I figure this is an appropriate thread for these questions. While I recognize I will never know what it is like to be a black man in this country, im curious about some things. 1) why do black people just assume im racist? I was talking to a guy that did laundry at the hospital I use to work at. He had come over to my house for some drinking because my sister invited his wife. While we were enjoying a drink he said I'm glad you are a cool guy, I always thought you were a racist. So I asked why and he couldnt really tell me other than I ignored him at work. I've never been one for small talk, with anyone, but I always refer to people as sir and ma'am no matter their race, and when I see someone in the hall I usually greet them with a good mornin or something of that nature. I treated him no different than my other coworkers, yet he assumed I hated him for his skin pigment? And had the entire department thinking I was racist. Why? 2) specifically for dviss do you hate when young black men use the n-word in any variation? I personally hate the word in any form whether it ends with a or er it is disgusting, if I were black I feel like I'd flip out on the black people who use it, but because I'm white I just dont say anything because I feel like it's their right to use it if they want, but I would flip on a white person using it, does that make me racist?
I am not going to rehash any arguments regarding this, because I was sincere in my apology, and I'm not going to win such an argument. And I have to accept that. But I do admit to still having reservations and conflicting emotions about the state of race in this country. But, like I said, we have ignorance working against us in the sense that we're not black. So....I am just going to say this: I agree with this post, and I politely and respectfully await a response.
I've never crossed the street to avoid anyone. If you're going to get jumped, they'll cross the street to jump you anyway. What's the point? But seriously, there's really nothing to fear in the first place.
You know, it would be funny if it weren't so ridiculous and idiotic. I'm 6'5", 225, usually with scruffy facial hair, and often wear hoodies with sunglasses. I'm exactly the stereotypical kind of person that people concerned about their safety while walking down the street should cross to the other side to avoid. Yet they don't (as far as I've ever seen). How people who've never met either of us could think that someone 2/3 my size who happens to have darker skin is the more menacing of the two will never be within my realm of comprehension. Except to say, people are morons.
1. I have no idea. Maybe it's some sort of vibe you're putting out? I honestly don't know how to answer that question. 2. Not at all! That makes you awesome!! Some of us hate that word. Some of us use it frequently with no filter. I personally believe that unless that word has been hurled at you in hate, you probably shouldn't use it. I'm always bewildered when white people want to use the "a" version. If I were white I'd never want to say either version. But, I grew up with an inner city black kid's worldview so it's easy for me to say that. I don't use it in front of white people (even my friends) at all really. I have a filter. However, I use the "a" version at times around my black friends. BUT... Only close black friends. You see, we took that vile word that represented so much hate and negativity and turned it on it's head. Instead of producing negative energy, it became a word that produced positivity. Because, if you were my "nigga", you were my close friend. Or if you were "the or that nigga" you were the cool guy. Again that's a word I only use around close friends. Filter. Now, the word nigger? It of course has a completely different meaning. I use that around my friends of any race all the time! See that's a word that simply needs to made fun of in the very manner Dave Chappelle did: You see, I believe seeing it in that venue, where it is being made fun of, is where racism will die. Treat each other with respect, shame racists with humor.
Ive never understood it either. But im near 300lbs and intimidate pretty much everyone I meet without meaning to. Regardless I dont get being scared of someone because of race. But I sometimes wonder if I've crossed a street or something just cause that's where I want to go and a passer by assumed I was avoiding them.
Man, how insensitive of you! Next time, continue on your way until you and the potential offendee pass one another, then cross the street and backtrack to your destination so as to prevent causing someone to perceive you as racist. Jerk.
1) i dont understand it but i get the demeanor thing. Most white people just assume im an ass hole because of my facial expressions and lack of overall desire to communicate, I was just curious why he and his entire department assumed I was racist when I work with people of every race and we all have each others back when things get hairy. 2) I like your view point. Dave Chappell is funny as fuck and I agree humor is the best way to end it. I've always found racial jokes funny, and the primary reason is because if someone actually believes that shit, their stupidity is what im laughing at.
Dude....I'm the father of a 6'5" son with scruffy facial hair and usually wearing a hoodie and sunglasses. You guys have a huge aura over your head that screams "accountant"! The only time time people would cross the street to avoid you is at tax time......
Excellent job Jade. You pretty much summed up (in general) where some many of us white guys came from. I'd like to think that most of us are products of ignorance (not an excuse, just stating the reality). I grew up in a family environment that was anything but racist, but we are all subject to outside influences, unfortunately. Growing up in an overwhelmingly white community did not go a long way towards broadening our horizons. It takes courage in the face of the status quo to open up your mind and to try and accept new ways of thinking. Sometimes it seems like an impossible job, if/when our well meaning words and efforts are misunderstood. I mean, who can blame black people for not trusting white people, even in the most general terms. We can't erase centuries of disgraceful treatment overnight. But if we quit trying, the racial issues are only going to get worse. It's this type of dialogue that makes SC2 a special place for me and why I keep coming back. There's always something relevant to learn here other than basketball. I may not always agree with the sentiments expressed, but it's still educational. Thank you for your courage Jade.
So.........it's not even the middle of March and you still have time to hang out on Sc2.......are you sure you're really a tax guy??? Who's minding that flock, Homey?
Naw, I'm actually corporate, not public. Managing all that revenue and inventory. A lot better than having to deal with the riff-raff.
And it beats totally giving up 4 months of your life every frickin' year. BG is certainly happier....and less cranky....for having made the switch from the tax side......
No matter who you are, where you come from, most people are limited in their interactions to the same people every day. This might be a racially diverse crowd or a homogeneous one, but regardless new ideas, relationships and outlooks are often hard to find. That's why I think it's so important to travel. And I don't mean go to a resort, I mean spend some serious time living with, eating with, drinking with locals from somewhere you didn't grow up. I lived in France for a year when I was young, moved five times as a youth, spent summers in exchange programs and basically always tried to expand my horizons. One thing you realize is people are the same everywhere. There are douchbags, awesome people, generous, smart, lazy, ....... and it's just part of the human existence. It makes the individual person so important to connect with, regardless of background.
Excellent post Further! For whatever it is worth, I just recently lost my father. As I have shared, he was badly scarred in a fire as a very young child. One of the most important lessons Dad taught my siblings and I (mostly through actions rather than words) is that if we judged others on appearance, we might miss someone special. My father was truly special. As a young man, he and two friends spent three months traveling a pre-interstate America. As much as he loved marriage and family life, that trip was one of the greatest experiences of his life. Because he got to meet and get to know people from all regions and walks of life. It really opened his eyes and I'd like to think he also taught some positive lessons along the way. Thanks to my dad's posthumous generosity, I plan to follow in his path next spring . My goal is to try and stay on the roads less traveled and to visit the working class cities in hopes of meeting a wider variety of Americans. To eat and drink with them in their own environments and to try and come to common understandings on what makes the other tick. Hopefully all involved will be a little better off for the experiences.......assuming they don't run my ass outta town when they find out I'm from such a liberal Commie state....but yes, to better understand others, we have to make an effort to try and get to actually know them, good, bad or indifferent.....the current state of the government and the media certainly isn't going to help foster positive understanding and respect.....
I find the most interesting people in my travels are usually the real locals...folks who left their small town once, didn't like what they saw and went home to stay there for their entire lives. Having not been able to do that myself, I find it really interesting. My dream summer is to hike the Appalacian trail from Savannah Georgia to Maine with my son. Hopefully I'll get the chance one day
Awesome that you get to do this, and it sounds like something that would have made your father smile. I haven't traveled for a couple years since I'm trying out a new career and my attention belongs here, but there is nothing quite so amazing as giving yourself the freedom to go with the flow during travel. When I went to Vietnam a few years back I ended up going over to a locals house for dinner one night because I saw he had a lot of fishing equipment to carry after he docked. I helped carry stuff and just chatted with him. Ended up eating with his wife, daughter and drinking till the wee hours with the lot of them. It's an experience you just can't plan. Be outgoing while you travel even if it makes you feel weird, it pays off.
