Sorority suspended for "Indian Party."

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

No offense, but this is doubletalk. You just said "You know, when white people stop getting so defensive over other people getting somewhat offended, the people getting offended won't wield nearly as much power"and "White people loan power to charges of racism because they're fearful of it."

There is no distinguishing power from empowerment in this context if whites feel that they are "loaning power" and can buffer the effects if they "weren't so fearful." Mind you, beyond wanting to believe they are good people and free of prejudices, most whites aren't really fearful. But the "harmless yet terrified white people" approach is nothing new in this country, either. Nonwhites and whites who speak out against inequality generally aren't doing it because they need a hobby. They are generally doing it with hope for change, which is difficult if those in the majority of decision making power positions in this society (whites) take the approach that you're advocating.



I hope you're being as sarcastic as I was and referencing the commonly held misconception rather than the reality.

Yeah it kind of is misleading. I think white people allow stigma to attach to charges of racism because we're so petrified of it. If you cut out the stigma, meaning if white people don't automatically start pointing the finger at each other when charges of racism arise, it is going to disempower people who uses those charges to their advantage, regardless of their race. Does this mean the power is on "loan" from the white community? Sure, partially. When we allow other people to control our actions, which is what I think we do at times, then we're empowering some other group. If we begin drawing our own conclusions and don't immediately start "eating our own" as soon as such charges arise, then we'll be taking some of that power back. That doesn't mean white people possess and distribute all power, but the reactions of the majority of this country (white people) certainly constitute a large reserve of power in this context.

But this aside, the goal, in my mind, is to empower white people to make decisions on their own. It isn't to disempower minority groups, though that will be the effect. I would just prefer that white people act as a better screen in determining what issues WE are going to care about.

I was simply speaking in your terms. I don't most think minorities are race-obsessed or irrational, though some certainly are. Whites too.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

disempower people who uses those charges to their advantage

heh

What about the OUR advantage of making this society as advanced in egalitarianism as it is technologically and economically advanced?

Originally Posted by shinerbock

But this aside, the goal, in my mind, is to empower white people to make decisions on their own.

Because Lord knows white people have always been too "harmless yet terrified" to do that.

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I would just prefer that white people act as a better screen in determining what issues WE are going to care about.

heh

Awww...some whites are being "forced" to care about stuff and see beyond their comfort zones. God bless 'em and we thank them for the attention and power they've so nobly donated.

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

heh



Because Lord knows white people have always been too "harmless yet terrified" to do that.

Irrelevant, but alright.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

Irrelevant, but alright.

Well, we all know that this country's history shows that whites have never felt empowered enough to make their own decisions. White people are afraid and haven't been able to TAKE CHARGE, right?

It's cool because we can keep placing many whites in 3 exciting categories:
1) confused victim ("eh...I don't know why they keep coming at us about this silly stuff...I'm nervous that I might offend someone all the time....")
2) unknowing perpetrator ("eh...I don't know why these themed parties are a bad thing...fun is fun...it doesn't bother me so that should mean something")
3) reluctant hero ("eh...I guess I'll listen to their concerns and try to help this time...I won't be so generous next time")

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Well, we all know that this country's history shows that whites have never felt empowered enough to make their own decisions. White people are afraid and haven't been able to TAKE CHARGE, right?

It's cool because we can keep placing many whites in 3 exciting categories:
1) confused victim ("eh...I don't know why they keep coming at us about this silly stuff...I'm nervous that I might offend someone all the time....")
2) unknowing perpetrator ("eh...I don't know why these themed parties are a bad thing...fun is fun...it doesn't bother me so that should mean something")
3) reluctant hero ("eh...I guess I'll listen to their concerns and try to help this time...I won't be so generous next time")

White people have always been able to take charge on a host of things. I don't think they are in this context, however. Seems simple enough.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

White people have always been able to take charge on a host of things. I don't think they are in this context, however. Seems simple enough.

It isn't simple enough. You're the one who made this about "white people."

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I'd like to know what positions are embedded in mine.

I already told you.

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Awww...some whites are being "forced" to care about stuff and see beyond their comfort zones. God bless 'em and we thank them for the attention and power they've so nobly donated.

We're not being forced to do anything. We care about what we choose to care about. Minority groups certainly have power in this regard, but overreaction on our part absolutely enhances it.

I've made it clear I'm not trying to insulate the white community from the complaints of minority groups. But you, of course, already knew that.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

We care about what we choose to care about.

heh

As do all humans. However, I can't help but hear the "Heman" theme everytime you post.

Originally Posted by shinerbock

Minority groups certainly have power in this regard, but overreaction on our part absolutely enhances it.

Overreaction = listening to concerns and finding ways to educate the masses and impliment changes if there is a perceived need

OR

Overreaction = masses of white people jumping off of buildings, developing nervous disorders, and rioting the streets everytime there is a discussion of race or a concern of inequality

Which one?

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I've made it clear I'm not trying to insulate the white community from the complaints of minority groups. But you, of course, already knew that.

Not really. My responses aren't about you. They are about what's embedded in positions like the one you're taking. Everything you've said has been said by whites for decades. It just changes format as society's expectations of equality shift.

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

heh

As do all humans. However, I can't help but hear the "Heman" theme everytime you post.



Overreaction = listening to concerns and finding ways to educate the masses and impliment changes if there is a perceived need

OR

Overreaction = masses of white people jumping off of buildings, developing nervous disorders, and rioting the streets everytime there is a discussion of race or a concern of inequality

Which one?




Not really. My responses aren't about you. They are about what's embedded in positions like the one you're taking. Everything you've said has been said by whites for decades. It just changes format as society's expectations of equality shift.

Clearly I'm talking about white people who immediately start pointing at other white people when charges of racism, or discussions of race, arise. I want white people to do analysis and come to conclusions. That doesn't mean I want them to stop responding to minority concerns, plenty of which are incredibly valid. Others, IMO, not so much. We all know most white people get incredibly uncomfortable with discussions about race, at least when those discussions involve nonwhite people. This fear/nervousness/whatever reminds me of people's fear of public speaking, in that they'll literally do anything to avoid the discomfort.

I'd like to know what positions are embedded in mine. I'm certain some are, as I'm certain your opinions and thought processes have been impacted similarly. Clearly I don't think white people are the gate keepers of power, so what else ?