Question on Race in America

Just wanted to share a conversation I had with a white female co-worker the other day. She made a statement that kind of caught me off-guard. Please believe I didn't share too much of my opinion with her, but I did, in fact, disagree. It's still been on my mind, so I thought I'd ask you all the same question.

Do white women have it worse than black men in America? Or to restate this question in other terms, is sexism more of a problem in America than racism? Her opinion is simply "yes." Given this election, I'm sure a lot of white women are feeling this same way. And if Obama wins this election, will this prove her assumption? Now, for the record it amazes me that anyone, other than black women, can say that they have it harder than black men. But even I can't say that black women have it harder than black men. I know black men and women have different struggles, but I'm not sure who has it the "hardest." But that's just my opinion.

Maybe this is why black men are so drawn to white women (and vice versa) - due to their similar "struggles" and all? (*Please note the cynicism.)

Personally, I've always felt that my being "black" trumps being a woman. Sexism I can deal with. Everyone has a woman in their life in some form or fashion - at some point they are forced to confront that - right? However, I was born black which is a very unique circumstance that only other black people can begin to understand on so many different levels. However, a discussion on the impacts of race will take me several volumes of text explain, so I'll just stop now.

In her defense, she does admit that she feels that black women have it the worst. Also we work in a male dominated field of engineering & information technology, so I can slightly see her point. However, the black male representation is smallest of all in our office - so what's the basis? I agree sexism does exist, but to draw a parallel to what black men have gone through for hundreds of years is a bit much. I disagree when my gay friends do the same thing - not the same, I sympathize, but that's another post as well. So I guess I'm still a bit confused.

What do you think? Speak on it...