White men in NPHC

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

You may have a narrow understanding of what "understanding what it is to be black" means.

To many, that means understanding our rich history and all those things that go into the uniqueness of the African diasporic cultures. Also understanding the diversity of experiences in the cultures. You don't have to be of the African diaspora to grasp this and being of the African diaspora doesn't mean that you grasp it. However, more often than not, I encounter whites (since we're talking about whites in the NPHC) who reduce "black" to oppression and discrimination or music and sports.

I think my understanding of "understanding what it is to be black" is basically what you're talking about here. Anything that can be learned through education, should be. When I say that I can't truly understand what's is like to be black it is because I cannot live a second life where I actually experience being black. While currently I am not completely, or even sufficiently, educated on these things I do strive to become more so.

So, NO, you can not understand the goals of organizations that serve the larger society through a focus on the black communities without understanding what it is to be black.

As I mention above, the difference I refer to is in the actual experience of being black. And that's what I mean when I say a white person can never achieve that.

No, that's not the purpose. Motives are always questioned, regardless of the race of the person. And we always have to prove ourselves. Not only as members based on having a membership number but as members based on living out our lifetime commitment.

I understand that. I guess I was thinking on more of a casual meeting or perhaps in a situation where it is obvious that the soror, regardless of her color, is dedicated because of her actions. But that's fair.

Originally Posted by Reds6

I don't think I stated the website expressed a view on blackness or qualifications. My opinion is that of my own. I am not an official spokesperson of the organization so I can comment on her stance nor would I.

I'm not really speaking about the organizations as a whole

I just find it curious why a non-person of color would want to join a BGLO that focuses on issues that affect people of color namely Black people and our community. I truly think that I view the responsibility to my community as a duty and I personally know the dire need to uplift my community. It's not something I opened a book to learn but something I live and live with everyday. I don't see a white member having the same level of commitment, passion, and level of responsibility to my people as I.

If you took too members who are equally active, but one is white and one is black you see the white one as being less committed? Or is this only a personal comparison? After DSTChaos' comment about all members being required to continually prove their commitment, I understand that concept, however expecting one to prove more based on the color of her skin? I don't get that on a fundamental level.

Regarding the respect issue I think I stated I would not disrespect a white member, I just simply wouldn't vote for a white candidate. But going back to the original question of the thread. If you are a white member of a BGLO, you have to expect that some aren't going to be happy with your choice.

And I find that unfortunate.

I'm not sure how my statement is bias. I think it's a fact that my experience as a black woman is different than that of a white woman. I don't care how liberal, so called color blind one may claim to be, you truly can't understand the struggle and beauty of my people. We may have similar issues regarding women's right for example, but join the Women's league.

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Yes, your experience is almost certainly different, but I take exception to the fact that assumptions are made based soley on the skin color of the applicant no matter her other qualities.