"You Don't Know What it's Like to be a Black Man . . ." Is it Really a Black and White Issue?

Photo by Chance Agrella

 

The claim that Hillary Clinton or anyone else who is not a black man cannot possibly understand or relate to 'the experiences of the black man' is ludicrous and faulty in logic.

By that same logic, the person making the statement could not possibly understand or relate to the 'experiences of a white woman' or anyone else who is not a black man - which means they have no frame of reference for comparison, which is needed in order to make their statement true.

You don't need to roll in a pigsty to know it stinks, and you don't have to go into space to know that stars are beautiful. As humans we have been given a unique ability to learn about and understand things we do not directly experience, but that we observe. As humans, we also have a unique gift for being able to show compassion for the pain others suffer - that we, ourselves, have not.

You don't have to be a white woman to understand that being treated unfairly is not fun. You don't have to be a black man to know that it really stinks to be judged upon how you look.

And frankly, there is no way to possibly 'know' the experiences of everyone else - as everyone has a unique experience. My experiences as a white woman are not the same experiences as any of my female friends who are white - though we have a few in common.

We are all people, which makes us each uniquely different. It is not our race that defines us, but the choices we make when the challenges life throws at us all come our way.

What do YOUR choices say about YOU?

Obama is at it Again - 'Typical' White People Remark

Photo by Chance Agrella

In a radio interview on March 20, 2008, Obama's racist views were again shown for what they are when he commented that his white grandmother was a 'typical white person' in her feelings/reactions to blacks.

Gimme a break.

The Obama camp is shouting about racism and stereotypes needing to be overcome - and yet here he is, with his own lips, spewing stereotypical racism.

Listen to it HERE.

For the record, 'typical' is defined as

• exhibiting the qualities or characteristics that identify a group or kind or category; "a typical American girl"; "a typical suburban community ...
• conforming to a type; "the typical (or normal) American"; "typical teenage behavior"

From: Worldnet.princeton.edu

Racism is defined as

• Prejudice or discrimination based on an individual's race; can be expressed individually or through institutional policies or practices. ...
  www.hsp.org/default.aspx
• or racialism is a form of discrimination based on race, especially the belief that one race is superior to another. ...
  encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/ra/Racism
• The belief that one 'racial group' is inferior to another and the practices of the dominant group to maintain the inferior position of the dominated group. Often defined as a combination of power, prejudice and discrimination.
  www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/voices/ref/gloss/glossary.html

Stereotype is defined as

• a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or ...
  www.gssm.k12.sc.us/gssmweb2/English/invisible.html
• An exaggerated image of the characteristics of a particular group. Phrase coined by Walter Lippmann (1922) to describe “pictures in our head”
  www.uihome.uidaho.edu/default.aspx
• an exaggerated belief that can be positive or negative but generalizes without allowing for differences.
  www.louisianavoices.org/edu_glossary.html
• A conventional image or characterization that is widely accepted.
  www.oneontacsd.org/hs/murphy/terms.htm
• Ethnic stereotypes are fixed, oversimplified ideas about an entire group. A stereotype may contain a "kernel of truth," but this kernel becomes exaggerated and rigidly applied to the entire group.
  www.hsp.org/default.aspx

This 'typical white person' has no problem with people of other races, creeds, colors, religions, etc. I only have problems with idiots, racists, and other stupid and/or hateful people. When I see you coming, I won't care what color you are - but I will care if you act in a way that I perceive as creepy or threatening - which can occur regardless of your gender, race, creed, color. Hassle me and I will kick yer tushy. I am an equal-opportunity creepy hassler butt-whooper. Everyone else gets a smile and a friendly 'hello'.

Is anyone else sick to death of the race card being played over and over and over? If you are running for president of the ENTIRE country, which is comprised of colors and races other than blacks, you need to represent us ALL - yes, even us 'typical white people'. We are all AMERCIANS - you know, the 'melting pot' thing? Try thinking in those terms for a change, Senator Obama.