any one else experience racism from a white persons point of view?

Question

While I was in school it seemed color didn't matter. Everyone liked everyone for who they were, not what color they were. As an adult in the working world I personally have experienced racism from African Americans and it is very upsetting. I get phrases thrown at me like "white girls" "white people food" or this is one i just recently had been told,"My family doesnt buy white baby dolls ". I feel that it is not right for one race to treat another race they way they complain about being treated. It just seems to me that saying "black people" is a no no to African Americans, but why is ok for them to say "white people"?

Answer 1

Heather you have to know their struggle.

Answer 2

Ok. Let's break this down like a fraction:

1. Note that there are many Afro Americans who would rather be called black than anything else. I was suprised to learn this but it is true. Others hate the term black and prefer African American. Some even hate Afro-American -- so it's hard to find a standard - but I think most are ok with black. I think that it is demeaning to call people black or white -- but then again, America has a history that goes deeper than I understand. Only Americans can really get and can explain it since they have lived it all their lives.

2) Yes, it is wrong for people to be racist to you. But I think that in America's journey towards true freedom, people are at different stages. Some have travelled 10 miles, some have gome 2000 miles, and some 500,000 miles. So, if you have travelled 10,000 miles and are talking to a guy who has only done 40 miles, you will find him/her to be very shallow. That's the problem with society. Some people have advanced their understanding of race issues while others have not bothered to have open honest discussions.

3) Some folks are angry. Angry that America has served them or some people in their community a plate of injustice. If you are working with guys who saw their friends go to jail for crimes that caucasian pple get away with, they obviously feel that America is an unjust society where minorities are discriminated against. So, such injustice creates a divide between races and breeds those negative attitudes which are probably spilling over to you. I went to a university where black kids used to rob only white students. That's a double whammy: Racism and robbery.

4) Now as a caucasian CEO in a company, why the heck would I hire black employees if my son was constantly being robbed at his university by blacks? Now even the CEO uses his power to escape from the racial problems and by so doing widens the racial divide.

The war of racism cannot be won by attacks. Only through understanding, apologies and deep and painful conversations. Nothing else will fix this. Many Americans have said to me, this is a racial country -- get used to it. I don't want to get used to it but I do know that it is a reality.

The best way to keep your cool when racist pple are attacking you is, first, to let trhem know that you don't appreciate their coments and second, do something to make things better in your community. Just be wise so that you don't get hurt.

But be encouraged by the fact that many people are trying to make racial relations better so deal with such pple.

Answer 3

I agree, the people that you are working around, probably are
not very ethnically sophisticated. White girls , black girls
white people and black people are acceptible terms. White
boy or black boy are racist terms when referred to a grown
man or young man. Some things aren't politically correct,
"white people food", unless you're in good company with
good friends. If these people you work with aren't considered
friends, tell them how you feel about it. Also explain to them
that you don't use that kind of language around them out of
respect, and you expect the same. Most people endure some
of the same things, when they are around different groups, for
instance, years ago I used to work in an environment around
a lot of women. You should have heard some of the degrading
remarks made about men. Most I didn't take personal, but
everyone has their line to cross.

Answer 4

It isn't only African Americans that do this...it is others as well. I live where there are lots of Natives and they are just as wrong. They called my daughters "Whitey Princesses" along with other slurs. They also set up hockey and other games as only for Indegiounous people...they advertise for only natives...most of the jobs here, you need to be native to apply. What would happen if we advertised for "Whites Only Need Apply". Same for Black TV, Black (or Indegiounous) Awards...etc. When we are trying hard to stamp out racism, why are we seeing this???? Don't they understand they are letting the pendulum swing totally opposite and making us (whittey's) the victum? Shame on them.

Answer 5

I agree to a certain point.

"I get phrases thrown at me like "white girls" "white people food" or this is one i just recently had been told,"My family doesnt buy white baby dolls "

That quote is a perfect example of the double-standard that some (keyword, some) African Americans hold white people to.

Answer 6

i could talk about this for hours on end and you right it is not right but some people think that they are still being "held back" in my neighborhood which offers plenty of derision i come home take shower go to a training school because i want a better job while some of the people insist on coming home and goofing off and then they complain how they are being held back no effort shown none given and if they do use certain words in front of me i also have the right not to listen and i do catch grief for that but there are open chairs in the school and gov does pay for the course

Answer 7

okay here is the problem. people can not separate racist from stereotyping. what is happening to you is called stereotyping. there are certain things that are considered "white" like eating mayo or not knowing how to discipline your children. there are things that are considered "black' as well. we love fried chicken. we are ALL ghetto. in black society we poke fun at each others "characteristics" if you want to call them that.

now don't get me wrong, it's not an okay thing to do if you aren't comfortable with it. some blacks assume that you will understand what is going on. at my job i here the phrase "you black people" alot. now to some that might be the start of an insult but in fact it is not. only my close friends might say that to me and they only say that when an stereotype is happening in front of our face. example loud black girl. the "hood" type walk in to the store.

listen to what is being said after you hear "white girls" it is probably a stereotype following it. now is this right. not to some but to others it's okay. if you don't like it don't be afraid to say so. honestly, who ever is saying may not really mean what they are saying to come across racist. just talk about it. it's the fastest way to clear the air.

now about that baby doll comment. i don't really care for that one and wouldn't try to really get to know the person who made it. who cares what type of doll your kid plays with. obviously they do and they probably would like to keep everything black.

as a side note

i don't want you to think that all blacks talk like that. we don't. i personally do make off colored jokes but they are
1. mostley about other blacks and what we do
2. only around my closest friends and people who know that i don't dislike anyone based on the color of thier skin.
3. stop immediately as soon as someone tells me that they don't like what i am saying.

Answer 8

I had the same problem. I worked in a pharmacy in a Haitian neighborhood and even though everyone else who worked there was Indian, because I was white they wouldn't want to listen to me. Then one of the Indian girls would come and say the exact same thing I said and they'd be fine with it.

Answer 9

You are right white men, men ,men, are discrimimated against greatly, I am old enough to know for I have seen it in the making, if you walk into any office who do you see? women and oriental people, Young men are moving in with women because women are working and they can't get a job, even when they are technicians, certifiyed, in the jobs. I am an old man, but I have seen young men discriminated against.

Answer 10

I dont think its a no no to call African Americans "black people". Aside from being called "African Americans" thats what they are often refered to as. However its offensive to a black person when a white person calls them the N-word "*******". See, its even blocked. Maybe its because thats what white men called their slaves long time ago.

Answer 11

I agree to a point, I am NOT racist, but get really tired of hearing the only people talk about racism is black people. You rarely hear Hispanic,Asian,Caucasian or any other race cry as much. So yes I do agree. BUT not all black people are like that, I know alot of them that get just as mad as I, hearing things like that come from other black folks.