[Discussion] Privilege and Racism

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A place to discuss issues surrounding racism, classism and privilege.

To start, please read this essay: It's Not About Race!

It explains better than I why being able to remove race from an equation is a white privileged thing.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/...

White female cop for some reason makes up story that she was shot by a black man.. reasons unknown?

Accidental discharge, I'd think. And it makes me wonder about candidate testing and rookie supervision in that jurisdiction...

Robear wrote:

Accidental discharge, I'd think. And it makes me wonder about candidate testing and rookie supervision in that jurisdiction...

They mention she checked into a private facility which makes me think she has a substance abuse / dependency problem.

sometimesdee wrote:

To start, please read this essay: It's Not About Race!

It explains better than I why being able to remove race from an equation is a white privileged thing.

This is great. Very well put.

Considered posting this in the police violence thread, but the purpose is to woke white people, so:

Ten J.J. Redicks and a White Running Back
Imagine a world without black people — you can’t. Now do something about it.

There was a pastor from Atlanta who once said, “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” He also threw in, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” and, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”

It’s time to end white silence. Yes, white people, I’m calling you out. The silent ones, that is. Especially the silence of white people whom I know and love. Some of you may say, “Hey, I retweeted DeRay that one time!”

No. That’s not what I’m talking about.

Black people can shout to the mountaintops that they’re being unjustly killed by police, but we can’t end this without help. Black people make up just 13 percent of America. Eighty-three percent of the people who make our laws are white. I’m not saying white people are or should be our saviors, but it would be foolish to think we can correct this problem without changing some people’s minds. If white parents had to live with the same fears and worries for their kids once they left their presence as black parents do, this would have ended a very long time ago. I’m not alone in thinking this. Even Martin Luther King Jr. knew the importance of white allies; one of his just so happened to be the president.

Last week, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett told The Seattle Times, “You need a white guy to join the fight. The white guy is super important to the fight. … For people to really see social injustices, there must be someone from the other side of the race who recognizes the problem, because a lot of times if just one race says there’s a problem, nobody is realistic about it.” The problem isn’t that there aren’t any white people speaking up who understand what’s happening to black Americans. It’s that we need more, we need them loud, and we need them in places like police unions and departments, Congress, and on NFL sidelines, kneeling next to Colin.

That's not the most powerful part of the whole article, I'll leave that for you to read.

sometimesdee wrote:

To start, please read this essay: It's Not About Race!

It explains better than I why being able to remove race from an equation is a white privileged thing.

That is an excellent piece. I'm glad to have read and learned from it.

So, too, the follow up response, from John Metta, in the comments, concerning an insinuation that the individual asking for "an intellectual discussion" was nothing more than "a dick".

It's disappointing enough that so many do not see racism, simply cannot recognise it without inspection. It is not aided by those who then think it beneficial to hang these individuals out to dry, to treat them with no respect and tar them with a not too dissimilar brush to that used for the actual monsters.

Thank you, John Metta, on two fronts.

This is making the rounds on Facebook and already has some absurd amount of views. Confirmation bias expected, as seen by those on my Facebook feed for the most part.

*sigh* In other words, Joey Salads doesn't get it.

Joey Salads, clearly, does not get it. That doesn't make him a bad person. That doesn't mean he deserves to be physically assaulted. He is not as educated on the subject as he should be, doubly so if he wishes to participate in the manner he chose. I'm baffled by his degree of ignorance. He needs to understand. He needs to be educated. Not beaten. I saw at least one individual who talked calmly and attempted to let Joey know he was out of his depth, and that it was dangerous for him to do what he was doing. I'd like to know him. What an individual.

Maybe a black person holding the sign to gauge reactions would have been perceived better. I think most clearly saw it as a mark of disrespect, with no thought to anything else. It's still a pointless experiment, I think, but at least come at it better. Why is it pointless? "Black Lives Matter" includes everyone, not just blacks, but they're the minority being targeted and need the most help right now to make it as safe a world for them as it is everyone else.

Then again, maybe I'm wrong and/or ignorant, too.

RnRClown wrote:

Joey Salads, clearly, does not get it. That doesn't make him a bad person. That doesn't mean he deserves to be physically assaulted. He is not as educated on the subject as he should be, doubly so if he wishes to participate in the manner he chose. I'm baffled by his degree of ignorance. He needs to understand. He needs to be educated. Not beaten. I saw at least one individual who talked calmly and attempted to let Joey know he was out of his depth, and that it was dangerous for him to do what he was doing. I'd like to know him. What an individual.

Maybe a black person holding the sign to gauge reactions would have been perceived better. I think most clearly saw it as a mark of disrespect, with no thought to anything else. It's still a pointless experiment, I think, but at least come at it better. Why is it pointless? "Black Lives Matter" includes everyone, not just blacks, but they're the minority being targeted and need the most help right now to make it as safe a world for them as it is everyone else.

Then again, maybe I'm wrong and/or ignorant, too.

Holding an All Lives Matter sign in a black neighborhood is pretty close to this scene from Die Hard 3.

TheGameguru wrote:

Holding an All Lives Matter sign in a black neighborhood is pretty close to this scene from Die Hard 3.

My thoughts exactly. And yes, I'm pretty sure Salads' video was highly edited, if not completely scripted.

I see all these Police Lives Matter signs and their ilk around here and wonder if they really think my life doesn't matter, or if they're misguided and well-intended.

Maybe it's my geographical location, but that video is not available to me.

I'd be hugely disappointed in the human race once more (it happens all too often) if this Joey Salads had staged these responses. In that instance he would deserve a slap around the head.

I'm not of American shores, so it's all the more surprising to me what takes place. Is there no one referencing anything that took place during the time of Martin Luther King? Is history so easily forgotten? How with a black president have things not changed for the better?

Maybe I'm skewing off topic. Apologies if this is the case. Also, this reminds me to check in on the US Election for Noobs thread. Oops.

Try this one:

RnRClown wrote:

Maybe it's my geographical location, but that video is not available to me.

I'd be hugely disappointed in the human race once more (it happens all too often) if this Joey Salads had staged these responses. In that instance he would deserve a slap around the head.

I'm not of American shores, so it's all the more surprising to me what takes place. Is there no one referencing anything that took place during the time of Martin Luther King? Is history so easily forgotten? How with a black president have things not changed for the better?

Maybe I'm skewing off topic. Apologies if this is the case. Also, this reminds me to check in on the US Election for Noobs thread. Oops.

Oh ho, contraire mon frere, people reference MLK all the time. Unfortunately, it usually is white folks cherry picking his quotes to tone police black folks into being more 'peaceful', and completely ignoring any of the context about violence, riots and the like.

nel e nel wrote:
RnRClown wrote:

Maybe it's my geographical location, but that video is not available to me.

I'd be hugely disappointed in the human race once more (it happens all too often) if this Joey Salads had staged these responses. In that instance he would deserve a slap around the head.

I'm not of American shores, so it's all the more surprising to me what takes place. Is there no one referencing anything that took place during the time of Martin Luther King? Is history so easily forgotten? How with a black president have things not changed for the better?

Maybe I'm skewing off topic. Apologies if this is the case. Also, this reminds me to check in on the US Election for Noobs thread. Oops.

Oh ho, contraire mon frere, people reference MLK all the time. Unfortunately, it usually is white folks cherry picking his quotes to tone police black folks into being more 'peaceful', and completely ignoring any of the context about violence, riots and the like.

Relevant twitter thread:
https://twitter.com/ReaganGomez/stat...

That link worked. That was a possible outcome for Joey Salads. He's lucky to have avoided such. Tensions are high. He's clearly not getting it, but not everyone will extend that good will as a benefit of doubt. I try to give the benefit of doubt a lot. This is a troubling one, though. It's difficult to determine sincerity. I hope he's not getting it. Please, don't let it be anything sinister. What he does from here will help identify that. Surely someone is bringing him up to speed so he can learn. If he ignores it and continues, well, watch your step would be my advice.

I'm sure some folks, perhaps most, would have read his slogan as if it were what Bruce Willis was sporting. It's also easy to see that from their perspective. They've been trodden on enough. Their good will is worn through.

It's infuriating, and soul crushing, that racial animosity still exists. I may be naive in thinking knowledge and understanding can solve racism. Maybe some folks are a lost cause and choose to see skin colour as... what ever it is they believe.

Im not sure knowledge would have prevented Ramekin Racist from making false accusations because she believed she was more worthy of high-end ceramics than her darker-skinned peer.

Spoilered for length:

Spoiler:

Please Note:
This story is MY OWN personal experience.
THIS IS NOT A PARODY, and I AM NOT AN AUTHOR.
I was in a high-end store yesterday, and picked up several ramekins and other home wares that were on a serious sale. Like 90% off sale. This story isn't really about ramekins, but I will get to why the ramekins are of GREAT pertinence later. As I was in line, the lady behind me complimented my hair, and attempted to strike up a conversation about the "rioting" happening in uptown. I thanked her for the compliment, but hesitated any further banter with her because I DID NOT want an isolated incident to support any perpetuated beliefs about people that look like me. I let her slide with a "It looks so soft and shiny, not coarse at all..." comment -__- I kindly stated that was a misconception most people have about "black hair" and continued to "fake examine" my items. She went on... "Oh I just love "black hair!" I would love to have some. I would be so happy if my hair would do that." Again, I swallowed the lump in my throat, smiled at her, and said "Well, you can always get extensions! Then you too can have "black hair." I turned around swiftly, and my eyes could SERIOUSLY not roll any further in the back of my head. Why me, Lord? Why? I prayed that was the end of her attempts to engage. And it was...until she inquired about some of the items I was purchasing. "Are those ramekins? How great are those colors! I didn't see those back there." She went on, and asked me how much they were. This time, I fully engaged with her. Sure! Ramekins! No way that this can go south. I let her know the price, and she stated, "Oh that's a good price for those- let me go get some." I politely let her know that I took all of the stock on the shelf (10 of them) but there were others back there, however they were not like the ones I selected. It was my intention to let her know up front, as not to waste her time. I even suggested she ask an associate to see if they could be ordered, found at another store, see if there were some more in the back, etc. Her face immediately changed. She looked confused...Then sad....Then angry. Homegirl didn't want those other ramekins; She wanted MY ramekins. She then asked me "Well what are you going to do with all of them? Do Black people cook with ramekins? I'm sure yall aren't using them properly... How many is in your family? Do you actually need all 10? I just need 5...." I stopped dead in my tracks. My ears were on fire. I could see myself as that cartoon character who's head was about to blow and ears had steam coming out of them. All of these things were rolling thru my head...Should I curse her out? Let her know that black peoples ramekins matter? Punch her in her God-forsaken trachea so that she would never be able to utter another insatiably racially-charged syllable? NO. She wanted them, and I had them. End of story. There was nothing that she could do to change that. Her desire for something that she wanted so badly allowed her TRUE self emerge for all to see. Here's where the ramekins play such an interesting part: Ramekins are used for various baking purposes, pastries, casseroles, breads, mixing cups, etc. Ramekins are a culinary staple for anyone who cooks. This lady was convinced that a person of my background would not know what in the hell a ramekin is! So instead of going off, or being belligerent, I played the game! "Oh, I'll probably only use 1 or 2 at the most. I may plant some flowers in them, store my lipsticks in them, use them as cookie cutters, use them as change holders, sip soup like Belle and the Beast did for dinner one night, or probably just let them sit in the box in my cabinets collecting dust. SHE WAS PISSED. There were laughs, chuckles, and giggles coming from all sides of the store, as I continued to ponder what I would do with the world class ramekins. The other customers were quite amused by my responses, as it was clear that everyone expected me to react quite differently than I had. The lady stepped out of line, and honestly, I thought she was leaving. The gentleman behind her gently tapped me on the shoulder and confirmed my feelings with a side-mouthed "She's so rude...What a nutcase." I nodded, and rolled my eyes in agreement. By this time, I'm at the cash wrap, and the associate is gently trying to express his sympathy for the lady's comments, and dipping into some conversation about what is happening uptown. The store manager emerges from some secluded door and asks me to step out of line. I gave him 3 good blinks, then I refused and asked why. The lady of the hour is tucked closely behind him with her arms crossed. He said "I just want to allow this customer to purchase the items she had in her cart that were removed by you." Before I could say a word, the associate shouts, "I CANT TAKE THIS ANYMORE! This lady is just trying to purchase items that she has selected, and not be questioned, or accused! This lady has caused nothing but grief for this poor lady the whole time she has been in line. She has done nothing wrong, so please do not question her about anything." The manager looked so confused, and didn't know what to do. There was an awkward moment of silence which was broken by homegirl saying "I just want a fair chance to buy some ramekins, and that Black girl doesn't even want them." I looked at the SM with a long, slow side eye as he apologized for any confusion. He walked over to the lady, said something to her inaudibly, and she walked out of the store saying "That Black girl doesn't even know what to use them for..." I paid for my items, thanked the associate for his role, and exited the store. As I was leaving, an older gentleman asked me if he could escort me to the car and carry my bags. At first, I thought that this was a set up, and that he was going to jump me for my ramekins. In my head, I'm thinking, Buddy got me messed up! I will tag you over these good ramekins...they have lids! But then I looked in his eyes, and he had tears. Big ole, shirt staining, cry into your grandmother's apron tears. He said, "I'm so sorry. I just stood there. We all heard her, and we all just stood there. We knew it was wrong, we knew it wasn't about the ramekins, but we couldn't find the words to tell her to stop." He cried a while. I stood there, silent. He held my hand, and squeezed it from time to time. At first I thought this may have been for show, but what did he have to gain? After a while, he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, wiped his eyes, and kissed me on the hand. Nothing else was said. As soon as I got in my car, I was numb. I was upset, and yet comforted by the kiss on the hand from a stranger. I knew what he meant, but wondered if this would actually cross over in his daily life. As I have shared this story with a few friends and family members, the responses have been VASTLY different. Some agreed with my behavior, and some thought I reacted a little too eloquently. BUT the best part is that everyone is touched by the associate, and the gentleman that made an effort. An effort to stand up for what is right, show kindness, ask for forgiveness, and move forward. All of this over a ramekin...

In the Face of White Male Privilege Run Amok, a Plea for Artistic Responsibility

ST. LOUIS — What does accountability look like in a world where no one is accountable? I recently attended an artist talk by Kelley Walker, a New York-based artist who has had an illustrious career, showing his work all over the world so far. I had heard about his show at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and the type of work I would be seeing; Walker uses KING magazine covers featuring Black women and iconic Civil Rights-era photos in his work. He smears chocolate and toothpaste on the images and rotates them. Some of the titles of his work are “White Michael Jackson” and “Black Star Press.” So, knowing this, going to this artist talk, I just knew that this guy (this white guy) would have some sort of critical analysis around using such traumatizing material. Especially in 2016, when we are in a full-fledged rebirth of the Civil Rights movement; especially in St. Louis, the epicenter of this movement sparked by the Ferguson rebellion for the death of Michael Brown two years ago. Kelley Walker uses images of Black men and women to say something; but Walker doesn’t know what that “something” is.
---
I sat in the audience listening to this man meander on and on to the crowd, interjecting the occasional art term like “form” or “color,” but never once giving the slightest explanation for why he used over-sexualized images of Black women and traumatic images of Black men being brutalized by police and dogs. As I listened to him talk, I started to realize why people in my family think art isn’t for them and that it was a bad decision for me to become a professional artist. This guy is why the art world is viewed as classist and not for people of color, working class people, and why you hear brilliant people say things like, “I’m not an art person, I just don’t get it” — because there is nothing to get in art by people like Walker. This under-planned, poorly executed, elementary level artwork that uses Black women and men as props and controversy starters is over-intellectualized by classist, utterly inept, pompous, and clueless curator types. The world of art gets no more white and privileged than this.

As the Q&A session begins, it just gets more infuriating. This is a really powerful essay, in my opinion.

I was reading somewhere that Black Americans represent 13% of total US population. It's not a small figure by any means.

I haven't been following music trends for a while now, but one song that struck me as a powerful rock ballad on racism is Story of the Year's [i]We're not gonna make it[/] (2008). A little off topic but Jayhawker's post about the "artist" in St Louis reminded me of that band.

So how do you send a message to the White part of the population that doesn't recognise how much one's colour can be detrimental to prospects in life? Is it because popular culture tends to censor the not so pleasant reality?

Man shoots and kills wife, blames his fear of Black Lives Matter

A prominent Atlanta attorney shot and killed his wife on Monday, blaming his fear of Black Lives Matter and "threatening people."
.
Tex McIver, a senior partner at Fisher and Phillips, was in the backseat of a Ford Expedition when he shot Diane McIver in the back. Diane was sitting in the passenger's seat while a hired chauffeur drove the couple from their country home to their main residence in Buckhead, an upper-class and largely white neighborhood in Atlanta.
.
According to McIver's spokesperson Bill Crane, the car encountered traffic on their way home and decided to cut through downtown.
Tanglebones wrote:

Man shoots and kills wife, blames his fear of Black Lives Matter

A prominent Atlanta attorney shot and killed his wife on Monday, blaming his fear of Black Lives Matter and "threatening people."
.
Tex McIver, a senior partner at Fisher and Phillips, was in the backseat of a Ford Expedition when he shot Diane McIver in the back. Diane was sitting in the passenger's seat while a hired chauffeur drove the couple from their country home to their main residence in Buckhead, an upper-class and largely white neighborhood in Atlanta.
.
According to McIver's spokesperson Bill Crane, the car encountered traffic on their way home and decided to cut through downtown.

I felt like I was reading a story I'll later see on 48 Hours or Nightline or Investigation Discovery. This sounds like a murder with a sh*tty cover story to make it an accident.

sometimesdee wrote:

Im not sure knowledge would have prevented Ramekin Racist from making false accusations because she believed she was more worthy of high-end ceramics than her darker-skinned peer.

Spoilered for length:

Spoiler:

Please Note:
This story is MY OWN personal experience.
THIS IS NOT A PARODY, and I AM NOT AN AUTHOR.
I was in a high-end store yesterday, and picked up several ramekins and other home wares that were on a serious sale. Like 90% off sale. This story isn't really about ramekins, but I will get to why the ramekins are of GREAT pertinence later. As I was in line, the lady behind me complimented my hair, and attempted to strike up a conversation about the "rioting" happening in uptown. I thanked her for the compliment, but hesitated any further banter with her because I DID NOT want an isolated incident to support any perpetuated beliefs about people that look like me. I let her slide with a "It looks so soft and shiny, not coarse at all..." comment -__- I kindly stated that was a misconception most people have about "black hair" and continued to "fake examine" my items. She went on... "Oh I just love "black hair!" I would love to have some. I would be so happy if my hair would do that." Again, I swallowed the lump in my throat, smiled at her, and said "Well, you can always get extensions! Then you too can have "black hair." I turned around swiftly, and my eyes could SERIOUSLY not roll any further in the back of my head. Why me, Lord? Why? I prayed that was the end of her attempts to engage. And it was...until she inquired about some of the items I was purchasing. "Are those ramekins? How great are those colors! I didn't see those back there." She went on, and asked me how much they were. This time, I fully engaged with her. Sure! Ramekins! No way that this can go south. I let her know the price, and she stated, "Oh that's a good price for those- let me go get some." I politely let her know that I took all of the stock on the shelf (10 of them) but there were others back there, however they were not like the ones I selected. It was my intention to let her know up front, as not to waste her time. I even suggested she ask an associate to see if they could be ordered, found at another store, see if there were some more in the back, etc. Her face immediately changed. She looked confused...Then sad....Then angry. Homegirl didn't want those other ramekins; She wanted MY ramekins. She then asked me "Well what are you going to do with all of them? Do Black people cook with ramekins? I'm sure yall aren't using them properly... How many is in your family? Do you actually need all 10? I just need 5...." I stopped dead in my tracks. My ears were on fire. I could see myself as that cartoon character who's head was about to blow and ears had steam coming out of them. All of these things were rolling thru my head...Should I curse her out? Let her know that black peoples ramekins matter? Punch her in her God-forsaken trachea so that she would never be able to utter another insatiably racially-charged syllable? NO. She wanted them, and I had them. End of story. There was nothing that she could do to change that. Her desire for something that she wanted so badly allowed her TRUE self emerge for all to see. Here's where the ramekins play such an interesting part: Ramekins are used for various baking purposes, pastries, casseroles, breads, mixing cups, etc. Ramekins are a culinary staple for anyone who cooks. This lady was convinced that a person of my background would not know what in the hell a ramekin is! So instead of going off, or being belligerent, I played the game! "Oh, I'll probably only use 1 or 2 at the most. I may plant some flowers in them, store my lipsticks in them, use them as cookie cutters, use them as change holders, sip soup like Belle and the Beast did for dinner one night, or probably just let them sit in the box in my cabinets collecting dust. SHE WAS PISSED. There were laughs, chuckles, and giggles coming from all sides of the store, as I continued to ponder what I would do with the world class ramekins. The other customers were quite amused by my responses, as it was clear that everyone expected me to react quite differently than I had. The lady stepped out of line, and honestly, I thought she was leaving. The gentleman behind her gently tapped me on the shoulder and confirmed my feelings with a side-mouthed "She's so rude...What a nutcase." I nodded, and rolled my eyes in agreement. By this time, I'm at the cash wrap, and the associate is gently trying to express his sympathy for the lady's comments, and dipping into some conversation about what is happening uptown. The store manager emerges from some secluded door and asks me to step out of line. I gave him 3 good blinks, then I refused and asked why. The lady of the hour is tucked closely behind him with her arms crossed. He said "I just want to allow this customer to purchase the items she had in her cart that were removed by you." Before I could say a word, the associate shouts, "I CANT TAKE THIS ANYMORE! This lady is just trying to purchase items that she has selected, and not be questioned, or accused! This lady has caused nothing but grief for this poor lady the whole time she has been in line. She has done nothing wrong, so please do not question her about anything." The manager looked so confused, and didn't know what to do. There was an awkward moment of silence which was broken by homegirl saying "I just want a fair chance to buy some ramekins, and that Black girl doesn't even want them." I looked at the SM with a long, slow side eye as he apologized for any confusion. He walked over to the lady, said something to her inaudibly, and she walked out of the store saying "That Black girl doesn't even know what to use them for..." I paid for my items, thanked the associate for his role, and exited the store. As I was leaving, an older gentleman asked me if he could escort me to the car and carry my bags. At first, I thought that this was a set up, and that he was going to jump me for my ramekins. In my head, I'm thinking, Buddy got me messed up! I will tag you over these good ramekins...they have lids! But then I looked in his eyes, and he had tears. Big ole, shirt staining, cry into your grandmother's apron tears. He said, "I'm so sorry. I just stood there. We all heard her, and we all just stood there. We knew it was wrong, we knew it wasn't about the ramekins, but we couldn't find the words to tell her to stop." He cried a while. I stood there, silent. He held my hand, and squeezed it from time to time. At first I thought this may have been for show, but what did he have to gain? After a while, he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, wiped his eyes, and kissed me on the hand. Nothing else was said. As soon as I got in my car, I was numb. I was upset, and yet comforted by the kiss on the hand from a stranger. I knew what he meant, but wondered if this would actually cross over in his daily life. As I have shared this story with a few friends and family members, the responses have been VASTLY different. Some agreed with my behavior, and some thought I reacted a little too eloquently. BUT the best part is that everyone is touched by the associate, and the gentleman that made an effort. An effort to stand up for what is right, show kindness, ask for forgiveness, and move forward. All of this over a ramekin...

That's horrible. I'm not sure how to process the thinking behind it. Why does this woman think less of another because of skin colour? Why does she think it's acceptable to create a scene in public because of skin colour? How does she not feel ashamed of her behaviour? Where is her concern for the feelings of the woman she insulted and falsely accused? Who or what created the distorted point of view she holds? People are not born racist. What gets them there needs to be addressed to stop it from happening. Maybe to bring those people back from the brink before they're too far gone.

Thank goodness for the people of that story who were not prepared to be a silent bystander.

I work in a hotel and have done for seven years. I tend bar more often than not. It's not a career path I sought out, nor feel overjoyed to bring up. I just assume people look down on it. Anyway. Late night functions are frequent (although not currently). I see the worst of people with alcohol bringing out the real individual. Confrontation happens. Not my favourite occurrences. Racism has never came about. Homophobia has, once. This is why it shocks me so. I'm wondering if it's a cultural or educational difference between nations. Or maybe I'm just really lucky to never witness the underbelly of the world. I know other staff from different establishments, and have only one incident of racism.

I have this image of America as somewhere I'd see racism every other day. Or at least hear about it much more frequently. Obviously population numbers play into it.

I sometimes think we're too preoccupied with Protestant and Catholic differences here, that nothing else matters. Clear that hurdle and you're sweet.

Demosthenes wrote:
Tanglebones wrote:

Man shoots and kills wife, blames his fear of Black Lives Matter

A prominent Atlanta attorney shot and killed his wife on Monday, blaming his fear of Black Lives Matter and "threatening people."
.
Tex McIver, a senior partner at Fisher and Phillips, was in the backseat of a Ford Expedition when he shot Diane McIver in the back. Diane was sitting in the passenger's seat while a hired chauffeur drove the couple from their country home to their main residence in Buckhead, an upper-class and largely white neighborhood in Atlanta.
.
According to McIver's spokesperson Bill Crane, the car encountered traffic on their way home and decided to cut through downtown.

I felt like I was reading a story I'll later see on 48 Hours or Nightline or Investigation Discovery. This sounds like a murder with a sh*tty cover story to make it an accident.

Sounds like an idiot with a gun to me. Why would he murder his wife with a witness (the driver) present?

Thanks for sharing!

RnRClown wrote:

People are not born racist.

Yes, we are all born with the innate tendency to favor their own in-group over out-group members. Skin color not only changes our perception of others, but even different *clothing* colors can bring out the bias in small children. What's worse, this bias extends to learning, so it is applied even as the child becomes more sophisticated about the world, because it selectively affects the lessons they take from learning experiences.

In other words, it's worse than you thought.

Time wrote:

The latest evidence for that decidedly unlovely trait comes from research out of the University of Washington that actually sought to explore one of babies’ more admirable characteristics: their basic sense of fairness. In the study, 15-month-old toddlers watched an experimenter with a collection of four small toys share them either evenly or unevenly with two other adult volunteers. When allowed to choose which experimenters the babies wanted to play with later, 70% of them preferred the ones who had divided the toys evenly.
Nice, but there was an exception: when the two adults who were receiving the evenly or unevenly divided toys were of different races and the race of the one who got more toys matched the babies’ own, the 70% preference for the fair distributor dropped and the share of babies wanting to play with the unfair one rose. The implication: unfairness is bad, unless someone from your clan is getting the extra goodies.

“If all babies care about is fairness, they would always pick the fair distributor,” said University of Washington associate professor psychology of Jessica Somerville, in a statement that accompanied the study. “But we’re also seeing that they’re interested in consequences for their own group members.”
...
A study by psychologist Yarrow Dunham, now at Yale University, showed that color is an especially salient feature for very young people to overlook. Children in a classroom experiment who were divided into two groups and given two different color t-shirts to wear were, later on, much likelier to remember good things about all of the children who wore their color shirt and bad things about the ones who wore the other. “Kids will begin to show these preferences right away, in the lab, on the spot,” Dunham told me. “It’s not just a preference, it’s also a learning bias—the children actually learn differentially about the in-group and the out-group.”

We not only need to prevent people from acting on their racist impulses, we essentially have to *retrain* them to actually think differently about race in the process.

The Sneetches, man. That was probably one of my most formative Dr. Suess reads.

Rezzy wrote:

Thanks for sharing!

Suddenly happy to have my cell phone service with AT&T.

Jayhawker wrote:
Rezzy wrote:

Thanks for sharing!

Suddenly happy to have my cell phone service with AT&T.

Likewise. Reach out and touch someone...without brutality!

Nomad wrote:
Demosthenes wrote:
Tanglebones wrote:

Man shoots and kills wife, blames his fear of Black Lives Matter

A prominent Atlanta attorney shot and killed his wife on Monday, blaming his fear of Black Lives Matter and "threatening people."
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Tex McIver, a senior partner at Fisher and Phillips, was in the backseat of a Ford Expedition when he shot Diane McIver in the back. Diane was sitting in the passenger's seat while a hired chauffeur drove the couple from their country home to their main residence in Buckhead, an upper-class and largely white neighborhood in Atlanta.
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According to McIver's spokesperson Bill Crane, the car encountered traffic on their way home and decided to cut through downtown.

I felt like I was reading a story I'll later see on 48 Hours or Nightline or Investigation Discovery. This sounds like a murder with a sh*tty cover story to make it an accident.

Sounds like an idiot with a gun to me. Why would he murder his wife with a witness (the driver) present?

Because he had his eyes on the road, and thus can only speak to the general circumstances of the situation but not what the guy in the backseat was doing at that moment? I dunno, maybe I'm just jaded in this situation knowing he was already kind of an asshole... but "idiot with a gun" seems like a pretty good defense.

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