Support NeoGAF

[SilentRacoon]

No. Everyone knows that the darker your skin color the less of a racist you are. For example since I'm black I get to say anything deemed racist I want without fear of ever being called one. Let me help break it down for you:

Asians get to be racists to Whites and other Asians but not to Blacks or Hispanics, Hispanics can be racist towards Whites, Asians, and other Hispanics but not Blacks, and as I said before Blacks get to be racist to whoever we want.

White people on the other hand cannot be racist towards anyone except other White people like people Eastern Europe. That's because you guys conquered and enslaved everyone else and are still on top. You can't get everything you know, so stop asking if you can say the "N-word," you can't.

 

[johnny_park]

Didn't we have a thread like this a few weeks ago?

And yes they can.

 

[Strike]

Of course.

 

[stilgar]

POC


How cute

 

[Seanspeed]

Pretty much.

I always find the "minorities can't be racist" argument to be...well, racist. It's based on the idea that a minority cannot be in a position of power to be racist, which is ludicrous. Are there no black, Asisn, Hispanic, etc business owners and executives?

It is also based on a very narrow description of racism. You don't need power to be racist. Nor do you have to hate other races to be racist.

I don't think its a case of people thinking minorities cant be in a 'position of power' to be racist. Its more of a lack of thought on the subject, just kind of ignorantly assuming that somebody who is subject to racism would automatically be above that kind of thing themselves.

Unfortunately, history shows full well that a group being a victim of persecution rarely ever leads to a more enlightened attitude overall.

No. Everyone knows that the darker your skin color the less of a racist you are. For example since I'm black I get to say anything deemed racist I want without fear of ever being called one. Let me help break it down for you:

Asians get to be racists to Whites and other Asians but not to Blacks or Hispanics, Hispanics can be racist towards Whites, Asians, and other Hispanics but not Blacks, and as I said before Blacks get to be racist to whoever we want.

White people on the other hand cannot be racist towards anyone except other White people like people Eastern Europe. That's because you guys conquered and enslaved everyone else and are still on top. You can't get everything you know, so stop asking if you can say the "N-word," you can't.

Such a disgusting attitude.

You're basically saying that racism is ok so long as that particular form of racism is not *too* big a problem.

There's a lot of people that feel this way. This leisurely attitude toward prejudice, so long as its not a *big* problem, is terrible in general. For example, its perfectly ok to say something about how Americans are stupid or fat or whatever. That's no different than racism. Its just prejudice based on nationality, rather than race. Does it hurt Americans? Not in any big way, but that doesn't make it ok. Its still a nasty, intolerant attitude in general that creates that sort of mentality.

We simply *cannot* take the stance that prejudice is ok in certain cases. It completely enables racism and you cant be surprised when it sometimes gets out of control if you think like that.

 

[Ovid]

Yes, people of color can be racist.

 

[Mumei]

The issue with this is:

Racism actually has a definition. And it's what she cites as the first definition here. The second "definition" of racism isn't actually a definition of racism at all. It merely describes a system that is based upon racism. Extending the definition of racism to include "a system of advantage based on race" would basically dictate that all white people are racist (talking the US here) and all black people aren't and can't be. It also deflects attention from actual racism and puts up roadblocks in the way of addressing the problem.

She addresses these objections, but I don't really want to get roped into defending a position that I only agree with parts of.

Suffice to say, I think that however you choose to do it (either by reserving "racism" for specific kinds of racism or by simply saying and acknowledging it), it is important to note that personal racism does not (and cannot) contribute to systemic oppression the way that personal racism backed up by institutional and structural racism can, and that if we discuss both phenomenons in a vacuum we will give the wrong impression of what the group power dynamics actually are. I don't think you have to agree with how she chooses to do this (and there are worthwhile objections to that) to understand why she chooses to do it in the first place.

 

[Enzom21]

Yes it is...



Yes I do...

To Clarify for those who want to just insult me.

I knew people who were racist towards other races and those who dislike racist felt that if they act racist towards them as a "see how you like it" type of thing. I've noticed this to be pretty common where I am from.

How is "racist" a race?! What the hell are you talking about?!

 

[Shotgun Kiss]

Yup.

 

[DGRE]

I don't see the problem. I know white people who do this sort of thing. Sticking up for the downtrodden, that is. Her being able to sympathize with other groups isn't inherently racist.

Sorry, I should have been clearer with this point, too. She would scoff at someone like me, a white male, also trying to sympathize with these groups, because obviously all their hardships are my fault. You know, me; this one guy who isn't actually racist and didn't ever actually enslave someone and didn't actually colonize anyone, but absolutely sees the atrocity in those events.

 

[ChubbyHuggs]

Yes and from what I was raised around a lot are... I don't want to say racist or prejudice, so I'll just go with hateful.

 

[Lambtron]

Sorry, I should have been clearer with this point, too. She would scoff at someone like me, a white male, also trying to sympathize with these groups, because obviously all their hardships are my fault. You know, me; this one guy who isn't actually racist and didn't ever actually enslave someone and didn't actually colonize anyone, but absolutely sees the atrocity in those events.

You can acknowledge that those atrocities happened, and you can avoid doing that stuff yourself, but like... you're still part of a group who still benefits from those things today, even if you don't do so directly. So your sympathy isn't worth a shit since you're still reaping those benefits.

Speaking as a white person, I think that white people in general are pretty shitty. Most of it isn't on purpose, it's just that it's always been like this for them so they do whatever they want and don't think about the consequences. Pretty much like any other privileged group, I guess. So like, I fully understand where she's coming from.

 

[The Last Wizard]

I don't think I'm racist. Though the gnomes in WoW always pissed me off.

and those fucking batarians disgust me, but that's based on the fact they killed my colony...

 

[akira28]

I'll raise you.

And yes, anyone can be racist. What else would you call it?

prejudiced, bigoted..those might be more appropriate.

 

[Shambles]

You can acknowledge that those atrocities happened, and you can avoid doing that stuff yourself, but like... you're still part of a group who still benefits from those things today, even if you don't do so directly. So your sympathy isn't worth a shit since you're still reaping those benefits.

Sounds like this is more of a thread about how many people don't have any understanding of what taking responsibility for where they are in life means than about racism.

 

[saelz8]

Of course

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

Sounds like this is more of a thread about how many people don't have any understanding of what taking responsibility for where they are in life means than about racism.

The thread's premise was flawed. Of course people of color can be racists, but aside from a few interesting posts here and there the majority are just people looking to let out a cathartic "YES! MINORITIES ARE RACIST TOO!" and leave.

 

[kirby_fox]

Went to an 80% black high school.

Yeah. There's racism both ways. All the ways. Every way you can go.

 

[Devolution]

I found the position quite disingenuous because I don't think the plight of an Asian American is the same as a black person or a Native American in America. To complicate things, a large portion of Asia is quite racist (or at least xenophobic).

Why does the plight of a minority have to be compared to another minority to legitimize the racism they undergo?

 

[Lambtron]

Why does the plight of a minority have to be compared to another minority to legitimize the racism they undergo?

Because it's always fun to play in the Oppression Olympics.

 

[Devolution]

Because it's always fun to play in the Oppression Olympics.

It's messed up because I know people with family who were put in the internment camps. I know people with family who basically came here to work dangerous labor jobs for shit pay and were forced to live in shitty districts built up of nothing but wood. Chinatowns weren't exactly a by choice thing. Then the ones who have managed to climb the social and economical ladders are used not only as measuring sticks for other minorities but themselves. Sure the plight of the Asian American is totally like that of whites. =/.

 

[kerotan_eater]

Why does the plight of a minority have to be compared to another minority to legitimize the racism they undergo?

That is what I don't get.

 

[DGRE]

Why does the plight of a minority have to be compared to another minority to legitimize the racism they undergo?

I totally agree. She was the one doing the comparing. Not me.

 

[Devolution]

I totally agree. She was the one doing the comparing. Not me.

How can you agree with me and write this.

I found the position quite disingenuous because I don't think the plight of an Asian American is the same as a black person or a Native American in America

Which is it?

 

[DGRE]

How can you agree with me and write this.



Which is it?

Okay. Thanks for picking apart my words. I should have pointed out that you said legitimize. I was never, ever insinuating that any groups hardship wasn't legitimate, just not the same. To me, it's almost like when people say "I don't see color. I'm colorblind." That doesn't help anyone.

 

[Devolution]

Okay. Thanks for picking apart my words. I should have pointed out that you said legitimize. I was never, ever insinuating that any groups hardship wasn't legitimate, just not the same. To me, it's almost like when people say "I don't see color. I'm colorblind." That doesn't help anyone.

Why does her treatment (which you probably aren't even aware of but claim to know) have to mirror 1:1 the black or Native American experience in order for her to feel solidarity in being judged and under going prejudice/racism?

 

[DGRE]

Why does her treatment (which you probably aren't even aware of but claim to know) have to mirror 1:1 the black or Native American experience in order for her to feel solidarity in being judged and under going prejudice/racism?

Because I don't think it's right to view the world as PoC vs. White privilege. Racism and prejudice go far deeper. That is a myopic view that is destructive rather than constructive.

 

[Devolution]

Because I don't think it's right to view the world as PoC V's. White privilege. Racism and prejudice go far deeper. That is a myopic view that is destructive rather than constructive.

But that's not what you said, you said it's disingenuous for her to find solidarity with other minorities because Asians haven't gone through enough shit according to you.

 

[Giygas AF]

As someone who has lived in Korea and Japan for a time, both nations are very xenophobic and discriminate towards non natives. I however, don't see anything wrong with it personally. It's there country and they can do what they like. We cannot judge them based on our culture.

 

[Sho_Nuff82]

As someone who has lived in Korea and Japan for a time, both nations are very xenophobic and discriminate towards non natives. I however, don't see anything wrong with it personally. It's there country and they can do what they like. We cannot judge them based on our culture.

How do you feel about, say, Egypt?

 

[DGRE]

But that's not what you said, you said it's disingenuous for her to find solidarity with other minorities because Asians haven't gone through enough shit according to you.

That's not what I said.

And good luck finding where I said Asians haven't gone through enough shit.

 

[Dark Octave]

prejudiced, bigoted..those might be more appropriate.

I'm not understanding. Are you saying that only white people can be racist while everyone else can only be prejudiced and bigoted?

 

[Devolution]

That's not what I said.

And good luck finding where I said Asians haven't gone through enough shit.

It's right in your OP.

 

[Adam Blade]

I agree with the OP. It's disgusting when Asian Americans pretend to be on some high horse in terms of racism. It's obviously clear to anyone that Asians have it good in America and never have had racial problems in the manner that Native Americans and blacks have had.

There should never be any reason for Asian Americans to complain about racial disparity or to empathize with other minorities.

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

I agree with the OP. It's disgusting when Asian Americans pretend to be on some high horse in term of racism. It's obviously clear to anyone that Asians have it good in America and never have had racial problems in the manner that Native Americans and blacks have had.

There should never be any reason for Asian Americans to complain about racial disparity or to empathize with other minorities.

wut

 

[Sho_Nuff82]

wut

Go easy on him, he's a Clippers fan.

 

[DGRE]

It's right in your OP.

I'll give you a hint: the opposite of same is different, not "not as bad."

 

[perryfarrell]

This thread can only lead to bad things. It will not end well.

Whenever somebody brings up 'racism against whites' you can be sure that whatever they say next, it will be cringe-worthy and divorced from reality and sometimes grounded in a weird-ass pathological victim complex.

'Racism' as a name for American Racism, the phenomena that has existed in American society over many decades..... that particular racism is only suffered by African-Americans a.k.a. blacks (over here).

Get used to it, whitey-boy. You cannot be the victim of Racism (asI defined it two sentences ago).

You nevertheless feel like eliciting some sympathy? Playing the victim card? Well, pick a different evil. Cuz it CANNOT be racism that you are a victim of. Blame some other thing. I dunno. Blame 'the man'. Or 'government'.

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

This thread can only lead to bad things. It will not end well.

Whenever somebody brings up 'racism against whites' you can be sure that whatever they say next, it will be cringe-worthy and divorced from reality and sometimes grounded in a weird-ass pathological victim complex.

'Racism' as a name for American Racism, the phenomena that has existed in American society over many decades..... that particular racism is only suffered by African-Americans a.k.a. black (over here).

again I say to thee, wut

 

[DGRE]

This thread can only lead to bad things. It will not end well.

Whenever somebody brings up 'racism against whites' you can be sure that whatever they say next, it will be cringe-worthy and divorced from reality and sometimes grounded in a weird-ass pathological victim complex.

'Racism' as a name for American Racism, the phenomena that has existed in American society over many decades..... that particular racism is only suffered by African-Americans a.k.a. black (over here).

Let me be very clear that this isn't a racism against whites thread. It's a racism in all forms thread.

 

[lethial]

No. Everyone knows that the darker your skin color the less of a racist you are. For example since I'm black I get to say anything deemed racist I want without fear of ever being called one. Let me help break it down for you:

Asians get to be racists to Whites and other Asians but not to Blacks or Hispanics, Hispanics can be racist towards Whites, Asians, and other Hispanics but not Blacks, and as I said before Blacks get to be racist to whoever we want.

White people on the other hand cannot be racist towards anyone except other White people like people Eastern Europe. That's because you guys conquered and enslaved everyone else and are still on top. You can't get everything you know, so stop asking if you can say the "N-word," you can't.

Hahaha what a funny post.

 

[NEOPARADIGM]

No, POC cannot be racist.

Also, white people are the devil.

 

[Valhelm]

This is just anecdotal so it probably doesn't mean much, but when I was eleven I was playing basketball with a Chinese-American friend and these three Black guys in their twenties ran over to the court and started shouting "Ching chong! Ching chong!" at him.

 

[LuffyZoro]

I got called a "Harry Potter looking mother fucker," by a black high school kid today. I was just passing thru the hallway minding my business, exiting the school, and he said that to his group of friends as I passed. So cause I'm white and have glasses I look like Harry Potter? I'm shaggy, scruffy, and a lean 5'7" whereas I always pictured Potter(Radcliffe)as clean cut, plus he is taller.

:/

I get this too, from a black girl. I'm 6' with a beard, and completely different hair and glasses.

 

[foxtrot3d]

Hahaha what a funny post.

I see at least someone around here can appreciate humor.

 

[perryfarrell]

again I say to thee, wut

Ok, so some people want to use the word 'racism' in a very broad manner. They want to use it to denote the phenomenon of one group of people excluding some other group of people (based on them being members of this other group of people).

They want to use 'racism' for the kind of tribal thinking that appears to be innate to people.

Well, newsflash, tribal thinking happens everywhere. Between countries, segments of the population, genders, people from different religions, ages, backgrounds, etc. But the problem is, that's not the meaning of the word 'racism'. (Use 'tribal thinking' or whatever you like.)

Racism is the name of a particular type of discrimination and inequality that has a history in American society (and elsewhere there are related phenomena). THAT kind of racism cannot be suffered by people who are not African-Americans or blacks, simply because they are not related to that historical phenomena in the right way. Which is not to say these people cannot be the victim of injustice.

 

[Lambtron]

Also, white people are the devil.

Real talk.

 

[Shambles]

Ok, so some people want to use the word 'racism' in a very broad manner. They want to use it to denote the phenomenon of one group of people excluding some other group of people (based on them being members of this other group of people).

They want to use 'racism' for the kind of tribal thinking that appears to be innate to people.

Well, newsflash, tribal thinking happens everywhere. Between countries, segments of the population, genders, people from different religions, ages, backgrounds, etc. But the problem is, that's not the meaning of the word 'racism'. (Use 'tribal thinking' or whatever you like.)

Racism is the name of a particular type of discrimination and inequality that has a history in American society (and elsewhere there are related phenomena). THAT kind of racism cannot be suffered by people who are not African-Americans or blacks, simply because they are not related to that historical phenomena in the right way. Which is not to say these people cannot be the victim of injustice.

Man, this is the thread that just keeps on delivering.

 

[SaviorX]

That's fine. I don't want to make sweeping generalizations. I'll be more specific. Here's Korea:

I'd hit it.

I'd hit it hard.

 

[BlackGoku03]

I recently stumbled onto the hornet's nest of political correctness on Tumblr by finding a lot of discussion on PoC (people of color), white privilege, male privilege, colonialism, etc.

I was confused by this one Asian-American woman who was continually reblogging posts from native americans, blacks, and other minority people groups, as if she was going through the same struggles she was. She continually referenced PoC vs. White Privilege situations/. To me, it sounded like she thought there were only two races in the world: white and non-white, and non-white were an amorphous blob of people who exclusively experienced injustice, and they all experienced it to the same degree.

I found the position quite disingenuous because I don't think the plight of an Asian American is the same as a black person or a Native American in America. To complicate things, a large portion of Asia is quite racist (or at least xenophobic).

To be crystal clear, I am a white male and I am in no way denying that there are certain privileges that I experience because I am a man, I am white, or I am a white man. I do not, however, think it's fair to act like there are only two sides, when PoC are just as prone to racism and elitism in different contexts.

What do you think? Am I just blinded by privilege?

EDIT: I guess the title is misleading. TL;DR - this Asian Woman on Tumblr basically views the world as PoC vs. white people. White is always bad and PoC is always good. It bothers me.

A comedian once said some of the most racist people you'll find are old, black men. There's a little bit of truth to it too.

Fact is, anyone could be racist. Doesn't matter who you are or where you came from.