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[El Sloth]

More like Privilege, period.

Oh, its MWS Natural, well of course its race then.

Beat me to it.

Just plain old rich people privilege.

 

[Dead Man]

This is a good post, though I would say that it's not entirely accurate to say that white privilege does not exist in his reaction but perhaps more accurate to say that the privilege he exhibits is produced by the fact that he receives a benefit of the doubt that a non-white person would not receive.

I don't really understand why people are arguing that he is bringing up race unnecessarily; race matters for understanding these remarks and peoples' willingness to countenance them and make excuses for them. I'd argue that you have a poorer understanding of this if you choose to ignore race.

Modding again? Welcome back!

 

[Lambtron]

There was an amazing article I read about this for my English class in college but I can't remember the name of it at the moment. Basically a white woman academically goes through how deep the instances of white privilege pervade into every area of business, public and private life. It was very informative.

Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh, perhaps?

 

[Vagabundo]

Beat me to it.

Just plain old rich people privilege.

And why do rich people think they are tough guys? I see this with the nobs that live in the better parts of my city too.

 

[Joates]

This is a good post, though I would say that it's not entirely accurate to say that white privilege does not exist in his reaction but perhaps more accurate to say that the privilege he exhibits is produced by the fact that he receives a benefit of the doubt that a non-white person would not receive.

I don't really understand why people are arguing that he is bringing up race unnecessarily; race matters for understanding these remarks and peoples' willingness to countenance them and make excuses for them. I'd argue that you have a poorer understanding of this if you choose to ignore race.

Dont you think if youre going to try to shoehorn race into the argument, that perhaps a little context should be thrown into it as well? Hell maybe even common sense.

And this goes for a hypothetical role/race reversal as well...

 

[Jackben]

Understanding begins with a willingness to learn. If you deny the existence of white privilege or claim it is simply a means to invalidate arguments made by people who happen to be white, there is little room for discussion.

I believe that what Tagg Romney said and the lack of reaction to it is an example of white privilege.

Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh, perhaps?

Yes! That's exactly it. Thank you for finding it. Really great article and definitely something I recommend to anyone curious or wanting to learn more about white privilege regardless of your stance. It's not about blame. It's about education.

 

[faceless007]

This is a good post, though I would say that it's not entirely accurate to say that white privilege does not exist in his reaction but perhaps more accurate to say that the privilege he exhibits is produced by the fact that he receives a benefit of the doubt that a non-white person would not receive.

I don't really understand why people are arguing that he is bringing up race unnecessarily; race matters for understanding these remarks and peoples' willingness to countenance them and make excuses for them. I'd argue that you have a poorer understanding of this if you choose to ignore race.

Hey, you're red again!

 

[Joates]

Understanding begins with a willingness to learn. If you deny the existence of white privilege or claim it is simply a means to invalidate arguments made by people who happen to be white, there is little room for discussion.

I believe that what Tagg Romney said and the lack of reaction to it is an example of white privilege.

This needs to be hit on more. What should be the reaction to this sort of comment?

 

[Mumei]

Dont you think if youre going to try to shoehorn race into the argument, that perhaps a little context should be thrown into it as well? Hell maybe even common sense.

And this goes for a hypothetical role/race reversal as well...

Yes, I think context is important. I'd also admit that it is probably true that his class had something to do with this, though I'd argue that his race is more important for understanding why it is received the way it is (with excuses) than his class is.

But it's hard to know how to reply when I don't know what context you think I have ignored. Can you elaborate on that?

 

[Seanspeed]

This needs to be hit on more. What should be the reaction to this sort of comment?

I think exactly what happened. Some people made an issue out of it(it was a stupid thing to say), but most didn't go too far with it. Which is why bringing up 'white priviledge' is totally unnecessary.

 

[Joates]

Yes, I think context is important. I'd also admit that it is probably true that his class had something to do with this, though I'd argue that his race is more important for understanding why it is received the way it is (with excuses) than his class is.

But it's hard to know how to reply when I don't know what context you think I have ignored. Can you elaborate on that?

His father is running against obama for president. Also, the fact that it was a joke.

But Im genuinely curious as to how people think this "news" should actually be received.

I view it strictly as "non-news" and has no impact on my political viewpoints.

I think exactly what happened. Some people made an issue out of it(it was a stupid thing to say), but most didn't go too far with it. Which is why bringing up 'white priviledge' is totally unnecessary.

Because there is nowhere to go with it. Are you going to question Mittens parenting for his 40 year old son?

 

[Jackben]

This needs to be hit on more. What should be the reaction to this sort of comment?

I don't believe a muted reaction to this is inherently wrong. But I recognize the inequality of the reaction, believing that if the situation were reversed, it would most likely not have happened or not be seen as acceptable.

I believe that this inequality is based on white privilege.

I think exactly what happened. Some people made an issue out of it(it was a stupid thing to say), but most didn't go too far with it. Which is why bringing up 'white priviledge' is totally unnecessary.

I don't think it is unnecessary. I think, if presented properly, it can be a good opportunity to educate and discuss white privilege with a society that is hesistant to talk about or acknowledge uncomfortable truths.

Whether this article is actually doing that or how much of it is simple election season baiting, is of course up to interpretation.

 

[Professor Beef]

And why do rich people think they are tough guys? I see this with the nobs that live in the better parts of my city too.

They can afford expensive martial arts training from the east. Can you deal wth them after that? I think not, good sir!

 

[pigeon]

His father is running against obama for president. Also, the fact that it was a joke.

But Im genuinely curious as to how people think this "news" should actually be received.

I view it strictly as "non-news" and has no impact on my political viewpoints.

I think it should be received as somewhere between "no news at all" and "slight character questions." For either Obama or Romney.

 

[Baconsammy]

I think exactly what happened. Some people made an issue out of it(it was a stupid thing to say), but most didn't go too far with it. Which is why bringing up 'white priviledge' is totally unnecessary.

American politics. If you want your article to be read, retweeted etc you need to be as divisive as possible. And you don't get more divisive than this horrible lead-in sentence:

Tagg Romney, grandson of George Romney, son of Mitt Romney, is the latest flesh-and-blood embodiment of White Privilege on the national presidential stage.

 

[cutmeamango]

Man, white privilege is clearly seem on important issues: Hypotheticals! "If he was not-white the reports would be different!".

 

[Socreges]

If that’s not enough proof that this episode is a profound example of the pervasiveness of White Privilege, then simply go through the mental exercise of switching the races. Ask yourself: Would the media reaction be similarly muted if a young black male relative of Obama appeared on a radio show and publicly fantasized about violently bludgeoning Mitt Romney? No, it would be the opposite. It would be a multi-day, above-the-fold, 100-point-typeface story initially fueled by Drudge, Fox News and right-wing radio hosts, and then pervading the network news shows.

While this is absolutely true, I think it has more to do with the perception that whites have of blacks and that their threats of violence would be taken more seriously. ie, it's not about "white privilege"

Consider how his comment would go over if it had been Romney vs Biden, two white men. It would have similarly been ignored.

 

[pigeon]

While this is absolutely true, I think it has more to do with the perception that whites have of blacks and that their threats of violence would be taken more seriously. ie, it's not about "white privilege"

...that IS white privilege. White people have the PRIVILEGE of joking about violence in a way that black people don't. Just like white people have the PRIVILEGE of not having to put their hands on the dashboard when they get pulled over or take them out of their pockets when they walk out of a store.

 

[Joates]

While this is absolutely true, I think it has more to do with the perception that whites have of blacks and that their threats of violence would be taken more seriously. ie, it's not about "white privilege"

Consider how his comment would go over if it had been Romney vs Biden, two white men. It would have similarly been ignored.

But you just described white privilege :lol

 

[Seanspeed]

But I recognize the inequality of the reaction, believing that if the situation were reversed, it would most likely not have happened or not be seen as acceptable.

The problem is that this 'inequality' only exists in some hypothetical world of yours. I dont think its a safe assumption that things would be that much different if the roles were reversed.

 

[Jackben]

Man, white privilege is clearly seem on important issues: Hypotheticals! "If he was not-white the reports would be different!".

It's about the issue at large rather than in this specific instance, which is merely being used as an example because it is recent and somewhat relevant to current American politics. Also the language in the article is very in your face because it will guarantee hits, views and retweets.

The problem with complaining about white privilege being seen on important issues is that it isn't seen at all. How can you judge the instance it is being called out on when it is almost never called out in any circumstances?

The problem is that this 'inequality' only exists in some hypothetical world of yours. I dont think its a safe assumption that things would be that much different if the roles were reversed.

On that I have to disagree. Even if there wasn't an extreme opposite reaction should the situations be reversed, that doesn't stop me from believing that white privilege does exist and extremely opposing conditions do occur in other situations.

 

[Deified Data]

And why do rich people think they are tough guys? I see this with the nobs that live in the better parts of my city too.

Because they could punch you in the face and not get arrested for it.

 

[Recon]

I could see similar "meh" reaction if Obama had a son and said something similar. That is until Fox News picks it up and starts mentioning "race wars" and "charles manson". At that point other news stations will pick it up because Fox News "sensationalized" it.

Basically what Im saying is Fox News is responsible for racism in America.





Im Joking, but only about the last sentence. And even that may have some truth said in jest.

 

[Baconsammy]

...that IS white privilege. White people have the PRIVILEGE of joking about violence in a way that black people don't. Just like white people have the PRIVILEGE of not having to put their hands on the dashboard when they get pulled over or take them out of their pockets when they walk out of a store.

Not true. A rich black man can say the same thing and no one but the right wing press will bat an eye. Just like no one right now except liberal blogs/sites are batting an eye about Tagg. A poor white registered tea party member says what Tagg said and everyone pays attention. He's not afforded this "white privilege". The white teens that tweeted violent messages about Obama weren't afforded special treatment due to their race either. Instead they received a visit from the Secret Service.

 

[pigeon]

Not true. A rich black man can say the same thing and no one but the right wing press will bat an eye.

Like Sistah Souljah, no doubt.

 

[Alligatorjandro]

Why would he even say that?

 

[akira28]

Did blacks get a pass for wanting to run up to W and punch him in the face? But maybe that's only because whites wanted to also.

You probably couldn't say that in a public forum without facing any backlash whatsoever. People say a lot worse in private about what they'd like to do to Obama. Of course that's not the point anyway, but still, since everything is all equal and stuff.

How about a white person saying what Jeremiah Wright said just being another America hating Pinko bleeding heart liberal to laugh about. But when Rev Wright says it, he's a separatist who wants to start riots and should be on a FBI list for hate speech.

 

[Kwixotik]

What does any of this have to do with Obama being black? People joke about physically harming people all the time.

 

[Jmanunknown]

I think it is non news as well but, it was real stupid of him to say imagine if instead of it being the president it was a woman like Hilary Clinton or Michelle Obama. Would Tagg have still said what he said even in a joking manner?

 

[MWS Natural]

What does any of this have to do with Obama being black? People joke about physically harming people all the time.

I has nothing to do with Obama being black, please read the article.

 

[Seanspeed]

On that I have to disagree. Even if there wasn't an extreme opposite reaction should the situations be reversed, that doesn't stop me from believing that white privilege does exist and extremely opposing conditions do occur in other situations.

I never said white priviledge doesn't exist. This just doesn't seem like a very good example of it. Which is why I'm saying that bringing up the race issue is unnecessary here.

 

[Baconsammy]

Why would he even say that?

Did you not watch/listen to the interview? It was his immediate reaction to hearing call his father who he loves a liar on national TV. I'm going to give him a pass on that, as I wouldn't enjoy it either. Much like I'd give Michelle a pass if she said she had the same reaction to the smug, douchey way Romney was disrespecting the President of the US.

 

[Joates]

Because they could punch you in the face and not get arrested for it.

See if this thread was about Obama actually getting tagged in the face, it would be newsworthy.

 

[Infinite]

Did you not watch/listen to the interview? It was his immediate reaction to hearing call his father who he loves a liar on national TV. I'm going to give him a pass on that, as I wouldn't enjoy it either. Much like I'd give Michelle a pass if she said she had the same reaction to the smug, douchey way Romney was disrespecting the President of the US.

Again, why would you threaten the president of the united states?

 

[Alligatorjandro]

Did you not watch/listen to the interview? It was his immediate reaction to hearing call his father who he loves a liar on national TV. I'm going to give him a pass on that, as I wouldn't enjoy it either. Much like I'd give Michelle a pass if she said she had the same reaction to the smug, douchey way Romney was disrespecting the President of the US.

I just dont think it was good form.

 

[Joates]

Again, why would you threaten the president of the united states?

Dear lord, why would you ever make a joke during election season!?

 

[Baconsammy]

Again, why would you threaten the president of the united states?

He didn't. Are we going to start arresting people for their thoughts now? He expressed what his immediate thought was when Obama called his father a liar.

I just dont think it was good form.

Most of what went on in that debate was bad form. Both parties completely disregarded the rules of the debate that they themselves agreed to.

 

[akira28]

Well I've never heard of a relative of a candidate declaring that he'd like to harm his opponent. Particularly when the opponent is a sitting President. But then again, Obama's presidency has been full of a lot of first. First time any member has ever called a President a liar during a State of the Union address, for example.

 

[Infinite]

He didn't.

How is physically threatening some one not a threat? lol White privilege indeed. I'm done.

 

[cutmeamango]

It's about the issue at large rather than in this specific instance, which is merely being used as an example because it is recent and somewhat relevant to current American politics. Also the language in the article is very in your face because it will guarantee hits, views and retweets.

The problem with complaining about white privilege being seen on important issues is that it isn't seen at all. How can you judge the instance it is being called out on when it is almost never called out in any circumstances? On that I have to disagree. Even if there wasn't an extreme opposite reaction should the situations be reversed, that doesn't stop me from believing that white privilege does exist and extremely opposing conditions do occur in other situations.

It just poisons their own well. And it dilutes the whole argument, if the relevancy rests in touting infimal issues.

 

[Baconsammy]

Well I've never heard of a relative of a candidate declaring that he'd like to harm his opponent. Particularly when the opponent is a sitting President. But then again, Obama's presidency has been full of a lot of first. First time any member has ever called a President a liar during a State of the Union address, for example.

Tea Party is destroying the Republican Party. All decorum, all respect etc is just out the window.

 

[Seanspeed]

I has nothing to do with Obama being black, please read the article.

To be fair, the article does say this:

He feels totally comfortable fantasizing about committing physical violence against an African American man.

A part you even bolded.

 

[Infinite]

Dear lord, why would you ever make a joke during election season!?

Why even joke about something like that?

 

[Baconsammy]

How is physically threatening some one not a threat? lol White privilege indeed. I'm done.

He told people what his THOUGHTS were at that very moment he heard the president refer to his dad as a liar. It couldn't possibly simply be an emotional, non racial, non privileged reaction to hearing someone call his father a liar? We must turn even this into a partisan fight? There's so much to detest about the current Republican party. There's no need to manufacture more.

I has nothing to do with Obama being black, please read the article.

You might want to read it again.

One of the hallmarks of White Privilege is the unquestioned and largely unchallenged assumption that white people can say heinous things about people of color without blowback or even mild criticism

 

[Joates]

Why even joke about something like that?

Again, why joke about anything, at least not during election seasons!

 

[Jimothy]

Why does Tagg look older than his dad? The Romney family is fucking weird.

 

[Joates]

I has nothing to do with Obama being black, please read the article.

Your move.

 

[Socreges]

...that IS white privilege. White people have the PRIVILEGE of joking about violence in a way that black people don't. Just like white people have the PRIVILEGE of not having to put their hands on the dashboard when they get pulled over or take them out of their pockets when they walk out of a store.

But you just described white privilege :lol

Just like the author of the article, you're conceptualizing "white privilege" in an exclusively black/white context, which reduces the term to much less than it means.

I know that such an example is often considered to be white privilege, but I'm saying that's wrong. It should be 'black disadavantage' (or something) because it has to do specifically with racist prejudice towards blacks, not a perception of whites.

I'll give another example. What if it was Romney and an Asian Democrat? And Tagg had said that? There wouldn't be much blowback. If you reverse the roles and have a relative of the Asian Democrat making the same comment, there would similarly be little controversy. Agreed?

 

[Recon]

To be fair, the article does say this:

He feels totally comfortable fantasizing about committing physical violence against an African American man.

A part you even bolded.

Ether. LOL. Gaf has been great today.

 

[pigeon]

Just like the author of the article, you're conceptualizing "white privilege" in an exclusively black/white context, which reduces the term to much less than it means.

I know that such an example is often considered to be white privilege, but I'm saying that's wrong. It should be 'black disadavantage' (or something) because it has to do specifically with racist prejudice towards blacks, not a perception of whites.

I'll give another example. What if it was Romney and an Asian Democrat? And Tagg had said that? There wouldn't be much blowback. If you reverse the roles and have a relative of the Asian Democrat making the same comment, there would similarly be little controversy. Agreed?

What you're talking about is intersectionality -- everybody has different sets of "privileges" and "disadvantages" based on all of their different characteristics and how they are viewed by the kyriarchy. I agree that it is the more important concept to get across to people, but I don't think it's easier to communicate to people not already versed in social justice than the idea of white privilege, and I'm not convinced that the redefinition will help much.