"Negro" in the historical context.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 33girl

The Catholic church in the Hill District of Pittsburgh (which has been primarily black for a very long time - peep this) didn't allow races other than blacks to join for a long time, although they wanted to, simply because of the sense of community and fellowship in the church. All races are now permitted to join.

Synopsis:
The heyday of Pittsburgh’s Hill District lasted from the 1930’s through the 1950’s, and this eloquent documentary recaptures it all…the music clubs that attracted both black and white, the best Negro League baseball teams in America, the church picnics and family businesses that comprised the essence of life in this vibrant neighborhood.


Sure, there were (a relative few) nonBlacks who wanted to be a part of that exciting "Negro" cultural experience. Sure. Not being able to become a full MEMBER of that exciting "Negro" cultural experience probably didn't ruin too many whites' lives.

" I can't join that Black Catholic Church--it's such a good church, though and tons of fun--oh well, I guess I'll join one of the many predominantly white churches, many of which don't accept Blacks in the 1930s-1950s----take dat, Negros!!!! Can't oppress me!!! I was just slummin'...I got options!"

[33girl]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Synopsis:
The heyday of Pittsburgh’s Hill District lasted from the 1930’s through the 1950’s, and this eloquent documentary recaptures it all…the music clubs that attracted both black and white, the best Negro League baseball teams in America, the church picnics and family businesses that comprised the essence of life in this vibrant neighborhood.


Sure, there were (a relative few) nonBlacks who wanted to be a part of that exciting "Negro" cultural experience. Sure. Not being able to become a full MEMBER of that exciting "Negro" cultural experience probably didn't ruin too many whites' lives.

" I can't join that Black Catholic Church--it's such a good church, though and tons of fun--oh well, I guess I'll join one of the many predominantly white churches, many of which don't accept Blacks in the 1930s-1950s----take dat, Negros!!!! Can't oppress me!!! I was just slummin'...I got options!"

Oh, I'm not saying they had 100s of people beating down their doors - just that it did happen. I wouldn't be surprised if there were first gen (white) immigrants that would have felt more comfortable there than some of the snootier churches.

I was going to touch on Peoples Temple but that's really getting off into a whole 'nother arena.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Oh, I'm not saying they had 100s of people beating down their doors - just that it did happen. I wouldn't be surprised if there were first gen (white) immigrants that would have felt more comfortable there than some of the snootier churches.

Yes, to buy time until they "become white." That's the general story of the Irish and Italian (among other European) immigrants.

[APhiAnna]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Synopsis:
The heyday of Pittsburgh’s Hill District lasted from the 1930’s through the 1950’s, and this eloquent documentary recaptures it all…the music clubs that attracted both black and white, the best Negro League baseball teams in America, the church picnics and family businesses that comprised the essence of life in this vibrant neighborhood.


Sure, there were (a relative few) nonBlacks who wanted to be a part of that exciting "Negro" cultural experience. Sure. Not being able to become a full MEMBER of that exciting "Negro" cultural experience probably didn't ruin too many whites' lives.

" I can't join that Black Catholic Church--it's such a good church, though and tons of fun--oh well, I guess I'll join one of the many predominantly white churches, many of which don't accept Blacks in the 1930s-1950s----take dat, Negros!!!! Can't oppress me!!! I was just slummin'...I got options!"

Even if there was only one that was turned away, that is still a racist action. I think the effect that racism holds in most white people's lives is negligible, even if I've experienced racism and prejudice from minorities I understand that, at the end of the day, I still have many more opportunities unfairly. But I'm not lamenting racism in my life...I'm asking why in these rare situations it is not racism? Even though like many are arguing this church existed in a society where whites were the majority culture, blacks were clearly the power holders in this specific community and denied access based on race. That seems to fit the bill under the explanation that racism is about power dynamics and withholding power. So how is this not racism?