Quote:
Originally posted by irishpipes
I don't know how to ask this without making everyone's head explode, but I am going to try. I am a white person. I can't help that I am a white person. What is it that I can do that would make blacks know that I am not a racist? Do you think that the history is so bad between blacks and whites that this could never happen? I am not asking this to cause trouble. I am asking because I seriously don't even know where to start, and I think that racism is something that needs to be dealt with in every individual in order for it to be combatted. However, I know that I feel frustrated that maybe no matter what I do as an individual, blacks will see me as white and therefore a racist. I realize that is nothing compared to the frustrations that blacks have endured over the many years, but I would seriously like to know. My question comes from a position of reconciliation, not hostility.
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You can't be all things to all people. No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to please EVERYONE. So, the goal of proving to every Black person you ever meet that you are not racist might be difficult to accomplish. However, it is helpful that you acknowledge and do not make light of racism in its present or former state.
Yes, there are some people who have so much pain that they cannot trust again. Yes, there are plenty of people who believe that the response in New Orleans has to do with race also. In this day, with the racism that still exists in our society, I believe it is a valid claim. No one will ever admit that New Orleans residents suffered because of racism. However, how realistic is it for a white person to understand the covert racism that many Blacks encounter daily? We know what is happening. It is not discussed in stratetic plans. Instead, it remains at a subconscious level in the minds of many leaders in this country, especially those from the South.
I don't know what's on the minds of the people in leadership. So, I don't know if their actions are the result of racism and classism. But I can say that I don't think the reults would have been the same if a hurricane left people stranded in a wealthy, white community.