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Chitown Kev

(2,197 posts)
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:14 AM Nov 2015

White people (especially men...especially straight) seem to have lived in a bubble all their lives

and it seems as if the bubble is bursting.

You know, it's not as if POC and LGBT's never took offense at anything that was said and done...be they insults, epithets thrown, etc.

The problem always was that with white (men) in power, if any sort of complaint was made or action taken to protest anything that was said in utter disrespect, it could very well cost a POC or an LGBT their livelihood, their home, or even their life

So, yes, if a white man called his black housekeeper "gal," it wasn't as if that black housekeeper was going to say anything about it...in the old days.

Nowadays...yes, white people do have to be more respectful and considerate to "others" and frm the looks of several thread, y'all don't like it.

Granted, I do think that sometimes, the discussion of "microaggressions and "safe spaces" goes overboard on occasion, but it exists for a reason.

145 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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White people (especially men...especially straight) seem to have lived in a bubble all their lives (Original Post) Chitown Kev Nov 2015 OP
They don't care about minorities' feelings as much as their own. DemocraticWing Nov 2015 #1
This, the OP too, are Rebkeh Nov 2015 #2
I like to mess with their heads..... Spitfire of ATJ Nov 2015 #5
They have been the center of the universe for too long. bravenak Nov 2015 #3
It's true mwrguy Nov 2015 #51
I'm white (I guess, by looks, not really into genealogy) SusanCalvin Nov 2015 #128
Good. It really isn't anything to cry about. bravenak Nov 2015 #137
Some of them lived on a throne.... Spitfire of ATJ Nov 2015 #4
Ooh ooh. Control-Z Nov 2015 #140
k & r lovemydog Nov 2015 #6
So do you just assume Shankapotomus Nov 2015 #7
White people (especially men) are devils kwolf68 Nov 2015 #11
the point is not that but that they were used to privilege treestar Nov 2015 #95
wtf "White people (especially men) are devils" saturnsring Nov 2015 #112
Yes. Chitown Kev Nov 2015 #13
White guy beaten by racist Blacks for dating a Black woman in Savannah, Georgia snooper2 Nov 2015 #18
Post removed Post removed Nov 2015 #19
"Shit happens". How disgusting. Marr Nov 2015 #34
+1,000,000. nt. polly7 Nov 2015 #36
It goes both ways JackInGreen Nov 2015 #55
+ a googolplex. hifiguy Nov 2015 #117
No such thing as RACIST BLACKS in a country controlled by white people. randys1 Nov 2015 #62
So when a black woman tells a woman from India to go back to her country snooper2 Nov 2015 #66
bigotry, xenophobia...racism is one group in power pushing the other group around based randys1 Nov 2015 #68
Good try ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #71
That's not true at all Bradical79 Nov 2015 #83
Only if that individual is part of the group that has the power. randys1 Nov 2015 #86
You're playing semantic games. Comrade Grumpy Nov 2015 #91
LOL randys1 Nov 2015 #92
Which is still not true Bradical79 Nov 2015 #94
If a 6' tall ' black person beats a 5 foot tall white person to death for racial.reasons whathehell Nov 2015 #129
So you are saying that one race, white people, are inferior to another? Bok_Tukalo Nov 2015 #130
I just love the way you've made your personal definition of racism out to be the only valid one. cherokeeprogressive Nov 2015 #97
Ahh, how sweet. You sure are giving me a whole lot of credit, thanks, I will TAKE IT randys1 Nov 2015 #98
Uhm, from what I know, racism is bigotry based on race, institutional racism is that bigotry... Humanist_Activist Nov 2015 #101
No. Racism and bigotry are different things (look this up before posting next time). DisgustipatedinCA Nov 2015 #104
If it helps you sleep thru the night to believe a Black person can affect racism randys1 Nov 2015 #115
No need to extrapolate on my behalf. I said nothing about black people "affecting" racism. DisgustipatedinCA Nov 2015 #124
ok since i dont have any power i can never be a racist saturnsring Nov 2015 #113
"Race-based Bigotry " eom 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2015 #102
You can type that until your fingers fall off - it still won't be true. NaturalHigh Nov 2015 #77
Yes, I find that offensive. I was always told two wrongs don't make a right, but it seems some Waldorf Nov 2015 #37
I dont object to you saying white people are privileged Shankapotomus Nov 2015 #145
Yes--the decreasing life expectancy of white men with less education eridani Nov 2015 #8
Yes, that is quite a story mountain grammy Nov 2015 #10
Ahhh remember the days when white people had all the power? GOLGO 13 Nov 2015 #9
Looks like the rich (who have the power) come from many backgrounds now. Waldorf Nov 2015 #38
Similar to Americans in relation to the rest of the world The2ndWheel Nov 2015 #12
Yes. Chitown Kev Nov 2015 #14
Definitely a correlation there. brush Nov 2015 #28
Broadbrush much? polly7 Nov 2015 #15
Y'all sure like your individuality and diversity, don't you? Chitown Kev Nov 2015 #16
I like facts and history, and don't believe that all people should be shoved into specific hate polly7 Nov 2015 #17
Please...I never said that there weren't any good white folks. Chitown Kev Nov 2015 #20
Riiiiiiiight. nt. polly7 Nov 2015 #21
No what you said was, White people (especially men...especially straight) seem to have B Calm Nov 2015 #33
Thats not what I gathered from your OP. Waldorf Nov 2015 #39
As a white, straight man coming from a working-poor background deutsey Nov 2015 #58
But you have been afforded a cloak of privilege that you may not even realize you have. randys1 Nov 2015 #64
And you know that I don't even realize how, exactly deutsey Nov 2015 #89
Oh, if you arent a white American then I apologize, I assumed you were randys1 Nov 2015 #90
Stop assuming and start basing your judgments on knowledge deutsey Nov 2015 #100
yeah...thanks for that... EndElectoral Nov 2015 #114
True. There have always been white allies who have helped brush Nov 2015 #31
Have you noticed ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #22
Yes... Chitown Kev Nov 2015 #23
So do you treat others as they wish to be treated? NaturalHigh Nov 2015 #84
We have lived in a bubble. Codeine Nov 2015 #24
+1 ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #25
Hence all of these definitions of "racism" Chitown Kev Nov 2015 #26
I won't lie, Codeine Nov 2015 #30
Bigotry based on someone's race is still racism. GeorgeGist Nov 2015 #72
No, it really isn't. Codeine Nov 2015 #85
The fact that you had to use a modifier(systematic) shows you know the redefinition of racism... Humanist_Activist Nov 2015 #103
Increased awareness. Paradigm change. Codeine Nov 2015 #106
But there is no agreement among those who are discriminated against due to race. Humanist_Activist Nov 2015 #108
Individual self-emamination is fine as far as it goes... AOR Nov 2015 #61
Agreed, utterly. nt Codeine Nov 2015 #82
Very well said. geardaddy Nov 2015 #63
Excellent way of saying that all white americans are racists and all men are misogynists randys1 Nov 2015 #67
The former is arguable because whites are the dominant racial group. lumberjack_jeff Nov 2015 #73
The way you worded that I am not sure which of my two statements you dont agree with...LOL randys1 Nov 2015 #74
All men are not misogynists. lumberjack_jeff Nov 2015 #78
A fantastic post, Codeine. Thank you for listening and for your thoughtful intelligence. Number23 Nov 2015 #122
I wouldn't stop there WhaTHellsgoingonhere Nov 2015 #27
Do you think White youth feel solidarity with Black youth? ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #29
You know, the media likes to amplify what will WhaTHellsgoingonhere Nov 2015 #32
What are you talking about, exactly? ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #35
Amplified modifies terror and media manipulation WhaTHellsgoingonhere Nov 2015 #42
I'm sorry, I'm still not seeing your point ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #43
Absolutely! But that's institutional racism, we're WhaTHellsgoingonhere Nov 2015 #46
Ok! ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #49
:) WhaTHellsgoingonhere Nov 2015 #53
This message was self-deleted by its author WhaTHellsgoingonhere Nov 2015 #45
I'm curious as to what the future holds once . . . brush Nov 2015 #40
You are predicting the economic end of racism? Or did I read that wrong? ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #41
I think it will lessen over time, probably decades . . . brush Nov 2015 #44
Do see us headed to an position of extreme tension? ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #48
I'm hoping it happens in the way you describe as some form of socialism is preferrable . . . brush Nov 2015 #56
Interesting times indeed ismnotwasm Nov 2015 #65
We are all Africans and eventually we will all be Brown, too. randys1 Nov 2015 #69
If only that would make us inclusive and kind to one another senz Nov 2015 #131
In doctors office the other day, my t shirt randys1 Nov 2015 #132
Well if you want to get down to that level of detail, senz Nov 2015 #134
I think the vast majority of white men could give less than 2 shits Calista241 Nov 2015 #47
Interesting definition of racism Karmadillo Nov 2015 #50
This is one if those OP's that if you're a white guy upaloopa Nov 2015 #52
You are looking at this all wrong, and since I often agree with you and respect what you randys1 Nov 2015 #76
I have never denied that I have privilege that upaloopa Nov 2015 #87
This line of argument will lead the Democrats to defeat. earthside Nov 2015 #54
I went from "fuck that guy" to "fuck yeah" over the course of reading your post. Goblinmonger Nov 2015 #60
Non Whiney U I think you stumbled on a meme there lol Monk06 Nov 2015 #120
There's a lot of us here in this "bubble" and the only one I can be responsible for is me tularetom Nov 2015 #57
The oppression of POC by white men is at a point of desperation. NCTraveler Nov 2015 #59
Ahh, look! More anger-baiting. Shandris Nov 2015 #70
I am a male, why do waitresses call me "Hon" all the time? Not offended,just wondering why. nt Logical Nov 2015 #75
they say that to everyone JI7 Nov 2015 #107
They call me sweetie. Codeine Nov 2015 #109
They call everyone "hon"-- women as well.. whathehell Nov 2015 #141
Low count poster spouting divisive garbage tabasco Nov 2015 #79
Judging by this OP and your other postings... NaturalHigh Nov 2015 #80
What an unfortunate and racist post Android3.14 Nov 2015 #81
Black people... Comrade Grumpy Nov 2015 #88
Good observation treestar Nov 2015 #93
FYI Behind the Aegis Nov 2015 #96
Thanks for that, BtA. Juror #2 is a gal after my own heart Number23 Nov 2015 #126
And therefore, let's all vote for the grotesquely wealthy white woman! nt Romulox Nov 2015 #99
LOL this board cracks me up :) jack_krass Nov 2015 #139
Weird as heck. Say vote for the white woman with power and wealth. Hmmm. appalachiablue Nov 2015 #142
"gal" is not used out of utter disrespect, but rather utter unawareness that it has a pejorative geek tragedy Nov 2015 #105
You hit that one squarely on the head. hifiguy Nov 2015 #118
I didn't know until reading this thread it was offensive geek tragedy Nov 2015 #123
It's not. hifiguy Nov 2015 #125
Another post that would be right at home on Stormfront if you swapped "white" with "black." Jester Messiah Nov 2015 #110
I think he is doing the swap from black to white on purpose FLPanhandle Nov 2015 #111
White male hatred is strong on this board today NobodyHere Nov 2015 #116
......... polly7 Nov 2015 #121
If so, what a shame. senz Nov 2015 #133
I think it's supposed to be a slam against Sanders, who grew up dirt poor and Jewish, and Doctor_J Nov 2015 #136
Speaking solely for myself, hifiguy Nov 2015 #119
I heard a youth who is part of those protests explain it in a way that made me think loyalsister Nov 2015 #127
It isn't easy living in a bubble. U4ikLefty Nov 2015 #135
angry, bitter, poisonous words jack_krass Nov 2015 #138
Most of the time it's best heard when these things are said by another white guy MrScorpio Nov 2015 #143
Alienating JustAnotherGen Nov 2015 #144

DemocraticWing

(1,290 posts)
1. They don't care about minorities' feelings as much as their own.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:35 AM
Nov 2015

They get upset over people saying it's offensive to say or do offensive things, and then say their true objection is to the fact that people are getting upset.

They're offended that someone else is offended, and demanding that other people stop being offended to meet their demands.

My problem with these people isn't that they have ill-informed opinions, it's that they're hypocrites. It makes you wonder what the real reason for why they're complaining.

Rebkeh

(2,450 posts)
2. This, the OP too, are
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:46 AM
Nov 2015

consistent with my experience. There are exceptions to the rule but not many of them. Not enough, not even close.

Change is hard, slow and a long process. But people are literally dying, we gotta get a move on.

 

Spitfire of ATJ

(32,723 posts)
5. I like to mess with their heads.....
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 05:58 AM
Nov 2015

That's why I've been saying the lesson learned from all of the police violence is white guys make lousy cops.

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
3. They have been the center of the universe for too long.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 05:11 AM
Nov 2015

It makes one expect it.

I remember posting an op about the demographic time bomb, and thr fact that more than half of the babies born are not white. And that by a certain year they would be outnumbered and would have to share EVERYTHING. They lost their minds. Called me racist. For days.

SusanCalvin

(6,592 posts)
128. I'm white (I guess, by looks, not really into genealogy)
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:21 PM
Nov 2015

Last edited Fri Nov 13, 2015, 07:46 PM - Edit history (1)

And I'm looking forward to the demographic time bomb. Hooray for diversity!

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
137. Good. It really isn't anything to cry about.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 11:46 PM
Nov 2015

I think it will be fun. A true multicultural nation, model for the world of the future, imo.
Besides, what if we find another livable planet that is relatively close to us? The colonists will not be monochrome, so we better learn how to work together soon if we ever want to have Starfleet.

Shankapotomus

(4,840 posts)
7. So do you just assume
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 07:07 AM
Nov 2015

every white, straight, male you encounter is part of the problem whether you know them or not?

I'm just curious how you can tell an oppressive white, straight, male from one who is on the verge of suicide, perhaps because of systemic and chronic past domestic abuse and / or neglect, just by looking at them?

kwolf68

(7,365 posts)
11. White people (especially men) are devils
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 10:27 AM
Nov 2015

We hadn't had a white men are shit thread in a while.

Wonder what my boss (a black women) thinks.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
95. the point is not that but that they were used to privilege
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:19 PM
Nov 2015

of saying what they want without being called on it.

This is the essence of Limbaugh - crying about political correctness and how he can't say whatever he wants to without hearing from someone it's no longer just accepted.

Older white men sometimes, not all, like to sit at a social occasion and pontificate, as if none of the young people or females there would ever disagree. I'm related to some of them.

Chitown Kev

(2,197 posts)
13. Yes.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 10:51 AM
Nov 2015

Do you find that offensive?

Because that is what white men did for hundreds of years.

That does't mean that I can't be his friend or lover, etc. etc. But that "I am the greatest" syndrome is hard-wired in there.

Response to snooper2 (Reply #18)

 

Marr

(20,317 posts)
34. "Shit happens". How disgusting.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:15 PM
Nov 2015

Last edited Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:27 PM - Edit history (1)

You excuse your own abhorrent views, and the abhorrent behavior of others by saying that whites here and there have done the same. That makes you no better than those people you're citing, since they are apparently your moral barometer.

JackInGreen

(2,975 posts)
55. It goes both ways
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:32 PM
Nov 2015

I guess 'shit happens' when I got my ass beat by sheets outside of Athens for dating a black girl. Better me than her, but FFS 'shit happens'.

 

snooper2

(30,151 posts)
66. So when a black woman tells a woman from India to go back to her country
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:09 PM
Nov 2015

what exactly is that called?

randys1

(16,286 posts)
68. bigotry, xenophobia...racism is one group in power pushing the other group around based
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:14 PM
Nov 2015

on race

All humans can be and probably are bigoted about someone or something

ismnotwasm

(41,921 posts)
71. Good try
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:43 PM
Nov 2015

It's simply not getting through.

Not seeing that whiteness as dominant paradigm as well as the cultural norm leading to unspoken and accepted racisms as well as biogtries and prejudice is very common, and very sad.

Biogtry and prejudice are sadly part of the human condition we need to evolve out of, we can't do that until racism is eradicated. The example of non-white race-based crimes smacks of the much debunked "reverse racism".


Racism is a social disease, as well as a vile social construct that needs to be stamped out wherever it appears.

randys1

(16,286 posts)
86. Only if that individual is part of the group that has the power.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:10 PM
Nov 2015

Otherwise it is bigotry, which is basically the same thing without the power

 

Bradical79

(4,490 posts)
94. Which is still not true
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:18 PM
Nov 2015

That's an arbitrary defenition change as far as I can tell. Yes, there's a big difference in the amount of power a white racist has over a black racist, but it's still racism. Bigotry is just a wider term encompassing sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc.

whathehell

(28,969 posts)
129. If a 6' tall ' black person beats a 5 foot tall white person to death for racial.reasons
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:46 PM
Nov 2015

I'd say he/she has the "power" and can safely be called a racist.

It's all in the context -- Macro Sociological theory isn't applicable to every situation.

Bok_Tukalo

(4,322 posts)
130. So you are saying that one race, white people, are inferior to another?
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:55 PM
Nov 2015

Since only whites can be racist.

 

Humanist_Activist

(7,670 posts)
101. Uhm, from what I know, racism is bigotry based on race, institutional racism is that bigotry...
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:20 PM
Nov 2015

being backed up by power.

Bigotry, as a word, is very general, and applies against a lot of groups. We have more specific words for when that bigotry manifests itself against other races(racism), sexual orientations(homophobia/heterophobia), national origins(xenophobia), sex (sexism/misogyny/misandry), etc.

 

DisgustipatedinCA

(12,530 posts)
104. No. Racism and bigotry are different things (look this up before posting next time).
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:27 PM
Nov 2015

People of all races can be, and sometimes are, racist. Racism in this nation has historically been white-over-black, but that doesn't permit you to change definitions and make shit up because you feel like it.

randys1

(16,286 posts)
115. If it helps you sleep thru the night to believe a Black person can affect racism
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 05:20 PM
Nov 2015

in America, so be it.

they cant but I do understand why some need to insist that they can...I am of course not alone in this observation

 

DisgustipatedinCA

(12,530 posts)
124. No need to extrapolate on my behalf. I said nothing about black people "affecting" racism.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:09 PM
Nov 2015

I said it was possible for black people (and all other ethnicities) to be racist. That's not an opinion, and it's not up for discussion.

NaturalHigh

(12,778 posts)
77. You can type that until your fingers fall off - it still won't be true.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:58 PM
Nov 2015

People like you who continue to fan the flames of racial animosity are the problem, not people who, by and large, just want to mind their own business and live their lives.

Waldorf

(654 posts)
37. Yes, I find that offensive. I was always told two wrongs don't make a right, but it seems some
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:26 PM
Nov 2015

people think it does. Broadbrushing people because of the color of their skin/sex seems wrong, for everybody. I'm a 5 yr. old white male, been working since 16 and I don't recall some power I had over someone.

Shankapotomus

(4,840 posts)
145. I dont object to you saying white people are privileged
Sat Nov 14, 2015, 04:27 PM
Nov 2015

I object to the implication of lumping people with disabilities, who may be white, male and straight, with people of privilege.

African Americans can be male and straight but I don't see anyone saying those two factors cancel out their claim to being a minority without privilege.

I think it's tone-deaf to not extend the same courtesy to people with disabilities (even those who may be white, male and / or straight)…and who also have a long history of being outcasts of society that is just as long, if not longer, than the victims of racism. Avoidance of those with disabilities is practically, if not factually, a confirmed interspecies behavior by empirical scientific observations..

eridani

(51,907 posts)
8. Yes--the decreasing life expectancy of white men with less education
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 07:19 AM
Nov 2015

There have been a number of posts about it. Minorities don't have further reduced life expectancy because they are already dealing with the stuff that is hitting white men as something new.

mountain grammy

(26,571 posts)
10. Yes, that is quite a story
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 10:26 AM
Nov 2015

But as depressing as it is, there's a part of me that says, ok, if you're gonna die out, go ahead and get it over with already.

GOLGO 13

(1,681 posts)
9. Ahhh remember the days when white people had all the power?
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 10:20 AM
Nov 2015

Instead of just most of the power? Things sure are looking grim for white folk.

Waldorf

(654 posts)
38. Looks like the rich (who have the power) come from many backgrounds now.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:29 PM
Nov 2015

Seems the color of their skin doesn't really matter as to how they treat the little folks.

The2ndWheel

(7,947 posts)
12. Similar to Americans in relation to the rest of the world
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 10:44 AM
Nov 2015

Just not as important or as needed as they used to be.

polly7

(20,582 posts)
15. Broadbrush much?
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 11:01 AM
Nov 2015

White people have been imprisoned and even killed fighting racism - for many years. Were they living in a bubble? I do understand that racism is far, far from being even addressed as it should be, but why paint all white people as one? No acknowledgement at all that so many do realize that ending racism needs to be a No. 1 priority, and that many have worked decades to bring attention to it and have spent all their lives believing it has to end? Nothing?

polly7

(20,582 posts)
17. I like facts and history, and don't believe that all people should be shoved into specific hate
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 11:10 AM
Nov 2015

groups as one, when it's obvious that many have suffered greatly themselves trying to combat racism, and every other ism.



Chitown Kev

(2,197 posts)
20. Please...I never said that there weren't any good white folks.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 11:20 AM
Nov 2015

Hell, part of what black people learn while growing up is who the good white folks are.

 

B Calm

(28,762 posts)
33. No what you said was, White people (especially men...especially straight) seem to have
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:15 PM
Nov 2015

lived in a bubble. I would call that a broad brush!

Waldorf

(654 posts)
39. Thats not what I gathered from your OP.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:31 PM
Nov 2015

"White people (especially men...especially straight) seem to have lived in a bubble all their lives
and it seems as if the bubble is bursting. "

I am a straight white male. Your broad brush has painted me as living in a bubble all my life.

deutsey

(20,166 posts)
89. And you know that I don't even realize how, exactly
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:15 PM
Nov 2015

Having never met me, having no clue what my life experience has been, having no idea what my education (both in school and on the street) has been?

deutsey

(20,166 posts)
100. Stop assuming and start basing your judgments on knowledge
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:55 PM
Nov 2015

I'm a white American male.

My mother (who worked as a waitress in a diner for much of my first decade) had me out of wedlock when she was 14 back in 1964.

I don't know my biological father.

My first step-father became addicted to heroin and he kept us in poverty for that first decade of my life. My mom was on food stamps for a time and social services even threatened to put my sister and me in foster care after my step-father went to prison and we were evicted from our apartment.

I was the first in my family to go to college (I got in on the tail-end of reforms that made it more affordable), where my roommate was an African-American male. We are still very close friends, went on to become roommates after college, and he was the best man at my wedding. I've been welcomed into his parents' home many times. His father (who was a minister involved in the civil rights struggle) held my (at-the-time cranky) infant son in his arms and soothed him to sleep. I have been with my friend in stores where he has been ignored by the white salesperson who went on to serve another white customer (who came in after us) instead. I've seen white women grab their purses when my friend has walked by them.

As a summer-intern reporter for my hometown newspaper, one of my beats included "minority issues" (which involved engaging leaders of the Black community), and covering a racially charged special city council election (mandated by the U.S. Justice Dept.) in the town that was famous for its civil rights tensions back in the '60s (a riot broke out after H. Rap Brown spoke there, for example).

I could go on about other friends I have, actions and courses I've taken, books I've read, heroes I have..all of which have changed my life and my way of seeing my place in the world and relating to others, but why bother? You've got me all figured out.

White, American, male, straight=ignoramus living in a self-delusional bubble of privilege. No self awareness at all on my part. No attempt on my part in my years on this earth to see through what privilege I know I have even with my poor background. No sir. I just go from my cushy, greed-driven executive job where I kiss senior management's white, wealthy asses and lord my male whiteness over my inferior underlings, then off to my whites-only country club where I just love to indulge in sexist and racist banter over drinks with the boys, and then home to have my subjugated wife serve me a cocktail and render other wifely duties unto me.

You can continue playing your little game of "Jumping to Conclusions" now...I'm done.

EndElectoral

(4,213 posts)
114. yeah...thanks for that...
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 05:16 PM
Nov 2015

As a white male who is trying to help make the world a better place alienating white men as all the same, or racists, or arbitors of privilege rubs the wrong way. Labeling any group as the same is simplistic in the same way one would label a white Progressive Democrat and a white Teaparty Republican the same because they are white.

Whether it be African Americans or Native Americans or Hispanic-Americans or Asian Americans, racism and bigotry is not to be tolerated. However, the issue of privilege is a very significant point the one poster made. Privilege occurs not only through race, but through economic advantage. Many minorities suffer as a result of racism and perceived privilege by those in power. However, many of the same race also suffer as a result of perceived privilege. For example, inherited wealth passes privilege from one generation to the next based on blood, not necessarily on equity. For example, we see the Bush's wealth accumulated as a result of inherited wealth. Trump's through inherited wealth and many others.

Deutsey was unable to benefit from inherited wealth, and was raised poor. As a white, he observed racism in action in regards to his friend, and has worked to fight against that type of ignorancy or socialization or simple malevolence.

Please do not cast your net to label all white men as the same. It does them, and yourself a disservice.

brush

(53,474 posts)
31. True. There have always been white allies who have helped
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:10 PM
Nov 2015

Unfortunately they are greatly outnumbered.

ismnotwasm

(41,921 posts)
22. Have you noticed
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 11:22 AM
Nov 2015

The recent spate of criticisms leveled against being "too PC"? It's been used about religion this time, but right behind it comes the rest of the ugly verbal and action mess that comes from the power whites--and yes, white males--once gender biases are factored in--hold.

I just did my annual cultural competency for my job in healthcare. It boils down to gaining competency through cultural awareness and self examination. We learn to treat others as they wish to be treated, not what we think is just okey dokey. We don't tell people to lighten up, take a joke, expect them to "get" us. We, as healthcare workers providing for people at their most vulnerable, and thus in a position of power, learn to "get" others.

It's an interesting little class, and I appreciate it more every year.

Chitown Kev

(2,197 posts)
23. Yes...
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 11:26 AM
Nov 2015
We learn to treat others as they wish to be treated, not what we think is just okey dokey. We don't tell people to lighten up, take a joke, expect them to "get" us. We, as healthcare workers providing for people at their most vulnerable, and thus in a position of power, learn to "get" others.
.
 

Codeine

(25,586 posts)
24. We have lived in a bubble.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 11:39 AM
Nov 2015

Every single part of our national culture, the media and messages that have surrounded me since the day I was born, have been built with the assumption that people like me are the center point, and that everyone else is defined by how they differ from me, how they exist in relation to me.

Given that, I contend that it's basically impossible for me to have grown up without developing inbuilt assumptions and petty bigotries even while trying to be a decent liberal. This last year it seems there's been a sea change in how the world around me works, and all I can hope to do, and what I hope I've done, is learn and change with it.

Despite the pushback your post will get, please know that the PoC that have expressed themselves with such passion and conviction on DU have made some of us think and reflect and engage in what I hope is useful self-examination.

Chitown Kev

(2,197 posts)
26. Hence all of these definitions of "racism"
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:00 PM
Nov 2015

where now they love the Webster's dictionary...which means, basically, that white people are still doing the defining.

 

Codeine

(25,586 posts)
30. I won't lie,
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:07 PM
Nov 2015

I reflexively bought into the notion of "reverse racism" for a while, but then someone explained the idea of racism requiring a power structure and being something seperate from individual bigotry.

A perspective-changing moment.

 

Codeine

(25,586 posts)
85. No, it really isn't.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:10 PM
Nov 2015

If every black guy in America decides they hate me tomorrow it will have very little impact on my life.

Conversely, if every white guy in America decides they don't hate black guys tomorrow it won't change systemic racism.

 

Humanist_Activist

(7,670 posts)
103. The fact that you had to use a modifier(systematic) shows you know the redefinition of racism...
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:25 PM
Nov 2015

makes no sense.

Bigotry against a race, are we supposed to just use that instead of the word racism? Why not use the useful shortcut?

 

Humanist_Activist

(7,670 posts)
108. But there is no agreement among those who are discriminated against due to race.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:41 PM
Nov 2015

And I find the wording to be inexact at best.

Also, does this apply to other words used to label bigots who are bigots against other classes and groups of people?

Are homophobes only homophobes when they have power?

Are sexists only sexist when they have power?

Even more absurd is if you were to redefine the word this way, then situations like this one:

http://metro.co.uk/2015/11/12/white-guy-and-his-asian-girlfriend-harassed-on-a-train-for-being-together-5495441/

Would change depending on where it happens, is it racist because it happened in Taiwan? Wouldn't it still be racist if it happened in San Francisco?

 

AOR

(692 posts)
61. Individual self-emamination is fine as far as it goes...
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:01 PM
Nov 2015

but is has ZERO effect on changing the social relations and arrangements that breed racism on the WHOLE. "Being the change you wish to see"...while a noble thought... has ZERO effect on changing systematic oppression and exploitation in any form. It is much more useful to understand where the foundations of racism come from and why.

Where does racism come from and why as a form of oppression and exploitation ? Looking inside oneself is a subjective process that has no real relation to objective material reality. Looking at objective and external material reality is where the solutions lie. Changing the system that breeds racism is far more important than changing oneself.

For many who deal in the subjective... It wasn't the fact that Blacks were hunted down, brought here chained in the pits of slave ships, and enslaved for money, profits, and political power that bred institutionalized racism. It was the "human nature of racism in the heart of man." Many want to look for individual solutions by changing the hearts and minds of people rather than getting to the roots of the oppression and exploitation. Everyone will then "look inside themselves" and defer to individual spirits to combat against the "evil that lurks within." A new mass of personal enlightenment will then solve the problem of systematic oppression and exploitation that is institutionalized racism. A bunch of nonsense to avoid struggle and changing the system of oppression and exploitation in which institutionalized racism was bred and thrives. Institutionalized racism is a man made tool of oppression and exploitation for profits and power set in motion by capitalist social relations.

A "cultural melting pot of equality and social justice" under capitalist social relations is so ridiculous and absurd a premise as to not even be worth the wasted breathe to give it the derision it deserves. It's time for people to face the facts. Social and Economic justice are not possible as long as capitalism exists.




randys1

(16,286 posts)
67. Excellent way of saying that all white americans are racists and all men are misogynists
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:13 PM
Nov 2015

IN THAT they are all born into a society that is both of those things, and that while many of us work against those tendencies that we are surrounded by from day one, they are still there.

Not a controversial statement to make if one is being honest with one's self, but every time I make it I catch hell for it.





 

lumberjack_jeff

(33,224 posts)
73. The former is arguable because whites are the dominant racial group.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:46 PM
Nov 2015

The latter is not arguable.

But we digress.

 

lumberjack_jeff

(33,224 posts)
78. All men are not misogynists.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:59 PM
Nov 2015

There's no such thing as institutional misogyny - men are not a dominant group in the way whites are. Neither numerically nor by wealth or influence.

Number23

(24,544 posts)
122. A fantastic post, Codeine. Thank you for listening and for your thoughtful intelligence.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:06 PM
Nov 2015

A nice surprise in a thread absolutely full to bursting of NON surprises.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
27. I wouldn't stop there
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:01 PM
Nov 2015

...white youth are finally feeling devalued. They're realizing they're no longer entitled to the American Dream. They're realizing they have something in common with blacks - no future.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
32. You know, the media likes to amplify what will
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:14 PM
Nov 2015

...most terrify others, but whites join with blacks. It's a sad commentary if you've been manipulated to believe otherwise.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
42. Amplified modifies terror and media manipulation
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:40 PM
Nov 2015

...modifies people who are feeling terrorized by what they are seeing in the media.

Do you think this is an isolated incident - white students peacefully supporting their black brothers and sisters - or is this an isolated incident? Have you seen these demonstrations covered by the media or have you only seen stories about white students, frat boys that are terrorizing black students?

http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/33710740-75/university-of-oregon-students-say-black-lives-matter.html.csp

Did you know that some white teammates expressed their support for their black brothers? Maybe you're in a bubble...

ismnotwasm

(41,921 posts)
43. I'm sorry, I'm still not seeing your point
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:46 PM
Nov 2015

There's no need to be rude. There have always been "supportive" whites. That doesn't change relative status--whatsoever-- under so many completely institutionialized and--historically as well as currently legally supported-- racist systems we have in place.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
46. Absolutely! But that's institutional racism, we're
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:55 PM
Nov 2015

...discussing a whole different beast. There is a lot of goodwill on campuses. The media is more interested in dividing blacks and whites than showing solidarity.

Response to ismnotwasm (Reply #29)

brush

(53,474 posts)
40. I'm curious as to what the future holds once . . .
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:37 PM
Nov 2015

we become a majority minority society, how relations between the races change. And that is not that far off.

Over and over we hear the need for having a national conversation on racism. Personally I don't think that will ever happen because too many whites (not all) are afraid to go there — not because they don't want to deal with their ancestors' and their own culpability, but frankly, many don't want to acknowledge or give up their privileged positions.

As the country's demographics continue to shift, however, and the power dynamics change over time (we're seeing that already with reports of a sharp up-tick of suicides of middle-aged white males), there will be less and less need for that national conversation as we'll all gradually realize we're in the same boat. The realization and acknowledgment of change will be hardest on particular segments of society but it will happen.

What's even more interesting to me though is once that stage is reached, what will happen versus the one percent who have herded us all into the same boat?

That will happen too.

brush

(53,474 posts)
44. I think it will lessen over time, probably decades . . .
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:49 PM
Nov 2015

What more interests me though is how we will deal with the one percent.

That's going to be where the fireworks start.

ismnotwasm

(41,921 posts)
48. Do see us headed to an position of extreme tension?
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:59 PM
Nov 2015

Equivalent to say, people vs french royalty during the revolution? Or nothing so extreme? Just a slow governmental change? Some type of socialism is almost a natural outcome to me, but not pure socialism. I don't think we will rid the world of the power-laden wealthy, not anytime soon. We can address laws and regulate until our systems invite much less corruption, however.

Ending racism is, to me more complex because of how invasive whiteness is as a default norm. I'm not sure how the two will fit together, social revolution vs. an ecomonic one.

brush

(53,474 posts)
56. I'm hoping it happens in the way you describe as some form of socialism is preferrable . . .
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:34 PM
Nov 2015

to the loosely regulated capitalism we have now.

Just a slow governmental change? Some type of socialism is almost a natural outcome to me, but not pure socialism.


I'm of the opinion that there will be some sparks though, as in the labor and civil rights movements of the last century that will involve a much wider spectrum of society/races, not too the extent of the French revolution, but a society can't be sustained forever by letting only crumbs trickle down to 99% of the population.

Racism, as you say is more complex because whiteness is the default norm now but that's changing too. It can't help but change over time as 50% of births now are non-white, and that percentage is growing. Once that rate is 60 or 70 percent and those people become adults/voters the scale can't help but tilt away from whiteness as the default norm.

There will be more and more mixed race people born too which will contribute even more to the browning of our demographic and further lessening of whiteness as the norm.








ismnotwasm

(41,921 posts)
65. Interesting times indeed
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:06 PM
Nov 2015

I think an eventual capitalism flavored socialist form of government would be the natural outcome of a healthy society. IMO a truly healthy society needs to eradicate gender, sexual orientation and racial biases--these last things are happening far too slowly for true revolution. They may be happening a little faster in the Western world, but it's a big world, and no country is an island, or free from influence from another.

Perhaps you're right--I have a lot of faith in the children today, because in the midst of all the discussion and arguments, seeds of both social and economic justice are being planted.

 

senz

(11,945 posts)
131. If only that would make us inclusive and kind to one another
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 07:06 PM
Nov 2015

but we know it won't. Mutual cruelty among human beings goes deeper than racial and ethnic differences. The Hutu and Tutsi are the same race, but they slaughtered each other. The Pakistanis and Indians are physically and historically similar, but they have long lived in mutual hatred. The Irish Protestants and Catholics are of generally similar racial and ethnic backgrounds, but they fought for many years and still live in mutual distrust. The North American continent was once populated by Native Americans, some of which were peaceful, some of which were warlike.

And yet, we all know that whites have been particularly nasty toward nonwhites for centuries. I'd like to think it is now a minority of whites but can't say for sure.

It appears that no large human group is entirely free from the temptation to dominate and torment others. There appears to be something wrong with our species.



randys1

(16,286 posts)
132. In doctors office the other day, my t shirt
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 07:10 PM
Nov 2015


i flashed it to a Black Woman in the office, she sees it and says (very loudly)

"We Are All AFricans! I been telling everybody that for years!"
 

senz

(11,945 posts)
134. Well if you want to get down to that level of detail,
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 07:20 PM
Nov 2015

in the doctor's office yesterday the assistant went over my demographic and personal facts and somehow we discussed my having circled "refused to state" under "race," and I tried to explain that I haven't been able to follow my genealogy back far enough to state with any certainty. Fortunately, she was cool with it.

I find the possibility that we are all related to be not only logical but immensely comforting.

But it still doesn't make the human race particularly nice.

Calista241

(5,584 posts)
47. I think the vast majority of white men could give less than 2 shits
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 12:57 PM
Nov 2015

On what privileges or inequities minorities or lgbt have or don't have. I think it's a small, vocal minority of racists that perpetuate this movement.

Karmadillo

(9,253 posts)
50. Interesting definition of racism
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:06 PM
Nov 2015
https://www.google.com/search?q=racism&oq=racism&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.887j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8

rac·ism
noun
the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.

upaloopa

(11,417 posts)
52. This is one if those OP's that if you're a white guy
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:25 PM
Nov 2015

no matter what you say you are wrong.
Better left to the majority opinion.
I do think that making such a broad brush statement is not worth much no matter who is making it

randys1

(16,286 posts)
76. You are looking at this all wrong, and since I often agree with you and respect what you
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:55 PM
Nov 2015

have to say, I think it is worth my time and yours to talk about it.

Your reaction is one of being defensive with an issue where you (and I) are part of the group in power and you dont have to be, defensive.

We do live a life of privilege, period, as white Americans.

That doesnt mean we have privilege compared to Mitt Romney or George Bush or Patrick Kennedy, all of whom are born into wealth, or Trump etc.

But we do have privilege when compared to non whites, in general.

This affords us a cloak of privilege and a sort of bubble, if you will, that we dont even realize we have.

We really do have these things and the best way to react to those on the "outside" is to spend not one second debating whether or not we have the privilege, but working to do something about it.

You and I, two intelligent, educated, decent white men can work together to fix this, I know we can.



upaloopa

(11,417 posts)
87. I have never denied that I have privilege that
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:13 PM
Nov 2015

others do not have. I learned that as a child. I grew up in the 50's and 60's. I lived in a segregated city as a kid. Either with my folks or alone I went to the AA part of town to try and learn what the world around me was all about. I would ride my bike to places I would never have been taken by my dad. I caddied at a country club and rode the bus with the Black women who were the maids for the members we caddied for. I knew I was treated better than they were by the same people we both worked for.
In high school my friends and I went to Columbus Georgia to meet Black teens our age to learn what their life was like. That trip very clearly taught me what a privileged life I had compared to theirs.
My gripe is that it is taken for granted that because I am white I either deny white privilege or don't know it exists.
On DU there is a trend to adopt the majority opinion as demonstrated truth when at times is is the farthest thing from truth. This group think is good for making OP's then getting massive support and lets the group pile on the abuse of anyone with a different view.
I am not saying that this OP 100% wrong but part of it's assumptions are.

For what it is worth I have always admired the AA community because they were expected to be as successful as I was expected to be but they had one or two hands tied behind their backs and white people denied that their hands were tied and that they , the white people did the tying.
I felt that way partly because I have mental health disabilities yet I have to be successful in spite of them. People always treated my disabilities as character flaws and not something that made it harder for me to do what other kids did. So I root for the under dog because I am under dog too.

earthside

(6,960 posts)
54. This line of argument will lead the Democrats to defeat.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:28 PM
Nov 2015

Speaking from a strictly political point of view, that is.

This is the leftist mirror-image of Tea Party reactionaryism.

If the Democrats are dumb enough to nominate Hillary Clinton for president and are blind enough to follow this 'political correctness' theory into the 2016 election, then they will be crushed.

Economic populism is a winner and is what 80 percent of Americans are crying out for ... a chance to make more money, get affordable health care, and be able to send their kids to a non-whiny college.




 

Goblinmonger

(22,340 posts)
60. I went from "fuck that guy" to "fuck yeah" over the course of reading your post.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:57 PM
Nov 2015

I hate the "lead the Dems to defeat" stuff because it gets thrown out so much.

But I completely agree that populism is the winner. Most people I talk to say "I really agree with Sanders on pretty much everything" and then finish with "but he's not electable." I ask them why, if so many people agree with him on so much is he unelectable and there isn't a good answer, really. Populism will get a lot more people out to vote than round 3 or 4 or whatever of Bush v Clinton.

tularetom

(23,664 posts)
57. There's a lot of us here in this "bubble" and the only one I can be responsible for is me
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:44 PM
Nov 2015

If you want to stereotype me, fly right at it, my conscience is clear. I've treated everybody fairly and consistently all my life and I will continue to do so.

 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
59. The oppression of POC by white men is at a point of desperation.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 01:55 PM
Nov 2015

I believe we are seeing things turning for the worse just because of that. They are fighting tooth and nail as their last gasp of breath as they see their white superiority being challenged. They don't like it. The bubble is bursting. That doesn't mean it isn't going to get even uglier for a bit. During this time some of us need places that are safe in order to take a deep breath.

 

Shandris

(3,447 posts)
70. Ahh, look! More anger-baiting.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:40 PM
Nov 2015

I wonder what the purpose of that is? Surely you wouldn't be trying to crack the consensus by picking fights amongst us?

No, I'm sure you just were sharing heartfelt sentiment about how good it is that "y'all don't like it", said to a group of people who ostensibly support you. Well, most of them anyway.

Others are aware of forum games.

NaturalHigh

(12,778 posts)
80. Judging by this OP and your other postings...
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:03 PM
Nov 2015

I would say you've long lived in a bubble of your own making.

 

Android3.14

(5,402 posts)
81. What an unfortunate and racist post
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:07 PM
Nov 2015

It is the characteristic of racism to use a broad brush to paint another group in a negative light.

Congratulations.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
93. Good observation
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:17 PM
Nov 2015

Explain all the whining about "PC" We have to watch what we say or be called on it - we're used to saying what we want.

Behind the Aegis

(53,833 posts)
96. FYI
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 03:23 PM
Nov 2015

AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service

Mail Message



On Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:17 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

White people (especially men...especially straight) seem to have lived in a bubble all their lives
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027338541

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

What a steaming pile of racist - yes, racist - shit. Absolutely should not be tolerated on a supposedly progressive website.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Fri Nov 13, 2015, 02:21 PM, and the Jury voted 1-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Aww someone's fee-fees are hurt, says this white girl. Get over it, there's nothing wrong with the OP.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Come off it.
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: The poster is describing white privilege. In what fucking world is THAT racist?
Juror #5 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: It is racist, baiting, and increasingly acceptable and celebrated in DU. I don't usually Hide (or even read) this stuff, but the poster seems to be celebrating a little too much.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: This is actually NOT an example of racism. Prejudiced? Sure, that could be argued; and it is. It is clear several buttons are pushed, but a relatively good discussion is emerging.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

appalachiablue

(41,053 posts)
142. Weird as heck. Say vote for the white woman with power and wealth. Hmmm.
Sat Nov 14, 2015, 04:27 AM
Nov 2015

But not a bubbled white male. What's that about and did something come down recently I wonder. Nope, just the usual stimulating mental discussion as ever.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
105. "gal" is not used out of utter disrespect, but rather utter unawareness that it has a pejorative
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:31 PM
Nov 2015

meaning associated with racism. This is something that maybe 1% of white people know.

it's generally understood to be a somewhat antiquated female version of "guy"

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
123. I didn't know until reading this thread it was offensive
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:07 PM
Nov 2015

And it took a few pages of google searches to find it.

I won't use it going forward, but I'm not going to put a KKK label on people who do use it.

white people have an unfortunately vast repertoire of words they use to degrade and insult black folks. this isn't one they reach for on such occasions

 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
125. It's not.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:10 PM
Nov 2015

Over time it became common vernacular in American English and I doubt that even one person in a hundreds of thousands would think it anything else. If you have to search that hard for examples, normality and commonality can be assumed and whinging dismissed out of hand.

No need to change a thing.

 

Jester Messiah

(4,711 posts)
110. Another post that would be right at home on Stormfront if you swapped "white" with "black."
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:48 PM
Nov 2015

OP's on a tear lately.

FLPanhandle

(7,107 posts)
111. I think he is doing the swap from black to white on purpose
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 04:50 PM
Nov 2015

Maybe to highlight hypocrisy here, or for his own entertainment.

polly7

(20,582 posts)
121. .........
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:05 PM
Nov 2015

I think it's supposed to be some sort of slam against Sanders, a straight white male who some are trying very hard to make appear unable to understand racism, despite all his work and efforts fighting it .... because he's in that unbreakable bubble.

But I could be wrong.

 

senz

(11,945 posts)
133. If so, what a shame.
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 07:11 PM
Nov 2015

He understood it from the get-go and has opposed it his entire adult life. He could be a role model for all of us.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
136. I think it's supposed to be a slam against Sanders, who grew up dirt poor and Jewish, and
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 09:57 PM
Nov 2015

who's spent his entire adult life fighting for the poor and dispossessed. It's supposed to make us feel sorry for Mrs Clinton, who makes millions telling millionaires what they want to hear.

 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
119. Speaking solely for myself,
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 05:35 PM
Nov 2015

I have lived on the autism spectrum my entire life. With the kind of consequences that are all-too-common despite my having an elite level education both undergrad and law school

But I guess my bad experiences in life because of my Asperger's are irrelevant because I am a white male because I am "in the bubble."

Thanks for letting me know they don't, and apparently shouldn't, mean anything, even to me.



loyalsister

(13,390 posts)
127. I heard a youth who is part of those protests explain it in a way that made me think
Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:14 PM
Nov 2015

He said that for a long time he had internalized the white supremacy in a way that made things easier for him. Then Mike Brown was killed and he finally said enough! Enough of putting up with the subtle daily racism (microagressions) so many people ignored in an effort to get along with the bigots who are on the harmless non-malicious side. If only maligious bigotry were eradicated, racist systems would still persist. They are most robustly enabled by people who may not be malicious bigots, but they do defend their privilege.

JustAnotherGen

(31,683 posts)
144. Alienating
Sat Nov 14, 2015, 07:44 AM
Nov 2015

I think Chi they don't understand how alienating the words and actions of America have been to black people.

They've alienated us.

Now there is anger that we don't believe in their dreams, hopes, desires, wishes etc etc. As usual my response: WIIFM.

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