The following has been deemed "offensive" and "privleged white people making fun of racism without actually doing any work," and called bad on all kinds of levels, as you can see if you read the comments.
*boggles at the link* I have never seen anyone on the internet express themselves in a such a stilted and humorless way as some of those commenter's
I know. I mean, I understand that people are bitter, frustrated, and angry. I do. I can't IMAGINE what it feels like to grow up black in the US, with our completely twisted and fucked up racial history. But... I just don't see how this concerted act to DROWN OUT hate with laughter, pointing out how completely STUPID and moronic "white supremacists" are is a BAD thing.
Should they have, what, wandered around handing out literature about the horrors of racism and slavery? Held a counter protest as thousands upon thousands have before? The clowns aren't MAKING FUN OF RACISM. They are poking fun at the ridiculousness of organized hatred.
Opposite Bones. *sigh* I'm going to be doing a lot of online watching to keep up with my schedule this season. I saw the trailer for VD on line (VD heh) and it looks good in a Gossip Girls with Vampires sort of way, and I liked the books, so...
We'll see! I just hope people understand that this series was around WAY before Twilight. It is not a rip off.
I do see both sides of the issue. Like you said, that community can be pretty harsh, and maybe rightfully so. And no, the work of being a good anti-racist couldn't possibly be as exhausting as having to live as an oppressed minority in our culture.
Actually, the way you expressed it, I do now understand the white privilege in the demonstration, because you're absolutely right -- a person of color who tried this tactic might not have survived. However, is this not a positive use of privilege? I mean, shouldn't people who have the means to dismantle the hate machine use them in whatever way they can? I guess that was my problem with the anger over this counter-demonstration.
Then I guess my question raises the question: is any use of privilege good use? I think so, but maybe others disagree.
Anyway, thank you for helping me see the issue outside of my own reality lenses. :D
I thought it was funny. IMHO, the Klan were expecting anger and hate and instead they got laughed at and didn't know how to deal with it. It's funny as hell.
In a way, it's like when someone makes an obscene phone call, they're expecting shock and embarrassment. If you play along and act bored, they hang up.
Maybe because I'm white, I don't get it, but I think the commenters over there are just way too freaking serious for their own good.
Although I do understand where the anger is coming from, I agree with you. Yes, racism is serious and should be taken seriously, but there is power in laughter too. Social activists tend to forget that sometimes.
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*boggles at the link* I have never seen anyone on the internet express themselves in a such a stilted and humorless way as some of those commenter's
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Should they have, what, wandered around handing out literature about the horrors of racism and slavery? Held a counter protest as thousands upon thousands have before? The clowns aren't MAKING FUN OF RACISM. They are poking fun at the ridiculousness of organized hatred.
I don't get the bad about it. *shrug*
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It actually inspired me to hunt down the first season of Weeds, which I guess is where the vid originally came from.
Man, I wish I had some weed. :D
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Burn one for me, hey sister? ;)
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We'll see! I just hope people understand that this series was around WAY before Twilight. It is not a rip off.
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(The comment has been removed)
Actually, the way you expressed it, I do now understand the white privilege in the demonstration, because you're absolutely right -- a person of color who tried this tactic might not have survived. However, is this not a positive use of privilege? I mean, shouldn't people who have the means to dismantle the hate machine use them in whatever way they can? I guess that was my problem with the anger over this counter-demonstration.
Then I guess my question raises the question: is any use of privilege good use? I think so, but maybe others disagree.
Anyway, thank you for helping me see the issue outside of my own reality lenses. :D
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In a way, it's like when someone makes an obscene phone call, they're expecting shock and embarrassment. If you play along and act bored, they hang up.
Maybe because I'm white, I don't get it, but I think the commenters over there are just way too freaking serious for their own good.
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