To caucasions-DONT GET OFFENDED?

Question

okay why almost 80 percent of the time when im on the subway everything is normal then when a group of black guys come in MOST(NOT ALL)caucasions get all nervus,digusted, and suddendly stop what thier doing---IF YOUR GONNA SAY SOMETHING DUMB DONT SAY IT-IF YOUR OFFENDED(WICH I WONT BE SURPRISED)THEN EXIT

Answer 1

You're right. Do you want the honest truth?? We're scared. We figure one of them has a gun, or they're going to start a fight, or they're going to try to grab someone's purse. I'm sorry, I don't think anyone wants to feel that way, but we've been socialized by the media to think that black men are dangerous. The violent lyrics of rap music that glorify crime don't help that stereotype either. Another possibility for why they might look disgusted is that whenever I've been on the subway, groups of black youth talk so loudly and use offensive language that is inappropriate, so it is disappointing when a group of them come on the train because then you know that's the end of the conversation you were having with your friends. I don't mean to be offensive, I'm just trying to be honest since I think that's what you wanted.

Answer 2

I am not offended. I am a caucasion female and I know a lot of really nice black guys - I have never had any problems with them on the bus/subway or anywhere. I can see where one or a few caucasion people could feel intimidated by a group of black guys though.

Answer 3

two items:

1) you are correct, many caucasion folks do this very thing.

2) look at your own prejudices. You say you won't be surprised if people (caucasions) are offended. Please note that your world is limited to the subway in a specific location. Try some locations such as denver or phoenix or helena montana. Might be a totally different reaction.

Certainly there is racial prejudice but it is on both sides. If you and I continue to try to get others to quit being prejudiced, we will only be frustrated. It has to start with me (read that as you as well). We have to take steps to confront our own prejudices and live in open view of others that way. Even if there are bad reactions we must be persistent and live INTENTIONALLY without prejudice. Because if we leave to accident we will act with prejudice. It is human nature.


Thanks for the question.

Answer 4

I would say because the impression that T.V. and media gives us is how we are going to base our opinions. We watch the news and we see that "3 black men are caught on camrea robbing this gas station" or these gangs shot this person. We never see a repectable black person (minus actors) portrayed in the media or tv. And on top of that its not like black people go out of their way to talk to whites either. I dont have a problem with blacks as long as they arnt loud and obnoxios and can show respect to other people. But that goes for any race not just blacks. I am not offended in the least i dont stop anything i am doing just because somebody with a different skin color approches me...thats just ignorant. Simple solution try wearing a business suit on the subway and see what reation you get i would bet its different than the one you get now. also bring a breifcase see what happens.

Answer 5

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I also get jumpy when I see a bunch of (young) white guys all mobbing in the Metro or around a bus stop.....And that's from experience living in Chicago, Baltimore, and DC.

Can you say "potential mugging target"? I knew you could....
I'm a middle-aged, overweight white female who is not accustomed to young, sometimes rowdy people---of ANY color. It's not necessarily an accurate reflection of the general safety, but old habits and acculturations die hard.

Still and all, it can't be particularly pleasant for a harmless bunch of school kids to suddenly get the Uneasy Silence and the Nervous Shifty Eye from fellow travelers, for the "crimes" of dressing a little oddly (to us Old Dinosaurs, anyway) or being a little lively. Don't know an easy solution, sorry.

Answer 6

You know why. Those white people were probably brought up to be wary of black people in general (sometimes just men). My family raised me that way but thankfully I grew out of it at an early age. Now I act that way when large groups of teenagers get on the train but only if they are being obnoxious. Sometimes they throw stuff, pick fights or do nasty things to people that are sleeping. I just don't trust teenagers, it's not a race thing. The train I take is in Brooklyn so the kids are mostly black anyway. I don't care when a group of adults get on the train who are black.

Answer 7

I think it's the medias fault because groups of young black males are always being portrayed as violent gangs. I live in part of Canada where I don't meet black people all that often, but one time I was alone, at a bus stop in a strange American city, surrounded by a "gang" of black guys, and yes, so shoot me, I was nervous. They turned out to be some of the nicest people I ever met. Remember to smile more. :)

Answer 8

Habit. No one likes a gang of black people, but let two white school boys get on and no one runs even though they have proven themselves to be willing killers of innocent people through all the school violence.

Its silly. I've never been harassed by a group of ANYONE, its always some lone freak.

Answer 9

They have probably seen or heard about groups of blacks on a subway. I have seen stuff, I live near NYC & travel on the trains a bit. It doesn't bother me, unless the group, or individual does something that makes me want to watch him/them. Unless that happens, I am one of those who don't react without good reason.

Answer 10

I am not offended. I personally think it is because people have preconceived notions (wrong ones) that black people are more likely to commit crimes. So they are afraid. The media portrays black criminals much too often, so people who don't know any better assume the worst. Now, assuming makes a you know what out of you and me. So, it's certanly not a good excuse. Fear. Plain and simple. Fear and misunderstanding.