(no subject)
In light of the Mehserle verdict, here's some more to chew on:
Making the term "Racist" mean something
Legalize Arizona
Over-sensitive and In-sensitive about Race (One of my FAVORITE blogs to read!) And I love this quote from a reader's comment: "[W]hite people in general have a tough time talking about race because they are overly sensitive to being accused of racism/racist thought and behaviour, because they've been taught to take that kind of thing personally instead of understanding it as a systemic issue that's less about them than about the power structure in our social order."
Justice or Just Us? Beyond the Hype of the Mehserle Trial
I was at the SF BART station this past weekend, and to make the long story short, I had lost my phone and was going to retrieve it in Bay Point. (Yes, I traveled all the way to Pittsburg/Bay Point station. It's actually a relatively scenic ride!) While I was waiting for the train, I was approached by a haggardly looking bum who asked me for money. First, I just went under tremendous stress trying to find my phone again, and second, his voice was like a hers. For a good moment, I stood there a little dumbfounded as I was trying to match his voice with his looks. He even wished me a happy July 4th and told me ever so timidly (after assessing the nervous look on my face) that he "wasn't a bad man."
In my defense, I can say that I was stressed out, taken aback by his demeanor, and jaded by previous pan handlers I've seen in NY...But underneath it all there's only one word to sum it up: prejudice.
It's a slippery thing. I once learned in a psych class that someone's "true feelings" come out in times of high stress. Consciously, we are educated, aware, and careful. We make judgments via a complex and thorough thinking process. Unfortunately, at other times, situations aren't as gracefully played out, and it is in our unconscious where prejudice lurks.
So in recognition of all the messages the Mehserle trial brings forth, I want to say I'm sorry to those I've hurt with prejudice. In especially to Haggardly bum, I wish you had a warm July 4th and warmer days to come in a lovely city that can be just as chilling.
Making the term "Racist" mean something
Legalize Arizona
Over-sensitive and In-sensitive about Race (One of my FAVORITE blogs to read!) And I love this quote from a reader's comment: "[W]hite people in general have a tough time talking about race because they are overly sensitive to being accused of racism/racist thought and behaviour, because they've been taught to take that kind of thing personally instead of understanding it as a systemic issue that's less about them than about the power structure in our social order."
Justice or Just Us? Beyond the Hype of the Mehserle Trial
I was at the SF BART station this past weekend, and to make the long story short, I had lost my phone and was going to retrieve it in Bay Point. (Yes, I traveled all the way to Pittsburg/Bay Point station. It's actually a relatively scenic ride!) While I was waiting for the train, I was approached by a haggardly looking bum who asked me for money. First, I just went under tremendous stress trying to find my phone again, and second, his voice was like a hers. For a good moment, I stood there a little dumbfounded as I was trying to match his voice with his looks. He even wished me a happy July 4th and told me ever so timidly (after assessing the nervous look on my face) that he "wasn't a bad man."
In my defense, I can say that I was stressed out, taken aback by his demeanor, and jaded by previous pan handlers I've seen in NY...But underneath it all there's only one word to sum it up: prejudice.
It's a slippery thing. I once learned in a psych class that someone's "true feelings" come out in times of high stress. Consciously, we are educated, aware, and careful. We make judgments via a complex and thorough thinking process. Unfortunately, at other times, situations aren't as gracefully played out, and it is in our unconscious where prejudice lurks.
So in recognition of all the messages the Mehserle trial brings forth, I want to say I'm sorry to those I've hurt with prejudice. In especially to Haggardly bum, I wish you had a warm July 4th and warmer days to come in a lovely city that can be just as chilling.