General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPrivilege walks.
Just watching Katie Couric's report on the new racial sensitivity exercise where everyone gets lined up, then based on a series of questions you either take a step up or back. If the group is diverse, the individuals who are of ethnic backgrounds usually end up where they began. And it's the white people who are leading the pack, having to deal with ambivalent feelings of guilt and feeling lucky.
This has got to be one hell of a depressing experience for those who are stuck on the line, because, once again, their whole existence in that moment is to help white folk understand their privilege.
I know this from experience as a minority who came up through the social advances made in the sixties era. If you started at the same time I did, assimilation was a priority. The objective was to blend in, at the same time that you hoped that your presence was creating opportunities for others to learn from you, too. But, in the end, you realize that it was only the common civilities and courtesies that you extended to them that they were responding to. There is no real connection or awareness outside of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations where alcohol seems to help make the day of recognition in someone else's culture a little more appealing.
After decades of friendship, it's usually a slip of the tongue that brings it home. For me, it was when a close friend told me that she explained to her children that I was the "crazy aunt." In other words, someone who needs to be tolerated, despite our political divide. The realization sank in slowly. Holy shit, I have been nothing more, but their token minority friend. They never did see my perspective, because there was too much superficial "common ground" from the common civilities. They expended nothing in their personal lives, and they learned nothing.
I hope that the generations that follow can have better discussions with people of vast cultures and find more solid ground in their relationships. Remember not to get too comfortable in your social circles. Broaden your base of friends whenever possible.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)touch with shows on TV
Baitball Blogger
(46,697 posts)I saw the footage of the exercise.
I have also seen other similar exercises. One that broke my heart. This one was in an open field and you can tell the people on the line were not told the true purpose of the exercise. They were supposed to run forward for a determined amount of seconds each time they had a positive response to a question. There were a few black men on the line who were obviously in great physical shape and were eager to compete. When they realized they were supposed to stand still and couldn't participate there was confusion, and then frustration. The camera footage included one black man who sprinted off the field and left. But a few tried to make up the difference in the little time they were allowed to run. It wasn't enough.
What was really sickening was the one white guy who made it across the finish line. He actually celebrated like he had achieved something.
mia
(8,360 posts)Baitball Blogger
(46,697 posts)mia
(8,360 posts)I don't have TV either.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)I particularly appreciated it when she told Joe, wehen he started whining about too much political correctness on college campuses, Yes, thats really easy for us, five white people, to complain about.
Joe clearly isnt used to be challenged on air anyone not afraid of him (not to mention, a woman). He was clearly pissed.
Baitball Blogger
(46,697 posts)If anyone can reach those who are not already progressive in their way of thinking, she can.
OneGrassRoot
(22,920 posts)I just wrote the same below, that I appreciated her bringing up that point and the panel was obviously not comfortable with it, desperately wanting to defend against charges of white privilege.
Looking forward to watching her series, especially tonight's episode about free speech, safe spaces, etc.
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)I didnt know about the series, so Im glad that she was on to talk about it.
Blue_Adept
(6,397 posts)Baitball Blogger
(46,697 posts)in a previous post. Ripped me to pieces.
Blue_Adept
(6,397 posts)Then I read the comments and just get sadder.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)Blue_Adept
(6,397 posts)oberliner
(58,724 posts)I think it would be better if the facilitator wasn't a white male. Or if there were multiple facilitators representing a more diverse background. I also think it would be good to see what the follow-up discussion was after the activity was completed. I do feel that illustrations of privilege are useful, especially for those who do not understand the concept or believe it is real, but I am not sure this is the most effective one that I've seen - although, if there was a really thoughtful post-activity discussion in conjunction, then that would, I think, improve the experience and its usefulness for the young people involved.
What are your thoughts?
Bok_Tukalo
(4,322 posts)I know many in rural Arkansas that may take a step or two, if that.
OneGrassRoot
(22,920 posts)and for sharing your experience.
I'm going to watch her series. Saw her on Morning Joe and appreciated that she raised the point that it was all white people discussing social justice issues, though it wasn't well received by most on the panel. They didn't say anything but I know they wanted to push back against white privilege, etc.
Again, thank you.
heaven05
(18,124 posts)I came of age in that 'progressive' era.
Now, I just can't understand, except that the festering tumour of racist hate that has always been on the underbelly of ameriKKKa has finally burst to spread its poison over the land. Where this evil ends up is anyone's guess. Hopefully the sane will prevail, forlorn hope that it is. Nov 2018 better be a blue tsunami. That is the only thing that will at least put the cancerous hate of the racist ameriKKKan citizens into remission. It will NEVER be gone. That I know.