I've recently got into a very nasty argument about this to the point I was ran out of a community. I would like to discuss/rant about it
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I think multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-religious, interclass, bisexual, any type of puralistic identity people have a hard time fitting into any ONE group. It is mostly because we can never completely understand or be understood by any single dimensional identity group. Trying to fit in can often be a waste of time, even with other bi-racial people because we all have different experiences and our experiences are often very effected by our experience of class, sexuality, and gender
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More on privilegeneverguessedJuly 15 2009, 23:49:23 UTC
And, not only do I benefit from my skin color on a day to day basis but also regarding up-bringing etc. I know that having a white adult representative parent through my child encouraged teachers, and other influential people in my life to give me preference. I know that this preference has been a building block in my world view and self confidence, I also know that it has informed my ability to connect with other white authority figures more comfortably in many cases than those who don't have white parents, or preference within a mostly white group of authorities (be they teachers, coach's, babysitters, etc, etc) and down the line, simply being light skinned and having a white mother has given me a lot of benefits that I might take for granted
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Re: More on privilegetalking_appleJuly 16 2009, 00:33:04 UTC
I've always been used to being the victim of racism (because I grew up in a racist town), so I never thought of myself as the perpetrator. But I understand where it's coming from now. I guess I don't fully understand my privilege yet.
I also found people of color supportive of me too, which was why I was taken aback by the community in which I posted. I wasn't expecting to be attacked. I guess I just need to realize that "fine line" that you were talking about.
Haha, I would love to have "talking_apple TV!" The sad thing is, I'm majoring in journalism, so I know all too well what the media thinks "beauty" is.
Yeah, I'm really happy you posted, too. You've enlightened me on some things.
It's understandable why some black people are emotional about this. I never thought that I could use my lighter skin against them. I never want to, so I understand why they feel threatened. It's hard to stand the backlash of their emotions, but I understand where they come from. They have a right to be angry.
It's unfair that American society has this "spectrum of color." I've received backlash from both white and black folks because of it, for different reasons. You're right -- racial ambiguity does mean more privilege.
I'm happy you got something out of my responses. I live in Finland now, and believe me color-ism as an offshoot of racism is everywhere, the USA is just more concentrated. It's just part of the whit supremicist scheme, which has long been globalized thanks to imperialism, and the slave trade. Not to be a downer, but it is good that there are people like us thinking about this stuff, maybe some change will come out of it!
keep on truckin' (lol) Cheers on your media studies. I am an artist and one of my goals is to create work that addresses and redefines race, gender, sexuality, class etc. etc. definitions. This work is really important, and I think multiracial and otherwise pluralistic people can make a big difference because when we have insight we can peek into so many different walks of life while being rooted in a multifaceted experience. Good Luck!
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I also found people of color supportive of me too, which was why I was taken aback by the community in which I posted. I wasn't expecting to be attacked. I guess I just need to realize that "fine line" that you were talking about.
Haha, I would love to have "talking_apple TV!" The sad thing is, I'm majoring in journalism, so I know all too well what the media thinks "beauty" is.
Reply
It's understandable why some black people are emotional about this. I never thought that I could use my lighter skin against them. I never want to, so I understand why they feel threatened. It's hard to stand the backlash of their emotions, but I understand where they come from. They have a right to be angry.
It's unfair that American society has this "spectrum of color." I've received backlash from both white and black folks because of it, for different reasons. You're right -- racial ambiguity does mean more privilege.
Reply
keep on truckin' (lol) Cheers on your media studies. I am an artist and one of my goals is to create work that addresses and redefines race, gender, sexuality, class etc. etc. definitions. This work is really important, and I think multiracial and otherwise pluralistic people can make a big difference because when we have insight we can peek into so many different walks of life while being rooted in a multifaceted experience. Good Luck!
Reply
I will :). Hopefully, I can make some change. I wish you luck on your art. What you're doing sounds great. Keep up the good work!
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