Siditty: Angry & Black Since 1976 - Latest Comments in http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

anon — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:36:12 -0000

It is true that the vast MAJORITY of white people are racist, as we live in a white supremacist society, but it is not true that the vast majority of black people are inferior.
Not EVERY belief that has a negative connotation (nowadays) is a prejudice. Actually believing and behaving as though white people are as racist as the factual numbers depict they are is just using a generalization, and not all generalizations related to race are prejudices.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

anon — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:26:43 -0000

I don't know how empirical reality + life experience= prejudice, but ok. Unless you're playing the "not every" game, like some people like to pull out every time race is even mentioned.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Zach — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:04:26 -0000

I live in Indianapolis and my friends and I are mostly black and white. We all get along and really just don't think about the differences between us. Thinking to much about it is what gets you thinking the wrong way. Of course we joke to each other about the common stereotypes but it is in a respectful way. I am white and I honestly wish I didn't have that stigma that I think I am better than everyone else. A pretentious attitude is an individual quality that people attain from the environment they grow up in. Also I enjoy hearing about the different ways people are raised and the different things they are taught to believe, the more you learn, the less prejudice you are, if you asked me.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Zach — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:04:26 -0000

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

dieselsandwich — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:47:54 -0000

I would call it prejudice, just to avoid confusion. Racism as a sociological term is used to describe systemic prejudice that possesses a greater impact through the power and privilege of a racial majority.

But yeah, you're right, prejudice is present in pretty much any group and revealing and taking responsibility for our prejudices are the best way to compensate for or even solve them.

I know that I have some deep seated fear of black people I don't know and this is racism (sociologically too, as I'm white) and prejudice. For the longest time, I wouldn't date black people because I couldn't feel safe enough around them to establish relationship levels trust.

It's something I own up to (as unpleasant a thought as it is) because if I don't, it will rule me and affect my actions towards others. And that's what's unacceptable. Things have gotten better. I've worked past some of my issues. But there's a lot more to deal with.

@ the people saying that being wary of white folk and judging them automatically as racist as a precautionary measure is not prejudiced: No. That is untrue.

Your wariness might be encouraged by experience but it is still prejudice. Just as a white person who reacts fearfully towards black people because most of the black people he or she knew were involved in gang violence is still prejudiced. Experience does not make it anything other than what it is. I'm glad that it helps keep you safe, but that doesn't change what it is. Prejudice.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

dieselsandwich — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:47:54 -0000

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Yanmommasaid — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:19:03 -0000

Well that's odd b/c the link in my comment takes me back to this same post on Siditty's blog. It was supposed to go to this http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics....

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Grata — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:02:41 -0000

"I was referring to the person I referenced in that sentence: myself."

Yan,

Are you aware that you linked to my site after that statement?

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Ronia — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:59:44 -0000

I try very hard to remain neutral. I believe it is important--- above all other considerations--- to approach people as individuals, without preconceived notions.

But in my line of work, I see a lot of statistics that prove the world simply doesn't work in that fashion. There is a global racial hierarchy, and the world over, Blacks are at the bottom. It's difficult, knowing the things I do, not to develop the mindset of "They're all out to get me".

I hadn't realized that I was carrying a load of self-defeating prejudice around with me until my partner (who is White) pointed out that I have never attended my own award ceremonies, and that I hide away my plaques, honours, and other achievements in drawers as though I am ashamed of them.

I suppose the accusations of being an affirmative action token made me bitter, and by not addressing that bitterness, I internalized it, and let it simmer close to racial hatred.

Like you, Siddity, I believe that people have to admit their prejudice before they can address it. I don't think it will necessarily change the world at large, but in societies where racism and prejudice are open issues, it is more likely that people are willing to alter their views for a SINGLE individual (Olaudah Equiano comes to mind).

The phrase "You're not like the rest of them", to my mind, isn't really an insult. I see it as the first step an individual takes toward anti-collectivism, toward seeing people as individuals rather than part of a phenotypic herd. And those small steps, I think, will get us a lot closer to racial harmony than all the diversicrat nonsense currently on offer.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Yanmommasaid — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:19:03 -0000

Well that's odd b/c the link in my comment takes me back to this same post on Siditty's blog. It was supposed to go to this http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics....

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Grata — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:02:41 -0000

"I was referring to the person I referenced in that sentence: myself."

Yan,

Are you aware that you linked to my site after that statement?

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Yanmommasaid — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:02:54 -0000

Grata,

I was referring to the person I referenced in that sentence: myself.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Ronia — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:59:44 -0000

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Yanmommasaid — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:02:54 -0000

Grata,

I was referring to the person I referenced in that sentence: myself.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Grata — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:37:10 -0000

"I saw too much of myself in this cartoon."

Yan,

Are you refering to me?

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Grata — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:15:40 -0000

"I grew up in a poorer working class neighborhood in which the white next door neighbors referred to us as simply niggers."

This is key. I am happy for those that don't make race issues part of their daily experience. It is quite an achievement in this society.

I have however realized that the acts of racism are varied. From the obvious egregious ones to the subconscious. And as a Black person, your socio-economic standing exposes you to the varying kinds. The higher up the socio-econ ladder the more subtle the racism becomes. But even that is never a guarantee. Just look at what Obama has to deal with.
If you are poor and you are going to get the more blatant racism. I have expereinced this kind first hand working odd jobs in my first years in America. I have shared how I was the only one in my department made to work in 100 degree tempratures because I was "stronger" than my Latino and white work mates.
As my job prospects became better the racism became more suubtle but obvious nonetheless. Where I am now, happily, its still there but because they have just suffered a Law suit from a Black guy, there is not much one can do. But you can still sense it. You catch people talking unware or they try to tell you how different you are etc. It just never goes away.
The key thing is not to pretend it doesn't exist but learning how to deal with it.

What I have personally found useful is try and see as much humanity in the people I encounter even if I know they don't see mine. That is quite a challenge but it helps fight off the so called paranoia.
When you extend that courtesy even mentally, you tend to see who they really are and the racist is very obvious to spot.

So I don't think I can ever bury my head in the sand on racism because I know that those at the lower rangs are getting the real brutal racist treatment. And those at the top are still getting it albeit in a different form. Though in the case of the Obama's some of it is not subltle at all.

Many times we think people who have made it above and beyond don't get affected but they also do get their wakeup calls that remind them this thing is far form gone. Oprah got it with that department store incident, atleast she called it that. MJ did it with Sony, the Obama's know it too well.

Obama has to keep reminding people, even reporters that he is the President. Why do you think that is?
Giving people the benefit of doubt? Hmmmm. I have long concluded that racism against Blacks is almost wired in non Black people. The best we can do is stop them from acting it out to deprive one of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Grata — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:37:10 -0000

"I saw too much of myself in this cartoon."

Yan,

Are you refering to me?

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Grata — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:15:40 -0000

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Grata — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:48:28 -0000

"Grata I always like what you have to say. I don't agree though about blacks in America not having our own space. To me this country, the USA, belongs to me just as much as any white person. I don't feel like a stranger here and that I don't belong. My people built this country and without us America would not be where she is today. The blood, sweat, and tears of my ancestors are in the soil that grew the trees that bore the fruit that we all continue to eat off of today. I will never ever let anyone tell me this is not my country. It's all mine. Every patch of it. It's yours too Grata, you are a citizen. You work and you pay taxes this country is yours too."

Anon,

I may not have made my point as clear as intended. America belongs to anyone that is a citizen. Including myself. But as a Black person you know where your place is in this great nation. You are not entirely free. Even if you try to escape your race to conform, you are not really free.
It will take ages for real acceptance by Black people in this society. Its that reality that makes me conclude that a Black person in this country does not have a place of their own, away from the madness. I have a place I can go to not to deal with the madness. Black America has been pushing for assimilation and are succeding only physically though forcefully.

When I say Black America does not have a place of its own, its that place you go to and don't have to deal with the pressures of the White supremist system. Its simply not there.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Grata — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:48:28 -0000

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

S. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:46:10 -0000

In response to Anonymous' comment (July 4, 2009 8:07 AM):
"I will admit. I get tired. I get tired of always making sure I put in the extra effort so that white people know that they can feel comfortable around me because I am not a threat or that I am not angry, that I am friendly, very compassionate, accepting, and I try and listen and be supportive to just about everyone if they are deserving. I get tired because I sometimes feel like why can't we all just be human to each other."

Bending over backwards just in order to get basic respect is not the way to go. I say this b/c that is they way I used to be. I thought if I could show that I spoke a certain way or went out of my way to not be assertive or confrontational, I would not be seen as a "threat." However, certain races would then see this as an opportunity to say things they shouldn’t be saying b/c they believe you won’t call them out. This resulted in me being disrespected and allowing myself to be a doormat.

Why should one person do all the accommodating and adjusting while the other gets to stand there with all their prejudices? I realized it is too tiring & that I will just be myself. Take it or leave it. You end up losing more than gaining when you try too hard to appease people (in any situation, race-related or not).

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Kwesi — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:05:46 -0000

@ Dark Moon,

your great! please set up your own blog so I can read your wise words more often.

Love

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Kwesi — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:05:45 -0000

@ Dark Moon,

your great! please set up your own blog so I can read your wise words more often.

Love

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

lamocosa — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:01:48 -0000

Mexicans are the most racist Hispanics? Really? I used to go to Mexico (from tiny rural villages to Mexico City)every summer and I never had any issues. Argentinians? Yes. Cubans? Sure. Dominicans? Long, twisted historical road of racisim. Maybe its the Texas Mexicans.

Re: http://siditty.blogspot.com/2009/07/im-racist.html

Menelik Charles — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:00:28 -0000

Dark Moon said:

if Africans understood the special challenges that Black Americans face and how they are hugely advantaged by already having a secure and unshakeable identity and they can leave when they see fit.

I think both sides suffer from White adulation to some degree...

Menelik says:

I couldn't have put it better myself! You are sista in both body and mind!

Menelik Charles
London England