Kevin, you're "LOOKING for discrimination"

A few days ago, I received a message that read:

“I really do not think what they [American Express] did was discriminatory. But then, I am not LOOKING for discrimination as I suspect you are.  (Funny what one might find if they really, really want to see it.)”

I wasn’t sure of the intent of this comment, but I was definitely sure of its disappointing impact and implication. 

To say that I am “LOOKING for discrimination” is to focus on my race as opposed to the issue, which has, in fact, affected people of all races, ages, and genders.

While I would love to continue my rebuttal, I do not think it is necessary.  Most of you get it. 

Unfortunately, some people do not know that the definition of discrimination is not exclusive to matters of race.  Some people cannot get beyond my race to see that the real issue has to do with total disregard of individual merit.  Some people will automatically dismiss what I am trying to accomplish for everyone because it looks like something that only happens to black people.  Sad, but true.   

What are your thoughts?

By the way, the definition of discrimination from Dictionary.com:

dis⋅crim⋅i⋅na⋅tion  [di-skrim-uh-ney-shuhn]

treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.  

Comments

[Sakonya]

The cretins are at it again, giving knee jerk responses without even being hit. The person who wrote that negative blog to you, more than likely, has racist leanings and mindset and is for sure, no intellectual giant not to realize that discrimination can be for various reasons. They only see Black and White, no shades of grey nor the colors of the rainbow. Please keep up the wonderful work that you are doing. As a Black woman who battles with these companies because of their policies also, I am especially proud of your work and dedication to this issue.

[Terry]

It is well known that ignorance breeds hateful people bent on discriminating against persons because of the color of their skin. Need I say more?

The excellent work Kevin is doing is benefitting all consumers regardless of their socio-economic background and color, and I support him in that effort.

Thank you, Kevin!!!!!!

[Kevin D. Johnson]

Thanks for your encouraging words, everyone. I think the Dr. put it so eloquently. I won't lose focus.

[Dr Robert Lahm]

Hi Kevin,

Several weeks ago, I posted a comment on a complaint site about Chase. The reply I got, when I was simply trying to provide some relevant information based on facts that I researched, berated me because I was a college entrepreneurship professor. Since you know me, you are aware that I am not a life-long academic, and I made a mid-career decision to try to help people by becoming qualified to teach (I have also started several businesses, so I know what bootstrapping is, and what it's like to be "in the trenches").

That person attacked me personally, instead of focusing on the issues (much like what was done to you). I answered, and went back and forth a couple of rounds. This person finally relented when he found out that I did not fit the stereotype.

It's a sad thing that we humans have a tendency to judge one another with such profound consequences, based on so little information and incorrect assumptions.

By the way, I think that the actual form of discrimination that's going on here is "economic discrimination." More and more trend data supports that the separation between the "haves" and the "have nots," where only a few people have power over the masses, is growing. Do corporate jets and AIG bonuses ring a bell?

We all have to fight for the American dream of justice and equal opportunity for anyone who will work to create a better future for themselves, their significant others and families, their communities, and our nation as a whole. Many, many people will benefit from your efforts to put a stop to inappropriate and unfair practices on the part of credit card companies. Yours is the color of courage. I'm proud to know you.

[Heron]

I think whomever wrote that looked at this web page, saw your photo, and assumed you're crying victim because you're African-American. You have nothing to apologize for; in fact, that person owes YOU an apology.

[Kumar]

Kevin, you don't have to do the work that you do for us. I am sure there are lot of other things you can do with your life then try to provide a public service. "Looking for discrimination?" Sounds like someone is accusing another of playing victim. How about making things fair and equitable for everyone? and not getting letters in the mail saying, "you shopped at XYZ which makes us think that you can't pay your bills" Perhaps some folks don't understand what is discrimination.

[Annette]

Keep up the good work, Kevin. I think all of your reports have been very even-handed and informative. American Express has been chasing my limit for months now. I owe a lot of money, but I owe $8K less than I did when Amex issued the cards just over a year ago. Is it discrimination when a card company tries to exploit the desperate? I just know that I feel like vultures are circling, hoping that they can pick my bones clean.

[Carole May]

Hey Kevin, on yesterday's Oprah, they were talking about how one negative comment impacts us even though we've received numerous positive comments. You are doing one hell of a job here. I am a white, 58 year old woman living on social security disability, and all of this has affected me too. Please ignore this imbecile and take him for what he is. Keep up the good work, my friend. We need YOU!!

[SoFlaSteve]

Kevin,

Just ignore the idiocy!

I'm neither black nor married to a woman (if you get my drift) and I have received exactly the same treatment and letter from American Express that you received last October!

If there's anything positive about this "thing" is that they don't seem to be discriminating against their costomers based upon race!

On another note, I received two rather contradictory bits of communication from Bank of America last week.

The first was letter notifying me that they were reducing the credit limit on a business credit card by 60% to just about $10 over the current balance! Never been late on the account (and you know all the rest) allegedly due to the fact that Thrans Union shows "serious delinquency and public record or collection filed / delinquency"

The ONLY 'delinquency' on my TU credit report is one missed payment on an auto lease that I had with Infiniti Finance. A lease that was paid in full and closed out 7 months ago when I returned the vehicle at lease-end and leased another vehicle with Infiniti Finance! I do acknowledge that one payment of 39 was missed, but only because I never received the invoice. As soon as I received the following one indicating the skipped payment, I immediately paid both payments by phone with Infiniti. Apparently my credit was good enough for Infiniti to finance my next vehicle, but they are still reporting the skipped payment as a delinquency on a closed and satisfied account and my efforts to have this abated by both Infiniti and Trans Union have been futile. Apparently it stays there for seven years and my only recourse is to place a consumer statement of explanation on my credit report... which I have done.

Anyway, I ramble...

The second communication from BOA was a Pre-Qualified offer for an unsecured credit line of up to $50,000, presumably based upon my credit report... go figure!

Here's the catch. It's a variable interest rate ranging from 6.99 to 21.99% over prime (depending upon credit worthiness) and they "reserve the right to change your APR, fees or other credit terms at our discretion"

You see where they're going with this? It's disgusting and shameful which is what I wrote across the part of the application without my name in BIG magic marker and returned to them in their postage paid envelope! YAY!!

Thanks for staying on top of this huge problem.

[Teresa Simmons]

In the face of the financial changes that are being imposed by these big banks , it is not even worthy of a response from you that someone would make that statement. There are always going to be those folks though --probably hired by the banks themselves--to try to divert attention from what you are exposing. You knew it would happen --even mentioned it in one of your first articles. Keep your eye on the ball.

[Sharon Barlow]

Kevin, I so much appreciate the work you are doing and was totally appalled when I read Bob's comment. What a ridiculous assumption he made. You don't have to be looking for ANYTHING to have it hit you over the head as many of us have found out.

Sometimes I wonder if BOB is not really a person but a company trying to discredit YOU to keep the heat off of themselves.

[Holly]

Kevin,

For the record I am a white 45 year old female. I have blogged her many times and I understand that the "Discrimination" comes from AMEX, in fact, not once have you ever implied that you felt your line was removed because of your race.

Clearly, Bob is trying to turn this around by suggesting because you are black you must have some hard on for AMEX. Clearly, Bob does not understand what AMEX is doing to thousands of people of all races, ages, religions, income levels, etc. But then again Bob lied to obtain his AMEX card when he was 21 years old, and never used the card....only carried it to "show off". Clearly, Bob is lying AGAIN to "Show Off". So relax Kevin -- there's one in every crowd.....remember I was accused of being "a surburban woman, on a high horse utilizing an AMEX card to keep up with the a "lifestyle" oh yeah don't forget the "inflated sense of self-worth""....or something like that, I can't remember exactly (that's how much it got to me *smile*).

Furthermore, Bob stated he is in favor of card companies managing the risk ratios by paying attention to customers buying habits. Bob cites the example of -- if we ran out and charged up at bars and liquor stores. I guess he thought we would be on some 5 day binge, becomimg completely irresponsible in a drunken stupor and neglect to pay our bills?? Give me a break BOB -- they have medicine for his condition. Even if anyone who blogs here elects to go on a 5 day binge what difference does that make to AMEX and why would it be the other cardholders problem? Did it ever occur to Bob, that if your charging in a bar or liquor store, you may be entertaining for a company function or clients/client parties? It none of AMEX business what you purchase!!! Period!!!

Bob thinks we are all a bunch of drunks, yet he admitted that he inflated his income to obtain a card....hello Bob...anyone home?

Come on Kev --- don't let one wack-o freak you out!!! Who cares what color you are -- AMEX has done the same thing to both of us!! Bob needs to get a life and go out and have a drink!!!

[turbo59]

Kevin,

Keep up the good work...some people will only see the world thru rose-colored glasses...

[Dr DW]

Ummm,... I'm a slightly overweight 38 year-old white guy with a (near) perfect 18 year payment history with AMEX. I was similarly affected. Bad business is as bad business does. What this guy is LOOKING for is a boot to the head. Carry on Kevin.

[DW]

I get it, Kevin. Sorry you had a hater. One cannot perceive discrimination at times if one has never been the victim of it. Poor him, sending comments to you, the big, bad blogger.

I think AMEX sucks after what they did to me. Period.