the Ham News broadcasts. That is about the closest I've seen to it in a number of years.
Posted by
W5HTW
on April 9, 2002
|
|
1% of hams been target!
|
|
Did any of you "thought police" bother to look at the survey results before making your knee jerk response??? ONLY 1% OF HAMS REPORTED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ON THE RECEIVING END OF WHAT THEY FELT WAS A RACIST COMMENT. So, for that 1% you thought police want to impose your values on the 99%. What is wrong with this picture?
Posted by
WB9WHE
on March 14, 2002
|
|
Thought police
|
|
There is nothing more frightening than the concept of the "thought police". Well, maby there is. That would be the "politically correct police". God help all of us if any of you "thought" or "politically correct" police ever get in a position of power. Should that happen, you would tear up the constitution. Thank goodness that you kooks are the rare extremeists! Freedom of speech is a fundimental right of all free siocieties. I'm tired of you extremist social engineers telling people what they can and cannot think and say. Just because you kooks disagree with someone, does not give you the right to "impose" your values on others.
Posted by
WB9WHE
on March 14, 2002
|
|
racism
|
|
in my opinion you are missing the point here.the way to keep ham radio civil is not by lessening the license requirements, but by increasing them ,but then of course any radio mfg. kickbacks would be moot wouldn't they?
Posted by
KA3FAD
on March 10, 2002
|
|
Ham racists
|
I have heard racisum on the ham bands, usually in the form of race based off-color jokes. These are more often told by "older" hams, who were raised to think this behavior is normal.
I think it is in very poor taste.
Posted by
KK5DR
on March 10, 2002
|
|
racism
|
|
I've not run into racism, and I think by now I would have because I'm trying to get my audio adjusted to somewhere between Barry White and James Earl Jones, with an occaisional dash of James Brown just for fun.
Posted by
KB8ELK
on March 10, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
|
Luckily I have not heard, nor been victim. I would think anyone practicing this would not be welcome in ham radio
Posted by
KE3WH
on March 10, 2002
|
|
another kind of racism...
|
A kind of racism I observed,here in quebec,is about call sign:in the beginning,call sing starting with ve2 was most popular,many operator got there license and va2 call sign has made surface.I've been listening station claming that va2 station are beginner and nonprofessional operater.It's another kind of racism.
By VA2CCN
Posted by
VA2CCN
on March 9, 2002
|
|
Turn the Knob
|
Interesting Post; however, it has been my observation that there are just too many people who are too thin skinned about race, religion, and politics. Here is my two cents.
Yes, there are a lot of 'good ol boy' redneck types who do not like people who are ethicly differant than they are. So what? Who guarenteed you a world without racism and predujice? This is another horse that is being beat to death. Personally, I have nothing to do with these folks, my on-air activity is strictly DXing. No, I do not have my head in the sand on this matter; the simple fact is I avoid these folks, and mind my own damn business.
Wanna realistic solution? Tune your radio to another frequency if you don't like what you hear, or go to another mode. To K7LA, and other thin skinned people; there is no FCC rule against people making fools of themselves. Hams are people, and nothing will change human nature. Most of us do not have time to worry about somebody using the Ni.... word on ham radio. Gimme a friggin' break!
Posted by
W4MGY
on March 9, 2002
|
|
racism
|
|
This should be discourage in Amateur Radio in all it forms around the world
Posted by
5N0OBA
on March 9, 2002
|
|
racisim
|
Either 64 percent of the responders have not been listening to the HF bands, or they just havent been on the air at all. You simply cannot dial across the "good ole boys" on 80 or 10 meters (not to mention the rest of the hf bands) without hearing racist remarks. In the evenings, I have NEVER tuned across from 3.7 - 3.999MHZ without hearing some stupid raciast comment. Maybe some people simply dont realize it when they hear one? Maybe they grew up that way, and its just "everday" comments to them. Regardless, they need to stop-think-and then think again, before opening their mouths. It is not illegal nor, to some peoples thinking, immoral to think what you wish. Speaking it is another deal completely. As a white, anglo saxon I am constantly embarrased by what I hear on our bands, and I certainly am no shrinking violet. Just think what others are feeling when they hear this trash. Some large percentage of these good ole boys claim to be Christian and "solid" Americans. They apparently dont know what that means.
Posted by
N7DC
on March 8, 2002
|
|
|
CAUTION: THIS MAY BE A POLITICALLY CORRECT ZONE!
K7LA's threat to enforce his idea of "politically correct" speech is offensive.
Perhapse some have forgotten that this is the United States of America, where freedom of speech is A RIGHT, which "politically correct" people cannot take away. That's right, freedom of speech is a right, and "politically correct" people cannot take it away from you. Do not get me wrong. I condem racism. Its wrong and its offensive. BUT K7LA's threats to "tape record" and file complaints is an example of politically correct intimidation and suppression of the very values we Americans value most - freedom. Sometimes, freedom means having the right to say things others find offensivve. K7LA's threat is an example of something I find offensive. Yet, he is free to make the threat, no matter how hollow it may be. I see nothing in Part 97 (other than prohibition on profane language) that could get a ham's ticket pulled for expressing "ideas", no matter how offensive they might be.
On the other hand, I do see harm in K7LA's threats and tactics. ALL attempts to "chill" free speech should be condemed. No matter what the source or the purpouse. The ends does not justify the means. This is the United States of America, where we are all free to express ideas. Even if the ideas are offensive. To suggest that free speech can be limited because you or I find it offensive is wrong. Flat out wrong. Many people in the south in the 50s and 60s felt that Martin Luther King's speech was offensive. Did that mean that because some found his ideas offensive, that they could limit his speech? Of course not. Not in the home of freedom. Martin Luther King was as free to express his ideas as those on the other side of his cause. The fact that some found either side offensive is irrelevent. Plain and simple.
Does this mean I support racism, of course not. I condem it. BUT IN AMERICA, WHILE I MIGHT NOT AGREE WITH YOUR OPINION, I WILL DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO EXPRESS IT. Do these words sound familliar? They should. ESPECIALLY if you are a true American.
Posted by
WB9WHE
on March 8, 2002
|
|
Tape Recording Helps
|
|
I'm glad to see that 2/3 of the response to this question indicated no racism heard on the air. For the very few morons among us who like to spout off, remember that a lot of us tape record on air activity. If I hear a U.S. licensed ham engaging in that kind of remarks, I will be happy to forward a copy of the tape and a transcript to the FCC and Riley Hollingsworth's office with a demand for action. The offender may then enjoy his new hobby: writing response letters to the authorities!
Posted by
K7LA
on March 8, 2002
|
|
|
|
I'll talk to anyone who calls CQ or answers my CQ.
Posted by
AC7KZ
on March 8, 2002
|
|
Racism in ham radio
|
First I'd like to say that I am an African American and a new ham.With my limited experience in ham radio I haven't heard anything that I have considered to be racist so far.But feeling that racism "both ways"does occur in just about everything else I've been involved in,I decided to choose CW as my favorite mode.Like some of the posters said before,cw has no color.
73s George KG4PIL
Posted by
KG4PIL
on March 7, 2002
|
|
Racism in Ham Radio
|
There is only one race, the "human race". Whether a red rose, or a white rose, or any other color rose, a rose is still a rose. If you wish to bring a special friend a bouquet of flowers would you buy the single colored bouquet or the one with a variety of colors and hues? So it is with people. The gathering of peoples from various parts of the earth in a group is most pleasing to the eye, and the heart. "The earth is One Country and Mankind it's Citizens". If God's mercy and love shower upon all should we do anything less?
73 de KP2Z
Posted by
KP2Z
on March 7, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
|
As my "Ol Sarge" used to say; "I dislike everyone, equally.
Posted by
K4SFC
on March 7, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
|
I have heard many people talking about this subject and i gotta throw my two cents worth in on this one. The way i look at it, it doesn't matter what color you are, what race you are, what religion you are, etc etc etc. Amateur Radio is a melting pot of its own, i don't look at someone differently because they are a different color than me. And i don't think any less of someone of a different color or creed. On the other subject of us technicians be segregated, i have not had much other than the friendly ribbing of older hams and offers to help with the code. I am a successful person in life and if someone doesn't like what class of license i hold well then they better be ready to wait around for someone else to talk to if im not up to there standards. I know hams that are in there 60's and 70's and have always been happy talking to us no code techies, because they see the light at the end of the tunnel. To all OM's out there that won't give us no code tech's credit, think about what will happen to the hobby if you don't take one of us under your arm and help us learn to your level. Have any of you heard the old saying that to much love can be smothering. Don't smother out the hobby when you pass on to the big radio shack in the sky, help us hams starting out learn and appreciate the hobby even more until you do approve of us.
Posted by
KB0NLY
on March 7, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
|
I have never heard racist remarks on the air or at ham radio events. I have heard political commentaries on the air. If you want to rant politically, call the local talk radio host and spill your spew there.
Posted by
KC2IYH
on March 6, 2002
|
|
racism
|
|
who cares who says what about whoever.i could care less if someone calls me a ginny or a dago.you know why.cause im a man.its the pussy's of the world who shout racism.those poor jews suffered the most.you dont hear a word from them.they just go ahead and try to better themselves.which they do.so stop crying and ignore the idiots who make ignorant remarks.
Posted by
K2VI
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
Somebody from Massachusett talked to a G0 station about Quebecers amateurs He said that ALL QUEBECERS are seperatists and want INDEPENDANCE OF QUEBEC. This is not true and Ham bands is not the right tribune for discussing that.
I'm sure he recognizes himself he will remembered forever.
I concluded this QSO that we are the WHite Nigers of America and proud of it.
Posted by
VE2SO
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Racism. Perhaps?
|
Hmmmm. I've had qso's on CW where someone called his radio a "rice burner" but I don't know if that qualifies...that in response to my stating was running a ToT.
I mean, hard to say that was meant as derogatory- if so, what- begrugingly wishful that it was not but it is and he bought it? So...
A poster did mention about the use of the word "JAP" and I think it could be taken as well as meant as a slight- so I ALWAYS refer to Japan as JAPAN or JA. Anyway I heard it means something else- especially if you're not in Ham Radio. Some kind of Princess or whatever.
I spend most of my time on the bands on CW, and so cannot comment on SSB/AM/FM as I rarely monitor; however- some monitoring I've done on 75 causes Prejudice to creep into my brain, as I'll find myself thinking rather, that if Racism given the opportunity to occur Did Not happen there, I'd be greatfully, impressively, and wonderfully surprised.
Unfortunately, probably ugly, base- horrible ethnic prejudice, not the joking kind- has the potential to happen anywhere. What I mean by the joking type of remarks, could be found in places like in Hawaii, where there is sure a lot of ribbing going on simply because of the vast cultural differences that exist there so it's more in fun- perhaps joking celebration.
But with regard to Racism in Amateur Radio- on the one hand, I've been to ONE Hamfest- THE STONE MOUNTAIN Hamfest, and if one were to check into the History of Stone Mountain and Racism, whoa-
but I did not see any Racism there. True, I saw not much opportunity for it to happen either- there were more than 2 other chances, but under 5 the whole time I was there. In fact I noticed event staff members going out of their way, and a couple were amongst the friendliest people I've ever seen or met.
I did see some schmuck badgering a vendor as he was packing up for the week-end but- this was not a Racial thing, this was a the vendor was based on the other side of the old Mason Dixon line, and the badgerer seemed a bit toasted on that given Sunday! hi hi. The Vendor handled it well, even while he took a fair sum of my money (hi hi guess that helps!).
So- again, as far as Racism goes in Amateur Radio, who really cares generally- as in if it's RARE DX, WHO CARES about ethnicity.
On the other hand, Amateur Radio encompasses such a wide array and variety of activities, frequencies, and modes- and so- perhaps, like anywhere in the world, Racism happens... and life goes on. There are those out there who simply have miserable lives and that misery is often expressed in the form of Racism.
Not enough love in their hearts. Of course sometimes Racism reaches a degree of magnitude, expressed or not, of such tremendous evil that it self destructs, manifesting in ways unexplained and unexplainable, by science.
At any rate, so far, I'd say that Ham Radio is one of the greatest hobbies Humanity has ever established, and is enjoyed mostly by God hearted beautiful people- worldwide, of various ethnic origin.
Posted by
KG4PYM
on March 5, 2002
|
|
75 Phone
|
|
I have been an amateur since 1961. Yes I have many times heard off color comments. Just tune around 75 phone. It seems to have become more common the last several years. In the same light I have heard amateurs who seem quite intoxicated on the air. Years ago hams were more careful as to what was said. The FCC was always listening. With the federal cuts and ease of obtaining a ticket these days things have suffered. My hope is someday the FCC will start to crack down on these wayward amateurs.
Posted by
KX2S
on March 5, 2002
|
|
The unbiased mode
|
|
We all sound the same on CW. Give it a try.
Posted by
K5KA
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Contesting?
|
The only "race" I know about involving ham radio is contesting, or Field Day, where it's a race to see who wins.
That has nothing to do with color or ethnicity, far as I can tell.
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
If you understand that Ham radio is a microcosim of life, then you understand that racism exists there as well. It is sad but true that every group one could name (including Priests) contain undesirable elements. They are a part of the fabric of life. Wish we could get rid of them but wouldn't that make me prejudiced against them and therefore just as guilty. Give me the melting pot of life just as it is.
Kenn W5KAP
Posted by
W5KAP
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Different World
|
|
I have been a ham 46 years and I can honestly say I have never witnessed racial remarks during the times I have been on the radio. The worst thing I hear is usually poor operating from thoughtless indivisual that causes a few tempers to flare, and seldom a foul word, other than that I can't think of a better place where everyone shares an equal interest in both Amateur Radio and each other. W1OBJ
Posted by
W1OBJ
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
I had a little trouble responding to the survey. Although I have never been the victim of racism on the air, I have certainly heard it. (Note 14.313 a few years ago.)
I was however the victim of age discrimination when I was first licenced in 1962 at age 15. Although laughable now, it was not funny at the time.
Overall, the best hobby a person whatever their race, colour or age could have, bar none!
Posted by
VE3VG
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Racism
|
I'm an OT. 52 years a ham, hold a 'W' call, have a so-called 'earned' Extra ticket, a WASP, and all of that other stuff that's supposed to make me an 'eletist'. But for the life of me, I don't understand why we have to look down on anyone. That's just not my idea of what this hobby is about. There's nothing wrong with CB'ers or ex-CB'ers, or non-Extra's or non-WASP. We were all conceived the same way and born the same way, so why the heck do we have to differentiate because the other person is different? Fortunately I have very seldom observed racism in this hobby, either against me or against others. But it's there! How many Black people or female's do you have in your club, your contest group, or in your circle of ham friends? What do you do to make them welcome in our hobby? Heck, I was a Novice, a Conditional, held a CB ticket, and finally got the Extra; shouldn't I understand that everyone has the same road to travel! Instead of looking down on things that are different than I, why don't I extend a helping hand?
Tom/W4BQF
Posted by
W4BQF
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Racist words
|
|
What I here most is the inadvertently offensive use of a term that became popular during WWII. It is the shortened version of "Japanese". Many hams don't realize that the three letter version of this term is very insulting to those of Japanese origin. Times change, and terms that once might have been acceptable should no longer be used. Of course, unless you live (or lived) in an area with with a large Asian population (like Los Angeles or San Francisco) you might not know this. My father, who fought in the Pacific with the infantry during the war, made it a point never to use the term. Anyway, just thought I would post this so people don't mistakenly offend someone.
Posted by
KD6LME
on March 5, 2002
|
|
racism
|
Sad but true. It is there.
I guess we are just as human as any other group.
What each of us has to do, is look deep down inside and make a decision.
Do we just look the other way when it happens, or do we denounce it when we encounter it.
I don't mean we should get into a shouting match, but a simple "excuse me, that's not cool." will do.
It doesn't even have to happen on the air.( and it would probaly be better if it was kept off the air..) Post a letter, send an email.
If we do nothing, aren't we part of the problem?
73 all W6EZ
Posted by
W6EZ
on March 5, 2002
|
|
Only once
|
I am pretty passionate about this hobby like many. Have been a ham for over half my life (I am 30 now). Encountered only once from an Italian Dx'er based in Phuket. Those who are into Dx'ing would know who I am referring to. He is known for this and I would'nt expect much from this narrow minded fella. That was the only incident. Otherwise amateurs are a bunch of great people. I have travelled far and wide into Europe and States and have been showered with hospitality which has overwhelmed me! I have hosted several hams from Europe and States in my QTH too.
Just one on air incident will not change my opinion...never.
Forever into amateur radio
73
Sasi
9V1SM / VU3SNM
Posted by
9V1SM
on March 5, 2002
|
|
racism
|
|
Have I heard it? You bet, you would have to be deaf not to. Just listen to 40 and 80 meter ssb almost any evening.Sad but true, hams are human too.I'm just happy to make contact with anyone, I don't care if the operator is a tech or an extra. Just show everyone a little respect, we're all in this hobby together.
Posted by
KQ6YV
on March 5, 2002
|
|
called name one time
|
I am black and a ham since 1955. all and all, I find most all hams great and have been treated great except one time on 75 meters I was called the N word! That was the only time. I find that I do not look for racism and if it is there, I will usually miss it except if it is really overt. I was elected president of our local club twice and had great support.
Posted by
K6XR
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Better hobby than others
|
As a black man, I have always been a severe minority in a lot of hobbies(Aviation, 4x4s,etc....) I must admit for the most part radio is a lot better than most other hobbies. I have never felt more welcome over all. However, there is as serious rightwing element in this hobby, which causes a lot of class segregation. I think alot of people may mistake being snobbed off with racism. I must admit, in my fist few outings, I was not made to feel very welcome. Especially where I live in the St.Louis area. At first I thought it was a race thing until I talked to others that had the same problems with the same snobby people. Dont even think about saying anything about CB. Even other Black(Afro-American) HAMS think that is a bad word.
My point is in every hobby, or circle there will be messed up people. I think snobs and LIDS are what make this hobby bad. Over all, everything else is fine. I have also never met a finer bunch as a whole as radio operators.
Phineas
KC0LSC
Posted by
PHINEAS
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Bad Audio on 75 meters
|
|
I think the reason a substantial number of stations have poor audio on 75 meters is because they can't seem to talk clearly thru those sheets they wear on their heads.
Posted by
N4UM
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Racism....
|
A not-so-interesting topic and hilarious posts have filled the hardware at eHam.net once again.
Yes, of COURSE racism exists even in radio.
Why would something that so many people find so much passion in be restrained by a media that is available to so many at such a low cost?
As many of us have seen, the embodiment of racism transcends the W's and the K's and the remaining callow rubbish tossed in for 'good' measure. It seems asinine to even believe it can't exist in ham radio.
If you haven't seen it or you just think I'm on crack, check out the jammer on 40m during the 3905 nets or HHH Net. Racism knows no boundaries.
Posted by
K6HIP
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Racism Hams?
|
What a concept!
A racist DXer or contester!
Hummm. Don't think I'll answer that person's CQ. The last dah and the first dah in C and Q didn't sound pure enough for me!
I've ALWAYS thought of ham radio as a perfect way to bridge and embrace different cultural--where race has NOTHING to do with it.
For a large part of the ham community, if there is any racism, it is REVERSE racism--a distinct preference for radio signals not emanating from ones same race!
I doubt if any of the people posting about tech, and gen-lite garbage understand the pernicious and deadly nature of "racism".
NOBODY is drag you behind a car because you are a tech or extra-lite!!!!!!
Posted by
RobertKoernerExAE7G
on March 4, 2002
|
|
On-air racism
|
|
Just listen on 75-meter phone late at night, you'll find it soon enough.
Posted by
K6SDW
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Racism?
|
|
I haven't seen any racism, but here in the USA, it would be interesting to know, now that you ask, what the percentage of Hams are people of color. The percentage has to be very, very small. Another poster observed class "Elitism", and I am sure that is correct, but I am also sure there is gender prejudice, for sure. I'm sitting here asking myself when the last time I saw a non-white, or non-male Amateur, and I do not know the answer to that. I work a few female Hams on CW, and they are a pleasure to run into. That is one of the great things about CW, you cannot tell gender, sex, race, creed...you can tell a lousy fist, hi. A lousy fist cuts across ALL classes. As far as I'm concerned, there is no room for any kind of bigotry in Ham Radio.
Posted by
N5XM
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Racism in Amateur Radio
|
I can genuinely state that I have never personally encountered Racism in Amateur Radio. I have heard foul language and abusive behaviour from Hams who perhaps should know better but maybe that's the way they are, not just on air. Even this last weeekend I heard a stateside station telling someone on 15m, in quite colourful language, to go away as he had been on that frequency for hours and that the rest of the band was empty.
Back to question of racism I have heard W's making comemnts about Afghans as if they are all part of Al Quieda. Most are just like you and I trying hard to survive in a political environment that most of us would find alien.
Racism is sometimes taken to an extreem by both the giver and the receiver. We should perhaps consider the attitude of a Young man from Sri Lanka who I once had the priveledge to work. Being very dark skinned he was often subjected to abuse by fellow whites who related to the colour of his skin by calling him coloured. His response was to retort that he did not understand how they (white people) could call him coloured when they were white or pink, sometimes blue when born, turn yellow with jaundice and red or brown having been in the sun. This attitude and approach often calmed an otherwise expolsive situation. Maybe some of us in Amateur Radio should remember that maybe we are the exception not some of the other ethnic groups. Lets live togther and try to make this a better world for all.
Posted by
G0GDU
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Wide variety of prejudice
|
I remember constantly being run down by Real Hams, who told me they had no use for Technicians who gain that license and go no further in Ham Radio. A clerk at the local HRO (back when they were in Van Nuys, 1 mile from my house) told me that Technicians were not Real Hams, yet it didn't stop him from selling me two radios.
We've still got some of these hams trying to call guys like me "Extra Lite" and similar comments for newer Generals. I'm sure it'll fade over time, just like the attitude against the new hams with K-calls instead of the good old W-calls.
As for true racism, I've heard certain religious types going at it against each other, and some others attacking someone else because that person was homosexual. None of that fighting belongs anywhere, on-air or off.
Posted by
AD7DB
on March 4, 2002
|
|
I've encountered it online on ham sites
|
I've encountered a few people who don't exactly display racism, but rather hate towards me because of my national origin. I wasn't born in the US. I don't think I've encountered any of it on eham, however on Q*Z.com it's a different story. I've definitely not encountered any of it on the air.
It's not nice to be treated this way. I'm not killing anyone, stealing their job, or breaking the law. I came here to be with my family. I therefore don't see why I should be treated with hate. I live here, pay taxes and serve my community. I obey and respect the law. I also make sure that I learn about the system of Government and history if the US. I even registered for Selective service. No, I didn't wait for INS to automatically register me, I went to the post office and mailed the card. Therefore if called to serve, I would gladly and proudly wear the uniform.
I'd like to find out where alot of the authors of the hateful comments on websites were last September. I'd be willing to bet that they were in their comfortable homes watching the drama on CNN. I definitely know they weren't in the Red Cross or Salvation Army shelters or on any of the relief operations, else they wouldn't have said what they did. I felt as hurt as everyone else did on Sep. 11, and I for one want the terrorists who did this horrible act brought to justice.
Sure, I can't vote or hold most Government jobs. But I still love and respect this country and its leaders, and I know that in a few years, I will proudly officially swear allegiance to the flag and the constitution of the United States, and finally become a proud citizen of this great nation.
God Bless America.
Ryan AB2MH.
Posted by
AB2MH
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Racism - in eye of beholder?
|
|
A black friend believed that white's habit of looking away as they approached was racially motivated; that ignoring someone implied an insult. I explained that it was the opposite - a gift of privacy if you will. We discovered may more cultural differences that had been mistaken for racism - on both sides!
Posted by
KA3DWW
on March 4, 2002
|
|
CB vs. Ham Radio
|
I grew up playing with CBs before I got my license and I heard ALL kinds of crap on there. That was a real reason to become a ham to get away from that. I like to think that hams have a better mentality, but there are always the ones who want to be a problem. I also like to think that MOST respectable hams have the courtesy to keep the air "clean". This is why I don't care much about getting onto the higher HF bands like 80 Meters. Have you heard some of those guys? I mean, hey, lets just throw out all of the rules! That's why I enjoy 10 Meters so much, those kinds are rare and they can stay away from my 10 M band.
73's,
Jason KE4NYV
www.ke4nyv.com
Posted by
KE4NYV
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Elitist often never racism
|
I'm sure there are those who will be able to attest to having seen or been the recipient of racism; however, a far more prevalent item on the ham bands seems to be elitism. This is most noticable here in the US. I have seen the "This is MY frequency and I'll use it any time I want because I'm an Extra (or an Advanced or a General) AND an Old Timer (or some kind of tin god) and you're a lowly Tech (or General or Advanced or just a kid) and I have more right to it than you do."
I still remember the - lets omit name and call - OT on 75 who used to announce "No Lids, no Kids, no phoney Space Cadets" when he called. And there is always the guy, highly placed with the ARRL at the time, who enthusiastically discussed the Robot 70 & 80 SSTV equipment he was using on 20 with me when I told him I was building a Taggert monitor. He wanted to set up a sked until I asked him to meet me on 6 for the QSO. "Oh, you're a Tech", he said with a sneer and turned his back on me.
The comments I hear on the air most frequently are personal insults based upon someone not being part of the clique du jour. I think that racism, per se, is far down the list of unpleasant things one encounters on the ham bands today. Perhaps this intolerance is why I do more listening and less operating these days.
Posted by
WA8HHH
on March 4, 2002
|
|
No Racism on Digi modes...
|
|
The keyboard and computer (not the monitor) are color blind, and that is the way I like it! Honestly, I have never found the "CB mentality" on the HF digi modes, I only read about it and find it occassionally on ham websites.
Posted by
NB6Z
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Tough Choice
|
I've heard about it from credible sources, so I believe that it does exist, but I have not witnessed it first hand, so I had to check the no box. That being said, it does not belong in ham radio. First because it is not "good amateur practice", and second it is contrary to one of the purposes of ham radio which is "international good will".
73 de N8AUC
Posted by
N8AUC
on March 4, 2002
|
|
Racism in ham radio
|
The problem with this survey question is that I could checked 2 of the boxes, and if I was a minority, I most likly could have checked all but the first one, because I've seen it all, both on and off the air. And it's not a sight I want to see in Ham Radio.
John W3JXP
Posted by
W3JXP
on March 4, 2002
|
|
To post a comment, you must be logged in.
If you are not a member, become one now!
|
|
|
Welcome to the Survey Page.