In Response to xxhardcoree
In the south, the racism against minorities is often much more overt than in other regions of the U.S. In many regions outside of the south, racism is expressed in more covert manners, but that isn’t to say overt racism doesn’t happen in those places. I also live in the south, and as a Black/Afrolatina, bisexual woman, my experience is dramatically different. Then again, I do not get to view things from the veil of White privilege. “Down here, it’s more the Blacks against the Whites.” So, are the Whites pacifists—innocent victims who bear no ill will toward Blacks? That statement alone shows her ignorance, privilege, & prejudice. Assuming for a moment that her observations are true, and that Black people do in fact target Whites or are “against” Whites more than the reverse, has she never stopped to question WHY that is? Well, let’s see: Workplace discrimination & racist hiring practices, stereotypes, racial profiling, police terrorism, unfair sentences combined with more frequent arrests… It seems to me that the targeting of Blacks as a systematic and institutionalized weapon is valid cause for Black people—or any people of color—to be angry, distrustful, and even hateful of White people.
Race most assuredly is a factor in all areas of society, and it is quite hypocritical of her to say “I was targeted for being White,” but then say, “it isn’t always about race.” So she tells us of her experiences with prejudice, while negating our experiences with racism.
To further explain the ignorance of her “Blacks against Whites” comment, allow me to share a few of my experiences:
White people—strangers—regularly touching my hair (and no, they do not ask permission).
Being called a “nigger bitch” on more than one occasion.
Being asked if my hair is real.
Being told my hair feels “soft, like a baby lamb,” or that my hair feels like a sheep.
Being bullied and harassed all throughout my school years for my nose, my butt, my hair.
Having confederate flags drawn in my text books or on my locker.
Agriculture teachers explaining to their classes how “the notches on a noose represent each nigger that was hung with that rope.”
White men fetishizing me, and thinking it’s a compliment.
Being fetishized and sexually harassed by my White manager, and him getting away with it.
Being called mulatto, quadroon, and/or mutt (I am not even “mixed” with White”).
Being told how I am “different” than other Black people, or not really Black, or “a White girl in a Black girl’s body.”
Being told, in amazed tones, how “articulate” or “educated” am I.
Being told I am “so pretty for a Black girl.”
Being followed around in stores.
Being ignored or treated rudely at upscale stores—no matter how well-dressed I may have been. Meanwhile, Tiffany-Becky-Amber in the flip flops is treated quite respectfully.
And I have MANY more examples, but I think I’ve made my point. Moving on to her point about “being able to understand,” how could she possibly understand what it is like to fear that your child may be the next target of a White racist cop or civilian “standing their ground?” To tense up anytime police are around, even though you’ve done nothing other than be Black and alive? And you being gay doesn’t make you better equipped to understand racism. It does, however, help you understand oppression (or rather, theoretically, it could), but even movements for women and for LGBTQ grant you privilege because they promote your Whiteness and deny race in many cases. Don’t throw your sexuality out there as if it qualifies you to be a voice on Black or PoC issues, or as if that means you understand. You also appear to be cisgender and skinny, which will afford you privileges despite your sexuality.
Furthermore, seeing me includes seeing my race, seeing my culture. Don’t negate my identity with that “I don’t see race” bullshit. If you don’t see race, how can you see racism? See me, see all the beautiful parts of who I am… Just don’t oppress me for them.
Lastly, White people can sympathize, but they cannot empathize. White people can be concerned, they can try to imagine what it must be like, they can be opposed to the subjugation and mistreatment of people of color, but they can never understand. You—xxhardcoree—are a perfect example of what I view as benevolent racism.
I don’t have the energy to elaborate further, but I hope this helped in some way. If this gets posted, thank you.
Submission by http://unapologetically-black.tumblr.com/
BTW, I always enjoy her posts, wither it's social commentary or about her baby boy. :)