I was going to say. He looks and acts like a very nice person. His voice isn’t “very deep.” Too many white people don’t grow up around any black people and thus don’t realize that there isn’t much difference. The vast majority of the white men in the military are larger and more tough than this man. What a joke.
He does intimidate them. Not because he’s physically intimidating because he’s black and just as qualified or more qualified than them. That intimidates them.
This is a form of envy but I am surprised that America regards to it as a form of intimidation. This officer seems brilliant and capable of succeeding even in his new career just as he did while in the airforce. His openess about his experience is a good revelation for if such conversations will be heard time and again, it might change the narrative to help advocate the welfare of a black man and woman in the airforce. All the best to him.
@@selsahmwishen2981 when you have done wrong and you understand that wrong, you become aware of the perceived comeback from those youve wronged. You begin to look at your own shadow waiting for that moment of retribution. Thats why theyre so easily triggered by CRT or even teaching of American history centered around Black people, because it has evidence of all the wrongs theyve committed, we have the privilege of them documenting it for all of us. But, hes a fighter, as a fighter pilot and now as a future attorney. Wouldnt be surprised to see him become president. So, I thank all those caucasoids for awakening a beast, a threat, in the best possible way.
🤣🤣 American blacks .. you do not realise how much self loathing and projection you reveal in your ignorant comments. You all sound like BLM talking points. You yourself cannot say others are intimidated by you.. thats up to OTHERS TO STATE .. saying yourself is intimidating is just narcissism. Black Americans love to say how racist their country is, yet have NEVER TRAVELLED to China, Jordan, Qatar, UKRAINE, Saudi Arabia 🤣🤣 if i could pick 1 of you and pay your trip i would to any of those countries. Very quickly you would be begging to go back to America. FACT their are 1.7 MILLION BLACK MILLIONAIRES IN AMERICA The country with the MOST BLACK MILLIONAIRES IS THE USA As a non American i see most black Americans MAKE EXCUSES & PRESUMPTIONS of racism holding them down. If America was TRULY RACIST THEIR WOULD BE NO OR ONLY A FEW RICH BLACKS in America. Face it you are in a 72% WHITE COUNTRY. If you go to Nigeria SURPRISE SURPRISE ITS 98% BLACK but you wont see the whites that live their bitching and complaining. Black Americans love to play victim, make excuses and put in minimum effort and instead of SAVING YOUR MONEY, EVEN IF ITS ONLY A FEW DOLLARS HERE & THEIR you would be bettef off.. but no the second you get money in your hands you blow it on dumb things instead of saving. JUST LIKE WHITE TRAILER TRASH WITH THEIR WELFARE CHEQUES.. Get out of your PITY PARTY, STOP BLAMING OTHERS FOR YOUR LIFE CHOICES, CUT OFF YOUR LOSER FRIENDS HOLDING YOU DOWN and make something out of yourself.
Intimidating?? He’s a US solider around other US soldiers how can you be intimidated by him? I’ll say it for him sounds like an excuse to cover your racism.
he’s not a soldier, he’s an airmen and it’s not usual for black people to be pilots in the air forces which causes chemistry racism when you start working with white airmen. please sit down, this is a situation
This comment must not understanding the history of becoming a pilot when pilots began , first and foremost you had to be within a family of wealthy backgrounds before even considered . Secondly when they come to find out that all they had was privilege pilots that was within pilot seats and no brains really to further the skills and rhythm to the power that surrounded them , MEANING people of color is and always have been hard at getting deep down and dirty into understanding what makes things work and after they find out other parts of there brain clicks in to understand the needs to apply the skills . The only thing is people of color Don't discriminate who the teach and allow to be apart of . This isn't about color , this topic is about "THE GREED OF POWER" that people in power is stuck still looking dumb on as the country moves on . How about that ??? Lol I noticed people hold fast for someone like me to pop in on some of the dumbest comments people make as if ignorance is dam normal . Ignorance is the brain of the privileged pilots . This is why they needed brains other than the average privileged pilots being pushed favorably with wealth throughout pilot schools .
Man, you know his resumé has to be amazing when there are no racist RU-vid comments about him being a crybaby or “playing the race card,” “Go back to Africa.” He’s so good he’s got the racists speechless.
You are actually on to something when you say Go back to Africa. Here you will be treated with dignity and respect and you can actually control the means of production. In the USA they just don't know what to do with you after they "invited you over". Start by visiting an African country as a tourist, get to learn the culture and build from there.....
That's beyond excellence! Can't imagine the grit and drive that took him to achieve it and I've been black in high pressure situations like that myself. He's better than most of us out here, all colors considered.
IM A 61 YEAR OLD WHITE MAN AND ARMY VETERAN. I WANT TO SAY THAT I AM VERY PROUD OF THIS YOUNG MAN AND HIS ACOMPLISHMENTS GRADUATING FROM THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY AND HIS STRONG DETERMINATION TO SEE HIS TRAINING PAY OFF ALL THE WAY TO THE END. HE NEVER GAVE UP! I ADMIRE AND RESPECT HIM FOR THAT !! I GREW UP AN AIR FORCE BRAT AND WAS ALWAYS ATTENDING SCHOOLS THAT WERE DEVERSIFIED. I THEN AS I DO NOW, APPRECIATE THAT FACT. I WANT TO SAY TO MAJOR DANIEL WALKER, HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH, AND BE PROUD OF YOURSELF. CARY ON YOUR LEGACY FOR YOUR SONS AND OR DAUGHTERS. I AM PROUD OF YOU, AND AMERICA IS PROUD OF YOU ! ......................AIRBORNE !!!
People don’t need the media to help create a narrative of what they experience in every day life. These experiences shared like this pilot are real to him regardless of media coverage.
D. Wright the problem is your getting mad at the average joe for systematic racism. What you fail to realize is it’s not the average joe it’s the higher ups in corporation military or not
@@snipinmonsta A. Who’s mad? B. Failure? C. Aren’t the “higher ups” you make reference to part of a collective society? I don’t understand your point as a “keen” observation? In fact, it feels more like blame shifting instead of truly understanding the underlying problem. Correct me if I am wrong but there were plenty of average joes involved in the 1/6 insurgency.
I mean let’s be honest he was flying an f22. Maybe he didn’t feel like he fit the culture but so what. Should the whole squadron change or should he. This is coming from me a black man and it’s an honest question.
@@kills456 I have worked with high performers who are high on life. They're generally misunderstood and misunderstand themselves. Tricky situation, people from different cultures coming together with different ways of doing things, bound to me fireworks. Same happens with medical students who come together.
@SuperDave Miorgan ~ The audacity of white privilege. Many cultures built America. Through wisdom, most will live a comfortable lie instead of being stripped in truth. The count up is real, so is our last breath .
@@laserhobbyist9751 none of you cannot relate and honestly I dont expect you to understand as you are part of the problem. I'm absolutely sure what race you are that's for damn sure
@@Spacepluscaptive I'm sorry but even the strongest man cry I know but it's not because I have white privilege it's because I see what's going on around me and it is ridiculous everybody has a hard time no matter the color of your skin except unless you're white these days or a straight white guy people need to get a grip on themselves and quit using race as a problem that is what is ununiting humanity God bless all those who are truly blind and cannot see the truth and bless all of us that know and understand what it is like to be discriminated against and it's every single one of us every day be praying for everybody that thinks they're the only ones we all go through it I've been arrested in handcuffed and everything at a young age and threw around like a a full grown man and nobody cried because I was white I guess it's a shame that people are still pulling the color of the skin cards it's right out sickening of all races were slaves at one time or another people's forgot their history and don't realize the freedoms they have because of strong military heroes true Patriots don't forget where you come from and don't forget what your ancestors have given you God bless and keep good knowledge amen and praise God hallelujah and Jesus name I have prayed Amen... 💯♥️✝️🙏🇺🇸⚖️🌎✌️👌❤️🤍💙🙌
@@randytrivitt6539 so you dont believe that racial discrimination still exist?! Do you believe a black man with dreads is going to get that executive office position for example
I served in an MP Battalion in Germany with a black officer. This officer came to the Army because of the chances to be treated properly. We had some pretty frank conversations about race. The officer said the Army was not perfect, but was far ahead of the civilian world when it came to equal opportunity.
@@Darknamja That is true, but those rules are written under the umbrella of mission readiness. Good leaders are color blind because they want the best people so as to be successful. Don’t get me wrong, bigotry exists, but not like the civilian world.
He will not succeed in law school either,I knew a lot of black lawyers that's quite,US state sponsored of racism should stop the world had move on but US till left behind.
@Austin Bennett Exactly!!!! I'm a black male who served. People who I served with were super nice and respectful. Some of the examples the media look for are products of the hiper sensitive, media propped-up, insane world we live in, were people see evil in everything, and no assumptions of good intentions are ever bestowed. The press loves this kind of nonsense. I knew they write a story about it. Not even our sacred military will be spared their grievance-peddling train --- Leave the military and the wonderful people serving in it alone. Go find other serious stories to cover.
I’m be been told this same thing... I was told that I had to smile more to make people feel comfortable. Yup. I’m tired of padding other people’s insecurities.
This guy had the final laugh, not only did he have an amazing accomplishment of becoming an F22 pilot( I mean just grasp that, dude is flying an air-superiority stealth fighter) kudos to him, but then he goes an gets accepted in Law School at Harvard, props to you man, big respect!!💪💪God bless you.
@@dubb9020 It seems that your mind is in wrong location,where the sun doesn't shine .The F22 is the top Air Force fighter,To become an F22 pilot ,you must be very smart and skilled.
@@dubb9020 Affirmative action was giving millions of acres of Native American land to white Anglo European settlers. Affirmative action was giving only white WW2 vets the GI bill and housing act. Affirmative action was always racist.
Generally speaking we're a dumb species. Hundreds of years have passed and we still have insecure & superficial prejudices against fellow humans. No wonder aliens haven't bothered spending time on this planet or made themselves overly known to us.
@Amend the Constitution to Remove Pathological Liars If you don't love Ted Cruz then you ain't a constitutionalist. If you don't love Ted Cruz then you ain't a Republican. If you don't love Joe Biden, you ain't black.
@Zakaria Ali The "ellites" are far more racial diverse than you think (in the UK anyway) Just look at the tory cabinet or the percentage of non White's at Eton.
Vietnam vet, here. I’m a black male. Flew HUEYs in Vietnam and retired from 45 years as a helicopter pilot, the first 4 as an army aviator. It’s true that everybody has a story. Mine is that I heard a lot of racial comments but I chose not to internalize them. They did not stop me from my goals. If. Someone told me that I couldn’t or shouldn’t do something that I planned to do to reach my goals, my attitude was “watch me.” There was no need to say anything. This man got to the top but he let others’ attitudes make him quit. I don’t get it. I’m a college dropout. He went to the Academy, got wings, got fighters, and got F-22 and he’s complaining. I don’t get it. Now, I haven’t walked in his shoes but he didn’t go through flight school in Texas and Alabama in the 1960s the way I did. So forgive me if I say, again, I just don’t get it. I wonder what his great uncle would say.
His Uncle would say he's Proud of Him. Everyone don't want to deal with a Long History of Abuse. He accomplished his Mission and did not leave with a Psych Discharge, HE chose to move on to a different chapter in Life and that's HIS choice. Getting a Law Degree or any Degree give Him options to Advance in a Company or start his Own Company, something he can not do in the AF. I am an Army Vet, so Yes I know about the Military as well as you. You don't have the Freedoms of the Outside world within the Ranks and there is Racism in ALL Branches and he doesn't have to remain and be Mentally Abused based on skin color.
He probably just got tired of the job overall. However amazing a job is it’s still a job. I thought he was going to start his own aviation related business like many other pilots do so he can control his business, who he hires, how the business culture operates etc... Good luck at an Ivy League school not facing discrimination there too...
Sometimes you just get tired and say I can do something much more appreciated and rewarding than continuing to have to deal with the double standards and JIM CROW, I started to N C O School in fort Bennington in 1968 and decided I would rather take my chances against the Veit Cong. so no matter how strong you are it can wear on you, I like what he did now they can go train someone else, he quit , he showed them flying F-22 was not worth the aggravation.
@@BasedU.S.parriot1776 *When you're such a COWARD that you have to comment from a TROLL account.* Show *your* face, COWARD. Are you one of those TRUMPAZEES wanted by the FBI? I want some of that reward money. Betcha won't show *your* face, COWARD. 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶 P.S. Get some education and learn the difference between *YOUR and YOU'RE,* idiot.
I can definitely identify with this. While in USAF, at a muscular 6’5, 220lbs I was often told to not speak with so much bass in my voice so i don’t intimidate my superiors.
Even as a enlisted man, I was faced with the same comments/feedback. If you excel your told to tone it down, but if you are perceived as lacking you are railed/weeded out systematically. The old saying of "know your place".
@@hubertpounall1323 I was in the Army and my experience was with a combat unit. When bullets are flying everyone quickly figures out, who the real men are, and the racial bs goes out the window. The problem for me was when we returned home. Over there I wasn’t afraid or concerned about rank or politics. It was all about survival for myself and my guys. Being back in states the end for me.
My dad is black and just retired last year as a Lt. Col. F-16 pilot to fly with United Airlines. But this guy is exactly right. When you're black you just can't be yourself, whether it's too quiet or talking too much. I was just watching an episode of 60 Days In and a black participant female walked into the pod clearly nervous, scared and not talking to anyone much. A white participant lady doing her interview said she immediately didn't like the black woman because she seemed stuck up, acting like she was too good for anyone and that she wasn't going to be afraid of her 🤣🙄. She didn't like her the whole time they were in there together. The whole time the black lady was terrified. That's how it is when you're black, folks, no matter what you do or how you act, a whole lot of white people are going to look at you in an unfavorable light. Unless you're acting exactly like them or how they would prefer, like robots. Most of these people would say they're not racist, but when they're in a power position over you, it can sure hold you back from doing a whole lot that others get to do.
@@seanwhittington6637 I wish it were fully the case. It is closer than the civil sector, but there are still areas where rank is acquired more politically than via pure merit. You fill the blocks, so does the next guy, so the differentiating factor becomes more subtle. That is where face time, etc. become important. In a nutshell, you still have to present as "The perfect candidate". I've seen a few SNCOs top out below where they strived to be because of this. As for me, I didn't fill a block (which no longer exists), so that is more on me.
Boy do they have a method of breaking us down. Very similar experience in business. Took walk around trying to adjust who you are to make someone else feel comfortable is exhausting and leads to much distress.
he isn't saying that flying f22 is discriminatory. LISTEN AGAIN!!!!!! He says that he isn't allowed to be himself. why don't you change your whole personality because someone who you just met doesn't like it? "he is having too much fun" or "he is too quiet" or "he is too serious" he gived them each a version and they still didn't like it. what he wants is to be accepted for who he is while excelling at what he loved. all it takes is for PEOPLE TO LISTEN.
@@mrkennyfernand Have you ever been in the military? Comments like that are a dime a dozen from superiors - whether you are white, black or green. He's projecting, now he'll do his law degree and no doubt get politically active - another scalp for identity politics. And the fact that he went to F22's pretty much means he was not disctiminated against. Everything he said sounded trivial.
@@mrkennyfernand I get COMPLETELY what he is saying! That we MUST BEND to their TOLERANCE, instead of allowing Black Folks to be WHO WE ARE!!!! Fact is, if are GIFTED in whatever Field we decide to practice in, we become the BEST at what we do, not to say the white man does not, but despite HOW ACCOMPLISHED WE BECOME, they STILL want to MOLD & SHAPE US INTO WHAT & HOW THEY WANT US TO BEHAVE!
@Austin Bennett Are you freaking kidding me, EXPLAIN YOUR UPT, IFF or B Course! Otherwise, keep your BS TO YOURSELF! It's as if you EXPECT us to know what the heck you are talking about with your ABBREVIATIONS!
White privilege expect black people to act like grateful puppies towards them. When that doesn't happen, they will work against you. All about power on their behalf!!!
This interview with an F-22 Pilot is very truthful. I myself was in the military in the mid 70's - 1975 -1981. Learned how to fly while in the Army and can say all those years ago I faced the same racist comments that this F-22 Fighter pilot faced. Things have not really changed in the military. Only the perception that things are better. But success is the best antidote for what he experienced. I myself went on the fly and had a successful Engineering career and retired. Kudos to this brother for speaking up and speaking out.
Thank you, sir , for your service to our country and our community. we need more of you as a mirror for our youth, so that we can keep replicating and multiplying. Theres a whole lot of work to be done. rooting for him as he goes into a different arena, to become a different kind of fighter.
I was denied 6 promotions in the Navy because as I was told "You have too much confidence in yourself and your fellow sailors were intimidated" ❗❓❗ It took almost 3yrs to finally get promoted, but even then there was pushback from other officers in my unit. I'd make them look bad by completing projects assigned to our unit ahead of schedule within weeks instead of months. Frickin crazy ❗❗❗
You think that's crazy brother.... I had a gun pulled on me by a white police officer while in uniform while he knew I didn't have a weapon and wasn't a threat.
I was white, also in the Navy, and had the same experience. I'm as insecure as they come, yet somehow I come off as overbearing and intimidating. I've been told the same thing in civilian life.
Any minority in the military will face some type of discrimination in their military career. I myself as an Asian -American combat veteran faced a lot of discrimination. Typical statement I always hear “Open your eyes when you shoot.” My blood boils inside, but I kept my cool and just push forward. I never regret joining the Army, best decision of my life & loved serving.
Sorry man, there's no excuse. I like to think I wasn't a part of the "isms" in the military, but I know I laughed and commented when I shouldn't have. I wish we'd all just see the uniforms and thre brilliance or stupidity only from the individual wearing the uniform.
I can relate to that young brother. I was a black Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force. I was tall and had that deep voice, and yes I heard some of the same things! The rumor was I wasn’t going to make it through Air Traffic Control school, I was going to washout. But, I ended up graduating number 2 in my class, missing number 1 by 2 points. I went on to be featured in the Air Force Airmen’s magazine. I must admit, I really had a good time during my stay in the force, but as he felt the need to leave, I did too.
The majority of people leave the service before 20 years regardless of race, sex or religion. I was enlisted in the USAF for 10 years. I prefer the military structure over civilian life but as an enlisted person the money will never be equal. I took my military skills to the corporate world. Is the corporate world more racist that the military? I would say so. So now what? Either start your own company or figure it out.
@@kevinx9225 You are right, I started my own company! This wasn’t about race, but like I said and I’ll say it again, I can relate to his story because the same thing happened to me!
As long as it's all fun and games with no real work involved it's all good. When you have to actually work, that's what makes a lot of people leave the service. 🪖🧈💩
@@codycrespin6021 would like to see someone talk like that on a job interview with top heads of a company or anyone in general. On god, on me, on my momma... the list goes on my friend lol. That just shows the IQ level on someone. You think I care about likes buddy?? I dont need likes to make me feel better or to boost my ego so get my frank out your mouth thank you brother. "Cody" let me guess you a wannabe "hood" type of person. Yall got some growing up to do...
Perception versus reality. It’s clear that this “victim” has surpassed most other young men in this country. I’m sure he’ll be a “victim” in law school as well.
@@canopeaz he was interviewed for his story because he is worthy of being noticed...it's called success..but he also explains the difficulty in what he went through...but he served his country well...you should admire him rather than the criticism
@@nathancarter1082 he signed the line himself and most who are criticizing him are doing so rightfully the man did a grand job and then tried to smear the very organization that helped him thats a little backwards especially when anyone who has actually served especially in combat roles know this is bull we are one team one fight and many dark humorous that help keep people mentally prepared for anything because at the end of the day the enemy doesn’t care about your feelings or the color of your skin.
Accepted at Harvard Law School. This guy has the final laugh because that's a big accomplishment and will likely do more in life compared to the others there.
@@brmatiq2627 - my point is that if this guy was a victim of systemic discrimination in the air force, he would've been passed over for promotion. There's also a saying in the military "mess up, move up". When a command has someone that they can't otherwise get rid of, they promote them as soon as they can in order to get them sent off to another unit that has a billet for their new, higher rank. This is usually an enlisted thing, though. Promoting this pilot would just give him greater responsibility in his current unit since he's going to remain assigned to the F-22. Basically, if whites or good ol' boys were discriminating against other races, there's no way they'd promote the person which would put them in a position where other whites would have to be subordinate. In the military, you respect the rank, not the person. He's going to give an order, make an assignment and subordinates are going to follow those orders. There's just no way this guy is getting promoted as early as he has while being a victim of systemic discrimination. The "system" wouldn't want him to have that authority over others. Perhaps, this guy should ask himself why, besides his color, people might not like him.
That's the thing.. We've been taught for far too long that we are different races.. We aren't.. We're just different skin tones. That's what is different.. Saying we are all different races is what these crazies get in their heads that we are less than.. Human beings is what you are, I am, this man is, and everyone else.. I thank you so very very much for being on the side of those of us that are seen as less than.. That means so much and again, I thank you! 🤭🤗🤗
A GREAT dude... who bombs poor dirt farmers, (who fight back with WW2 tech)so that the poppy and minerals can flow and the war machine contracts and the stonks... Oh the GLORIOUS stonks... can go up and up and UP! Tuskegee airmen he is NOT! Take it with a grain of salt (from a former USAFA cadet no less)... This guy will surely run for office, after he does a 2-5 year stint working in a top tier law firm where his firm's and his former law school's network will plug him right into high political office. Just think, identity politics cripples just about every single populist movement (on the right or left) from affecting ANY meaningful change to the political system of the United States. Wouldn't it be just so incredibly, deliciously, "convenient" if the slightest resistance to war or any act of political aggression, economic, military, or whatever... could be written off as RACIST?
Puked my way out of N.A.S. Pensacola...did not get my Wings of Gold. You should have stayed and gotten Stars. Then, you can change the System and Culture. Semper Fi.....Steve the Marine
@@braveman1641 Let me explain something to you I am entitled to my opinion, You nor anyone else get to change it if you don't like it. . But don't by god tell me what to do! You who hides behind a fake name I don't know you nor do I ever care to meet you. You don't know me and I am confident you don't want to ever meet me. I was in the Army and I knew several black men well. I lived with them, I ate dinner with them and several other endeavors and I never heard one of them speak like he does. They were all different in size, attitude, social background and came from all over the US and I love them like brothers. Now sod off!
I take my hat off to this outstanding gentleman, not only is he smart and well spoken but he has dreams and with perseverance he's concord. Much respect and blessings as you further your knowledge in law.💯💯💯🙏🙏🙏
Wait, he earned an appointment to the Air Force Academy. A free, prestigious education. He was sent to F-22 fighter school, a prestigious assignment in the Air Force, excelled there and was assigned to an F-22 squadron in Langley. And then in less than 11 years he was promoted several times to the rank of Major. Then he decides to leave the Air Force and is accepted into Harvard law school. THIS is the story of an OPPRESSED individual?
Resume: f 22 pilot so you can fly an aircraft that is discontinued and only available in the USA yeah I don’t think his resume is going to help him that much when he leaves the USAF
@@getstuffed2391 Actually, these guys are in very high demand and easily write their career from the time they solo in that jet. I know several Air Force aviators and they are all doing extremely well post Air Force. It's the reason that the military has such a significant pilot shortage. Wht are we having these problems in 2021.
I know exactly how he feels. I've been on both sides...Enlisted and Officer. My Command recently asked if there was anything they can do retain me...nope. I'm ready to go. Enough is enough. I will always love my country and the time I served, however my mental health is worth more.
I know this to be true; At the academy, there was a period in which Christian ideology was rampant throughout the school and senior officers in some cases either openly promoted it or chastised cadets who complained about it. At this officers rank and judging from his age, I wouldn't be surprised if he encountered some of these same officers.
I'm sorry that you still have to deal with this. I try to do my part by making sure generational racism stops with me and in my household. I hope one day no one will have to fight harder for something solely based on the color of their skin. Thank you for your service.
I feel you. Racism in the military is very real. A Captain of a well known US Navy Air Craft Carrier called me to his office and asked me, “You will be a great loss, you’re an outstanding Petty Officer, what can I do to keep you?” I said: “Nothing”. Looking back through my anger I should have said more.
This is pathetic! I'm sorry. That man was a huge asset to our airforce! The fact that his "superiors" discriminated against him to the point of him leaving for his happiness is appalling! He was likely more intelligent and obviously a better pilot than those who discriminated against him. They were threatened by his success. Fighter pilots are very smart men. Its sad to know this still happens in 2021 and in such high places in the military
@@yurig014 Because racism doesn’t exist. Everyone is tolerant and fair. No one was raised with bad morals or applies negative stereotypes to others. It’s all Kool-ade. You give a lot of credit to humanity.
@@yurig014 I served in the military (Marine Corps) and from your comment, I'm guessing that you didn't? The military, especially High Achievement, Elite units, branches, and organization; you will see the racism and bigotry darn near openly. The delegation of assignments, promotions, and the teachers' pet attitude among the higher ups is gauling. And the whole time, a Black service member has to bite their lip.
@@samurai_fx4911 "black people need special treatment or else the service is racist" im sure the black higher ups discriminate against black people too.
This pilot left the Air Force because he got accepted to Harvard law. End of story. The racism angle is a load of crap. If he experienced racism to the degree he claims, he would have never stayed for eleven years.
Seated in an F22 with those that despise and surround you doesn’t mean you made it. Not when there aren’t many that look like you in the same environment. Just like you are uncomfortable around us when there are too many, so are we. Time to level the playing field.
"The word perfectly conveys, to quote George Bush, the soft bigotry of low expectations. It literally comes down to that. When people say it, what they are really saying is that someone is articulate ... for a black person." - Anna Perez, former deputy assistant to President Bush and communications counselor to Condoleezza Rice when she was national security adviser.Credit... One of many examples. I use to say it to. I wasnt trying to be rude but u will do yourself a favor like i did by dropping thst word when describing non whites.
@@rettop9757 They're right. Calling a black person "articulated", "educated" or "well-spoken" is a microaggression which is very offensive. That basically implies that black people aren't either of those things and that he is an "exception".
As a propulsion engineer, I’ve thought about going into the Air Force, but this is a large reason why I stayed away. At least with corporate I can move to another company.
This is true. Corporate America doesn’t value you any more than the military but at least you can just get another job. The military feels like a lifetime decision.
@@rtwo4570 I’ve heard that the military on a whole is the most racist institution in America! I don’t know how anything could be more racist than anything else though, racism is racism.
@@thefuture5572 statistically, the occurrence and encounters are higher because you are in a concentrated area with, let’s face it, a lot of white men from rural USA who probably have never interacted with other races except through a tv screen.
So true, that contractual military obligation comes with quite a number of teeth in the bite - you can walk away, but jail time is the resulting penalty.
As a black man with 8 years in the Air Force I will gladly tell any black men to join the Army. I grew up on Ft Bragg and saw so many blacks in leadership positions and actually being themselves. Having a commanding presence is a good thing in the Army unlike the Air Force. I know that I will probably upset somebody but it is the truth and I have lived both...
The army is NOT the air-force sir... They have no problem with Black men in the army because there you get the opportunity to stop bullets with your body. The air-force is another kettle of fish. Woe be unto them if they allow black men to fly. In WWII it was poor eyesight today its poor attitude / qualifications or whatever nonsense barrier they dream up.
Trust me I know the Army is not the Air Force... and sure the Air Force makes excuses for minority pilots where the Army doesn’t. Regardless of being seen as a meat shield it is more equal opportunity. There are plenty of minority pilots in the Army...
If a war broke out he's the last man in the force I would trust he probably abort mission or eject to not die for his country that's what he sounds like
@@pleasedontdoxme6237 he absolutely doesn’t at all. He was willing to put his life on the line to fly one of the worlds most high tech planes. You sitting in a dark room behind your keyboard clearly doesn’t understand that change makes the world a better place.
@@vasilirikardsson This whole interview seemed to go over your head. Derrek was talking about his experiences in the military, not a bunch of superficial qualifiers.
As a USAF current member I would like to believe it’s changed from 30 years ago. I know discrimination exists I’m not ignorant to the facts, but I don’t think it’s the same from when you served. The entire AF loved the last CMSAF Wright “Enlisted Jesus” and this young man as an F22 pilot. Great leaders. Black leaders. I just hope the advice this pilot received prior to joining did not hinder his perception of his hardships. Meaning did he think that because it was hard, or because he was counseled on his “being quiet” was only because he was black. My question is was it just as hard for everyone, but did he think it was made harder for him only because of his race? Because someone told him before he joined to “conform”? And that bad advice stuck throughout his military career and kept the image of its harder for me because I’m a black man? It seems the pilot was extremely successful due to his hard work. Very intelligent, skilled man! I do wish for the day I do not have to ask these questions and everyone is treated equal. I love my black brothers and sisters. We all bleed blue in my eyes and I will not tolerate discrimination, or hate! Thank you for your service.
My Brother was a Pilot in the Navy...he dropped out after 4 years of flying. He said they treated him like crap b/c he was Black and a damn good Pilot like our Father and he couldn't move up in ranks. All the things this Pilot is saying is true. My Brother is now Captain fly for a Private Company between Europe and America.... he told his Son who want to be a military Pilot to not do it b/c of the stress levels of racism. Just sad.
Well spoken and shared story, unfortunately from my AF experience you don't have to be a glorified pilot to experience this level of racism. I worked in the Civil Energizing squadron and worked along side of civil service federal employees as well as the hierarchal military uniformed chain of command. Many airmen would aspire to work in the more lucrative private sector after their military careers were finished. As an AF commercial refrigeration and AC specialist I routinely saw the unwillingness of our civil service workforce, many who were Vietnam War veterans themselves, to train the black airmen in a competent manner. Routinely many higher level critical jobs were given to the white airmen to gain critical working knowledge and experience, while regulating menial jobs to the black airmen - essentially a measure instituted to dumb down our level of competence both in the AF that affected skill level promotions and rank upgrades. Periodically contractors from the private sector were upgrading or installing new commercial grade cooler and chiller systems. The high level GS foreman, would work with the NCOIC in handpicking white airmen to work alongside of those contractors gaining both critical working knowledge and post-service job seekers contacts for when their AF Careers were over. We black service members were intentionally stunted in both our AF Careers, and future private sector job opportunities by this strategic fashion of discrimination/racism jointly conducted by the GS civil service proponent and military rank and file, a lose/lose situation if you were a black service member in the USAF. This was in the 80s and 90s. I seriously doubt anything has changed for the better.
Walker's experience reminds me of me. I'm white, conservative, male, and opinionated. I recently retired from a 32 year career in adult education. Ninety five percent of my coworkers were Hispanic, progressive, and female. Even though we worked in California a huge part of formal and informal business was conducted in Spanish, a language I do not speak. Everything I did, and did not do; everything I said, and did not say had to be monitored constantly. Thirty years ago, it was one of the best careers going. Today, I would not recommend to people like me at all. Moral of the story? When you are a minority, you will have to be careful in order to survive.
@@stevntylertoy I had to moderate my behavior, much like Walker, because I was otherwise intimidating as well. I'm well over 300 pounds, 6'5" tall and gregarious. I drove a huge 4 x 4 pickup truck, listened to old school country music, and towards the end of my career sported a MAGA hat on that truck's gunrack. Do you think people, such as me, cannot find themselves discriminated against because of the color of their skin? That sounds racist to me.
I'm a Navy Vet. My dad Viet Nam, Uncles, Nam as well. Gramps, WWII. ALL OF US experienced plenty of racism when we served. My family actually tried to talk me OUT of serving, we left off on bad terms when I enlisted anyway. If you bring up that racism to your superiors, you get batted down. They cover for themselves. I'm glad I went and did what I did, but I only served one enlistment because of that racism.
@@maryrodger5130 Exactly. When I first arrived on board the Nimitz, one of the very first things I was told about repair division was that there was a lot of racism. That came from 3 black Petty Officers who were nearing the end of their enlistments. They also made it very clear to me that if I ever spoke up about it, things wouldn't go well for me. I had to just endure it, in silence.
@@bradcolby1 I would suggest Marine Corps or Army if you do. There are more Black men in leadership roles in those two branches than there are in the Navy. That way if something does happen, you have more people to turn to that are minorities.
There are only 900,000 air force members who would happily trade places. This guy is entitled victim. Every Air man gets sick of conforming. Thats why its called the Air Force.
Man to lose this top of talent is truly depressing, You can tell he does not want to leave, Im proud he is going to Law School but this guy is a fantastic Officer. Only 50 Minority Fighter Pilots currently in the Air Force, I thought we were getting better. I really did.
As a man of color who had a wonderful 27 yr career in the Army; I can honestly say that I have had more hate and issues from my own people than from any white peer or superior. I was shunned and even called a sellout on occasion. Never did I experience blatant or subtle racism from a white person while serving. In fact, many of them assisted me and provided outstanding guidance during my career. I served during the first Gulf War and during the OIF and OEF missions to give some idea of my time in.
Thanks for sharing and for your service. I'm wondering if perhaps the pilot perceived prejudice and didn't really experience much or any real prejudice?
I think many black men have an understanding that the lower we are on the totem pole the more comfortable our white constituency seems to be. Many are called to serve their country for different reasons for sure. My opinion is that societal mainstream America at large seems to warm to the thought of the physical specimen, black fighter, something that goes way back to historic slavery. Many Army jobs don't have a civilian equivalent. So when leaviing the Army many veterans, especially black veterans struggle to get a job. Sure if you stay until retirement then it's a wrap. Maybe a GS position and/or VA disability awaits some, but those numbers are the minority. AF is different, hated by most other branches of the service, but with a more compatible civilian job outlook. GS jobs may offer job security for the Army, but many of those jobs are fraught with racism, political favoritism and stress - just take note of the GAO investigations regarding the Dept. Of Veteran Affairs. Not having a military service job that applies to the open civilian job market, means you're not a threat to a potential white job seeker anyway. The Air Force is renown for meting out unfair appraisals, promotions, assignments, at-a-boyism tactics, military reprisals and discharge types to black airmen. I think more people associate the Air Force with polished prestige, and the Army with grittiness, toughness and the,"fighting man" mentality, whether right or wrong. In essence, other than the limited jobs that law enforcement offers, no real threat regarding the Army to whites in the private sector. Jobs that many times yield higher annual salaries. The AF would rather not see black servicemen excel at their prospective AF Careers or post service employment. After serving 7 years USAF my opinion is the good ol boy system is alive and well in the Air Force.
@@teaaet1 My daughter served in the USAF and did quite well. She never saw her color as a hindrance to her success. In fact, she saw it as an advantage. She also knew that to be successful she had to put in the work; and she did just that. Like me, she never observed racism, blatant or otherwise, while serving. She served her time in the USAF and now doing quite well as a civilian. She is a biracial child from 2 people of color. I may add that I have never heard anybody in the Army, while I served, bad mouth the USAF. And lastly, since my retirement I have served as a contractor at undisclosed locations and doing quite well. The intangibles that my daughter and I learned while serving have done us both quite well. I respect your comment. I find your take on USAF life interesting. I wish you the best of luck.
@@Ash26Ken13 I appreciate your response and your family call to service. I think there are is an abundance of success stories relating to the AF. There also seems to be an overwhelming presence of the opposite as indicated by studies conducted by the AF. I too have family members who have served in the military, including a brother-in-law 15 years of USAF service with bridge service in the Army reserves requiring state senator intervention to rightfully receive his service to country retirement. I myself, an honor grad recipient in both USAF supervisory training and my chosen specialty in civil engineering, personally was subjected to and witnessed the rampant and disparate systematical tactics employed in regards to job training with black airmen vs their white constituency. That is an unfortunate reality that many blacks who have given service to country unfortunately have in fact experienced - as the AF studies have shown. So while I too respect your opinion and the positive experience both you and your daughter enjoyed, to assume that your positive outlook is the typical experience would be a far reaching ascertain that hinges on the subjectivity that "it didn't happen to me, so it must be something that black serviceman did or didn't do to deserve that mistreatment", is a flawed premise of vilifying the victim.
I am lost! Did he ever come up with a reason for leaving the AF, or was he lacking all the praise and adoration he craved? In the military, you should make everything you do the best that it can be; not to be praised, but to make your unit, section, branch the best it can be w/o needing to be praised, coddled and idolized because of who YOU are!
@@billycurry3504 You just pulled the race card; you must be the racist! I just said he was a whiney little punk that didn't like being treated like everybody else!
Thank you for sharing Walker. We all need these experiences to be shared. It’s important to open up the conversation, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. God speed.
What is uncomfortable about this? He's praised as a celebrity on nationwide news for feeling uncomfortable. All he has to do is portray himself as a victim to the people who want to use it for political power.
@@acnine-ball8976 so when someone’s _actually_ being victimised, how should they portray themselves. Bury their heads in the sand and become as mentally ill as the savages who can’t/won’t operate on a level playing field? The savages who pretend discrimination doesn’t exist (unless they feel they’re loosing their ill gotten privileges)..!? I pray that you live to experience _exactly_ what he and his community feel on a continual basis, and when you do _you_ are told to just shut up and forget about it. Everyone needs to be free to be themselves, but not at everyone’s expense. It’s about time you and your damned people _learned_ that because the only thing that’s permanent in this world IS CHANGE. Enjoy your _’supremacy’_ - while it lasts...
I was a Marine Corps bandsman. being one of the few African Americans in the field, I felt that I had to set an example. After basic training, I attended the Armed forces School of Music. that's when I felt the pressures of being black in the military. Not wanting to make waves, I put up with the racism from quite a few of my fellow students and some of my Seniors. I was no exceptional student and the remarks and treatment weighed on me as I struggled through and passed the course. when I got to my first duty station, I felt welcomed there until I met the band officer who was on his way to a new duty assignment. At his farewell party, he spoke to me for the first time. Our new band officer, the second black band officer in the history of the Corps was present also. He told me to "come on in and have a seat next to my bother." That pretty much set the tone for the rest of my time in the service. I wanted to make a career out of the service, but I couldn't tell the difference between the wisecrackers and the bigots after a while. It affected me deeper than I had realized. I can relate heavily to this young officer's feelings.
Discrimination comes in different forms you must have not listened to his story. He had to be better than best, he had to conform and then when he did they then say he thinks he is to good or better than. People have to listen not just hear
Being black and in the military I've heard all this feedback/comments myself. I.e. The one that really got me is the fact that the way I walk is "intimidating" WTF does that even mean?
That means people are inherently afraid of you because they are intimidating. It is because there are people in the Air Force that are scared of people who don’t look like them or participate in the “political” bs as them of Corporate Air Force
You should be intimidating. Army 10 years my dude. There are some racists out there still, but they are very rare. Most white people are more afraid of your EO power than they are you being “intimidating “. It sounds like you just have wusses in your workspace
@@anderstopansson someone being able to thrive inspite of systemic racism doesn't disapprove its existence. The treatment he and others before him received shows there's an real bias here, designed to keep more people like him out.
At about 3:55: "Joined an F-22 squadron in Langley Virginia". There is no USAF base in Langley Virginia. F-22s are located at Langley Air Force Base in HAMPTON, Virginia which is many miles away from Langley Virginia. More sloppy reporting from 60 Minutes ! Wonder what else is wrong in this report !
F*ck you for racial neutrality. you want to live outside of reality but I'm a black man and you do not live and walk in my shoes when I'm stopped by the police and by the way I'm leaving gun owner without any criminal history so please stop with racial neutral b*******
Are we supposed to feel bad for him? This guy has all the opportunities. AF academy, Havard. Also, he complains about having to assimilate... yeah, that's the military my dude.
I served with a lot of African Americans. I would still die for each and every one of them. We didn’t put up with racial acts like this in my unit. You did that and your gone.We didn’t see each other as a color just a brothers and sisters.
We all bleed green and are one color this is just more political bull plus the whole intimidating thing I find hilarious I would love to see people like this reaction in a grunt unit I mean pogs hurt his feeling I fear what grunts words would do
