What Price for White Skin?

Off Topic Politics & World Issues
381

[quote]Qaash wrote:
SteelyD wrote:
Professor X wrote:

That effectively forces any black person who is successful to act as a representative for an entire race. Should that individual fail, everyone will notice the failure as being “part of the rule” and associate it with race. I am not sure how someone could deny this.

Prof. X:
You are a role model for any young person, black/white/green/male/female. From what I can gather from your posts, you are a (presumably) successful, surgeon, a military veteran, and one seriously physically impressive human, oh, and just happen to be black.

I would consider you “The Ideal” role-model for youth, especially young black youth. I believe you have potential to be the greatest influence for some folks.

Do you feel like you must act as a representative for your entire ‘race’ (I don’t like that term, but using it for consistency in the post).

Do you feel like you must act as a representative for your community? Is it bad thing?

Who is the better role model, you, or LeBron James, or Snoop Dogg? I’ve grown weary of ‘black leaders’ who claim that Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell ‘sold out’ the black community.

By becoming educated and successful, have you sold yourself out the “black community”?

I’m not answering for him but wanted to ask why should he be? Aside from living life as a decent human being and influencing those within his circle? I’m not being condescending…just honestly curious.[/quote]

I shouldn’t be. That choice is up to the individual.

382

[quote]Qaash wrote:

Last year in NYC…there was a report in which the reporter was referring to a white teen arrested in a bias attack as wearing the official hip-hop uniform…white t, jewelry and a base ball hat…[/quote]

Shit, between that and Converse tennis shoes, that was pretty much my daily outfit in college. T-shirts don’t cost much and come three in a pack. If this is causing “caution”, people should check themselves instead of the guy wearing the gold chain.

383

[quote]Professor X wrote:
I don’t know of anyone claiming Rice or Powell sold out. [/quote]

Just a few of many-

re: Colin Powell (a bit dated)
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0033,noel,17337,1.html
http://www.blackcommentator.com/14_belafonte.html

re:
Ms. Rice (a left-handed compliment implying that a successful, powerful Black woman can’t be Conservative)
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/sayitloud/mathis214

re:
Clarence Thomas-- dozens of examples-- he got the worst of it.

[quote]Professor X wrote:
In fact, I am more than sure that if Powell had run for the presidency, that we may have actually had a black president at this point in history.[/quote]

I don’t disagree with that. In fact, I would have volunteered to work on his local election committee.

I don’t disagree with that. I just used his name because he has been discussed in the thread. However, when any celebrity, black or white, uses their celebrity status as a social/political bully pulpit they become a proxy for a group. I’m not saying it’s fair, but it happens. For example, Harry Belafonte’s criticisms of Bush and Powell. He has been ‘elevated’ to ‘Leader in the “Black” Community’ only because of his celebrity.

[quote]Professor X wrote:

I think children should have their parents as role models initially. If they do their job to any level of competence, their kid shouldn’t be that influenced if a celebrity falls down in the eye of society.[/quote]

re: Parents as role models- absolutely, but celebrities for better or worse become proxy role models. That’s just a hard truth, black/white/male/female, especially in our TV driven world (note: I don’t have a TV streaming in my house).

[quote]Professor X wrote:
SteelyD wrote:
Do you feel like you must act as a representative for your entire ‘race’ (I don’t like that term, but using it for consistency in the post).

Professor X wrote:
Yes. I had one black grandmother come into the clinic today with her 10 year old grandson.
…
I understand why she acted this way. I also understand that people like her waited a long time to see people like me.
[/quote]

This must have made you feel incredible…? You may have changed the course of this kid’s life-- you never know.

[quote]SteelyD wrote:
Do you feel like you must act as a representative for your community?
Professor X wrote:
That comes down to the individual. I have always done community service. I was in high school when a group of us started going to the Texas Children’s Hospital every Wednesday to spend time with the kids on dialysis. That is just who I am. Because of that, yes, I personally feel a responsibility because I feel that kids need to be able to see what can be done even if they didn’t grow up with much…all kids.

I don’t claim to be a “role model”. I’m not perfect.[/quote]

This is my whole point. You didn’t get to where you are by blaming anyone for their past. More than likely you were influenced by it-- I don’t know. But no one who I know of any race, color, creed, or gender becomes successful by blaming someone else.

Role models don’t have to be perfect. I have kids-- ask them how ‘perfect’ I am-- no, please don’t :wink: But, I take great pride knowing that I am the primary influence on them. I’m pretty successful in my career and life, and while I won’t be so bold to claim I bear the ‘burden’ as it were of black skin, I’ve dealt with my share of ‘racism’ for my ethnicity, and even today living in ‘the whitest state in the Union’.

384

[quote]
Why is “professional society” judging someone by what they wear IN THEIR OWN FREE TIME? [/quote]

'cause they’re wearing rediculous clothing and speaking incoherent sentence fragments. Same way if a white kid wears eyeliner, his sister’s jeans and mopes around, he’ll be looked at as a slacker.

385


The “racist” Vogue cover flap has to do with mirroring this photo. Ridiculous? Of course, but inventing racism where there isn’t any is a cottage industry, particularly in journalism.

386

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:

Why is “professional society” judging someone by what they wear IN THEIR OWN FREE TIME?

'cause they’re wearing rediculous clothing and speaking incoherent sentence fragments. Same way if a white kid wears eyeliner, his sister’s jeans and mopes around, he’ll be looked at as a slacker.[/quote]

How is “[quote]white t, jewelry and a baseball hat[/quote]” a "rediculous " choice for clothing?

387

[quote]thunderbolt23 wrote:
The “racist” Vogue cover flap has to do with mirroring this photo. Ridiculous? Of course, but inventing racism where there isn’t any is a cottage industry, particularly in journalism.[/quote]

Oooh, now that I see them side by side…no,wait, I’m still wondering what the fraks(sorry BSG fan) wrong with people.

388

[quote]Qaash wrote:
Well, I don’t give a flying frak!!! about Vogue in general but the fact that the first black man they see on the cover and they start thinking king kong…speaks well of those that read Vogue, don’t it?[/quote]

I don’t think the readership needs to be questioned. Not yet at least.

Let’s look at this supposed “magazine analyst” guy first. Is he white, or black?

I am not offended in the least by the cover.

I think this simple itemcould shed more light on the race issue than all of the statistics ever could.

If the guy is white - then we have to look at the white apologists out there for being to blame for the race situation we have right now.

If the guy is black - that opens up a entirely new can of worms.

King Kong? Give me a break. After being with Tom “could I be any gheyer?” Brady - Gisselle (sp) would probably be get-a-mop wet at the thought of being in the arms of a real man.

I’m just sayin’.

389

[quote]Professor X wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:

Why is “professional society” judging someone by what they wear IN THEIR OWN FREE TIME?

'cause they’re wearing rediculous clothing and speaking incoherent sentence fragments. Same way if a white kid wears eyeliner, his sister’s jeans and mopes around, he’ll be looked at as a slacker.

How is “white t, jewelry and a baseball hat” a "rediculous " choice for clothing?

[/quote]

That isn’t. I wear that same outfit very often. MY EXAMPLE, to which you responded initially was an XXXL t-shirt on a M frame with pants sagging half way down one’s ass with an oversized ball cap.

390

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Professor X wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:

Why is “professional society” judging someone by what they wear IN THEIR OWN FREE TIME?

'cause they’re wearing rediculous clothing and speaking incoherent sentence fragments. Same way if a white kid wears eyeliner, his sister’s jeans and mopes around, he’ll be looked at as a slacker.

How is “white t, jewelry and a baseball hat” a "rediculous " choice for clothing?

That isn’t. I wear that same outfit very often. MY EXAMPLE, to which you responded initially was an XXXL t-shirt on a M frame with pants sagging half way down one’s ass with an oversized ball cap.
[/quote]

And you are also describing some extreme example of what we are discussing. I am asking for specific examples of this style. With a whole internet at your disposal, I want to SEE what causes so many of you to be so “cautious”.

How is the outfit you are even describing causing people to think they see a criminal? The last time there was even a huge fashion statement by allowing your pants to sag, Jodeci was still putting out cd’s and OJ hadn’t been chased down the interstate yet in a white Bronco.

All signs point to many of you needing to remove the stick from your collective asses.

394

Am I the only person who makes the distinction between bigotry and racism?

395

[quote]Qaash wrote:
Am I the only person who makes the distinction between bigotry and racism?[/quote]

There is a distinction. Bigotry is essentially a more negative word for general intolerance: Bigotry Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

Racism is a word for discrimination based on race: Racism Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

I suppose you could combine the concepts too: racist bigotry, for example.

396

[quote]Professor X wrote:
rainjack wrote:
Professor X wrote:
With all due respect for the great Rosa Parks, there were many days before that one day that she DID sit in the back of that bus. In fact, the thing that sparked her split second decision that helped change society was the simple fact that she was tired as hell from work and her feet hurt. She simply refused at that point and accepted being arrested for the simple act of sitting in a seat.

That means there were several days before that day where she DID give a shit what others thought…because the ramifications of not doing so involved risking everything.

But the fact remains - she did something. Excuse away why she did something, if you must. But she took action none the less. Which is more than I see anyone in the black community doing currently, of for the past several years. All you get from Jesse an Al (leaders in the black community whether you want them to be or not) is whining and complaining. No action, just bitching and moaning. Not much different than what one reads in this thread.

I also don’t see you coming up with any solutions to what is obviously a problem.

Then you haven’t been reading.

Refusing to move on a bus was a very bold move given the time period. What possible significant action today would even be in the same area code for any one individual? Short of walking up to the White House and setting yourself on fire, to judge how people today can speak out against what they disagree with by the standards of the 1960’s makes little sense.

Further, Jesse Jackson is not my leader. Neither is Al Sharpton. One of the problems I am pointing out is how most of America groups every single black person in the same boat (and do so in a negative light) but have the audacity to scream out if someone says, “typical white person” EVER.

No matter how you flip it, most White Americans have an advantage by simply NOT being seen as part of a group instead of an individual. You get the privilege of being “a man”. I get the burden of being “a black man”. You asked what I want. I want that to change.

We are far from equality in those terms. Simply because there are no buses for me to get arrested on doesn’t erase the fact that I am voicing my opinion publicly and have already acted positively by doing what needed to be done in my own life.

Why should any black person be expected to do more? When do you get the chance to do something?

Oh, that’s right…“you all” don’t hold any responsibility other than finger pointing. My bad.
[/quote]

Seems like living your life as an example of how you would want your children to be, for instance would be a good start, instead of racing after the money and fame every time. Those things are fleeting and that comment transcends race.

Who thrust the burden of being a black man on you. That sounds like a perception and/or a instilled attitude and in my opinion is not truth.

397

[quote]BostonBarrister wrote:
Qaash wrote:
Am I the only person who makes the distinction between bigotry and racism?

There is a distinction. Bigotry is essentially a more negative word for general intolerance: Bigotry Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

Racism is a word for discrimination based on race: Racism Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

I suppose you could combine the concepts too: racist bigotry, for example.[/quote]

It’s been my experience to encounter more bigotry than flat out racism in my life. People have ideas about what a “typical” black man is and are “surprised” when I don’t fall into that category. I think more than anything thats the problem with our society as a whole…the actions of the few speak for the many.

398

[quote]rainjack wrote:
Qaash wrote:
Well, I don’t give a flying frak!!! about Vogue in general but the fact that the first black man they see on the cover and they start thinking king kong…speaks well of those that read Vogue, don’t it?

I don’t think the readership needs to be questioned. Not yet at least.

Let’s look at this supposed “magazine analyst” guy first. Is he white, or black?

I am not offended in the least by the cover.

I think this simple itemcould shed more light on the race issue than all of the statistics ever could.

If the guy is white - then we have to look at the white apologists out there for being to blame for the race situation we have right now.

If the guy is black - that opens up a entirely new can of worms.
[/quote]

That’s what I was thinking as well. There was a story on NPR a couple of years ago about offensive sports team logos/mascots that focused on the FSU Seminoles.

They interviewed 3 groups of people:

1-Those who were offended by the representation of native americans as used by FSU and thought the team name and logo should be changed.

2-Students and faculty at FSU who were proud of their team’s name, didn’t think it was offensive, and didn’t want to change it.

3-Actual Members of the real Seminole tribe who didn’t see anything offensive about FSU’s use of the Seminole name, and were actually proud of the school and the team’s rich history.

The really funny thing was that none of the offended group, group #1, were actually members of the Seminole tribe, they didn’t identify themselves as students or faculty of FSU, and I don’t think any of them were even native americans.

It sad that there are people out there who have nothing better to do than get offended for other people.

399

[quote]Qaash wrote:
BostonBarrister wrote:
Qaash wrote:
Am I the only person who makes the distinction between bigotry and racism?

There is a distinction. Bigotry is essentially a more negative word for general intolerance: Bigotry Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

Racism is a word for discrimination based on race: Racism Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

I suppose you could combine the concepts too: racist bigotry, for example.

It’s been my experience to encounter more bigotry than flat out racism in my life. People have ideas about what a “typical” black man is and are “surprised” when I don’t fall into that category. I think more than anything thats the problem with our society as a whole…the actions of the few speak for the many.[/quote]

Agreed…but I’ve been saying that. I deal with “surprise” so much it gets irritating.

related story:
I had a sales rep for a medical supply store come to my office when it was me and another doctor there. I’ve described him before as being about 230lbs at no more than 8% body fat. He’s also white.

The sales rep sat down at the desk both of us were sitting at…and began presenting her supplies only to him as if I was his assistant. She didn’t even acknowledge I was in the room. I didn’t say anything because I wanted to see how long that was going to go on. We were both dressed exactly the same with the ONLY difference being the color of our scrubs.

She finished her presentation, thanked him and began to walk out. As she was leaving I said, “We’ll be contacting you if we decide to order anything…by the way, my name is Doctor…”. The look on her face was if I had just slapped her.

I deal with things like this often yet everyone here would try to find every reason in the book for why it happens other than the simple fact that I’m black.

You are right, but rationalization of the problem is even worse than allowing the actions of a few to speak for the many.

400

[quote]Professor X wrote:
Qaash wrote:
BostonBarrister wrote:
Qaash wrote:
Am I the only person who makes the distinction between bigotry and racism?

There is a distinction. Bigotry is essentially a more negative word for general intolerance: Bigotry Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

Racism is a word for discrimination based on race: Racism Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

I suppose you could combine the concepts too: racist bigotry, for example.

It’s been my experience to encounter more bigotry than flat out racism in my life. People have ideas about what a “typical” black man is and are “surprised” when I don’t fall into that category. I think more than anything thats the problem with our society as a whole…the actions of the few speak for the many.

Agreed…but I’ve been saying that. I deal with “surprise” so much it gets irritating.

related story:
I had a sales rep for a medical supply store come to my office when it was me and another doctor there. I’ve described him before as being about 230lbs at no more than 8% body fat. He’s also white. The sales rep sat down at the desk both of us were sitting at…and began presenting her supplies only to him as if I was his assistant. She didn’t even acknowledge I was in the room. I didn’t say anything because I wanted to see how long that was going to go on. We were both dressed exactly the same with the ONLY difference being the color of our scrubs.

She finished her presentation, thanked him and began to walk out. As she was leaving I said, “We’ll be contacting you if we decide to order anything…by the way, my name is Doctor…”. The look on her face was if I had just slapped her.

I deal with things like this often yet everyone here would try to find every reason in the book for why it happens other than the simple fact that I’m black.

You are right, but rationalization of the problem is even worse than allowing the actions of a few to speak for the many.[/quote]

that was fucked up. “…my name is Doctor.” When I was working as(only black) booking officer in the jail,I had a few run ins with a particular state trooper. He refused to acknowledge me at all during booking process and seemed to have attitude when I addressed him…as if I was telling him how to do his job. But he was all buddy…buddy with everyone else.

Well as policy for most law enforcement facilities,arrested offenders MUST be searched before entering. A no brainer. Anyways,the above mentioned trooper seemed to be inconsistent with following that policy.

So one night,he brings a guy in…I’m watching the camera for the sally port…he doesn’t search him. I meet him at the door and ask if he was searched before coming up. He just looks at me.

I said “Well you have to search him before taking handcuffs of and starting processing.” He says something under his breath. I search the guy and he has all kinds of shit on him…three loose crack rocks in his pockets.

The trooper tells me that I have to file the charge for that. I said “no…you’re not in the jail yet. Its your charge.” He gets all pissed off and leaves without even dealing with his arrested guy! I never really addressed the whole ordeal as being a race issue,but me and the trooper continued to clash afterwards. Almost got into a fight with him after he got in my face about a month afterwards.