Home > Gwinnett > Rick Badie / My Opinion > Archives > 2006 > April > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USU.S. citizen can’t seem to get hired for day labor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He stood out from the rest of the men.
I spotted him at the Dunkin Donuts on Jimmy Carter Boulevard, in the parking lot where laborers congregate to find work.
Usually, they’re Hispanic males. One assumes that at least a few are in the country illegally.
Not George Brown.
He’s American via Mobile. He has a driver’s license and a Social Security card. He spent six years in the Army. Only one thing separates Brown from the rest of the laborers, and that’s skin color.
He’s black.
“I saw everybody standing out here looking for work, so I said, ‘Why not?’ the 39-year-old told me. “You got to do what you got to do to make it.”
Brown was drinking coffee and reading the newspaper when I introduced myself. He said he recognized me from the photo that appears with my column. I asked him if he wanted another cup. He declined.
Then, occasionally through tears, he told me his story as we sat in a booth. Nearly two decades ago, he moved to Atlanta to study computer technology. He was doing well, too, maintaining a 2.9 GPA while carrying a full course load and working full-time. The last semester he was in school, he experienced four deaths — his stepmother, an aunt, uncle and cousin. Traumatic losses.
Brown dropped out of school. He bounced from job to job. In some cases, he was laid off. In others, he just up and quit. Now, with nothing permanent, mornings are spent outside the doughnut shop, alongsideHispanic laborers, looking for work.
The kind of work that, according to Mexican President Vicente Fox, black Americans don’t want to do.
Remember his statement?
“There’s no doubt that the Mexican men and women — full of dignity, willpower and a capacity for work — are doing the work that not even blacks want to do in the United States,”he said.
Of course, that’s overly simplistic.
Maybe blacks refuse to do certain jobs at wages an illegal immigrant from Mexico might. Or they just can’t get hired.
Take Brown’s situation.
Physically, he’s bigger than many of the laborers who compete for work. And obviously, there’s no language issue. You’d think those would be selling points. “I get overlooked,” he told me. “All the time. I’m not upset with the amigos. They’re nice guys. But I work just as hard,if not harder, than they do. Yeah, it hurts me because I’m a legalized citizen.”
Brown may not be bitter at the laborers or potential employers, but the antics of some perturb him. He’s been accused of being a Homeland Security agent. After all, why else would an American citizen be job-hunting on the streets?
Brown arrives at the doughnut shop early in the morning. Every day. You can’t miss him. He’ll be the black guy who speaks fluent English.
And he would like a break.
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By trudy
April 27, 2006 07:08 AM | Link to this
Have you read this, Rick?
[http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/tucker/stories/041606.html]
By trudy
April 27, 2006 07:13 AM | Link to this
Let me try this again.
(http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/tucker/stories/041606.html)
By jim
April 27, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this
poor poor black guy, what a crock,he doesnt want a job.
By LB
April 27, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this
Mr. Brown is living proof that the rumor is false that Illegals take jobs Americans won’t touch. I am also living proof of an American who looked for work for many months and couldn’t even find a minimum wage job. I have a college degree and 30 years of experience. My resume is impressive yet a popular employment service won’t place me because I’m not young. I have seen numerous ads for open jobs through this agency with some actually matching my experience and qualifications to a tee. I apply and never hear anything. When I call them to check status I just get a long sigh of breath and a “We’ll see what we can do”.
My hat’s off to Mr. Brown. I admire his persistance for standing up for what he believes. There is a special purpose for him and when it happens he will be a positive influence for others faced with our same obstacle of being American. I am now employed only part time but it is a job where I am helping to make a difference in the lives of others. I am hoping my boss will see me as an asset and I can become full time one day. The epidemic of being viewed as inferior only because we are legal needs to stop.
By "nana"
April 27, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
By jim April 27, 2006 07:34 AM “poor poor black guy, what a crock,he doesnt want a job.”
Jimbo, gotta lil’ attitude don’t cha “boy” come on now, lighten up, if you have something of interest to say, say it, enuendos are the tools of those who are wanna be “thinkers”
By "nana"
April 27, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
BTW “Jim” which word correctly matches the following explanation: 1.) veiled insinuations reflecting character or reputation? Is it enuendos or innuendos?
By John Kansas
April 27, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
At least George was able to find some jobs to quit from. I am a white male (58) who has been looking for work since I retired from the Air Force in 1989. I have filed countless applications and resumes with hundreds of employers. I have a Masters in Business and advanced military schools and am a Certified Computer Professional.
As a last ditch effort, I tried to get work on a blackberry farm in South Georgia. The owner offered me a job, but then changed his mind and hired (legal guest worker) Mexicans.
Rampant discrimination against white male veterans is America’s national disgrace.
Wish I had known this BEFORE I went to Vietnam. I would have gone to Canada and let Jimmy Carter give me amnesty and a high-dollar job.
By Joe
April 27, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
Sad state of affairs going on here when we can’t help out our fellow Americans first, be they black, white….whatever color the skin may be. This goes to show they scum bag employers are doing this for several reasons. The scum bags may think the Americans may want to be treaed like human beings and they can treat the illegal invaders any way they want. Jail the scum bag employers.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 27, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this
Well this is the South where the stereotypes of blacks still linger from days long past. We’ve seen it displayed many times in the comments made here, that’s one problem. The second is the fact that he is a citizen, with that he has what limited protection this state offers to employee’s. If he’s not paid under the table workers comp and social security has to be paid by the employer. It’s just too much of a hassle for the honest above board contractors and homeowners that hire them to put up with.
No these honest contractors would rather hire illegal’s who they can and do bully around like dogs for they have no one to complain to. That hassle of paying taxes just adds to costs of the job, one that would have to be paid by the honest homeowner who allow illegal’s to work to keep said costs down.
I had a tree service which seemed above board, even listed in the yellow pages give me a great price on trimming some trees. When they showed up to do the work they also had four Mexicans with them, I asked for proof of their workers comp papers, the honest above board tree service sheepishly admitted they had none. I fired them, what many do not understand if a worker who is being paid under the table gets hurt guess who’s homeowners policy will be paying?
It’s supply and demand, the homeowner looking for the lowest price will turn their heads if just a few illegal’s are used on the job, the honest contractor who to keep prices down hires the illegal’s and the illegal’s of course are the worse offenders for looking for an honest days work.
By jim d
April 27, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
John, you looking for a job or a paycheck? Ask Rick for my email address—send me a resume’
By Deborah Lee
April 27, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
The MAIN reason that we have all of these illegal immigrants in Gwinnett is because of racism. It is the same reason that we did not have bus service in Gwinnett County. I heard all of the talk about that was what you had to do to keep the blacks downtown. Gwinnett would do anything, including hiring illegal immigrants not to have to work side by side with a black person. They are paying the price now. Gwinnett was always a sundown town. You know, out of town by sundown &%^$%. Everyone needs to read Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism by James W. Loewen and you will understand why we keep importing illegal labor. Always have and always will.
By meme
April 27, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
And, Deborah Lee, I will ask you like I ask my students when they make statements like this, just who did you hear it from?
By Timothy Crawley
April 27, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
Thank you again for letting people know how bad this is for Americans as a whole. I maybe young but the outsourcing and illegal workers have affected me to some degree as it has affected this man’s life. I applaud anyone who is out there looking for work and willing to do what they have to do. This wouldn’t be the case if corporations weren’t sending money oversees and telling you it saves you money. It doesn’t matter if it saves us money when we don’t have any to spend. I’m sorry but this upsets me that we as Americans can’t see that by outsourcing and illegal workers we are making this great country weak. George if you have some business clothes you can try sales they are always hiring.
By me
April 27, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
Ms. Lee, I take issue with your comments and like meme, where did you get this information? You sound like the racist.
By Deborah Lee
April 27, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
You obviously did not live in Gwinnett in the 1980’s and 1990’s when the idea of extending MARTA in Gwinnett was being voted on. Just Google it. Andrew Young commented on the racism. I remember KLU KLUX KLAN meetings on Beaver Ruin Road complete with robes, hoods and signs in their front yards saying VOTE NO TO MARTA.
By me
April 27, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
I have been in Gwinnett for the past 30 years and do not know or believe this info you have given. Apparently you got this from google quoting someone else.
By Deborah Lee
April 27, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
My husband worked at Western Electric in 1982 and a man that worked there who lived in Flowery Branch was the head of the KLU KLUK KLAN in Gwinnett. You can ask anyone that and they will give you his name too. I lived off of Beaver Ruin Road in a subdivision called Freeman Lake and I would ride my bike past the house on the left hand side of the road that had the meetings. I still have one of the papers that they handed to me. My son just recently used it to write a paper for his history class in college. Why are you not willing to except that Gwinnett is one of the most racist counties in the country? By the way read the book first and then comment.
By me
April 27, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
There are a lot of jerks everywhere. So there was a group on your street. That doesn’t make all gwinnett bad and I still think that you are a racist
By Looking
April 27, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
This all started from a black man trying to get work as a day laborer. He is being looked over and he is a US citizen. Jim, if he does not want to work why would he leave a warm bed to sit outside and wait for a potential job opportunity? I do understand how he may feel. I myself am in the job market. I have been out of work for almost 2years and same as others I have applied for hundreds of positions to hear nothing. So Jim does that mean I do not want to work as well??
By jim d
April 27, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Looking,
First let me say i’ve hired hundreds of employee’s over the years. Some actually wanted to work while yet others were merely there for pay day. Granted we all need and want a pay check but those I’m referring to didn’t really want to work if you get my drift. My post above was for john—I’ve contacted Mr. Badie and asked him to have “George” contact me since my business is in the general area that he describes in the article and I might have a full time position he could fill. If another comes open I’d be happy to give you consideration.
By Regularjoe
April 27, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this
Sad situation with George. The biggest problem is the employers who hire the illegal immigrants. Those employers include developers, agribusiness and others. It is not talked about much but many of our recent legal immigrants like to hire illegal immigrants. Not every successful new immigrant that lives here plays by the rules.
It does not take much to check someones background like some employers claim. It is an easy and cheap process. These employers, and this could be some of you or someone close to you, are lawbreakers and in my opinion should be in jail or paying heavy fines. Many of these same people are the ones who talk like to about “law and order”.
By Michael H. Smith
April 28, 2006 02:18 AM | Link to this
A very interesting case is now before the Supreme Court.
Illegals case a landmark
By Jan Houston
April 28, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this
Jim D - I thought your first message said for Rick to give JOHN your email address, not George, are you going to try to hire them both?? Kudos to you, regardless.
By Joe Camp
April 28, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this
I hate to say this, but I believe that Mr. Brown was the subject of discrimination. The stereotype of hispanics is that they will work their tails off all day long. The reverse is true of african-americans. I hate to say this, but the black stereotype is reinforced every time I find myself to far south down Peachtree, into the 5-points area. All day and well into the evening, young black men are there “just hanging out” in clothes that cannot be worked in and appear to cost a small fortune (name brands 14 sizes too big). What’s worse, I am hit up for a handout every time I am in the area.
I recommend that Mr. Brown, or others like him who really want to work, get on board with a temp service such as Laborready. A black man has an uphill battle against the stereotype. However, once he proves himself to an employer, the negative perception and prejudice will dissipate entirely.
By Jan Houston
April 28, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
oh the Big clothes - when My boys’ friends come into our house, all colors, if their pants are hanging down, I just ask them if they want to see MY underwear and instantly they pull them up and answer, ” No mame”.
just an FYI a little off subject, sorry
By William F.
April 28, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
RB—-You have been played—-bad.
By meme
April 28, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
I was born in Gwinnett County in 1950 and have lived here all my life. BTW - you do know that Flowery Branch is in Hall County, don’t you?
By Bruce Wilcox
April 28, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
Thank you Joe Camp, I knew someone would step-up to the plate and prove my theory of the racist atitude of South to be correct.
And we all realize that racism stopped at the Gwinnett county line meme, just ask Joe Camp.
By me
April 28, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wilcox, meme was replying to ms. lee who alleged racism in all of Gwinnett Co. She reported of a klan member from flowery branch and meme was just advising her flowery branch was in another county. It would seem that those who shout the loudest (you and ms. lee) are the racists.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 28, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Flowery Branch is just over the county line, my point is that racism in the South doesn’t stop at county lines, Joe Camp was nice enough to prove my theory.
And calling me a racist for pointing out the facts is really kind of desperate. Maybe you should have read my first comment on the issue before replying.
By meme
April 28, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
Thank you, me. I am glad that you understand what I was replying to Ms. Lee’s post. Mr. Wilcox, I know that racism doesn’t stop at the county line. My point was that Gwinnett County is not the only county with racism and that every racist doesn’t live in Gwinnett County.
By me
April 28, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
All I know Mr. Wilcox is that if you truly believe the south is racist, why don’t you stop complaining and change it for the better. Don’t add racism on to every subject you see. The way to change something is to start with yourself.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 28, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
It’s just the history of the South, just look at the flag flap a few years ago that put Sonny in office. The South lags far behind other sections of the country in ridding itself of the prejudices of the past. It is getting better but all change takes time and we all know the South moves slow. The atitude of if you’re not a WASP you don’t belong here is alive and well, it’s proven time and again by comments in these columns. Joe Camp isn’t alone, he was just the one that proved the atitude today.
Change comes from awareness, not by ignoring it, so I am doing my part. I’ll take my leave now to allow the personal attacks to begin.
By me
April 28, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
That is history according to you. You must be a hot air balloon salesman. The south, my dear, is not slow. It’s just like everywhere else. Full of people with stagnant conceptions. Here’s a novel idea. Want to change attitudes? Refuse to be any part of racism, by not even uttering the word. I didn’t cause it and I’m not responsible for it. Get over it.
By Looking
April 28, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
Jim D.,
Thank you for the consideration that if you have another position that comes available I could be considered. What I was eluding to; not wanting to play a race card was that I as an educated black person find it difficult as well to find gainful employment. I have heard statements of being over qualified, we will call you, and this is great- we have filled the position. Just to see the very same ad again the next week for the exact same position. I am a hard working individual never wanting a hand out. I have had telephone interviews that went great and once we meet face to face and they see I am black. I never hear anything else from them or I call to follow up and I am told the position is no longer available. I am not saying that all the time it is race related, but …. it leaves one to question.
By Sick & Tired
April 28, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
People who are not in the minority will never understand the concept of TRUE Racism. They will only believe that it is “MAKE BELIEVE” or if you don’t mention it - “IT WILL GO AWAY”.
Looking - just keep going for those interviews, eventually you will get the job you deserve.
Where I work, jobs are posted, only to be filled by friends of those in the NETWORK. If you don’t know someone, you are overlooked or you can only get that ENTRY Level position. That’s what the OVER QUALFIED people are fighting. The majority of the Entry Level positions(low paying) are held by minorities. The majority (above 95%) of Middle Management or Above positions are held by whites.
I was fortunate enough to be hired by a young white man, who was truly looking for diversity. Everyone on my team, except for him, was from another country or of another race. That was the old days, we have all moved forward. But, that team was the best I have ever worked with. We still maintain weekly contact from our various departments.
Me - you don’t have to Utter the words, if you have eyes and ears.
By me
April 28, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
All you people looking for jobs and getting dissed just need to go to Dekalb Co. If you want to get hired. As long as you are not white, you will get hired. Reverse baby reverse discrimination.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 28, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
Didn’t take the one who writes as ‘me’ to speak with forked tongue. So far ‘me’ you just keep reinforcing my theory while trying to disprove it exists, it doesn’t get any better than this.
By Looking
May 1, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Sick And Tired. I will continue to look for the right opportunity. I have faith that one day I will get that call that will change everything for my family and I. So true, to get a good paying jod is no longer what you know but who you know that gets you the job.
By Greg Rodgers
May 1, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
People lets not fool ourselves here.
This whole issue has little to do with race and more to do with economics.
First point, illegals that do not pay income taxes are draining the middle classes pockets. The use medical facilities, schools and public services without paying the income taxes to support these resources. They somehow think that buying gas, cigarettes and clothing is somehow helping pay for these services. That is a huuuuuge joke!
Secondly, the employers that hire the illegals are pocketing big bucks by not paying fair wages, no taxes to the government and no health care.
I am not a racist. I am a concerned american who is sick of paying for folks who can not do things legally.
The marches are disgusting. People come here illegally and then are trying to force are government to bend to their wishes. Its a disgrace. Its a disgrace to those who have done the right thing and have paid their dues to become legal citizens. Its a disgrace that a legal citizen like George Brown is overlooked for work because he is not illegal.
People need to wake up and see what is really going on. Take the blinders off.
If the government bends to this ridiculous protesting then we will show the world a serious weakness.
WE DO NOT MEAN WHAT WE SAY WHEN WE CREATE POLICY!
I do not know about you, but I don’t want to see the USA become a laughing stock of the world.
Greg
By Michael H. Smith
May 1, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this
This entire illegal invasion not immigration issue has nothing to do with race is absolutely correct Mr. Rodgers, and you are a great American sir.
By Bruce Wilcox
May 2, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
The government bends to please employers not the illegals. Maybe if the government really cracked down on those who hire the illegals, instead of a slap on the wrist, we may see change. Until then it’s the law of supply and demand.
Hard to put the whole blame on illegals when we have had lack enforcement for years, even giving millions amnesty under Reagan in 1986.
As far as medical services, even our own are forced into using government assistance by United States companies like Wal-Mart.
We are the laughing stock of the world and it has more to do with foreign policy than domestic issues.
By meme
May 2, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
I loved hearing a couple of the marchers saying yesterday that they (Illegals) weren’t doing anything wrong. Hello! Illegal is illegal.
By Bruce Wilcox
May 2, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
Can’t wait for the employers to march that hire them chanting “We’re not doing anything wrong”. Hello! Illegal is illegal.
By Michael H. Smith
May 2, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
Is someones ringing the bell?
Call these Companies and let them know that you do not appreciate them hiring illegal aliens and giving them the day off to promote amnesty.
Seaboard 1-800-262-7907
Ralph’s 1-888 437-3496
Cargil 1-800-CARGILL (227-4455)
Hormel (507)437-5611
Tyson (479) 290-4000
Perdue 1-800-473-7383
Payless 1 (877) 474-6379
…just a few, but more, many more, needs be added.
Now giddy out banditos.
By MK
May 6, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
All I can say is that Mr. Brown is the exception , the only ones who stop at my door asking for work in the yard or painting are not like Mr. Brown, just browns happy to work and very appreciative to be given the opportunity .