General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: An Observation About White People and Wypipo [View all]ismnotwasm
(41,965 posts)*Especially for a Democratic website. One of the classes I took about 15 years ago for a sociology credit used this book, The Meaning of Difference: American Constructions of Race, Sex and Gender, Social Class, Sexual Orientation, and Disability Im happy to see it is still in print.
https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Difference-Constructions-Orientation-Disability/dp/0078111641
Its not like the topic of race and white supremacy hasnt been studied, dissected and analyzed. Its not like there arent entire degrees out there in how people interact with on another. The information doesnt require a class, merely a desire and focused attention. My personal anecdotes about being white and the experience of being part of an invisible standard are one thing, the topic of Whiteness AS that invisible standard is something entirely else. Whiteness is very destructive, and white people participate in it every day.
I have hope though Some of the anger and frustration from bigots, and from well meaning people is because there are cracks in the structure of whiteness. White people are angry, confused, some are hurt, as they try to be anti-racist, but dont challenge Whiteness as a standard, then wonder why we dont get credit from people of color. We wonder why something like Wypipo happens. Why white tears is a thing. Safe in the super-structure of whiteness we look over the landscape and try to pretend the problem is economics only, that racism is always an active action, that whatever our particular circumstances our lives within Whiteness does not adversely affect others.
But it does. I hope I live to see the whole structure start to tumble down. Thank you for your post, thank you for continuing to reach out.