How John McCain Exploits Passive Racism for Political Gain
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Good Old Boys and The Race Card Double Standard
I want to talk to all the white people here alone for just a minute:
How many times have you been in a group of white people and let a racial joke pass or laughed at it to keep things smoothed over? Have you ever ignored a relative or friend's insulting racial remark because you felt it 'just wasn't worth it' to call that person on it or open a discussion? How many white people do you personally know who would never declare themselves racist, and yet they carefully segregate themselves from any contact with blacks and feel threatened if they even come within breathing distance of a black man by himself? Are you related to any of these white people? Do you actually feel this way yourself?
Do you or any other white people you know think that black men are mostly obsessed with having sex with white women while black women are mostly mouthy and bent on working the welfare system? Do you think our prisons are full of black men because black men commit most of the crimes in this country? Do these questions make you kind of uncomfortable? Are getting a little bit pissed off at me right now?
Chances are good that right about now at least half of the white people reading this are wishing I would just shut up and move along. About half of the other half are saying to themselves, "God, she's being really harsh! Why I don't have a racist bone in my body!" That kind of anger and defensiveness lurks just beneath the surface of almost every nice white smiling face in these United States, and every single white person who lives here knows exactly what I'm talking about. Don't even pretend like you don't.
What I'm referring to is what is often called "passive racism," and in a country as screwed up as ours is from the legacy of slavery it is impossible to avoid. "Passive racism" requires no effort, just a willingness to maintain the status quo because that is the quo you are comfy with: You don't go around dragging black kids behind your pick-up truck until they die, you haven't burned a cross on anyone's lawn lately and feel sure you never would, you really believe that "there are some good ones" even though an awful lot of "them" are welfare cheats, but if your daughter came home with a guy who looked like Kanye West you'd have a heart attack on the spot. You don't go out and start racial trouble. But you keep yourself insulated from any prospect of having to confront your own toxic attitudes or how they contribute to social injustice. "Their" problems are not your problems. That's how you justify it. You got where you are today through your own hard work and fortitude; you just happen to be white. It's a coincidence.
Active racism (as in the kind practiced by the KKK) is widely thought to be a historical tragedy, something we have transcended as a nation. Whether or not that is true is arguable, but for the sake of making this particular point, let's pretend it is true. Let's pretend active racism is a thing of the past, a relic of a terrible chapter in American history that we now only remember every February during Black History month. Be that as it may (or may not), passive racism is alive and well in America right here, right now, today. If you are white and have a decent job, you don't have to go out and slap a black person to support passive racism: All you have to do is move into a suburban neighborhood, shop at an upscale mall, and vote Republican year and after year.
A lot has been said about the current race for the Presidency and John McCain's puzzling and seemingly self-destructive behavior on a number of fronts. Why did he choose a nitwit for a running mate? Why does he seem to change his position on various issues on a daily basis and refuse to even state his position on others? Why does he continue to insist that he is the only candidate who will cut taxes when Obama's tax plan by all anayses gives back three times as much to the average working person? Why are McCain's ads so personal and his attacks on Obama (Obama is reponsible for high gas prices? Rilly?) so off-the-wall?
David Letterman, after being stood up recently by a McCain who claimed to be "rushing back to Washington to deal with the financial crisis" but was seen not even an hour later getting make-up appled for a Katie Couric interview, remarked, "...these are not the acts of a seasoned hero. Something is wrong with John McCain. I think someone is putting something in his Metamucil."
I think a much simpler, if uglier, explanation is available. It's just that no one wants to say it out loud. McCain isn't stupid. He isn't senile. He doesn't regret having picked Paris Hilton's evil middle-aged twin to be his running mate. (Although really, I mean no disrespect to Ms. Hilton, who doesn't really deserve such a negative comparison.) He doesn't worry about pissing off David Letterman, Keith Olberman, John Stewart, or any of their little liberal friends.
No, what John McCain is doing is engaging in an age-old southern good ole boy tactic of showing complete and utter contempt for a rival he considers so beneath him, so unworthy and out of touch with the ways of power and the status quo, that that rival doesn't understand that no way, no how, not in this century or the next or the one after that, are the power brokers in Washington going to allow a nigger to become President.
What, I shouldn't use the 'n' word? It's offensive? Yes, it is offensive. Nevertheless, in behaving this way, McCain is using that word as loudly and as clearly as any Grand Wizard of the KKK, and I am using it here to expose the ugliness of the tactic. The absurdity of McCain's actions speak for themselves, sending a loud and clear message to all the whites who, while they would never say so to a pollster or even to a black person, will never, ever vote a black man into the White House. We are told by the press that that is "a small number of voters." Do you believe that? Really? Or is it more likely the case that the press knows full well that white people like to continue to think they aren't racist while engaging in behaviors that prove that they (we) are?
At the same time that McCain is free to show his utter contempt for Obama, even to the point of being 'way too busy with this crisis' to attend a Presidential debate that cost millions of dollars to set up, Barack Obama has to avoid any reference to race in his campaign at all, ever. He can not let race enter into any single thing he says, not even indirectly, not even when it would make sense to do so.
If Obama alludes to the fact that he "looks and sounds different" than what people in this country are used to in a Presidential candidate, he is instantly excoriated by the press and the McCain campaign for "playing the race card." If he brings up Martin Luther King he is blasted for not thanking Lyndon Johnson. Can you even imagine the furor if Barack Obama had a teenaged daughter who showed up pregnant by her C- high school athlete black boyfriend? Yet McCain/Palin trots the same mess out as virtue. Why? Utter contempt. We can do it, you can't. We're white and rural, you're black and from the South Side.
Every single white person who 'gets' McCain's message knows that McCain is playing the race card without having to use the word 'nigger' even once: McCain is playing the passive race card, the one where you show your complete and utter contempt for your opponent with a smile on your face that says, "Don't you know, boy? Don't you 'get' how it works around here? I can beat you with my hands tied behind my back and a nitwit white woman welded to my side, because that's how we roll. You've got not one chance in hell. And should you get close, we'll just steal it. Now get your black ass back to Chicago."
How Dare You PGrundy?
I know, I know, how dare I even suggest that white America might still be racist?
Here's what I have to say to all of you who are stewing in your own self-righteous outrage right about now: Get over yourselves.
The truth is, your time is ending. You might take this one away, you might not. But whatever happens in this Presidential race, the era of racial privilege, the one that made you feel superior even when you weren't, is over. And to the extent that working class Americans and middle class Americans and rich Americans insist on clinging to it, to that same extent American hegemony in global politics and commerce is over too.
Brown people in India are smarter and better educated than we are and are taking our jobs because they do them more skillfully and for less money. Yellow people in China are taking our manufacturing away because they will work until they drop and our corporate CEOs like employees who work themselves to death for pennies. South Americans have total disdain for us and won't share their oil, and the MidEast hates us because we are assholes, not because of our freedoms. The Republican party you've come to see as "just like you" is right this minute making sure a steady supply of Mexican labor displaces your sorry redneck butt for all eternity.
Welcome to the 21st century, sucker.
John McCain doesn't care about you. What is going on in America now on Wall Street is the last big party; the few remaining rich white people looting the carcass of what used to be equal opportunity. If you want to help rich folks pick that clean because it helps you maintain your sense of entitlement as a white person, hey, it's your dime. But spare me the BS.
I see you. We all see you.
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Comments
Wow, well done, Pam! I hope you don't mind that I read your hub even though I'm not white. :) It's refreshing to read your views on this because I think you've touched on things that many people see, but are afraid to address because of what it may say about them (OMG... am I a nigger lover???), in a very courageous and outspoken manner.
I have a couple of friends who don't think Obama can win because he lacks "swagger" and "charisma" and he's too "elitist" which I think is a load of crap that basically translates to "he's half black." It blows my mind that this is even an issue, and I really hope people start waking up to the fact that the color of someone's skin says ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about who that person is.
The question shouldn't be: "Is America ready for a black president?" The question SHOULD be: "Does America want to be viewed as the land of ignorant, war-loving, superficial morons who are intent on destroying the planet and then moving to Alaska to avoid Armageddon, or is America ready to put the most intelligent, articulate, trustworthy, and visionary candidate in charge of this country?"
For all of our sakes, I hope we choose wisely.
I want to make very clear right now that I do NOT vote Democrat. Niether do I vote Republican. Why? Because both sides play the cards they believe will get them into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. What you said about racism is accurate. Since the media focuses so much on trying to promote equality of races (a good thing to promote) the overt racism of decades ago has simply become covert. I won't step into the ring regarding McCain's actions and what they might be saying, as I don't know the man and don't want to rush to judgement on what his intentions are. Could they be racist? Sure, that's a possibility. And it would be a sad, but not surprising, reality.
However, let's also be honest and make sure that we point out racism is universal. It isn't just white people that are racist. I have had friends from almost every nationality, and I've seen the racism imbedded in them, too. Racism has less to do with skin color and more to do with fear and power. In America, white people have had the power and they fear anything that could take that away. And people with power don't like what they don't understand. A different race, with a different set of values or culture, is easier to try and pound down than to understand. It's human nature all over again. Men in power are often insecure, fearful and controlling. Those type of people don't know how to understand someone else. They aren't interested in it. Very sad. Very destructive.
Our nation has a very ripe history of abuses by white people. We have a lot of restitution to make. Yet, the very fact that there is a black man running for the top spot in our government should give some hope that those with the race card in their pocket are losing their grip some. Level heads and hearts are taking back some of the ground that has been held hostage by the white, ruling elite. I agree with alot of what you said, although I felt the tone towards McCain was pretty harsh considering that none of us know him personally. It's easy for us to jump to conclusions on people based on what we hear on the radio or TV. That's the only way we can get to know these folks. But is the media as objective as they like to portray to us? As a "crazy fundamentalist Christian," I can tell you that our media is far from objective.
Would I vote for a black man? Absolutely. Red, white, yellow, brown...I don't give a rat's you-know-what about the person's skin color. Jesus is the person I look to as my model. He was brown. Not white. Jesus was NOT white. I don't care about the skin. What I look for is someone that I believe truly wants to lead, not just play politics with their party.
Are either of these men capable of this? Honestly, my first reaction is "No." I wish our system was to a point where we can have a bi-partisan leader, but the whole Elephant vs. Donkey is so ingrained in the voting that I fear we may never see a truly sincere, honest and trustworthy man/woman running this nation. America needs a shake up from the top down, and the bottom up.
Thanks for having the guts to post this hub. We need more discourse on the things no one wants to really discuss.
Hi Pam
Well I guess you already know my views on this. If a guy has one white parent and one black, then he's of mixed race. I can scarcely get my head around the fact that people insist on calling Obama black. Now that you have described McCains recent actions in terms of racist distain and contempt, I begin to see the mist clearing a little. Racism is an ugly concept, and as you point out, completely delusional.
Thank you Melissa and Sally. I know the tone of this is strong. I just wanted to say out loud what a lot of people know but never say out loud. (I may regret that.) I appreciate your support.
Caleb's Dad, thank you for taking the time to express your views. I am perfectly comfortable accusing the McCain campaign of this, exactly as I put it here. I do wholeheartedly support Obama so I don't share your cynicism about the two-party system in this particular election. I never said other races don't have racist views--of course racism is universal. I am specifically addressing white racism in the U.S. in this specific election. I saw no need to go off on another tangent.
Excellent hub Pam! I love the fact that you say it like it is, ironically the same reasons many Democrats came to like John McCain back in 2000. My, how times do change!
Hi Amanda, I think the confusion other countries feel about the U.S. referring to Obama as 'black' comes from the history of racism in America, something called the 2% rule which was actual law from Jim Crow times declaring anyone with even 2% black blood as black. But it's totally irrational. Thank your for your comments.
Thanks Crash! Yes, that is the most bitter irony. There was a time when I would have considered voting for the man. Never again.
Pam, I admire your guts in addressing this issue. Not being white, (I am South American) and having friends from different nationalities and races and while in the corporate world, my white friends would make remarks about "those blacks", and my black friends, would also make comments about the "whites", and yet we would all get together and have lunch! I found this interesting as this is an American issue, the racial divisiveness which is learned behavior. In other cultures as where I come from, there is class discrimination, as we don't have a middle class, in others its religious. My mate who is a white American, born in Ohio and has lived in predominantly white States, is thankfully not a passive racist, guess because of his upbringing where his Mom was an open minded New Agish, professional writer and artist.
Good hub!
I try not to be so ynical about our political system, but from local to national, I just see so much posturing and grandstanding, not to mention the back-and-forth mudslinging, I have a hard time filtering out the gems for all the crap. It just seems there is a lot more time spent these days on blaming and saying that this person voted this way five or six years ago on this or that bill; or he's too old, or he's too inexperienced, etc. I understand that the goal is to show which one is the better candidate, but it usually goes beyond what I would consider normal boundaries to determine someone's aptitude for the position. Conservative or liberal, right-wing or left-wing, Republican or Democrat....I'm just tired of the division. A house divided does what....falls.
I do agree that unfortunately Obama being half-black is an issue for way too many people. I know that there are many people--both white and black--that fear if he is elected that he'll be assasinated. I heard a 68 year old black lady from Alabama on the radio the other day. Such a sweet, kind lady. You know, the kind you could see being surrounded by children because she is full of life and love and brings the same to those kids....Anyway, she said that she would not vote for Obama because she feared for his safety. I thought at first, "Kindly old lady." Then I thought more about it and realized that Obama certainly knows the risks and he is willing to put his neck out there, so why shouldn't she vote for him?
The saddest thing of all is that we are even having to have this discussion. What a sorry state of affairs this world is in. Sometimes, I think it would be better if the world was blind. Perhaps I will eventually break through my political cynicism, but I have a feeling it will take som serious work on the part of the leaders of this country to prove to me that they are worthy of my trust, because they certainly have shown the opposite to this point. When I'm in a leadership position in anything, I try my very best to lead by example. Shouldn't I expect that from the men and women I elect and whose salaries are paid by my taxes?
Anyway, thanks again for the hub, Pam. You write in a way that people can relate to and understand, which is one of the reasons that your hubs are so popular. As for me, I like it when people are willing to put the topics out there that stir up the status quo. ;)
Another eavesdropper steps out from the shadows ...
Thanks again, PGrundy! Maybe the best thing to come out of this election (other than this country maybe getting a second shot at survival, that is) will be that more white folks will finally Get It. Your Hub is a definite move in that direction. Thumbs up!
Hi VioletSun! It's an ugly weird thing, the black/white thing. I think here in the U.S. we are all poisioned by it to different degrees, some fatally some less so. As you say, in many countries the issue is more about class than race, but here we have this uniquely horrible history because of slavery. Thank you for your thoughts!
Caleb's Dad, Thank your for taking the time to express your frustration. I know politics is a game and a show, but sometimes it gets uglier than needs to, and I do think this is one of these times. I hope Obama wins, but at one time I did have better opinion of McCain. I do feel he sold his soul to the Devil, being as how Bush used these exact same tactics against him in 2000 to ring the Republican nomination away from him. You'd think that would make him vow never to do that to anyone else, but here he is wallowing in it.
Thank you Marian! I appreciate your positive feedback. Some day I will write more personally about my own experience--I think most people don't realize how much it hurts everyone or how deep some of the scars go. I hope you are right that as a result of this campaign more white people 'get it'. It would be so great to have a whole generation of kids both white and black grow up with a black President and see that as normal. I don't think we can exaggerate the power of that.
Thanks for this mind blowingly honest hub. Degrees of colour. Passive rascism. And McCain's games. I rated it up!
Thanks ajcor! (Cute puppy!)
We better not let McCain do this; we should shout so long and loud that they can't steal it big enough. McCain is a despicable human being.
a sad thumbs up, Pam, not as your fault, it's the condition we're in...
Outstanding hub. I can't wait to see tonight's debate. Let's see how McCain handles himself. He's so far shown himself to be very un-presidential and a loose cannon. It is amazing that after 8 years of an unqualified president (notice I didn't say stupid...), we could get 4 more years of the same because not only racism but religious intolerance.
I've heard 2 stories from people I know (one of them being my republican mother, who even corrected her friend...) that they're not voting for Obama because he's Muslim. Like my mother said, no, he's not. And this person even said to her, but he wasn't born in the US, and my mother said, since when isn't Hawaii part of the US? Interestingly, McCain was born in Panama, but no one cares about that (racism...).
So, from where I'm sitting, not only do we have a racist electorate, we also have a very misguided and misinformed electorate. But I saw that Obama is up in the polls this week. I am doing my best to be hopeful about this election because it is so damned important.
Great hub, very well said. So many people just will not admit racism exists.
Very true. Great Hub! In Michigan I still hear the N word occasionally among sailors in Grosse Pointe. And McCain has considerable appeal among the infamous Reagan Democrats in McComb County who frequently vote GOP in national elections and Dem in local and state elections. They are white and resentful of progress by blacks and easily stirred up on issues like affirmative action, national security, terrorism and the like.
I think the most disturbing thing about passive racism is that it's just waiting to turn into active racism, and the politicians and media are stirring it up. A political move to get into office here, a move in bad taste there... but look at the overall direction it's going. Networks like BET, and a consistent run of films and TV shows, consistently depict African-American people as loud, rude, tacky, over-the-top, thoughtless, money-grubbing, and often criminal. Even the shows targetted specifically for an African-American audience. And don't even get me started on the music industry. Rock cocaine, rap music, and the projects - those appears to be American's gifts to African-Americans. Blacksploitation media isn't just an affront to human dignity, it's downright dangerous - particularly as politicians need to skirt issues, raise talking-points, and eventually direct America's growing anger at the economic and political problems /somewhere else./ When I see people in the media - of whatever color - who are blatantly priming America for active racism by systematically cultivating and acclimating us to passive racism, I can see what they're building up to, and can't help silently thinking to myself, "Traitor."
This was an important societal issue, and I'm glad you chose to speak out about it. For whatever situations passive racism is used, supposedly for temporary and fleeting issues, it can easily embed itself in the societal bedrock on a long-term basis and eventually appear quite normal. After all, income taxes were originally instituted as a purely temporary measure to raise money for the war. Social Security Cards used to have, "Not To Be Used For Identification Purposes" written on them - today, banks, employers and other institutions routinely ask for them as a means of verifying who you are. Do something enough and it appears quite normal - which is why we need to check if what we're doing is right, and weed out things that aren't before they take root. Today on the internet, I came across the phrase, "Dandelions are easy to care for and make wonderful pets." What appropriate imagery for what's going on in most of modern society's mindset.
Thanks again for writing this.
Thank you marisue, uninvited writer, lavenderstreak, ralph & Satori.
Just finished watching the debates. Didn't change any of my opinions--it did make me dislike McCain even more. He came across as a mean-spirited, disrespectful opponent intent on dismissing and belittling Obama. While the pundits called it a draw because of McCain's aggressiveness, but I'm waiting to see how other people saw him. I think MCain's foul humor and ugly attitude will not be well-received in these tough times-- McCain spent most of his time bad-mouthing Obama, while Obama spent most of his time talking about what he would actually do as President.
I stand by my words here more than ever after watching McCain tonight. What a slimeball.
As I think most folk here know, in spite of my black African woodcarving avatar, I'm a white Scot. (Though as Billy Connolly points out, the natural colour of Scots is pale blue - you only have to see us on a beach in Spain to understand). Anyway, I'd suggest that more Americans should come to the Middle East to see racism really at work. It's simple. In Qatar, say, only a Qatari Arab has rights under the law. They are the ruling class. No-one else can own property or businesses or hold a Qatari passport. The second class are the Arabs from other countries. Third class are professional ex-pats, often white, from Europe, US and Aus. We are tolerated because we're needed. Below us are professionals from India (n.b. - this is the way the Qataris see it). Below them are the large workforces, mainly from the Subcontinent. And bottom of the pile are the slaves who don't exist, except that they do - the wholly owned domestic servants, cleaners etc.
No-one is ever granted citizenship. No-one is allowed to leave the country without an exit permit from his sponsor. This is institutional, even constitutional, racism. It is very ugly to see. The covert racism in the US (and UK, and Europe) is in a state of uncomfortable equilibrium. It could go either way, if not checked and discussed openly. It could 'regress to something like what I've described.
This hub is a good contribution.
Pam, you got guts! I usually admire your writing because you're never afraid to call out what you feel is wrong as you share your opinion. This time, I think you've outdone yourself. Now, since I've gassed your head up(lol), let me say this. I am proud to be black as you should be proud to be white, and there will always be issues with me that you can not relate to just like there are issues with you that I can't relate to. With that said, the people that we vote into office have NOTHING to do with race. For so many years, we've all been saying that instead of voting a certain party into office, vote for the person you feel who is best qualified for the job. The same thing goes for race, religion, and any other differences we have. For anyone to say that there should be a difference between voting for the right person regardless of party and voting for the right person regardless of race is a hypocrite! I'll end with this...if you are a rich black or white person...PLEASE, vote for John McCain because he is concerned for you. If you do not fall into the rich category, and you still vote for McCain...I hear Canada or Europe might be a nice place for you to settle down in.
Thanks Pam, I'm always keen to read your work, you're like my on the ground reporter. You're welcome to stay at my place while you sort out your immigration preferences, just in case!
Hi Paraglider, thank you for sharing how it works in the Arab world. I had a couple of teachers from India in the 1970s who described the class system there and how brutal it was. Clearly we have no monopoly on racism. Thank you for your thoughts.
Talented_Ink, I agree completely that race should have nothing to do with it. I was just pointing out that even so, race is being used in a rather vicious way by the Republican machine to get white voters to vote against their own interests. It's hard to see how a Detroit auto worker, for instance, would benefit directly from electing John McCain, but tapping into barely submerged racism helps McCain get that guy's vote, even though he's screwing himself.
I do understand the argument that race shouldn't matter, and I respect that. But at this point in our history I think it matters a lot. Saying it shouldn't isn't really a refutation of that. It is undeniable the effect that seeing a black president would have on children of all races--it would go farther to teach equality that all the 'sensitivity training' and opinion pieces ever written. IMO that's just a fact. Should it be that way? No, but it is that way. Maybe once we've had presidents in every shade and heritage we'll get past it, but up until now, we've had a steady parade of old, rich white guys. I appreciate your comments. Thank you for taking the time to share them!
Jewels, thank you for the compliment! Actually I can't afford to leave the U.S., even though I am constantly threatening to do it. It's just a way to blow off steam. If things get really ugly, I'm afraid I'll be going down with the ship. But thank you for the offer!
This is the first time I've ever made a second comment on a hub, and I'm doing it now to say that I do agree with you that race is definitely an issue in the election. We both feel that ultimately the content of a politician's agenda should be what matters, but even in all of America's "forward" thinking, we still get blindsided by color. If Obama belittled McCain the way McCain did Obama in the debate last night, how many points would Obama have dropped in the polls by this time today? When it comes down to it, we need a president who is more concerned with the country's issues rather than making themselves look good.
Well said, talented_ink. I couldn't agree more.
I'm going to follow talented_ink's lead and comment twice just to say I share your feelings about the debate last night--I wanted to punch McCain in the face! That little slimeball... anyway, hopefully people saw through his mean-spirited jabs and recognize his general lack of substantive remarks about what he would actually do in office, aside from plowing full speed ahead in Iraq.
Hi Melissa!
I was reading comments in our local paper this morning and also at the NYT, and I was pleased to see most people put off by McCain's surly, disrespectful manner. I think over the long haul, he's going to hurt himself with this kind of behavior more than help himself. (I hope!) But yeah, he was really hard to watch he was so hateful and mean.
I think your Hub was brutally honest and I commend you for writing it. I am black, and just wanted to hear what you had to say and you are right on. I have been thinking about writing a Hub on the same content but from a black persons perspective, and I am much inspired now. I did comment on a Hub a few weeks back
and was called a racist. I was perplexed with that comment but after much going back and forth with the publisher I thought to myself that I love Hubpages to much, so the thread ceased.
I have been writing an article on America's Secret Caste System for the last two months and your article has given me the courage to put my pen down and publish the damn thing. The riots in the 60's and all we fought for seem to have evaporated in the depths of "passive racism". I am heartened that there are still literate, THINKING people such as yourself with the courage to write with an honest voice.
blessings,
julia
julia ward - a BLINDING heart - a writer's blog - www.ablindingheart.com
Goodness gracious......I'm a "free" white girl. Lordy though, I do sometimes feel like one of them darkies that aren't s'posed to lose sight of my place in the world.
Why is it "progressive" is snarled like an evil hiss? I just posted about an amazing article by David Brandon - Zen in the art of helping. http://www.infed.org/archives/e-texts/brandon_comp
It is perhaps the most provocative writing I have ever read on the subject of compassion. Perhaps your Troll should do some reading.
blessings,
julia
julia ward - a BLINDING heart - a writer's blog - www.ablindingheart.com
When people read someones point of view, take on an issue, or personal life experience, then let it be. People need to learn how to agree, disagree, or give their own points of view without being so sacrcastic and condescending. My mother was a wonderful person and she always told her children "If you don't have anyhing constructive to say,then don't say anything at all".
Let it be known that this Hub was written truthfully and not condescending to no one or no race. Compassion about something brings truth to paper (in this case, HubPages).
"Let it be known that this Hub was written truthfully "
Well...since Republicans are NOT voting for Obama because they are "Republicans" and need no other reason... then then whole thrust of this hub must mean that it is the DEMOCRAT RACIST WHITE PEOPLE who have to be the people that McCain is allegedly reaching out to with this message.
If anyone wants to argue that the Democratic Party is chock full of racists please don't let me stand in your way.
The point of this article is that we are not "victims" but all "targets" of irrational thinking that presupposes "any man is by the color of his skin or the birth of his mother" better than another. That our level of education, sexual orientation, nationaltiy, religion, the music we listen to, the books we read, our very ideas must fall within the bounds of "passive racism" in order to insure our economic survival and social acceptance. That "moral imperialism" is justified and "any unfortunate who suffers from lack of rational. reasonable thought" should be casually dismissed as intellectually inferior, unworthy of even the dignity of their own self-determination.
Every hidden prejudice, every compassionate self-righteous act masquerading as charity - these are the demons that we must face within ourselves. We are not equal, we will never be equal - but I will never be better than any other creature that stands beside me.
blessings,
julia
julia ward - a BLINDING heart - a writer's blog - www.ablindingheart.com
Just so everyone knows, personal attacks will be deleted. Anyone who can't state a difference of opinion respectfully can go bark at their mirror. I just deleted all personal attacks here, including the one where I called a troll a troll.
Well done. It was unpleasant.
Thanks Paraglider. Didn't see 'em all til I woke up this morning.
At the risk of showing my age, I remember when many Americans vowed hell would freeze over before there'd be a Catholic in the White House (1960, JFK). For a nation touting itself as the Melting Pot of the World, we sure don't mind showing the world what a small-minded bunch of *bigots* - and sexists! - we REALLY are come election time. Makes you wonder why any reasonably intelligent, non-rich, non-white, non-female would even consider emigrating here, doesn't it?
Just so everyone knows, personal attacks will be deleted. Anyone who can't state a difference of opinion respectfully can go bark at their mirror. I just deleted all personal attacks here, including the one where I called a troll a troll.
You just did what you delete others for doing. Calling someone a name is a personal attack. Can't you see that you are doing exactly what you wrote the hub and complained about? Why is it ok for you to do it and no one else? Why are you right in doing it but no one else is?
Allshookup - did you read Joe (or John?) Barton's comments? He came in with two feet, hurling insults. It's not about disagreeing and arguing the opposite view. Most of us welcome that, as it's healthy. It's more about running a respectable house. Almost like working in a bar - banter, ok, provocation, no. And I'm saying this as a disinterested third party, because Pgrundy has already 'erred' in your eyes.
"Why did he choose a nitwit for a running mate?"
"Something is wrong with John McCain. I think someone is putting something in his Metamucil."
"ect...etc...etc..."
Yep... no personal attacks or insults allowed in ~this~ hub, eh.
OK Jack - sorry for styling you Joe or John. I see a difference between attacking public domain figures who after all spend most of their working lives attacking each other, and attacking a fellow hubber. How about you?
Trolling is a form of harrassment in which a person posts an attack that is purely personal with no attempt to present an opposing view and support it in some way. In philosophy it is called an 'ad hominem' argument, literally meaning 'to the man' and is disallowed because it carries no weight rationally. In other words, a person can be a horrible person and have a solid, rational argument. A person can be a saint and make a terrible argument full of holes. Attacking the personal character of a writer is not a legitimate argument, even if the attack is correct.
The argument I make in this very strongly worded essay is that John McCain is making an emotional appeal to the passive racist tendencies of white voters in order to persuade them to vote against their own interests. If you disagree with that, you could state your disagreement and present reasons why you feel my agrument is wrong. But just calling me names and speculating on my personal character is neither persuasive nor helpful, so yes, I will delete comments like that.
You know, this is a writing forum. People come here to write. I find it really bizarre that some of the members here spend so much time attacking other people's opinion pieces instead of writing their own opposing essays.
My point was that she does it to people then doesn't like it when people do the same. She's saying that it's wrong, but she does the same thing. Anyone who see's it can see that. Jack posted several times on the hub. It wasn't like he came in here once, posted something mean, then left. He was actually part of the conversation in here. She called him a name which is a personal attack. But, it seems that it's ok if she's the one who does it. As you can see in my picture, I am white, I own a house, and I shop in a mall. She calls me a name for that. Anyone with sense can see that that a personal attack. It to me is a personal attack.
All shook up, if you take my essay personally it is you who are calling yourself a name, not me. I don't know you. I can't accuse you of a thing much less call you a name.
I never said that every white person who owns a house and shops at a mall is a racist. I said that white people have the option of being racist without doing anything overtly violent, simply by buying a house in suburbia and insulating themselves from contact with other races.
If you live in the suburbs and shop at the mall but aren't racist, then why take offense?
I did call Jack a troll, and I deleted my comments calling him that along with his. I get really tired of people who can't defend their own ideas. Jack didn't express an opinion or an idea. If he has one, he's free to explain it or to write his own hub.
If you are white and have a decent job, you don't have to go out and slap a black person to support passive racism: All you have to do is move into a suburban neighborhood, shop at an upscale mall, and vote Republican year and after year.
That to me is calling me racist. I even asked my friends who are not white, if they feel that I am in any way like that toward them. They all anwered 'no.' I take offense because of what I just copied that you said in the hub. You look at my color, my house, and where I shop and who I vote for and say that I am racist. To me, that makes you kinda a racist. Althought I have voted Rebublican, I have also voted Democratic and Independent. I vote for the person, not the party. I was going to vote for Bob Barr until McCain came out and named Palin to be his VP, then I changed to vote for him because of her.
OK, if you want to take offense I can't stop you.
Funny, I don't see anywhere in the article that says allshookup is a racist.
She is saying that McCain appeals to a certain form of racist...not that every single Republican or prosperous white person is a racist. You may not want to admit it but racism does still exist in the world. I have heard that there is a certain number of Democrats who admit to being racist and that they will not vote for Obama either.
Very well written and thoughtful hub.
This race should be a cake walk for Obama, given the mess the Republicans have made over the last 8 years. But I agree, covert racism is a good part of the reason that this race is so close. It is (if you will excuse the pun), the elephant in the room.When I was growing up, Obama would have been called mulatto (first generation offspring of a black and white parent). He has had a tough road, is he black enough? He's a Muslim but his Pastor is too extreme. Is he too black? He has been scrutinized on so many levels.
I found McCain's treatment of Obama to be reprehensible. He didn't look at him. He did not really acknowledge his presence. How arrogant. Obama kept his cool, lest it be said he is an angry black man. Obama is classy.
I do not know what is in McCain's heart. I do believe he has capitalized on the racism that is still here in our country; sad to say in 2008.
uninvited, I never said it doesn't exist. Apparently you didn't read my posts or you would know that I never said that. I plainly said why I'm voting for who I'm voting for. And it has nothing in this world to do with color. It has to do with where they stand on issues I feel strongly about. And I copied what she said in the hub. I thought you might have already read it, but you can look at my last post to see the offensive part.
I am pro-life, pro-gun, pro-Family, pro-drilling and for protecting America. Therefore, who do you think would be my choice? It has NOTHING to do with color. It's childish to vote for a person because of their color. I don't care if the person is purple and orange polka dotted, male or female, I vote for the person who stands for what I do.
grundy, You greatly underestimate the American public. We are actually smart enough to look at the candidates and see what they stand for before we make a choice. We don't just look and say......hey, he's white, I'll vote for him. Or, he's black, I'll vote for him. And it's offensive for you to think that Americans lack that intelligence.
Pam: I am glad you deleted the personal attacks; I wasn't getting anything out of them, as it was not meaningful communication. We DO have passive racism in this country and this is what all, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, etc., need to change for the progress of our country and get out of the lower mentality of prejudice and separation - and you have done an outstanding job in bringing this out in the open. Thank you again, for this!
Hi Susan & VioletSun,
I know there is a way to review comments before posting them because some other hubbers do this routinely. I tried to find out how to set comments that way but I couldn't figure it out. I've only written two hubs that got trollish personal attacks posted, but those kinds of attacking comments do derail a discussion and leave everyone feeling kind of sick. I'm going to email the people I see that have this setting so I can do it too for hubs that get ugly like this. Thank you for your support.
My point here is that it is easy for white people to say race doesn't matter because it doesn't matter for US. We can go about our business and feel like it's all good. But we know it isn't, we all do, and McCain knows it isn't all good, and he's playing to the ugly side just like Bush did when he and McCain were going for the 2000 nomination. Carl Rove had Bush's 2000 campaign team calling SC voters and telling them John McCain had a "nigger baby" in exactly those terms (McCain has an adopted child from a third world country)--it cost McCain the nomination, thanks to Carl Rove playing to the racist side of SC. Now McCain is using Bush's same campaign team and the same ugly racist tactics. I'm not the first person to point this out and I'm not the only person to be horrified by it. The Tony Auth cartoon of Rove as a Southern Plantation good ole' boy is from months ago.
What's more, polls now show that most of the undecided voters who watched the first presidential debate came to the same opinion I stated in this hub with no prompting from me---I was McCain's own disrespectful, hateful behavior that convinced them, and now he is trailing in the polls because of it.
@ allshookup ...
If you do acknowledge that racism does exist, why is it offensive to point out that a significant number of Americans do, in fact, base their votes on race?
You mean this is what we have to look foward to in Australia. We have only just apologised to the blacks.(sorry Aboriginals).
agvulpes, I hope not! Thank you for commenting.
You have nice look at politics. This is great hub. I am so much impressed by this.
I think that the tragedy of this whole situation is that voters are making a decision based on race.
I know many people who are voting for Sen. Obama because he is black, and people who are voting for Sen. McCaing because he isn't black. Doing that is as ignorant as anything else. It is racism - and it goes both ways.
Passive racism isn't exclusive to whites. There is passive racism in the black community about other races as well. It goes both ways. Neither way is good. Until the Afrian-American community can step up and solve some of its cultural issues, and stop blaming others, passive racism from whites to black, and from black to whites, will continue (By the way - I love Bill Cosby's speeches about this issue - see http://www.eightcitiesmap.com/transcript_bc.htm).
Anyways - voting for someone on the basis of color is a ridiculous idea. The basis of a republic, like America, is an informed populace, and voting on the basis of color doesn't imply that you are informed. ANother thing that implys that you are not an informed voter is voting with your emotions. You simply have to get involved in the issues. Is what Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain promising going to help America? Will it keep America safe and moving forward? Will it run the national debt higher? Just be informed.
Marian, perhaps this hub is offensive to me because of the way it's worded. She says that because of my color and where I live etc that that's all I have to be to be that way. She is racist in saying that in my eyes. I know it exists, I hate that is does, but I know it does. But, like was posted above it, it exists in all races not just white. To me, this hub is just a rant and simply opinion by another Obama disciple. And she went to the extreme of calling me a racist because of where I live and where I shop and that I'm white. She's calling me racist and the reasons she is using is making her a racist and she don't seem to be able to see that. From reading this hub, it makes me feel she's voting for Obama because he is black.
I would firstly like to point out that I totally do not understand the American elections!? I am in England and we get your election run up broadcast on the news here frequently. It seems to go on forever! Over here you get a few weeks and that's it job done! Anyway, I've read this hub and all the comments simply because I find it interesting that America to the rest of the world is the country at the forefront of the world. "the land of the free" to the rest of the world that sounds like you should have no racism! Anyway my point is, firstly to pgrundy there is an option in my account that let's you allow or deny comments if you havn't managed to find it yet it is definately there! I think anyone that is not afraid to speak out on racism should be congratulated and not condemned. Allshookup has taken the defensive position instead of really thinking about the message you were trying to put across. If she wasn't being so defensive she would be able to see past the end of her own nose! Who you American's vote for impact's massively on Britain. Tony Blair could still be prime minister of England if he hadn't of decided to go to war with Bush! I must say even on the other side of the world I am praying that Obama wins!! Why? Because like I said America is such a big country that what happens there impacts on us here! Iraq, The credit crunch! Need I say more? Anyway racism should not exist in the day and age in which we live, but sadly it does and it is not just in America! I hope for the sake of the world that American's see sense and vote with their heads. Change can be very good, change is progress and change would be welcomed by many more than you could ever imagine.
I forgot to add with regards to allshook up that over here in England Obama wouldn't be regarded as black! I would like some one to explain this to me as I cannot understand how you can class a person as "black" when they have a black parent and a white parent? We wouldn't even use black over here it would be african carribean etc etc and if your British your British! you might be white british or african carribean british but either way you are BRITISH. Therefore why in America are you not AMERICAN?
Historically, in the U.S. anyone who was 1/8 or more black was considered black. For others, a single drop of black blood was sufficient.
Hi EJ,
Yes, I agree--our election goes on way too long, especially this one, which feels as if it has been in progress for approximately forever. I would like to see that changed. Politicians spend so much time campaigning I don't see how they can find time to do their jobs once they do win.
The 'one drop rule' is incomprehensible to lots of people who don't live here--espcially people in Britain and Australia who, as you say, don't even see Obama as black. It just shows how screwed up we are and how NOT beyond Civil War issues we are, even in the 21st century.
Ironically, part of my point in this hub was that white people tend to by hypersensitive and defensive about racism and that maybe it is time to get over that, and here is someone being defensive and hypersensitive even after I clearly explained myself. So it's an illustration of exactly the point I was trying to make.
The Republicans have been exploiting racism ever since Nixon came up with the "Southern Strategy" which was perfected by Reagan.
Hi Ralph,
Yes, they took over from the old Dixie-crats pre-Johnson. Sometimes I think we should have just let the South secede.
allshookup --
Accusations of racism do hurt. A bit of self-disclosure here: I'm a light skinned, African American who grew up in Hawaii (like Obama, but I was there longer). Hawaii's racial climate is way different from the mainland's. I'm not easily racially identifiable. Frankly, too, I'm not always sensitive or knowledgeable.
That background is no recipe for peaceful living. I've been called a racist by persons of every race -- sometimes by two or more sides at the same time! Yes, it hurts. Every time. Even when it's a total misunderstanding, or someone's cynical play of the race card. But much more painful is the barb with (more than) a bit of truth in it.
I also call myself an environmentalist -- yet I live in a suburb pretty much unblessed by good public transportation. We're here by necessity, for economic and family-related reasons. But those needs, even if known, give us no immunity from charges of hypocrisy. ("After all, Marian, you just need to move yourself, and move your relatives too, and open up a business, and homeschool your kids and their kids, and ... it's simply a matter of choice!" Unreasonable? Yes. Big grain of truth? Also yes.)
Here's my take on PGrundy's Hub:
Racism and sexism do go every which way. No group is innocent, and few individuals are. But racist and sexist acts and statements pack a harder punch when they come from members of historically privileged groups. A short history of being called names is not equal to a long history of brutal exploitation, followed by discrimination backed up by law, followed by decades of unsteady change.
Often, the bigoted blows are unintended. Wealthy suburban neighborhoods can insulate one from all reality beyond the cul-de-sac and the mall. Un-insulating is possible -- I know folks who do go out there and are aware. But it's rare. I salute those who can make those mental leaps.
As for voting Republican, well, it seems you and I use different voting criteria. I focus on infrastructure and human rights (e.g., education, health care, civil rights and environmental issues).
Frankly, both major parties fall down on the job -- which is why I'm a third-party type -- but, based on my criteria, the Republicans have made a bigger hash of things, by and large. And yes, that hash results in a higher burden on those who are historically less-privileged, with bonuses for the already-privileged.
So. You live a less than egalitarian lifestyle. And so do I (except for the voting Republican thing). We both deplore racism, so how can we become part of the solution?
Peter Seeger said, "Think globally and act locally." In my case, I taught my three children to be tolerant of all races and not look down on anybody or up to anybody, but to look everybody straight in the eye."
Marian, I read your post and it was a good one and well written. I respect your point of view and admire the way you presented it. It sad that the mainland is more racist than your home state. I went to your home state on my honeymoon. Very beautiful! You asked the question at the end about a solution. I think a first step might be not calling people names and accusing them of things. What do you think? This hub to me is racist. I figure you have read my posts and why I feel the way I do. I am white, I own my house, although it's not in a cul-de-sac. And I am within an hour of a mall. We don't have public transpertation. I live 25 mintues from the nearest town. And I love where I live. I should be able to live here without someone like grundy accusing me of being racist. She claims I'm not reading it right, etc. But I know what I see on the page. This to me hurts the cause more than helps heal it. My best friend is adopting her 3rd child. And I am assisting her in any way I can. I bring this up because of the color of the child. She and her husband are both white. The little boy has a white mother and a black father. He has curly hair and his skin is very dark. And he is without a doubt the sweetest kid you'll ever find. We make no difference in him than we do her kids she gave birth to. He fits right in in everything we do. He is 7 and such a joy. We have been many many places around here and took our children with us. We have never seen anyone raise an eyebrow because we are white and he is not 100% white. Does he stand out because of his color? Yes. But, he never sees it. And we really don't. I hadn't thought much of it until grundy started this racial rant hub. But now that I have thought about it, it never crossed any of our minds for them not to adopt him because of his color. How unfair would it have been for us to do that? It never enters our mind and no one has ever mentioned anything about it to any of us. We welcome him with all our hearts. And I feel that's how it should be. I say all of that to say that I realize that racism is out there, but from where I live, it seems to be less and less. And I'm thankful for that. I would like to find a solution. But I don't think going at it with anger is going to do it. I feel it's going to take love and kindness to get it done. What do you think?
EJ, Since you live where you do, you may not be able to see all of the candidates speaking like we can (several times during each day). Obama gave the name 'black man' to himself. I didn't. I don't think of him as black. He has quiet a few nationalities in his linage. So, I'd say that in actuality, we need to see what he has the highest percectage of in him and that might be closer to the truth. Here, we tend to go by our linage when we call ourselves something. Southerners tend to call themselves 'American' and don't go into much of an explanation. But for the most part, Americans call themselves what is in their linage. Again, he called himself that.
You made the comment that change is progress. Not necessarily. Change could be disaster. And I can see pretty far, even farther than the end of my nose. Thank you. It's the rants like yours that keep things from being accomplished. You go at something in the fashion you do, and some others on here, and it will only accomplish more seperation. Marian I feel is maybe the only person on here looking for a solution. She seems very genuine and caring and speaks with poise. The rest seem to want to just stir things up and make more trouble. How sad.
allshookup --
Sadly, I must confess that Hawaii is not racially better, just different. Different history, different mix. Plus, everyone's packed onto an island. Hence, the issues and coping methods are also different. For one thing, unless you confine yourself to a few small city blocks (and some folks manage to do that!) you're pretty much forced to deal with -- and gain some acquaintance with -- other races and cultures. And their issues. You can't escape the very poor, or the very rich, either. And they cannot escape you.
At least, that was true until the 80s or so. As pineapple and sugar cane growing dwindled, many of the old fields morphed into gated communities for the well-to-do, complete with shopping malls, golf courses, churches/temples, and every public service. No need to get to know -all- kinds of locals anymore! At least, not if you're well off.
Is every gated-community resident deliberately running away from reality? Of course not. But it is still a barrier keeping the majority out, and a small world in. From that small world, it is -- inevitably -- harder to see the greater one.
I believe there are 3 Great Divides in our society, and all are based on unequal privilege. They are: racism, sexism and classism. They promote each other.
What's the right way to discuss privilege? Darned if I know. All I've got is another personal anecdote. This one is about sexism.
A few years back, I was an alternate co-chair for a political organization. All of our leadership was gender balanced: male and female counterparts. (We never did figure out how to address all the gender variations, but it was a start.)
The female co-chair and I were going over the roster and found that women were leaving in droves. Some women had been coming forward with complaints about overbearing behavior, but most simply went away. So, we asked the board to start investigating why -- and to make it a real priority.
We were careful to point out that not all men were monsters (and this was true), and that not all women were angels (also true). We also stated that we valued men, and that none of the egregious complaints involved current members of the board (also true). And we made sure to point out that we valued all boardmembers, regardless of gender.
All we wanted to know was why women were leaving, and how we could all do things better. What were folks seeing in other committees, and in their communities? Is it just our organization's numbers, or were women leaving politics in general?
Responses poured in from the men on the board. And all of them could be summed up in one sentence: "I'M not like that!!!" And that was all.
A few women piped up, mostly just to say they were glad someone was asking the questions.
We asked again, repeating all the pleasantries and disclaimers. Same response from the men -- every beloved one of them. For the most part, the women dropped out of the discussion, and more of them left altogether.
And we never, ever, ever, got past the self-justifications and wounded feelings to find root causes and solutions. All discussion was effectively shut down. (These days, the organization is 75% male. Membership overall is way down, and their treasury's a joke.)None of the participants was a sexist. But the men could not get past their own hurt feelings caused by accusations that Did Not Exist.
The result? Passive sexism won. First, by going unrecognized. Second, because defensiveness derailed all discussion.
The only way we could have been "kinder" was if we'd kept silent. But in retrospect, I suspect a verbal Clue-by-Four to certain virtual heads might have served all of us better.
So no, I don't know if anger is the best or most effective approach. But it does get attention and spark thinking.
Marian, I see what you are saying. But, the thinking this hub did to me was opposite of resolving anything because it puts white people who live in a house within dirving distance of a mall and vote (R) on the racist list without her even knowing a thing about me. That is unfair and I don't see anything that she has said in the posts other than to be harsh. Which again, doesn't make me want to work with her for any reason. Had she done this with some sort of dignity or poise, yes, I would have been more interested in doing something toward resolving things. But the words she used made me feel I was being attacked. So, instead of my thinking getting to the point of trying to make something better, it made me think that I was being attacked for no reason and I have been using my brain trying to figure out why. You however, seem to really want to work toward something positive. I admire you for your conduct in here. And for not judging me for my color, etc. Thank you for that.
You said that it does get attention. I think that is her sole reason for doing it, or at least that's how it comes across. Not for anything positive, but for her to get attention for herself. I've seen her post in the forums and I see nothing there that comes across as her wanting to be positive or helpful. Only harsh and abrasive. I'm sorry, but that's how she comes across if you don't agree with her on all points. I'm only saying this because you brought up the attention aspect and so I told you how I feel about that part. It would have been nice had the attention be brought have been positive and get something accomplished.
"And we never, ever, ever, got past the self-justifications and wounded feelings to find root causes and solutions. All discussion was effectively shut down."
After graduate school I taught in the Women's Studies department of our state college extension for a couple of years. I went through what you describe over and over again in trying to get women's studies students to discuss racism and sexism, separately and together, in so many different venues, and the result was always, always as you mention. I always included discussions of racism in my film class and would show Mira Nair's "Mississippi Massala" and compare that with Spike Lee's "Jungle Fever" and then we'd talk about how different cultures present these issues and why are these perspectives different and so forth--and almost every single time the discussion would get hijacked by a naive sort of suburban white person who would get very defensive and make it ALL ABOUT HER.
After a couple of years of this, I became very, very discouraged. I learned a lot in trying to moderate discussions on these issues with persons from diverse backgrounds, but I have to say that usually, what killed the discussion is exactly what you describe. I confess I no longer have the patience I once had, and I am not as inclined to acknowledge or care about that kind of defensiveness---it just angers me. That may be good or bad, I don't know, it's just where I am with it.
So clearly, that anger came out in this hub. But I think there are more horrible things a person could do with a voice than upset comfortable white girls.
Thank you for extending yourself so far to be helpful and kind. My own tolerance for it is exhausted at this point in my life. I appreciate your efforts immensely.
allshookup & PGrundy --
Thank you both for your kind words. It's a frustrating topic, and I've been struggling with it for years.
That (not so short) anecdote was far from my only experience with this sort of shutdown. And I've run into it with racism, sexism and classism. Always with the same result. Cannot get past the defensiveness to explore the problem, let alone find solutions.
Kindness and anger both lead to the same result. Silence maintains the status quo. Status quo is unacceptable. So now what?
Somehow, all three discussions need to happen if we're ever going to become healthy, and I'm talking both individually and collectively.
But if one has been born into a privileged group, and privilege is all around, like the air we breathe, how can one be prepared for the painful discussion that must follow?
I know what it's like to be find a bit of comfort, only to have someone tell me that my comfort is wrong. I'm hanging on by the skin of my aging teeth, I worked hard to get here from nowhere in the first place, and you're telling me to give it up? Not fun. And, often (but not always), the criticism is not justified. But it is true that my choices affect others, and that I have a responsibility to learn what those effects are.
No one's said "allshookup, you are a racist," only that certain choices do have an effect. Passive racism, sexism and classism, by nature, are unintended. But they're no less real. And I suspect every one of us has erred, at least a little.
I would add that "passive -isms" can be mitigated without draconian measures, most of the time. But it takes a mix of reflection and observation to figure out one's best choices.
So, if I lived in a rundown apartment, didn't own a car, lived far from a shopping mall and didn't vote, that would make me non-racist? It just all seems to do with material things and not what's in my heart. I'd think what is in my heart is more important that what kind of house I live in. That confuses me. The hub didn't seem at all to want to see what I feel honestly in my heart. But my skin color. I don't know how else to explain how I feel about the hub or how it makes me feel. After what you went through, I thought you may be able to see where I'm coming from.
You said that it does get attention. I think that is her sole reason for doing it, or at least that's how it comes across. Not for anything positive, but for her to get attention for herself. I've seen her post in the forums >>>
I generally don't get too personal in forums, and haven't in the 12 years I have been online as I have seen how assumptions about others can be misguided, but this comment caught my interest as its a matter of perception. Based on Pam's popularity with her hubs she is doing something right-she is able to get people to think, get involved in discussion, and perhaps push some buttons now and then, and its okay, I think that its the mark of an outstanding writer and teacher, not of someone who is needy of attention.
She has openly discussed passive racism which is a problem in our country, no ifs or buts about it, perhaps you don't identify yourself as one, so its then not about you and I respect that, but it is about others who do fit the passive racism description and which has an influence in the outcome of the election. In my perception, this hub is having a positive effect because its bringing this issue out in the open. I even discussed it with my s/o who is not Hubpages member, is white and self sufficient, not a passive racist at all, has often lived in the suburbs or rural towns, and he agrees with Pam's thoughts; he shared how in the various States he has lived, folks don't have an experience with other cultures and races so form preconceived ideas; however he explores things from a spiritual perspective which is even better for me, but that's perhaps for another hub.
I think we are however getting off topic, and should really be discussing passive racism, and not get personal, and what we could do to change it.
allshookup said (in part) ...
"So, if I lived in a rundown apartment, didn't own a car, lived far from a shopping mall and didn't vote, that would make me non-racist?"
Uh, no. Of course not.
I know PGrundy's words are harsh -- they come from years of frustration. The topic of privilege IS harsh.
I confess that I share PGrundy's frustration. But at the same time, I'm still trying to find out ... what works? How can we get beyond personal defensiveness to reach some real understanding? Because we need to find that approach, and fast.
So, my question to you is -- how can we discuss privilege when kindness and harshness both lead to the same hurt feelings (and communication shutdown)?
Hi VioletSun & Marian,
When a person from a privileged background makes a discussion about passive racism all about his or her own personal views and personal feelings and actions, it takes the focus off of racism and puts the needs of the privileged group ahead of the group being targeted by racism whether passive or active. The reason some white people are hyperreactive about race and defensive about their right to feel great about themselves even if it means silencing others is that making this kind of noise works. It wears out and shuts up the opposition. It is really that simple. Ironically, even though this kind of 'high-jacking' happened right here, it proves my point rather than disproves it.
You see how this works and why it works. But hopefully enough people are sick of it that it won't work this time for the McCain campaign. It might work at HubPages, but in a national election, we'll see. I think what works is critical mass--when enough people are so sick of it that we are in the majority, not the minority. I think that day is very close at hand.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
This is the most disgusting pandering use of a sensative topic that I have ever seen. Both candidates do whatever they can to win yet you make these wild and illogical allusions to make some ridiculous argument why people should vote for your candidate. I have witnessed your guilt ridden race ramblings before and dismissed them as pure hysteria but this time youv'e just gone over the edge.
I resent your implication that everything white people do has subvert racial overtones. If Hillary had won the election the battle would be fought just as hard. I wonder if you would then concoct some fable about him hating women.
This hub depicts the kind of hate that pushed people away from your party. People get tired of someone trying to find an imaginary enemy for them to fear. You should be ashamed.
Me thinks thou protest too much! The pollsters say that race is a big factor with a fair number of white voters. I think they are correct. Few will admit it, but it's apparent from the lack of knowledge of their issues when they talk about who they're going to vote for or why they're not going to vote for Obama. Nobody can be sure how many ignorant, prejudiced people are shying away from Obama because of his race, but they're out there
Thank you, PGrundy ...
"I think what works is critical mass--when enough people are so sick of it that we are in the majority, not the minority. I think that day is very close at hand."
It's the only thing that's ever worked. And I hope the day is close. Meanwhile, there may not be a 'right' approach, but silence is THE wrong one.
May this Hub be one brick in that new building.
"This hub depicts the kind of hate that pushed people away from your party. People get tired of someone trying to find an imaginary enemy for them to fear."
LOL! I don't doubt for a second that some people don't like hearing this.
Thank you for your comment.
No one can honestly deny that race in an issue. Racism is insidious and it's ugliness can be found in people, otherwise good people, of all races. It's funny that the British gentleman suggests that racism doesn't exist in Britain, that you're all just Brits. I doubt my children's godfather, a very proud Englishman with Jamaican roots, would agree. In fact I know he wouldn't, as we've covered this topic before.
I'm a white, female, Independent from Miami, living in Chicago who is married to a Cuban. My whole family is from the Deep South, except my grandfather. He's a first generation American, Russian Jew. Given no Independent candidate, I will usually vote Republican. The rest of my family ALWAYS votes Democrat, this year will be no exception. My point in revealing all of this is that your very well written article (except the parts about S.A. not wanting to share it's oil with us, come on Chavez doesn't share anything with anyone, ask a Venezuelan, and your suggesting that Obama is from the South Side of Chicago) managed to offend me with it's vitriolic tone and I actually agree with you about passive racism.
Are you trying to change perception? Get people to back Obama? Or, are you speaking exclusively to the converted?
Preach on sister, but I will skip the self flagellation, thank you.
I just want to make a comment on blaming the President for what happens while he's in power - since that seems to be an issue here too.
Most political science studies have shown that the President can have very little effect, as a whole on the economy. The credit crunch that people think Bush caused was caused by bad practices of banks and lenders. Bush didn't say - go out and put people in homes they cannot afford. Instead, banks were trying to comply with the Congressional pressure of "putting disadvantaged people in homes." These are the same people that everyone seems worried about. So instead of getting help (jobs, skills, education) they got pushed into the loans. ANd then the banks spliced them and sold them as securities and voila - you have a crisis when the people can no longer afford to pay a mortgage on a house they couldn't afford i nthef irst place.
These things start long before, and will last long after, the various presidents. Racism, passive or not, is present in society, but it is present everywhere and by everyone. You state that polls are showing race is a factor for whites - I bet the polls show its a factor for blacks too. I see any number of black people who are voting for Obama because he's black - or whites voting for McCain because he's white. Simply acknowledge that this exists, move on, and see what you can do in your life to change it. One thing we each can do is vote on the issues, and who will do what, and not on the color of the candidate - and we can encourage others to do the same. Otherwise, we aren't living up to the promise of America is we vote on the basis of race.
Hi La Condessa & nwundelrich,
Sorry you were offended. I'm offended by many hubs I read here but I usually just let it go because expressing my offended feelings on those hubs usually just provokes abuse. I'm not trying to convert anyone to Obama, just strongly stating an opinion along with no small amount of anger over the tactics used by the McCain campaign. I never expected warm fuzzies from anybody, and I don't really care if you flagellate yourselves or not--It strikes me as strange that you think I care whether or not you feel guilty. I don't care if you feel guilty, I don't care if you're mad.
The ideas expressed here are hardly unique to me, as you can see by the ready availability of political cartoons making the same point. Carl Rove is famous for these tactics and they appeal to certain people. You don't have to agree what I say about him or McCain--so far it's still a free country. I think. Thank you for commenting.
The GOP has been appealing to voters on the race issue since Nixon. That's why most of the good ole boy southern Democrats switched to the Republican Party. Nixon started it. Reagan perfected it. And George W. Bush continued it.
The regulatory agencies such as the SEC, the Justice Department, the FDIC, the Treasury Department all report to the President. If they had done their job it's possible the current recession and credit crisis could have been avoided or made less serious. I would be interested in references to "most political science studies" that show that the President can have little effect on the economy. It's perfectly true that the Federal Reserve is independent of the Executive Branch and therefore its actions are not under the control of the President. However, the them under Bush and even to a certain extent under Clinton has been one of de-regulation and letting the market take care of itself.
Thanks for putting a name (ugly as it is) to the nasty tactic McCain is using against Obama. This letter underscores your point, PGrundy.
From Letters to the Editors @ Fort Worth Star-TelegramHow Racism WorksWhat if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review?What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduatingclass?What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said "I do" to?What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she nolonger measured up to his standards?What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not only became addicted to painkillers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?What if Obama were a member of the "Keating 5"?What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the electionnumbers would be as close as they are?This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positivequalities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in anotherwhen there is a color difference.- Kelvin LaFond, Fort WorthAnd, don't forget: What if Barack Obama had an unwed, pregnant teenagedaughter......
Great letter!
Well I've not been active on the hub for some months, but I was intrigued by the posts here as I've read them all and found value in everyone's comments. However, I will say that what strikes me as particularly insulting to those who bravely shine a light on racism, is the reaction of those who wish to sweep away the feelings of those who are directly affected by the back-hand of passive racism.
I believe the point the PGrundy is trying to make and has been making is that when someone wishes to minimize the prevailing existence of racism and the extent that white power goes to hold on to that power, through politics and unbalanced legislation and the like, to some extent, such persons are practicing a form of racism. And for those of us who close our eyes, click our heels 3 times and wish it will all go away---it will never do so because you don't escape problems by burying our heads in the sand.
Even some blacks do this by passively giving in to fear, such as claiming they will not vote for Obama (whether they'd really like to or not) because they're afraid he may be assassinated. That's just plain weak to me. Martin Luther King and others during the civil rights movement faced shot guns and heavy artillary, water hoses and gnarling dogs just so we could have the vote and the protection to walk the streets and go to the polls. And now 40 years later we're willing to let some slimey cowards scare us from the opportunity to go as far as the freedom fighters intended simply because we're afraid. What a joke. Don't these people realize you're giving away the little power you have, or perhaps you still don't know you have it. What a shame.
On the issue of white passive racism, I feel the knee-jerk self-defensiveness may occur out of genuine naivete, or some heavily repressed guilt, or even a clear desire to continue practicing age old prejudices in attempts to beat back progress of others out of fear from some inadequacy. Whatever, they have a right to feel however they wish to feel. We all do. But do not try to stifle others who have the courage to speak up with as much courage or even perhaps more than those of you do on the other side, especially when it's obvious that the only thing guilty persons have to fear is the devil within, that is if there is one you are running from on a daily basis.
Despite what anyone claims about racism and nationalism not having the overtones we have in the continental U.S, I think its obvious from the reactions to these posts, and the reality of the world, (and from the stories told by those who live abroad, and those of us who travel) that racism prevails. No place on earth is innoculated from it.
I do like the idea someone posted earlier that it won't be until these later generations grow up with an ethnic or black president will the idea be erased that it is not normal or appropriate for our representation be other than an old white man. (I'm sorry I do not remember who wrote it, but if you've read the earlier posts, you'll find the exact statement - I'm paraphrasing here)
I personally take offense to what someone said about having to identify what exactly Obama has in him to determine whether he is black, or something to that effect was said. I'm like, "Why"? Why is it necessary to determine whether he is black, black enough, or white enough. See, this ideology is what perpetuates the racist idea that we MUST vet someone according to their ethnicity/lineage/race. It's absurd. And when we make statements like that, we are operatively reducing a person below their true worth. And until people realize the negativity in that, (not in your right to say it, but in the reality that it works against us as a nation, against our interest as humans), we're continually attempting to scale an oil slick mountain in social relations and development. Our economic and global advancement, our societal advancement depends on our ability to evolve out of faulty, age-old beliefs and behaviors.
And what is shameful in politics (and I've seen this with the democratic campaign when Clinton was running against Obama as well as now with McCain against Obama) is that otherwise intelligible persons would stoop so low as to bet on the ignorance on a group of people in utilizing the racial fear factor as a weapon in the presidential race where a man of african ancestry is running, just because they don't feel they could win against him on merit alone. And I see many whites sweep the behavior of Clinton and McCain under the rug as its just politics, or trying to disguise it as covert (even with SOME black republicans defending this tactic - but don't let me get started on that), well, ig just lends more creedence to the fact that the old dixie mentality is alive and well.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. When will we all wake up?
Thank you for your comments Conscious_Wryter. You make a lot of really good points. I think as the campaign goes on, the real nastiness behind some of this is coming out, and more people are moving towards Obama as a reaction against it. It is really pathetic that using these old divisive tactics still seems like a winning strategy to the GOP--it just shows how out of touch they are with what is needed to take this country into the 21st century instead of backward into the bad old days.
I wrote this about the McCain campaign, and still people posted here saying things like,"I'm not like that. I'm so offended you said that about me. This is so offensive. I like living in a nice neighborhood." That is just so insane. If someone who read this thought I was talking to them directly, why on earth would they admit it? Like, oh yeah, that's me alright, I'm a total hypocrite closet racist, and by the way how dare you? That's so nuts.
Again, thank you for your thoughts. It's getting better, but not fast enough.
Like you pgrundy I think America is in trouble from the inside. As an outsider I see the racist attitudes. They are just like Australia. It is just under the surface here too.
I feel for those many Americans who are not racist, not religious, not partisan and not an exremist religious nutter like Palin.
I also believe that more Americans should find out where some of the countries they are bombing are on a map.
I can see the redneckians looking up Muslimia on the world map as I write.
An Australian TV series interviewed Americans on the street and asked them some questions about geography. Most of those interviewed did not know where the Eiffel Tower was, or which country Rome was in, and the list went on.
Public education, compulsory wikepedia lookups, something must be done!
America hypes hypes then hypes. The truth was buried under piles of it years ago and I wonder if it will ever show up again.
Hi Earnestshub,
Our public education system is a disaster. What bothers me even more though is how many people seem to be proud of their own ignornance here. The family I grew up in was like that--My attempts to work my way through college were ridiculed by my siblings and my father. My mother always wanted us to be able to go to college, but even now, in the job I have, I don't talk about it much, because most people are judgmental in a negative way--as if 'wasting' time on something like that proves I have the wrong values. It's really disturbing.
Thank you for your comments. I personally would like to see us stop using bombing as our main form of diplomacy, but it's not so safe to express that opinion openly either.
Amen, Earnest and Pg!
PGrundy said, "I personally would like to see us stop using bombing as our main form of diplomacy, but it's not so safe to express that opinion openly either."
To me, that comment ties it all together. The GOP's one-size-fits-everything tactic is "The best defense is an underhanded offense." Works equally well for foreign policy, political campaigns, even squelching criticism of the Iraq war as unpatriotic to the troops! Or, in the case of John McCain blatantly ignoring Obama during the debate and calling his diplomacy approach naive, "the best defense is to be offensive."
Wouldn't it be swell to see the nice guy finish first for a change? Here's to taking the high road.
Here's to nice guys finishing first! I second that, Mighty Mom!
Well pgrundy, you had to poke a stick into this hornets nest didn’t you?
Anyone who has read my Hub about it knows where I stand on the issue of “racism”. The word shouldn’t even exist. There are no separate races within the species Homo sapiens. Racism is a weapon in the arsenal of supremacists and their lapdog politicians used to create conflict among the masses. Divided we fall.
My wife is black. We have been married, and devoted to each other, for seventeen years. I have worked, played, lived and socialized with people of different ethnic backgrounds most of my life. I didn’t go out of my way to make that happen. That’s just a part of how my life went. I cringe every time I hear someone even use the word race unless they’re talking about beating someone to the finish line.
It depresses the hell out of me to see that this superlative commentary could stir up any negative response. This Hub is precisely accurate and, in my opinion, deserves no criticism. It would seem that the same old tactics, used since the dawn of modern capitalism, are still working just fine.
"However, historical references indicate that class society before capitalism was able, on the whole, to do without this particular form of oppression. Bad as the society of classical Greece and Rome were it is historically reasonably well documented that the ancient Greeks and Romans knew nothing about race. Slaves were both black and white and in fact the majority of slaves were white. The first clear evidence of racism occurred at the end of the 16th century with the start of the slave trade from Africa to Britain and to America." "Racism is a product of capitalism. It grew out of early capitalism's use of slaves for the plantations of the New World, it was consolidated in order to justify western and white domination of the rest of the world and it flourishes today as a means of dividing the working class between white and Muslim or black, and native and immigrants or asylum seekers." (emphasis mine)http://libcom.org/history/800bc-today-a-very-brief
There are NOT separate races of humans! Anyone not aware of this FACT is living in ignorance and probably passing that ignorance to their children!
Stop referring to ethnic groups as races! Educate yourselves and teach your children the truth.
Seems to me racism is an accepted term in our global vernacular, covering any/all prejudice based on skin color. Technically, we may be talking about ethnic groups rather than "races" per se, but the phenomenon of FEAR is all too real-- and all too effective! Who remembers Michael Dukakis' ill-fated campaign (hint: Willie Horton). Here are some technical terms that one might substitute for "passive racism" as being used in the McCain campaign:
Xenophobia - Fear of strangers or foreigners. Melanophobia - Fear of the color black. Arrhenophobia - Fear of men. (and we all know big BLACK men are ooohh... scary!)Just for s*#ts and giggles, here are some additional recognized phobias pertaining to specific ethnic groups. No doubt there is one currently in the works that means "Fear of Muslims"Dutchphobia - Fear of the Dutch.Gallophobia - Fear of France, French culture.Japanophobia - Fear of Japanese.Judeophobia - Fear of Jews.
Bolshephobia - Fear of Bulsheviks.
Great comments ColdWarBaby and Mighty Mom. I actually was challenged by my better half to write this--he called me at work because he was thinking about it and was upset with McCain, so I said Ok. I was nervous because I knew I'd write it differently than he would, but he was happy I did it and all in all I have no regrets either.
I think CWB is right on about race being used as a tactic to divide the masses. If the GOP can get us tearing at each other its easier for them to keep all the money and power up at the top. When labor unions first started, they had to bring all the ethnic groups together and get them to quit fighting--united they had power to stnd up to management, divided they were easy to push around.
Racism may be relatively modern, but "divide and conquer" is much older (and still powerful in this millenium).
The wonderful thing about the First Amendment is that it gives you the right express your views regardless of what they are. I didn't read your hub with the idea that you were an authority, you simply have an opinion. I think people need to keep this in context.
The concept of hanging the "racist" label on white families who don't live in urban neighborhoods is a farce. I have no white guilt, and there is no reason I should. I have plenty of friends who are non-white who do not think I am a racist. I live where I live because the school system is highly rated and I could afford to live there.
Margaret Sanger attempted to wipe out the black race by advocating abortion clinics in every black neighborhood back in the 1920s. She was a eugenics advocate and a socialist. Eventually she became a prominent Democrat. Democrats have created a new type of slavery, called public assistance. They make it nearly impossible for an under-educated person of any color to have the resources to get the education they need while in public assistance. They WANT as many people on PA as possible. That is bad for America. If you want to find bad white men, go no further than your Democratic party to find them.
Covert racism....please. I've got things like my bills, kids educations, high taxes, and medical care to worry about.
It breaks my heart that your words hold so much truth.
Wow... lots of great comments here! I find it interesting that those who support your position generally have better grammar and writing skills than those who have taken personal offense and posted slanderous comments.
I think ColdWarBaby brought up a great point about race being used as a divisive and misleading tool--there is one human race and numerous ethnicities--but even ethnicity is just a factor of where in the world you or your ancestors grew up, and why should it matter??? It absolutely should not, but it does, and that comes through loud and clear in this discussion.
Anyway, I mainly wanted to post a comment to let you know I finally wrote a hub about positive things we can focus on, and I also saw a very inspiring video about race and the election today that made me think of you and this hub: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/1/22234/6599
I'm glad you can hold your own so well, Pam--you're doing great work and anyone who thinks otherwise is blinded by their fears and ideologies.
As a side note, how can anyone be pro-life AND pro-gun? I can't seem to make any sense out of that.
As a side note, how can anyone be pro-life AND pro-gun? I can't seem to make any sense out of that. >>>>
Didn't think of this, that is indeed a contradiction!
That's a man thing, You wouldn't understand :P ;)
My grandpa was extremely racist. My dad was racist. I'm glad to say that my kids don't seem to notice race at all. I've heard all about their friends with never any mention that they were this color or that - was told only the qualities of their personality and likes/dislikes, etc - and was suprised upon meeting to find out they were of color as no mention of it was ever made - very different from how I grew up. My kids range in age from 10 to 24. I think that is a good indication that things ARE getting better. Not all better yet, but getting better. Me? I cherish different cultures, different races, differentness in general. Variety is the spice of life. I do notice it - but I embrace it. I think a lot of people do - as evidenced by the growing popularity of "world" music. It's like women's rights. We're not there yet, but we've come a long way baby!
Hi Sally & Misha & VioletSun, thank you for commenting. I agree about young people today--It really is much better. I see it at work with the under 30 crowd--they don't seem to have the same biases, or at the very least, they have biases to a much lesser degree when it comes to race.
Melissa, Awesome clip! Trumka is right about the labor movement. One of the first things organized labor had to do was break through racial and ethnic barriers to include all workers, because management was very successfully using the 'divide and conquer' strategy he talks about. There's a great movie, "Mattawan" that shows how this worked in coal-mining country, and shows what union organizers sacrificed to get the union together. Thank you for your insight and the terrific clip.
Glad you enjoyed it. :) I'll need to check out Mattawan. Thanks for the tip!
allshookup said "Change could be disaster. And I can see pretty far, even farther than the end of my nose. Thank you. It's the rants like yours that keep things from being accomplished. You go at something in the fashion you do, and some others on here, and it will only accomplish more seperation.
That was directed at me which is fine(if you think that was a rant you should hear me when I really get pi**ed) but I would like to say that as far as I am concerned that was the whole point to the this hub! That right there what she just said!! Why will it only accomplish seperation? We are all adults entitled to our own opinions, are we not? What this hub did was got a bunch of people fired up and talking about racism. The racism that some so quickly dismiss. It is that denial that causes problems. It's far easier to deny that racism exists and not talk about it. This is talking about it so therefore it's already out of that comfort zone for some!! This hub was not intended to insult any particular individual unfortunately some writers have tried to turn it into "but what about me? I'm offended, look at me, me, me." That's what doesn't accomplish anything!!
I was going to refrain from making another comment but I'm frustrated by the ignorance and shear denial of some!! A white couple adopting a "coloured" child wasn't thought about!? I very much doubt it. Considering the responsibilty that comes with a child then I sincerley hope it was seriously thought about and that the writer just made another idiotic comment!
To la condesse. My comment was "Anyway racism should not exist in the day and age in which we live, but sadly it does and it is not just in America!" I'm a mother of five young children, living in a city in the north of England. I'm as far from your idea of the english gentleman as you could possibly get! I did think this was quite amusing though and for that I thank you. The comment I made about why black is black was because I couldn't figure out the blood rule which someone later explained. Now that could be a whole new debate on it's own!
Anyway those of us that do not have our heads in the clouds, would hopefully agree that change is the only way forward. It will come eventually and I just hope for sooner rather than later.
TROLL ALERT!
This "person" has been here only 24 hours and produced one completely vile Hub. This is their contribution?
The best possible course of action in the case of sickfingers is to completely ignore him/her? The only reason people like this post on sites like HubPages is to disrupt those who find some camaraderie and reward from rational, intelligent discussion.
Don’t get mad, don’t respond at all. You’d simply be wasting your time and that’s the intention.
Hi CWB, I agree. I took the comments off.
Come on people, if you can't keep profanity and personal attacks out of the comments then don't bother. Write your own hubs on this if you can't be civil.
This guy/gal or whatever is here for only one purpose and that is to disrupt, provoke and cause conflict. These are the only comments I've ever been forced to delete. If this person isn't banned by the moderators then I will only respond long enough to the comments to delete them.
Oh yeah, this is a direct route to ban, no question :D
Hi Pam: Hmmm. Provacative. The community coming together to discuss an issue in thoughtful and insightful ways.
Here is some useful info for you answering your question above (somewhere way up there). In the edit mode of any hub, click on the edit button of the comment capsule. Click the box "preview comments before posting," or something like that. Thats it. Always a surprise to look in on you. Thanks.
Oh, btw, vote for McCain!
Without getting into the political debate here, I wanted to say that I do agree with you on some of the points you made. Anybody who knows me knows that you do NOT, under ANY circumstance tell a racist joke because I certainly won't stand around and listen to it or take it. I cannot stand those who make comments or jokes about any opposite race of their own. It's wrong. I have two words for all of those who choose to do such: EDUCATE YOURSELF. :)
Wonderful article. I agree whole-heartedly with much of what you said. It's sad that in this day and age, people can be so divided about race. Wasn't it Dr. Seuss who said "a person is a person, no matter how small." Sure, he is talking about the Who's (Whos?), but you could replace "small" with a different adjective. Point being, people are people. Kindergartners get it. It's adults who have the problem I guess.
However, I do have to say, from a grammatical structure standpoint, it does seem like you are saying those who chose to live in a suburban neighborhood, shop in upscale malls, etc. are choosing to support passive racism. I think some who have posted here have taken it waaaay too literally and should chill, but it does seem that way.
I live in a suburban neighborhood, I shop in an upscale neighborhood (for my city it's upscale anyway) and from first appearances it could look like white supremacy land. But in reality, there are many different races who reside and shop there.
I think I know what you mean by your statement, and thus, it does not offend me. But, if in fact you do mean that people like me are supporting passive racism, then maybe that should be a discussion. We could both be enlightened perhaps.
Hi Janie,
Thank you for your comments.
No I did not intend to say that anyone who lives in a predominantly white suburb and shops at upscale stores is a passive racist, but rather that passive racists don't have to confront their own feelings and attitudes about race when they adopt such a lifestyle. I'm not here to accuse anyone I know personally of being a passive racist, or even any of the people who read this article as being passive racists. My point is that passive racism exists, it's easy to hide it (even from oneself), and the McCain campaign is knowingly pandering to it in this campaign.
I'm amazed by how personally some white people take any discussion of race, on any level. As you can see from the comments here, I find that irritating. To my mind, this exaggerated response of taking great offense serves to silence any discussion or criticism on the topic.
I didn't expect applause for writing this, but I can tell you I've had more fun than this in my life.
Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.
This hub has many good points. Sometimes when I tell people I am voting for Obama I do get a weird look, but at this point most people I know are voting for him. However, a few months ago they were still making commenst about his name and heritage, which we do not see happening with white presidential candidates in the past. The reality is it is still very hard for a minority person to run for office, and saying it is not say is fooling ourselves.
Sally's Trove says:
14 months ago
White privilege goes hand in hand with passive racism. You and your readers may already know this very timely and powerful piece on white privilege by Tim Wise, but here it is just in case:
timwise.org, click Blog (At Red Room), click This Is Your Nation on White Privilege (Updated)
Sorry about the convolutions, but there does not seem to be a specific URL for this essay.
Outstanding Hub, as always.