How to Discuss Racism on the Internet: A Guide for the Ignorant and/or Passive Racist
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I wanted to post this on NeoGAF, but seeing as I'm a permajunior over there, as well as the fact that this is a particularly young forum, I'm posting it here.
So, as we all know, racism is a touchy thing in society, and it loses no touchiness within the internet forums. Most threads on race go to shit relatively quickly. Other places on the internet are even worse. Ever read the comments on any news/sports article that may not even touch on race at all? Hopefully, you never check Facebook feeds too often to read whatever racist spiel your in-laws are spewing. And don't even get me started on YouTube comments.
So, to solve this problem, I decided to make this thread to help discussions on race go smoother. This thread was created to help you understand the viewpoints people can have on racism, as well as how to properly discuss it without enraging yourself or others. Let's get started.
---
Before I list some basic rules to follow, there are two things you must understand:
1. The ones who can best describe racist terms, beliefs and/or actions, are the ostracized themselves.
When in a discussion regarding racism, it is best that you assume that the ostracized peoples (pretty much any person of color) knows what they are talking about, because they've likely been in situations that help them to easily identify racism. Yes, it's an assumption, but it is a logical one. It's also the best assumption one can make that helps you not look like a total fool; because why argue with a person of color about something that they perceive to be racist, when said person of color is the most qualified in the discussion to make that distinction?
2. The onus is on the dissenter to prove that something isn't racist.
I see this a lot on forums. For instance, on GAF there was a thread about North Korea calling US President Barack Obama a "monkey", and there was a few posters arguing that "monkey" has no racist connotation whatsoever. One poster even demanded proof of the term being used in a racist manner.
Problem is, when you consider the first rule of understanding, it is logical to assume that if a person of color is describing something as racist, it probably is. Also, coincidentally, it is waaaaaaay easier to prove something is racist than to prove it isn't. In the scenario above, it only takes a fucking five-second Google search to find the racist connotations, contexts, and usage of the word "monkey". So, therefore, if one asks "How is the word monkey racist?", or says "Prove that monkey is a racist term!", one can logically assume that the question isn't a well-intentioned one, as it would be pretty easy to find the answer if said poster really wanted to find said answer; so much so that said poster could do it him/herself.
On the other hand, it is much harder to prove that something isn't racist, because at that point, you're delving into intent, meaning, culture, etc. But if one is adamant that something isn't racist, then the onus is on that poster to prove it. Find examples of the subject at hand in non-racist settings or connotations. Link to your source for said info (more on that in a minute). Support your info with non-inflammatory theories. Do this, and you won't look like a fool.
---
Now, some basic rules. Commandments, if you will.
1. Be careful where you link to.
This is probably one of the easiest rules to break because not everyone is aware that all news sources are created or ran equal. I.e, if you're a dissenter that links to a Fox News article to support your argument, you will look like a huge idiot. If you include the quote from a Stormfront article, you're gonna look like an asshole.
Save yourself the trouble by linking to more neutral news sources.
2. Do not use your country of origin/current place of residence to excuse racism.
It's one thing to be ignorant of racism of a particular form because you're from a different country where said form of racism isn't all that common; it is another thing entirely to say that something isn't racist because you think where you live isn't racist. So, if you're debating that the term "monkey" isn't racist, don't support your argument by saying "That's an American thing, we don't do that over here." Because it is very easy to prove otherwise.
3. Be aware of your tone when posting.
There are three spectrums of tone that can really piss off people on the web when discussing racism:
A) The pure ignorant child tone - "Could someone please explain to me how this can possible be racist even though many people have given me anecdotes and info in this thread on the matter? I just don't understand!"
B) The indignant tone - "LOL this is just a bunch of social justice warrior bullshit. You guys all have an agenda, and you're all trying to ruin everything by making it about race!" And worst of all...
C) The faux "balanced" tone - "Well, why are you all jumping down on him? We need to have a balanced discussion, and I think the poster that said people are more racist against White people has a good, valid point."
Avoid sounding like this at all cost.
4. Do not pretend that racism against Whites is a widespread thing.
I ain't even gonna go into this one. Just STAHP
5. Read the goddamn thread/earlier posts.
You'd be surprised that people won't actually read to find the answer to whatever questions they might have on any particular subject, before posting said questions. If you read everything in its entirety, you'll find it much easier to come up with an informed opinion.
6. Beware of the logical fallacies and pitfalls.
It's very easy to fall victim to poor rationale when discussing racism. Using flawed arguments, false info, illogical statements, and insulting sentiments can render whatever arguments you are making useless. Make sure your logic is sound before posting.
7. Listen to what is being said.
A lot of discussions on this subject are filled with a lot of handwaving of people's opinions. Don't do this. Listen and see where other people are coming from. The discussion goes smoother that way.
8. Apply Occam's Razor heavily.
A lot of people like to call out posters who make logical assumptions on racism as exactly that: assumptions. But then, said posters make complicated, convoluted arguments which also use even more assumptions to make a defense of a racist action.
Simply put: The less assumptions, the better. And the first conclusion you reach to any information is usually the right one.
And the most important rule of all:
9. There is no such thing as a "balanced" discussion on racism, and there is a clear case of right and wrong. Be careful which side you fall on.
Racism is one of the few subjects where one can come to a pretty clear-cut conclusion. If you're being a racist, stop being a racist. If any particular institution disproportionately affects a certain group of people, change it so that it doesn't do that. If you have thoughts and opinions that might be racist, change them before speaking those thoughts out loud or acting upon said thoughts. Simple, easy, done.
But there exists the fallacy that there can be a "balanced" discussion on racism. That one must be considerate on the thoughts, opinions, and feelings of racist peoples. That one can see the logic in systemic racism. Hell, some people are willing to go out of their way to defend racism even if it means defending absolute pieces of shit individuals or countries (like, say NORTH KOREA).
Be aware that there is a definite "right" side, and a definite "wrong" side. Don't allow yourself to be viewed on the "wrong" side of the argument, and expect no backlash for it.
EDIT: I accidentally hit enter when I was editing the thread title, lol.
So, as we all know, racism is a touchy thing in society, and it loses no touchiness within the internet forums. Most threads on race go to shit relatively quickly. Other places on the internet are even worse. Ever read the comments on any news/sports article that may not even touch on race at all? Hopefully, you never check Facebook feeds too often to read whatever racist spiel your in-laws are spewing. And don't even get me started on YouTube comments.
So, to solve this problem, I decided to make this thread to help discussions on race go smoother. This thread was created to help you understand the viewpoints people can have on racism, as well as how to properly discuss it without enraging yourself or others. Let's get started.
---
Before I list some basic rules to follow, there are two things you must understand:
1. The ones who can best describe racist terms, beliefs and/or actions, are the ostracized themselves.
When in a discussion regarding racism, it is best that you assume that the ostracized peoples (pretty much any person of color) knows what they are talking about, because they've likely been in situations that help them to easily identify racism. Yes, it's an assumption, but it is a logical one. It's also the best assumption one can make that helps you not look like a total fool; because why argue with a person of color about something that they perceive to be racist, when said person of color is the most qualified in the discussion to make that distinction?
2. The onus is on the dissenter to prove that something isn't racist.
I see this a lot on forums. For instance, on GAF there was a thread about North Korea calling US President Barack Obama a "monkey", and there was a few posters arguing that "monkey" has no racist connotation whatsoever. One poster even demanded proof of the term being used in a racist manner.
Problem is, when you consider the first rule of understanding, it is logical to assume that if a person of color is describing something as racist, it probably is. Also, coincidentally, it is waaaaaaay easier to prove something is racist than to prove it isn't. In the scenario above, it only takes a fucking five-second Google search to find the racist connotations, contexts, and usage of the word "monkey". So, therefore, if one asks "How is the word monkey racist?", or says "Prove that monkey is a racist term!", one can logically assume that the question isn't a well-intentioned one, as it would be pretty easy to find the answer if said poster really wanted to find said answer; so much so that said poster could do it him/herself.
On the other hand, it is much harder to prove that something isn't racist, because at that point, you're delving into intent, meaning, culture, etc. But if one is adamant that something isn't racist, then the onus is on that poster to prove it. Find examples of the subject at hand in non-racist settings or connotations. Link to your source for said info (more on that in a minute). Support your info with non-inflammatory theories. Do this, and you won't look like a fool.
---
Now, some basic rules. Commandments, if you will.
1. Be careful where you link to.
This is probably one of the easiest rules to break because not everyone is aware that all news sources are created or ran equal. I.e, if you're a dissenter that links to a Fox News article to support your argument, you will look like a huge idiot. If you include the quote from a Stormfront article, you're gonna look like an asshole.
Save yourself the trouble by linking to more neutral news sources.
2. Do not use your country of origin/current place of residence to excuse racism.
It's one thing to be ignorant of racism of a particular form because you're from a different country where said form of racism isn't all that common; it is another thing entirely to say that something isn't racist because you think where you live isn't racist. So, if you're debating that the term "monkey" isn't racist, don't support your argument by saying "That's an American thing, we don't do that over here." Because it is very easy to prove otherwise.
3. Be aware of your tone when posting.
There are three spectrums of tone that can really piss off people on the web when discussing racism:
A) The pure ignorant child tone - "Could someone please explain to me how this can possible be racist even though many people have given me anecdotes and info in this thread on the matter? I just don't understand!"
B) The indignant tone - "LOL this is just a bunch of social justice warrior bullshit. You guys all have an agenda, and you're all trying to ruin everything by making it about race!" And worst of all...
C) The faux "balanced" tone - "Well, why are you all jumping down on him? We need to have a balanced discussion, and I think the poster that said people are more racist against White people has a good, valid point."
Avoid sounding like this at all cost.
4. Do not pretend that racism against Whites is a widespread thing.
I ain't even gonna go into this one. Just STAHP
5. Read the goddamn thread/earlier posts.
You'd be surprised that people won't actually read to find the answer to whatever questions they might have on any particular subject, before posting said questions. If you read everything in its entirety, you'll find it much easier to come up with an informed opinion.
6. Beware of the logical fallacies and pitfalls.
It's very easy to fall victim to poor rationale when discussing racism. Using flawed arguments, false info, illogical statements, and insulting sentiments can render whatever arguments you are making useless. Make sure your logic is sound before posting.
7. Listen to what is being said.
A lot of discussions on this subject are filled with a lot of handwaving of people's opinions. Don't do this. Listen and see where other people are coming from. The discussion goes smoother that way.
8. Apply Occam's Razor heavily.
A lot of people like to call out posters who make logical assumptions on racism as exactly that: assumptions. But then, said posters make complicated, convoluted arguments which also use even more assumptions to make a defense of a racist action.
Simply put: The less assumptions, the better. And the first conclusion you reach to any information is usually the right one.
And the most important rule of all:
9. There is no such thing as a "balanced" discussion on racism, and there is a clear case of right and wrong. Be careful which side you fall on.
Racism is one of the few subjects where one can come to a pretty clear-cut conclusion. If you're being a racist, stop being a racist. If any particular institution disproportionately affects a certain group of people, change it so that it doesn't do that. If you have thoughts and opinions that might be racist, change them before speaking those thoughts out loud or acting upon said thoughts. Simple, easy, done.
But there exists the fallacy that there can be a "balanced" discussion on racism. That one must be considerate on the thoughts, opinions, and feelings of racist peoples. That one can see the logic in systemic racism. Hell, some people are willing to go out of their way to defend racism even if it means defending absolute pieces of shit individuals or countries (like, say NORTH KOREA).
Be aware that there is a definite "right" side, and a definite "wrong" side. Don't allow yourself to be viewed on the "wrong" side of the argument, and expect no backlash for it.
EDIT: I accidentally hit enter when I was editing the thread title, lol.
Racism bothers me like no other thing. There are clear right and wrongs, and we have 400+ years of evidence just on this continent alone.
If someone online or in real life is being a racist or pushing Fox/Conservative talking points aimed at muddying up a clear cut issue, I usually give them one response before I label them a racist and lose respect for them forever. Your guide is well thought out, but it's preaching to the choir of people like me. Racists will never accept your ground rules or your assumptions as valid.
If they believe that people of color make everything about race, why would they trust a complaint about race from people of color? If they believe Fox is the most trusted source for news, why would they refuse to link to stories from Fox. If they believe that reverse racism is a real thing, why would they refuse to talk about it or see your refusal to talk about as anything other than an EXAMPLE of reverse racism.
Racist people are racist people. Call them as such, and move on. Or stay quiet and move on. I for one won't lower the moral bar and shove it into the mud so that some racist Sean Hannity fan boy can feel good about his million and one justifications and rationalizations.
The bar is set, at least, where Dr. King set it. If you can't conform - ok, we all make mistakes. If you try to lower the bar, than fuck you. Simple and plain.
If someone online or in real life is being a racist or pushing Fox/Conservative talking points aimed at muddying up a clear cut issue, I usually give them one response before I label them a racist and lose respect for them forever. Your guide is well thought out, but it's preaching to the choir of people like me. Racists will never accept your ground rules or your assumptions as valid.
If they believe that people of color make everything about race, why would they trust a complaint about race from people of color? If they believe Fox is the most trusted source for news, why would they refuse to link to stories from Fox. If they believe that reverse racism is a real thing, why would they refuse to talk about it or see your refusal to talk about as anything other than an EXAMPLE of reverse racism.
Racist people are racist people. Call them as such, and move on. Or stay quiet and move on. I for one won't lower the moral bar and shove it into the mud so that some racist Sean Hannity fan boy can feel good about his million and one justifications and rationalizations.
The bar is set, at least, where Dr. King set it. If you can't conform - ok, we all make mistakes. If you try to lower the bar, than fuck you. Simple and plain.
This is a quality fucking OP right there. Nice write-up. I especially agree that the onus is on the dissenter to prove that something isn't racist.
Does anyone feel like there is a difference between being ignorant versus straight up racist? And how much of that is nurture versus nature?
Does anyone feel like there is a difference between being ignorant versus straight up racist? And how much of that is nurture versus nature?
2. Do not use your country of origin/current place of residence to excuse racism.
It's one thing to be ignorant of racism of a particular form because you're from a different country where said form of racism isn't all that common; it is another thing entirely to say that something isn't racist because you think where you live isn't racist. So, if you're debating that the term "monkey" isn't racist, don't support your argument by saying "That's an American thing, we don't do that over here." Because it is very easy to prove otherwise.
This rule is half done / or just half ignorant in and of it self. As it's written it portrays whatever culture you're from, as the dominant one in which to judge the world.
The classic example is the Dutch Christmas thing where some of the elves paint their faces black. Those trying to call it racist are applying american culture to an external one. Trying to force your own values on to something entirely unrelated. Something not grounded, even partially, in another culture.
Culture is context sensitive and not universal.
It doesn't mean that something like, calling black people monkeys, isn't racist. Racism and degrading terms can spread very easily.
The "rules" read like the were written by an American for Americans to discuss racial issues in America. Then labelled world wide rules. A relatively classic GAF/American stance.
By giririsss2. Do not use your country of origin/current place of residence to excuse racism.
It's one thing to be ignorant of racism of a particular form because you're from a different country where said form of racism isn't all that common; it is another thing entirely to say that something isn't racist because you think where you live isn't racist. So, if you're debating that the term "monkey" isn't racist, don't support your argument by saying "That's an American thing, we don't do that over here." Because it is very easy to prove otherwise.
This rule is half done / or just half ignorant in and of it self. As it's written it portrays whatever culture you're from, as the dominant one in which to judge the world.
The classic example is the Dutch Christmas thing where some of the elves paint their faces black. Those trying to call it racist are applying american culture to an external one. Trying to force your own values on to something entirely unrelated. Something not grounded, even partially, in another culture.
Culture is context sensitive and not universal.
It doesn't mean that something like, calling black people monkeys, isn't racist. Racism and degrading terms can spread very easily.
The "rules" read like the were written by an American for Americans to discuss racial issues in America. Then labelled world wide rules. A relatively classic GAF/American stance.
Nah. Racism is racism, no matter where it resides.
By giririsss2. Do not use your country of origin/current place of residence to excuse racism.
It's one thing to be ignorant of racism of a particular form because you're from a different country where said form of racism isn't all that common; it is another thing entirely to say that something isn't racist because you think where you live isn't racist. So, if you're debating that the term "monkey" isn't racist, don't support your argument by saying "That's an American thing, we don't do that over here." Because it is very easy to prove otherwise.
This rule is half done / or just half ignorant in and of it self. As it's written it portrays whatever culture you're from, as the dominant one in which to judge the world.
The classic example is the Dutch Christmas thing where some of the elves paint their faces black. Those trying to call it racist are applying american culture to an external one. Trying to force your own values on to something entirely unrelated. Something not grounded, even partially, in another culture.
Culture is context sensitive and not universal.
It doesn't mean that something like, calling black people monkeys, isn't racist. Racism and degrading terms can spread very easily.
The "rules" read like the were written by an American for Americans to discuss racial issues in America. Then labelled world wide rules. A relatively classic GAF/American stance.
It's black face. Black face isn't appropriate. Ever. I don't think it's uniquely an American cultural thing to suggest that.
Today you'll see a lot of shit too. The stuff in France right now is bringing out all the bigots and racists as well.
By giririsss2. Do not use your country of origin/current place of residence to excuse racism.
It's one thing to be ignorant of racism of a particular form because you're from a different country where said form of racism isn't all that common; it is another thing entirely to say that something isn't racist because you think where you live isn't racist. So, if you're debating that the term "monkey" isn't racist, don't support your argument by saying "That's an American thing, we don't do that over here." Because it is very easy to prove otherwise.
This rule is half done / or just half ignorant in and of it self. As it's written it portrays whatever culture you're from, as the dominant one in which to judge the world.
The classic example is the Dutch Christmas thing where some of the elves paint their faces black. Those trying to call it racist are applying american culture to an external one. Trying to force your own values on to something entirely unrelated. Something not grounded, even partially, in another culture.
Culture is context sensitive and not universal.
It doesn't mean that something like, calling black people monkeys, isn't racist. Racism and degrading terms can spread very easily.
The "rules" read like the were written by an American for Americans to discuss racial issues in America. Then labelled world wide rules. A relatively classic GAF/American stance.
Is this the same Dutch whose royal carriage still proudly displays slavery on it?
By jWILL253Nah. Racism is racism, no matter where it resides.
In my culture it's incredibly offensive if you shorten someones last name and when done to foreigner it's seen as quite racist (disrespecting their family name/heritage/your name is weird), yet americans seem to have no problem doing it to foreign names that are a bit more unusual, especially in sports. It makes me uncomfortable seeing it but i don't think americans mean any harm by doing it.
By diprosalicWhat do you mean by shortening someone's last name?By jWILL253Nah. Racism is racism, no matter where it resides.
In my culture it's incredibly offensive if you shorten someones last name and when done to foreigner it's seen as quite racist (disrespecting their family name/heritage/your name is weird), yet americans seem to have no problem doing it to foreign names that are a bit more unusual, especially in sports. It makes me uncomfortable seeing it but i don't think americans mean any harm by doing it.
Like calling LeBrom James, LBJ?
By jWILL253Nah. Racism is racism, no matter where it resides.
Thats true. Racism is racism. Discrimination by race. Discrimination isn't universal though and absolute. the idea of it is, the local implementation of it isn't.
But your rule, as written is easily misconstrued and poorly phrased for assuming that all cultures are the same, have the same history, and that all cultures should be judged by one cultures (commonly Americas), or all cultures, historical wrong doing, bigotry and tools used for this. Which sort of counters the point of anti-discrimination, you should be able to do your thing as freely as you like as long as it's not discriminating against anyone else.
The problem with the rule as you've written it is that it doesn't differentiate, but associates, all culture and all things in the world, with racism. And associates every act of racism from one culture, and forces it onto another culture. Which is the wrong place to start from. It's an incredibly common mistake in the discussion of racism, much like people associating religious discrimination as racism.
The easiest flaw to that theory to point out is the assumption that symbolism from one culture is exactly the same as in another. The swastika in Hinduism and Buddhism isn't racist. When black, with a white circle, on a field of red and used as symbol of the Nazi party? it's not exactly a symbol of tolerance. But it certainly doesn't mean the hindu's and buddhists should give up the symbol. There are plenty of other examples.
CAN cultures be racist or contain racism? Sure! Koreans putting up "will not serve Japanese, go away". Japanese putting up "no Koreans/Chinese welcome" signs in their stores? Racist. America sure is racist. The idea of institutionalised racism is certainly real also.
The appropriation of other forms of discrimination into the label of racism is also part of the general ill-informed discussion on racism, and part of what leads to further ill-informed discrimination. It leads to "racial" discrimination of Muslims. When Islam is just a religion. Practiced in a lot of countries around the world. By many races.
Racist tools (sayings, phrases, words, symbols, legislation) differ the world over. What's true in one culture though isn't true in another. Some tools have broader recognition than others, but most aren't universal.
So no, Rule 2 is flawed. To try and paint with such a broad brush such a complex theory is misguided.
By VahagnIt's black face. Black face isn't appropriate. Ever. I don't think it's uniquely an American cultural thing to suggest that.
It's not black face. Has nothing to do with black face. It's not grounded in anything to do with race. Stop trying to apply American faux pas as world culture. What you're actually doing is a form of social judgement that is grounded in a pseudo form of discrimination. Judging all cultures by your own standards, without having read into ITS origins, or any respect for their culture.
Blackface in the commonly condemned variety was what became a negative stereotyping of African-american blacks.
The more I read them the more I believe they're very "american culture" specific "rules".
By psychintellectBy diprosalicWhat do you mean by shortening someone's last name?By jWILL253Nah. Racism is racism, no matter where it resides.
In my culture it's incredibly offensive if you shorten someones last name and when done to foreigner it's seen as quite racist (disrespecting their family name/heritage/your name is weird), yet americans seem to have no problem doing it to foreign names that are a bit more unusual, especially in sports. It makes me uncomfortable seeing it but i don't think americans mean any harm by doing it.
Like calling LeBrom James, LBJ?
Nah, last name specifically I believe?
So calling Deron Williams, willy.
By VahagnIt's black face. Black face isn't appropriate. Ever. I don't think it's uniquely an American cultural thing to suggest that.
It's not black face. Has nothing to do with black face. It's not grounded in anything to do with race. Stop trying to apply American faux pas as world culture. What you're actually doing is a form of social judgement that is grounded in a pseudo form of discrimination. Judging all cultures by your own standards, without having read into ITS origins, or any respect for their culture.
Blackface in the commonly condemned variety was what became a negative stereotyping of African-american blacks.
The more I read them the more I believe they're very "american culture" specific "rules".
Blackface is more than an African American problem. Blackface shows have been everywhere in the world.. let's not pretend otherwise..
As for Zwarte Piet, he has been a hot topic for awhile. Dutch people themselves (while many still support the character) have been trying to access if the character is indeed racist. Maybe the Americans are to blame.....
But regardless people besides Americans see the character as offensive..
However, like you said earlier it is too complex of an issue to just paint with a wide brush...
By giririsssIt's not black face. Has nothing to do with black face. It's not grounded in anything to do with race. Stop trying to apply American faux pas as world culture. What you're actually doing is a form of social judgement that is grounded in a pseudo form of discrimination. Judging all cultures by your own standards, without having read into ITS origins, or any respect for their culture.
Blackface in the commonly condemned variety was what became a negative stereotyping of African-american blacks.
The more I read them the more I believe they're very "american culture" specific "rules".
That's where you and I disagree. There's an awesome It's Always Sunny episode where the Gang trys to make Lethal Weapon 6 and they're discussing whether or not it's possible to do a non-racist black face. I don't think it is. You don't have to outline the lips or act a certain kind of way for it to be racist.
The very act of non-black people painting their bodies and faces black to represent a character is racist. When black people dress up as Santa, they don't paint their faces white. When there are black nativity scenes, black people don't paint their faces white.
No one would have a problem with Dutch white people dressing up as the character if the character is a respected and cherished character. That's totally cool. Just do it without painting your damn skin. The very fact that any people think it's ok to color their skin a certain color is wrong. If you dress like a Samurai for Halloween and mess with your eyes and paint your skin yellow. People get to call you a racist. Even if you think Samurai's are awesome.
Simply put, if you want to dress up as a character out of respect, or tradition, you don't need to "blackify" yourself to do it. Or asianify yourself, or middle easternify yourself, or native americanify yourself to do it.
You know that the minorities are in actuality the majority when a message board in its infant state has a PSA like this. Privilege feels good.
Spent almost a decade of my life trying to teach (mostly) white kids about race. I was probably the only black prof they've ever seen. Exhausting work. Time for other ppl to carry the torch. I just nod my head like "mmhmm" now. Especially on the internet.
On topic, had a IRL schoolmate defriend me from FB because I said something about a picture she posted about a bunch of obese black women in a swimming pool. I forget what the "joke" was supposed to be, but mammy, jezebel, sapphire stereotypes, etc. Oh well.
Spent almost a decade of my life trying to teach (mostly) white kids about race. I was probably the only black prof they've ever seen. Exhausting work. Time for other ppl to carry the torch. I just nod my head like "mmhmm" now. Especially on the internet.
On topic, had a IRL schoolmate defriend me from FB because I said something about a picture she posted about a bunch of obese black women in a swimming pool. I forget what the "joke" was supposed to be, but mammy, jezebel, sapphire stereotypes, etc. Oh well.