Interesting article. Some decent points made but it didn't go as deep as I thought it might or as deep as it should go. It is a starting point in the discussion of racism and how it is seen through the eyes of different people. We have to reach a point of understanding each other before we solve the puzzle of tense race relations in America.

 

http://www.bet.com/news/national/2013/07/24/commentary-why-white-people-don-t-see-racism.html

Only problem I see is that it's a BET article. Not enough white people will see it.

Interesting article. Some decent points made but it didn't go as deep as I thought it might or as deep as it should go. It is a starting point in the discussion of racism and how it is seen through the eyes of different people. We have to reach a point of understanding each other before we solve the puzzle of tense race relations in America.

 

Commentary: Why White People Don't See Racism | News | BET

Over all article as you pointed out was kinda shallow on ideas.

 

I did like the analogy of the magnet, that may be one of the best that I have every read/heard.

 

The understanding of each other is the key point, I agree. At their root 95% of people are the same they want to provide for their family, have the freedom to pursue their dreams and at the end of the day be left alone by most of the rest of the world.

 

Maybe I am being WAY to simple but I have always felt racism and many prejudices that people have come out of fear, misunderstanding and mistrust of people they know almost nothing about. Even if they would never admit to it.

Only problem I see is that it's a BET article. Not enough white people will see it.

 

 

I follow Keith Boykin on twitter and I like most of his stuff. I'm surprised with his platform he used BET as an outlet for this article.

Over all article as you pointed out was kinda shallow on ideas.

 

I did like the analogy of the magnet, that may be one of the best that I have every read/heard.

 

The understanding of each other is the key point, I agree. At their root 95% of people are the same they want to provide for their family, have the freedom to pursue their dreams and at the end of the day be left alone by most of the rest of the world.

 

Maybe I am being WAY to simple but I have always felt racism and many prejudices that people have come out of fear, misunderstanding and mistrust of people they know almost nothing about. Even if they would never admit to it.

 

To sum it up, most people are ignorant of the struggles, day to day barriers, and obstacles others face. Due to that ignorance they form misguided assumptions and preconceptions about people and then apply it to everyone that fits the same description. Thus prejudiced and bigotry/racism are born, even though most times inadvertantly.

 

I will say, without a shadow of a doubt, it is constantly getting better though.

To sum it up, most people are ignorant of the struggles, day to day barriers, and obstacles others face. Due to that ignorance they form misguided assumptions and preconceptions about people and then apply it to everyone that fits the same description. Thus prejudiced and bigotry/racism are born, even though most times inadvertantly.

 

I will say, without a shadow of a doubt, it is constantly getting better though.

 

I think it is getting better also. Ways to go but definitely getting better.

I follow Keith Boykin on twitter and I like most of his stuff. I'm surprised with his platform he used BET as an outlet for this article.

 

I definitely think a different platform would've been better.

 

I thought about saying the only people that would read this are black or white thugs but I thought that may have been a step in the wrong direction.

I definitely think a different platform would've been better.

 

I thought about saying the only people that would read this are black or white thugs but I thought that may have been a step in the wrong direction.

 

No worries. The ones in Detroit probably can't read it anyways.

 

 

 

Dave Chappelle has ruined me. I miss him.

No worries. The ones in Detroit probably can't read it anyways.

 

 

 

Dave Chappelle has ruined me. I miss him.

 

Agreed

From the article:

 

"But Paula Deen aside, modern racism isn't really about the N-word. New code words like Detroit, Chicago, "Stand Your Ground," voter ID, food stamps and welfare now carry the same impact with dog whistle messages too subtle to be reported by many in the media. This seemingly race-neutral language allows the majority to engage in public discourse under the mantle of innocence and thus dismiss the vestiges and effects of hundreds of years of legally sanctioned white supremacy".

 

My opinion here. Now he veers off on some distant avenue and completely loses the reader (me anyway). So "stand your ground" is racist? If I bring up the plight in Detroit that's just a secret code word for racism? Because I think EVERYONE should have a form of picture ID that means I hate people of color? Uhhhhh. And by the way, from someone who has worked the polls the last 3 years, the biggest problems I ever had were with freaking jerkoff lily white rednecks, one who's ID wasn't updated correctly and we believe tried to vote twice in two different precincts, and the other I go to church with and DREAD seeing him come to the table. Just some very specific anecdotal evidence pertaining to me.

 

From the article:

 

"If you kill an unarmed Black boy or fan the flames of white resentment on talk radio, you're a "patriot." But if you help the family of the young Black boy who was killed, you're a "race hustler." "

 

Now I think he's just trying to upset people and quite frankly I find these two statements, especially the first one, insulting. No one is calling anyone a "patriot" because an unarmed black boy was shot, at least no one with any sense. And IF there is someone saying that, I'd be the first one in line to slap em and call them a dirt bag.

 

Double P, I don't know you personally, but just from the brief time I've been on here and reading your posts, you seem like a pretty dang cool dude and someone I'm quite sure I could be friends with and would enjoy hanging with were we to know each other. I also don't know what it's like to walk in your shoes, and there is no doubt you have had experiences that I haven't. But the reverse of that is true as well. I also know there are still many racists out there today, and in all colors. I have no problem with someone trying to open some discussion about the topic, and it is an important one, but this writer I believe as shown in the above examples is throwing things out there that just having nothing to do with the topic and does more harm than good. JMO though.

President Obama and the race problem | Fox News Video

From the article:

 

"But Paula Deen aside, modern racism isn't really about the N-word. New code words like Detroit, Chicago, "Stand Your Ground," voter ID, food stamps and welfare now carry the same impact with dog whistle messages too subtle to be reported by many in the media. This seemingly race-neutral language allows the majority to engage in public discourse under the mantle of innocence and thus dismiss the vestiges and effects of hundreds of years of legally sanctioned white supremacy".

 

My opinion here. Now he veers off on some distant avenue and completely loses the reader (me anyway). So "stand your ground" is racist? If I bring up the plight in Detroit that's just a secret code word for racism? Because I think EVERYONE should have a form of picture ID that means I hate people of color? Uhhhhh. And by the way, from someone who has worked the polls the last 3 years, the biggest problems I ever had were with freaking jerkoff lily white rednecks, one who's ID wasn't updated correctly and we believe tried to vote twice in two different precincts, and the other I go to church with and DREAD seeing him come to the table. Just some very specific anecdotal evidence pertaining to me.

 

From the article:

 

"If you kill an unarmed Black boy or fan the flames of white resentment on talk radio, you're a "patriot." But if you help the family of the young Black boy who was killed, you're a "race hustler." "

 

Now I think he's just trying to upset people and quite frankly I find these two statements, especially the first one, insulting. No one is calling anyone a "patriot" because an unarmed black boy was shot, at least no one with any sense. And IF there is someone saying that, I'd be the first one in line to slap em and call them a dirt bag.

 

Double P, I don't know you personally, but just from the brief time I've been on here and reading your posts, you seem like a pretty dang cool dude and someone I'm quite sure I could be friends with and would enjoy hanging with were we to know each other. I also don't know what it's like to walk in your shoes, and there is no doubt you have had experiences that I haven't. But the reverse of that is true as well. I also know there are still many racists out there today, and in all colors. I have no problem with someone trying to open some discussion about the topic, and it is an important one, but this writer I believe as shown in the above examples is throwing things out there that just having nothing to do with the topic and does more harm than good. JMO though.

 

I agree that some of the things he says can be misinterpreted or lost in translation. He's not saying that when all people use those code words they are being racist but he is saying some people use those code words to imply things in a racial manner. I do believe that to be true. It's kind of like calling a basketball team athletic or fundamentally sound. An 'athletic' team is likely a predominately black team and a 'fundamentally sound' team is likely a predominately white team. Without saying a 'black' team or a 'white' team everyone knows what that means. Not saying it is right or wrong to label teams in that manner. I'm just pointing out how code words can be used and interpreted.

 

 

I can see how the second quote from the article could come off as insulting. From my perspective it was saying that folks who took GZ's side have been championed in some instances. For example, Charles Barkley agreed with the GZ verdict and said as much and has been heaped with praise for being 'objective.' On the other end look at the reaction Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton get for taking the side of Trayvon Martin. Even here on BGP Jackson and Sharpton are looked down upon. I understand why and I am first to say Jackson and Sharpton don't represent me or my beliefs and they never will but why does their involvement in the Martin case mean they should have their every move concerning the case castigated? And I am not saying folks on BGP are being racist in castigating Sharpton and Jackson. Just pointing out what Boykin is trying to say when it comes to that quote.

 

I probably know more racists that are black than white. It's shameful any way you slice it. I do wish Boykin would have gone deeper into the subject instead of writing it like a 750 word paper to turn into his English 101 class. That's part of the reason I put it up here. Searching for the continued discussion. I love racial discussions.

 

 

And thanks for the compliments. I think you and I are proof that Duke and UNC fans can get along.

From the article:

 

"But Paula Deen aside, modern racism isn't really about the N-word. New code words like Detroit, Chicago, "Stand Your Ground," voter ID, food stamps and welfare now carry the same impact with dog whistle messages too subtle to be reported by many in the media. This seemingly race-neutral language allows the majority to engage in public discourse under the mantle of innocence and thus dismiss the vestiges and effects of hundreds of years of legally sanctioned white supremacy".

 

My opinion here. Now he veers off on some distant avenue and completely loses the reader (me anyway). So "stand your ground" is racist? If I bring up the plight in Detroit that's just a secret code word for racism? Because I think EVERYONE should have a form of picture ID that means I hate people of color? Uhhhhh. And by the way, from someone who has worked the polls the last 3 years, the biggest problems I ever had were with freaking jerkoff lily white rednecks, one who's ID wasn't updated correctly and we believe tried to vote twice in two different precincts, and the other I go to church with and DREAD seeing him come to the table. Just some very specific anecdotal evidence pertaining to me.

 

From the article:

 

"If you kill an unarmed Black boy or fan the flames of white resentment on talk radio, you're a "patriot." But if you help the family of the young Black boy who was killed, you're a "race hustler." "

 

Now I think he's just trying to upset people and quite frankly I find these two statements, especially the first one, insulting. No one is calling anyone a "patriot" because an unarmed black boy was shot, at least no one with any sense. And IF there is someone saying that, I'd be the first one in line to slap em and call them a dirt bag.

 

Double P, I don't know you personally, but just from the brief time I've been on here and reading your posts, you seem like a pretty dang cool dude and someone I'm quite sure I could be friends with and would enjoy hanging with were we to know each other. I also don't know what it's like to walk in your shoes, and there is no doubt you have had experiences that I haven't. But the reverse of that is true as well. I also know there are still many racists out there today, and in all colors. I have no problem with someone trying to open some discussion about the topic, and it is an important one, but this writer I believe as shown in the above examples is throwing things out there that just having nothing to do with the topic and does more harm than good. JMO though.

 

You commented on some of the same things that I was going to comment on and I agree with your post.

 

PS: I have met PP on a couple of occasions and he is a very nice guy.

Ummmmmmmmmm...you're a Duke fan?:puke: Just when I was considering us internet brothers, you have to go and say that. Uhhhhhhhh. Well, I guess in the sprit of this thread, I can overlook color (that gosh awful Duke blue) and just accept you as you are...even with that horrible fault.:up:

I agree that some of the things he says can be misinterpreted or lost in translation. He's not saying that when all people use those code words they are being racist but he is saying some people use those code words to imply things in a racial manner. I do believe that to be true. It's kind of like calling a basketball team athletic or fundamentally sound. An 'athletic' team is likely a predominately black team and a 'fundamentally sound' team is likely a predominately white team. Without saying a 'black' team or a 'white' team everyone knows what that means. Not saying it is right or wrong to label teams in that manner. I'm just pointing out how code words can be used and interpreted.

 

 

I can see how the second quote from the article could come off as insulting. From my perspective it was saying that folks who took GZ's side have been championed in some instances. For example, Charles Barkley agreed with the GZ verdict and said as much and has been heaped with praise for being 'objective.' On the other end look at the reaction Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton get for taking the side of Trayvon Martin. Even here on BGP Jackson and Sharpton are looked down upon. I understand why and I am first to say Jackson and Sharpton don't represent me or my beliefs and they never will but why does their involvement in the Martin case mean they should have their every move concerning the case castigated? And I am not saying folks on BGP are being racist in castigating Sharpton and Jackson. Just pointing out what Boykin is trying to say when it comes to that quote.

 

I probably know more racists that are black than white. It's shameful any way you slice it. I do wish Boykin would have gone deeper into the subject instead of writing it like a 750 word paper to turn into his English 101 class. That's part of the reason I put it up here. Searching for the continued discussion. I love racial discussions.

 

 

And thanks for the compliments. I think you and I are proof that Duke and UNC fans can get along.

 

I also hear a lot about the "athletic" and "fundamental" comparison, I just never agreed with it. Not the stereotype of athletic = black and fundamental = white. I disagreed that "athletic" and "fundamental" are, essentially, the same thing just of a different color. To me, they are totally different, which makes the comparison even more racist because it has little to do with ability.

 

And, how can you be a Duke fan and not be racist? Beautiful people are a race and Duke doesn't accept any of them.