Posts Tagged black people
Two Dumb Things Black People Say
Posted by admin in Racism/Discrimination on December 31st, 2008
I know many of you had strong opinions about my post Two (or Three) Dumb Things White People Say. I asked my husband, Marc (an expert on white people), “What are some dumb things we say?” His immediate answer, “It’s not so much a dumb thing, but I hate it when black people say, ‘It’s a black thing, you wouldn’t understand.’”
I had to think back. When have I said that? I know I say it when I’m sick of explaining my hair, especially to white women. Marc said, “I want to be educated but when you say I wouldn’t understand something because I’m white, what I’m hearing is, ‘I don’t want you to know me.’” He’s right. It’s an isolating statement that immediately shuts down the conversation.
The second thing that annoys me is not one statement but a mindset I often see in the black community. A lot of black people feel they are owed something because of slavery or racism. They act like victims and say things like, “White people need to apologize…A black man can’t make it in this country…Why do they (meaning whites) always try to keep us down?”
I could go on but I bet you get the picture. My primary reason for not liking any of these statements is because they are defeatist. As long as I’m walking around thinking I’m never going to get anywhere, guess what, I’m never going to get anywhere. Yes, racism, discrimination, and prejudice exist and may even limit my opportunities. I can complain and blame or I can fight back.
I can use my words in this blog, books, editorials, and letters. I can use my vote. I can even use my money. I choose not to fight back by having a pity party about how “the man” has kept me down.
We all say dumb things. I think sometimes we say the thing we’ve always said until someone points out to us how dumb it is. What do you think? What would you add to this list? Let’s talk…
Two (or Three) Dumb Things White People Say
Posted by admin in Racism/Discrimination on December 27th, 2008
Forgive the title of this post, but I’m sorry, some things white people say are just dumb.
My personal favorite dumb thing white people say is, “I don’t see color.” Come on, really? You can honestly say you look at me and don’t see my color? Are you blind? And what is wrong with seeing my color anyway? I think what people really mean is, “I see your color but I won’t judge you in any way because of it.” I don’t believe that either, but it wouldn’t be a dumb thing to say.
To say you don’t see my color insults my intelligence. To say my color doesn’t matter is contrary to my experience. If my color matters and is apparent to my husband of 20 years, it must be significant to every other white person I encounter. Of course my color matters. Regardless of what you say or how politically correct you want to be, race matters. It just does.
Which brings me to another dumb thing white people say, “Racism doesn’t exist anymore.” According to Webster’s Online Dictionary racism is, “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.”
I am fascinated that there are people living in the United States who think racism doesn’t exist. I understand that racism might be outside of someone’s experience. For example if you only know people of your race you probably have never seen racism. But do you watch the news? Do you know the statistics? If you are one of those people who thinks racism doesn’t exist, I challenge you to do a little research. Do a Google search of “racism statistics” or “racism incidents.” Read up a little on it and let me know what you think.
Okay, those are the two dumb things white people say. But I have to get one more in. Please white people stop saying, “I have a good friend who is black.” I cringe whenever someone says that to me. I’m not even sure why. Maybe because it implies too much.
Do you agree? Would you add something to this list? What do you say? Let’s talk…
Black in The Shack
Posted by admin in Literature on December 25th, 2008
I finally finished reading William P. Young’s book The Shack
I love it that Young, a white man born in Canada, has developed a God who looks and has interests a lot like mine. Why are people so bothered by this? Some are offended because God is a woman, some because she is black, still others are upset that God has any physical characteristics at all.
What’s funny to me as a writer is that people are boycotting the book because of these images. I’m sorry but the book is fictional, meaning untrue. It is not, nor does it report to be, the Gospel.
Others have said, “This book changed my life and my perception of God.” They appreciate that Young has made God so approachable, friendly, and concerned about our daily lives. Others are outraged that the God of The Shack is so human.
Me, I didn’t have strong feelings about the book one way or the other. I just thought the portrayal of God was worthy of discussion. Certainly the choice to make God African American warrants a talk about race. What do you think? Could you serve a God who likes collard greens? Let’s talk…
Real Housewives of Atlanta
I went to lunch with my good friend Stefanie this week. We talked business, family, and caught up on what’s been happening since we last spoke. Somewhere during the conversation I confessed that I was a fan of the Bravo television show The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She was too.
Once we both decided we didn’t like Sheree, felt sorry for NeNe and couldn’t understand that crazy Kim who spells cat with a “k,” we talked about questions someone wrote in on the reunion show.
One viewer wondered if the women felt the show had a negative impact on perceptions of African Americans. These women back stab, call names, drink too much, spend too much, and air too much. Yes, all but one of them (I’m pleased to say she’s the one who can’t spell cat) is black, but they are Atlanta’s elite. Their lives in no way mirror mine. They just happen to look like me, nothing else.
I said to Stefanie, “Once I got over that these women were in no way a reflection of me, I could enjoy their drama.” What about you? Go ahead, fess up, you know you watch. Do you think these women reflect typical African American women? Should they? Let’s talk…
I Didn’t Vote for Obama
Posted by admin in Building Bridges, Current Events, Stereotypes on December 22nd, 2008
Another acquaintance was angrily shouted, “How could I vote for John McCain?” Again, interesting because I never told him I voted for McCain.
Let me explain why I didn’t vote for Obama. First, I am unashamedly pro life. Second, I want a president who has more experience. It really is that simple. Those were my two issues and Obama failed miserably (in my opinion) on both of them.
I don’t need rehab, I didn’t neglect my race. I made an informed decision based on two issues important to me. You want to hear something crazy - race had nothing to do with my vote.
Please know that I respect the office of President of the United States. As a black woman I am extremely proud that our country has entered into this historic stage. I wish Obama the best and I pray for him and his family almost daily.
Now that you know where I stand, let me hear from you. Why are black people so bothered about me not voting for Obama? Do you think I should have voted for him because he’s black? Let’s talk….
