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[CherryWoodFuton]

So I learned from this thread is that "White Privilege" is a term that is used to invalidate any white people criticizing blacks

 

[Kurtofan]

Taggart?That's a real name?

 

[Duffyside]

sarcasm meter halted indeed.

Or I just didn't think it was funny, or helpful? If I thought he was serious, my post would have been much, much longer. Or, shorter.

 

[Veezy]

So I learned from this thread is that "White Privilege" is a term that is used to invalidate any white people criticizing blacks

Then you didn't learn a damn thing and have an issue with reading comprehension.

 

[Baconsammy]

Taggart?That's a real name?

A pretty tame one from a debate involving people named Barack, Mitt, and Candy.

 

[captmcblack]

Some of the reactions in this thread remind me of an observation in a different online discussion a couple of weeks ago.

One of the problems with "race" in America is that American middle class whites, and especially white conservatives, tend to think "racism" means only one very explicit thing: a member of a majority race (like whites) attempting in directly inflict personal harm, oppression, or discrimination on a member of a minority.

By contrast, everybody else, and white liberals, tend to these days define "racism" as encompassing something more complex and often times difficult to explain in simplistic, sound-bite friendly terms: structural bias in society and culture, that result in a minority being unduly burdened in a way that a member of the majority is typically free from experiencing.

Whites tend to get very huffy and upset when racism is brought up, because over the last 30 years, public displays of outright racist attitudes and language have become extremely unfashionable and unacceptable with the exception of a few of the worst southern states. Because nobody is using direct racist language, because nobody is directly "running them lower colors out of town" with a pitchfork (again, unless you're in one of a few states...), this has allowed white people to sell themselves on a narrative. That we're now in a "post racial society". After all, nobody is going around calling black people That Bad Word (in public) and you don't typically see mobs of white people surrounding blacks in restaurants and pushing them out the door. We've solved that hold race thingy.

Further, because white people - even white people experiencing tough times - typically don't get to be on the receiving end of structural racism, of societal bias, it's mostly a fairy tale to them. It's just those "minorities who've already been giving so much, whining for more 'cause they see the chance to take it". Which is an exact expression I've heard from a white guy before, btw. And he was blissfully unaware that the very structure of the sentiment he was expressing was incredibly loaded with privilege - an implicit assumption that "those people" where only treated well on the pain of whites who had allowed them into the country club.

Getting warmer. I feel like this is a lot more on point than not.

Also:

Why does it matter whether it was a joke or not? Why does the syntax matter given that the article is EXTREMELY SPECIFIC about the point it is making>

The article wasn't about the comments being racist.
The article wasn't about Tagg threatening the president, or implying a threat against the president.
The article wasn't about whether or not he was right or wrong or mad or not mad at the President.
The article cited an example of a thing that actually, inarguably happened - Tagg Romney casually expounding/joking/etc about punching the President - and marveled at how
The article wasn't about anything except the concept of white privilege.

The point made by the article was that no black man - even of equal and/or especially greater public relevance than Tagg Romney - could ever feel so comfortable casually expounding on punching a sitting white POTUS in an election race and have the reaction be as muted as this.

If you think that Barack Obama's black son could say the same thing about punching Romney in the exact same context, and have it be a similar non-issue, just say that.
Any other ideas are missing the point, or putting your head in the sand.

 

[onadesertedisland]

Mr. Jr. Romney should be barred from any future events where the President attends. He has stated publicly that he might assault the President. Seems pretty cut and dry.

 

[AkuMifune]

Because white people do have White Privilege. This is a fact, not an opinion. Denying it or ascribing it to be the same as being racist just makes you seem out of touch.

As someone who's been an ugly poor son of a bitch my whole life, the concept of white privilege is as foreign to me as non-whites.

I think it's a dying concept, replaced with the all-encompassing 'rich privilege'. Or in this case, 'spoiled out of touch asshole who just happens to be white'.

The point made by the article was that no black man - even of equal and/or especially greater public relevance than Tagg Romney - could ever feel so comfortable casually expounding on punching a sitting white POTUS in an election race and have the reaction be as muted as this.

I wouldn't have any stronger reaction had this man been any other race. I guess it's possible there would be more outcry, but I could argue that there would be less since people would be too afraid of speaking their minds and appearing racist. Is that the black privilege in this new PC world?

 

[Tex117]

If you think that Barack Obama's black son could say the same thing about punching Romney in the exact same context, and have it be a similar non-issue, just say that.

I can't speak for society at large (as some of you claim to), but as for me, I would view it the EXACT SAME WAY.

Kinda a dumb thing to say, but I knew what he meant. Non-issue. click to next article.

Though the topic of White or Rich Priviledge is a debate worth having, this quote to get there is a weak attempt.

 

[Baconsammy]

As someone who's been an ugly poor son of a bitch my whole life, the concept of white privilege is as foreign to me as non-whites.

I think it's a dying concept, replaced with the all-encompassing 'rich privilege'. Or in this case, 'spoiled out of touch asshole who just happens to be white'.

Ding ding ding

 

[Tex117]

As someone who's been an ugly poor son of a bitch my whole life, the concept of white privilege is as foreign to me as non-whites.

I think it's a dying concept, replaced with the all-encompassing 'rich privilege'. Or in this case, 'spoiled out of touch asshole who just happens to be white'.



I wouldn't have any stronger reaction had this man been any other race. I guess it's possible there would be more outcry, but I could argue that there would be less since people would be too afraid of speaking their minds and appearing racist. Is that the black privilege in this new PC world?

You too. GTFO...too reasonable for Neogaf. </sarcasm>

 

[John Rabbit]

it's funny because as someone jokingly suggested, it really is just "rich people privilege".

 

[Deified Data]

As someone who's been an ugly poor son of a bitch my whole life, the concept of white privilege is as foreign to me as non-whites.

I think it's a dying concept, replaced with the all-encompassing 'rich privilege'. Or in this case, 'spoiled out of touch asshole who just happens to be white'.

While I'm inclined to agree with you, be forewarned that many are more offended by individuals claiming to be the exception to white privilege than those who deny it exists outright. I've been told it comes off as arrogant and self-important. It's a stance I've defended myself on multiple occasions with little sympathy from GAF.

 

[Joates]

Taggart?That's a real name?

 

[antonz]

article is a joke and op should be like shit for even posting it.

 

[Tex117]

While I'm inclined to agree with you, be forewarned that many are more offended by individuals claiming to be the exception to white privilege than those who deny it exists outright. I've been told it comes off as arrogant and self-important. It's a stance I've defended myself on multiple occasions with little sympathy from GAF.

An interesting observation.

 

[Jackben]

As someone who's been an ugly poor son of a bitch my whole life, the concept of white privilege is as foreign to me as non-whites.

I think it's a dying concept, replaced with the all-encompassing 'rich privilege'. Or in this case, 'spoiled out of touch asshole who just happens to be white'.

I wouldn't have any stronger reaction had this man been any other race. I guess it's possible there would be more outcry, but I could argue that there would be less since people would be too afraid of speaking their minds and appearing racist. Is that the black privilege in this new PC world?

It doesn't matter if you're ugly or poor. White privilege extends beyond personal wealth or looks. You experience it regardless of whether you realize it or can point to a tangible instance. Many situations and circumstances in your life are different because you are white and live in a society that is built around white privilege. I hope it does die out, but we are far from that being a reality in our world and I honestly think that to suggest White Priviledge doesn't exist or isn't at play is either pure ignorance or simple denial.

Some of the reactions in this thread remind me of an observation in a different online discussion a couple of weeks ago.

One of the problems with "race" in America is that American middle class whites, and especially white conservatives, tend to think "racism" means only one very explicit thing: a member of a majority race (like whites) attempting in directly inflict personal harm, oppression, or discrimination on a member of a minority.

By contrast, everybody else, and white liberals, tend to these days define "racism" as encompassing something more complex and often times difficult to explain in simplistic, sound-bite friendly terms: structural bias in society and culture, that result in a minority being unduly burdened in a way that a member of the majority is typically free from experiencing.

Whites tend to get very huffy and upset when racism is brought up, because over the last 30 years, public displays of outright racist attitudes and language have become extremely unfashionable and unacceptable with the exception of a few of the worst southern states. Because nobody is using direct racist language, because nobody is directly "running them lower colors out of town" with a pitchfork (again, unless you're in one of a few states...), this has allowed white people to sell themselves on a narrative. That we're now in a "post racial society". After all, nobody is going around calling black people That Bad Word (in public) and you don't typically see mobs of white people surrounding blacks in restaurants and pushing them out the door. We've solved that hold race thingy.

Further, because white people - even white people experiencing tough times - typically don't get to be on the receiving end of structural racism, of societal bias, it's mostly a fairy tale to them. It's just those "minorities who've already been giving so much, whining for more 'cause they see the chance to take it". Which is an exact expression I've heard from a white guy before, btw. And he was blissfully unaware that the very structure of the sentiment he was expressing was incredibly loaded with privilege - an implicit assumption that "those people" where only treated well on the pain of whites who had allowed them into the country club.

I've yet to read a post from you that was not only accurate but expressed with a high degree of eloquence and logic. Kudos good sir.

 

[pigeon]

While I'm inclined to agree with you, be forewarned that many are more offended by individuals claiming to be the exception to white privilege than those who deny it exists outright. I've been told it comes off as arrogant and self-important. It's a stance I've defended myself on multiple occasions with little sympathy from GAF.

It's just a very confusing argument. How would you know that you were the exception to white privilege?

 

[I H8 Memes]

The article did not say he's racist.

They're saying if Obama had a black son who made the same exact comment it would be all over the news.

Which is 100% true.

If any Democrats son said the same thing. But fuck it, think whatever you guys want.

 

[endresults]

While I'm inclined to agree with you, be forewarned that many are more offended by individuals claiming to be the exception to white privilege than those who deny it exists outright. I've been told it comes off as arrogant and self-important. It's a stance I've defended myself on multiple occasions with little sympathy from GAF.

Well yeah, it seems to be an intrinsic quality of whites according to a good portion of this thread. Or, ya know, reverse racism.

 

[MuddyDonut]

The ignorance of people towards this issue is pretty astounding...
Do you also think the world is flat and the sun revolves around us?

 

[Deified Data]

It's just a very confusing argument. How would you know that you were the exception to white privilege?

A rational evaluation of my life. It's as best as I can manage.

The better question is, how would you know I'm not? It's an impossible subject to argue, really.

 

[pigeon]

Well yeah, it seems to be an intrinsic quality of whites according to a good portion of this thread. Or, ya know, reverse racism.

...no, actually, observing that our society has institutional racism is not "reverse racism," it's just an observation of regular-style racism.

A rational evaluation of my life. It's as best as I can manage.

The better question is, how would you know I'm not? It's an impossible subject to argue, really.

Well, that's why I prefer to talk about statistics which show institutionalized advantages for white people. The problem is that people respond to the statistics by saying "I'm the exception!" As you note, there's not much to say about that except "I doubt it."

 

[faceless007]

As someone who's been an ugly poor son of a bitch my whole life, the concept of white privilege is as foreign to me as non-whites.

The thing about privilege that so many find hard to grasp is that its effects are often invisible to individuals and difficult to measure. If you have ever been considered better-suited for a job over an equally qualified minority candidate (and many studies show this happens routinely), you benefitted from white privilege, whether or not you were aware of it, and even if you were not ultimately hired. If you have ever committed a traffic offense in view of a police officer and were not pulled over for it, when they would have pulled over a minority for the same offense, you benefitted from white privilege, whether or not you were aware of it. And so on.

No one can say for certain whether you, specifically, enjoyed any of these benefits throughout your life. But statistically, it's likely most white people have, which is the broader phenomenon "white privilege" refers to. So pointing to yourself and your lack of success in life doesn't really do anything to disprove the concept.

 

[endresults]

...no, actually, observing that our society has institutional racism is not "reverse racism," it's just an observation of regular-style racism.

I guess I'm part of the problem then, because I don't see it.

 

[Enzom21]

Why am I not surprised that some of usual faces don't think white privilege.

Would calling it "minority disadvantage" be an easier pill to swallow for some of you?

This is as silly as the people saying "calling a black person a nigger, doesn't make you racist."

 

[Archer]

I'm getting a serious Patrick Bateman vibe off of Ol' Taggart.

me too

 

[Deified Data]

The thing about privilege that so many find hard to grasp is that its effects are often invisible to individuals and difficult to measure. If you have ever been considered better-suited for a job over an equally qualified minority candidate (and many studies show this happens routinely), you benefitted from white privilege, whether or not you were aware of it, and even if you were not ultimately hired. If you have ever committed a traffic offense in view of a police officer and were not pulled over for it, when they would have pulled over a minority for the same offense, you benefitted from white privilege, whether or not you were aware of it. And so on.

No one can say for certain whether you, specifically, enjoyed any of these benefits throughout your life. But statistically, it's likely most white people have, which is the broader phenomenon "white privilege" refers to. So pointing to yourself and your lack of success in life doesn't really do anything to disprove the concept.

Disproving the concept is rarely the point in such instances. I'm keenly aware that white privilege exists.

 

[Baconsammy]

The ignorance of people towards this issue is pretty astounding...
Do you also think the world is flat and the sun revolves around us?

Ignorance can be a problem, sure. But so can the arrogance that comes from thinking you know more than everyone else. Please enlighten us all on these absolutes you claim to know with 100 percent certainty that experts can't even agree upon.

 

[HK-47]

There's a solid difference between explaining the privileges people have and claiming they are racist just because they indeed have them. Much of this thread cannot make the distinction which is why race threads on GAF are always a clusterfuck.

Probably should take a social psych course so they actually understand.

 

[The Faceless Master]

"Bush doesn't care about black people."

bingo. that shit was International news for WEEKS!

 

[ReBurn]

Disproving the concept is rarely the point in such instances. I'm keenly aware that white privilege exists.

You are privileged. Prove him wrong.

 

[faceless007]

Disproving the concept is rarely the point in such instances. I'm keenly aware that white privilege exists.

Then what is the point? If no one said you, specifically, benefitted from it, what is saying you haven't supposed to prove?

 

[Deified Data]

You are privileged. Prove him wrong.

The proof of burden lies with the accuser, I'm afraid. You can surmise that, statistically, I'm privileged, but it can't actually be proven. But this isn't the subject of the thread.

Then what is the point? If no one said you, specifically, benefitted from it, what is saying you haven't supposed to prove?

Absolutely nothing. I'm sensitive to how this particular stance appears to some people, that I consider myself some sort of diamond in the rough, a very special snowflake, etc., etc. But I don't. I don't have anything to prove, though I can't help other people thinking that I do.

 

[Tex117]

I don't think anyone on this thread is seriously arguing that "White Priviledge" doesnt exist in this country.

 

[Gentleman Jack]

As someone who's been an ugly poor son of a bitch my whole life, the concept of white privilege is as foreign to me as non-whites.

I think it's a dying concept, replaced with the all-encompassing 'rich privilege'. Or in this case, 'spoiled out of touch asshole who just happens to be white'.

I think you're framing an argument as to why white privilege is so potent a force here. In 7 days people will not only have forgotten about Tagg's stupid comment, but will actively shout down any attempts to bring it up as a campaign issue.

Meanwhile, as recently as May of this year, Romney was still invoking the Reverend Wright boogeyman to frighten people about the scary black man who said those mean things about america and yeah he's Obama's friend or something.

One of these men enjoys white privilege.

The other does not.

 

[la flama blanca]

If you're poor and white, you still have white privileges whether you know it or not.

 

[MuddyDonut]

Ignorance can be a problem, sure. But so can the arrogance that comes from thinking you know more than everyone else. Please enlighten us all on these absolutes you claim to know with 100 percent certainty that experts can't even agree upon.

I never said I knew more than anyone else, I'm saying that there are plenty of people who don't know or even bother to learn about the issue further. Please don't be upset that I match the hyperbole in this thread to get my point across.

 

[THRILLH0]

Why do white people always resort so quickly to violence?

Why do black people always resort so quickly to calling racism?

What he said is terribly unbecoming but you're drawing a long bow to call his comments a product of racism.

Still, interesting article.

 

[Deified Data]

I don't think anyone on this thread is seriously arguing that "White Priviledge" doesnt exist in this country.

I thought this too until Dennis proved me wrong...

 

[Gentleman Jack]

Why do black people always resort so quickly to calling racism?

Man what?

 

[Ronok]

I really liked how the article was slowly exaggerating what the guy said. What started off as an urge to punch someone ended up as bludgeoning someone to a bloody pulp. Another paragraph or two and they'd have him ripping out his intestines with his teeth.

Honestly, he is privileged, and he is white, so I guess white privilege is something that applies to him... I don't think this article has anything to do with that though.

 

[I H8 Memes]

I'm getting a serious Patrick Bateman vibe off of Ol' Taggart.

The more I see of Tagg Romney, the more sure I am that the police are going to pull him over some day and find a dead woman and a shovel in his trunk.

.

 

[Baconsammy]

I think you're framing an argument as to why white privilege is so potent a force here. In 7 days people will not only have forgotten about Tagg's stupid comment, but will actively shout down any attempts to bring it up as a campaign issue.

.

Not necessarily shout it down, but perhaps dismiss it as I am as just an example of a young man having a strong visceral reaction to seeing someone call his father an outright liar in front of 64 million people. I'd imagine a lot of people, regardless of race, sex, creed, class would feel the same way. Ascribing Tagg's statement to white privilege is race-baiting at its worst. Doesn't mean white privilege isn't a thing. It is. Claiming to know that this situation is an example of it is silly. I wouldn't be surprised if Candy's loved ones felt the same way about Mitt treating her like shit. Or Obama's wife/kids feeling the same way about Mitt with how dismissive and rude he was to him.

 

[jon bones]

I do not think there is any Black Privilege nor do I think there is any such thing as White Privilege.

Using the term 'White Privilege' is a way to invalidate arguments made by people who happen to be white.

It is an attempt to have debates where some participants opinions are not worth as much or as legitimate because they have 'Privilege'.

It is a poisonous concept.

breaking news: young white male on internet doesn't believe in white privilege

 

[Jackben]

I don't think anyone on this thread is seriously arguing that "White Priviledge" doesnt exist in this country.

Think again.

I do not think there is any such thing as White Privilege.

Using the term 'White Privilege' is a way to invalidate arguments made by people who happen to be white.

It is an attempt to have debates where some participants opinions are not worth as much or as legitimate because they have 'Privilege'.

It is a poisonous concept.

 

[THRILLH0]

Man what?

Eh, it was a crude reflective response.

Whilst I think there is value in the article I think there is a danger in constantly probing for ulterior motives, particularly when the result is either directly or indirectly labelling someone racist.

 

[Alligatorjandro]

One example of white privilege is being able to wear a hooded sweatshirt and not be followed around.

 

[methane47]

As someone who's been an ugly poor son of a bitch my whole life, the concept of white privilege is as foreign to me as non-whites.

I think it's a dying concept, replaced with the all-encompassing 'rich privilege'. Or in this case, 'spoiled out of touch asshole who just happens to be white'.

I think that if you, as an ugly poor son of a bitch your whole life, is comparing himself to average society then the White privilege theory breaks down real easily.

Problem is, it doesn't apply to an average. Fact of the matter is, if you and a colored person were in the same exact situation, the benefit will be in your favor to come out on top almost every time.

It means that you can walk down the street safely as a white man in a gated community. But if you are a black guy doing the same exact thing, people will consider you a threat.

It means if you are driving a car with tint on it down the highway, you are LESS likely to be pulled over than a person of Color, DESPITE the chances being less on a minority to be carrying drugs. Or committing a crime.

It means if your name is Taggart, you are MORE likely to get that call back from a job application, than an equally qualified person named 'De'Marcus/De'Vonte/Shaquille.

I could go on.

The problem is you are comparing yourself to the average. And that is not how white privilege works.

 

[la flama blanca]

Eh, it was a crude reflective response.

Whilst I think there is value in the article I think there is a danger in constantly probing for ulterior motives, particularly when the result is either directly or indirectly labelling someone racist.

I actually wouldn't have seen what this guy did as racist. Spoiled rich asshole, yes.