Do you ever feel like you are supposed to feel guilty of being white?

Question

One of my most fav bands years ago was Minor Threat. They had a song "Guilty of Being White".



I'm sorry
For something that I didn't do
Lynched somebody
But I don't know who
You blame me for slavery
A hundred years before I was born

Guilty of being white

I'm a convict
Of a racist crime
I've only served
Nineteen years of my time

Guilty of being white


Does it even bother you anymore when people call you a racist or repeatedly use the race card?

Answer 1

I have a problem when the media depicts small towns or white people in general of being racist.

I disagree with Rev. Jesse Jackson and how he twists things around to always benefit his race. I believe that racism is a problem in America - I think it is wrong. I just think of fair justice for all people.

Why do you have to make ALL white people look bad to make yourself look good. I don't understand why they get to have their "black": MONTH, MAGAZINE, BET...and think it's ok, but if we had those things in "WHITE" than they would be all over the news media about it. They excuse it away that they have those by saying that we have had majority white people on TV for a lot longer. Don't say that - just be honest....we want what we want for black people because we were in slavery. Just be honest and quit sugar coating why you are doing what you are doing. They don't want their race to be pointed out when it doesn't benefit them, however, they want it when it benefits them...you can't have both.

They don't mind playing the race card when they get to have their children bused out of their school district to "better" schools, but we cry out because our children suffer too...it's like when we suffer they are happy and that's wrong.

I didn't put anyone in slavery, so just don't make me out to be bad and like I did. That's all I ask...I respect all races in this world.

Many people may not agree with me, but that's just how I feel...I feel white people are far judged in this world today.

Answer 2

Yes, I am tired of it.

But I have decided to use this arguement when blacks call me racist and the descendant of white slavers.

If all whites in america and descended from white slavers, then all blacks are descended from Egyptian slavers.

I'm of the tribe of Ephraim (12 Tribes of Judaism).

There were about 200 years of slavery in the USA and about 400 years that the Jews were enslaved by the Egyptians.

So they still owe me about 200 years.

=) Everyone I have said that to hates it. Because it shows in a very sarcastic way how ridiculous it is to hold an entire race responsible for a small minority's actions that happened over a 100 years ago.

Answer 3

Don't feel guilty, even if there are those who expect it. There is a crutch out there for everyone who wants one, whether it's race or "my mommy didn't understand me". Race and life circumstances makes us who we are, but only as much as we build on those circumstances.

If I wanted to, I could have made a huge fuss about not being admitted to the college of my choice because there were already too many Asians. What? Not because I didn't have the grades or SAT score, but because they had already filled the quota for my particular minority.

Okay. Whatever. I have a life to pursue and hassling with every grievance I encounter along the way will make me miss too many of the good parts.

For you to dwell on the "white guilt" thing would be just as stupid. Ignore it. It has only as much relevance as you want to give it.

Answer 4

Well, from a black woman's perspective, I agree white people shouldn't be blamed for which some white people did over a century and a half ago. That's also racist, because you're judging them by their color. However, I will say that white Democrats are still harming the black community...just in new ways.

Answer 5

I remember a time back in 6th grade. I was doodling on the backboard because we had a sub. I happened to be using a brown marker. Well i draw two stick figures killing each other. There was a black kid in the room that saw it and told the sub i was being racist. Well it just happens that our principle was black too. That was not a fun week of detention.

Also that same kid two years later is the biggest racist I've ever seen. He treats all other races like lesser beings.

Answer 6

One of my friends told me he his proud to be White. He also stated he was ashamed at the fact Whites seem only able to show their pride though openly hating other races. Why can’t we just openly show White pride without disparaging other races? The KKK is an image associated with the White race. Even you can't deny that fact.

You are not blamed for something that happened 100 years ago. The White race is still showing the face of hate to the world in present time. If you don't want to be associated with slavery of yesterday then work to stamp the symbols and actions of hate in our society today.

As Blacks have to live with the fact Whites destroyed their familial structure, a White Man has to live with the fact his ancestor did this destruction. Remember hate is passed on through the generation so how do I know you are not a stone cold racist posing this question?

I like the Monopoly analogy. Whites cheated the Blacks to get all the land, the utilities, and the railroads and appointed himself the banker. His wrongs as been pointed out in history but you don't see him sharing any of the wealth do you? The White Man's lineage has total benefit of the past wealth accumulated not to mention accesses to best education.

The today White Man closes his eyes to these facts and now post silly questions like these to absolve his past connections to his ancestors. Well all have to live with the mistakes and atrocities of our pasts. Be happy you don't have to deal with all the past loses and have to rebuild your cultural identity.

The today Black Man closes his eyes to the fact the White Man can’t change the damage done through slavery not matter how much he apologizes. The actions of the White Man can’t be used as an excuse any longer. Only the Black Man can change his future and complaining will not change a thing. In all honesty is will prolong inaction. I don’t care what the White Man did to my race in the past. What I do care about is my culture taking responsibility to change their life for better not matter how hard it is. What does past slavery have to do with the fact I have pickup the trash in my yard, get an education, and take care of my family.

I don't have any problem with any individual from any race until you have a problem with me. The past is the past so let's all just have a good time. I carry full understanding I am responsible for the outcome of my life even though there are still racist idiots in the world.

Answer 7

No, I haven't. I have sometimes regretted things that my ancestors may or may not have done, but that's a different thing than "feeling guilty" about it--I regret many things that groups, to which I belong, have done, and feel strongly that I need to try to control what I can while I'm here.

In any case, I'd rather hold some tiny percentage of blame for someone being lynched than have been legally lynched, any day of the year. We have it very lucky, and I'd rather look at that.

Answer 8

It's said way too much--- everyone is equal--- which is probably the biggest lie. I don't mean by color, but by where you live, social stats, money, etc.

However, no one under any circumstance should ever feel guilty. We can't control our skin color. Even if genes and DNA didn't exist, the pigments of the sun control what color a person is. Or, if you believe in God...

So, no, I don't feel guilty. And no one ever should.

Answer 9

White Power. If a black or white person tries to use the 'race card' just tell them this. "What, your racist. White Power." No do not feel bad. Become even more racist. Join the KKK.

Answer 10

Great song. Definitely relate. Personally I like No Reason.