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Puglover

(16,380 posts)

179. It's not about guilt.

Fri Apr 10, 2015, 09:59 AM

Apr 2015

Most white folks are utterly clueless about their white privilege. Others angrily deny it. I don't know what is worse.

I don't think it's about "guilt" at all.

It's about being open and honest.

I can't do a thing about my skin color but I can be open to how I act and try to keep in mind that I have had (in my life) many advantages that a POC or other minorities do not enjoy.

I live in Ecuador and on our towns Facebook page a man penned an OP. Asking if he would have a problem in our town as a gay man.

One woman answered him with...."I have many gay friends. I don't care who you sleep with just don't flaunt your lifestyle in my face." And I don't have a doubt that she thought she was being welcoming.

POC hear this meme daily from white America. A thousand different ways some subtle and some not so subtle. One of my personal favs are folks that proudly display the stars and bars in their homes while bleating that they don't have a bigoted bone in their bodies.

I wish I had a solution. I don't. The only thing I can do is acknowledge that bigotry is deeply ingrained in me simply by being human and work on not letting it affect my thoughts and behavior.

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Hi there everyone, I'm white... [View all] kpete Apr 2015 OP

More often than not .. ananda Apr 2015 #1

If you don't know what a peacock looks like, you'll never see one... Elmer S. E. Dump Apr 2015 #48

another day another white privilege post Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #2

Yes - well I'm sure you acknowledge and accept white privilege el_bryanto Apr 2015 #3

+1 Buzz Clik Apr 2015 #12

let's say everyone now agrees white people have privilege then what. what do you do with that Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #24

Yes that would be broad brushing el_bryanto Apr 2015 #25

here is duer making that statement Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #161

Ah - well that proves your point I guess. nt el_bryanto Apr 2015 #165

no it doesnt since that is not my point. my point is that, in mho, w.p. (white privilege) is a Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #173

I think the refusal to grapple with the problem of White Privilege el_bryanto Apr 2015 #176

and i think fix the underlying problem that allows w.p. and it will end Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #189

Ever heard of whites being questioned for being in a black neighborhood? 7962 Apr 2015 #170

Actually, yes. I was stopped for driving while White in a Black neighborhood. ieoeja Apr 2015 #180

No, but I've gotten quite a few dirty looks, and some rude remarks, whathehell Apr 2015 #186

In what kind of neighborhood? Oh, black. That's more proof of white privilege. jobycom Apr 2015 #201

No, it is assumed that YOU are up to no good. 7962 Apr 2015 #208

As I started out saying, we need a lot more threads on white privilege. nt jobycom Apr 2015 #215

And also there were some radical statements made by feminists over the years so feminism is worthy.. bettyellen Apr 2015 #190

Reverse feminism! Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #219

That DUer asked a question you didn't answer. Do you have an answer? jobycom Apr 2015 #203

Well, you know how that old time-tested saying goes... calimary Apr 2015 #42

So being white is like having a drug or alcohol problem? NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #119

I don't know what you're smoking, but ... Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #123

I've smoked several Marlboro lights today. NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #125

Not what the poster said, not even close. But.........YES, some white people NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #129

Lots of men of all colors are "assholes" about their privilege whathehell Apr 2015 #140

Exactly. And that's what the OP is all about. BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #177

Keep on drumming it in wendylaroux Apr 2015 #79

In what situations do you think white people aren't benefiting from white privilege. jobycom Apr 2015 #146

That's tantamount to saying that white privilege is a cosmological constant shaayecanaan Apr 2015 #163

Did you read through the post gollygee Apr 2015 #166

Likewise shaayecanaan Apr 2015 #216

See my post 170 7962 Apr 2015 #172

See my response in Post 201. This is why we need constant discussion of White Privilege. jobycom Apr 2015 #202

Why are you so snarky? babylonsister Apr 2015 #5

Nicely understated, sister. +1!!! Buzz Clik Apr 2015 #13

Try being a white Christian. We 840high Apr 2015 #8

Sounds like a total heartache. I cannot imagine ... oh wait. Buzz Clik Apr 2015 #14

Sounds rough. snort Apr 2015 #17

...not a capella...with this accompaniment instead cyberswede Apr 2015 #36

Perhaps you should keep a diary Cirque du So-What Apr 2015 #19

Are you there God? It's me 840high. Capt. Obvious Apr 2015 #31

omg lol!!!! wendylaroux Apr 2015 #87

Well - aren't you sooooo funny. 840high Apr 2015 #151

... 2naSalit Apr 2015 #22

Right. LiberalAndProud Apr 2015 #35

well i am a white guy who believes im just not radical about it. any trespasses are between Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #38

I'm white and Christian wryter2000 Apr 2015 #43

Just identify more as a white human being. Religion is a completely manmade construct. Elmer S. E. Dump Apr 2015 #51

Wow, that's a lot of drinking. No wonder you are high! jobycom Apr 2015 #54

LOL. That was awesome. Thank You! missingthebigdog Apr 2015 #65

Thanks! jobycom Apr 2015 #72

. fishwax Apr 2015 #139

Do you really think 840high Apr 2015 #150

Yeah. jobycom Apr 2015 #152

... Cali_Democrat Apr 2015 #86

Normally, I don't like swarming and pile ons. But in this case, few deserve it more Number23 Apr 2015 #135

Shit, try being a white Catholic male! hunter Apr 2015 #99

Do good to them which slam you. Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #106

White straight christian males are KINGS in America NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #130

You are in the majority in this country. Chemisse Apr 2015 #131

woohoo! Got another one on the hook! Buzz Clik Apr 2015 #11

And always with at least concomitant petulant and irrelevant response. LanternWaste Apr 2015 #37

what no latin this time? Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #39

and has no bearing on the issue at hand. you mean like your post Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #45

Yep. Another day of horrific inequality and another attempt at raising awareness of its mechanisms. jobycom Apr 2015 #47

i think the discussion of white privilege is a distraction. Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #50

Distracting whom from what? I don't feel at all distracted. Elmer S. E. Dump Apr 2015 #53

From what? You should add more words so we can know what you're saying. jobycom Apr 2015 #62

it's mho that w.p. is a part of a larger issue such as racism or institutionalized racism and that Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #102

TBH, IMHO, WP... bravenak Apr 2015 #110

I'm saying WTF and LOL over here! bettyellen Apr 2015 #192

You should ask for it, it's part of your history. Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #111

w.p. stands for white privilege. i didnt feel like spelling privilege over and over Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #128

Well, I do disagree with you. Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #132

this is why problems dont get solved Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #134

I don't have a problem. Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #211

Go Wesley go! bettyellen Apr 2015 #191

Always nice to see you, too! Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #197

Ha ha- you got that right! bettyellen Apr 2015 #199

It helps to acknowledge that there is such a thing as 'white privilege'. Chemisse Apr 2015 #137

+1 merrily Apr 2015 #178

But don't you think white privilege is one of the tools of institutional racism? jobycom Apr 2015 #145

From what? Starry Messenger Apr 2015 #91

From blaming Obama for Benghazi? Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #98

Of course you do. Rex Apr 2015 #112

In Memoriam AJ90 sub-thread. A-Schwarzenegger Apr 2015 #55

we're not allowed differing opinons? Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #58

But it is nice A-Schwarzenegger Apr 2015 #63

And it is interesting jobycom Apr 2015 #74

He's got a lot to live down to A-Schwarzenegger Apr 2015 #77

+1 bravenak Apr 2015 #82

because i remember when he got booted - just b/c the post count is 500 doesnt mean i just found Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #133

hardly Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #97

You must be a good guesser then! Who knew that AJ90 would mean Average Joe 90? Rex Apr 2015 #116

! bravenak Apr 2015 #118

i remember when aj90 got the boot Romeo.lima333 Apr 2015 #122

TBH, I find it funny that said poster knew who you were talking about. Rex Apr 2015 #114

... NuclearDem Apr 2015 #90

It's another day and you provide yet another example. n/t JTFrog Apr 2015 #67

Correct gordianot Apr 2015 #4

Kick! riqster Apr 2015 #6

White privilege is like Rich privilege, only not nearly as privileged. valerief Apr 2015 #7

White and rich... glory be, it's almost a god. n/t Sheepshank Apr 2015 #10

Great cartoon Gothmog Apr 2015 #9

I'm white.... CANDO Apr 2015 #15

Damn Skippy! nt MrScorpio Apr 2015 #16

I agree in part and disagree in part davidsilver Apr 2015 #18

Oh my you are a live one. fasttense Apr 2015 #20

I saw an interesting study... bullsnarfle Apr 2015 #23

Thank you for this. I'm not familiar with the criminal justice system davidsilver Apr 2015 #27

Read up on Ferguson, for a teensy peek at the "mechanics" in one town Hekate Apr 2015 #59

Thank you, davidsilver. bullsnarfle Apr 2015 #78

Assuming you are serious, Ms. Toad Apr 2015 #26

Thank you for this information. davidsilver Apr 2015 #28

I see I left out two links I intended to include: Ms. Toad Apr 2015 #30

YES! Police arrest POCs more than Whites. qwlauren35 Apr 2015 #29

Good! knightmaar Apr 2015 #34

Come back when you find your soul... Elmer S. E. Dump Apr 2015 #57

Take drug use. White people use drugs more, black people are sent to prison more. jobycom Apr 2015 #71

Interesting bit of data there. qwlauren35 Apr 2015 #153

Welcome to DU, davidsilver! calimary Apr 2015 #105

Wow dude, there are tons of studies on this. Educate yourself before entertaining racist notions... bettyellen Apr 2015 #194

Okay... davidsilver Apr 2015 #195

I think a lot of POC get a very bad shake- and if white people got the same treatment- bettyellen Apr 2015 #200

Yes Indeed davidsilver Apr 2015 #224

I'm so white that all but my eyes & hair disappeared in a B/W flash photo against a white backdrop Hekate Apr 2015 #21

Acknowledged and agreed notadmblnd Apr 2015 #32

K/R Jack Rabbit Apr 2015 #33

this is the theme NJCher Apr 2015 #40

Good job! jobycom Apr 2015 #80

Like I need some 20-something cartoonist to tell me to "fucking educate myself." Comrade Grumpy Apr 2015 #41

And they need to vacate your lawn presently. (nt) jeff47 Apr 2015 #52

I don't call myself grumpy for nothing. n/t Comrade Grumpy Apr 2015 #56

figures heaven05 Apr 2015 #68

What's that saying again? Racism will end when all the old white people die? JTFrog Apr 2015 #69

"Racism will end when all the old white people die?" What a cheerful thought. madfloridian Apr 2015 #75

I hear ya. JTFrog Apr 2015 #83

The kind of change that can't wait for old folks to die? How about that? madfloridian Apr 2015 #93

I'm as anti-racist as anybody. But this meme is counterproductive. Accomplishes nothing. Comrade Grumpy Apr 2015 #76

You're making a tone argument instead of a substantive argument. alp227 Apr 2015 #84

No. I'm suggesting this is a counter-productive way to try to address racism. Comrade Grumpy Apr 2015 #88

Again, that's a tone argument, attacking the tone of the speaker instead of the message. alp227 Apr 2015 #89

Tone is critical in effective messaging. Throd Apr 2015 #92

Only to those trying to squash the message. n/t JTFrog Apr 2015 #94

You're saying tone doesn't matter when trying to make an argument? Throd Apr 2015 #101

I'm saying that the only people I ever see using the "tone argument" JTFrog Apr 2015 #141

Excellent post, and to the point. kwassa Apr 2015 #148

Exactly, poor tone becomes a tool of distraction and should be avoided. Throd Apr 2015 #193

Whoosh. n/t JTFrog Apr 2015 #204

Right back atcha. Throd Apr 2015 #209

Do you have any actual thoughts or opinions about white privilege or do you JTFrog Apr 2015 #212

I fully recognize the existence of white privilege. Throd Apr 2015 #220

Thank you for at least addressing the issue. JTFrog Apr 2015 #221

I disagree ismnotwasm Apr 2015 #187

For real. romanic Apr 2015 #210

The only problem with that, as the OK frat chant and others have proven over and over again, is that Number23 Apr 2015 #136

Very true. n/t JTFrog Apr 2015 #142

And she's right, that's why there's no racism hughee99 Apr 2015 #174

I'm the grumpiest person most people know, comrade... hunter Apr 2015 #115

Cool story bro. NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #44

Apparently, we do. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #81

^^this^^ irisblue Apr 2015 #85

I think it's fine to be reminded every day. Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #109

Do you think white people are supposed to feel guilty... NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #120

What a wonky reply. Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #121

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "wonky"... NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #124

"Askew." Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #127

Not wonky at all. It's an honest question, whathehell Apr 2015 #143

Gack I posted to you by mistake sorry.. Puglover Apr 2015 #171

No problem. n/t whathehell Apr 2015 #182

It's not about guilt. Puglover Apr 2015 #179

HUGE K & R !!! - THANK YOU !!! WillyT Apr 2015 #46

This message was self-deleted by its author trollmagnet Apr 2015 #49

This cannot be said often enough. Nye Bevan Apr 2015 #60

Kick JohnnyRingo Apr 2015 #61

"really black, not like Obama black"? Nye Bevan Apr 2015 #64

He is medium brown. bravenak Apr 2015 #96

So we should be saying "the first medium brown President"? (nt) Nye Bevan Apr 2015 #100

I just call him black for short. bravenak Apr 2015 #103

My subjects understand what that means. JohnnyRingo Apr 2015 #108

"Not like Obama black"? HUH? 7962 Apr 2015 #175

I don't want them to imagine they'll be light skinned JohnnyRingo Apr 2015 #184

I just think its silly to further segregate black people by the "level of darkness". 7962 Apr 2015 #188

Maybe you believe so, but racists don't think it's silly. JohnnyRingo Apr 2015 #198

excellent heaven05 Apr 2015 #66

Yes, but there are also drawbacks to being white. tclambert Apr 2015 #70

You are too funny! akbacchus_BC Apr 2015 #157

Didn't realize Ms. Mary Ann Twitty posted here. Bonx Apr 2015 #73

Hi everyone ...I'm actually beige. L0oniX Apr 2015 #95

and kpete Apr 2015 #183

Oh so "farmers tan" is a racist remark now? L0oniX Apr 2015 #196

sort of striped kpete Apr 2015 #205

What is a ann--- Apr 2015 #104

people of color, or person of color nt steve2470 Apr 2015 #107

Thanks ann--- Apr 2015 #117

Recc'd. Also, this: Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #113

What if someone is a white feminist woman? IronLionZion Apr 2015 #126

Interesting that they used a female rather than a male.. whathehell Apr 2015 #138

I'm pretty sure the cartoonist is female. graegoyle Apr 2015 #147

Still, all the inequality stats were about men.. whathehell Apr 2015 #149

Try googling how much white women earn vs. women of color. nt Bonobo Apr 2015 #158

Try googling how much men of all colors earn vs. women of all colors. n/t. whathehell Apr 2015 #167

I wasn't the one in denial, whatthehell. You were. nt Bonobo Apr 2015 #169

Didn't deny a thing, so I'm guessing you're just not up to the challenge. n/t whathehell Apr 2015 #181

Does white privilege exist? lovemydog Apr 2015 #144

hi, I'm white AnAzulTexas Apr 2015 #154

:eyes: jeff47 Apr 2015 #155

Reverse racism? gollygee Apr 2015 #164

'Reverse Racism' Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #214

Funny meathead Apr 2015 #217

You should read the comic again. n/t gollygee Apr 2015 #218

You would wonder, or you could do some homework. kwassa Apr 2015 #222

Hi, I'm white, too. Call Me Wesley Apr 2015 #213

That is nice to know! akbacchus_BC Apr 2015 #156

Dense lykemike Apr 2015 #159

My favorite thread this week! Love the smackdowns of the lame attempts at pushback. Scuba Apr 2015 #160

Lots of bait on the board this morning. 99Forever Apr 2015 #162

I feel like romanic Apr 2015 #168

I thoroughly renounce my white priviledge dumbcat Apr 2015 #185

Look in the mirror. You are still white. kwassa Apr 2015 #223

What do u want him/her to do? romanic Apr 2015 #225

Plain and simple truth whatchamacallit Apr 2015 #206

I don't know where they got their figure, but the prisoner numbers are 32% white, 68% non-white muriel_volestrangler Apr 2015 #207

Hi There, I'm Brett, And I'm A White Man Brett Fitz Apr 2015 #226