Dear White America: Its time to get the message

[sheshe2]

Last edited Sat Jul 28, 2018, 02:19 AM - Edit history (1)

For decades now, black people have been trying to tell us white folks something. Here's how it looked in the 1960's:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KL92FCAugE/UwJLTRY2KdI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/nD8M6PZgwU0/s1600/I+am+a+man.jpg


With the advent of social media, the same message was communicated following the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the murder of Trayvon Martin via the hashtag #HeIsNotASuspect.


MsKaiTweets @KaiH23
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@essencemag #HeIsNotASuspect he is a scholar and helper! And Will Not leave this earth before his time purpose
1:49 PM - 20 Jul 2013

Today, we're seeing black people doing their best to communicate the same thing via the hashtag #dangerousblackkids.


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Val Rice @RiceVal
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#DangerousBlackKids getting ready to steal
12:06 PM - 17 Feb 2014


nealcarter @nealcarter
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The Gaithersburg high chapter of B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. Inc is dangerous beause they feed the homeless #dangerousblackkids
11:31 AM - 16 Feb 2014


bugsact @bugsact
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My sons looking super scary! One serves his country other serves student athletes w disabilities #dangerousblackkids
11:01 AM - 17 Feb 2014

Hey white folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOt-ykIWK3k/UwJPBPxXSKI/AAAAAAAAB0k/KerQ9ZXVrN4/s1600/Black+lives+matter.jpg




http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2014/02/dear-white-america-its-time-to-get.html

[upaloopa]

1. Does it matter to you that some of us old white men

were active in civil rights marches?
It's occured to me that younger people with no first hand knowledge of life in the sixties feel expert enough to call us all out.

[JI7]

2. the message is for the racists

[cherokeeprogressive]

20. Looks to me like the message is for "White America".

[Maraya1969]

23. Then why did my stomach just churn.

[bettyellen]

119. I don't know- I thought it was a smart, sad, thought provoking post showing amazing activism ...

what did you see? what exactly was the hurtful part?

[Maraya1969]

121. The hurtful part was the fact that these black people had and have to do anything to gain

respect and equal treatment in this country.

[bettyellen]

122. Tks. For the thoughtful reply. Hate to say it,

But some of the reactions here made me sick to my stomach reading. Wtf is their to be angry at, other than the continuing violence and injustice? I can't imagine making this about me- or only white supremacists? WtFF?

[marble falls]

261. I think you're right.

[AgingAmerican]

47. Then why does it start with

"Dear White America"?

[JI7]

78. because it addresses a culture,institution as it is

[westerebus]

107. No. It is a call out.

There is an American culture.

That culture includes people of all colors.

Progressive people understand that we are in this together, cooperating to build a better world.

Is it that you think white people who here at DU are to stupid to understand that concept?

Or that white people here on DU are unaware that racism exists?

Or that white people on DU do not support the black community?

Or that white people here on DU are just racists in general?

If that's not what you think, then you won't be offended as it's not about you.

[JI7]

108. American Culture includes Racism, and yes there are racists on DU and they are not progressives

[westerebus]

111. Yes it does.

There is plenty of racism in America.

As I look down this OP all I see are People who would condemn racism in any form.

Some of them are white. Some are people of color.

I do not see anyone here on DU promoting racism.

[noiretextatique]

200. just because YOU don't see it

doesn't mean it does not EXIST. i think that was one of the points of the OP.

[IrishAyes]

323. True. There are none so blind as those who will not see.

I've heard the claim that it's easier to convert someone away from overt racism than the self-righteous fool who doesn't see the beam in his own eye.

[AverageJoe90]

208. To be honest, there really *isn't* a widespread (actual) racism issue on DU.

We generally are better informed and more progressive than the average forum.
To be truthful, though, there certainly has been a problem with miscommunication and such on here(including seeing racist/prejudiced/etc. intent or language that isn't actually there) in recent months and we really don't need these problems right now when we could be focusing on this year's elections and beating back the GOP before they have a chance to rebound.

[bettyellen]

124. Many white people here are dismissive of the black community.

And much of the country is segregated. Not sure any of us can afford to look through your magic rose color glasses.
The OP was a reminder of some very sad 21st realities, and some wonderful activism. Getting last the issue of how broadly it was addressed- What part of the message itself did you feel so angry and offended by looking at? Was it not the truth?

[westerebus]

146. How do we change that?

What in your mind would make white people pay more attention to the issues of the black community. I can't speak for the black community that's not my place.

Neither am I a spokesperson for the white community. I am one person. I'm fortunate to never have lived or worked in a segregated community. But living and working in the community does not mean my experience will be the same as a person of color.

It would be offensive of me to even attempt to tell a black person how they might feel.

The best I can do is say to the message comes off as insinuating white people on DU do not know or care or support those they call friend, family or partner. It is not a message I would use to engage my target audience.

If that audience is the progressive white people that do support the black community, it is just not helpful. The push back helps no one. It divides the community that can and does come together in mutual support.

That doesn't mean we need to agree each step of the way. I don't think that will ever happen. We may fight like brothers and sisters do, there is plenty of that, yet we come to each others side to fight a common foe that threatens each of us and those we care for.

We are not close to ending racism here in America, rose colored glasses aside. There is much work to be done. Bigotry did not end when President Obama was elected. It did come a lot closer to the surface when the Tea Party (aka the Klan) showed up on the doorstep.

I don't see support for them here on DU. I see people calling for progressive candidates to take them on. I see the community on DU demanding a progressive agenda and working in that direction.

I see a demand for justice and equality.

I think that's why you and I are here in the first place.

But, I can not see through your eyes.

Thanks for listening.

[M0rpheus]

173. "How do we change that?" is exactly the right question.

One way we change it is by talking.

Understand that by engaging in that conversation there will be things said that you won't like. Those things may FEEL personal and if that's the case, maybe you should examine why that is (is it you? or is it me?).

If your only issue is the tone, maybe it's worth examining why that tone was taken and what the underlying message is.

[bettyellen]

176. if you look at some bizarre reactions here- imagining that this is about ALL white people?!?

And they all suck? What the hell- that's the takeaway here from reading from "Black Lives Matter".

it's pretty hostile and self involved. As if people are pissed they should read it at all- are we wasting your time? It is offensive to tell black people how they feel, but just fine to pick nits on how they communicate and jump in to rewrite the message? Please desist. To derail - and be hostile about it- because the message wasn't honed finely enough not to step on every white toe out there is complete bullshit.

The message will be difficult for many no matter how it is phrased, but to see "pushback" here of all places, where people should be smarter about shit is disappointing. The message was fine as it was, whoever had a problem with it should look within for why it makes them uncomfortable.

[cui bono]

216. Yes, and it reminds me of the reaction to the threads about objectifying women and,

from what I've heard, against the LGBT community as well (I haven't really seen that but I've read posts regarding it). It seems there is a resistant contingent across issues. It would be interesting to see if there's a crossover in who comprises those.

Hard to believe there's so much work to do within a community that thinks of itself as progressive.

[westerebus]

269. I'm glad you are able to express yourself honestly.

And I don't think you're directing any of your frustration concerning the responses in the OP at me personally. If you felt that I was being hostile that wasn't my intent.

The Op's content was well done. I did not offer any criticism of the message or of the body of the work. It's a message people need to hear.

I haven't asked for a rewrite. And no, you're not wasting my time either.

I hope I'm not wasting yours.

Black Lives Matter

The editors that decided that that would be the title, thought very carefully on how to reach the most people given a subject which is so emotionally charged. As you say: "the message will be difficult for many no matter how it is parsed".

As many here have pointed out to me that just because I don't see it that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. The reference being to racism. I thought I had made that clear in what I posted. I know that racism exists. That was apparently missed by some.

That isn't that important, that my view was glossed over, but how it was so easy to miss what I said not once, but three times.

I think it's a discussion we can have. I'll leave it up to you to decide if you want to.

Please pm me if you wish.

Thanks for your time.

[cui bono]

218. But the message is to "White America" not White DU.

So why would anyone take away that it's about only DU, or even more surprising, themselves?

Take all of the US, all the teabaggers included, and surely you can see that there's so much hate and racism here. One of two political parties is racist, homophobic and sexist. One of two. Why can't this message be addressed to the whole nation?

For anyone to react to this as if they themselves are under attack speaks to them, not to the message of the OP. I took no offense at all and I'm white.

So how do you change that? Those offended by this should look within themselves and figure out why they are so taken aback by this. They should think about how privileged they are and remember that we are one big community and that here on DU we are supposed to be the ones fighting for equality for all.

[westerebus]

280. It is all about the hokey pokey.

Cui bono, I'm not under attack.

I don't think you are either.

I do think, as others have said, there might be a more positive means of introduction.

That is not a criticism of the message or the messenger.

Many think the introduction is justified and like you, said so.

It is a disagreement on who in the audience has a difference take on what it means to them.

Separate from this is the message of the Op.

I don't think anyone here condones the murder of innocent persons.

I think we agree on this.

I think everyone here on DU wants an end to the violence.

I think we agree on this too.

How do we change this?

Good question, if I do say so myself.

I don't have that answer.

I can tell you what I do know.

I know my white privilege helped fund the the democratic platform here in Virginia.

That is what my privilege does.

Can you sing: Ding Dong the cooch is gone!

A family member is a very happy camper.

Which makes me just as happy.

On that positive note, I'll say good night.

[Isoldeblue]

256. So well said, Westerbus!

[Skip Intro]

3. No, none of that matters. Whites are bad, bad people. Simply because their skin is white.

Last edited Wed Feb 19, 2014, 11:28 PM - Edit history (1)

So say the hypocrites with their broad-brushes, wanting to lecture everyone on racism.

[hrmjustin]

38. No one said we are bad people here.

[kwassa]

46. well, there are some white people that should be lectured on racism.

Speaking as another white person, I don't see what you are so bent out of shape about it, but I have also noticed similar expressions on this subject from you in the past.

Skin color isn't the problem.

[Skip Intro]

49. "Dear White America" doesn't focus on skin color?

Is that really what you're saying?

[kwassa]

57. no, that is not what I'm saying. "Dear White America" focuses on a culture.

The culture of white supremacy, and the devaluation of the lives of young black men.

You are choosing to read it as a skin color. That's on you.

[Lizzie Poppet]

59. Sure...an ENTIRE culture, a good portion of which works against racism.

Addressing "White America" in toto as if that portion doesn't exist or is irrelevant is condescending and insulting.

[Skip Intro]

70. Yes. n/t

[kwassa]

72. Some of it does. Much of it doesn't.

What is happening in Florida hearkens back to the classic times which, until recently, no white man could be prosecuted for killing a black man. That is hundreds of years of history.

Such a post isn't condescending or insulting if they are not talking about you. There is no reason for you to take it personally then, is there?

[cui bono]

104. That doesn't change the fact that police are likely to kill blacks more than whites.

Blacks are more likely to get arrested, convicted. Racism is institutionalized and just because there are whites that also work against racism doesn't mean it still is not very prevalent.

Do whites have to routinely teach their children how to behave around cops so they are less likely to get shot and killed when pulled over for a traffic violation.

Is there an expression of getting pulled over for "driving while white"?

As a country this is a white run and dominated country that oppresses blacks. So I don't see the problem in addressing it to White America. I'm shocked that there is anyone at all complaining about that in this thread when I'm quite sure they know about Zimmerman and Dunn who just killed a couple of innocent black teens for no reason what so ever.

Perspective please.

[sheshe2]

193. Perspective indeed, cui bono.

So very sad that "The Talk" has to happen at all, to keep the children safe.

One African-American family that we became friends with when our sons were in middle school told us that they didn't let their older son drive until they were comfortable that he knew how to be "properly deferential" if he were pulled over by the police. Until then, it had never occurred to us that we would need to add training in "how to act in the event that you're stopped by the police" to our list of teenage driving skills.
So, we had "The Talk" with both of our sons before they learned to drive. While aching inside, we rattled off the drill: Show your hands, smile, do not appear threatening and never talk back. One of our sons insisted that he would sue any police officer who stopped him without cause, but we were pretty certain that he understood and would follow our instructions. We were all shocked -- especially the boys -- to learn the vital nature of our advice when their DWB came true.

Most whites are unaware of how racism works and how race, ethnicity and culture are linked. One reason for that lack of awareness is what feminist and anti-racist activist Peggy McIntosh calls "white privilege." McIntosh says that whites carry 'an invisible package of unearned assets' that include, for example, turning on the television and seeing members of their race, finding a hairdresser who knows how to cut their hair and having their success or lack of success be attributed to their race. Perhaps the most significant privilege whites have is the ability to know nothing about the experiences and cultures of people who are not like them.

In a society where race is still very much a factor, it's not just white parents of children of color who need to have "The Talk" with their children. We all need to teach our children about the consequences of cultural perceptions of race. In fact, it's time for all of us to have that larger conversation about race with each other.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marlene-g-fine/when-white-parents-have-the-talk-with-black-sons_b_4386310.html

Thanks cui, well said.

[bettyellen]

120. Link to this mystical "good portion" and their "work" please?

[CANDO]

191. I shouldn't even get involved, but....you're joking, right?

You want a "hyper-link" to convince you that good deeds have ever been done by white people fighting against racism? Wow, that's like ignoring history itself and how does one accomplish that amazing feat of closed mindedness?

[bettyellen]

192. yeah- stats that show a "good portion" of white america is doing something now...

That was what the post said. I wonder where they got this idea.

Also, I am pretty much rejecting the idea that anyone who is actually "doing something" now would get their feathers ruffled by this OP.

[CANDO]

195. I'm not offended by the OP.

But I do find it sort of out of place in a progressive forum. Falls under preaching to the choir, perhaps. Just my observation. But your post jumped off the screen at me. In a sort of flippant manner, you ignore huge swaths of historical facts that show many millions of white people, famous or otherwise, having fought against racism, slavery, apartheid, etc. And I'm so tired of the snarky gambit of asking for a "link", as though nothing ever existed or can be factual without a www.whatever.link. Now, let me say I'm sorry for jumping you in such a way, but your post sort of jumped the shark a bit and that's what spurred me to respond as I have.

[bettyellen]

205. people re-post activists' messaging from blogs all the time here and no one takes it personally-

-Or thinks it is at all out of place here- unless it's about sexism or racism. But anytime they post PSAs or articles about either of those topics, a too large contingent here says "how dare you broadbrush", I don't like you're tone, you should say "X" instead, because I am taking it personally. Every time. Interesting how people who don;t want to hear it, are also so invested in rewriting the message. They will not only tell other entire groups people what they should feel, but what they should say too. Often without giving it a moments thought, aside from the knee jerk- it offended me a bit.

[theHandpuppet]

147. Okay, this is the way I perceive it

Every person in this country is BORN into a white culture. Of course there are millions of folks of all stripes who fight racism but being born black in a white culture is something I could never understand, not really. I fight racism because it is my conscious decision to do so. The fact remains that I'm still stark naked white and that means from the instant I was born there were thousands of significant and some insignificant ways the world was open to me and yet denied to a child guilty of being born black in a white culture.

I wasn't at all offended by the OP. It was open and honest. Racism is such an interwoven part of our national fabric that we can become numb to the totality of it. To me, it is good to be reminded why we fight. Sometimes the message needs to be delivered in a shout, not polite admonitions.

I probably haven't explained myself very well here but that's all I'm worth this morning.

[sufrommich]

149. Actually,that's an awesome explanation.

[M0rpheus]

151. There's literally nothing you need to add to that. nt

[theHandpuppet]

154. Thanks to both of you

I wasn't sure if my post was too clumsy to explain how I feel. But it really hits home for me. I am a gay woman, been with my SO for nearly 25 years. She is Hispanic and of Zapotec origins -- incredibly bright, talented, highly educated (multiple graduate degrees), exceptionally skilled for her high-tech job. One day, a few short years ago, she was sitting in the break room with her co-workers discussing vacation plans when her boss, overhearing the conversation, remarked to her, "So what will you be doing with your vacation? Picking fruit?" My SO related this to me when she got home from work that day. She pretty much shrugged it off but that horribly racist comment, supposedly intended as a "joke", still infuriates and depresses me to this day. I just can't get it out of my mind. In the moment she related just that one incident, I came to truly realize the kind of world she must navigate every day. A world in which she must wear an emotional and psychological suit of armor, a burden of weight I will never bear though I would take it from her shoulders and carry it for my life if I could.

I gotta go now... this is really getting me upset all over again.

[RedRoses323]

158. You are a beautiful Spirit

[M0rpheus]

161. It came through loud and clear.

And your additional narrative puts a fine point on it.

The truth is, in order for POC to be able to navigate through life here in the US, we have to deal with all that "small" stuff. On any given day it can pop up out of nowhere. We can rage against every time it comes up but, for many (most) that can have real world consequences past making someone mad.

[theHandpuppet]

163. I just don't know where/how folks find the strength to endure it

I'm still sitting here crying over something my SO would probably consider a minor slight that happened years ago, the kind she's probably heard a thousand times before and will again. Yes, it needs to be shouted. Shouted here, there, from the rooftops, everywhere. Louder!

[M0rpheus]

164. We find it because... What other choice is there?

[RedRoses323]

268. True

[Lizzie Poppet]

169. No, you explained yourself perfectly, and make very good points.

I think I get those points, too: I'm as white as you are...but this is also a male culture, and I'm female. Not precisely the same, but I think there are parallels that provide insight.

[theHandpuppet]

171. Yes, many of us can all draw some parallels in our lives in order to understand

Being a woman born into a culture of male privilege.

Being born gay in a thoroughly heterosexual culture.

Whatever we can latch on to in order to gain some insight into how others must navigate through a world divided by gender, class and race, I'm all for it. Thanks much for your reply.

[cinnabonbon]

194. Eloquently stated.

[Number23]

249. I love you. Seriously.

[hfojvt]

68. I don't suppose it could have read "dear white supremicists"

instead of "dear White America"?

I guess it is my fault for thinking I am a white American.

[Skip Intro]

75. +100. n/t

[kwassa]

76. It could have.

Like I said, if it doesn't apply to you, don't worry about it.

[hfojvt]

85. but it DOES apply to me because of the way it was written

You don't get to write "White people suck" and then go "oh, I didn't mean YOU" to the white people who object.

The OP does not get to write "White people need to get this message" and then say "well, when I wrote white people, I didn't really mean white people, just some white people, even though I didn't bother to write the word 'some'".

If you say White America, then you have said White America.

[jeff47]

94. Yes, you are more important than dead black kids.

The OP does not get to write "White people need to get this message" and then say "well, when I wrote white people, I didn't really mean white people, just some white people, even though I didn't bother to write the word 'some'".

Yeah, the white woman who wrote the OP is clearly attacking herself.

Or she could be talking about the privilege many white Americans enjoy. Privilege that lets them rant about just how awful the OP is for not listing white racists by name before talking about what racism is doing in our country.

[hfojvt]

106. she may easily have been attacking herself

there are plenty of white people who seem to be ashamed that they are white.

Now it's only "many" white people with privilege?

And apparently the OP was NOT about what "racism" is doing in our country. It was about what White Americans are doing in our country.

Oh, and speaking of kids, here's a white American who needs to get a message http://www.kansascity.com/2014/02/19/4834066/coach-and-teachers-aide.html

[kwassa]

140. White people who are ashamed that they are white?

What does white pride look like to you?

and why are you willfully misinterpreting the OP?

[hfojvt]

211. I don't take it as a misinterpretation

when what I am doing is taking the word used at its actual meaning.

White America means White America, not "some" of White America.

That's a fairly straightforward interpretation, and NOT a misinterpretation. In the same way, if somebody started talking about "odd numbers" and then later tried to say "well, I only meant prime numbers, not ALL odd numbers." Then I would logically reply, that they should have said prime numbers in the first place and we would not need to have this discussion.

As to what white pride looks like, it would sorta be the absence of "white shame".

Wiki says it is mostly used by white racists. However they quote this "Philosopher David Ingram argues that "affirming 'black pride' is not equivalent to affirming 'white pride,' since the former—unlike the latter—is a defensive strategy aimed at rectifying a negative stereotype"."

But it seems to me that there is a broadly held negative stereotype about white people. One of my distant cousins expressed this in a book I recently read "Inheriting the trade"

"If I were black, I think I'd be angry - not only at what took place over the past few hundred years, but at white people who don't have a clue what's going on today." p 54

This white person thinks black people should be angry at white people, and he quotes a black person going even further.

"'Throughout the world Europeans have sought to dominate, exploit, rape, plunder, and control others.'" African American PhD student at Harvard p 79

This PhD student at one of the most prestigious universities in America has somehow, somewhere "learned" that Europeans are evil.

He quotes another cousin of ours who said this "She [Katrina] says that one legacy of slavery for white people is that we don't notice racial inequality because it's too painful. 'When you do notice, it's so upsetting that all you can do is hate yourself.'" p 124

All you can do is hate yourself.

Well, that's not quite true though. Because you can hate other white people too. You can even hate them because, unlike an enlightened and aware person such as yourself, they do NOT hate themselves.

Yet I note that a Ghanaian is quoted, suggesting that hatred of whites is NOT the right path.

"'Sometimes I think the African Americans who come here leave with hate. That is not helpful. It would be better if people would use their energy to make the world better.'" Abiko Eghagha (Ghanaian?) 121-22

So yes, I do reject the hatred of whites and the self-hatred of whites, even though I have no use for white supremacists.

[kwassa]

222. White America can still be seen as racist

Using the phrase "White America" without qualifiers. Much of that racism would derive from privileges enjoyed by whites, and various institutionalized forms of racism in this country. White America is here described as an entity, rather than an individual. Overall, most whites are clueless about both privilege and institutionalized racism.

As for myself, I am not seeing white shame or white guilt here, merely the perception of white responsibility for those racist conditions. There is neither shame or self-hatred involved in this concept, so I have no idea where you find it.

I am not certain why you are quoting your cousins, as I have no idea what special expertise they might have in understanding racial matters. What are their qualifications?

Historically, I understand the hatred of whites by blacks, though I've met very few that feel that way. I also don't see self-hatred by whites, anywhere in this thread. Owning responsibility is not self-hatred, it is simply a mature, realistic, and moral response.

[IrishAyes]

324. Late as I am returning to this thread to read all responses,

yours might very well be one of the best. Especially that last sentence.

I've long been acutely aware of unjustifiable differences of privilege. For instance, when I lived in L.A., I once went into a precinct office and bawled out the police chief in public. He got mad back at me, of course, and started trying to pee higher on the tree. That made me even madder, and I told him so flat out.

Did I do it because I was super brave or even extra stupid? No, aside from the issue of justice involved at the time, I did it w/o blinking because I damned well knew I could get away with it. I even dared the guy to arrest me. Said my first call would be to (____), who was known to be his mortal enemy just itching to fire his ass. Then I turned on my heel and walked out. Free as a bird. Due to what? Nothing but white privilege, despite the fact that the precinct chief was a pasty ghost compared to me.

[heaven05]

244. has always argued and brought

nothing to the table. Just likes to create discord.

[jeff47]

152. Again, the fact that you are upset about it shows the problem.

It shows that you think not hurting your feelings is more important than talking about dead black kids.

So yes, the post is about you. You might not be calling blacks "subhuman mongrels" like overt racists, but the fact that you think the "broad brush" is more important is a problem.

[IrishAyes]

170. Superb takedown.

[hfojvt]

198. you keep alluding to an emotional state and feelings

like omigosh, I am because somebody made a stupid sweeping generalization about my race. Or I am

Whereas my emotional state is only

And if you really wanted to talk about "dead black kids" perhaps it would make more sense to address that to "black America" since most of the black kids killed are killed by other black people.

So now you admit the post really IS about me, whereas before I was only the emotional fool making it about me.

Because, yesterday, after all, I spent 2.5 hours at the community center where I have been volunteering for three months, before riding my bicycle home in the rain.

So there I was volunteering to help kids, many of whom just happen to be black, but I, as a white American, had no idea that black lives matter until I read this OP.

[bettyellen]

231. so you are suggesting black deal with those "killed by other black people" before they are allowed

to address racism? WHUT?

[Number23]

250. Oh my God. You just won this thread. And NO ONE deserves that smack down more than the one

you just gave it to. Except, maybe about 5-10 others.

[bettyellen]

126. It says black lives matter, but you read "white people suck"?

Is this a zero sum game?
Why would it hurt you to hear black lives matter? Addressed to anyone- why is that a bad message?

[Ikonoklast]

196. When a rock is thrown into a pack of wild dogs, the one that yelps is the one that got hit.

Lots of yelping in this thread...it must have been a direct hit.



I am White, the OP does not offend me in any way, but then again, I despise racism.

[heaven05]

243. usual suspect

[WorseBeforeBetter]

77. How about just "Dear America"? (n/t)

[cui bono]

105. Do you think only white supremacists are racist? Did supremacists write the SYG law?

That is a small segment of the population that doesn't even begin to address the racial problems in this country. But yes, I suppose it could have read like that to spare the feelings of those who lack perspective regarding the fact that innocent black kids are being murdered for no reason other than they are black and the laws allow for racists to do that.

Seriously, you think that is more important than the racism in this country? Get some perspective.

[Squinch]

136. Exactly. White supremacists, a small sliver of the population, are not the problem.

The problem lies with the millions who say, "we live in post racial America, and I'm tired of all this reverse discrimination." THAT is the attitude that reflects this country's continued disregard of the experiences of black people.

[cui bono]

209. You know the complaining here is akin to the complaining about "repressing male urges"

Some people are just so self-absorbed they just don't get that they are the privileged ones and what they are complaining about is so minor, SO minor, it's unbelievable they would say anything at all.

[Democracyinkind]

213. The parallel is striking. nt

[Squinch]

221. And it's many of the same people too.

[Squinch]

63. Must it be all about you? Really?

Let's review. The OP pointed out an obvious fact: our country proves over and over again, in small ways and in enormously tragic ways, that we do not, in practice, value the lives and experiences of black people as much as we value the lives and experiences of white people.

Obviously, this post was inspired by the tragic murder of a child for no reason at all.

But here you are, ready to derail that message, a message that was inspired by the tragic murder of a child, because you need to make the post all about you.

Do you see any irony there?

[Skip Intro]

67. Voicing an opinion. It's kinda what makes forums work. n/t

[jeff47]

93. An opinion that you are more important than dead black kids. (nt)

[Skip Intro]

95. And over the shark we go. n/t

[jeff47]

96. Hey, it's your opinion. You must be proud of it if you're going to write up a post expressing it.

Yes, it was truly horrific that the OP didn't list all white supremacists by name in her post, so that your fee-fees were not hurt. Clearly, that's way worse than dead black kids.

Alternatively, you could realize that getting upset over this is evidence of the privilege you enjoy due to the color of our skin.

[Skip Intro]

97. Yikes. n/t

[Number23]

99. Bingo. Perfection

Well done.

[Squinch]

134. I would add to this that this isn't really about

white supremacists. White supremacists will never muster up the cognitive mass to understand.

This is about, among other things, white people who insist that they have no sense of entitlement, but who put their pique at an internet post above a discussion about the murder of a child. Those are the kinds of people who need to wake up.

[sufrommich]

167. This. nt

[cui bono]

224. Exactly. This is the truth about all social issues.

As has been evidenced very recently here on DU.

[RedRoses323]

162. Scissor kick

[IrishAyes]

325. No, you're stirring the pot. Whole different ballgame.

[IrishAyes]

168. (sigh) Don't twist the OP like a pretzel to justify your snark. It's unbecoming,

and does as much as possible to PROVE THE VERY ISSUE THE OP RAISES!

Or, are you completely UNaware of that????????

[CreekDog]

233. you lecture us on when you think you see examples of racism against whites

is that the only kind of racism you want us to talk about?

[Sheldon Cooper]

5. If it's not about you, feel free to ignore it.

[JackInGreen]

33. Yeh know I wish I could

but it's hard to dodge the huge foam hand of shame that keeps getting swung around here, whether or not it's intended for the rest of us.

[nomorenomore08]

112. Well, then what are you doing to improve the situation???

You can't just sit by and do nothing and claim to be "progressive"!

[Sheldon Cooper]

129. I don't know why.

I'm white, and it doesn't bother me.

[smirkymonkey]

299. I really can't understand why so many people take this personally.

I'm white and I get it.

[freshwest]

306. +1

[sheshe2]

7. Well, for one I am white too, upaloopa.

I was 10 in 1962. I still was aware of what was happening. So no this is not a call out. It's about awareness to those that just don't get it.

[M0rpheus]

10. If you were aware enough in the 60's to march.

You should be aware enough to not make it personal.

[upaloopa]

12. You call white people out then say

don't take it personal.
Why don't you adjust your knowledge instead. I was born in 1946.
Your arrogance sucks

[Isoldeblue]

19. So was I and that doesn't make you or me

more special. I fought too. But the message hasn't changed and you are the arrogant one for acting like it should be.

[upaloopa]

34. No I am not

I am not describing race in this country.
In the 60's our high school group went from Ohio to Georgia to meet with Black teens.
We marched with them
Today you ignorantly broad brush white people which includes me. You get no respect

[Squinch]

74. +1

[M0rpheus]

30. I *try* to be measured in my responses here on DU in general,

so, I'm going to just suck up the arrogant part and keep it moving, due to you being woefully mistaken about my intent.

When you were born wasn't even a concern. My statement was not about your age, it was about your awareness of the issues in the 60's. I took you at your word that you were there and it's, not a big deal to me one way or the other, as I was not.

The issue during the Civil right's era was a bit more visceral. We were getting killed by white people for nothing more than a look, or a word. We couldn't even share the same space with white people, in general without problem. Today, it's different but the effects are the same. We are still being profiled, beaten, killed and more because we are still considered less than in the eyes of many people that LOOK SIMILAR TO YOU. The real difference between then and now is that it's frowned upon to be openly racist these days, but that doesn't stop it from happening.

Now, I'll say it again with a bit more specificity.
If you were aware enough (i.e. you gave a shit about my rights) in the 60's to march (and potentially risk your life to do so), YOU SHOULD KNOW that this is not about you (that is, if you still care about my rights). It wasn't about you in the 60's and it's not about you now.

Allies shouldn't need us to hold their hands on this. It is not personally about you.

[upaloopa]

35. Then quit with the White America shit!

Like only you have rights and understanding here.

[WillyT]

48. Wow... A Tad Sensitive Are We ???

I'm white, and that did not bother me one bit.

Why the anger???

[M0rpheus]

61. First, I'm not the OP, so this is not "shit" *I* started.

Last edited Thu Feb 20, 2014, 01:13 AM - Edit history (2)

Whether or not, "White people" includes you in this case, the worst you're going to suffer is hurt feelings. It's regrettable but fairly benign.

Now, on the other hand, the reverse is often expensive, painful, depressing and, deadly.

I'm not acting like only *I* have rights and understanding, I'm noting the disparity between what hurts your feelings and what can get us killed. You have to admit (well... no you don't), that the difference is pretty stark, there.

You're the one that was marching in the 60's. Were your feelings hurt then when those people you were marching for, were mad at "White people"?
If the answer to that is "no", why not?
Could it have been that you empathized with them and understood their anger?
Now, if you were able to empathize and understand then, why are you not able to now?
What changed?
Was it you or, did you fall for that post-racial America stuff?

*awaiting your measured and, well thought out yet, passionate argument in response. Or.... you can just continue to sputter impotently. Whichever you prefer.

Sincerely,

M0

[JustAnotherGen]

128. Ahem

#DangerousBlackKids run amok at DU!


Couldn't help it!

[gollygee]

123. Wow. This is an interesting post.

Are you really that bothered by this? You think that you no longer have rights and understanding due to the lack of the word "some" or another qualifier in the post.

I think "dear white America" was just what needed to be said because it's the entire system, or culture, that's the problem, not just a handful of white Americans.

[IrishAyes]

172. If you persist in thinking that the life situation of one person is all about YOU,

that is navel-gazing hubris on the hoof. There are none so blind as those who refuse to see.

You're just stirring the pot. I wouldn't bet on your feelings really being hurt, not that you should be mollycoddled anyway. Are you having fun yet, insulting others and openly declaring their motives and observations so far beneath your own? It shows, pal... it shows.

[freshwest]

311. You always nail it, dear IrishAyes. n/t

[IrishAyes]

315. You must admit I've benefited from some great mentoring here. Especially in the BOG, if I

may be forgiven a plug for my favorite.

[freshwest]

316. Yes, we probably need to visit there more often! Just haven't been posting many OPs, lately!

I'm spending more time writing my fictions. I do love words...

[sheshe2]

318. Well there you are~

Are you using your journals for your fiction, freshwest?

[freshwest]

319. Nope, no politics allowed in my fiction. That's because they're fiction, ya know? If I wrote for FNN

or some GOP scumbag, I guess I could do their fictions, but I'd go blind first. Some things just will not be allowed to pass...

[sheshe2]

321. Yes writing for FNN..

Would surely make you deaf, dumb and blind. It sure works on their viewers!

[IrishAyes]

322. I'm sure you have stories to tell!

Last edited Mon Mar 17, 2014, 01:15 AM - Edit history (1)

I try to drop in at the BOG at least daily, but I've been a little swamped lately with other things. The guy that did the lattice on my front porch surround did it the way he wanted, not how I made very clear was necessary, and then he disappeared. Maybe the Obama sign in the front yard spooked him? Regardless, we get 85-mph straight line winds here, and a year later, sure enough half of it came apart this past week. I was sick and furious. But luckily my blessed new handyman came over and worked on it for me. Later he'll return and do even more. But it should hold for quite awhile now.

One thing that's had me hopping is the charity newsletter and the stupid smartphone I had to learn to use to call interviewees. How I hated that phone at first! Getting better with the bare essentials now, though, so I've stopped cussing at it. It was fun doing the first interview. I get to do all the fun (to me) stuff and none of the hard stuff apart from learning new technology. Once I get past that barrier, it's all gravy. I don't want to be an employee even though they offered to hire me. Let what my salary would've been - small enough at part time - go to the organization's expenses and recipients. Plus they might also suspect I prefer keeping my independence. They'll send me any equipment I need to do the job (besides meeting expenses), and although I insist it remain in their name, I seriously doubt they'll ever demand that I ship something back. So no telling what kind of job-required goodies might find their way to me. Things I could never afford, like smartphones. Oh, btw, while it's strictly cosmetic ego feed, I've been made an administrator. No duties or power, but a great title! I spend a certain amount of free time on the 2 related websites and sort of explain things nicely to newbies. Like a hostess free to come and go at will.

later: sorry about ramblin' on, quite possibly in the worst place imaginable. Don't know if the non-profit and the lateness of the hour are any excuse, but I'll grasp at the first straw available.

[heaven05]

248. white american culture is responsible for american racism. Period

Last edited Thu Feb 20, 2014, 07:22 PM - Edit history (1)

so quit with your shit!!!! You've always had rights and privilege that black people, with help from SOME good white allies, had to fight for. You never had to fight for any rights to vote or be recognized as more than 2/3 human. So quit your shit!!!!

[Squinch]

58. This white woman wishes white America would get your message too.

But I can also see, from a disturbing large number of replies in this very thread, that it is going to take a while yet.

[M0rpheus]

65. It's par for the course here on these threads.

There's a core of people here who absolutely refuse to see the bigger point. It's always personal for them. I'm expecting a few more to show up before the party is over.

[Squinch]

71. I know. And the irony of them insisting on taking a post personally - when

the subject of the post is, really, life and death - and at the same time insisting there is no disregard of issues that concern black people, is not lost on most of us either.

[M0rpheus]

86. I really have no patience for the willfully ignorant.

Last edited Thu Feb 20, 2014, 11:07 PM - Edit history (1)

However, I refuse to let it go unchallenged these days. I've been on the sidelines too long.

[Squinch]

137. I am so tired

of the nonsense that is being posted here, the way the validity of people's experiences is denied. I'm with you on this.

[Number23]

98. Mo, you make me so proud.

Really beautiful post. Well done

[sheshe2]

103. Bingo, M0rpheus! Well said.

If you were aware enough (i.e. you gave a shit about my rights) in the 60's to march (and potentially risk your life to do so), YOU SHOULD KNOW that this is not about you (that is, if you still care about my rights). It wasn't about you in the 60's and it's not about you now.

Thank you.

[bettyellen]

117. "Allies shouldn't need us to hold their hands on this. It is not personally about you. "

It's pretty easy to understand. The "big foam hand of shame", not so much.

[M0rpheus]

150. *Googles "big foam hand/finger injuries"*

Nope... I got nothing.

Looks like that thing really only injures their feelings... OBVIOUSLY more important than the actual message.

I guess the next post should start "Dear melanin challenged people who-harbor-bigoted/racist-ideas-whether-conscious-or-unconscious-but-not-you-guys-over-there-we-don't-want-to-hurt-your-precious-feelings", to spare any misunderstandings.

It's a bit long, but we could make it work, I think!

[RBStevens]

199. "Allies shouldn't need us to hold their hands on this." Yes, this. Exactly.

Thank you!

[kwassa]

42. I'm white people, too, and I don't take it personally.

Because I know this critique isn't aimed at me.

Why do you have such an issue with it?

If the shoe doesn't fit, don't worry about it.

I was happy to see the local Gaithersburg high school group in those tweets. I had no idea they were feeding homeless people.

[RobinA]

179. One Issue With It

is that it's self-defeating. Whenever someone starts with the "Hey White People" gambit a whole sh*t ton of people get turned right off. You don't capture (or keep) hearts and minds by a condescending broad brush approach like that. When I hear "Hey White People," I don't take it personally, I figure that anybody who can't come up with a better presentation than that probably doesn't have much interesting to say anyway. Hey, I sat through "Diversity" class listening to how white people suck for one entire graduate semester. I'm tuned out at this point. I wasn't when I started the class.

[cui bono]

228. But it didn't say "people" it said "America". Very different.

White America is about the whole nation. It even encompasses people of color. It's about the culture, the system, which is white dominated.

I didn't take it as a call out to white people at all, I most certainly didn't take it personally. I took it as a call to our entire nation to look at what the fuck is going on racially here.

[kwassa]

276. Why do you get turned off?

I also sat through a diversity class for one entire graduate semester. However, I also was able to ask questions of the teacher and everyone else in the class. That is the point of education, the willingness to look at and discuss different ideas. It isn't a one way street.

[cui bono]

226. You really need perspective. How can you not agree that "white america" is a problem?

It so completely is. We are a racist nation. To complain about the OP is so incredibly petty it's unfuckingbelievable there is even one person on here whining about it. And yes, it is whining.

To worry about your own personal feelings about this imaginary call out is to show that you have no perspective on the real problem and cause of it. The real problem is that black kids are getting murdered legally. Whites are the ones in power, the privileged ones, that is what makes this "White America". It's not about individual people, it's not about actual people at all, it's about the country as a whole, the culture of the US. And this culture is still very racist. It's institutionalized. Hell, half the country votes for a racist, homophobic and sexist party that enacts laws to perpetuate all of these.

So if you are bothered by this it's time for a little introspection. Your reaction is not about the OP, it's about you.

[freshwest]

307. I'm pretty damned white. I don't feel 'called out' by this or anything like it. n/t

[cui bono]

28. I don't see anything wrong with this and I am white.

I think you need to just not take it as a direct message to you as an individual.

As you know, in the big picture whites oppress blacks. Even in today's society there is too much racism. It's institutionalized. I can't imagine what it must be like to live as a black person in this country. It was bad enough before SYG gave racists open season to kill blacks with no reason other than they felt like and thought they had a right to so they'll get away with it.

The backlash against having a black president coupled with media that gives the racist teabagger asshats a voice has made things even more dangerous today it seems.

So when you compare what a black person has to live with and how you might feel when you take this personally, it seems pretty petty to me for you to complain. Just look at the big picture. It's not about you.

[Scootaloo]

62. Do you have any notion that sometimes a thing isn't ABOUT you?

[Gravitycollapse]

64. Many individuals of privileged class lack the ability to understand that premise.

[duhneece]

257. It's important for white America to recognize white privelege

We civil rights supporter and we liberals didn't want white privilege, surely didn't fight for it, but we need raise our awareness of white privilege.
I didn't have to worry about teaching my son about keeping his hands on the steering wheel when pulled over.
Here's a link of a list:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/michaelblackmon/17-harrowing-examples-of-white-privilege-9hu9

[freshwest]

308. Everyone of those is true and should be heard by all. It's no way to live, being treated like that!

Thanks for posting. I'll share it in other places to make people aware of what hell has been created they were granted that they never went through.

[1StrongBlackMan]

260. Yes, It matters ...

and White America ... all of it ... those that didn't march, support, or believe, need to be reminded or told ... And those that did march, support, or believe, need to be reminded that the fight hasn't stopped, even if the marches have.

[840high]

302. Some of us old white women

marched, too. Thank you.

[Make7]

4. "There is not a black America and a white America...

... and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America."

[M0rpheus]

11. Ideals are great, aren't they? nt

[JI7]

13. and if we want to get close to it we can't ignore reality

[M0rpheus]

15. Exactly. nt

[Skip Intro]

54. +100. n/t

[Squinch]

66. Except when it comes to convicting people for murdering black teens who are doing things that teens

do.

Among other things.

[Make7]

82. I was merely trying to point out a unifying message...

... might be better accomplished with more unifying language.

I don't disagree with the point being made, I just don't entirely agree with the way it is being broadcast.

[M0rpheus]

90. That language is the ideal we should aspire to.

Whether it's a unifying message or not depends on which end of the power spectrum you're on.
It sounds great if you're already up there, but from the low end, it comes off quite differently.

[Make7]

267. Have you seen how inclusive the language is at ColorOfChange.org?

I think it is quite a contrast to how the blogger quoted/linked to in the opening post chose to express herself - especially since she used a campaign logo from ColorOfChange.org in her blog entry.

I am not saying the words she used were offensive or somehow wrong - just that more inclusive language might be more effective.

Perhaps I have no idea what I'm talking about, or maybe I am simply asking for a little too much from someone at immasmartypants.blogspot.com. And perhaps quoting then State Senator Barack Obama was not the best way to express myself - that's just what immediately came to mind when reading the thread/blog entry title. People can choose to impart whatever meaning to those words they wish.


[div class="excerpt" style="margin-left:1em; border:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-radius:0.4615em; box-shadow:-1px -1px 3px #999999 inset;"][font style="font-size:1.23em;"]What Is ColorOfChange.org?[/font]

[div class="excerpt" style="color:#cccccc; background-color:#707070; font-size:1.23em; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"]ColorOfChange.org exists to strengthen Black America's political voice. Our goal is to empower our members - Black Americans and our allies - to make government more responsive to the concerns of Black Americans and to bring about positive political and social change for everyone.
We were heart-broken and outraged by the catastrophe that followed Hurricane Katrina. And we were devastated to realize that no African-American organization or coalition had the capacity to respond on the necessary scale.

Hurricane Katrina made it clear that our lack of a political voice has life-and-death consequences. With no one to speak for them, hundreds of thousands of people - largely Black, poor, and elderly - were left behind to die. But it wasn't just Black folks. Poor, sick, and elderly people of every color were abandoned too. We are not alone, and when we work to protect Black lives and interests, we do the same for all who have been left behind in political silence.

ColorOfChange.org is comprised of Black folks from every economic class, as well as those of every color who seek to help our voices be heard. Our members are united behind a simple, powerful pledge: we will do all we can to make sure all Americans are represented, served, and protected - regardless of race or class.[font style="font-size:0.769em;"]


http://colorofchange.org/about/[/font]
 

[M0rpheus]

278. I've purposely avoided the topic of tone.

Mostly because it's unimportant and, tone policing is usually employed to derail an argument.

If I were to literally drop permutations of the word "fuck" in the appropriate places in my statements, would that make them less valid? Taking offense at the "fucks" I've given you, allows you to completely ignore the rest of the statement and turn the argument around to how you want me to act in order for you to possibly acknowledge the original argument. Either you accept the premise of the argument and discuss it, or you don't. How I said it, shouldn't matter.

Now, Color of Change is an organization. It's to their benefit as an organization to moderate their tone, particularly in their mission statement (which is what you posted). I can assure you that the words expressed in the OP are not unknown there, however.

Perhaps I have no idea what I'm talking about, or maybe I am simply asking for a little too much from someone at immasmartypants.blogspot.com.

I think you're asking a lot of people who have legitimate issues to express themselves in a manner that suits you. That's just the way I see it.

And perhaps quoting then State Senator Barack Obama was not the best way to express myself - that's just what immediately came to mind when reading the thread/blog entry title.

Your original comment came off as tone deaf when added to a conversation that was basically saying "Black lives matter". I responded to it as it was given rather than talk about the tone I got from it, as I thought it was worth giving you my opinion rather than telling you how you could get me to listen.

[JI7]

92. some people are more offended by this thread title than the fact zimmerman and dunn

were not convicted for murdering unarmed teens.

[cui bono]

101. Seriously.

Disgusting.

[nomorenomore08]

115. Because they're fucking narcissists! Their precious, precious fee-fees are the only thing

that matters in the whole goddamn world! Why, Zimmy the Obese Sociopath getting away with murder is nothing by comparison!

[redqueen]

178. I wish it was surprising. The usernames engaged in it are *especially* not. nt

[Starry Messenger]

225. They come flooding out like rats in a broken sewer line whenever race threads are posted.

Then they accuse the rest of us of swarming *them*. Richly ironic.

[etherealtruth]

6. Its important to listen to the experience of others

One can only grow

[theHandpuppet]

8. Sometimes I feel as if we're trapped in a time warp

Let's hope we can all come through this together and the stronger for it.

[NYC_SKP]

9. Recommended! And, please watch out for 4 year old Anala Beevers.

.

Please watch out for 4 yr old #AnalaBeevers, w/an IQ of 145, she's one of the most #DangerousBlackKids!



https://twitter.com/SoulRevision/status/435458896568647680/photo/1

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23DangerousBlackKids&src=hash

[sheshe2]

14. Thanks Skp!

I have seen Anala. I posted an OP on her. She is wonderful is she not!

[TBF]

16. Big K&R nt

[Scuba]

17. As an old white guy living in a white area, and knowing that a whole bunch ...

... of my fellow citizens are nasty, fucking, racist pricks, I don't think any "broad brush" apologies are necessary.

But that's just me.

[sheshe2]

27. Hey Scuba!

Thank you and I agree.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

51. !

[Squinch]

79. .

[etherealtruth]

18. Bryan Stevenson: We need to talk about an injustice

http://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice.html



(I know there is a way to post this so that the video is actually in the post ... but, as it turns out, I am a computer moron)

[freshwest]

309. Here's the video and an explanation how to do it at DU:

Bryan Stevenson: We need to talk about an injustice

Published on Mar 5, 2012

In an engaging and personal talk - with cameo appearances from his grandmother and Rosa Parks - human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson shares some hard truths about America's justice system, starting with a massive imbalance along racial lines: a third of the country's black male population has been incarcerated at some point in their lives. These issues, which are wrapped up in America's unexamined history, are rarely talked about with this level of candor, insight and persuasiveness.

This is how you do this at DU:

Go to youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/

At the top of the page should be an address bar. Type in or paste the video title. I often do this because many videos linked here at DU don't come through to my computer. Then post the video on threads as a courtesy to those experiencing the same problem.

In this instance I got the TED talk by putting in your title:

Bryan Stevenson: We need to talk about an injustice

Just enter the title into the search function, and a list of the closest video titles will appear. Select the one closest to what you want to show.

Tx4Obama showed me the best way to post videos here at DU was by using the 'Share' 'button' below the video. A window will appear below with the URL designed to post without any extra letters or numbers above, to the left or right or below the video, for a clean look.

In order to obtain the video description, which will include the date uploaded, listed as 'Published' as you see in my example above, you may have to refresh the page to get the 'Share' URL out of the way.

Then click the 'Show more' button and copy and paste that information to provide DUers with a reason to take the time to view your video. Some videos don't get responses if this courtesy is not shown or the poster doesn't describe the video. I skip those myself.

Or if you choose to do it another way, post the video description and then go above it to get the URL and post it above your video in your DU message box. If I am making an OP, I usually put the title in the title of my post which emboldens the font and lets others see what the subject matter is. If I am posting the video in the text or message box, I embolden it there, and italicize the description to not confuse the reader with my own thoughts which I generally put in regular font.

Note, that the date 'Published' may not be the same day the event was video or the event occured. I've seen people who didn't pay attention to the date and posted video to bolster an argument, that was several years old or was debunked and not relevant to the current situation. It didn't help their case.

I've also seen one famous video uploaded by the Onion, obvious by the small icon in the lower right corner of the video. It was touted as proof the Congress had passed some outrageous bill and 'we're all gonna die.'

It was all fake, but many CT sites didn't catch and posted it as 'PROOF!!!11!!' as well as some GOP officials who posted it on their district web pages. It was a satire, and I've even seen it posted here where some were fooled and thought it was true. *rolls eyes*

So you are not a 'computer moron.' And you made a very valuable add to this thread. Good luck posting videos.

[etherealtruth]

314. Thank you!

I have been here for 9 years and have never quite figured this out. I have saved your instructions to my desk top; when the opportunity presents itself I will now have the tools to do it. Again, I greatly appreciate you taking the time to write out the steps I need to take.

[one_voice]

21. k&r

I love all the pictures, but I have to say the smile on the little one's face holding his reading achievement award....gush!! Million dollar smile.

[Behind the Aegis]

37. I really liked that one in particular.

I have a similar picture of my two youngest brothers. Maybe he will be come a doctor or a nuclear scientist like my brothers did. I hope he is able to do so!

[Isoldeblue]

22. I am grateful to those like you, she

who keep the message alive. Together we will have victories!

[sheshe2]

24. Hey Isoldeblue :)

Thanks for that and the back up.

[freshwest]

317. You heart is full of sunshine and rainbows! That's a good thing! n/t

[sheshe2]

320. Hey sweetie,

so you are the one that kicked my OP back up. I saw the response and started to reread the whole thread until I got here~

Thanks freshwest. There are so many great posts here, and then again a lot of truth is laid naked. It is about the children, the black children that have died so needlessly. Sad that some wanted to make this about themselves.

[lib87]

25. Good message OP

Slight derailment at the start but I think it is a message many need to read & see.

[sheshe2]

26. :) Thanks lib87!

[cui bono]

29. Awesome. Thanks for reminding me to go check out #dangerousblackkids.

[sheshe2]

31. Hey, cui bono.

Congratulations on your 10K post!

I thank you~

[cui bono]

32. Oh wow! I was thinking of posting an OP on my 10,000th.

Oh well, it went to a good cause.

[hrmjustin]

36. Congrats on 10,000 posts and you can still do an OP.

[cui bono]

100. Thank you.

And thank you for the permission.

[Walk away]

39. I really believe that this is the death rattle of overt racisim in America...

The day that president Obama was elected the hidden hatred came welling up to the surface. But it was not acceptable to most Whites. Bigots are taking their last horrible stand before they all but disappear and their power is spent.
We all have to be strong and and support our friends and neighbors and vote these terrible laws out of existence.

[sheshe2]

44. There certainly has been

an escalation of hatred spewed since he too office. He and his family alike have weathered it with both dignity and grace.

You know, I believe that you are right, Walk away. There last stand.

[Behind the Aegis]

40. Thank you for this thread.

Again, showing what a powerful ally you are!

[sheshe2]

45. Thank you Behind the Aegis!

[Behind the Aegis]

73. You are quite welcome.

I do understand why some are upset, but I also realize that why this message is generally thought to be mainly for "racists," it sadly, is needed for those who aren't really racists. Many white people don't realize that being black in America is still not a walk in the park. The reality is racism is still alive and well, though much of it may to seem to have gone underground, it really hasn't except for the most "in your face" type.

**For those unfamiliar with sheshe2, her OP comes from a place of love, respect, and hope, and not one of shame, scorn, nor blame.

[sheshe2]

87. Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I believe that there has been an escalation since Obama became President. Some just can't get over a black man in the WH. It's not just that he is a Democrat, he's black.

Thank you for having my back, Behind the Aegis.

[justhanginon]

175. Not only black but

a really class act by anyone's standard, something we haven't seen in a while, a damn smart man, beautiful wife who is really loved by most Americans, two lovely well behaved children and elected to two terms. My God! All the stereotypes trashed in one fell swoop. And then we read about these black children doing so well and the little girl with the huge IQ She may well grow up and discover the cure for cancer. My God will the stereotype bashing ever stop! Have some pity.

[freshwest]

310. I see our President as a role model for everyone - but POC have a special need to overcome the

generations of dishonest, hateful stereotypes thrust upon them, stifling their creative power. The world needs their freedom as much as they do, to teach everyone.

[sufrommich]

41. Excellent OP,thanks for sharing it. nt

[cer7711]

43. I Understand & Applaud the Intent of Your OP

The problem is, the overt "h8ers-gonna-h8" racists won't read it. So who are you talking to?

Yep, us liberal/progressive whites.

A simple tweak to your OP's headline might help: Dear Racist White AmeriKKKa: Time to Get the Message.

PS. As a progressive white man, I can't tell you the times my stomach has dropped when some other Caucasian--mistaking me for one of his racist own--goes off on a rant about "those people". It's always very, very ugly. And wedded to homophobia, misogyny, rigid thinking, religious and cultural bigotry, approval of the physical abuse of children as "discipline"--the whole damn bag of Neanderthalic attitudes.

Which is not meant as a dig at Neanderthals, by the way. One of the reasons Neanderthals may have died out is because they were kinder, gentler, less devious and savage than mass-murdering Cro-Magnon man--us. Now that's a thought, isn't it? The genocidal, merciless branch of the human species won the fight for survival. Explains much, methinks . . .

[BlancheSplanchnik]

50. THIS is a FANTASTIC INSPIRATION. Great activism on the part of the groups shown.

I feel thrilled to see these great initiatives! I wouldn't have known about them without this thread.


yet, White people here are taking it personally? That's crazy. And SELF-ABSORBED! It's not about YOU, White people here who think they're being slammed.

Think about what other people go through, for a change!

To Black people who live with life threatening discrimination, "White America" is a real entity. Everyone, Black and White alike, knows that doesn't include ALL White people. Black people know that there are also many White allies. White allies know who they are, and know they're not being talked down to here.

It's one's own behavior that puts you in one or the other category. You should know clearly where you fit.


goddamn, the IQ around here is going down lately.

[sheshe2]

56. That's why I love ya Blanche!

Damn well said!

Thanks for getting it, not that I believed for a second that you would not!

[BlancheSplanchnik]

60. awwww thanks, she!

Back atcha. you consistently do excellent posts.

Thank you for being one of the ones making this place better.

[Marie Marie]

52. White woman checking in here to say that I take Zero offense at this post.

Given some of the news lately, there are some who definitely need to get this message. If you already do get it, then be proud of your humanity and a take a moment to think about the families of the victims of the likes of Zimmerman and Dunn - you know, the ones who don't get it! Thanks for posting this sheshe.

[sheshe2]

83. I know, Marie Marie, those sweet families lost the most valuable

part of their lives, a child. Why? Hate, ignorance and intolerance.

Thank you for your post, so very appreciated.

[kwassa]

53. Shout out to the Gaithersburg high chapter of B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. Inc

I had no idea, and they are only a few miles from here.

[imthevicar]

55. Great post!

It gets a clear message across, To those of us who understand where you are coming from, you ask us to, Please explain why to our friends and family. to those who don't, You make a stand and say to them that, You will not be second class any more. BTW you never were in my book!

[treestar]

69. Sounds like a great site

I know of a few white people who really could use some perspective, as that looks like it gives.

[ismnotwasm]

80. I get so much pushback on racial issues and I'm white

Last edited Thu Feb 20, 2014, 10:43 PM - Edit history (1)

It's like an instant defensiveness, a total lack of historical knowledge other than "slave" days. No understanding of racist home lending laws, contributing to the lack the lack of inheritable wealth and generational poverty, AFTER the civil rights laws were passed for instance. Job discrimination, housing discrimination school discrimination. Damn right we need to wake up.

Young black men and women get shot for being black we have fucking DEBATES about it.

[cprise]

230. I get that, too, and its not a rare occurance

Some white people will become instantly irritated.... in fact, all it takes is for a strong black man to appear on their TV screen. Suddenly they are flipping the channels looking for their white guy secret-agent/superhero fix.

Every. Time.

It's downright Pavlovian. But instead of bells and food it centers around who people identify with, and what it means to be 'tolerant' (I don't think having allergic reactions to non-white people is in any sense 'tolerant').

[eridani]

81. You don't have to be black to be on the Color of Change mailing list

They always have useful action items.

[SMC22307]

84. I'm picturing Smartypants as Kim "Do the Right Thing" Basinger...

Last edited Fri Feb 21, 2014, 10:59 AM - Edit history (1)

pumping her fist at the Oscars. Truth!

Will this really convince anyone ... cause them to reflect on their actions, their belief system?

"Hey white folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!"

Doubtful.

Just like this probably wouldn't go over too well:

"Hey black folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!"

"Hey Asian folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!"

"Hey Jewish folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!"

"Hey gay folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!"

The white bashing on this site is getting tedious.

[ZombieHorde]

102. Why would you add "fucking" if you're just going to censor it?

You want people to say "fucking" in their minds when they read it, but you don't want them to see the "u." I must be missing something.

I know I am not addressing the content of your post, and that can be annoying, but I see this fairly often and I am honestly curious about it.

[SMC22307]

284. It's not my add, it's a direct quote from the OP...

Hey white folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!

I just followed the same format.

[ZombieHorde]

288. Oh, I see. It's further into the OP.

I didn't notice it. I thought you added it to the beginning line. I will copy/paste my question to the OP.

[SMC22307]

291. Just for the heck of it...

I edited my post to add the "excerpt" formatting. Wasn't sure if there's a time limit on edits, but I guess not.

[Behind the Aegis]

110. This isn't even remotely close to "white bashing."

I am both gay and Jewish, and I can tell you, honestly, your examples have been said here, though not using that particular verbiage.

To Gay DU'ers:
"Why are you trashing Russia? Gay rights are worse in this country! You are a Russiophobe!"
&quot in a thread about Russia's homophobic laws) When will you speak out on (X) country?"
"I am all for equal rights, but I don't need the gay agenda shoved down my throat."
"Wow! Some gays here a really thin-skinned if the phrase "gay agenda" sets them off."
"Look at all the gay bullies who jump all over someone for having a different view."
"You are racists for speaking out against the President/FLOTUS!"
"I don't care what you do in bed or your sexual preferences, but we have an election to win!"

So yes, we have seen ""Hey gay folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!" " and we get the "message" loud and clear.

To Jewish DU'ers:
"You don't own the Holocaust. Stop using it as an excuse."
"He said Jews have all the money and influence, is that not true?"
"Are you Mossad?"
"Did I lie? Who actually runs this country?"
"That isn't really anti-Semitism. I may not be Jewish, but I would know better than you."
"Oh great, X Senator ((Jewish) (D (R) -- Tel Aviv) is speaking. Who's country does he really work for?"
"You people need to wake up to your people's role in the Holocaust."

So yes, we have seen ""Hey Jewish folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!" " and we get the "message" loud and clear.

This OP was not accusatory, it was one that says, look beyond your nose and see "racism is NOT over!" Be aware!

As an added bonus, this video is but one which demonstrates the difference in how blacks are treated....

[M0rpheus]

145. This post needs a *drops mic*

[JustAnotherGen]

155. +1000

[theHandpuppet]

160. As usual, you've hit the nail on its proverbial head

And with inimitable style.

[sheshe2]

202. So many hateful statements rolled into one post.

And yes I have seen them here.

I don't know how you cope with the bashing, Behind the Aegis. I really don't.

Some people refuse to see what is plainly in front of them. Racism exists. It is such an ugly way to go through life.

[cui bono]

234. And also "hey women folks..."

DU is at time just a microcosm of the US society as a whole. The privileged few feeling threatened and lashing out because of it. It's a shame really.

[SMC22307]

285. I believe the OP is accusatory...

but only Smartypants' contribution. George Will couldn't have come up with a more perfect example of a "liberal scold." Her finger-wagging approach will NOT get through to those who need to hear colorofchange.org's message, and as stated elsewhere in this thread, her approach is guaranteed to alienate her intended audience. DUers like to poo-poo "tone," but tone matters. Messaging matters.

Speaking of messaging, the hashtag #dangerousblackkids is thought-provoking and brilliant. I felt many different emotions while viewing the images -- mostly sad -- without feeling manipulated. Seriously, this is good stuff and I applaud those who came up with the campaign:



https://twitter.com/mevansarthurs/status/435879426514247680

They're doing just fine, without this sort of garbage:

"Hey white folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!"

[freshwest]

312. I remember 90% of those disgusting posts, but didn't reply. They are a lost cause! n/t

[Sheldon Cooper]

130. "white bashing"??? Did you seriously just write that???

[SMC22307]

287. Yes.

O-face? Hmm.

[freshwest]

313. But in a 'post-racial' America, why do whites still identify as white? Methinks those worried about

being bashed as whites, should check their color, if they're gonna pick a side.

Do you get where I'm coming from here?

Thanks for the LOL cartoon.

[Squinch]

135. Well, I guess this answers the question about whether the post will make you

reflect on YOUR belief system.

[RandiFan1290]

144. Welcome Back!

[SMC22307]

289. I've been here over a year...

but thanks.

And since we're sharing:

?ca1f75

[gollygee]

182. Ah, the tone argument.

I've seen that a few times in this thread.

[SMC22307]

293. Tone matters.

Colorofchange.org and #dangerousblackkids set the perfect tone, but Smartypants comes across as shrill, with a twist of Peggy Noonan's condescension. I imagine a greater audience would listen to the former, but tune out the latter.

[gollygee]

295. You and I don't get to choose other people's tone

They don't have to make themselves more palatable to you. Being sweet and gentle doesn't actually improve the success of oppressed people anyway. It just makes them easier to dismiss. Which, honestly, appears to be the purpose of the tone argument in the first place.

[SMC22307]

296. Did I say we did? But if the tone isn't palatable to an audience...

the message won't be heard.

Color of Change and #dangerousblackkids got it right, but I imagine many are turned off by Smarty. At least I am -- she comes across as condescending and somewhat hysterical. And many of those Twitter pics are "sweet and gentle" (like the one I posted upthread of the little boy playing Legos), and they pack quite a wallop. Same with the pic of the little boy about to "steal" while playing baseball.

I just find nothing inspirational in Smartypants' blogging, and I imagine I'm not alone. Ugh, enough of her, give me Rude or Pierce. Two who truly know how to wield their mighty pens.

[bettyellen]

188. white bashing? sounds like you need a break and a reality check.

[SMC22307]

294. Not from colorofchange.org or #dangerousblackkids...

but Smartypants. This is not helpful:

"Hey white folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!"

I guarantee those that need to hear the message will tune it out.

[Egalitarian Thug]

88. Just a FYI, you're doing exactly what you're supposed to do.

You're being suckered.

Pay attention, and think.

[bettyellen]

118. Right? Like- Why isn't there a white history month?!?! Did She She ever think about that? *sarcasm*

[sheshe2]

203. Yes

Sage words for you to follow "Pay attention, and think."

[Quayblue]

89. much appreciated

[Sissyk]

91. K&R

Thanks for this, sheshe2.

Awesome to see and read.

Also, I just want to squeeeeze that little guy playing ball on the cheeks!!! He is so adorable. But, they all are.

ps. As a lily white woman, I understand your message.

[Solly Mack]

109. K&R

[gwheezie]

114. I'm not offended

I'm horrified. This disregard for black kids disgusts me.

[bettyellen]

116. for the life of me, I do not get the offense taken here. do black lives not matter? is it hurting

you to be reminded of this? What the fucking fuck? What a nasty bunch of responses. Who raised you people?

[Sheldon Cooper]

131. Oh come on, bettyellen.

Everyone needs to get it through their thick heads that MY hurt feelings are way more important than any dead black kid. Get with the program!!

<-----for the impaired (because apparently this is necessary)

[WatermelonRat]

239. The offense is to the implication that they would think otherwise.

To use an imperfect analogy, remember back during Occupy when right-wing pundits were giving "advice" to people struggling to find jobs? Advice that boiled down to "take a shower and put some work into it"? People weren't offended by the idea of washing and working hard, they were offended at the insinuation that they were unwashed slackers that needed to be told these things.

[bettyellen]

240. people post activist stuff here ALL THE TIME that could be- but isn't taken personally....

but we have people here at DU suggesting- on this thread, that blacks should maybe focus on black on black crime and put institutionalized racism on the back burner! Yeah, because it hurt their feelings.
I repeat, what the FUCK?

[cinnabonbon]

264. I don't understand it either. What part of that post is harmful? nt

[malaise]

125. We're been screaming this for so long

[DLevine]

127. K&R. nt

[MadrasT]

132. Beautiful.

(Is puzzled how people are offended by this - if it doesn't apply to you, it isn't talking about you.)

[The Traveler]

133. I'm an Angry Old White Male and I APPROVE this message.

One of the reasons why I'm angry is because the 2nd Amendment (which I support) has been perverted, distorted, and used to develop a rationale for changes in law which make it permissible to shoot someone because of your fear. Well, not all fear is rational or justified, and a claim of fear can be used to cover other and darker motivations.

In any event, the net result is that it seems OK in our judicial system to shoot black kids. WTF? I believe in the right of self defense ... but that right has to be equally secured. Does anyone know of a case where a black person has successfully applied "Stand Your Ground" as a defense for shooting a white person? The Dooley case in point ... I think Mr. Dooley (an elderly black male) had a much more solid basis for a SYG defense than Zimmerman. But as I recall he was not permitted that defense. So I'm trying to think of another case. I'm coming up empty, but that doesn't mean there isn't one. But I sure haven't heard of it.

SYG has turned out to be a horrible idea. Pretty much as I predicted. If equally applied, it turns our streets into the wild west. If unequally applied, it provides a legal basis for semi-random lynching by gun fire. And for some perverse reason, it seems that SYG cases predominantly involve the homicide of young people of color. They're killing our kids.

And, yeah, black folk, I regard your kids as our kids. If they can do it to yours they can do it to mine. My kids play with your kids. We really are in this crap together.

So, trust me, I DO get this message. I agree with it. We have to do something. We have to overturn/repeal/throw out these SYG laws. And, in broader scope, we have to get some control over guns.

And we can do this sanely, rationally, and equitably without violating the spirit and letter of the 2nd Amendment. All provisions of the Bill of Rights are to be approached with care ... but none of them are absolute. Freedom of speech, for example, does not include the right to slander or libel. It's OK with me if I have to undergo a background check to retain my guns, if such a process is equitably implemented and improves the safety of the public. (And I do believe it will.)

Pardon the rant. But the subject sets me off. Sometimes I try to imagine the pain the parents of these murdered kids experience ... my imagination is not adequate to the task but the result is horrible enough. People, we can't tolerate this nightmare. We can't allow it.

Trav

[JustAnotherGen]

138. Throw the mic!

Well said!

[cprise]

232. It's class warfare

though I won't deny there is a strong racial factor as well.

Upperclass people have bodyguards, middle-upperclass people have 'neighborhood watches' and gated communities.

But the rest of us are supposed to shoot it out with each other when we feel threatened. Its the ultimate form of regression in a society that has eradicated class consciousness.

[sufrommich]

139. Well this thread has been an eye opener.

Frightened people clinging to their privilege isn't a good look for DU,yet it abounds lately.

[DLevine]

143. Yes, for me as well.

People who can't see their privilege, and/or get very defensive about it, are part of the problem. It's disgusting. Oh we poor persecuted white folk, why is everybody so mean to us! Someone, please think of the white people!

I am white, and I recognize that I have benefitted from racism all my life. It's my moral obligation to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

[1awake]

141. Let me tell you a secret.

I don't like being called white. The color of my skin does not even remotely appear white. Is this whining? Maybe... but I can also tell you anyone you comes up to me and says white folks, white America, or any other usage instantly loses any credibility.

[bettyellen]

181. so "white america" remains above reproach, because you feel like it. And yes, it is whining.

[1awake]

185. Reproach all you want, I'm just not liking the stereotype. n/t

[bettyellen]

187. white america is not a sterotype- it is a huge segment of our country- and how would anyone address

this segment of our population? It sounds like you are saying they can't because YOU don't like labels? Is that it?

[1awake]

190. I prefer Italian American. I would prefer wop over being called white.

Are either of those considered labels? I believe they are.

[JustAnotherGen]

254. You aren't a legal citizen or alien?

That word is an acronym for With Out Papers . . . Right?

[1awake]

259. Yes!

But it's used not exactly with that frame of reference.

[JustAnotherGen]

262. My husband

Is a Legal Alien from Italy - we are in NJ. It's still used in a very racist and derogatory way at times . . .

[AverageJoe90]

212. "Whiteness" is nothing more than a construct. a Potemkin Village as it were.

It's something that people of *all* ethnicities need to realize(yes, us so-called "white" folks more than anyone, but everyone else too).
I myself have a pretty light skin tone.....but then again, it used to be that Italians, Greeks, Serbs, Croats, Romanians, and even the Irish to an extent, were considered to be "not-white" even as late as the first decade or so of the 20th Century.....even though quite a few of them were as fair-toned as the average WASPie; and yet, ironically enough, there were some people who had Native, Chicano and even African ancestry who were able to pass themselves off as white(to the horror of the more reactionary elements of society, especially in the South).

So yeah, it really, truly doesn't make any logical sense when you think about it. But unfortunately, it does remain somewhat ingrained into the psyche of American culture even today.

[1awake]

217. Great post AverageJoe90

I still don't like being called white/white folks/white anything... but I honestly do like your post.

[cui bono]

235. omg... are you fucking kidding me???

jfc... unfuckingbelievable.

[1awake]

238. What... did they overturn that iffy hockey shot the US made???? n/t

[Ticktock]

142. If you are going to try to educate me on racism...

If you are going to try to educate me on racism and how bad it is, you might not want to open your entire message up with a blanket statement aimed at an entire group of people based wholly on the color of their skin...that sounds familiar, doesnt it?

The microsecond you opened a post regurgitating "Dear White America..." you completely lost all credibility as someone trying to be part of a solution rather than contributing to its same underlying problem.

[uppityperson]

153. Pointing out to people of 1 skin color that people of another skin color = not-credible?

Last edited Thu Feb 20, 2014, 12:18 PM - Edit history (1)

oh

ETA, After rereading the OP, I was wrong here as it is pointing out racism to "White America", the larger institution vs individual people of one skin color. Tried to clarify in my reply to the next reply

[Ticktock]

156. not exactly

I was basically saying two wrongs dont make a right. Does racism exist? yes of course. Does the majority of the white population actively support racism? Even if that were true its certainly not true on this forum.

Claiming that "White people should listen up" is a clear and direct implication that the entire group of people, defined only by the color of their skin, have a shared problem as a race that they need to address.

Defending that assertion by saying people should "ignore the message if its not about them" is no different, fundamentally, to someone claiming that "Black people commit a ton of crimes" and then when people scream racism to reply "well if youre a good law-abiding black person you shouldnt be offended and should ignore the comment because it doesnt apply to you."

The credibility loss to me, came when the OP and his quoted article began their otherwise decent message with a broad-stroke negative assumption that "whites" as a race need to "wake up." Its shocking that those particular words were even used here since "Wake up white people!" has long been a phase toted by extremist white groups such as the KKK. Its ironic to me that the OP used those exact same words in this context and its likely a subconscious reason many are reacting to negative undertones in the article and post since the detract from the overall message.

[uppityperson]

157. Except it didn't say "wake up white people" but "Dear White America"

Not calling out "hey all you white people" but "White America" which is a different thing that most everyone else seems to understand.

"White America" does not = "white people" but the larger institution. And yes, I see in my previous reply I did say "people of 1 skin color", also misreading the OP. I should edit that as inaccurate, trying to clarify more in this reply instead

[Ticktock]

165. Quote from OP

I think you need to read the OP again.

Direct quote from OP:
"Hey white folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!! "

By your logic, do you think the average African American would not consider it racist if someone wrote an article that said "Wake up Black America! and then proceeded to point out negative behaviors of a sub-section of the African American community?

[uppityperson]

166. Thread title " Dear White America:"

[Ticktock]

174. Right...

You are correct. The thread title contains the words you used and the post content contains the words I used. All my feelings are exactly the same. I read more than the thread title and should have stated that when I referred to a post "opening up" with "Hey white people" it meant the OP's post vs the linked article. My bad!

[bettyellen]

180. what "negative behaviors of a sub section of the black community" are hurting ALL whites?

What stacks up to the effects of racism that needs addressing?
Please, help me out. I have no idea where you are going with this.

[heaven05]

270. well you're still asleep

Last edited Fri Feb 21, 2014, 07:57 PM - Edit history (2)

if it were just a sub section of the Caucasian american populace responsible for ALL the racism in america, your logic would work.
Americann racism is systemic and institutionalized with white entitlement and privilege being enjoyed by any person of the Caucasian persuasion that partakes of that entitlement and privilege. The negative behavior fostered by a systemic, institutionalized racist system is what is being addressed in this OP. It is time for a lot of people to wake the fuck up about the SYSTEMIC, institutionalized nature of american racism. These deflections into personal guilt, feigned anger and attacking the presenter of the OP at being called out on white privilege and entitlement is ludicrous. Stop with the 'reverse racism' whining. Start trying to change things for all to enjoy entitlement and privilege enjoyed by a majority of caucasians in america.

[Harmony Blue]

148. I am not offended by the thread title

when I think of white America...I know exactly what this means. White social circles tend to be openly hostile to the idea of non whites moving into a neighborhood or joining an organization in the year of 2014. I know this because they confide this to me assuming that I buy into their world view. Racism is very real and it is simply underground now but it is a lot more prevalent than most want to admit.

[RedRoses323]

159. Bravo

[redqueen]

177. K&R!!!

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

183. I couldn't agree more.

A white brother marching since the fifties.
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."
Peace and love to all.

[IrishAyes]

184. Great OP as always, sheshe.

Mind if I ruminate a little on the historical context front?

'White' has classically (oh my, a pun!) meant the same as 'dominant' or 'superior', not really a skin color. Hardly a hundred years ago many melanin-challenged immigrants from western Europe were not socially much less legally considered 'white'. That designation was reserved for melanin-challenged members of the RULING CLASS. For instance a lot of people don't seem to know about (at least not understand) the 'No Irish Need Apply' signs and attitudes, much of the latter persisting even today. I won't go into exhaustive detail here, but just in my own personal experience I can verify that truth. I could also recommend viewing of an excellent documentary, 'The Irish in America'.

Circling back to the OP's original point: Yes, 'white America' does need to be reminded that others matter. I've been so upset over this growing attitude that it's open season on blacks, especially the kids. What did Michael Dunn say? "He can't talk to me that way!" That was a class-based murderous rage.

Much as I generally loved the old b&w Perry Mason tv series, I cringed when one character complimented another by saying, "That's awfully white of you." Acceptable on tv in the '50s and still ingrained in what passes for heart and mind in much of the country. Not so long ago at the library, two women walked past me, obviously deep in a political conversation. One sympathized with the other; "I know, honey... he's not white like us, is he?" Gee, who could they have meant?

So anyone who doesn't think White America needs a wakeup call is living in a narcissistic fantasy world.

[sheshe2]

220. Thanks Irish,

You are spot on in your post, especially about the narcissistic fantasy.

[Cha]

186. Mahalo, she.

[sheshe2]

245. Good to see you Cha.

[Cha]

279. U2

[Warren Stupidity]

189. Whew, what a relief, people here are as clueless about racism as they are about

sexism.

WTF happened to DU?

Great post by the way.

[Sheldon Cooper]

197. As one of the HOF people that make DU suck,

I've complained long and loud about the sexism on this site. Sexism affects me directly, so I notice it. It's my ox being gored, I guess.

Not so much with racism, though. I'd seen comments from time to time alleging racism on this website, but I wasn't tuned in enough to the problem to really be able to spot it. That sure changed last week during the fried chicken and watermelon days. The level of stupidity and dare I say racism was astonishing, and I think I needed it to be right in my face before I could recognize it. I'm sure there is homophobia too, and I just haven't had it pointed out to me yet.

Wow. This place is a throwback to the 1950s Mad Men culture, where straight white men ruled and women, gays, and minorities knew their place. Unmoderated sites always fall to the lowest common denominator.

[wryter2000]

219. +1,000

Amazing, huh?

[noiretextatique]

201. this reminds of the cosby incident

remember when cosby lost his mind and starting lecturing "those black folks" at an NAACP dinner? many people here thought his comments were right on, but i thought they were insulting as hell. my point here is this: some people felt perfectly fine telling me that i should heed cosby's comments, for no reason other than the color of my skin. some ASSumed that i needed be lectured by cosby so i would not name a kid a certain name, etc, etc, etc. it was expected that i would take his comments "personally" because "everybody knows" what he said was true. this OP shows me that some people who think i should be lectured don't think they should be lectured.

[Tarheel_Dem]

204. Well stated, and thank you sheshe!!!!

[kwassa]

210. Before I could respond, it was gone.

[uppityperson]

277. Patience, she'll be back. Rather like that eveready bunny.

[AverageJoe90]

207. I like the overall post and stuff. Very good.

However, though, the title of the piece *does* unfortunately come off as a little....well, passive-aggressive(even though it almost certainly wasn't intended!), so I can understand why some DUers got a little upset; there *has* been some issues around here lately.

With that said, though, given the overall positive message, I'll give it a rec anyway.

[wryter2000]

214. I don't see why white DUers have to see this as a personal insult

Not all DUers do, but some have taken offense. I figure posts like this are important to share. If I'm not racist, it doesn't apply to me.

It wouldn't be weird to see someone post "Hey, Dick Cheney, FU" on DU That wouldn't mean the people reading it are Dick Cheney.

The OP is a statement about racism in this country. It's a valid and powerful one.

[Democracyinkind]

215. From "black lives matter" to "this OP IS RACIST!!11!!"

Post-racial America, my ass. Quo vadis, DU?

[FiveGoodMen]

223. My goodness, there are some sensitive white people on this thread

[Starry Messenger]

227. So many of the replies in this thread need this .gif

I'll just drop it right here and let it apply to those in need...

[cinnabonbon]

265. oh my gosh, that gif.

[noiretextatique]

229. i don't think this guys gets its

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014733706#post12

he even claims HE is the real victim, and is owed an apology you just cannot be a racist asshole in america anymore without people getting all persnickety

[sheshe2]

236. I was just at that link.

No he sure doesn't get it! And he makes me sick.

Thanks, noire.

[hrmjustin]

237. K&R!

Certainly got a response sheshe2. Lol!

[sheshe2]

246. I guess I did justin.

you!

[yuiyoshida]

241. VERY GLAD to see a Hispanic and Asian in with the mix!

[kwassa]

273. my local high school, too.

[heaven05]

242. I find that the usual suspects are

here whining about 'reverse racism' in their own inimitable style. I won't mention names, they are known. Great post, you did good! Try to ignore and don't be disheartened by the haters present on this site, they were peeped during the zimpig trial and are known. Keep on teaching, sooner or later this hypocritical country may become color blind. Doubt it, but I have a small grain of hope.

[Number23]

252. "the usual suspects" Yep, and there is a reason that they are the "usual suspects"

though I'm surprised because quite a handful of VERY well known race deniers/obfuscators didn't show up in this thread to chastise black people and tell us how we need to think/act/be as they do every other chance they get all over this site.

There are some people saying that this thread is an "eye opener" and how dismayed they are to see the DU was not the non-racist utopia that they have burned calories imagining it to be. To them I just have to say, Welcome to DU.

[M0rpheus]

258. I noticed their absense as well but this pot is well stirred without them. nt

[IrishAyes]

247. Check out this post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014733706

I was going to post it but I got scooped!

IT'S REQUIRED READING FOR ANYONE WHO STILL IMAGINES 'WHITE AMERICA' DOESN'T NEED ANY WAKEUP CALL.

The investigator claims HE'S the victim in the case because he made 'a mistake'. Don't read the story aloud to small children or at all within 5 hours of eating because you will toss it.

[DontTreadOnMe]

251. I am a white Amerciam male, and I just recommended this OP!

I got the message! It was clear as a bell, and I know what the author meant. Any white DUer here who thinks this was an "insult" is only trying to start an argument.

White Culture in America has been racist for over a Century. And then there are many Whites who helped move forward civil rights.

But there are still too many whites that are racist bigots, and for that I am ashamed of my country.

There are whites and blacks that realize we are on the same team.

[Number23]

253. Well done, sheshe. Well done

[sheshe2]

283. Thank you Number23.

I am so sorry for those that showed up and made it all about them. So very sorry.

White Bashing@#$%^WTF! I am white and female. So I am bashing myself!? The sweet children, Trayvon and Jordan were murdered and it breaks my heart.

For the children, lets's keep them safe.



[url=http://postimage.org/][img][/img][/url]

Jacob Black ducks his head behind a sign he holds for his mom outside the Duval County Courthouse during jury deliberations in the Michael Dunn trial. Dunn was convicted Saturday of attempted murder in the shooting death of a teenager. (Kelly Jordan / Associated Press / February 15, 2014)

"Like, I'm the ---victim here," Dunn said. "I was the one who was victimized."
"I mean, I don't know how else to put it," Dunn continued. "They attacked me. I'm the victim. I'm the victor, but I was the victim too."

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-juror-michael-dunn-loud-music-verdict-20140219,0,4180192.story#ixzz2tvXJ89xH

Talk about White Privilege! Dunn is the poster boy for that title!

Thanks to all that helped out here in defense, you did a better job than I.

[napkinz]

255. "Stand Your Ground" affords whites new special rights ...

[sheshe2]

266. The graphics are painfully true, napkinz.

Yup, no racism here.

[napkinz]

297. regarding SYG affording whites special rights, another way of saying it ...

[lumberjack_jeff]

263. I'm ambivalent about the choice of subject line, but K&R for content. n/t

[WestSeattle2]

271. Broad brush "messaging" shows incredible ignorance, no matter

the topic. I don't find the post offensive, just ignorant.

So OP, please - continue.

[kwassa]

272. and what precisely is ignorant?

Are you going to give us an edjumacation?

[WestSeattle2]

274. That's what schools are for. I suggest you enroll.

[kwassa]

275. Oh, please, that is just pathetic.

You call someone ignorant, then walk away from it. A great, non-specific insult. You clearly haven't read the thread.

You got nuthin'. Barely a drive-by

[WestSeattle2]

281. OK, kwassa, let's start at the top. Communications - basic communications. When you're crafting

a message, do not do so in a way that is guaranteed to alienate your intended audience. It doesn't matter why they would be alienated; they will stop reading. So why would someone who is genuinely interested in crafting a message intended to obtain buy-in and perhaps even cultural change from a targeted audience, intentionally alienate so many of the targeted audience?

Ignorance.

As soon as I saw read the title of the post, I just KNEW that the thread would be full of insulted Caucasians. Just as a majority of Blacks, Latinos, or Asians would be insulted by a "A Message to Blacks" title, or "A Message to Latinos", or "A Message to Asians" missive. Most people's initial response is to shut down. So much for a receptive audience.

If you or the OP are truly interested in crafting messages that your target audience might find receptive, most universities offer communications courses.

Now, I have a delicious dinner waiting. I bid you a good night and best wishes.

[kwassa]

282. I am glad you could arouse yourself enough from your torpor ...

to actually write a response.

Thank you for doing so.

It would have been helpful if you could have read the thread before responding. Your concerns would have been addressed.

If you wish to discuss the art of communication, you might consider effort as a component. And clarity, and explicitness.

[Eleanors38]

286. Well, I'm not offended. Now, back to work. nt

[ZombieHorde]

290. Thank you for the OP, but I have an off question for you.

Hey white folks...its time to wake up and get the f*cking message!!!!!

Why would you add "fucking" if you're just going to censor it?

You want people to say "fucking" in their minds when they read it, but you don't want them to see the "u." I must be missing something.

I know I am not addressing the content of your post, and that can be annoying, but I see this fairly often and I am honestly curious about it.

[sheshe2]

298. The author is at the link above. I didn't write it.

[ZombieHorde]

300. Shucks! Thanks anway. nt

[clarice]

292. I've often thought that America's strength is not in it's diversity..

but in it's commonality.

[AnalystInParadise]

301. Not offended at all

But you could have just called it "Dear Racist America" and still been just as accurate. Since racism knows all skin colors and what not.

[BainsBane]

303. I can't for the life of me figure out why some people feel compelled to take offense at this

and why they have to make threads like this all about themselves.
Racism is obviously a problem in America. How some can't see that or decide each and every thread is addressing them personally is bizarre. We've gotten to the point where some are so self absorbed, they can't focus on anything going on in the world for fear that someone is criticizing them. In deflecting the discussion away from racism and toward their own egos, they show that they consider racism, including the deaths and injustice pictures in the OP, as less consequential than their own egos.

[NOLALady]

304. +1000!

[sheshe2]

305. Sigh~

I know, BainsBane.

It's the same tactic they use on women's threads and LGBT threads, it's all about them. Never us, and never a black man or woman or LGBT treated unjustly. It's the same contingent that comes to these threads every time. A few were missing, but they are always one and the same.

Thank you Bain~

[babylonsister]

326. I love DU and you, for this. We believe in the right things, always.

It matters.

[sheshe2]

327. I re-read this OP tonight,

because freshwest responded to me.

It made me cry all over again.

I thank you babylonsister, we do believe in the right things. It matters. Gawd it matters.