REALITY CHECK In a world where members of less privileged classes are believed to be worthless except as objects to which the privileged classes hold themselves superior, does the Bill of Rights and the Constitution actually apply equally to all? If so, why do issues relative to Race, Class and Gender continue to persist? Is there a paradox of conservative privilege where one is free and equal in the pursuit of happiness while being obstructed by the privileged; and then seen by them as incapable and unworthy of being equal or deserving of happiness? If so, would this explain the socioeconomic disparities between various social and ethnic groups? Could this be considered evidence of why socioeconomic outcomes are so divergent for people from different backgrounds?And could these outcomes be better understood in the context of multiple standards being applied to members of disfavored social groups? My personal experience and direct observations have led me to conclude that on both an interpersonal scale as well as on an institutional scale, American dominant culture is still deeply misogynous, racist and classist in spite of all of the superficial sociopolitical kabuki about Civil Rights. Racism and white privilege, although a disquieting taboo for most, is and interesting social phenomenon from my perspective. The implicit power differential assumed by the privileged and its effect on how I am perceived, treated and socially disposed of is further evidence of how I (As a minority) am expected to behave if I want to be deemed safe. These include but are not limited to: - Never, ever, never, never, never complain about racism; -Accepting that its always about them and never about you; - Acquiesce to their world view, their view of you and keep divergent opinions to yourself or risk being excommunicated. - Accepting that you must acquiesce to their suggestions on anything and everything; i.e. Clothing and personal grooming (bald head is preferable to dreadlocks or an Afro etc.); - Know your place in the context of being like a family pet; - Acquiesce to everything on their terms, never challenge them; - If they slip and inadvertently do or say something hurtful or racist, IGNOR IT! Needles to say, the DNA I inherited from my Jamaican, great, great, grandfather Paul Bogel (Sic) who led a slave revolt on the Island before being captured and hung by the British has made me non-compliant are per the above. Thats not to say that I dont love my friends who happen to be white but rather, the point. As friends we relate as equals not as colors. Ill acquiesce to them anytime because we ARE friends, as such we value, trust and respect each other. The relationship is mutual, not of making an occasional politically correct statement or some kind of social tokenism or trophy (i.e., oh look I have this Negro as a pet arent I just so ultra liberal?), but I digress. My point is that I made a mistake buying a home in Hyde Park. If I had known just how... Oops I almost forgot, Im not supposed to complain about white privilege or racism or they will excommunicate me, socially. Oops, it appears they already have. Oh well, their loss, I make a fiercely loyal friend.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 10:10:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015