Study: You may be more racist than you think

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by WinniBug

Hayden's character transferred to a mostly-black school and they constantly referred to her as "white girl", "barbie", "vanilla latte", "frosted flake" and made comments like "looks like we're finally gettin some snow on campus", "coffee is like crack for white people"....
I wonder how people would react if it was the same movie, only racial roles were reversed and Beyonce's sister was the one dealing with racist comments.

I guess I don't see what's "racist" about any of these terms - would "black girl" or "Christie" (I think that's the black Barbie doll?) or "chocolate/mocha" or "cocoa puff" or "looks like we're finally getting a fondue pot on campus" or "gospel choirs are like Kenny G for black people" really be racist? I mean, they'd be stupid and racially motivated, but that's not really the same thing as "racist" . . . maybe you picked a bad example, but I don't see how it connects with your conclusion. This is without getting into the fact that, although the movie probably sucked, it's fine to portray an 'outsider' being treated as such - in fact, it's probably good.

With that said . . . racial cracks against white people are "OK" (read: accepted) because they carry no power. It's just like why there aren't any 'slurs' against heterosexuals - it's not like there's been 'straight oppression' at any point. Hack comedians like to joke that blacks get February for Black History Month because whites get the other 11 months, but that's basically true, and it kind of explains something I think you're missing.

Here's the thing: most people (especially white people) think that the true pinnacle of racial equality will occur when people simply do not see color. This is kind of stupid, since it's almost impossible for it to happen. True equality will be equality in every way - such as making race-based jokes about white people, and removing the power from similar jokes about minorities.

[DrPhil]

Yeah...I really appreciate KSig RC.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Here's the thing: most people (especially white people) think that the true pinnacle of racial equality will occur when people simply do not see color. This is kind of stupid, since it's almost impossible for it to happen. True equality will be equality in every way - such as making race-based jokes about white people, and removing the power from similar jokes about minorities.

Indeed.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

I guess I don't see what's "racist" about any of these terms - would "black girl" or "Christie" (I think that's the black Barbie doll?) or "chocolate/mocha" or "cocoa puff" or "looks like we're finally getting a fondue pot on campus" or "gospel choirs are like Kenny G for black people" really be racist? I mean, they'd be stupid and racially motivated, but that's not really the same thing as "racist" . . . maybe you picked a bad example, but I don't see how it connects with your conclusion. This is without getting into the fact that, although the movie probably sucked, it's fine to portray an 'outsider' being treated as such - in fact, it's probably good.

With that said . . . racial cracks against white people are "OK" (read: accepted) because they carry no power. It's just like why there aren't any 'slurs' against heterosexuals - it's not like there's been 'straight oppression' at any point. Hack comedians like to joke that blacks get February for Black History Month because whites get the other 11 months, but that's basically true, and it kind of explains something I think you're missing.

Here's the thing: most people (especially white people) think that the true pinnacle of racial equality will occur when people simply do not see color. This is kind of stupid, since it's almost impossible for it to happen. True equality will be equality in every way - such as making race-based jokes about white people, and removing the power from similar jokes about minorities.

Once people stop 'seeing' color, they will find something else to be prejudicial about.

In some cultures that frame of mind already exist.

Humankind has a habit of wanting validation.

We will always have a need to find a way to be distinguishable from someone else.

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Once people stop 'seeing' color, they will find something else to be prejudicial about.

In some cultures that frame of mind already exist.

Humankind has a habit of wanting validation.

We will always have a need to find a way to be distinguishable from someone else.

This is a good post. I agree. The problem arises when we form associations that contradict our intentions, beliefs and values, and it's not only with race. It's with female and male, old and young, gay and straight, fat and thin etc.

All of these things effect who we have as our friends, who we hire, etc. It's much more than just race.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

This is a good post. I agree. The problem arises when we form associations that contradict our intentions, beliefs and values, and it's not only with race. It's with female and male, old and young, gay and straight, fat and thin etc.

All of these things effect who we have as our friends, who we hire, etc. It's much more than just race.

Can you expound on the first paragraph?

Are you saying that racism, sexism, and other -isms only surface when people form associations with "others?"

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Here's the thing: most people (especially white people) think that the true pinnacle of racial equality will occur when people simply do not see color. This is kind of stupid, since it's almost impossible for it to happen. True equality will be equality in every way - such as making race-based jokes about white people, and removing the power from similar jokes about minorities.

Dayum that's a deep comment on so many levels...

[LΩVE]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

I guess I don't see what's "racist" about any of these terms - would "black girl" or "Christie" (I think that's the black Barbie doll?) or "chocolate/mocha" or "cocoa puff" or "looks like we're finally getting a fondue pot on campus" or "gospel choirs are like Kenny G for black people" really be racist? I mean, they'd be stupid and racially motivated, but that's not really the same thing as "racist" . . . maybe you picked a bad example, but I don't see how it connects with your conclusion. This is without getting into the fact that, although the movie probably sucked, it's fine to portray an 'outsider' being treated as such - in fact, it's probably good.

With that said . . . racial cracks against white people are "OK" (read: accepted) because they carry no power. It's just like why there aren't any 'slurs' against heterosexuals - it's not like there's been 'straight oppression' at any point. Hack comedians like to joke that blacks get February for Black History Month because whites get the other 11 months, but that's basically true, and it kind of explains something I think you're missing.

Here's the thing: most people (especially white people) think that the true pinnacle of racial equality will occur when people simply do not see color. This is kind of stupid, since it's almost impossible for it to happen. True equality will be equality in every way - such as making race-based jokes about white people, and removing the power from similar jokes about minorities.

They do carry power because some "White people" find them offensive. I don't understand purposefully offending or hurting someone.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by LΩVE

They do carry power because some "White people" find them offensive.

It's not that kind of power.

[LΩVE]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

It's not that kind of power.

It doesn't matter what species of power, it still hurts people. I don't need a speech, before anyone gives on. I understand the difference. I don't understand that attitude that "white people" can just suck it. I don't understand hurting people on purpose.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by LΩVE

It doesn't matter what species of power, it still hurts people. I don't need a speech, before anyone gives on. I understand the difference. I don't understand that attitude that "white people" can just suck it. I don't understand hurting people on purpose.

Now you know how I feel as a Black woman sucking it, up...

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by LΩVE

It doesn't matter what species of power, it still hurts people. I don't need a speech, before anyone gives on. I understand the difference. I don't understand that attitude that "white people" can just suck it. I don't understand hurting people on purpose.

No, sweetie. What you don't understand is what we're talking about.