General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Prejudice against whites is not the same as prejudice against blacks [View all]JoePhilly
(27,787 posts)At most, I got what you describe as "small tastes" of racism aimed at me.
My first example was frustrating, but it was one I could deal with. I had to work harder to get time on the basketball court, but I felt like I had options.
My second example was the more scary situation because the threat of physical violence was included. But even that represented a rather small part of my day. I quickly learned to time my appearance at the bus stop ... I knew exactly what time the bus was supposed to be there. I also learned which businesses were near by, populated places in which I'd be safer. Once I was on the bus, I was generally OK after about 4 stops or so. I always looked for older people on the bus, black or white, and sat near them. Or close to the driver. Or I'd stand. But still, this was a very small part of my day.
I can't imagine having to spend my day assessing all of the people in the environment beyond what I had to do as a kid in Philly to start with. I mean, northeast Philly was a rough place when I lived there, and so you had to watch yourself, and others all the time ... but most of that was nothing compared to that subway and bus ride. And then those, were a small part of my day.
So I see that same thing. The idea that you had to watch for such things 24/7 ... and be concerned that you might be confronted in a physical manner all the time, I can only imagine.
That 3rd example I gave really hit me hard. The fact that an older black man became intimidated by me because I smiled and said "hi" ... and then how I saw the guys at the counter act as if he did not exist ... that blew me away ... and this was around 1985.
I lived in TX for another 3 years, and saw more racism than I ever saw in Philly. I know a number of white guys who are concerned that they are the ones getting the short end. And they find comfort in blaming minorities.
Fact is, the GOP is screwing them ... and too often, they help the GOP do it.