As a 67 year old white man, let me address this to my fellow Caucasians:

That's what I was trying to get at with my thread, which I will shamelessly link here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027985611

There are many things people with white privilege must do to dismantle institutional racism. Fortunately, because many of us here are white and of a class that we have access to computers, we can write the pointed letters, do the research, communicate with on-the-fence thinkers or people who are outright opposed to such things, and do the incremental, painfully slow, boring work that those with privilege can do to make change.

Sounds like something is going on...

And what his/her point has to do with Dallas.

I'm going to need a minute.

Far from it.

I never said "we" were all silent. But, some of "us" are paying lip service to full racial equality as an ideal and a goal while denying our white privilege and expecting congratulations for our "enlightened" attitude. I'm simply saying, don't talk the talk on the internet unless you are walking the walk in your daily interaction with your social group. If you are already doing what's right, wonderful. But, not all of "us" are and it is time for that shit to stop.

Hope that clears things up.

talk on the internet. I'm 77 and have marched. I'm also good at shutting down prejudice.

Who are these "some" that you speak of: DUers, Faux News watchers, NRA supporters?

Nobody in their right mind feels anything but sick on what has happened inthe past few days...or with gun violence in general...or police preying on POC.

Ah, but yes we do have to have the knee-jerk "white privilege" posts.

Carry on.

…a loud demonstration organized by White people to demand reparations?

Or even truth and reconciliation trials?

Or restorative justice?

Or demand there be a rewrite of all the textbooks to tell the damn truth for once about what and who built this country since 1619 when the Pilgrims first landed?

Showing up at marches etc. in support of Black civil rights and all the rest of it, is not enough. I speak as a White woman. White people have a lot of work to do to begin to address the truth and effects of on-going systemic racism in this country.

we're teaching untruths to susceptible minds who will carry what they learn through the rest of their lives. We must do better.

…..told and still are being told about our history are horrifying.

I feel grateful I had a fairly decent education in a -gasp- public school. And I'm old enough now to call out the lies I see if I feel so inclined. And I do. That's why I think early ed and truth are so crucial. And why those idiotic textbooks being allowed is the current culture in some states. People are apathetic and some probably would prefer the untruths; some are just worried about surviving.

All major publishing houses of text books have to be cleared by this ultra conservative rewrite of history.

He took American history which was one of his favorite subjects. He said it was all different from Spanish history. I always help the students we host if they ask, so I said, 'It's the same history, isn't it?' and he said, ' Yes, but in the Spanish textbooks, we are heroes.' Quite an eye-opener, that I never forgot.

And in the same vein, we visited Brazil to see a student we hosted. We got to walk through a governor's winter palace, and I was knocked sideways by the art hanging on the walls--all South American artists I had never heard of. So I understood Eurocentric.

Every single time I meet students from other countries, I learn something that opens my eyes and stretches my mind. I am also lucky to meet local students who befriend the exchange students and they make me hopeful, that there are families who accept different people and cultures and value human life in an individual way.

The history on display was from a totally different perspective. That was decades ago and I've never forgotten it. That kind of thing stretches the mind.

Would change if they postponed buying new cars, clothes, Starbucks coffees, etc., and traveled outside the US instead.

I'm of course talking about the RWers who can afford this, of course.

in wearing clothes out. My oldest at 21 has taken it a step further. Stupidest damn decision to spend on a new car. Cars do not identify us. Which is challenging because I have always done new cars for my reason, and as a woman on the road by myself, a lot, for a lifetime. Or 16.

He takes his used clothes, that he treats very well, to sell, then picks something up at the place, for ten. Like these FABULOUS pair of European jeans. Wow, he is a different child, but yes... Point.

I am seeing more kids, my kids ages 18-23, see money and things differently. My boys would get scared looking into the future. They still do. But... I always told them, their generation is walking into this and can see clearly. You all are brilliant. You will figure it out, I have confidence. Lots of awareness out there, lots of fear, too.

Do you?

http://m.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/01/should-bernie-sanders-support-reparations

Think about it---hard---, OK?

For what it's worth, this Caucasian woman is with you.

Join and donate to the NAACP, SPLC and the ACLU. Speak up in public, Church and where ever it needs to be done.

I'm one also.

But hesitate on the joining the NAACP suggestion, unless that person has thoroughly disabused him/herself of the notion that join means "gives equivalence of opinion on racial issues" or "the right to be heard."

Just saying ... that "How to be an ally" thing.

People need to speak up but also remember they have no right to be heard. lol

I suspect you are exactly the type of person I am speaking of.

I think it would be better for all involved if you donate; but, not join.

I think that a white person joining the NAACP shows that some of us believe the goals of the NAACP are good for all of us. It shows solidarity. I've been a white member of the NAACP for years and would never say that I know as much about racism as a Black person.

Moreover, joining means paying a nominal amount each year for membership. For those of us who don't have a ton of money to donate, being a member ensures that one donates at least that nominal amount each year.

Civil Rights activism my entire adult life ... and have experienced white people that have said that they knew as much, if not more, about racism as a Black person, and felt their membership entitled them to not only be heard; but, followed. (See: some of the posts in this sub-thread, and just about any decision about being an ally to African-Americans).

I can imagine that the type of white person who thinks he knows more about racism than a black person would be attracted to membership in the NAACP and be particularly outspoken as a member. It's amazing that such people don't realize that their attitude is not only stupid but also racist.

But there have got to be many others who join the NAACP because they want to do something to help end racism, and being a member symbolizes the idea of unity and solidarity. I do think that movements are more successful when more people feel engaged and involved. As Ben Jealous said, Black people can't end racism all by themselves; if they could, they would have done it already. It's only when white people as a group decide they want to end racism that racism will be history. That's not to say that white people should have leadership roles, but white people should not be discouraged from being part of the movement.

are true allies seeking solidarity. But, too many come in wanting to teach and inform and direct. We see it all the time on DU in our discussions.

I could give a perfect example; but, I would be accused of fighting the primary war over, again.

I am not attempting to discourage white participation ... only a bit of self-awareness.

I

Yes. I am a strong believer.

It isn't your story to tell, it is the one experiencing. It is not yours to lead, it is the one experiencing. It is yours to be the support to voice.

I am a strong believer in that, yes.

Why would a white person believe that they could define a black person's experience with racism or believe their views would be equally as valid as those of a PoC experiencing racism.

and/or woman issues ... our job in that association is to listen, learn and take the "women's voice" to men ... and fill whatever organizational SUPPORTIVE roles that fit our skill set.

And yes, it is a good role to have.

The idea was for allies to pull over and stand with black motorists or pedestrians stopped or otherwise detained by the police. Admittedly, it seemed frightening to me and that made me feel that I should do it. Thoughts? Would that be helpful? I've read accounts of black citizens detained on the streets and having a passerby stop passing and stand with him or her, and that was what seemed to make the citizen able to continue on with the day instead of be brutalized or arrested.

It is frustrating that certain groups of people should need someone to do this. None of us should need to have an "escort" or "buddy" to get through our day. But if this would somehow show solidarity and start to turn the tide of murder, brutality, and injustice, I will do it.

Thanks for your opinion, 1SBM

Either way whomever is stopped has white witnesses and may cause an officer to think twice before resorting to excessive force or pulling their gun.

I'm not sure how that would work being that a lot of this occurs in predominantly AA communities. Not a lot of caucasians around.
If you stopped behind a vehicle pulled over on the highway I think you might get arrested for obstruction of justice or whatever they can pile on. It may escalate the situation and cause a pile on a charges to the AA driver youre trying to help.
And the fabricated charges and the fines alone can mess up a life pretty badly even if you're found innocent by the courts.

Christians. Men's job to talk to men. Whites job to talk to white. Republicans to speak within their group.

People look for validation with their peers.

….to demand diversity on such boards. And to get truthful history textbooks.

And write and call your Mayor, City Council members, Congress member and Senator and demand they pro-actively address systemic racism with concrete and specific programs. What are they going to do starting immediately?

And call radio talk shows and demand they start talking about systemic racism and what it is and how it's used by the courts and economic powers that be.

And find out what's going on with the real estate practices in your town (if you live in a town). Find out who's being excluded and who's being helped, and expose it in Letters to the Editors.

There's a lot more to be done than just paying membership dues.

but to add something I've been thinking about a lot.

There are many, many good cops, but they are doing more harm than ANYONE. They need to destroy the culture, and start identify all the bad cops. The good ones know, but they are allowing themselves (and profession) to be dragged through the gutter. Folks always tell the public how courageous cops are. They need to use some of that "courage" to stop the madness.

Their silence is reprehensible. And yet an honest effort would go along way
.

The good cops need to man up.

talking to my daughter about white privilege. We were having a spirited conversation, as she thinks white privilege is having automatic access to advantages, while I think white privilege is taking for granted that your children will come home every day, and not get shot or worse. As we walked and talked, passed several other shoppers, got a lot of glares too. Guess whatever we think white privilege is, some people don't want us opining in front of them. Too bad. Maybe we planted a seed.

Another story about meeting an exchange student: As an AFS voluntter, I met a girl from Ghana. The first time we went out, she complained that she could not find hair products. At that time, there was 1 black family in Washington Cty. and it wasn't her host family. I worked for a beauty college at the time, and knew some stores where she could get what she needed. Her problem made me realize how hard it can be to be a minority somewhere. I can get hair care products anywhere. What if I couldn't? It was a little thing, but helped me to understand bigger things.

I am the only Democrat in a building of 20 and a group of 50.

I do not talk politics at work.

There was a group text and the cool "kid" (in his 30's) on the block texted "nigga that", in a confirmation message received.

One of the women was bothered and showed me the text, since I am not high enough to be in that group of 50, lol.

Later, I went to a hot tub, drinking gathering with my boss and a couple of the other women agents. I made a comment about that going out thru group and it was unprofessional and should not have happened.

I also texted to his boss's assistant. She knows it was wrong, and still... " Ya, he is the most laid back though, just who he is".

I got that from another agent at the hot tub, though all of them knows it was wrong. They started joking about how the young use slang.

This is a professional setting though, and didn't belong. Looking in my boss's eye. She knew it. And she knows she is in the position to say something.

She did.

Only for awareness, but it is so much a part of our white culture. It is important to draw lines. I often do not say anything. Even when an employee stated Obama prays to the wrong God.

You did what you could, given your position and the "powers that be". Some are not willing to speak up, not for fear of losing their job, but for fear of "causing a scene" or losing a "friend". That's the BS I'm addressing.

Thanks for your response.

I really believe if I do not speak up, I am part of the problem. I have little wiggle room.

And it is not only racism.

Yes, people get tired of it. Yes, I have had people walk out of my life. It is what it is.

The last time when one of my leaders was talking about whining black folks. I have an AA coworker whose demographic is about the same as mine; middle class raising, college Ed and a good job. His actually better than mine. But he, driving a nice car has been stopped but the police over 15 times in his life. Me, 4 times. 3 speeding and one running stop sign. And only 1 ticket!

So rather than disagree with my leader I just said yeah, but what about 'John' and explained about the different treatment he faces. My leader look surprised and just said "man, that sucks". So maybe it changed nothing, but hopefully it made him think.

that is wrong.

I hear ya.

The internet has allowed people to feel their views are valid with finding support outside. Or maybe in the south (Texas) just enough people feel the same there is a validation outside of the net.

Being the sole person that sees things different though, just the difference in conversation affects the others around, and help them to think. Having a different view of the world. After less than a year, I see these people softening up to a different view.

in my presence, I look them hard in the eye and say, "I imagine you don't realize that I am black. A lot of us are have light skin because of mixed ancestry, you know."

I am not really black. I am actually a freckled redhead whose paternal grandparents came over from Sicily in the early 20th century, and I have Russian Jewish, Scottish, and Irish forebears on my mother's side. But since I carry pictures of my sister's two black kids in my wallet, I show them pictures of my niece and nephew and say, "Maybe you should be more careful about how you talk about other people." I also carry around pictures of two young adults who were in my home daycare throughout their childhood and still spend a lot of time with me, and I show such people those pictures, too. (They think of me as their other mother, so I don't feel it is entirely a lie to refer to them as members of my family.)

I get a big kick out of the mumbling embarrassment of the jerks who assume that they can safely make racist comments and jokes if they are in a lily white group.

I also like the idea of making them nervous about whether they might at any time be talking to an apparently white person who is actually a person of mixed race who happens to have light skin. That might teach them to refrain from making such comments in some situations. It won't make a difference around people they know well, but at least they might not be spreading their racist poison in groups of people they don't know as well.

I had a student in my class back in 1979 who was so pale skinned and light haired that he made Julian Assange's look like a brunette. But this young man's stepfather, who had been his father since he was about 6 months old, was black, and so were his 4 siblings. He told me once that when he hears someone being racist around him, he just pulls out his wallet and says, "I'd like to show you a picture of my family." He was delighted to discover that we were shutting down loudmouthed jerks in the same way.

Too many people, especially LEOs, still don't seem to realize that black people are not the "other"--they are us. They are our children, our friends, and our families. We feel no solidarity at all with white racists, and we are enraged at the racist police tactics that put our loved ones' lives at risk every time they dare to leave the house.

As a 65-year-old white woman I don't fear the police for myself, but I am always afraid for my relatives and my close friends who could at any time be targeted by the police.

And it's true. So many whites don't realize that the "color line" and defacto "1-drop" rule continues, even if subconsciously, and gets inextricably associated with race in the U.S. And that means that one might not know who or "what" they are talking to. And it shouldn't make any difference but once a race and/or ethnicity is "established" between parties, it suddenly changes perceptions and behaviors as the stereotypes or cultural foibles, suddenly kick in.

For example, yesterday I saw G.K. Butterfield giving a statement on the recent shootings of black men on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus (which he heads this Congressional term). You look at this man and may blink....



Yet here are his parents (as posted on his Congressional website as part of his bio) -



As he was talking, there was no doubt of what he was, but this is the type of thing that one has to deal with in the U.S.

and was not allowed to go to college. That was back in late 40's, 50's. His father was 15 yrs younger than his sister so didnt know. His father had died when he was really young. Family secret. they have found a whole line of black family and has spent the last decade getting in touch. But it does make my very white and privileged boys what, three generations from their black blood.

They say that, they can argue with others they are black.

I tell them, do not dare, lol. Nothing like a privileged white boys taking the role of oppressed. It certainly is not their story to tell.

There was a video of a black woman whose sister having the same parents genetically got the very white genes. the black woman in the video talking about how there are times when it was her sisters role to address the prejudice of whites she saw committed to her black sister. It was a very touching, excellent video.

Love this woman. Found it.

The hope is that her story would be eye-opening to folks at just what happens in real life.

Many black families are peopled with all shades and folks may be surprised that the "lightest" ones, who one would assume would enjoy a "higher status" in this society because of skin color, end up being the most radical, because they see and experience that disparate treatment up close and personal.

gives me a slightly darker complexion than most freckled redheads:

and middle name from Salvatore Giovanni to Samuel John when he joined the Air Force because we were at war with Italy at the time, and he found out that he was treated better with that Anglo name. (Dad was a 19-year-old airman at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked.)

Dad had a dusky olive Italian complexion, and he got a lot of crap for it. Bigots will always find a reason to hate other people.

always went by "Sal" or "Sonny". All sorts of immigrants from most areas of the world ended up having to "anglicize" their names coming here. I know several with the name "Hua" who became a "Helen".

My father, who was black, was often mistaken for Italian (he was swarthy, near white-skinned and had straight hair slicked back). He was a blond from infancy all the way until he was about 4 years old (he was born in 1924). My mother was brown and joked that dad would always tell her "the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice".

brother was named after Dad's father, but legally changed his name at age 18 from Pasquale to Pat. (It just made a lot of things easier.)

although nowadays, those born here are insisting on keeping their given "ethnic" names for ancestral cultural reasons.

It has a kind of "I am Spartacus!" scene near the end. A corrupt cop is hunting a gay man in a little town, and everyone there says they are gay to protect the man.

If you haven't seen that film, you should. It is delightfgul.

when Wesley Snipes was flying high. I have to add it to my list of movies I need/want to see.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke.

to smack me in the head when things come up, and to tell me, "This one has to come from you," meaning that I, as the white person, have to speak up to the other white people.

She is always right, but the shocking thing to me is how often I don't see it till she says it. Over the years, I have gotten much better at seeing it, but I still miss some of them till she points them out to me.

And persons with the least power know much more about a relationship than those with the most power. Children are experts on adults. Most wealthy people know almost nothing about poor people. Women know a lot more about men than men know about women. (I am a retired man, but I was a marriage and family therapist.)

the way you state it. One up, women are raising these boys. We know boys. We start, well.... in conception. And for the rest of our fuckin' lives, lol.

Fun post.

you said it.

My mom wasn't either.

She raised me to believe that "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

You're preaching an excellent message, but to an activist group (which explains why you're getting more than a few slightly indignant replies).

wouldn't contain a significant number of people who would disagree or need prompting. My greatest reservations, in the absence of other information, would concern those very prima donnas, since there was nothing in the post to suggest that the OP was accusing EVERYONE.

And to fail to understand the validity of the point being made reflects very poorly on the awareness of the OP's petulant, myopically self-referential critics. Do they want a prize ?

And most certainly myopic, but you do seem to have a disdain for many in this community that I would not be so quick as to underestimate. But you say it yourself - the OP does project an accusatory air, and directs it at his fellow Caucasians. Though a freshman may benefit from a sophomore's wisdom, a gentle chiding of the sophomore by upperclassmen may not mean what you think it means.

We need to be united in this as Americans.

Convince yourself we are all equal and the rest will follow.

from another thread, but I don't understand why there is any defensive reaction to this post.
No matter how progressive a person is, being reminded to 'do better' about issues in which we wield privilege is never bad.


There are always moments we can confront issues, whether it's pointing out the quantifiable differences in school discipline of white vs POC for the same infraction or explaining how the 'Southern Strategy' has led to voter disenfranchisement.

I'm mixed race, but appear white. My middle-aged white privilege doesn't just allow but demands that I do more than just condemn overt racism. In speaking to & acting on the issues surrounding the institutional racism on which our country was built I know that I receive a different response than my sister, who appeared mixed race, ever would.

As i once read (not certain where, so i cannot attribute) Ally-ship is a continuing journey, not a fixed point. It is also something that all of us can strive to do better.

PEACE!

There is so little we can do to change all of society and the massive energy of hatred and racism.

But the little things help. I never let a racist comment go by me without challenging it - anywhere - ever. I actively talk about racism on-line. I am a high school teacher, so feel I have a slight impact on the views of students through my words and actions.

I used to get involved in protests and marches, but not anymore. I thought about going to a BLM vigil being held tonight, but it's a 2-hour drive from me.

Such little things I do. But if many, many people do them as well, it could take the edge off the racism in this nation.

Any suggestions for what else a busy, low-energy, white woman can do?

During the confederate flag thing, this a fav picture of mine,



A stupid ass 18 yr old white boy.... My boys age, drove up in a truck with Texas and confederate flag. Oh, the blood pressure went up instantly, my lips persed like an old woman, glaring at this boy.... my sons age. We are getting Sodas and finally, ... I just say, you are such an ass. Take my drink to the counter.

Oh, oh. There was a black woman checking out when he drove up.

A black man walked in after him, older.

My age.

I was so pissed, and this is my store, my very white neighborhood, my territory. The cashier knew what was coming and when I glanced at him, he was smiling and pretending to duck. The same age as my son.

It was hilarious, in my anger.

When I got to the counter he asked with a shit grin, if I was mad. I laid it out, for everyone to hear, turned to the black man and said, doesn't that piss you off?

The kid was humiliated. BUT.....

But, Texas and guns. That is no joke.

I just obviously went into my mama role.

Maybe that white boy shifted his mindset in that day, during that embarrassment. Maybe that cashier was impressed enough to make his own statements about racism on occasion.

And on and on.

passion and respect. Lol. we create more. That is what gives me hope. That is what I learned long ago. As hard as it is to speak up, we gotta.

I've actually lost jobs for standing up for equality for others. And I have no regrets. Who wants to work for bigots?

My point of view probably comes from being an America Citizen who grew up in another country. My family lived in Mexico from the time I was 2 years old until I was 25 years old. I feel that although my citizenship is from the USA, my heart is half Mexican. As a matter of fact I would gladly go back to Mexico in a second if I could.