Tyakack wrote:Can someone explain white privilege to me? What are white people able to do today that I'm not just as easily able to do myself if I wanted? Are there certain laws in place I don't know about that makes it hard for me as a black male to succeed? I keep being told I'm at a disadvantage. Which is funny to me because I never once thought that growing up. The white kids didn't get special treatment. They didn't play by different rules. They were just like me.
To me that is more offensive than anything else. You're basically, in a sense, calling me inferior but, "Don't worry. We are here to help and make it right." That is the vibe I'm getting and it's almost comical to me. I'm not a victim. I don't need or want pity. I live in a wonderful country with endless opportunities for me. Nothing is stopping me from going out and being what I wanna be and doing what I wanna do. I can walk out this door right now and do whatever my heart desires. I love America.
America is so racist they elected a black president, twice *Half black but still*. Even though black people make up such a small portion of the population. Explain that to me. How did racist America allow that to happen?
Apparently the system is made to keep black people at the bottom of the ladder? It doesn't get much more at the top than President of the United States. This isn't against anyone in particular by the way but... This whole narrative that America is so racist, I just don't see it. Like, anywhere. That's my ramble on the topic for today. Bye now.
LoquaciousLarry wrote:I love this post. I was shut down from a work conference with students for trying to inspire minority students not to have a victim mentality but to look at it that if they have had a harder road with more obstacles, how much stronger and more prepared they'll be than others because of their abilities to take on and overcome amazing challenges. Without conflict, character cannot be built. I agree we should be focused on equity and equality in this country. I'm also proud to be an American where we can protest and have freedom of speech so everyone's feelings and opinions can be heard.
So...racism is now a hurdle to be overcome by minorities. An "amazing challenge" that builds character when you overcome it.
ZERO African-Americans are victims. They are SURVIVORS of generational trauma and oppression. And despite being the human scaffolding and collateral damage upon which this country was built. African-Americans continue to excel, and contribute in every industry despite the obstacles that they have to overcome that most do not.[/quote]
LoquaciousLarry wrote:Racism has always existed and still does in many countries on far more egregious levels than here in the states. While it is still a major problem that needs to be addressed and continuously worked on, I feel the United States has been at the forefront of leading the charge in regard to pushing for equality. It won't happen overnight but I feel like this country has made a ton of progression over the years with leaders such as MLK JR among many others. Pandering and getting rid of Biblical standards has caused a deterioration of moral values in my opinion.
They killed those guys bro. They murdered them in front of their friends and families. And let's be clear about Martin Luther King, White people by in large were not mourning him when he was shot. A poll conducted just before his death rated him as one of the most hated men in America. But the Bible, IIRC does have some pretty strict standards about murdering people so you may be onto something there.
LoquaciousLarry wrote:I'm white but I know there are plenty of bad white people and plenty of great white people. The same for every other race as well as genders. Rather than judging on the basis of skin or sex, we should all push not to judge and if we do judge we need to base it off the content of one's character. This country is literally bringing segregation back with critical race theory etc. We should all unite and be as one and stop looking so much at the exterior of people but really focus on the interior and who people are and the qualities and skills that they represent. Also, we should teach of the progression this country has made and will continue to make rather than trying to tear down the efforts of many folks who are no longer with us that sacrificed a lot to continue the push to eliminate racism and raise awareness of the struggles we have in this country.
I hate to keep picking but this is Exhibit A on why nothing changes. You keep wanting to make it about good or bad people. White, Black, Brown, Yellow, Purples, it doesn't matter who's good or who's bad. Racism has approximately d**k to do with one's character. Racism is about power dynamics, social hierarchy, and most importantly, it's about money. Being a racist or not being a racist is a condition, not a character trait. And it's not immutable. It's a choice. Whether you benefit from it or not, whether you mean to or not, it's your choice whether or not to ACTIVELY work to subvert racism, or you don't. It couldn't be more simple.