One of the blogs I occasionally like to visit is Stuff White People Like. This site by Christian Lander is very funny and I appreciate his self-deprecating humor. It became an internet hit and has led to a book and t-shirts.
It got me thinking what I have observed through my own experiences about what White people like. Here is a list of 10 things I put together, in no particular order of relevance.
1. To put Black people in their “place”
Every so often, White people like to remind us… sometimes subtly, sometimes not… that we are not the same as them, regardless of whatever constitutional rights, legal rights, civil rights, human rights, voting rights, etc., we may have attained over the years. Whether it’s your close “White” friend, or co-worker who tells you “that” joke… you know the one that is based on some derogatory stereotype or your skin color, or it’s the references to lynching via nooses, or the blatant use of the word “nigger” by celebrities, the message is clear: “we’re not equals and furthermore your life is worth less than mine”.
2. To minimize the accomplishments of Black people
This one follows closely on the heels of #1. I am sure we can all tell a personal experience where we have accomplished something, or stayed late a number of nights working hard on a project… whether at work or school… and our efforts were downplayed or minimized. While we knew in our “heart of hearts”, that if a White person had done the same thing, it would have been acknowledged and recognized. I have seen it in relation to the Williams sisters and even Tiger Woods! In the words of the late Rodney Dangerfield: “I get no respect!”
3. To compare their own personal struggles and/or movements with those of Black people
If you have been visiting here for a while, you know this is my pet peeve! Whether it’s the White women’s movement, the White homosexual movement, the White peoples’ animal rights movement, etc., they all like to claim that whatever their issue is, it’s just like (or even worse!) than the discrimination and prejudice that Black people went through (cause we ain’t going through it no’mo, especially since there is now a Black POTUS). The “(insert issue here) is the new Black” mantras have become the new age slogans for the White yuppie socialists and guilty liberal types.
4. To make a living and/or become famous by claiming to be some kind of anti-racist expert
We have all been forced to attend the company sponsored diversity workshops or anti-racism seminars, which can last from a half-day to 3 days. The facilitator is almost always a White woman and at the end of the workshop there is usually a luncheon featuring “ethnic foods” for all to experience. During the seminar, we end up feeling uncomfortable and go home pissed because we have just wasted a day (or 3), listening to the same ole recycled rhetoric and bullsh*t, all the while rolling our eyes knowing that nothing will change. During the seminar, White people end up being defensive, but go home feeling good about themselves because they were able to vent about what they perceive as “reverse racism” in regards to the supposed “special privileges” colored folks are now getting.
Then there are the Tim Wise types, who claim to be experts on the evils of “White Privilege” and then hustle this into making a comfortable living on the lecture circuit, as well as selling their books, cds and dvds. You can certainly get a more honest and therefore credible analysis on issues relating to “White Privilege” and “Eurocentric Superiority” by reading blogs such as Brotherpeacemaker, The Black Sentinel , The Field Negro, as well as this one (to name a few)… and its all for free!
5. To get into romantic relationships with people of color (POC) as an act of rebellion (usually against their Father) or to feel better about themselves
Don’t get me wrong, I believe there are genuine inter-racial relationships that are based on love and respect. However, I have experienced and know of many of these relationships where it’s clear (to me at least), that the White person is in the relationship with the POC because they have some deep seated issues with authority, or an authority figure… usually their Father… and this is their way of rebelling against him or society in general.
Let’s not forget to mention those White people who have some sort of an inferiority complex and get into these relationships to feel better about themselves… even a sense of superiority and entitlement in regards to their POC mate.
6. To spend a lot of time and money getting a tan
I have always been amazed at how much time and money White people will spend trying to get “darker”. They will even risk skin cancer by burning their skin, whether it’s in the sun or under heat lamps. Some will even use a “tan in a can” product. However, these are the same people who would have a major meltdown if one of their kids decided to date a Black person… Dog the Bounty Hunter syndrome anyone!
7. To keep exotic pets
What is it with White people having snakes, tarantulas, chimpanzees, crocodiles, ferrets, rats, iguanas, pigs, goats, rabbits, etc., as pets!? And why are they so surprised and shocked when these wild animals attack and kill or maim their azzz!? Besides having dogs, cats and maybe some species of fishes as pets, if we are keeping any other animal around, it’s most certainly for a future meal!
8. To buy a Jazz or Blues Festival pass which allows them access to every event
White people will spend $200 – $400 to buy a single pass to be able to get into every concert/event at a Jazz or Blues fest. Then they can’t wait to tell a Black person to prove how much they love Black music. They will then list every Black performer who will be playing and if you are at their house, they will certainly show you their collection of Black artists who they grew up listening to. I like Jazz and Blues, but I’ve never even heard of 70% of these artists. It sometimes leads me to question my “Blackness”…
9. To travel to foreign countries for a sightseeing adventure
Most POC I know travel (whether legally or illegally), to foreign countries so that they can build a better life for themselves and their families. I have never met a Black person who took a year off from work… or school… to travel to Europe, Asia or Africa for that matter, just to see it. When I travelled to West Africa, I met White people in villages in the rural areas… just hanging out with the locals! We have all seen the documentaries or “movies based on a true story”, where a group of (crazy) White people will go climb Mount Everest, or trek through rain forests/jungles, or go scuba diving in some shark infested exotic location… and die!
10. To adopt kids from third world countries
I am not here referring to the “Madonnas or Brangelinas” of the world, who collect kids like they were collecting trinkets to show off to their friends. I’ve always had a lot of respect for anyone, especially a White person, who will travel to a third world country to adopt a child, especially a Black child.
The Queen and I are in the process of adopting a little girl from Jamaica and I can tell you it’s an intense, frustrating, emotional, time-consuming, expensive and humbling experience… and we are just in the initial stages and we both have ties to Jamaica! I could only imagine how much more nerve-racking it would be for someone who is sincerely wanting to make a better life for a child who is in a completely foreign country. The bureaucracy, the added costs to pay corrupt officials, the travel, residency requirements and uncertainty up to the last moments, are more than enough reasons to dissuade anyone from pursuing foreign adoptions.
Here is my follow up post on Stuff Black People Like…
afrospear.wordpress.com 
Change of context. The thing about those anti-racist types like Tim Wise is that voices like his are very much needed because they have a better chance at being listened to by other whites as opposed to black folks who have clearly lesser chance of getting their point across to whites. His target audience is privileged white folks. His book sales and DVDs are targeted towards white folks and and as such, his voice is important in making them aware of how their privileged status impacts and harms people of colort, thus resulting in the racist condition we all live inside of.
I must admit, I’m not a fan of that site at all. It reeks of opportunism.
Asa: “There you go again. LOL! I’ve experienced ALL of these, son. You’re giving me nightmares, reminding me of that song: “strumming my face with his fingers, singing my life with his words…” Stop, dammit
I just experienced #2 (again) over the weekend. I was playing a team tennis match and frankly, was playing exceptionally well.
Other guys on our team – who weren’t playing yet – were cheering on members of our team…but not me. Okay, I got one, “nice shot, Julian.” But, you had to be there. I was hitting all kinds of drop volleys, shots around the netpost shit, blasting winners between our opponents. Putting on a clinic.
Silence.
Meanwhile, there was a regular chorus of “attaboys” for the most mundane play elsewhere. During the match, I got pissed because I knew what was going on. But I calmed down and talked myself through.
I wasn’t playing for them or their accolades, but for me. And I didn’t need anything from them. But it was another one of those, “these people are SO insecure…” Its like choking on a chicken wing for them to acknowledge you.
The answer is to remember not to need ANYTHING from them.
Robin, I am of two minds on the Tim Wise phenomenon. While he is a white person who has a grasp on what’s ailing his people and is saying things out loud to them, what are people who hear his sermon DOING with that knowledge? And what does he encourage them to do?
I know a few folks here who are Tim Wise freaks, but are racist as hell. They are so theoretical in their approach, rather than taking it personally, spiritually, emotionally. They can quote him and remember his book titles — and yet remain completely oblivious to how racism/white supremacy operates within them. Locked in privilege.
Is Tim Wise setting them free, or keeping them more comfortable, making them feel superior to their brethren because they have read him, but not changing one iota?!
You have to expect that Wise’s work, like so many others, is going to be (mis)used by white people (like me) to maintain our privilege and assuage our guilt. Co-opting and corrupting revolutionary messages to serve our own needs is one of our major tools of oppression.
It’s easier to collect anti-racists messages than to live them, and hard as hell to navigate your own privilege and internalized oppression without becoming locked down in guilt and then desperate for release. White people are scared as hell without their privilege, and I often catch myself twisting my anti-racist work to further my privilege.
I try to remain conscious of these tendencies, but I am always unsure of my footing and questioning myself. And, when in a place of such unsteadiness, it is difficult to not try to look towards people like Wise to guide me through this and make it easier on me. Then I have to remind myself that have the option of making this easier on myself is part of my privilege….
It is impossible to remove ourselves from privilege, no matter how many theories we learn or quotes we collect or seminars we attend. So even at our best, it is most likely that we will, in some way, be oppressing others. It is not possible (no matter how hard we try) to purge ourselves of it.
That doesn’t invalidate Wise’s work–or mine. It’s just the nature of privilege. I appreciate that Wise works to help the over-privileged see this and acknowledges that he has arrived at his position because of his privilege.
I am in no way asking you to be patient, forgiving, or tolerant with us. Just explaining the phenomenon you are talking about from my point of view.
Lubangakene: it’s what I do best! lol!
“The answer is to remember not to need ANYTHING from them.”
A double… no triple “AMEN” to this!
In your response to Robin, you also hit the nail right on the head.
“They are so theoretical in their approach, rather than taking it personally, spiritually, emotionally.”
I read some of Tim Wise’s essays and I certainly wasn’t feelin’ him. It’s all very intellectual and theoretical, plus he strikes me as someone who likes to hear the sound of their own voice. Reading his stuff is like listening to a White jazz player as compared to a Black one. He may hit all the right notes and his arrangements may be exceptional, however there is no “soul” to the piece. It doesn’t move you! Now reading your stuff, or Brotherpeacemaker, or the Black Sentinel… they give me goosebumps! Intellectually, Brother Iskandar blows Tim Wise out of the water, no doubt… there is no comparison… plus he also exhibits heartfelt passion (soul) in his work!
“Is Tim Wise setting them free, or keeping them more comfortable, making them feel superior to their brethren because they have read him, but not changing one iota?!”
That’s the real question that Robin needs to answer truthfully. Does Robin really believe that some White guy who is the head of a multinational corporation or is a political leader is gonna say: “You know all that stuff Martin Luther King was talking about, I just couldn’t connect with it, but this guy Tim Wise got me to change my way of thinking and acting. Here, let me give you a few of his books, cds and dvds… you really need to hear this guy. He will change your life!” PLEEEASE!!
My answer is he has found a niche to get paid and get a bit of notoriety. He’s making no difference… actually the net effect is that he’s making it worse by entrenching white supremacy and privilege, by making it comfortable for them.
Asa, when you said “My answer is he has found a niche to get paid and get a bit of notoriety. He’s making no difference… actually the net effect is that he’s making it worse by entrenching white supremacy and privilege, by making it comfortable for them.” —-do you mean the author of Stuff White People Like etc
Hi i am a liberally minded white guy from England….To be frank and to the point…. I am sick of the bad press that white people get mostly based on what happened with slavery….we have moved on from then i have many black friends who get pissed off with blacks people like you who constantly play the race card at every attempt….Yes there are racist whites but also racists asians (in particular in Uk) racism is indemic throughout society….. My attitude is each to their own and i just wish you could be in my shoes as a young white male in England….You have asians who can’t be bothered to speak English..You have Muslims who can’t stand the country burn flags etc yet still live here..Black people who won’t work or put a good days shift in…And as for the use of the word Nigger is a disgusting work as is Paki and Honky (funny you never here whites beating on about the racism we suffer)…How ironic that the word Nigger is used more by Black people in conversation and even in songs. The hiphop genre uses such language all the time….so do you not listen to hiphop..probably not as your hypocrites….People like you are the reason there are divides…. why is it ok for a black person to call their mate a nigger. Is it acceptable??? Id love to hear your responses
Nicholas,
I stumbled on this site and realize you will never read this response but thank you.
Paranoia runs rampant in some African-american folks. I literally lost my job because some paranoid person thinking the worst of me thought I was slamming her when I took a picture (her request) at a Christmas party. I made a comment when I took a picture of the dark-skinned individual posing with a light colored skin woman. I remarked that it would be a beautiful picture because of the contrasting skin close up. I love contrast in pictures and would never made that remark had I known it would be perceived as negative nor that I would lose my job the next day. I am not a lover of pain…hey my boss was white and his wife happened to be black. Why would I knowingly insult someone like that? Race card for sure. Assuming the worst of people, even worse.
Aulelia: I was referring to Tim Wise with that statement.
Christian Lander, to my knowledge, has never claimed that his blog “Stuff White People Like” was anything more than humorous social commentary. He doesn’t pass himself off as some expert on racism or some white knight in shining armour combating the dragon that is “white privilege”, like Tim Wise does. I find what Christian does clever and humorous. Some people may not. Some people think Tim Wise is “wise”. I don’t. To each his own.
Nicholas: I made a conscious decision a while ago that it is not my responsibility to educate white people, especially “liberally minded” white people on the effects of racism, white supremacy, eurocentric superiority… or on Black music for that matter. Do a search on this blog and you will find lots of commentaries here, by various authors, on the issues you have raised. You also claim to have many Black friends. Speak with them about your issues.
Hey there!
I am a huge fan of Tim Wise.
I don’t believe his scholarship is a “hustle” at all…. I think he is an enlightened person who is determined to use this awareness for anti-racism activism…
Asa, please don’t feed into Nicholas, I recognise his trolling from time, as if he is repressed. Right….!
Aulelia, thanks little sis [;o)
The old racist minded of Slave Trade,Aparheid,Colonization continue to sell their ideas to their descendants, and some sincerely believe in the path of comparing the “White” race as the superior.
What needs to happen is to see ways of re-educating the Black People that we are one Big Family, encourage successful Black People to invest in constructive programs for the Black People, encourage our Leaders wherever they are not to continue wasting cash investing in industries that are not important for our People’s future, i.e:Buying weapons for wars between Black People,Africans won’t help us at all.
If one Black’s person is violated, raise awareness and take action, encourage Black People to write about their own History, write about positive achievement of Black People around the World, where there is weakness, join up as a Global Black Family to improve human condition, skills and so on.
Sometimes, it helps to be less focussed on those who think of you as negative, but rather gather together with those with whom you can achieve great things with.
Now wait a minute, I’m not sure what to think about all this???
At a job I had a few years ago this girl and I became friends she was white and got the worse cr*p from the other latino girls they left me alone (wise of them) called her all kinds of racist names in English and Spanish and she just took it and to her credit kept her head high but I know it got to her. It was like she couldn’t complain because management knew about it. It’s not right to put people in a box we are all brothers and sisters and we shouldn’t expect them to know what “it’s” like just like we don’t know what “it’s” like for the majority of them. Just my opinion.
Hi there,
I just wanted to jump in about Tim Wise. I definitely understand the concern about his writings making other whites comfortable with their privilege. However with me, it was being introduced to Wise and his essays that made me realize just how privileged I am as a white person. It didn’t make me comfortable at all, quite the opposite really. It was like my eyes were finally opened, and although I didn’t want to see the truth, I could no longer deny its existence. It was from wanting to understand white privilege better that I found the Free Slave, Angry Black Woman, and Field Negro blogs. All of them have offered an insight that is invaluable to me, and I share what I’m learning with everyone I can- especially those who do not read up on the issue the way I do.
I’ve taken a lot of flack for speaking out and sharing what white privilege is. Some argue back, and most deny it’s a problem. It’s a hard pill for whites to swallow, so it’s easier to deny and say ignorant things like “now that Obama is president racism is over!”. Even I don’t claim to be an expert or even fully understand, and I probably will never completely get it. But I am more aware, and I try my best to spread that awareness to others. And every now and then I get a few who want to understand it further, just like I do. It’s my hope that those few also pass what they are learning on to others, and so on and so on.
Anyway thanks for having this blog and making me think on the issue of privilege so I can continue to understand and share.
Respectfully,
Dani
Hello again, i think my post may have been some what mis-read. All i was saying Aulelia was. You black peopl have this misconception that all white people are the same. I see rasism in whites, black and asians. I don’t care much for Tim Wise or any types who take the piss out of whites black anyone…( Take to the stage Mr racist himself Chris fuking Rock)…Now do you hear us whites moaning at every stinky white joke he cracks…..answer, No! I see racism evryday from Black people toward whites and it’s wrong……all the jokes from both parties don’t encourage interacial mingling…it just causes divide and suspision…..
I have alot of respect for all race and creep DESIRE K…As far as i am concerned we Europeans (of all colours) have been giving aid to Black Africa for 20 years and still you fight amongst yourselves…tell me how thats the white mans fault…your people in Africa will never join together due to corrupt governments, greed and a continent of people who won’t change and just use the excuse of being oppressed by the ‘white man’….I know many successful black people,more successful than me who have achieved and like me worked their way from nothing to have something…and i haven’t heard them playing the race card..Don’t you think it’s a little tiresome…
Asabanga thanks for not educating me as that would be rather patronising. Seeing as i am just giving my open and frank opinion. I am unsure if you are all mostly Uk US or even African based but i think in many ways you have better representation within media than whites….Ie Music( Mobo) Newspapers (The Voice) Black Police federation for black equality……………. where is the white newspapers…. the white police federation….im happy not to have a white wobo as white music is generally shit,lol. However i am sure you can understand my centiment.
Aulelia.. I am not trolling for time at all. I could get offensive like you guys are to me by just dismissing me but all i am saying racism isn’t a one way thing and you would be horrendously naive to think so…. As for the use of the word Nigger….No one still has explained why its ok for a Black person to say it(hypocritical)…. And the racism towards black people obviously does still go on and its wrong wrong wrong…. but you can’t play that old oppressed…slavery etc card forever get over it now things opportunity is there for anyone who is willing to work for it…
Finally this site is ‘The think tank for people of African decent’ therefore…..if you have such anti white anti European etc why do majority of you strive to get educated in our illustrious country England ..You do this because of opportunity which is not in your of country of decent..stop blaming us for giving you lot opportunity and biting the hand that feeds…Instead you could do what DESIRE K recommends and group together back in Africa….ever heard the saying ‘while in Rome, do as the Romans do’. People either come to UK/US with these stupid attitudes like yours yet sponge of the sytem for self gain without putting back in.
I am not a racist for from it but if Africa is so fantastic. Stay there and help build your economies and don’t come to ours hating us because of your own issues.
Love Nick
Nick, this is the last comment I am allowing on this blog. Comment again and you will be blacklisted. Your negativity is not wanted on this blog.
To Nick:
You made some points addressed to me,here is my reply.First, I am not racist at all, I have Friends of all Race,Religion (Christians,Jews,Muslims,Hindu),I even have Family half Europeans (Estonia).
My own Father was educated in Belgium, he got his Phd,Researcher and Associate Professorship in his Field, there are many Africans who achieved great.
You made some good point about corruption in Africa, but I like to define it and look it as a world corruption in Politics.For you to understand what I am trying to say, I’d ask to read “King Leopold Ghost”, it is a book that talks about how the Belgian Royal Family took advantage of the Wealth of Congo.Belgium also colonized Rwanda and Burundi, they introduced identity cards,trained Men to execute Genocide against Tutsi in 1959, this hate caused confusion in many Generation up to now in Rwanda,Burundi, but slowly, some are being freed from Hate ideology.
You can find extremists in any race, religion, but you are absolutely right that we should challenge individuals who show racism, prejudice against others.
I have seen racism from Black against whites, I have seen racism from white against Black, I have seen racism from Black against Black, I have seen prejudice from christian against muslim, and vice versa, I have seen racism between White and white (French,Brits).
But what is important is that we accept our differences, and respect each other, avoid discriminating others based on religion,race,culture or even differences of opinions.
Peace and love,Nick!
I like Tim Wise as well. And I’m black. Why do people get so upset if someone is making a living talking about
1) Psychology
2) Spirituality
3) Race.
I think he could have made better livings doing other things than pissing off other white people. I think that the world needs more Tim Wises. White people need to hear the stuff from other white people. It’s sad but true that many white people are too racist to believe my black ass when I talk about racism. And I think we need to encourage white folks to speak out. I mean, what the hell do you want from white people anyway? They shut up, that’s not enough, they talk bad about you that’s not enough, they speak out and tell the truth and you still kick their ass? Well, if I was white, I’d say “f-it” Go to work, get paid and ponder my 401-k. I mean, really.
Nicolas: according to some of the commenters, here is the cure for what ails you: Tim Wise.org. Now you just have to read his essays, buy his books, cds and dvds, and in no time you will have these life altering experiences. You will first acknowledge, repent and relinquish your white privileged ways. You will then quit your job and work for OXFAM, drink only “fair trade” tea, marry an Asian woman and adopt a child from Korea.
All thanks to the insights and the wisdom of the prophet Tim Wise!
What!!! Is Nick telling us to go back to OUR Country Africa!!!
AMERICA IS “MY” Country!!!! What the heck is he talking about!!! I am making my own Country better the U.S.A.
Thank you very much!
Immigration 111: Racists, Xenophobes, and Bigots
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5519929737078857795
Talks about how our hard earned rights, jobs and laws are now being taken away from us and given to others illegally here. If you just watch the first 15-20 minutes you get the message. The whole thing is 1 1/2 hrs but really right on.
Hi,
I’m new to this so sorry if I’m out of line to post or ask for whom ever reviews posts before they allow them to get on, could you please post this in the right story or area I am not computer savvy enough to figure it out.
Thanks,
Kim
LOL Asa, That was a very wise comment…! Unfortunately he Nicolas won’t take your advise!
Waaa! You could try puting more time into doing something useful and less time creating an entire webpage about why you don’t like me because I’m white. And perhaps more energy into bettering something and less trying to convince yourself that you’re a helpless little victim. I’d also like to mention that neither you, nor anybody you’ve ever known was a slave in America, so quit blaming an entire group of innocent people for the undeserved chip on your own shoulder. And lastly, puting “reverse racisim” in ” “s does not falsify the term. You’re a perfect example. Who honestly puts a website’s worth of effort into bashing a group of people because of their skin color? I guess you do.
Um…
I’m reading these blogs and responses here, and I’m pondering them. I didn’t know much about Tim Wise or who he is until I came here. But one thing I noticed from both here and Lander’s “Stuff White People Like” is that there is nothing people hate more or make fun of more than White Liberals.
The White Conservatives make fun of them because they say they are full of guilt and should just be proud of who they are and that White, European Civilization is great yah da yah da yah da…
I hear many Blacks denigrate them and say they are inauthentic, fake, pandering, looking down on, condescending, and so on.
It’s like the White Liberals are the most fake, phony, people on Earth, if you read all these blogs and go to these Black Power youtube sites or Redneck Conservative White Power sites.
But here’s something people seem to have forgotten:
There IS such a thing as an absolute Right and Wrong. This ‘subjectivity to class’ thing is just some Marxist bullshit that’s been peddled all throughout society. It’s Moral Relativism Trojan Horsed into culture under the guise of ‘race and gender politics.’ Simple as that.
The fact is: killing, murdering, is still going on in a mass scale, by corporations in Africa, with the collusion of a tiny Black elite (not representative of the Black population) with a White elite (not representative of the White population)
Take for example, Omar Bongo, former president of Gabon, who was a Freemason and a Rosicrucian, one of the richest men in the world, owned 33 mansions in France alone, who was backed and supported by French colonialists as rich as or richer than him, to continue French de-facto colonization of Gabon. Meanwhile, Chinese, American, Israeli, Uk, etc, mining interests continue to pit Africans against each other in wars to devastate their continent.
This notion that White’s are not qualified to speak on Black issues does not wash. Sorry. There was a song lyric by a White musician named Roger Waters of Pink Floyd that went like this:
“You don’t have to be a Jew to disapprove of murder,” and it is so apropos. (here he was referring to the Jewish holocaust) But we can insert the 21st Century African Holocaust of Congo’s ten-year Corporate-sponsored war which killed 10 millions.
If I am supposed to remain silent on this as a White person, or to be called “fake” and “opportunist” if I condemn it, then what does this mean? That only Blacks should talk about Black issues, only Whites should talk about White issues, and only Asians should talk about Asian issues? That we should all just stay in our cubbyholes and stick to our own class discussions?
Nonsense!
It is Moral Relativity in a cleverly disguised form. Why can’t people see this?
I want to add another thought to the mix here. I read some posts here by some people talking about how White Liberals have guilt over slavery, colonialism, things of that nature IN THE PAST.
One common reaction from Whites to posts like these goes like thus: “I have lots of Black friends and they don’t say things like you do…”
And…
“Why should I feel guilty for what my ancestors did…”
What is rarely if ever mentioned in blog wars is what is going on with Blacks TODAY.
Yes, the point has been made: Why should I feel guilty about what my distant ancestors did…I didn’t do them, so why does it have anything to do with me.
But there is plenty of stuff just today that is going on. There’s Katrina, there’s the 5000 murdered, which Cynthia McKinney talks about, there was the makeshift concentration camps set up under freeway bridges during Katrina…There’s the fact that America has the highest incarceration rate in the world, both in population and in percentage, many of them Black people for either doing
A. Nothing
Or
B. a tiny crime that is insignificant compared to the crimes Wall street has done against Africa
There is gerrymandering of districts, there was the blocking of voters in Florida during the 2000 election
There’s the tasing of unarmed men by police officers, which is now spilling over into Whitehood.
There’s the AIDS conspiracy
I can go on and on listing things. It does not take being Black to see these things.
I wonder if Tim Wise has seminars for police officers, judges, and jurors. If not, that would be the first place he should start.
I do have some Black friends. But, more importantly, I had, growing up, a high proportion of school teachers who were Black, in elementary school, high school, and middle school. This is what has had the greatest impact on my life. The teachers and mentors that have impacted me.
If you’re Black and you’re reading this, and if you want to make a real difference fighting White supremacy, probably the most powerful, most profound thing you can do is to become a schoolteacher in a White school district or in a mixed school.
Speaking from personal experience, as a White person educated in a school system with a high proportion of Black teachers.
But then again, I was always the Nerd, the ‘Teachers Pet,” and tended to do well in school and looked up to teachers.
I agree with 6-10. However to say that white people wanna put black in their place is absolutely asinine. In fact 1-5 is just plain racist stereotyping. Granted there are those elitists who do that but the common person would be appalled by that. In fact I live in Idaho where everyone is supposed to be racist and it just doesn’t happen.
I am from a mixed family my sister black and i am asian while my parents and brother are white. i have rarely seen any form of discrimination against us. The reason why “white people” adopt children of color because that is usually the first thing adoption agencies offer after waiting 5-7 years. Its really hard to be able to adopt a baby of any color or nationality. its just good people wanting to raise children and you have to make it about race.
You know its funny the only place i’ve ever experienced racism on a grand scale was in Virginia and that was for not being black. Weird huh. Walking thru the mall with may army buddies (blacks whites asians hispanics muslims) when a large group a black males walked by me and started staring so i returned eye contact (you always gotta keep your held held high) Then it was all “what you looking at kracker” and so on and so forth. my battle buddy (bunkmate) then intervened and was accused of being “betrayer” and a “uncle sam” I was angry and walked away.
The point is this. Yes racism exists. So does biased, prejudice, sexism, stereotyping. And regardless what you are your are guilty of at least one of these. Stereo typing white people like this is just plain bigotry. It is hypocritical to do and say things that if reversed you would be outraged. In fact i am sure that this comment is could make someone angry and upset for voicing my opinion because of my ethnicity. for those bigots remember: Reputation is Valuable but Character is Priceless.
I think that by merely challenging a view or a statement is probably enough to be interpreted as “putting one in their place”.
I’ve thought about “the List” since I read it yesterday. And I’ve come to the following conclusion. This site is not a web site for white people to visit, not in any meaningful way in regard to ending racism. It is about race baiting. The list of “Stuff white people like” is truly outrageous. It is as vulgar in it intent as any black joke ever told. God knows, it isn’t enough for there to be a class of people referred to as “rednecks”. The author wishes to make known another class of white people that are to be ridiculed, white liberal do gooders.
This isn’t new. The rejection of all things white, even in the slightest, has been around since God knows when. I can date it to at least the 80’s. Even the trend of taking an African name isn’t that new. Although I would tend to think that some poor bastard sitting in the dirt watching the community TV in the middle of Kenya probably questions the audacity of someone coming to his village to get an authentic African name, then leave with his new name to go back to a standard of living that he will never see.
I have a “Native American” ancestry path in my whiteness, and would love to have a native name to add to the name I was given by my parents. But I’m no more Cherokee then I am Black in the eyes of anyone. The only one who could honor me with such a name is long since gone.
I would like to continue with a riff on black music and how Black musicians were able to influence white America and how it opened doors. But I and you and this website does not have the time more space to cover the subject respectfully. However, at this point, I would like to clearly state what is going on here.
What this site is about, more than anything else, is freedom. It is also about ownership and dismissal. The author of this list has the freedom now to create such a list, without fear of losing his life over it. He can speak his mind and white people can take him to task and he can dismiss them at will. He now has the power to do so. And he and others are exercising that power.
It is simply not enough for blacks to have been freed by whites. It is simply not enough for black to gain rights at the hand of whites. The closest thing to an overwhelming victory over whites black people have had was Nelson Mandela and the end of Apartheid, and, the election of Barack Obama. And while I will be dismissed as yet another white liberal, I will say I voted for him. But this still not enough. Even reparations will not be enough. Only the defeat of white people will give black people the sense equality they are searching for. It is only when they feel they have the power to oppress people, or feel superior will they grant white people equal access to their world, on their terms. The oppressed always seeks to become the oppressor. To be an equal in a white world will never be enough.
Please tell me you don’t believe any of “Stuff White People Like” because there is very little truth to it and what truthe there is has been misconstrued.
I grew up with zero racial prejudice in a predominately white, midwest small town during the 60’s and 70’s. When I was about 8 years old Jesse Owens was the guest speaker at our church and he was invited to our home for dinner. I remember my mother was so honored to meet him she started crying. It was a big deal, all the neighbors came over to meet him and shake his hand. Race was not an issue that day, people were anxious to meet a great man and talked about it for years afterward…”Remember when Jesse Owens came to town?”
All my growing up years, we had the same picture of Jesus on the wall. I don’t know who the artist was, it was the same picture I saw hanging in our church and in the homes of some of my friends. The picture depicted a Jesus that had dark brown hair, medium brown eyes, and olive colored skin.
I have never been guilty of trying to “put Black people in their place” or minimalizing the accomplishments of Blacks, nor do I know any White people who do that. I am certain there are people who fit that description but I do not know any. I think this is one of those things that “if you look for the worst in people, you will surely find it.”
And don’t you think when people compare struggles, they are trying to identify and find common ground? Who can say they truly know of another mans struggles, regardless of their race, nationality, religious affiliation, or whatever? I will never, ever know what it was like to be a Black slave. I will never, ever know what it was like to be a Jewish person in Nazi Germany, and I could go on and on. Who is to say whose life experiences are worse than anothers? And why do we want to do that? Isn’t it better to have sympathy and compassion for one another than to try and determine who has been treated more inhumanely?
I don’t “make a living and/or become famous by claiming to be some kind of anti-racist expert”. I am a middle aged White woman who works hard for a large company trying to do the best that I can to survive, just like everyone else I know, regardless of their race.
I don’t tan – my skin burns easily in the sun, so I make no attempts to tan. I do appreciate the beauty in all skin colors, tones, and hues. If changing the color of ones skin was an option in my youth I probably would have chosen a rich deep brown because it looks healthier to me that my pink/white skin. White people do like to tan. But isn’t it also human nature to want something you don’t have? I had straight hair, my sister had curly hair – I got perms to make my hair curly and she straightened hers. I am grateful we don’t all look alike.
To your credit you did get several things somewhat right:
My husband is Black – we met at church, became friends, ended up falling in love, and got married. I was not being rebellious, I am not trashy or fat. I was attracted to my husband because he is incredibly kind, well liked by my friends, puts God first in his life, family second, and has made me feel incredibly loved and needed. We are great together, and I believe there are many more people in relationships like ours. People that think we are out to prove something or are together for any other reason than pure love are just jealous.
And yes, we did adopt a Black baby. I was not able to give my husband children and I had always wanted to adopt. We didn’t go to some other country, there are many children waiting to be adopted right here in the USA. If it wasn’t so expensive to adopt we would have adopted more children. As it is, we are very grateful to have our daughter. She wasn’t born of my body but she was born of my heart. She is very loved and the joy of our life.
I do like exotic pets, if you really consider ferrets exotic. They are wonderful pets.
Are Black people the only ones allowed to love Jazz and Blues? I love a variety of music, and grew up listening to Motown….in your opinion is that wrong? Was I suppose to like the Beach Boys and Elvis? Sorry, nobody sent me the memo and I never saw a handbook telling me what kind of music White people are suppose to like. Should I go out and buy some Lawrence Welk music to play when my husband’s family comes to visit so I don’t offend anyone?
I hope nobody takes “Stuff White People Like” seriously. I know I don’t.
So, how does a white person engage you and a few others here in some kind of dialog without offending you? What preferences do you have or credentials do you require? Do I first recognize you as a member of a group of people who share similar physical characteristics, which is historically traceable to a particular landmass? Or, do I recognize you as an individual? Do I need to find a diplomat that can be the conduit of communication between us? Under what terms can we hold discussions? What subjects are off the table? And, I guess I should ask if whether or not you are willing to be engaged in any such discussions? To quote you, “However, I do have strong views, beliefs and opinions but I also consider myself open to listening and contemplating other viewpoints.” I did not see anything in your statement regarding your willingness to have any discussion on viewpoints, only your openness to listen and give it some thought. If you found this post offensive and an intrusion, please except my apologies.
1. Every so often Black people stumble into ignorant White people who are not representative of the White population. Unfortunately, sometimes said Black person’s close White friend will also make a stupid comment, for which they are probably ashamed, if the “close White friend” definition is true.
2. I am sure we can all tell a personal experience where we have expected a certain reaction to our accomplishments, but our efforts were only downplayed or minimized. Sometimes knowing in your “heart of hearts” creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. I mean, you’re already thinking I’m belittling your experiences, right?
3. I have this pet peeve…anytime I share a personal struggle, my friends feel a need to “one up me,” comparing their struggles with mine and even attempting to minimize my experiences.
4. Many people will sell their souls for monetary gain. Many people really would like to make a difference. Don’t bother trying to understand someone’s intent, if they’re White just know they are full of sh*t.
5. I have experienced and know of many relationships where it’s clear (to me at least), that the person is in the relationship because they have some deep seated issues.
6. I have always been amazed at POC who dye their hair blonde.
7. What is it with Black men having pitt bulls and rottweilers?
8. Black people don’t like “White” music. Even in the movies we can see how White music is ridiculous when compared to the rhythm of Black music (don’t get me started on dance). As a musician, this sometimes leads me to question my taste in music.
9. Most White people I know don’t have the funds to travel. The White people I have met who traveled were from more affluent families. Most POC I know don’t have the funds to travel. The POC I have known who traveled were from more affluent families.
10. Let’s trivialize the legitimate love people have for mankind. I tend to think this is not just “stuff white people like.”
There will never be harmony until the end, because people are too focused on differences.
If only the White folks in that pic were giving the thumbs up, that picture would be complete.