Yesterday, northbard posted a link to an article in his LJ, and asked for peoples opinions on it. I had too many, so I decided to give it some thought here
( Read more... )
I know when I have spoken with a few people, notably a friend of mine who is Spanish, I've been pretty appalled by some of their stories. Sometimes I have wondered if people really do those things because she is dark skinned, or is it perceived that is the reason... which in turn makes me realize that a) I'm sure times I've felt persecuted for being female when I probably wasn't, b) I'm lucky to not have to worry about being judged on my race (as often) and c) things for her are probably worse than I think.
I don't know how to not be complicit with being white and perhaps treated better. As I said, what is one supposed to do to fix that? I would think of it as complicit if it was conscious. "This guy is only giving me this deal because I'm white" and then still buying from that guy would be complicit. But how can one know when someone is doing that unless they make it clear in some way? I've have been in situations similar to that, and in those (rare) cases I made my mind known. But usually people do those things subtly or without stating their reasons. I don't think you can call someone complicit when they don't even know that they just got some sort of whitie bonus.
I don't know how to not be complicit with being white and perhaps treated better. As I said, what is one supposed to do to fix that? I would think of it as complicit if it was conscious. "This guy is only giving me this deal because I'm white" and then still buying from that guy would be complicit. But how can one know when someone is doing that unless they make it clear in some way? I've have been in situations similar to that, and in those (rare) cases I made my mind known. But usually people do those things subtly or without stating their reasons. I don't think you can call someone complicit when they don't even know that they just got some sort of whitie bonus.
Reply
Leave a comment