Racist Stereotypes live on
A response to an awful image circulating today.151 total reviews
Comment from maxer
Im going to assume the RCW is a 100% white, hence the racist picture... Well, you've certainly explained the origin of the racist imagery but theirs still an issue of its teaching.
So, how/when will this ever go away? Well, not until we better educate our youth [both b/w]. This kind of rhetoric is taught from parent to child whether directly or indirectly.
Rid ourselves of ignorance, read some books and maybe we'll be closer to making things right. But it's not just ignorance, theirs also that condescension that comes from putting someone down. It's a power thing that makes one person feel superior to another. Keep pushing someone down and after a while they won't stand up and fight.
Then theirs fear and just pure anger. When a kid is out of work, has no father, and their only family are other troubled kids, they look to blame someone or something whether real or perceived.
Anyway, I've pretty much just blabbed. I like what you've written and I too am pissed that such ignorance gets played on CNN and gets air time. Personally, it's just promoting more stereotype. If CNN had balls and if the national media weren't such a bunch of wussies, they would take a stand on their own... but when Turner and FOX owns half the world that becomes another issue entirely.
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
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Im going to assume the RCW is a 100% white, hence the racist picture... Well, you've certainly explained the origin of the racist imagery but theirs still an issue of its teaching.
So, how/when will this ever go away? Well, not until we better educate our youth [both b/w]. This kind of rhetoric is taught from parent to child whether directly or indirectly.
Rid ourselves of ignorance, read some books and maybe we'll be closer to making things right. But it's not just ignorance, theirs also that condescension that comes from putting someone down. It's a power thing that makes one person feel superior to another. Keep pushing someone down and after a while they won't stand up and fight.
Then theirs fear and just pure anger. When a kid is out of work, has no father, and their only family are other troubled kids, they look to blame someone or something whether real or perceived.
Anyway, I've pretty much just blabbed. I like what you've written and I too am pissed that such ignorance gets played on CNN and gets air time. Personally, it's just promoting more stereotype. If CNN had balls and if the national media weren't such a bunch of wussies, they would take a stand on their own... but when Turner and FOX owns half the world that becomes another issue entirely.
Comment Written 21-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
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You are ever so right - prejudices get passed down from parent to child, and people who fear for their future fear others they don't understand and think make them insecure. Thanks so much for your most thoughtful comments. Peace, Brooke :-)
Comment from Jonesy
I'm reading your post and my immediate reaction was something I feel is the biggest obstacle to improving race relations.
And that is...a lack of understanding and knowledge of people different than us.
I don't know if these women are racists or not. I'm not going to condemn them with such a small sample data. It's possible they truly don't understand what that poster means to others.
Actually, it reminds me of the Dutch cartoons depicting Mohammed in a less than flattering light. Do you remember those from a year or so ago? When the Muslim community responded -- justifiably -- with outrage, the newspaper that published them couldn't understand why.
Same thing here.
Too many people in the U.S. -- pick your ethnicity -- simple have little or no experience with others outside their race. Often, that is by choice.
I see things like this and it reminds me of how very far we have to go. Even as it looks quite possible we will have someone other than a white man in the Oval Office, there is so much left to do.
A great article and written with passion. I should say I'm not sure if there's any SPAG mistakes though; I was a little too caught up in the narrative to look for them.
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
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I'm reading your post and my immediate reaction was something I feel is the biggest obstacle to improving race relations.
And that is...a lack of understanding and knowledge of people different than us.
I don't know if these women are racists or not. I'm not going to condemn them with such a small sample data. It's possible they truly don't understand what that poster means to others.
Actually, it reminds me of the Dutch cartoons depicting Mohammed in a less than flattering light. Do you remember those from a year or so ago? When the Muslim community responded -- justifiably -- with outrage, the newspaper that published them couldn't understand why.
Same thing here.
Too many people in the U.S. -- pick your ethnicity -- simple have little or no experience with others outside their race. Often, that is by choice.
I see things like this and it reminds me of how very far we have to go. Even as it looks quite possible we will have someone other than a white man in the Oval Office, there is so much left to do.
A great article and written with passion. I should say I'm not sure if there's any SPAG mistakes though; I was a little too caught up in the narrative to look for them.
Comment Written 21-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
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I agree with you, there is a possibility they did not know. While they may not have known all I wrote, I find it hard to think they didn't know any of it, but I'll grant them the possibility. Not sure they couldn't figure out putting the black candidate on a food stamp was a bit suggestive, though. You are a more forgiving person than I.
Thank you for being such a thoughtful and perceptive reviewer :-) Brooke
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Not so much forgiving as understanding how many, as bizarre as it sounds in this day and age, really don't understand what might offend and what might not.
However you look at though, it is clear these women are at least one of of the following:
1. Racist
2. Stupid
3. Ignorant
So I guess they aren't off the hook anyway, are they?
Take care.
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You make me smile about something that is not, in large, smile-worthy. I imagine you are a mighty fine person to know :-) Brooke
Comment from Fleedleflump
It is a sad world in which we live, and a strangely stereotyped one. It frequently surprises me how disparate outlooks and views can be between people who otherwise seem similar and/or reasonable.
PS: You're effective when you;re angry ;-)
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
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It is a sad world in which we live, and a strangely stereotyped one. It frequently surprises me how disparate outlooks and views can be between people who otherwise seem similar and/or reasonable.
PS: You're effective when you;re angry ;-)
Comment Written 21-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
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Hey, I was the captain of my high school debating team and a professional anti-apartheid activist - you should see me lead a rally, mister! LOL Thank you! Brooke
Comment from Penpal
Hello Adewpearl,
This piece is very well written in that it not only states your disgust, but also enforces it with history and facts.
I can't believe that this has happened, and appreciate your pointing it out. The editor's daughter leaves one to question whether she has her wits about her.
Sometimes I'm ashamed of certain people of my race as well.
Yes, it has got to stop.
Penpal
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
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Hello Adewpearl,
This piece is very well written in that it not only states your disgust, but also enforces it with history and facts.
I can't believe that this has happened, and appreciate your pointing it out. The editor's daughter leaves one to question whether she has her wits about her.
Sometimes I'm ashamed of certain people of my race as well.
Yes, it has got to stop.
Penpal
Comment Written 21-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
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It really is disingenuous to me to claim they really had NO idea about watermelon and chicken stereotypes - heck, it could have just as well been lamb and corn. LOL Thanks!
Peace, Brooke
Comment from Dogz
Alrighty then. Oh my gosh, where to start on this subject. Me being a Jewish man and an American, this does make me sick. We all have our downfalls in each race. Some justified, but most are not. Dogz
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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Alrighty then. Oh my gosh, where to start on this subject. Me being a Jewish man and an American, this does make me sick. We all have our downfalls in each race. Some justified, but most are not. Dogz
Comment Written 20-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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When I was studying black images, I came upon many many images of Jews and Irishmen also - all portrayed as being outside the pale of human behavior and lower in the evolutionary scale - you as a Jew know where that led for millions of Jews. Thank you for your supportive review.
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i could argue this topic forever, not debate it mind you, but argue it. But, it is very difficult to argue ignorance and stupidity.
Comment from Alexander3571
This essay hits home everything I have been saying to my friends, family and just about anybody else I come into contact with. I had first heard about much of these things when I was a kid in the '70's and have studied this ever since. But it isn't just these stereotypes, also racial slurs being uttered is another ghost from the past that haunts us to this day. From Imus to the KKK, it's beginning to look as if we actually haven't made that many strides for racial equality. So keep up the good writing my friend and spread the good word and maybe a difference can finally be made.
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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This essay hits home everything I have been saying to my friends, family and just about anybody else I come into contact with. I had first heard about much of these things when I was a kid in the '70's and have studied this ever since. But it isn't just these stereotypes, also racial slurs being uttered is another ghost from the past that haunts us to this day. From Imus to the KKK, it's beginning to look as if we actually haven't made that many strides for racial equality. So keep up the good writing my friend and spread the good word and maybe a difference can finally be made.
Comment Written 20-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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I am saddened by all the examples that abound and almost as saddened by the people who claim everything is just fine today - the ones who tell me I'm being overly sensitive and politically correct because no harm was meant, nothing bad happened. You are most perceptive. Thank you! Peace, Brooke
Comment from MercyWrites
This was a very good essay, adewpearl, and it was obivously
heartfelt. Your message is clear, and I do agree with you sterotypes should not exist in
our society. We need to all come together, especially during these trouble times.
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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This was a very good essay, adewpearl, and it was obivously
heartfelt. Your message is clear, and I do agree with you sterotypes should not exist in
our society. We need to all come together, especially during these trouble times.
Comment Written 20-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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thank you so very much for your supportive comments. Peace, Brooke :-)
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You're welcome. It was a good essay.
Comment from Rdfrdmom2
adewpearl, I give this a six for two reasons: first and foremost because I agree with you that stereotypes of all kinds must STOP!!! Secondly, because you took the time as soon as you saw that bs, wrote a powerful piece in protest, then used lots of member dollars to post it where people will read it, not just those of us who read your work regularly. It would deserve a six just for your outstanding writing ability but the other things just make it a must. I'm so glad I haven't used any yet. I'd give you both of mine for the week if they'd let me. BRAVO!
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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adewpearl, I give this a six for two reasons: first and foremost because I agree with you that stereotypes of all kinds must STOP!!! Secondly, because you took the time as soon as you saw that bs, wrote a powerful piece in protest, then used lots of member dollars to post it where people will read it, not just those of us who read your work regularly. It would deserve a six just for your outstanding writing ability but the other things just make it a must. I'm so glad I haven't used any yet. I'd give you both of mine for the week if they'd let me. BRAVO!
Comment Written 20-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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You are most supportive and kind - thank you for your generosity and your thoughtfulness! Peace, Brooke
Comment from JeffreyStone
A very well written piece, descriptive and emotional, rightfully condemning racial bigotry. However, druing this political season, the Democrat candidate has invoked and used the Race card for his benefit, time and time again. The failure of the leftist press has caused kooks on both the left and right to emerge. I agree with your outrage, but are you equally outraged about the bigotry shown by the press and the left (many Blacks included) concerning Governor Sarah Palin? Too bad this has to be a part of our culture on either side. Yours is a thought-provoking piece. Jeffrey Stone
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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A very well written piece, descriptive and emotional, rightfully condemning racial bigotry. However, druing this political season, the Democrat candidate has invoked and used the Race card for his benefit, time and time again. The failure of the leftist press has caused kooks on both the left and right to emerge. I agree with your outrage, but are you equally outraged about the bigotry shown by the press and the left (many Blacks included) concerning Governor Sarah Palin? Too bad this has to be a part of our culture on either side. Yours is a thought-provoking piece. Jeffrey Stone
Comment Written 20-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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Oh, I am all for people on both sides sticking to the issues and not worrying what accent Palin has or anything about her mothering. I just got really upset about this instance because of my particular background, having studied these heinous images for years. My life was pretty much tied up with these images for several years. We react most strongly to those things we have some personal relationship with. I dislike Palin for her political views, and anyone who dislikes Obama for his view on the issues has my respect - I would give anything for political debate that stayed on the level of the issues! thanks for your thoughtful response :-) Brooke
Comment from KelinaJ
Technically speaking, your essay is perfect. As for content, as the law states, ignorance is no excuse. Admittedly I was unaware of these stereotypes (being I pay little attention to any stereotype, finding them generally false). I can't believe those editors still saw nothing wrong after it was pointed out to them. Just using the food stamp was offensive on its own. Your thoughts were presented wonderfully. Outstanding.
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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Technically speaking, your essay is perfect. As for content, as the law states, ignorance is no excuse. Admittedly I was unaware of these stereotypes (being I pay little attention to any stereotype, finding them generally false). I can't believe those editors still saw nothing wrong after it was pointed out to them. Just using the food stamp was offensive on its own. Your thoughts were presented wonderfully. Outstanding.
Comment Written 20-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
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you're right - the foodstamp image was a more contemporary stereotype wed to the old ones - thank you so much for your supportive comments Peace, Brooke :-)
