Faux-pression: Racism and the Cult of White Victimhood

#7:Political organizations, such as the Tea-Party, need to take the lead on this. Denying the sizable racist component in their movement is not believable. Neither is deflecting criticism by accusing the accuser of commensurate racism believable. This nonsense must end.

Thanks for speaking the honest truth: I spun in your glory! Peace.

I think he believed in a higher power....the power inside each person to be the best they could be.

Black man, black woman, black baby
White man, white woman, white baby
White man, black woman, black baby
Black man, white woman, black baby

- Public Enemy, Fear of a Black Planet, 1990

There are some nutjobs, the likes of Neely Fuller, F. Cress Welsing, and similar racialists, who assert that the planet will become black through the intermixing of the races and this fear is THE cause and psychological underpinning of white supremacy.

The problem is that biology doesn't assert this fantasy. A mix of white and black is a mix of white and black, not black. If you 'mixed' every single person on earth, you would not have a 'black' planet anymore than you would have a white planet, yellow planet or red planet. You would have a 'mixed' planet.

JohnRussell

To me it's obvious you have no clue to how society views mixed races. Nor will you ever have.

I won't waste my time with you, you are hopeless. I have forgotten more about this than you know.

Edison Ellis, just because you insist on being an aggressively ignorant pain in the butt, I will elaborate a touch.

The phrase "fear of a black planet" , and as used by Public Enemy in the song and album, comes from the crackpot theories of the racist black psychologist Frances Cress Welsing. It DOES NOT pertain to the 'one drop' rule in American pop sociology.

"In the early 1990s Welsing's theory caused a stir in the media after a publicist for the popular rap group Public Enemy sent music reviewers copies of her 1970 essay along with advance tapes of the group's new album, Fear of a Black Planet. Their publicist, Harry Allen, said in the Washington Post that Welsing's paper "should be seen as some of the inspiration" for the album, the title song of which deals with racial purity and miscegenation (racial mixing)."

wiki answers

Welsing invented the theme in the early 70's that declared that whites were a genetic mutation doomed to eventual extinction and that 'jealousy' over their lack of melanin made them crazed with racism against people of color.

Although this nut is given no credence by mainstream psychologists, she does have her fans among racialist black supremacists and incurable race grievers.

The phrase "fear of a black planet" refers specifically to the belief that whites genes will be biologically overcome by the genes of people of color and whites will become extinct. As I said earlier, so will blacks.

The problem is that biology doesn't assert this fantasy. A mix of white and black is a mix of white and black, not black. If you 'mixed' every single person on earth, you would not have a 'black' planet anymore than you would have a white planet, yellow planet or red planet. You would have a 'mixed' planet.

There is your idiotic comment JohnRussell. Talking to you is like talking to a hog in rut. You can't see beyond some narrow vision you've got.

You haven't any idea what the sociology of mixed race than you have of what you are talking about.

Talk about wasting time talking to stone, that anyone trying to talk to you.

Biologically some genes are dominate regardless. Maybe a little study wouldn't hurt to stimulate those old cells.

Now you can take your thoughts and do what pleases you. I've seen enough of the kitchen table with you in the two seeds you've been on.

Pax Christi. Noli timere

It's always interesting to see the foolish reaction when people like you are caught talking out your arse.

The line in the Public Enemy song is not referring to to the way society categorizes mixed race people. You suggested that it is, so you look like a fool. Stop debating with people you are ill equipped to compete with.

obama121250. Reported take your non existant shoes away. Were not in to second hand stuff here.

Mcniff.

Ditto. I've had people tell me how Christian they are and how good and almost in the same sentence call our president the n word with no sense of realizing that they cannot have it both ways. I think religion corrupts.

#10:Ashamed? Yes, but not disappointed. And sadly, I have severed some long time relationships because of the fear, hated and toxic shame these people use to intimidate others.

And it is a shame that we have to severe relationships because of this untoward racism, isn't it!

But with "friends like this who needs enemies?" Too bad!

But with friends like this who needs enemies?

Exactly, it is from a toxic heart that toxic comes racism, hatred and fear. And that same toxicity is contagious. And there is another true saying, "Birds of a feather flock together" I would not want to be mistaken for one of them.

I could only wish for the day that was he's saying is dated. It's more than eloquence that puts him above Sharpton or Jackson speaking on the subject. I will be the first to say that their mentalities are dated and not as progressive as they need to be. What you are realizing but not accepting is that there is a necessary amount of constant even pressure to counter that pressure unarguably trying to always to push us back to the way things used to be.

Tim Wise, eloquent or not, has a vested interest, monetarily and psychologically, in making sure race relations in the US are perceived as bad.

And so it may be. That doesn't mean what he says isn't true and useful. It's not all or nothing no matter who's delivering the rhetoric. It will and should never be that case.

Tim Wise is committed to the worst possible interpretation of racial issues. That is just the fact. It is difficult to diassociate this from the fact that he makes his living by telling receptive audiences how racist whites are. Even when he's right his motives are tainted.

How do you plan to explain to your children why one half of their heritage is seen as evil by some while the other half is seen as a victim by some? I have an interracial marriage in my family too, as well as bi-racial children, and adopted minority children.

To Soph You Surprise me twice over. You are with a man? And he is not white. I agree with how will you explain to your children where they came from? Will they grow up to dilike both whie and black people.

Henry:

I fear this is going to come as a terrible shock to you. First of all, I know many very happy families coming from mixed race relationships. One that comes to mind have the most enviable issue. Your question Will they grow up to dislike both white and black people. Well the answer would be almost certainly yes, if that was how they were to be brought up. But, knowing Soph, to be a balanced, caring, thinking and rounded woman, I think the opposite will be the case. The point is, Henry. Hate is instilled into people, it's not a standard emotion.

Soph. but it is hard knowing that in some places my kids will be treated as other by virtue of the colour of their skin.

I don't hold with that one bit. I accept that there is racism. But I can introduce you to some of the nicest people I know. She comes from Finland. He comes from Ghana. They have the nicest teenage youngsters who love and are loved by all they meet. It is only an issue to the haters. Red hair, lisps, gay, need I go on? Point is, bring them up correctly. I did.

Mcniff

if you love your children and dont teach them to have a chip on their shoulder or to be a victim...then everything will be fine.....and even though I do not agree with you at all soph I would only wish your children the best and if they have even just half of your persistence and resolve...they will be just fine regardless.

peace.

This is an interesting question, because you don't really have to be in an interracial relationship to experience it. Anyone who comes from different social "classes" can tell you its a similar experience. Half of the family is established and has money, the "haves"; the other half is working class, struggles in service and manufacturing jobs, the "have nots". Both sides see themselves as having the higher moral ground, the more grounded perception of the world. Both see the other side as having faults and flaws that create difficulties for their half.

How do you plan to explain to your children why one half of their heritage is seen as evil by some while the other half is seen as a victim by some?

The crux of the question: which half is which?

tyler, I've had interracial relationships a few times and can share the following with you from the perspective of a White male:

I've been called "n----r lover" more times than I can remember, and sometimes by my "friends."

My mother scolded me (repeatedly) for getting involved with a Black woman.

Some of my relatives told me not to bring my Black girlfriend to their house.

A White male coworker ended our friendly relations after learning I had a Black girlfriend.

My White male roommate insulted me for having an "ugly" Black girlfriend (she was quite lovely, in fact, but apparently not to him).

When we went out in public as a couple, people looked at me differently than they did if I was with a White woman. It was as if I had temporarily become an outcast.

Several times in restaurants that I frequented, the wait-staff persistently ignored us when I was accompanied by my Black girlfriend.

* * * * *

I got to know one girlfriend's family very well, and spent many evenings and holidays at their house. They might have been a little apprehensive at first, but they soon warmed up and treated me like one of the family. We had great times.

You are with a man? And he is not white. I agree with how will you explain to your children where they came from?

This is the funniest series of questioning I've ever seen!! Seriously, Soph, this is 2010, not 1970. Your children will be fine. I know it's hard to imagine at times but, only a teeny few in the world are on Newsvine and the rest of the world will be thrilled for you! Personally, I'm thrilled that you're a married woman thinking about having a baby with a man or a woman; in spite of your avatar, there's enough ambiguity about what exactly your colors are; and, simply tell your children they're earthlings. That's odd, I feel off-topic!?

It will be a very very long time before America is "racially free". The feeling that race may be a factor in your life cannot go away easily. I am a black female graduate student. In my discipline there are slime to none, females of color, especially black females. It is a white male dominated field. In undergrad, I went to a predominately white institution. My classes were from 15-100+ students. In most of my classes I was either the only person of color, or 1 of 3. People will notice your presence, and why is that? When I have to discuss in class, I wonder if people are judging me, or if they are surprised something intelligent came out of my mouth. The worry of my skin will always be with me as I pursue my academic career even when I do not want it to.

lady

congrats to you on your education and choosing a field that interested you regardless of who dominated the field.

What you described was how you felt and you are projecting thoughts into their heads...its more a sign of insecurity on your part.

You are right however that it will be a long time until america is racially free. One reason for that is the government promotes racism by putting us in groups....We should just be considered americans...not black americans, white americans, hispanic, asian, and every single race or nationality.....that divides us. The only way we will move on is if we take the libertarian approach and stop viewing people as a race and start viewing people as an individual.

peace.

What you described was how you felt and you are projecting thoughts into their heads...its more a sign of insecurity on your part.

Unfortunately, its not projection and its not insecurity. For many people it is a simple fact of life.

i agree that its a fact of life that some people are insecure or project.

I could care less what people thought of me if I am secure with who I am and what I am doing...

sorry

Hi James thank you for your reply. Question: What is your race/ethnicity? You don't have to answer if you feel its irrelevant, I'm just curious.

I am a white male who works in a female dominated profession. I have been discriminated against many times in relation to my job because of my sex....sure its not the same...but to project thoughts into the white men in your professions heads would be the same as me being insecure and projecting thoughts into my patients heads.

I know my abilities and what I can do.

enough said.

best of luck to you in your profession. Work hard and I am sure everythign will be fine.

peace.

I'm not projecting anything into my professors head. Some actually told me they know when certain students are not present. I know my abilities as well, but it does not change reality.

It will be a very very long time before America is "racially free". The feeling that race may be a factor in your life cannot go away easily.

I find that to be an interesting point...as long as people want to keep racism around it will stay around (an assumption of scarcity), that idea the racism cannot end is a belief system. When we believe that racism cannot go away, we will not look for this to happen. We can remember a time in our lives where, a new phrase such as "far out" and "groovy" swept across America or the Phrase, "what up dog", so the truth is thoughts and ideals can spreaad a lot faster than you think. What prevents that from happening in the case of racism is the belief system, as evidenced by LadyLis is her statement itself. I dont want to attack Ladylis but to point out the that her belief is that it will be a long time be fore racism is ended.

But lets's for one moment forget about what we know about racism and just imagine it as a piece of clay, that you have to hold in order to anything with racism, such as write about it, speak about it, whether making racial comment or speaking aginst it, anything to with racism, requires you to hold it clay of racism on you...but it is made of an acid that is like clay and sticks to you but also will burn through your skin all the way through, how long would you hold onto the clay. You wouldnt hold on at all if you knew that or after the first time, you would quit if you knew the acid would eat through anything.

We as Americans do not see the the volitile aspect of racism and are content with our belief system, content with letting racism stay.... It will be a very very long time before America is "racially free" Until people understand that the only reason racism persists is that they choose for it to exist, and as the Democrat states that they have changed, they have done nothing to change the belief system that allows racism to exist, nor do they attempt to change the world they live in, in fact articles like this from Soph do nothing but create more of the problem.

LadyLis, I am sure that changing belief systems is not in the curriculum, but as school starts this year we will see the newest of fads or trends, some trends go beyond just fad satus and can become a mainstay in the American culture, and just as fast as "far out" and "groovy" spread across this nation, so can ending racism. We will no longer be able to blame others, but take responsibility for our own actions, that we can be leaders, creating an "Idea whose time has come" that for this issue we drop the idea of Democrat and Republican, Libertarian and Green party, marxist, facist, and come togther to end racism...but here is a quick clue if you dont want to come together, just end racism right now by switching your point of view...just stop it, then just share that you can just stop it with those around you, that you will share with, at least if nothing else you will have ended racism for your self, and see thing can be different...make the choice to end racism today...it doesnt have to be a life time away, it can be here...right now! those who want to undo the belief system make your voice heard and right here on the vine we will make it happen!

billy great post

it would be easier to do if she was a libertarian though....just saying.

What do my political views have to do with my life experiences? Just asking

ladylis

ohhhhh come on. its how you view the world. Democrats have propogated a "victim" mentality over much of our citizens. When you watch that famous video of the woman shrieking about how obama was going to make her mortgage payment and car payment...well that says it all. Of course they never said such a thing but it is a mentality that suggests the federal government is there for you and you are unable to do things for yourself.

the libertarian philosophy is that you are repsonsible for yourself. You own yourself and no one else owns you. When 47% of the citizens of this country do not pay federal income tax that means that 53% of americans are working to support someone else. That is slavery....now I am not comparing it to the institution of slavery as it existed for thousands of years.......this is an economic slavery....think about it. When you work to support others....hmmmmmmmm??????????? What entitlments do is take responsibility away from you and place it on others.....hmmmmmmmm????????

So your political affiliation has a lot to do with it. Libertarians were the abolitionists of this country in the 19th century. Its how we view life. We think that people should be viewed as individuals and be judge on the character only and what they produce.

We believe in having the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Key word is pursuit.....but happiness is not obtained when you are working 40% of your day for others.

Wish you the best and would love to recommend some books for reading. Even if you dont agree with me it is still wise to educate yourself on all political leanings.

peace.

When I have time out of my studies, I read what I please. Like I said my political views don't define me personally. I always do for myself and know this. I never expect anything from anyone, grew up that way.

I can't tell you how you are, how you feel, how you think, or how you act because I am not you and I cannot walk in your footsteps and have not lived your life.

ladylis

but you can take an educated guess can you not??? I am sure when you asked my race earlier that you were thinking i was a white male.....just as I would assume you are a moderate democrat.....you could of been wrong and I could be wrong...but we took a guess.

again...wish you the best in your life.

peace.

Billy, dont you understand that the Democrats spread racial fear so that the blacks will continue mindlessly voting for them. They dont have to spend one dime at election time to get the black vote, because what are they going to do, vote Republican? It was Lyndon Johnson who signed the civil rights bill, not because he believed in civil rights, but because he said "this will keep the N---- voting for us for the next hundred years". Get them hooked on welfare and convince them that the Republicans will take it away if elected. Did it work?

It was Lyndon Johnson who signed the civil rights bill, not because he believed in civil rights, but because he said "this will keep the N---- voting for us for the next hundred years". Get them hooked on welfare and convince them that the Republicans will take it away if elected.

100% Pure racist bullshat...Johnson worked for civil rights his entire life. When he signed the civil rights act he was quoted as saying " there goes the southern democratic vote for a generation" . He wasn't far wrong...Nixon won the presidency with his southern strategy, courting southern racist voters with couched racist phrases like "States rights" alluding to the concept that state segregation laws would trump federal statutes. The repiglicon party has been successfully courting the racist vote ever since. Up to and including the present.

Way to make up American history Stevie boy.

bill

LBJ was a racist pure and simple. There are many ideas as to why he was for the CRA but civil rights was not one of them...watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1rIDmDWSms

and actually in the book.....Inside the White House LBJ stated this to two governors per their admission...but I guess that would just be two governors making something up to get him huh??? here is what he said.

"I'll have those n*ggers voting Democratic for the next 200 years."

now listen to the tape...then tell me there is no way possible he said that..

and the sad thing is....it has worked. to people that dont think...they actually think democrats are for equal rights.....lmao

peace.

Bill...my mistake, it looks like he traded the Southern DEMOCRAT vote for the black vote, but it wasnt because he was for civil rights. The only thing Johnson cared about was getting elected. There is a story about how one of his opponents commited suicide in Duval County, (where Johnson was buddies with the sheriff) the guy shot himself twice in the back with a rifle, worst case of suicide they ever saw.

Bullshat you guys don't know your history and you are either making this up or you are the most gullible racists on the frikn' planet. This kind of tripe might fly at your racist blogs but you are on Newsvine now. Take your racist trolling and racist reviisionist history somewhere else. You are full of crap.

James boy; Had you taken the time to listen to the content of your U Tube link you would find that what Johnson was ranting about on that tape was his inability to prove racial discrimination at Texas voting polls. It appears that he was sure it was going on and he was obviously trying to stop it. Not something a racist would be known to do.

Yes he did use the "n" word. (I guess that's all you heard)...unfortunately that was not all that uncommon for southern politicians in the sixties, even those who were anything but racists. I would want to know who he was talking to. I bet you have no idea. Johnson had a way of coming down to the level of whom he was speaking to in order to learn what they were about and gain their trust. His powers of persuasion were legendary as minority leader, vice president, and president. His work to outlaw racial discrimination practices was tireless and unrelenting.

Too funny... :) ... you prove my point with your own U Tube link.

thank you

i disagree with you Bill. and what he said and what was published about what he said on the plane to two governors was just some lie.....

lol

as far as use of the n word. White folk in that era when speaking about people of color had different terms.....respectful ones to them were negro, colored. disrespectful was the n word.

do you really want to stick up for a racist???? How can you call me a racist for calling out someone using a disrespectful slang name towards an american???? he could of used at least a respectful slang name.

I did listen to the youtubelink and know what it was about. he said he couldnt prove it because there were too many damn @!$%#s in texas if i remember right,

not really something someone would say that was fighting for civil rights.

sorry.

he was a racist.....and if I really tried I am sure I can dig up some more. wont waste my time right now as you are obviously a very biased individual or a racist yourself. I am still dumbfounded how you could call me a racist for pointing out what i perceive to be racism?? i said perceived for your benefit only...i know he was a racist.

peace.

The fact is that what Johnson did worked. He did the right thing for the wrong reason. To LBJ the blacks were just a tool to be used and the Dems are still using them.

steve

the right thing? well I would disagree with that too....The CRA did not contain quotas but the only way to monitor to see if businesses were not prejudice was to put in quotas. that in itself is racist.

also the only reason that passed was that americans attitudes towards race were changing anyway....do you think our government would of passed something with 70% or greater against it????(oops healthcare reform) no they wouldnt....americans were coming around...didnt need the government involvement.

Now I dont want to be called a racist...already got called a racist for calling out racism two or so posts back....lol i find that hilarious. I am a libertarian...and believe that america can only move forward once we are all seen as individuals and americans...nothing else. to place us in groups is racist. our government promotes racial strife.

oh and you are right...democrats do use race as a tool...its racist to do so.

peace to all americans.

The seeder claims a one sided argument is made by conservatives, the fact is there is always a flip side to the coin...there is a bottomline argument which has two sides, this is where the Democrat thinks it is one sided, because they want you to not acknowledge the bottom line, which is that you are either working for an end to racism or you are not..it is a simple choice yours to make, the Democrat is using racism as a tool and has much to gain by making the Tea Party racist, no matter what the truth is, clearly it is better for the Tea party in the eyes of the Democrat to be racist. The democrat is asking why does the Republican now be a Conservative and organize against a Democrat, now when finally a President of Color is elected, but the flips side(the other side or the second side of their onesisded argument)is: How come the Democrat has never made this argument about consevatives on such a large scale? who really gains political value from racism? the bottom line is you are either part of the solution or part of the problem....which will you choose?

So let me get this straight ...if I can stop laughing for a moment... Your contention is that Johnson worked diligently for years twisting arms on both sides of the aisle in both houses of congress to get the voting rights and the civil rights bills passed so he could secure 10% of the voting poulation who were voting DEMOCRATIC anyway, while assuring that the DEMOCRATIC party would loose the next presidential election. ..Because he was a racist??...

Let me digest that for a minute...

Bwa Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha .....

Your fantasyland of racist invention and repiglicon revisionist history amazes me...I'm sorry I just can't stop laughing...

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

BTW ...libertarian = republicon who wants to get high and get laid.

Typical lib, disagree with them and they start name calling, and the first word out of their mouth is racist. The race card is getting pretty worn out, what are you going to use when its gone?

I don't play cards... but I do call out racism for what it is whenever I see it...

...Talk to Rush I hear he plays cards all the time.

bill you just dont get it.

you insult with no content....typical. I have many progressive friend who agree with me by the way and the proof is there.

All he was losing was the hardcore white KKK members...not many....what he gained ws more than 10% it was all minorities...which is what now over 40%???

seems like a no brainer to me....but then there are some people who dont look to the future....obviously LBJ wasnt one of those....but what he was.....was and is a racist.

sorry....I am appalled you are sticking up for a racist....just curious as to what region of our country are you from????

bet I could guess.

Jai

The very thing you are talking about is happening now in France. Pres. Sarkozy is rounding up gypsies by force.

Sound familiar?

I see a disturbing world trend. It's called " Nationalism ".

But it's not, it's fear.

Hitler called it by another name.

you are right Verbal.

whites shouldnt whine and complain when they are unjustly called racist.

they should just say....I dont really care if you think that...prove it or go away.

end of discussion

who cares what some unintelligent people think....you know who you are....stop being insecure about being called a name.

peace.

Unjustly ??

have you ever read most of the comments here from certain right wing agitators ?

I would hardly call it unjust as they reflect the views of their right , the Tea Party , Fox and the GOP in general.

They call it , " reality " , but it's what it is.

whites shouldnt whine and complain when they are unjustly called racist.

What I'm seeing is whining and complaining about how picked on whites are now and how some "know" (thay don't say how they know - crystal ball?.....clairvoyance?) that no white person would ever get any sort of justice if they were discriminated against by a person of color - that it's ok now for black people to pick on them (white people) with impunity. White victimhood.

really??? hmmmmmm i am white....a libertarian and I dont remember ever saying that.......do you have any statistics on this or are you just spouting off because you heard a few people say such a thing???? to make a blanket statement like that is really a racist thing to do in itself.

people of this country need to reject being placed into racial groups by our government...it promotes racism. we should be seen as individuals and americans only.

until that happens nothing will change....

Hi Soph,:) Hi mac,:) Sorry, ah have been away this weekend. Missed you both though. What's all this thing about mixing colours about henry, we ain't none of us racially pure you know. Ah got all kinds of kinfolk. We all a mixture Henry, you in total denial. As to raisen children, don’t judge other people, like you do, it stinks. Open yer eyes Henry, there’s a big ol' world out there full of all kinda folks. Ah am just so glad you aint related to moi.

Actually Soph d’ya know what, he plays strait into mac’s hands every time. Ah just read the thread again Soph, lazy Sunday afternoon huh? You tryin to tell me somethin? Or am ah so so wrong. Have been before though.

Oh sorry honey, it's just what ya'said, ah took it wrong,that's all! ah was wrong, maybe ha just had tooo much heat just by. Y' kick back n relax.:)

Soph, ah need to ask you something. A'm gunna send an email through the author thing. Ah' need gud advice. Y'are ma best friend here soph.

Hannah: he plays strait into mac’s hands every time

It's partly why I hang about here. I love to catch them.

mac........

Mcniff It's partly why I hang about here. I love to catch them.

Please keep catchen em.