Friday, September 19, 2008

White in America

I’ve been told in the past that, by virtue of the fact that I am white, that I can’t understand what it’s like to be black in America.  Fair enough.  But isn’t it equally true that my black friends can’t understand what it’s like to be white in America?  I think that some black folks envision it to be quite a bit different than it is.

(6) Comments
Posted by Owen at 2056 hrs
Culture

  1. So ask your black friends, and report back.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 19, 2008 at 2126 hrs


  2. True in principle.  But being a minority is by its very nature having to spend a lot of time thinking about and living in the majority’s world.  No black person knows what it’s like to be white.  But neither can they be oblivious to it the way white people can be about the world of the African American.  They breathe white air every day of their lives.

    Posted by scott on September 20, 2008 at 0839 hrs


  3. I’m a Texan in Wisconsin.  You want to be a minority?  Try wearing a Cowboys shirt around town the day before the big game.  Been there.  Done that.  wink

    Posted by Owen on September 20, 2008 at 1711 hrs


  4. But isn’t it equally true that my black friends can’t understand what it’s like to be white in America?

    But seriously. Ask them. You mention your black friends in your post; I’m sure the question would spark interesting discussion, and they’d be happy to share their views. And I think they’ve be quite interested in your assertion that “...I think that some black folks envision it to be quite a bit different than it is.”

    Or if they read your blog…hey, speak up!

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 20, 2008 at 2135 hrs


  5. What it’s like to be white in America:

    1: To be told time and time again that the problems in the minority community are because of you or your ancestors. 

    2. To be told that you can’t have a job because of affirmative action.  Two wrongs and all that.

    3. To be told that can’t get school loans because your parents, who aren’t paying for your education, make too much money.

    4. To be told that you can’t get into a professional school because of…well, just see #2.

    5. To be told that you can’t get a promotion because of…I guess see #2 again.

    6. To be told that you can’t say certain words or phrases because it may be offensive.

    7. To be told that you HAVE to say certain words or phrases so you don’t offend anyone.

    8. To have to listen to non-hacker lowlife PC types who spend more time finding ways to be offended than actually be productive in society.

    9. Mandatory Cultural Diversity Classes = Political Reeducation Camps

    10. To be judged by the color of your skin rather than by the content of your character.

    How about just stop your whining and become part of AMERICA…the only ones who are stopping you are yourselves.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 0249 hrs


  6. “They breathe white air every day of their lives. “

    That has to be the dumbest thing I’ve every heard anyone say.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1439 hrs


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