Why Skin Color Will ALWAYS be an Issue
Posted by Deutlich on September 8th, 2008 | Filed under: UncategorizedLargely in part due to Barack Obama’s running for president, the lid has been blown wide open on discussing America’s race relations.
The problem that I am seeing is that it’s marred with mud flinging. The one side is wrong for this and the other side is right for that and at the end of the day, nothing gets resolved.
I attribute this “phenomenon” to the fact that we, as a whole, decidedly chose NOT to talk about race relations. After slavery was ended, laws were made to help black people succeed, and affirmitive action was firmly in place – I feel like most folks thought “that was enough.”
Well.
It wasn’t.
I’m not going to get into the politics of affirmitive action. I have my opinions on that situation based on a fairly level-headed and educated thought pattern. Maybe one day I’ll have enough energy to give my thoughts on that topic. It’s just not right now.
Slavery, while completely illegal [in the U.S.A.] today, was perfectly legal for over two-hundred years. Can you even imagine what two-hundred years feels like?
I doubt it.
And that’s not to knock anybody, that’s simply reminding us all of our age. Sure, we can multiply our number by ‘x’ and get 200, and even then I still don’t think we can properly wrap our minds around the figure. Maybe if we reach 100 years of age.. maybe.
Anyway.
While in Chicago, I drove Jenn (freeandflawed), Dan Mega, and Maxie (ihatesomuch) around while trying to figure out which pizza joint to go to. I’ll never, ever forget Dan’s tenacity and honesty in asking me about black race relations.
Dan has some cojones.
A) He was polite and inquisitive. And that? Is rare. I don’t know why but I almost feel like some people are just scared to ask.
B) It’s always better to inquire than assume.
The thing is this, white skinned people rode in on their high horses and damn near exterminated an entire race (the Native American). Their culture, beliefs and population was decimated in such a way that some of their languages are only spoken by one very, very old person in a specific tribe. If it wasn’t the massacring that did it, then illness surely helped.
During and after this period, black folks were traded by fellow black folks from Africa. You see where I’m going with this? Our own people (because, yes, I am black too) were so accustom to taking over lands, attempting to become King of said lands and being down right greedy that they enslaved those folks they captured and shipped their asses across the water.
For money.
Then these people were treated as poorly as the mud on your shoe. African enslaved men were used as nothing more than as workmen and breeders of more slaves.
If you want to figure out why there’s such a high rate of baby daddies in the black community, look no further. While I don’t care for using bullshit excuses from the past to explain things of the present, there really is some truth to this.
It has, literally, been engrained into the black man’s psyche that he is nothing. It is demoralizing and offensive. I’ll get back to this point in a minute.
The women-folk were treated just slightly “better” because they bore and fed the children. Those stupid jokes about black folks loving chicken? Yeah, those are also rooted in slavery. Back then, chicken were pretty much the only livestock an enslaved African was allowed to keep. Naturally, food just revolved around the chicken.
Then there were the “house-slaves.” In other words, white slave owners felt that their African slaves were sub-human and mistreated them at every turn they could, but they would turn around and rape them because apparently fucking them was all right.
Insert mixed babies.
Mixed babies that were “lighter” and “whiter” and therefore allowed to serve and live in the Master’s House.
Y’seein’ how and why black people, to this day, have issues with their own race? It’s not across the board, but it does happen more often than not. “Darkies” discriminating againgst “yellow-skinned” folks and vice versa.
Now, back to the black man.
Did you know that in every country on the planet (except for a handful, literally) they are at the most disadvantaged side of things?
Slavery was not unique to Northern America. It occured in Africa, South America and countless other areas. I have yet to pinpoint why the black male has it the hardest, but I believe it has to do with the age-old thought process of men being the more aggressive of the two genders.
Now, I don’t condone the griping and complaining that many young black males participate in today. Frankly, they have it the easier than any of their predicessors.
Even so, I do understand where they’re coming from. When slavery and segretation was finally ended, many cities and states continued their racist ways under the table. For safety reasons, black folks moved into communities with other black folks. And then, as a community, they were obviously disgriminated against. The “luxuries” that their white counterparts got to enjoy were not exactly trickling down their way – and by “luxuries” I mean housing that was safely maintained and with proper drinking water.
Over the years, these same black-only communities deteriorated and what grew out of those situations was an influx of in-fighting.
Hello, black-on-black crime.
Not only that, but during the 60s and 70s when the drug craze was strong and legal, many of the “hippie-era” moved to such neighborhoods because they were cheap and affordable. Of course, this came just as those black communities began doing better for themselves.. but the drug trade is alluring.
It does not matter what skin color you are, if you can’t feed your baby and all of a sudden there’s an “easy fix” to paying the bills, you’d probably jump all over it.
When the hippies left, the communities were left in such a disarray that they have yet to fully recover.
Again, I don’t care for excuses. There are plenty of people who’ve lived through the most dispicable of circumstances that still make it through.
But I do understand.
And frankly, if we don’t start talking about this more so that all sides can understand one another, the issue will never go away.
Not ever.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
im going to go ahead and pop this post comment cherry.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
ok now that that is done, i honestly don’t really know how to respond to this post other than i’m glad you wrote it.
i know, i’m lame.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Well said!
September 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I grew up in a blue collared all white suburb by Detroit. I interacted with some black girls through girl scout trips, it didn’t go well and I was terrified of offending any African Americans I met later in life.
Ex. I called the girls on my college relay team African American until one turned to me and said “Really, you can say Black, it’s okay.”
What it comes down to is that I am ignorant at times about all different races and sexuality. One of the reasons I love where I live now is that my daughter will have a much more diverse experience then I did.
I’m teaching her equality but nothing beats life lessons.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Well written B, I have yet to learn to teach my mixed son about race, culture, history. Posts like yours make me learn and think. Thanks
September 8th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I worked at an after school center last year that was 100% African American.
The kids would constantly judge each other based on skin color – calling each other cruel names and refering to each other based on their shade of skin.
The older ones woud whine when we’d take them outside: “I don’t want to be any darker!”
They’d even ridcule their names and families: “She has a ghetto name.”
It was bewildering for me – but I always tried my hardest to teach them to treat each other with the utmost respect. They knew violence and cruelty would NOT fly in my classroom.
I just hope and pray that they get that message everywhere. The last thing they need is to be prejudice against THEMSELVES.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Skin color will almost always be an issue because it is an outward appearance that can not be changed. You can change your hair color, you can change your eye color, you can get new clothes but you can’t change your skin color. And no matter how open you are that is what you see first. That is how we describe people by their skin color. Not saying because you describe people that way you are a racist but that is the most identifiable way we use. Then with that comes other stereotypes, stigmas, etc. On a slightly different but same topic, what is this thing with Obama not being black enough? The sad part is I think the older well known blacks such as Jesse Jackson, and Cornelius West with their comments as of lately are kind of cosigning on this notion. What exactly does that mean not black enough?! That effin’ pisses me off!
September 8th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I cannot imagine what 200 years feels like but If you think about 200 years and the entire existence of man, it doesn’t seem like it was THAT long ago that people were thinking like this …and even today, it STILL exists, and that blows my mind.
Great post.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
For starters, I agree with you. I think there should be more diversity and more of an understanding. Heck, i’m Jewish and have been discriminated in schools because of that. But even with my family’s sordid past, I moved on.
To continue, I think Zora Neale Hurston is one of the most influential and interesting African American authors to this day. She aced her way through college. She became a renowned author. But what I find REALLY interesting about her is her point of view. She wrote an essay discussing that she wants to be known as a good writer because she is one. She didn’t want people to like her because she was a descendant of slaves. She didn’t’ want people to like her because her relatives had a terrible time growing up. She wanted to be known for her writing, no sympathy, just admiration.
I thought she was so interesting because of that. Because the history is terrible, definitely and comparable writers like Hughes who do touch on the subject are great, but I love the fact that she stood up and said that she can shape her own future, regardless of her past.
I taught that to my students two years ago (who were mostly African American and Hispanic). Sadly, they didn’t care. Sigh.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Not sure if I’ve ever commented here before but: love it. I’m glad you are comfortable talking about your views and experiences of race. I am in an interracial relationship with a black man, so, obviously, race is a daily conversation between us. We get strange glares, and we have different views of the world. But I think the most beautiful thing about it is that we are both open-minded enough to listen and learn a lot from each other. And a lot of what you touched on could have come directly from his mouth; you two share many point of views, and similarly, I now do too.
I am happy that race has been brought to the fore ground. I think it does have a lot to do with Obama, but it is well overdue. And it is necessary. I think it’s going to be a gradual movement, and as the baby boomers pass there will be more progression. But (now this is coming from a white girl, and I’m not trying to defend my race) it might just take a long time to try and undo the wrongs of the past. I’m down for the cause though, whatever I can personally do. And I know that being comfortable dating outside my race is a good start. And teaching my future biracial babies that everyone deserves equality, respect and opportunity.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Great post – awesome insight.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
1] Well written
2] Props to Dan Mega for asking questions. Most of my white friends tend to ask me questions regarding blacks and Caribbean related inquiries. I like that… cause I tend to ask a lot of questions of other races and cultures when I encounter something new.
3] Most black people today aren’t even 100% African decent. I would approximate that about 97% of all the black people I know are mixed.
4] Chicken is the yummiest animal EVER!
September 8th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I feel like the asian part of the issue is usually excluded from a lot of race-relation discussions concerning the US, so thank you for bringing that up.
Yes, more hot-button topics. If anyone is suited prod hot coals, it’s deutlich!
September 8th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Well written and well said. I used to think that we should all just not see race and everyone would be on an even playing field. Then I realized that ignoring our differences doesn’t make us any better off. Now I talk about race to the point of irreverance, and I like to think that it’s made at least some people in my life more comfortable recognizing our differences and learning from differing perspectives.
Thanks for saying what you did.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I’m here, I’m reading, I’m learning. Nothing to say just yet- you gave me lots of food for thought- but I would read this stuff every day if you posted it that often.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
One conversation about race is just not enough, I totally agree. My favorite and best race relations class was taught by a white professor who really made us understand the extent of racism. He taught that even though slavery was around long before any of us were born, Whites benefit from the color of the skin every day. And that is a result of our racist past folks! I have some EXCELLENT race relations books if you’re interested in the titles.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Um, I love you. Can we drink coffee and talk about race and politics and religion and sex and all that other taboo stuff we’re not *supposed* to talk about?
September 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
GREAT post and very well said.
I have been trying to figure out for years why more people don’t want to talk about race. There are lots of people with questions and misunderstandings that could ease the air and tensions a LOT of folks on both sides were just more willing and open to discuss the issue.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Since we’re talking about race and all, I’d like to point out that Asians are really cool. Just sayin’. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
And you’ve been being (yeah, I know that makes no sense, but it really makes me laugh) serious lately. You go, girl.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
While I do agree with some of what you have said; I think race is a factor, but it’s not the only factor. While slavery and racism is a factor, it’s also not the only factor. African Americans are not the only ones that had to go through systematic discrimination, or some type of slavery. Part of it is the past, caused by years of discrimination, but another part might also be self inflicted.
I’m asian, and asian women are stereotyped pretty badly in America – apparently we’re little sex kitten geishas here for men’s pleasures. Little frisky princesses. If you look at most TV shows, the asians are so typecast! Which is not to say that African Americans aren’t, but there are fewer asians in entertainment. It’s okay to say phrases like “me so horny” and other asinine things, it’s okay to make fun of the asian accent and bows, it’s not even taboo to use the word “gook” or “chink”.
I’m just saying, there’s more color in american than black and white.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
This was very insightful for me. I think it is great that Dan Mega asked the questions and asked them in the right way. I find myself wanting to do that with my friends, but I am so afraid of using the wrong terminology or sounding ignorant to the point that fear keeps my mouth shut, which in turn may seem as though I don’t care. In retrospect, I really do, I just realize it is such a hard subject to discuss, but you did it so eloquantly.
Props.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I agree.
This topic in NOT hopeless by-any-means…meaning things CAN change.
but you have to admit, the subject has gotten a bit taboo to talk about.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Alexa – You’re a trip.
Vanessa – thanks
Mom – It’s a shame that you had such troubles… frankly, so did I. Even though I’m a part of the community.
Emka – Thanks dear.
Ashley marie – It’s sad because I’ve witnessed this kind of thing myself too.
1218 – It bugs me the fuck out too.
LoveMaegan – Thank you.
Lauren – I’m glad that you at least attempted to brighten their horizons. More teachers need to do the same.
Carrie Lea – I thank you for stopping by
Apollo – Grazi
Mental360 – 1] Thanks
2] Yes, hats off to him.
3] true that
4] uhm, yes.
Nicopolitan – Anytime.
Downbeat – I wish that it would all just be an even playing field.
Verybadcat – I’m you enjoy coming to my neck of the woods
Passionista – I would love those titles.
Renee – Uhm – yes. Please and thank you.
Wanna – I really appreciate your compliment
Poodlegoose – Asians ARE really cool. Hahaha. I <3 you.
Tough girl – I know, more than most, that race isn’t just “black and white” Moreover, it’s been an issue passed skin color. Discrimination has existed against Jews, against the Irish, against Italians, against gays, against just about anyone who’s different. And frankly – I LOATHE when people mock Asian accents or say stupid shit like “me so horny.” It’s not anything I take lightly. With that said, I’m discussing America’s background, and while there was a really nasty patch of racism against Asians (especially the Japanese) during WWII era, no other race was enslaved in this country for over 200 years. To be frank, this country made all its riches off the backs of slavery those many years ago. Moreover, while it sucks to be made fun of, every race is mocked one way or the other – whites, latinos, asians, italians… it matters not. All of them are mocked. I’m not saying it’s right — but it is certainly the case. But none of those folks have it as hard as a black man when it comes to being treated properly. None. And they’ll never have it as hard in this country.
Tipptalk – Sometimes it’s just good to admit that you don’t really know if it’s an “okay” topic to broach but mention that you’re curious. Most blacks are quite willing to talk about it, especially if they’re your friends.
Matt – yeah, the taboo-ness of the topic is what bugs me the most. I think.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
that was nicely said.
the one thing that frustrates me is the discrimination within our own race. to this day i don’t understand it. being fair-skinned, i have had it no easier than darker complexted folks. our struggles are ultimately the same and until we realzie that, nothing will change. if we can’t even unite as a race, how can we expect to improve/change how we are preceived?
also…i really do love chicken!
September 8th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Very good post.
While we have come along way, there’ still a lot of work to be done.
September 8th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Great post.
As far as we’ve come as a country we haven’t come far enough. I wish more teachers and professors and the like would open up race discussions because the only way we’ll move from race being an issue is to have discussions. Unfortunately I don’t think that’s going to come. At least not anytime soon.
September 8th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
every time you talk race or politics you say it so eloquently and relative to me that i just want to stand up and applaud you (or meet you and give you a big freaking hug) either one works for me
September 8th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
ok i am totally “de-lurking” (ew, i hate that term – it makes me feel like an online predator) myself to finally comment on your blog.
well said and am so glad you are giving your 2 cents about this insanely difficult topic.
September 8th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
You know? I’m gonna tell you something that I find deeply hurting and embarrassing.
In my country, it was illegal for bleack people to live here until about 12 years ago. I’m not kidding.
This is worth than the Apartheid. Mainly because if you were black, you got killed.
And I live in Central America. I mean, it’s not even a ‘white-coloured’ country. We’re Latin people and we’re also discriminated.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Well, racism is as old as time and is found all over the planet, still to this day. Try going to Korea, Japan, the middle east or anywhere non-white and see how you get treated (as a caucasian). It’s appalling.
Like prostitution is the oldest career and will never disappear, racism is the oldest human descriminator and yes, you are right, it will also never disappear.
Just gotta learn to live with it.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Have you ever seen the Spike Lee film Bamboozled? I watched it in my freshman english class three years ago because the topic of our course was “who am I?” The film really deals with race relations, and it’s a pretty heavy movie.
I really like that you talk so openly about this. There are a lot of people who are so bigoted, black and white, that they can’t talk objectively. But you do, and that’s a really good thing.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
You’re awesome and excellent and I’m so glad you provide both a historical perspective in addition to a personal perspective.
Just this afternoon I was thinking about how we’re so quick to categorize black people as black, whatever our race. More specifically, I was thinking about how it even appears in literature from the ninth century, in 1001 Nights where the king kills his blackamoor slaves. I ended up wanting to research more (but not being able to) on the race relations in the middle east more than a millennia ago if people who are considered dark-skinned are still quick to point out others as black. The dichotomy of race and power is such a fascinating one. Sometimes, I just want to go back and read Foucault and Fanon and pair it all up again.
Awesome topic.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
In the Whiteyville suburb where I grew up, even the black kids said they were too white to be black in the neighboring town that was basically Scary Blackville. There was such a huge culture gap between the two towns that race was practically determined by where you lived, not the color of your skin.
Do you suppose that the people who call Obama out for not being “black enough” are talking about his ties to the black community, or the fact that he really is half-caucasian? No one seems to mention that.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
You’re pretty fantastical. I love your “voice.” You write some pretty eff’in fantastic posts and do it in a mature, respectful way.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I agree it was interesting to read this and the discussions in the comments. For me, this is always a bit complicated but I’m glad you made a point of making people think a bit.
One minor thing was that I never knew Dan Mega had drawers
I only point it out because it’s a common mistake but one that can really change a conversation!
September 9th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Well said!
I’d like to look at this from an alternative (and still hot) perspective, if I may. From my vantage point as a gay man, here’s what I’ve learned about politics and this conversation: rarely, if ever, are people who embody a minority actually invited to join in the discussion at hand (assuming a discussion is happening).
Living in California, I’m sort of at the forefront for the big issue of same-sex marriage. On the one hand, you have people declaring support, and on the other, you have people condemning it and those of us who are gay. But shouting at one another accomplishes so little, except maybe to further any ill feelings already harbored.
In order to make peace, a safe middle ground needs to be made, and maybe then people can step in and discuss their concerns. One side is concerned for religious and personal moral reasons. The other side is concerned that, without certain benefits in place, we can’t take care of the person who maybe we’ve decided to commit our life to in love.
To return to your point, you nailed it: the only way to discuss the issue of race relations is to bring people of different races together and to have a conversation. For my part, I see another person as just that: a fellow human being who, if I have the chance, I would love to get to know. We all bring something different to the table, and I find difference something to embrace, not to be afraid of.
My dad’s family is from Louisiana, and much as I love them, they’re extremely racist, to the point that I can barely stand it. (They’re extremely homophobic, too, but that’s an issue I have not and will not ever relate to them.) My last name has two lines: a white line and a black line. I’ve met family from both sides, and I relish the diversity we now have; but in the family itself, I’m in the minority in that regard.
I’m all for furthering the conversation. We can learn so much from one another, and we could rock the world a whole better than we are now, if everyone would take that chance.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I feel like I’m always shouting AMEN after reading your posts.
I feel like there was twelve billion conversations we should have had when we met but didn’t get to have.
I actually study how people cope with being the targets of discrimination (from a psychological perspective), and you wouldn’t believe the rhetoric that both gets spewed at me and that is still documented out there. How we can pretend this is no longer an issue is so beyond me.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I have this urge to say something, but can’t find the words. That was written wonderfully and said really well … and was so very honest! I’m glad I stopped by and read it. =)
September 11th, 2008 at 11:00 am
@Technodoll: Learn to live with? That’s ridiculous. That’s precisely the problem. People just deal with it. Act like it’s no big deal.