The truth about racism? Don't crucify me just give me your honest opinion
By Annie
@Anniedup (3651)
Richards Bay, South Africa
October 31, 2008 12:24pm CST
I received this in my email and after reading it over and over again I decided to post it.
Give me your honest opinion about this.
How many are actually paying attention to this? There are African Americans,Mexican Americans,Asian Americans,Arab Americans,Native Americans, etc.
And then there are just - Americans.
You pass me on the street and sneer in my direction.
You Call me "White boy," "Cracker," "Honkey,""Whitey," "Caveman,"...And that's OK.
But when I call you N..r, Ki.., Towel h..d, Sand-ni..r, Camel Joc...,Bea..er, G..k, or Ch..,...You call me a racist.
You say that whites commit a lot of violence against you,so why are the ghettos the most dangerous places to live? You have the United Negro College Fund.
You have Hispanic History Month.
You have Martin Luther King Day.
You have Asian History Month.
You have Black History Month.
You have Cesar Chavez Day.
You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi.
You have Yom Hashoah.
You have Kawanza.
You have the NAACP.
And you have BET.
If we had WET (White Entertainment Television)
...We'd be racists.
If we had a White Pride Day...You would call us racists.
If we had White History Month...We'd be racists.
If we had any organization for only whites to "advance" OUR lives,...We'd be racists.
We have a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a Black Chamber of Commerce, and then we just have the plain Chamber of Commerce.
Wonder who pays for that? If we had a college fund that only gave white students scholarships...You know we'd be racists.
There are over 60 openly-proclaimed Black-only Colleges in the US,yet if there were "White-only Colleges"...THAT would be a racist college.
In the Million-Man March,you believed that you were marching for your race and rights.
If we marched for our race and rights,...You would call us racists.
You are proud to be black, brown, yellow and red, and you're not afraid to announce it.
But when we announce our white pride...You call us racists.!You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us.
But, when a white police officer shoots a black gang member or beats up a black drug-dealer who is running from the LAW and posing a threat to ALL of society...You call him a racist.
I am proud....But, you call me a racist.
Why is it that only whites can be racists?
Even posting this I had to replce all the racist words except the derogative slants against white people ?
6 people like this
15 responses
@TenmaMetsuki (452)
• Bahrain
1 Nov 08
That is 99% because of the history that white people have in how they treated all the other races over the long-lost centuries. Although we didn't live back then, it is still continuing today in the countless wars and other races just can't seem to accept it. If you want those who call you "white boy" or "white girl" to be labeled as racists, make sure to stop all the hate and blood-spilling coming from the whites, then it will be "almost" a fair deal
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
1 Nov 08
I agree there was great atrocities back then, but don't you think if we stop dwelling on the negative we will automatically turn things around in a positive way.
Your statement "make sure to stop all the hate and blood-spilling coming from the whites, then it will be "almost" a fair deal"
I can't take responsibility for people all over the world killing each other because of race and cultural differences !
It is almost to say, because a Muslim flew into the Twin Towers, you have now the right to call your fellow Muslims walking in your neighborhood, derogative names or treat them any different just because some lunatic, that happened to be a Muslim acted in a murderous way!
I can only treat my fellow human being with respect as a human being and not because of his color, and TEACH my children to do the same. The English did the same with us in our own country and my grandmother lost two children and a husband, but she didn't teach my mother to hate and to be bitter.
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
3 Nov 08
I am not twisting your words please read again. My country has never supported any war and like I said it is not just a matter of forgive and forget, we all should put a stop to this it is senseless. I pray as a single "whitey" as you just called us, for colorblindness!
@TenmaMetsuki (452)
• Bahrain
1 Nov 08
I didn't mean it like that, don't go off twisting my words. what I meant was, no matter how hard you try, if the losers you keep choosing continue on their trail of destruction over other races, it is only natural that other people will feel general hate and anger. A single rotten apple rots the others in the basket, that's all there is to it
And so, what I said was, if your nations stopped what they're doing, people will be able to live in peace for once, but for countless centuries that have never happened, not even once, so we're not talking about one or two whiteys here, we're talking about all the people that cause these atrocities, and the people that support them and help them do it! (aka, their armies to name one) - for example, if people actually protested against these useless wars and stopped getting themselves recruited, those "kings" won't have any "pawns" left to use in wars, a very simple solution and all it needs is for the "white" people to actually go against these happenings, but they're not, are they?
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
1 Nov 08
My honest opinion? This is nothing but racist hate-speech geared toward inciting racial strife. Any reasonable person knows that the organizations mentioned there are merely vehicles by which racial minorities can pursue life, liberty, and happiness on a more level playing field. White people do not have a need for such specialized programs because they are the overwhelming majority. Also, historically, it has been the whites who have enslaved and misused people of all other ethnic people. The author of that email shows that they have a lack of sensitivity to other races of people. In truth the white man has left nothing but a trail of disease and destruction wherever he has gone in the determination to conquer and subjugate every other race! Most people only want the chance to make a living and have a bit of happiness. Most people don't have that type of superiority complex.
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
3 Nov 08
My friend just go back to the beginning of my discussion. I am not an American and posted this to get clarity about the contents. And I must admit I did. What I also picked up is the bitterness and still so much hatred. I am a white female in Africa where my race is a minority and racism against us takes place everyday. My race committed a horrible crime in the past but why should I pay for it daily? I am respectful and sensitive to all other races, and merely trying to understand why can't we all just live in peace and harmony.
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
7 Nov 08
Blacks and other minorities have overcome...we have affirmative action. Blacks are on TV just as much as white are so they don't need their special channels. We don't need black history month. We acknowledge history everyday as we live it and blacks were and are a part of it. Just like we don't need a women's history. Or should we just celebrate black history during February forget what they did during the rest of the year? Blacks get scholarships just like other people do so they don't need black only scholarship organization. But if you prefer to separate the races like that, segregation is in order. Pick a state and live there you will not have to look at the white people anymore. Then you can blame each other for your problems. And blacks who want to mix with whites can stay right where they are.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
8 Nov 08
To Yes: I can only conclude from your statements that you are very naive when it comes to racial issues in America. I did not just fall off the turnip truck, and I have the benefit of 6 decades of living through the ups and downs of the struggles of the black people who only want to be treated equally and fairly. There is absolutely still a need for Black History Month because it highlights the achievements of a race of people that have largely been excluded and unrecognized in American History classes for many, many years.
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
1 Nov 08
We deserve the world we live in. If we only see races, if we only see skins, if we only see the dim-wittedness of our own minds then we deserve what we get.
2 people like this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
1 Nov 08
It is sad that we still need to debate about racism after having supposedly come a long way.But the reality is that it is taking new forms as days and years pass.
It started with the supremacy of whites over the rest because they had the money and power. But that is history, and one has to move forward .
On the other hand if one were to see it from the other side,the others may be thinking that it is pay back time.I am not trying to defend anyone here, just an impartial view
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
1 Nov 08
You are so right. In my view if we keep on dwelling in the past we are moving backwards. "Apartheid" was in my time as a child. I am fortunate to have been brought up by parents, that did not support the government of the day, and my generation did not teach our children to be racists. But still our children and in my day to day life I get treated in a derogative and racist way, by a generation that did not go through "Apartheid" I blame it on those that are coming two generations back, for dwelling in the past and rubbing of the bitterness and hatred. Granted it must have been horrible, but the only way to move forward is to forgive and see each other as human beings equal but different. We can not afford the cycle to go on and on.
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
7 Nov 08
I get tired of all the bitterness. We have a half black president that whites voted for. He was voted even though he spent 20 years in a church that preached hate for white people. And that preacher was his mentor. This man was elected anyway by white people. If that is not enough then maybe segregation IS answer for those who still blame white people and hate them. There are blacks who are not like this. They believe in forgiveness, and they have gotten past it. But for those who have not we will give them their own state or two and see how they do.
1 person likes this
@skybluearmyontour (21)
•
31 Oct 08
If the N****R word is so offensive to black people, why do they say it so much themselves? Would the word be so much in forefront if it wasn't mentioned by rappers as much? I think it's a people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones scenario..
2 people like this
@skybluearmyontour (21)
•
5 Nov 08
When I was at school I had a fight with a muslim kid (not that the race mattered in the fight), it wasn't a racist attack, it was more revenge on bad remarks about my family but I was threatened with racial assault, thankfully he didn't proceed with that. If it was he who started the fight would I be able to press for racial assault? No chance.
The PC brigade have made the authorities scared. Some minorities think they are above the law because when they get confronted they'll call Police racist and they'll back off for fear of losing job.
1 person likes this
@Firefly99 (251)
• United States
31 Oct 08
It is Sad but True! I have never understood this and most likely never will but racism does work both ways! There are whites that hate a person just because they are African American and there are afican americans that hate a person just because they are white. I however do not think it is as bad in my neck of the woods as it is in other places? We say how we feel here it does not matter what your skin color is, a black man can get beat down just as quickly as a white man and nobody screams racist.
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
31 Oct 08
Frankly you should consider yourself lucky ! I grew up in a country where "Apartheid" reigned, but now it is in reverse and we are a minority getting killed every day out of revenge for what happened years ago, where as an individual I did not take part in. They are making me feel guilty, and punishing me, for sins that my forefathers did and because of the color of my skin!
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
31 Oct 08
That is amazing. And you live in the USA.
1 person likes this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
31 Oct 08
Right now I'm busy watching the celebration of the Phillies winning the baseball World Series. Then I have to get some rest to get ready for work.
But you better believe, I'll answer all your questions when I get home in the morning.
Lloyd
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
3 Nov 08
Dear Lloyd, thank you for your valuable input. I must just stress I did not write this and sincerely just wanted to get the opinions of all Americans. I also asked not to be crucified.
I agree wholeheartedly that these types of email not only just divide your nation but all people no matter where in the world. If you go though all of my responses then you will see my take on all of this. Once again thank you for your honest input and the valuable links. I hope who ever reads this will take the time to follow up on the links.
@Firefly99 (251)
• United States
3 Nov 08
1962, thats over 45 years ago? I was not here then nor were my children and my parents were only 8 years old. So if you are not 50 or older I have no clue as to why we cannot all get over it and move on? And why should My children and I feel guilty and be punished for something we had NOTHING to do with?
Also my husband is an American Indian and I have never heard him complain about what was done to his people and I do not see any designated days, schools, channels etc, for American Indians.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I am proud that I am German Austrian English Welsh, and I let them know about it. I do not understand people who do not like people who are the same ancestry as Bach (what's not to like about Bach? He made such lovely cantatas?) and cannot understand why someone hates Austrians when there was this lovely music called the Sound of Music about the Trapp singers who were Austrian, and the English, well Charles Dickens was a famous writer, so was Agatha Christie, and they were English. As for the Welsh, have you ever heard Welsh sing? And there was Richard Burton and the other actors. oH yes Glenn Ford was Welsh-American. I am in good company.
So for all your African Americans, I am proud of being white.
So there!
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
1 Nov 08
Exactly my point as well. As I said there was a very brutal war years ago between the English and the Boer's I don't hate them, and I don't seek revenge for what happened years ago, it is our duty to forgive and move on. My daughter resides in the UK today and I have no malice whatsoever, why can't black people just do the same! Look at the war in the Congo, there is so much hatred it will last for eons to come. So very sad.
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
31 Oct 08
Annie is a proud White African. And she loves animals. She loves the heart of all loving people...You will love her!
2 people like this
@lloydbelleza (1227)
• Philippines
1 Nov 08
I am an Asian but I sympathize you. I agree of what you said, most of it I think. Maybe, we just feel inferior and the Whites the superior. But it should not be the case. We are of equal footing now. We are not in the past. But still, racism is present. I hope labeling whites as the prime racists or however they call you to stop. That is very unfair to your part. I hope they would realize it. Best of luck my friend.
1 person likes this
@morgandrake (2136)
• United States
31 Oct 08
I have been wondering this all semester long. I am taking Economics of Race and Gender this semester. We talk a lot about discrimination of other races, and of women; but we never mention that it works both ways. The fact that many people feel that Columbus was a criminal and that we shouldn't celebrate that day, just proves the point; Columbus was a white guy and to celebrate that day makes people racists (and not Italian-Americans).
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
31 Oct 08
I am a white female in South Africa that have seen both sides of the coin ( gender and race) and the ugliness and unfairness of it all!
Personally I just feel that too much emphasize is put on race and gender ! Why can't we just except each other as human beings ! Equal but different!
Race has a new name (ethnic cleansing) in certain countries (look at what is happening in the Congo) but it still boils down to what it is, race !
Thank you for your honest and quick response :)
1 person likes this
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
31 Oct 08
No man or woman that we celebrate is perfect or without fault. Celebrate Columbus with bells on!!!
1 person likes this
@jesus777 (662)
• Bermuda
31 Oct 08
i feel that everyone as individuals should have freedom and be proud of there race no matter what you have opened my eyes to a lot i had never really thought about it in this light that all other races in america have there celebration but whites dont but i also that there are negative and positive ways too to stand up for your rights and what you believe in to me it would not bother me if a white cop picked up a black person for doing wrong no matter white or black we are all gods children and in society there are consequences for one actions!!!! if you started a club for whites i would not have any problem with it but other might we are all people in one world and we should interest with people from within our and also outside our race people are people and the color on our faces should not determine the intent of our hearts!!!!!!
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
31 Oct 08
the color on our faces should not determine the intent of our hearts!!!!!!----That is beautiful!!!
1 person likes this
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
1 Nov 08
Unfortunately, this post is right. I'm a white woman in the US. My ex daughter in law was "Asian American." But yet she was a 2nd generation American born here. Why are they still referred to as "Asian American?" I have no idea. Since my son is a blonde white man, what does this make his two girls? Asian/White American? I wish people all over this planet would just FINALLY give up the labels. We are ALL just people. Whether you are black, white, or purple - you are still people. I admit I get a bit frustrated with all of the black history month, black TV channels, and so on and so forth. Not because they are black, but simply because why do they think they need a special month, day or their own TV channel? I also get frustrated living in south Texas with all the Hispanic channels, and all the special things done just for Hispanics. Why? They are just people, just like me. Sometimes I wonder if our planet will ever move beyond the labels. I'm sure it won't happen in MY lifetime.
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
3 Nov 08
I hear what you are saying. My brother is married to a Thai girl and they have the most beautiful little girl. But when we walk around in town we get starred at for God only knows why, not just from white people but from the black people as well. sigh !
I am kind of used to the different channels in my country we have 11 official languages lol !
When I go through my responses it is heartbreaking to see how much hatred there still is.
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
1 Nov 08
you know i have read this before. but if you actully think about it, it does have some truth to it.
when a black get on stage and make fun of white people it's all funny. now if robin william get on stage make fun of a black person it's racest. myself i make fun of everyone.
also i think the tv plays a big role in this, they will put on when a black person got shot, but never rarley have about a white person. specaliy if it's a white person killing a black person be on the news for months, if it's a black person who shot a white person, might never see it.
but we all need to look and admit this does have some truth to it. myself i don't like racest people, i try to adviod the subject.
i raised my kids not to be racest, never judge people by thier skin or bleife. just on respect. we have young man who's black is like our son. matter of fact we have a few..
but sadly this does have lot of truth..
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
1 Nov 08
I totally agree with you, I have taught my daughter just like my mother taught me to have respect for a human being not because of the color of his skin, but for who he rally is, from the inside. My brother is married to a Thai girl and she has a very different culture, but we embrace it and so does she with us. Wish I could say the same all around. sigh !
1 person likes this
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
1 Nov 08
there isn't a white race or black race. there is only the human race
2 people like this
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
This is such a touchy subject. I agree with you and what you posted, but the old stand by explanation is that every month is white history month, most channels are white entertainment etc. White people get everything all the time so it's only right that other races and creeds get their own month, day, channel. I don't agree with that but it is the argument
Personally I think that since things have progressed so much in terms of acceptance and race that placing significance (good or bad) on any race is unnecessary. I don't think that the idea of black only colleges is very progressive, it seems like they are doing to themselves one of the things they have fought so hard to overcome - segregation. And yes, white colleges would also be absolutely discriminatory and wrong. I think that curriculums should include every event and person who was relevant, regardless of race and that every organization and institution should essentially be color blind.
I realize that racism is something that I can't pretend I've experienced to a great extent. But I don't think that it's right or fair for other races to think it's their right or it's OK to call white people derogatory terms. Also not very progressive.
I say that people have every right to be proud of their history and where they came from but it in no way defines them as a person. And - this is going to be an unpopular opinion - when people who claim that so many things are racist and so many of their problems are based on their race change that attitude maybe things will finally start to change and progress.
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
31 Oct 08
Actually, in the USA there are tons of black shows. Look at Oprah..she is probably the most power in the USA. We don't have white colleges, but we do have black colleges. We do not get everything all the time--I am white. Take a look at the music industry.
2 people like this
@ediblecottoncandie (109)
• United States
31 Oct 08
Those are things I've been thinking for along time.
1 person likes this
