Paula Deen's use of the "N"-Word

[Tulip86]

As a white female from a middle class family born in the eighties I think I will never know oppression the way a lot of minorities have in the past, and a lot of those groups still experience it today. Who am I to decide for another when they get to feel oppressed. I think a lot of people with my background, are very unaware of the fact that, usually, it's a lot easier to be white, and that a lot of oppression and discrimination based on skin color and heritage still occurs.

I think a lot op people try not to be racist, and "not see color". But, from a psychological prospective, people tend to feel most at ease around those they perceive to be "like them". Does feeling more at ease around people who look, act, talk like you and have the same cultural background make you racist? Not in my book. But to me, excluding, oppressing, distrusting and avoiding another culture does.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by UVA17

Phil talks, and this is what the rest of us hear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJyfozezSpI

Well, if you're paying attention and half-way open-minded, you might hear the opinions of someone whose professional activities involve this very area, so who just may know more about the research, the data and the issues involved than you do.

You are, of course, free to disagree with her opinions. But the petulant responses you've provided so far don't add much credibility to your own opinions.

Originally Posted by agzg

I must have missed this (the wedding - I knew about your business). Congrats!

I missed it, too. Congrats, IotaMan, and best wishes to you both.

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Linguistic Swerve - Should it be "home's" or "Holme's", "homes" or "Holmes"? I found http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=holmes and http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=homes, so it looks like both are contextually correct.

Please, let's not open that can of worms again. This thread has enough open cans in it already.

Originally Posted by Tulip86

As a white female from a middle class family born in the eighties I think I will never know oppression the way a lot of minorities have in the past, and a lot of those groups still experience it today. Who am I to decide for another when they get to feel oppressed.

This, except for being a white male born in the 60s. I can try to listen and understand, and I do try to listen and understand, but I know that I simply won't ever experience what many others experience on a daily basis.

As for color-blindness, I gave up on that a long time ago. I can't be color-blind -- I'm not sure anyone truly can be -- and I'm not sure it helps to try to be. I also gave up on thinking of myself as a person without prejudices. I find it more constructive to acknowledge that some prejudices are there even when I don't want them to be, try my best to be aware of them (they can show themselves at the most unexpected times) and try to take power over them rather than let them subtly control me. It's an ongoing process.