Your task is to find the joke in this post:

[wednes]

For some reason, H wanted to talk about rascism today. Not the vague sterotyping of race that is practically unavoidable in society, but that hate-filled, slur-spilling, loud kind of racsism of a true beleiver.

He wanted to know if I thought there was any "excuse" for rascism in adults, like say, they'd been victims of a crime or multiple crimes by a specific minority. I had to tell him that while I accept that everyone has baggage in life, there really is no reason for a rational, thinking person to hate a group of people based on the actions of a few. Sometimes people are prejudiced because they were taught that by their family. And if that's the case, their religion might even require that they honor the wishes of their elders. But you can't really order someone to hate someone else. Even Hitler relied on negative feelings already in place in Germany at that time. H didn't seem to think I had thought this thru, and that maybe rascists should be cut a bit more slack. But then, H is pretty even keeled about such things.

I decided that the reason I feel so strongly about this is simply because I am an American. I'm caucasian, and female and middle class. But none of those things speak to the whole of who I am. There are people in Europe who think all Americans watch and really, really love American Idol. Asian "america bars" have big haired blondes and people wearing cowboy hats and digging Bon Jovi. I assure you, none of those things have anything to do with me. Not all Christians support murdering doctors to stop abortions. I know how to spell the word "women" and don't feel the need to alter the spelling to remove the word "men" (as in "womyn", "wimmin" or worse yet "womben"). And since I demand to be treated as a unique individual, I think it's only right that I do my best to extend that courtesy to others. I'm not sure H would understand all that. After all, he's black.

Did anyone notice I switched mood themes today? Ah, ChartityCam...how you delight and amuse!

Comments

[wednes.livejournal.com]

That would be true if everyone started on a level playing field; but this is not really the case in this country.

I know I'll regret this, but I'm interested in knowing how you can beleive that white people don't have a social advantage in America.

[fflo.livejournal.com]

Right on!

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

It is true that there are specific circumstances, or places where racism is a guiding force. To say that racism exists is a completely different issue than the blanket statement that white people have a social advantage in America. That statement implies to me that I haven't earned my place in society.

"That would be true if everyone started on a level playing field"
Nor is it the case in any country, or any place on this earth. That does not make it ok to hold individuals accountable for the actions of society as a whole.

[fflo.livejournal.com]

Many people can allow as how having a trait which results in being (traditionally & persistently) oppressed is a disadvantage but are tremendously uncomfortable acknowledging the other side of the coin: the advantage that comes, default, to those who don't have that trait.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

That statement implies to me that I haven't earned my place in society.


Then you are taking it in a needlessly personal way.

Wow...I'm amazed by how much you are missing the point.

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

I am completely aware of what the following statements mean.

"It is imcumbent upon us as people of skin privilege to be traitors to that privilege."
"...just that some, in such an effort, must needs renounce privilege."

Being white does not require, nor should it, that one should behave in any way different than any black person. We are unable to control the motives, and minds of those around us. Being white does not inherently give someone a skin privilege.

Here is a thought experiment:
Two candidates are reviewed for a position, their qualifications equal, the job is given to the white man due to racism. It is the fault of the interviewer, not the candidate. Unless I interpret wrong, this man should renounce the position in favor of the black candidate to advance the cause of equality. Is this an accurate example of the scenario?

The fundamental flaw in your reasoning is that the candidate should bear no responsibility so long as he feels that he is capable of filling the position. It is not his fault that the interviewer is racist and he shouldn't suffer as a result.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Yes, you interpreted it differently that I did. No one is saying not to take the job, but rather, to be aware that such things happen and to actively speak out against them.

No one is talking about suffering. It's funny, because this is very similar to your arguement that it's okay for cig companies to sell addictive poison to people because they can choose not to buy it.

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

"...because this is very similar to your arguement that it's okay for cig companies to sell addictive poison to people because they can choose not to buy it."

Personal responsibility goes toward all aspects of one's character. Cigarette companies create a product for which there is a demand. If we were all held accountable for our own actions there would be no racism.

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

Considering what fflo wrote in another comment I don't think that was needlessly personal at all, she proved my point.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

If you think you've gotten to the place you are today entirely of your own doing, you are either deluding yourself or you are more stubborn than I could have ever guessed.

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

I do not feel as though I have been in any way benefited from racism. If I have then I have been unaware of it, and cannot be held accountable for it. Any other privileges I have received unrelated to race do not play a part in this discussion.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I see. So you see no connection to race and privilege, race and weath, race and perception from law enforecment? The fact that you haven't noticed it does not sheild you from accountability.

I think you ae once again oversimplifying so as not to see the big picture.

[fflo.livejournal.com]

You contradict yourself.

And you haven't earned your place in society.

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

I never contradict myself.

"And you haven't earned your place in society."
How could you possibly know that?

[madush69.livejournal.com]

White people have a disadvantage in college admissions. If a person has a different ethnicity they can be given a boost. Granted, the intent is good, being that the colleges are trying to make up for past injustices...however intent is that which paves a certain road we've heard of.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

That's just silly blaming. If you study hard and make grades, you'll get into college regardless of race. People who say things like that are often looking for someone besides themselves to blame for their own poor choices.

[madush69.livejournal.com]

No, I'm not blaming. I'd totally be offended if someone told me I'd get an extra twenty points because I'm Irish. I'd be like, "What, ya think Irish people are not as intelligent?" If I'd wanted to go to college, Id have went. I chose Specs, and I chose well, although I believe my social skills may have developed differently if I'd went to college.

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

You are mistaken. The fact is that two perfectly equal candidates applying to certain public universities are rated at different levels due to skin color. I can't think of anything more racist than that.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

What's your source on that?

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

UofM openly admitted that their admissions system worked on a point scale. Points are given out according to many different factors, one of which is skin color.

"We consider many other factors as well. Race is one of those..."
http://www.umich.edu/~urel/admissions/statements/response.html

"They may receive 20 points for one of the following: membership in an underrepresented minority group, socioeconomic disadvantage, attendance at a predominantly minority high school, athletics, or at the Provost's discretion."
http://www.umich.edu/~urel/admissions/archivedocs/uapolicy.html

Q. Does Michigan take race into account in its undergraduate admissions process?

A. Yes. Race is taken into account as one of many factors in an admissions process that also considers high school GPA, standardized test scores, the quality of an applicant's high school, the strength of the curriculum chosen by the applicant, geographic location, alumni relationships, essays, athletic talent, letters or recommendation and socioeconomic status. Race, like any of these factors, may influence admissions decisions.
http://www.umich.edu/~urel/admissions/faqs/admisqa.html#qc

I think that considering race during the admissions process is racist.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I think that considering race during the admissions process is racist.

Yes, but don't you also think that anyone who believes in hate crimes legislation is rascist as well?

According to this, they are also prejudiced agaisnt non-althetes, the wealthy, alumni non-legacies, out of towners, or anyone who can't get a letter of rec. Why is that any different than considering race?

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

Yes, more severe punishments for hate crimes is racism.

Athletes bring a measurable skill. Letters of recommendation are obviously a better measure of a person's abilities than skin pigment. Certainly preferential treatment should not be given to the wealthy, or legacies. The person's geographical origin would be useful if the school was genuinely interested in creating a multi-cultural environment, but preferring local students is certainly tantamount to racism. But, skin color has absolutely nothing to do with a person's ability to achieve.