How do you feel about Kanye West's Comment

[ladygreek]

The fact that in your post you tried to remove racism from the situation is what is frustrating. We need White people to stand with us and say"Yes, it is racism now let's work together to do something about it." But to keep being in denial about racism is hurting not helping.

[Wonderful1908]

Originally posted by irishpipes
I am sorry to have offended you so much. I actually think Nagin should be commended for staying in N.O. I think that is why he got so upset the other day on the radio - he was experiencing all of this first hand and the stranded people needed a spokesperson who knew exactly what was going on.

I don't know how to ask this without making everyone's head explode, but I am going to try. I am a white person. I can't help that I am a white person. What is it that I can do that would make blacks know that I am not a racist? Do you think that the history is so bad between blacks and whites that this could never happen? I am not asking this to cause trouble. I am asking because I seriously don't even know where to start, and I think that racism is sometyhing that needs to be dealt with in every individual in order for it to be combatted. However, I know that I feel frustrated that maybe no matter what I do as an individual, blacks will see me as white and therefore a racist. I realize that is nothing compared to the frustrations that blacks have endured over the many years, but I would seriously like to know. My question comes from a position of reconciliation, not hostility.

I wish I had the answer for you....

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by irishpipes
I guess the difference may be that I see that the racism took place before the storm, and maybe you see it as both before and after?

Yes

I see it as the poverty and other life situations of the blacks there made them vulnerable, and that indeed can be attributed to racism and other problems.

okay

I think that the poor response was due to a few things: a huge, unprecedented storm, very poor planning (on every level) for this scale of disaster, and a totally inept response. I see it more as stupidity than racism.

Racism is stupidity

But I think (not trying to put words in your mouth) you are saying that the late response was because no one cared to save people because they are black and therefore expendable?

Not quite that simple. Not just no one--Bush! It even goes back to the reduction of federal funds that may have kept the broken levees from happening.

[RACooper]

Originally posted by irishpipes
I am sorry to have offended you so much. I actually think Nagin should be commended for staying in N.O. I think that is why he got so upset the other day on the radio - he was experiencing all of this first hand and the stranded people needed a spokesperson who knew exactly what was going on.

I don't know how to ask this without making everyone's head explode, but I am going to try. I am a white person. I can't help that I am a white person. What is it that I can do that would make blacks know that I am not a racist? Do you think that the history is so bad between blacks and whites that this could never happen? I am not asking this to cause trouble. I am asking because I seriously don't even know where to start, and I think that racism is something that needs to be dealt with in every individual in order for it to be combatted. However, I know that I feel frustrated that maybe no matter what I do as an individual, blacks will see me as white and therefore a racist. I realize that is nothing compared to the frustrations that blacks have endured over the many years, but I would seriously like to know. My question comes from a position of reconciliation, not hostility.

I think the first step as cliche as it sounds is to stop seeing people as black or white - to look past the colour and see the person. That is the biggest and most important step that a person can take themselves... and its a hard one because so many in the US seem to have/give an inordinate amount of weight to race and "race relations". Ideally colour should really only be used as a discriptive device, not as an identifier... but then again this is all just me spitballing really.

When it comes to NO it find it incredibly frustrating that people are politicizing or racializing the rescue and relief effort - all the talk of "our people" or accusations of favouritism really only cloud and dilute the many message: People need help! Not blacks, whites, hispanics, asians, native americans, or creoles,; but PEOPLE period.

[ladygreek]

Oh Lawd, I am already trying to ignore the Chit Chat thread. Don't tell me I'll have to start ignoring this one in my own org's forum, too.

[Kamryn]

Originally posted by irishpipes
I am sorry to have offended you so much. I actually think Nagin should be commended for staying in N.O. I think that is why he got so upset the other day on the radio - he was experiencing all of this first hand and the stranded people needed a spokesperson who knew exactly what was going on.

I don't know how to ask this without making everyone's head explode, but I am going to try. I am a white person. I can't help that I am a white person. What is it that I can do that would make blacks know that I am not a racist?

Do you think that the history is so bad between blacks and whites that this could never happen?

I am not asking this to cause trouble. I am asking because I seriously don't even know where to start, and I think that racism is sometyhing that needs to be dealt with in every individual in order for it to be combatted.

However, I know that I feel frustrated that maybe no matter what I do as an individual, blacks will see me as white and therefore a racist. I realize that is nothing compared to the frustrations that blacks have endured over the many years, but I would seriously like to know. My question comes from a position of reconciliation, not hostility.

I don't even know where to begin... First and foremost, I am a black person, but I don't speak on behalf of all black people. I am speaking on behalf of myself because all black people are individuals. We think differently. Meaning, that just because I may feel one way about a situation, the black person standing next to me probably wont feel the same way. We are all different people with different lifestyles, complexions, opinions, upbringings, etc. Like you, we can't help the fact that we were born black. It's not like we had the option of choosing our race.

We live in a society that tells us everyday it's wrong to be black. To be something that we didn't choose to be and cannot change even if we wanted to. For this reason, many people develop a form of self hatred. Don't be mistaken, I couldn't be anymore proud of my culture and my heritage. But there are some black people who are, unfortunately, not.

You asked what can you do to make blacks know that you are not racist. First you should ask yourself why you feel that blacks perceive you as being racist. Start there. Then teach yourself to not be oblivious to what's going on around you. Understand one important thing, racism is a LEARNED behavior. There are a lot of studies that proves this. Another thing you can do is RESEARCH racism. This will help you understand the concept of racism. I also suggest exposing yourself to other cultures more. I am black, but I have friends from many different races, including white.


I think it's harsh and a broad overstatement to say " blacks will see me as white and therefore a racist. " Be careful how you say things because it can be taken offensively. Personally, I have not been raised to believe that because a person is white, they're racist. But I do know that racism exists.

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by irishpipes
RAC - of course if it was only that easy for every person to do as you said. But, how can blacks who feel that they have been dealt every obstacle in life just get over it? Of course there is bitterness and they will see whites as people who are given every advantage. On the other side you have whites, especially younger whites, who honestly feel that they have never participated in anything racially motivated in their lives, but are being hated because of the crimes of their forefathers. Of course I am speaking of generalities - not the current disaster. I just think that the division between blacks and whites is a very sad truth about life in America, and we need for regular people to be able to set aside hostilities and treat each other like human beings to get past it. The leadership on both sides has failed to make much progress, so it is up to regular people, like me, ladygreek, everyone, to be able to talk about it without fear of retribution.

I live in a very homogenous part of the country. The largest minority here is Hispanic. There is not a very large black community. I am interested in hearing the points of view of people like ladygreek who can honestly help us learn what we need to do, because the status quo is not working.

Thank you for this. Please understand that this whole situation has left many of us raw with emotions and has opened old wounds. Also understand that many of us have family, friends, sorority sisters and fraternity brothers that are directly affected, and we are still awaiting word from them.

[luminarysoul]

Originally posted by Conskeeted7
Kanye did nothing wrong, in my opinion. He expressed some personal feelings. That's all.

Anyone who is distracted from donating to the cause based on this individual who isn't getting any of the money, didn't really want to donate in the first place.

I like that tshirt...where can I get one

**THUMBS UP**
at first i was a little upset at where he chose to say what he said. Red Cross is supposed to represent an org. without an opinion but honestly he had said it somewhere else he may not have been taken seriously.

as far as the shirt my friend just ordered one in pink.

I have a million things to say about this situation but I'm at a loss for words really. The entire system has failed us IMO and it has been failing forever but people will begin to open their eyes and then shut them all over again. People forget so easily.

interesting clip: http://thatvideosite.com/view/629.html i dont know if it has been posted anywhere yet just another example of our media

"So poor so Black" WTF?!?!

Originally posted by irishpipes

I don't know how to ask this without making everyone's head explode, but I am going to try. I am a white person. I can't help that I am a white person. What is it that I can do that would make blacks know that I am not a racist? Do you think that the history is so bad between blacks and whites that this could never happen? I am not asking this to cause trouble. I am asking because I seriously don't even know where to start, and I think that racism is something that needs to be dealt with in every individual in order for it to be combatted. However, I know that I feel frustrated that maybe no matter what I do as an individual, blacks will see me as white and therefore a racist. I realize that is nothing compared to the frustrations that blacks have endured over the many years, but I would seriously like to know. My question comes from a position of reconciliation, not hostility. [/B]

I don't think there is anything you can do to let BLACKS know you are not a racist because, as previously stated, every single black person is different. Point blank. My mother, for example, thinks ALL white people are racist. Every single one. The only way a white person can get on her good side is if she's known them for years. Seriously. She blames everything that white people do (cut her off while driving, accidentally bump into her in the store) on racism. I disagree with her and she says that I wear rose colored glasses (or whatever that phrase is). I DO NOT believe ALL whites are racist, I just don't feel it in my heart. I don't believe that God made me to think like that. I do believe, however, that racism does exist in many white people.

On the other hand, I am sure that there are white people out there who were raised to think certain things about black people based on their parents and surroundings. Just as my mother tried to instill in me that all whites are racist, I'm sure white families said stereotypical things about blacks and other minorities that are not true. You cannot change the way people are brought up, because most children trust in their parents, they believe their parents speak the truth. Some peoples truths are based on experience, some on ignorance. My mother's truths are based on many bad experiences with white people as a child, teenager and in college and thus groups them in a bunch. Her not trusting and hating white people comes from experience. A lot of times, whites live in gated communites, or communities where they have that 1 black family...so their truths are based on what they see on TV!!!!

They're calling US refugees and looters...refugees??? Tell me if I"m wrong but when I think of a refugee, based on what I have seen on TV growing up, I think of poor Hatians, Jamaicans, Domicans etc. who are also black. Although the people in NO were basically living in poverty and without homes I never thought for a minute they would be called refugees. I went to dictionary.com and refugee =One who flees in search of refuge, as in times of war, political oppression, or religious persecution. Although this is just one definition this is the definition we use the term to mean in the U.S. This in no way reflected those people down south. Now they are using the term evacuees...

All of these are examples of things that white people have said or done to us to make us the way we are. Just as you clumped us together when you said what can you do to let BLACKS know that you're not a racist, some BLACKS also clump WHITES together when using their judgement. All Black people don't think all white people are racist, and not all Black people are the same (reference me and my mother). I don't think you should be concerned w/letting people know you're not a racist. If they care about you then they will be able to see it in your eyes and feel it in their heart. As for everyone else, let them do what they do.

[Conskeeted7]

Originally posted by irishpipes
I don't know how to ask this without making everyone's head explode, but I am going to try. I am a white person. I can't help that I am a white person. What is it that I can do that would make blacks know that I am not a racist? Do you think that the history is so bad between blacks and whites that this could never happen? I am not asking this to cause trouble. I am asking because I seriously don't even know where to start, and I think that racism is something that needs to be dealt with in every individual in order for it to be combatted. However, I know that I feel frustrated that maybe no matter what I do as an individual, blacks will see me as white and therefore a racist. I realize that is nothing compared to the frustrations that blacks have endured over the many years, but I would seriously like to know. My question comes from a position of reconciliation, not hostility.

You can't be all things to all people. No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to please EVERYONE. So, the goal of proving to every Black person you ever meet that you are not racist might be difficult to accomplish. However, it is helpful that you acknowledge and do not make light of racism in its present or former state.

Yes, there are some people who have so much pain that they cannot trust again. Yes, there are plenty of people who believe that the response in New Orleans has to do with race also. In this day, with the racism that still exists in our society, I believe it is a valid claim. No one will ever admit that New Orleans residents suffered because of racism. However, how realistic is it for a white person to understand the covert racism that many Blacks encounter daily? We know what is happening. It is not discussed in stratetic plans. Instead, it remains at a subconscious level in the minds of many leaders in this country, especially those from the South.

I don't know what's on the minds of the people in leadership. So, I don't know if their actions are the result of racism and classism. But I can say that I don't think the reults would have been the same if a hurricane left people stranded in a wealthy, white community.

[Conskeeted7]

Originally posted by irishpipes
I want to apologize to you all for totally hijacking your thread. I didn't realize that I was in the DST forum when I posted before. If someone wants to move this to another thread that would be fine, but I think I have gotten you totally off the track that the starter of the thread intended. Thanks for the responses though. I am just one person, and obviously I am making a lot of mistakes, but I am trying to reach out and you have been very accepting of that. Thanks.

It's not really off topic, since we were talking about Kanye's comment. Your discussion of race is germain.

So, you wouldn't have posted if you realized you were in this thread?

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by irishpipes
Even though it is a public forum, I think that the DSTs may have wanted a chance to vent with their sisters without being concerned about an outsider. LadyGreek had mentioned in one of her posts that she might have to ignore a thread in her own forum. That's why I mentioned that I didn't even realize I was in the DST forum. (She explained privately to me and now I understand what she meant.) I had accessed it from the GC homepage. I wouldn't want LadyGreek or anyone else to not want to post in their own forum. That was all - nothing any deeper than that.

Many many people who are not members of Delta Sigma Theta post in the Delta Sigma Theta forum. For instance, Conskeeted is an AKA but she posts here as I (a Delta) post in the AKA forum. NinjaPoodle, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, has also posted here in the Delta forum as well.

The topics in the Delta, AKA, Zeta and S G Rho forum as well as the male NPHC forums, include topics that are a hodge podge of Greek Life, Chit Chat, News and Politics, etc.

You came here and contributed to this topic and from what I can tell sought to be enlightened. It seems to me that you are open to learning about race relations. So welcome to the Delta forum. We just ask that you respect the rules of GC and this forum with your posts.

[ladygreek]

No you didn't violate any rule. And as I told you in PM, my having to ignore this thread comment was not directed at your post. And as I also said you are more than welcomed on DST Boulevard.

[MizTigger]

I commend Kanye for his boldness, something had to be said. He said what a lot of people think, but don't have the guts to say. He took the opportunity that was given and he got people's attention. As someone stated before, those who were going to give will still give....those who weren't planning to will use this as an excuse.

I apologize, but I gotta rant....

Bush and the government has been dragging their blasted feet in responding to this chaos. How fast did he rush to help the Tsunami victims, how fast was he in responding to 9-11, how fast did he send troops to Iraq?! But he can't get his end down south to help. He decides to "fly overhead to assess the damage" 4 days later, thats ridiculous. He says he didn't know it was this bad. So he has no tv? WRONG!!! I didn't have tv, but I knew the situation. Power is just coming on tonight. A lot of my friends still don't have water nor power. There isn't any gas. No bread nor meat. School is suspended indefinitely. But I'm just in Magnolia, MS. There is not much to complain about because we're still living, despite the fact that we haven't heard anything of the whereabouts of my family in NO. People are worse off 90miles southwest of me and people are far worse in NO, but they aren't doing crap about it. It really makes me wonder....

Bush finally decides to drop in to Mississippi (only because of that republican coward/so-called governor Haley Barbour), and is going to go to Alabama...but he won't dare step foot in New Orleans...so he's a coward too. EXCUSES ARE.....

[MS. DIVASTATION]

Kanye just said on National TV what almost everyone was thinking or saying to everyone else. Like stated before, he saw an opportunity to speak his mind and he went with it. I too am not a fan of Kanye, but I totally AGREE with what he said on NATIONAL TELEVISION!
I live here in Shreveport, Louisiana and if there are any sorors that are in shreveport that are from southern LA please contact us @ kande204k@myway.com so that we can accommodate you the best way possible.