How does someone 'free themselves' of something that exists only in the mind of other people? I think of myself as a Finnish (Fennoswede) American. Not a 'White' guy. That's what everyone else decides I am.
a.) It doesn't only exist in the mind of other people. The fact that you don't consciously think of yourself as white doesn't mean you're not affected by the construction of whiteness. Here, do this and report back. b.) Same way any social sea change happens, by educating oneself so one can educate others, and maybe eventually we improve on a societal level.How does someone 'free themselves' of something that exists only in the mind of other people?
Watch this movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_Clear_(film) Watch this movie: http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/brainwashed-westboro-baptist-church/ I have a hard time on putting the thoughts into words. And my church was not that big of a cult as much as it was just a normal church; then again I did go to a Jesuit Seminary for two years.
Nope. Not interested. I treat everyone the way I would like to be treated. I do not make special allowances for, or treat people worse because of the melanin content or lack thereof of their skin. I am well educated in how horrible and awful white people are. What 'change' do you expect me to make?
> b. Treating people equally when they start from an unequal position reproduces inequality. I disagree, treating people unequally diminishes their achievement and hard work. Its really hard to say that X group is equally as capable as Y group and then have a lower achievement bar for X group vs Y group. Actions are stronger than words and the action says that X group is less less capable because apparently X group needs a handicap to even compete.
a. That's false, and I have a feeling your reluctance to take the IAT has something to do with that. b. Treating people equally when they start from an unequal position reproduces inequality. Step 1: acknowledge that your own identity is tied up in pervasive notions of whiteness. Do your best to limit their influence on your actions, but recognize that you probably can't change them. Step 2: accept that the moral burden of achieving equality lies on the oppressor, not the oppressed. However that's defined. Men, straight people, cis people, white people, the rich, whatever. Step 3: do something about it. -- Reread b. up there. Being a non-racist is not enough. The question is, are you anti-racist?I do not make special allowances for, or treat people worse because of the melanin content or lack thereof of their skin.
What 'change' do you expect me to make?
"You're a racist and I'll prove it." Right, so start fighting the wealthy elite who keep poor people of all skin colors poor. If we're both drowning but I'm 5 feet closer to the surface than you are, I can't help you as much as the guy on the surface with the dive boat. Step 2: accept that the moral burden of achieving equality lies on the oppressor, not the oppressed. However that's defined. Men, straight people, cis people, white people, the rich, whatever. Step 3: do something about it. Lovely words. Nothing actionable. If you mean 'Do you oppose people who make judgements based on melanin content of skin?' then I am an anti-racist. If you mean 'Do you unilaterally support BLM on every single issue?' Then I am a virulent racist, because I think skin color is the least interesting thing about a person. That's false, and I have a feeling your reluctance to take the IAT has something to do with that.
b. Treating people equally when they start from an unequal position reproduces inequality.
Step 1: acknowledge that your own identity is tied up in pervasive notions of whiteness. Do your best to limit their influence on your actions, but recognize that you probably can't change them.
The question is, are you anti-racist?