thought.remixer w/ nukirk - Latest Comments

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:43:20 -0000

To answer your question, I would say I am not a racist. Sadly, that's not the answer you're looking for because according to your logic, I'm a bigot for even posting this blog post.

Here's the thing, there are situations (tons of them) that I don't have to acknowledge race. I can acknowledge a person by judge of character and hard work. However, there are times where some people have it easier than I do based on racism.

Now, the racism you might be thinking is "because their White, they get a free pass." No, the racism I'm thinking is the stuff that happened so many times before that by the time they get to me, I'm just one of the many affected "numbers".

Here's an example: I live in a predominant White neighborhood. I work in one of the houses within this neighborhood. I walked everyday. Yet, there were an arsonist that burned one of the houses. A cop stopped me, asked to see my ID, and told me that I don't "fit the neighborhood". I told him "I live RIGHT down the street!" I've been kept for more than 45 minutes.

Another time, a UPS man heard that the police was on a manhunt. He took the time to forewarn me while I was walking down the road that "the cops are looking for someone that matches your description". I turned around, talked to my client so they can drive me home because I forgot my wallet at home that day. I could be taken in for questioning. I don't have time for that.

I go into shops, I get a LOT of nice FRIENDLY people asking me what I want, making sure to track my movements.

There were times when I had jobs in NYC, but were stopped and frisked once too often and being late cause me to lose jobs. No matter how much I smile, and be pleasant, these are the "inconveniences" of being Black in America.

If you look at my icon and tell me "well, if you dress like that to work..." then that's part of the problem. If you tell me to "tone down myself..." that's part of the problem. I worked with a lot of people from all races. I actually help with diversify groups.

Matter of fact, do you know what my job is? Advertising. My job is to make things sound "mainstream" or appeal to the vast majority of society. Who's the vast majority of society? Let me give you a hint: It's not "urban" markets I attract with my "mainstream" work.

I asked myself everyday how can we move this conversation forward. Maybe you don't agree with my blog post, but then that's itself is a problem because you can't see through my eyes, just like how I can't relate to a woman's plight and problems.

You're offended. Good. That means I'm saying what you need to hear. You need to hear this.

When you really think about it, everyone is uncomfortable with talking about race. NO ONE wants to talk about the elephant in the room. Then, when we do talk about, we talk about it as if it's an "equal problem". It's not an equal problem. If it is, why can't I talk about history without getting cursed at? And also, I have to keep my tone in check, because if I was to go down to "their level", then that means I am now the "ANGRY BLACK MAN"!

I acknowledge basic facts all day, every day. The facts according to the system... the system is not fair. People outside looking in don't know what they got to face.

And even if we do get a LITTLE ahead, what do Whites call it? "we're losing the country".

When people say "Blacks can be prejudice just like Whites", yes... they can be. I won't deny that. But I would more likely dislike the person based on them using the laws and society codes to their advantage than anything else.

We just can't use the same rules that White people can use on us against them. That's why we can't be "Racist".

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:17:48 -0000

You can't even counter the one you chose to reply to. You're as silly and bigoted as Adria Richards.

You also called it the original definition of racism :wrong.

As much as you want it to, and folks like you repeat it., it's not even a primary definition let alone the original.

Between you, Adria and the other black bigots that have been exposed lately, it's clear that you guys formulate your arguments in a closed loop and don't actually understand how flawed your line of thinking is.

Like a cult, you even refuse to acknowledge basic facts, like the written contents of various dictionaries.

Be honest and do a critical evaluation: are you a racist? If Adria Richards had asked herself that question a long time ago, she might still have a job.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

AnyoneCanBeRacist — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:15:02 -0000

You're so f'ing wrong it's ridiculous. By your asinine definition of racism, one would have to believe there are no minorities in government due to this systemic oppression you suppose still exists. And doesn't affirmative action promote systemic oppression of the "oppressor"? Basically, you say a white guy who's prejudiced is a racist BC OF HIS SKIN COLOR, which makes him part of the oppressing group (and totally ignores socioeconomic standing), but a prejudiced black guy... he CAN'T be racist (bc his skin color makes it impossible to be part of the white man's system?).

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 02:09:13 -0000

First off, this formula was the original definition.

Second, being critical of Whiteness doesn't make me a bigot. It makes me observant. I have this amazing thing that people have...

... it's called eyes... and ears... and the ability to comprehend when people are doing stupid things. It's just being observant.

By the way, anyone else can find facts to fit them. Look at politicians and them looking for scientist to counter talk greenhouse effects.

This is not a crazy definition of racism, it's just that you don't like the sociology definition of it.

BTW, too keep things simple, I'm not replying to all the other replies. As much as I would like to counter point all the replies, I do have a job to do.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 02:03:01 -0000

1) Re-read the statement "Black people CANNOT be racist against White People". Note we are saying (and kept saying)"people" not an individual.

2) In your example, you stated a "Black traffic cop". One problem, cops have power over citizens. Would you disobey a cop at all, no matter his skin color? Last time I check, you probably don't want to piss off ANY cops if you're hoping to get off a speed ticketing.

3) Adria Richards' original intentions (as I read in her blog) is to point out the sexism and take care of it. The "race" factor wasn't really anything until people started to point out this little nugget.

To close out, racism is not a factor in this at all. However, people are calling her a racist, when it's not possible to be a racist in this case.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

Captain Moonlight — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 01:45:58 -0000

"Black people CANNOT be racist against White people. Racism is a position of the oppressor who has the power." This statement is built on a false premise. In some situations blacks have power over whites. If I get pulled over by a black traffic cop, he/she has the power, not me. Richards succeeded in getting a white guy fired for a dongle joke that wasn't even directed at her. That sounds like a truckload of power to me.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:44:24 -0000

That's your formula you are stating as fact.

I can state 3+2=6 all day, it doesn't make it so.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:43:15 -0000

White people invented it? Self-hating White liberals perhaps...

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:42:26 -0000

If it's a social construct, isn't it entirely possible that you or another Black bigot or self-hating White invented that absurd redefinition? It's clear that you subscribe to it.

The problem with YOU and Adria is that you have surrounded yourself with people who think just like you. You guys can't cope with the fact that you are being called out by many, many other people. You try to assert that your contradictory definition of racism is somehow more legitimate.

Guess what, your definition is as silly after undue consideration as it is the first time it's been read.

Your professors duped you.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:38:33 -0000

If White Americans are so bad, why do you have a font to spout your hate?

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:37:11 -0000

You call it snark? You need to get out of your social circle, neither you or Adria know how to interact with people who aren't just like you.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:35:33 -0000

White people are not the majority in all parts of the U.S. so they do not have hegemonic power throughout the country.

Added to that, White liberals aid and abet black bigots and have helped them into positions in academia where they can spread hate.

http://www.ajc.com/news/new...

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:32:07 -0000

I sure remember being oppressed in my hometown for being a non-Black person in a town run by them. I remember seeing my White female friend being led out on a stretcher after being stomped by 10 boys and girls after she said she didn't want to date black boys (she was an 8th grader and dating a Polish boy from another school) the school did NOTHING about anti-White or anti-Filipino violence.

They made excuses for it, like YOU are making excuses for black bigots.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

maria fernandez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:23:57 -0000

Adria Richards is a bigot and a hypocrite. Just because it's normal for you and your racist compatriots to say that about White people (and whoever else you dislike) doesn't mean it's normal for the rest of society.

You also offered a formula that fit right into your crazy definition of racism.

Gee, wouldn't that be convenient for all things? How about an alchemist's formula to turn a cheaper substance into gold. Gee, if only...

This is appropriate for your buddy Adria and the other AA bigots out there: you're entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 20:29:18 -0000

It is synonymous.

I’m not making up the definition. I read people, not just Black people, but White people agreeing with this. Just because you don't agree with it doesn't make it true. You never experienced racism in your life. (Assuming that you're White) Never ever? NEVER EVER!

In order to experience real racism, it have to be from top to bottom. If all you have to do is simply remove one element, then it’s no longer the experience in question. When you read it like that, it makes no sense. So, here’s what I mean…

Let’s take the example of your haircut. Let’s say you’re White and you got a pinkish blue tone mohawk. It’s considered in society as an extreme expression. Now, what if the person wants to be a lawyer with that hairstyle? Well, they can shift the culture if they want to. They will be called “daring”, “youthful” and may get invited to conferences. They will be featured in magazine, maybe blogged and reblogged and girls will look at him as “Dreamy”. But most of all, you are expressing “yourself”… and you’ll be seen as that. Sure, you’ll have some hardships, but you’ll make it because that’s what you wanna do!

Or you can tone it down because maybe your career is more important than your looks. And that’s fine too. Fact of the matter is, you have options.

Now, let’s say that I wear dreadlocks. In my culture (Caribbean), it’s not considered an extreme hairstyle. It’s a hairstyle, that if properly maintained, is a part of one’s identity because it takes years of work to maintain. It’s says “I’m conservative, and I’m natural”

Can I be a lawyer? Nope. Unlike the White man with the mohawk, I will be looked at differently. My only option is to either cut it off or not be a lawyer. “Mainstream America” consider my look “extreme” and will be shun upon. I probably might not even get INTO law school. Mostly, because they are not “professional looking”.

For a White person, if they want to “rock the paradigm” it’s optional. Facebook owner can walk into Wall St with just a hoodie and no one will blink (for a while.). If a Black CEO does the same thing, there will be more talks about the hoodie than his company!

That’s how racism works.

Before I let this go, I will forewarn you that the subject is way more complicated than this. This is just an illustration. But as you can see, Mainstream = the person who makes the rules. And all of them are mostly White.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

Frank — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:43:26 -0000

Actually, it’s you who is misunderstanding. What you described there is
discrimination based on race. Racism is against one race from another,
black or white as I’ve previously stated. Like I said, meanings adapt
over time and now the word racism isn’t just about acts against Black
people from White.

I’m not disagreeing that discrimination
happens. It evidently does. The point you’re trying to make is that
Black people cannot ‘oppress’ or ‘dominate’ White people due to the
social hierarchy, etc. I’m saying that using the word ‘racism’ isn’t
correct because it isn’t synonymous with oppression.

On another note; considering that President Obama isn’t White; the viability of certain theories are at least questionable.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

some0779 — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:16:57 -0000

Wow, Senior! you dance around my questions without actually answering them. Although to be fair, your conversation with Mr Magic below does answer some of my questions. At heart though, you seem unwilling to accept that whites can be victims of racism in other parts of the world where they are a minority and cannot oppress the majority, South Africa being the prime example, since the end of apartheid it is impossible for the minority whites to oppress the majority blacks. Talking about southern americans/asians taking beauty tips from whites - there isnt a white conspiracy to force an ideal of beauty on other cultures. European beauty ideals include tanned brown skin is viewed as healthy and desirable. i.e. some europeans want what asians have and vice versa. This is just the human condition, the grass is always greener. But its also irrelevant because its all steroetypes and generalisation (the spelling there should give you a clue that Im not 'merican) which denies the situation of a lot of whites in America. So here we are, back in the land of the free home of the brave. I appreciate that your perspectives are American only, I do strongly recommend travel/living abroad and from reading your blog I see you are aiming for that and wish you best of luck, opportunities in other countries certainly opened my eyes and i strongly recommend it. But back to my point - you ignore the situation of the poor, trailer-trash white people who have no ability to oppress. Being part of the dominant demographic doesnt give them an ability to oppress that the average black person doesnt have. There are many examples in the US of poor white people stuck in a similar situation to the lack of opportunity and community cohesion in the black communities that you refer to in other posts. These people dont fit into your definition of racism, they are just as much victims as all the 'black community' you refer to. The definition you refer to might be an academically argued point but culture, and culture the world over (concepts dont change across borders,) defines racism as prejudice against a group of people belonging to a specific race. This is the definition the world, and majority of America except you and adria accepts. White people can be the victims of racism from blacks, within and from outside. I look forward to your response, senior.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:20:49 -0000

And that's why talks like these are important.

We came a long way, but got a long way to go. I am not saying "kill whitey" I am saying "hey, let's just rationalize this for a second, okay?"

And if more people can open up to having these types of talks, it will get better.

That's all.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

monkey magic — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:05:31 -0000

Indeed. You seem to be a happy, well motivated person anyway.

I believe your situation will get better with every new generation.

I wish you good luck with your endeavors.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:56:36 -0000

The racism I am talking about will always refer to is from the experiences of Blacks in America. It's the only one I can refer to since I'm American. So, trying to talk about it from a world point of view, in this case, is moot. Now, it's not because I won't deny that there's racism in other places (probably against Whites, but not likely), but moreso because this whole argument when Black Americans talk about racism, we're talking about it in the United States. We live here, we have lives here, we experiencing it on a personal level.

If you have read all my other replies, you'll noticed that I keep talking about it as a group, and never as on an individual (unless use to show how it can affect one Black person VS. a system). To say that "Adria is racist" is to imply that Adria is holding back people by herself. (Which is the intentions of this blog post).

Since you want me to answer questions, then here we go:

1) Yes, I am talking about all White Americans.

2) Yes, I am talking about the rich, the poor, the people in comatose states. They are willing to protect their livelihoods because they think it's "better", even when it's not. They will think that Black people are "leeches of the system", even thought Black people are not as much as White people in the country.

3) If you're talking in the "when does White people become the minority of the country", it will eventually happen... but

4) The President is "Black" according to the one drop rule. But he's a Black President protecting a White power structure. Note how he can't say anything "Pro-Black"... like for example, the minute he spoke about Trayvon Martin's death (and he's only giving commentary, personal opinions), EVERYONE made a big deal about it, for good or bad. People forget that the President at the end of the day is human and have a right to an opinion. But people talk about "it's for political gain" and so on. But then again, anything the President does is distracting, no matter how minor.

To this day, people still ringing him on where he's born. What other President went through this?

While your opinion may change, my opinion on this have never changed, and this got nothing to do with being a "victim". I am not saying "being Black keeps me back". I am saying "having an opinion about this, no matter how mature, keeps me back because once you have an opinion about it, even if it's a well intention one, people will use elementary arguments, thinking by out shouting me it will change my opinion or shut me up long enough to have peace." I am NOT a victim.

Thank you.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

monkey magic — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:28:44 -0000

I think I know what you mean by "snark"! My original post may have contained a few unnecessary embellishments; that may or may not have added to the discussion.

There are many situations where feeling like a victim is not the way to move forward (once you are the victim it is up to "them" to sort it out).

The definition you sourced is one of many, for the term racist; it is less than perfect as you have to define which side you are on and who is on the other. Do you mean all white people in america? The rich, the poor, people in comatose states? When does white become black? Is your president black or white, is he part of the system/institution?

Any way that is my opinion for today, it may be different tomorrow.

ps. use the internets to find tricky.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 14:54:51 -0000

You seem to be misunderstanding the basic concept which I have described in this blog, so I'll restate it for you:

"Racism =racial prejudice + systemic, institutional power."

If you need an example of Racism, every Black History Month, I get asked the same question: "Why there isn't a White History Month"

Answer: Because there's one by default. Look at everything around you. The standard are Western Beliefs. Bring "Pro-White" basically means "I like things on the default setting".

The racism I describe here isn't "oh, we hate White people" here. That's prejudice. The racism here is "Black people gets a heavier sentence than White people for the same crime" kinda racism.

We're talking about a WHOLE GROUP of people, not one single individual. (And that's what we're talking about... all the time!) That's a easy argument to win. Black man attack White man, that's prejudice. White man attack Black man, that's prejudice. What's make it racist is "White man attacks Black Man for saying Hi to him". If White Man attacks Black man as a way of self-defense, then it's not really a matter of face, it's a matter of self-defense.

Now, let's put it this way...

White man (who's attacking the Black man for saying Hi) goes to court for attacking Black man. He gets 7 days in jail and gets classified as a Hate Crime. Now, if the colors were reversed, will the Black man gets the same sentence? Not really... because the laws + the way society sees Black people = a heavier sentence. This guy might get up to a month in prison.

Also, this RECONFIRMS to the entire Black race that if you attack a White Man, even if it's for self-defense, you'll get a heavy punishment.

Also, the Black Man, since he's in Prison for a month, will be looked at as a "criminal", will lose his right to vote, while the White Man, for the same crime, might be able to keep his voting rights, and signs paper work.

This is the racism I address here. Not the idea you're talking about.

The power imbalance which still affects us today. It's bad for people like you because you don't see it as well, and thus every time we bring this up in a mature conversation, you go into self-defense mode for you're right to use the word "racist" in a sentence against a Person of Color.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

Frank — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 14:37:31 -0000

Calling racism a construct is incorrect. Even if it was, so is language. That doesn't omit one race from being able to be 'racist' towards another; whether black or white. Racism is an act of discrimination, regardless. Meanings change and language adapts. The word 'racism' is now universal, meaning, it applies to all. Also, you seem to be confusing oppression as synonymous with racism. They are two different words. Even if, as you say, ‘'Black people can't "oppress" White people’', that doesn't equate to Black people not being racist towards White people.

As for '’people (mostly White) are getting their feelings hurt because they don't wanna hear this construct'’, it's a case of double standards. You even said it yourself, ‘'being "pro-White" can be seen as racist'’. Rules should be applied to all, not just a select few. This imbalance only fuels more hatred.

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:18:42 -0000

"Victim mentality"?

I am not on here saying "oh, White people is making it hard for me to get a job?" I'm here saying "they are making it hard for me to talk about this issue in a mature fashion!"

I may have a little snark in my replies, but it's all the same. You're taking offense against what you White Americans would say "an Actual fact!" Take my blog post to scholars, not politicians!

Politicians are one of the many reasons this social construct exist.

WHO is Tricky?

Re: The Character Assassination of Adria Richards

nukirk. — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:13:53 -0000

But racism is still a human construct. It's also a social construct.

All I'm reading is that people (mostly White) are getting their feelings hurt because they don't wanna hear this construct, which by the way White people invented, used against them.

I am not saying that prejudice, which is what you are describing (the "based on racial intolerance"), is impossible. You can hate another race based on false information. But Black people can't "oppress" White people, due to more than just "hatred" or "cruelty" or "unjust manner".

And yes, being "pro-White" can be seen as racist simply because there's White is the default setting in the world. But when I say White, I'm not talking just skin color. I'm talking about their ideology as well as other ways they can influence culture change and what is "acceptable" to society. They have the power to determine what they deem "normal" and "conservative" in society to what they think isn't "mainstream" to them.

This is the real power of racism. It's not just the skin color.