Race/Ethnicity
Questions 511-520
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THE
QUESTION:
R520: When holding a conversation with black friends, why do I
feel uncomfortable about mentioning anything related to their race? I
know I'm not racist, but for some reason I feel like I would offend
them. Is this common among whites?
POSTED NOV. 17, 1998
Mary B., 49, white female, Union City, CA
ANSWER 1:
Like the questioner, I too at times feel uncomfortable
around minorities for the reason she named. It seems that as a white
person, especially one who holds politically incorrect opinions, you
have to be ready to apologize with every other breath when talking to
or about minorities, out of fear of being labeled a racist. Since we
do not live in a time of free inquiry regarding topics of race, I
would recommend you do not volunteer your opinions. And if someone
questions you on such topics, put them off by saying you are offended
at being asked such a question.
POSTED NOV. 23, 1998
Mark S., 30, white
<xsites@aol.com>, Houston,
TX
To respond
BACK TO TOP
THE QUESTION:
R519: I've read different news articles recently about how
African Americans see nothing wrong with President Clinton's affair
with Monica Lewinsky, and reject traditional morals. Do African
Americans really feel differently than whites about the issues of
marital fidelity and truthfulness? I'm not racist, I just want to
know.
POSTED NOV. 16, 1998
Lou F., 40, white male
<lflum@iac.net>, Cincinnati,
OH
ANSWER 1:
I am a little surprised by this question, namely why it
was let out on the Y? Forum. I am a white person who sees nothing
wrong with Clinton's affair, and to assume that all African Americans
condone or even think in a block on this topic is racist. Is it the
assumption that all whites are condemning and want him out, and thus
how could blacks be so different? I think you know what you are
trying to say, but you don't have the courage to face your own
feelings of anger over the Clinton/Republican/Starr thing.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Matthew, 40ish, white, gay, New York, NY
FURTHER NOTICE:
I think the difference lies in that African Americans view
the issue as one of hypocrisy, not morality. Further, I feel we as
African Americans have developed a keen sensitivity to double
standards and phony righteousness. Our history as the objects of such
treatment makes it difficult not to sympathize with a person being
subjected to the kind of mean-spirited scrutiny that has marked the
Starr persecution. We most certainly don't condone infidelity, or
other moral transgressions. However, perhaps the more relevant moral
issue we see is "Let he who is without sin throw the first
stone."
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
S.F., male, black
<sfinley@wans.net>,
Naperville, IL
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
I am an African American, or black American, or Negro,
whatever, from Cincinnati. We both know just how extremely
conservative this city is and its thinking. So let me try to give you
my opinion. What the President did was much more than just extremely
stupid. It was not something black people see as good or proper
behavior. Infidelity is a bad thing, no matter who does it. But it
has been so very long since black people have found a President
willing to listen, and what you hear and see is black people trying
to protect their political interest. Every President has done
something to been impeached for, it's just that President Clinton was
told on by an immature 21-year-old who was recorded by someone
looking to get the goods on a President she feels should be removed.
If you look at the previous two Presidents, you can point them
directly to drug trafficking, through support of the Contras. There
were no tape recordings of the specifics, thus Reagan and Bush got
away with it, and those drugs were sold right here in America. I
found that white Americans flocked to the defense of Reagan, just as
blacks to the defense of Clinton. I think drug trafficking is far,
far worse than any amount of infidelity. It is not a matter of
morality, Christian beliefs or fidelity. It is a matter of politics,
power and influence. And after President Carter, black people had to
wait 12 long years to have any kind of influence with a President.
And President Clinton has hired more blacks into his Presidency than
any other President in history. I think black people will overlook a
lot to maintain this. There are far worse things a President could
have done. Even the great Ike had a mistress, along with Roosevelt,
Kennedy and many others, including Thomas Jefferson and George
Washington. People will just be human...
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Tony, 43, black American male,
<cinatisoulman@mailexcite.com>,
Cincinnati, OH
FURTHER NOTICE 3:
Lou, be careful not to believe everything you read in the
papers. African Americans are just as diverse in their thinking and
opinions as any other ethnic group. Without attempting to speak for
the entire African-American community, I will say that some
(including myself) have chosen to separate the sin from the job.
While Mr. Clinton did lie about his sexual encounters with Ms.
Lewinsky, I submit to you that that has nothing to do with the price
of tea in China; that is, his job performance. I also ask how many
other public servants, if their own sex lives were publicly
scrutinized, would walk away clean? I suspect that both sides of the
aisle at the Capitol would require some 409 to remove the stains! As
for the moral issue, it is precisely why I, and perhaps other African
Americans, support Mr. Clinton. As the scripture goes, "Let he
without sin cast the first stone." Many Americans are quick to stand
in moral judgment, but refuse to look in the mirror and acknowledge
their own daily transgressions.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
R. Mitchell
<rdm2@vwarch.com>,
Chicago, IL
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
Lou, it sounds like the articles you've been reading were
written by someone trying to stir the pot of ignorance and
miseducation (fancy that happening in the political arena). As an
African American who was raised as a strict Christian, I feel
Clinton's actions were immoral and wrong. However, under the laws of
our nation, they were not illegal and therefore not subject to
questioning in a legal forum. As to African Americans feeling
differently about marital infidelity and truthfulness, consider that
for generations many blacks have accepted that Sally Hemmings was not
only Thomas Jefferson's slave, but also his mistress and the father
of (at least) one of his children. Whites traditionally have denied
this fact (recently proven through DNA analysis) out of hand,
reasoning that so great an architect of freedom and democracy (in
spite of engaging in the most obvious contradiction of enslaving his
fellow human beings) could never stoop to such philandering. The
point is that blacks value truthfulness and fidelity just as much as
anyone, but perhaps we recognize that all humans, great and small,
are capable of cheating and lying about it, and we aren't in a hurry
to throw stones from inside glass houses (a la Henry Hyde and Dan
Burton).
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Sam, 30, male, brown American
<SamAlex67@aol.com>,
Chicago, Il
FURTHER NOTICE 5:
As an African-American woman, I support President Clinton.
That support does not mean I have abandoned traditional morals or
believe Clinton's behavior was acceptable. It was clearly not right
to cheat on his wife. The reason he gets my support is that he is
being attacked by people who are not "without sin" themselves. Look
at the Republicans who condemned him and then were revealed to have
had affairs years before. Look at the revelations about Starr's
contact with Paula Jones' attorneys and the appearance of collusion
in his selection as a replacement for the "not rabid enough"
prosecutor who was there first. I see people playing politics with a
private marital issue. He was deceitful and wrong to have an affair,
but his punishment should come from Hillary, Chelsea and God, not the
Congressional hypocrites.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Diane, African-American female, Durham, NC
FURTHER NOTICE 6:
I am a white woman who happens to socialize with primarily
other white people. While I am appalled at the Clinton-Lewinsky
affair, most people I know really don't care, don't think it's "our
business," and don't think it's really that big a deal. I'm not
familiar with the articles you read that specify African-American
reaction, but in my experience, plenty of white people have abandoned
traditional morals on this issue.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Michelle, 26, white female, St. Louis, MO
FURTHER NOTICE 7:
I don't think African Americans are so more less tolerant
of Bill Clinton's actions or that we are rejecting "traditional"
moral values. I would be appalled if my boyfriend did what the
President did and I would wring his neck! However, when you live your
life knowing what it's like to be misjudged or persecuted, you have a
tendency to be a little more tolerant. One also has to remember that
Bill Clinton has done a lot during his two administrations to advance
the causes of African Americans and women and has appointed women and
minorities to Cabinet posts, judgeships, etc. We tend to be more
forgiving and definitely don't bite the hand that has fed us. Also,
Clinton has steered the country into prosperity, and I believe that
has a lot to do with tolerance as well. Clinton has had a record of
standing by African Americans with his actions, and therefore we will
stand by him. At least, I will.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Tiffany T., 25, African-American female, Houston, TX
FURTHER NOTICE 8:
We hold the same moral code as most people. It's not that
we see nothing "wrong" with extramarital affairs, but, like many
people of all races, I don't think Clinton's personal life is my
business. I, personally, do not want to hear about anyone's sexual
liaisons with someone other than their husband/wife. It's not my
business. Yes, he is the President. However, I don't feel his affair
with Lewinsky affected his handling of his job, and therefore, it is
not my business. He is not the only person, man or woman, to have had
an extramarital affair. This happens all the time, everyday, to
everyone. No one else (well, not many, anyway) has their personal
business put out for all to see.
Also, not many bosses' names are trashed when caught having an
affair with the secretary or any other employee. They are not
prosecuted for having the affair. I'd think that most of the people
who found out about the affair would think it was wrong, but, as I
said before, would also think it was none of their business. They
would be disgusted, but as long as it didn't interfere with the
man's/woman's handling of his/her job, I doubt anyone would really
care. Also, I think many people, not only black, see this scandal as
a set-up. After all, what kind of woman saves a semen-stained dress?
Not a very stable one. And maybe it could have been hidden better if
Ken Starr had not been like a dog after a cat. I believe Starr had to
find "something" to justify spending millions of taxpayers' dollars
on the Paula Jones scandal. He couldn't afford to do otherwise. But
who cares? It's time to move on. I believe many people, black and
otherwise, think this same money could have been put to better use in
education or some other worthy cause. I'm tired of hearing about it,
having my favorite programs interrupted with "new" news on it and
would like the whole thing to be put to rest so we Americans can
focus on improving things here at home.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Whitney T., 19, black female belonging to neither the Democratic nor
Republican party,
<scrumpies@juno.com>,
Oxford, MS
FURTHER NOTICE 9:
I don't know who they were polling, but I for one am not
impressed with Bill's infidelity. It is true that infidelity is, in
some areas of black communities, thought of as cute, OK or even
expected ... but not in my house. I am sure "cheating" is considered
OK or at least a dirty secret among whites, too. (I know of a girl
who is living with her baby's father and her current boyfriend. Who
does she sleep with? She's cheating on somebody. Anyway, the point
is, "A dog is a dog is a dog," no matter what color. The only
difference is Bill has more money than most of us. To general
society, if you have money, then anything you do is considered OK
because if you get into trouble, you pay Johnny Cochran-type lawyers
to bail you out. Cheating is never OK, as Bill is finding out.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Chandra, 22, black
<randolph@ismie.com>,
Chicago, IL
FURTHER NOTICE 10:
This question assumes all white people feel the same way
the writer does. I am a 26-year-old white female, and I can honestly
say I couldn't care less about the private life of our elected
leader, unless it breaks laws. The question I've had in my head for
quite a while is, Why does it seem that men are more offended by the
President's actions than women? I come to this conclusion by
listening to the opinions of the men I work with, overhearing
conversations between men and women on the subject, reading letters
to the editor, and even in such magazines as The New Yorker (where I
would think that viewpoints would be a little more liberal). Maybe
black people don't feel the hypocritical need to state to the world
how "moral" they are, like white men do.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Amber, 26, white female, Las Vegas, NV
FURTHER NOTICE 11:
Those articles could not have possibly asked all 33
million African Americans what they think about marital fidelity.
Each and every one of us feels differently. For my part, I care about
what my husband is doing. I really don't think that what Clinton does
sexually is anyone else's business except Hillary's. Of course, I can
only speak for myself. No one can speak for an entire race. We are
individuals who happen to share some physical characteristics. One
fact that might be clouding the issue of race and marital fidelity is
that blacks from other countries are visually lumped in with American
blacks. And other countries have different mores than Americans.
There are many cultures where fidelity is not expected or required.
And there are certainly many, many Americans of all races who break
their marriage vows. It is not something that can be litigated.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Jesse D., 35, African-American female, Chicago, IL
FURTHER NOTICE 12:
While I can't speak for all African Americans, I will say
that we have always been considered a very forgiving people. I don't
condone what President Clinton has done with Monica Lewinsky or any
other woman who has claimed to have been with him. I do feel that
this is a personal matter that need only be discussed with Hillary
and Chelsea. While I'm at it, let me say that none of his
extramarital affairs are cause for impeachment.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Janet, 33, African American, Capitol Heights, Md
FURTHER NOTICE 13:
I've read some of the same press, and I don't get the
impression that African Americans think less of marriage vows than
European Americans. I believe what you are seeing is that most
African Americans (myself included) are rallying around our
president. I understand that "misleading the public" was somewhat
short of morally bankrupt of him to do, however, I see this as a
mistake, and I can't say if I would or would not have done the same
thing if I were in his shoes (we already have witness that many
ex-presidents as well as Republican politicians have done the same
thing). I see this president as finally giving African Americans a
voice in the White House; the talks on race relations may be just
"talks," but it's a start. But getting back to the point, African
Americans do not view truthfulness differently than European
Americans. Some just disagree with your view of the situation.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Demetris
<demetris@earthlink.net>,
Frederick, MD
FURTHER NOTICE 14:
African Americans, as a whole, have more insight and
experience on being the accused and the underdog than white people.
Because we know first-hand that the government can be the enemy, that
there can be trumped-up charges, we are more inclined to give an
accused the benefit of the doubt. Fidelity in the marital unit is
just as important to African Americans as it is to whites.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
27, black female
<caramel@hotmail.com>,
Jackson, MS
FURTHER NOTICE 15:
Rather than saying there's nothing wrong with the
Clinton-Lewinsky affair or rejecting traditional morals, I and most
of my friends feel this is a personal matter and not our
responsibility to judge such personal items in such a public arena. I
would not have married the man, but that's not what we elected him
for. I tend to feel that a lot of white Americans are somewhat
hypocritical on this matter; for example, holding up the "Founding
Fathers" as examples of moral rectitude (truthfulness, at least in
the political arena, has always seemed to be more expedient than
not).
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
André, Houston, TX
FURTHER NOTICE 16:
I have yet to hear a black religious person say that
Clinton was right to do what he did. They do not defend his actions
in any way. So it is not true that blacks are less moral (that's
racist, by the way). However, keep in mind that blacks and other
minorities are traditionally Democratic in their politics. Without
pressing my point too far, black religious groups "forgiving" Clinton
is much like the mostly white Christian Coalition "forgiving" Newt
Gingrich for his possible ethics violations. Had it been Ronald
Reagan or George Bush (both Republican presidents) who had been
charged with these same crimes, I would have expected black religious
leaders to have strongly backed impeachment, just as the CC is
pushing for Clinton's ouster. In short, when the matter is political,
you have to look for the political angle!
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
John K., 25,
<the-macs@geocities.com>,
Cranford, NJ
FURTHER NOTICE 17:
I believe President Clinton should be thrown out of
office, not because I believe he is a disgusting man, but because his
behavior shows a lack of respect for his wife, daughter, his party
and basically the entire American public. If he can risk everything
for something so petty, even as he is being investigated for other
similar acts, it says to me he isn't one who should be trusted. In my
experience, marital fidelity and morality are just as important to
blacks as whites. I think the reaction you see in some of the polls
comes from the realization that Clinton is much more aligned with
so-called ''black political agendas'' than the ''scary, potentially
racist Republicans.'' My parents taught me it was important to
forgive, but that never, ever meant a forfeiture of punishment. If he
did this several years ago, before he was in office and didn't
continue such acts while in power, then that would be different. But
he knew the political climate and what his removal would mean to so
many people, and that didn't stop him from acting like a sex-starved
idiot.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Issac B., 25, black, recently married
<ibailey@thesunnews.com>,
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
FURTHER NOTICE 18:
I am not African American. However, the black ministers
seem clearly to believe that (1) Clinton has been on their side more
than most other presidents, and (2) that Clinton may have sinned but
that the Bible teaches forgiveness and compassion. I suggest you take
a look at the current bestselling book The Color of Water, in
which a white woman raises 12 chilren and has two black husbands (one
after the first dies). She notes that the black community was always
understanding, forgiving, warm and accepting of her - a troubled
woman from an abusive background - but that this was not so among
whites.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Fred, 69, white male, married
<flap.@mindspring.com>,
CT
To respond
BACK TO TOP
THE QUESTION:
R518: If I am pointing out someone, I often use the word
"black" to indicate who they are, as opposed to African American. My
African-American friends and white friends get mad, but I only say it
for accuracy, because the person may b from Ethiopia, or Cuban
American, etc. Is this criticism valid?
POSTED NOV. 16, 1998
Craig M., 35, white male
<cmorris@loft.org>,
Minneapolis, MN
ANSWER 1:
I don't know why they'd get mad. We are the only ethnic
group that seems to change our identification/moniker every decade or
so: Colored, Negro, black, African American. Frankly, I don't care
what you call me.
POSTED NOV. 23, 1998
A.A.W., 42, black female
<ANABWI@aol.com>,
Plantation, FL
To respond
BACK TO TOP
THE QUESTION:
R517: I'm doing research on female race relations and am
coming across many weird stereotypes, such as "black women and Latina
women get along, but black women and Latina women do not get along
with Asian women," etc. Is this true? Why would members of one racial
minority form ties with or ostracize another? I thought white women
were viewed as the common enemy...
POSTED NOV. 13, 1998
Sarah W. 20
<sveg@eden.rutgers.edu>,
New Brunswick, NJ
ANSWER 1:
You don't mention your own background, so it's difficult
to know where you've gotten these strange perceptions. Whites are not
necessarily the enemy of non-whites; racists are, including other
non-white ones. Often non-whites of different groups feel a bond
because of similar experiences in dealing with racism. But there is a
great deal of racism between non-whites, often due to historical
economic competition or cultural differences. Often the antagonism is
encouraged by white racists. In my experience, most Latino prejudice
is directed against American Indians and blacks, including by some
Latinos who have black and Indian ancestry. Most Asian prejudice is
directed against blacks or other Asians, especially Japanese v.
non-Japanese. Only in the black community do you find most prejudice
directed at whites. The reasons are far too complex to state here. A
good book to help you understand is Ronald Takaki's A Different
Mirror.
POSTED NOV. 16, 1998
A.C.C., Mexican and American Indian
<bigi__@yahoo.com>, San
Antonio, TX
To respond
BACK TO TOP
THE QUESTION:
R516: It seems that after I tell men of other races that I am
Filipino, there is a sparkle in their eyes. I would like to
understand why there is this Asian woman fetish.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Marcia G., Filipino female
<PrincessMarcia@juno.com>,
Oceanside, CA
ANSWER 1:
I think some men in the United States are stuck on
stereotypes of Asian women as exotic, submissive, and dare I say it,
"good in bed." Again, I strongly remind everyone that these are only
stereotypes. Asians have only been in the United States in large
numbers for less than 40 years, and many non-Asians in America have
not been able to really know a signficant number of Asians to get
past the stereotypes. Now, I'm not quite sure where these stereotypes
originated. The "submissive" stereotype probably comes from an
outdated notion of traditional Asian culture, where women were indeed
at least expected to be submissive. However, this was true of many
cultures, not just Asian ones. It all goes back to "judging a book by
its cover" rather than getting to know people as unique
individuals.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Mihir, Indian, 25
<mishah@vt.edu>, Skokie,
IL
To respond
BACK TO TOP
THE QUESTION:
R515: Are there cultural reasons that contribute to the higher
incidence of HIV among the black community?
POSTED NOV. 10, 1998
Eileen H.-S., 45, white female, San Diego, CA
To respond
BACK TO TOP
THE QUESTION:
R514: What do Americans honestly think of the overflow of
immigrants coming into the United States? I am a Filipino immigrant
and am consistently told Americans are grateful to have us work and
live in their country, but I always say, "Give me a break!" So let's
set the record straight: If you are an American (of any race), what
do you think of us immigrants? Do you think we are a "help" or a
"threat"?
POSTED NOV. 10, 1998
Jaime T., 21, Filipino-American immigrant, Temecula, CA
ANSWER 1:
I don't resent immigrants or their descendants in spite of
all that has happened in our history. I am certainly very grateful
for my wife, who is a Filipina immigrant. I think you are inaccurate
in saying there is an "overflow" of immigrants. Immigration has been
going down for half a decade and is less proportionately than it was
in any time since the turn of the century. I know there are many who
feel differently, but I am glad immigrant-bashing was so soundly
repudiated in the recent election.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
A.C.C., Mexican and American Indian, San Antonio, TX
FURTHER NOTICE:
One of the things that makes America great is that we
constantly have new people with new ideas coming into the country and
changing what it means to be American. Most of us are either
immigrants or the descendants of immigrants. In spite of certain
gripers and xenophobes, I feel that most of us are happy immigration
continues. It is a national tradition.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Colette, 33
<inkwolf@earthlink.net>,
Seymour, WI
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
I have absolutely no problem with legal immigrants coming
into the country. How could I, since both sides of my family started
in this country as immigrants? But I do think that illegal
immigration is a very large problem. Americans expect their taxes to
be spent on the issues of U.S. citizens, and find the concept of
paying out social services to non-U.S. citizens as being rather
unfair. After all, if illegal immigration is allowed, so why bother
having immigration laws at all? I believe most people who speak out
against immigrants are referring to the illegal kind, and that
distinction has been lost somewhere along the way.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
John K., straight Irish-American male, 25
<the-macs@geocities.com>,
Cranford, NJ
FURTHER NOTICE 3:
I had to think long and hard before answering this
question. Until recently I would have answered by saying "This
country was built on the backs of slaves and immigrants, so more
power to the immigrants." However, the events of the past few months
have made me reconsider my opinion. My partner immigrated to this
country to be with me. Unfortunately we're gay, so we could not get
married, so it's been a very complicated procedure. During the last
few months I've learned a lot about the immigration policy of this
country. I was appalled to learn about the immigration lottery, which
allows a predetermined number of people to enter the country each
year (however, the vast majority of these are Irish because the law
was written by Sen. Edward Kennedy). I've also learned that a
college-educated professional from Germany who speaks five languages
and doesn't have relatives in this country will have a more difficult
time immigrating here than say a high school dropout who only speaks
Mandarin or Cantonese who has relatives in this country. I think this
process is wrong. Having family in the country shouldn't have more
weight than a person's ability to become a productive member of
society.
I've also learned that recent immigrants are afforded more
opportunity than people who were born and raised here. There are
business loans and other types of government assistance available to
immigrants that are unavailable to U.S. citizens. Too many times
these immigrants open businesses in poor neighborhoods and because of
the aforementioned INS policy regarding family members, they bring
their relatives here to work in the business. Situations like this
create resentment and distrust. To sum it up, I think the U.S.
immigration policy should be revisited. I also think that until the
U.S. unemployment rate is considerably lower, all immigration, with
the exception of marriage/relationship-related cases, should be
halted. The money spent on immigration issues would be better spent
addressing education of inner-city school children, unemployment in
Appalachia, teen drug abuse, breast cancer, red-lining, homelessness,
spousal abuse, etc.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Tony W., 36 gay black male
<tonyway@yahoo.com> San
Francisco, CA
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
I think new immigrants are neither a help nor threat, but
that's more a statement about my life than anything else. For society
in general, I think immigrants in the long run can only help - new
energy, new perspectives and new people wanting to make it here. It
pays to remember that except for American Indians, all Americans are
descended from immigrants.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Andrew, 34, fourth-generation American
<ziptron@start.com.au>,
Huntington, NY
FURTHER NOTICE 5:
I think immigrants are just fine. My family immigrated
here in 1906 and became U.S. citizens. A good friend of mine came to
this country when he was eight, and his family became citizens. In my
opinion, the important thing is that immigrants make the effort to
become citizens to go from green card to Social Security card - which
I have seen friends and co-workers do. I think many of the expressed
problems with immigrants have more to do with the illegal status of
some of them than anything else. This country would not be as unique
and wonderful as it is without immigrants (all these generations
wouldn't be coming to America if there weren't something desirable
about living here). The irony of immigrants becoming citizens,
however, is that the naturalized immigrants often learn and know more
about American history, the laws, and the Constitution than the
average natural-born American.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Stephen S., 31, third-generation America, San Antonio, TX
FURTHER NOTICE 6:
Tony, in my own experience with my wife, immigrants do not
get any special help. They get much less than the native-born, no
food stamps, welfare, special loans, etc. The only exception to this
is college grants, which they get the same as citizens. Immigrants
usually start small businesses by pooling the money from all extended
family members, something minorities here should try doing more. The
businesses are started in poor neighborhoods because no one else
wants to do business there. I have heard sometimes they treat the
neighborhood people badly by overcharging, etc., and I don't think
that's right, either. But that couldn't happen if local minorities
started their own businesses, too.
POSTED NOV. 13, 1998
A.C.C., Mexican and American Indian, San Antonio, TX
To respond
BACK TO TOP
THE QUESTION:
R513: I am a Hispanic-American female who appreciates the
company of men from different ethnic backgrounds. I do not look all
Mexican, nor all white. Some people think I am even mixed because of
my features: Full lips, very curly hair, and I guess even my
outspoken attitude. I will date any ethnicity if I like the person
and am genuinely interested in him. My question is, since I tend to
attract black males more than any other ethnic group, do white men
generally find the attributes I mentioned unattractive? Or do they
simply get turned away by thinking someone will only date "black
men"?
POSTED NOV. 9, 1998
Gabriella, 23
<rumps002@csusm.edu>,
Encinitas, CA
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THE QUESTION:
R512: I've noticed that some rich white people call poor white
people "poor white trash," and seem to condemn them for being poor.
They also treat them really bad. Why is this?
POSTED NOV. 9, 1998
Whitney T., 19, black female
<scrumpies@juno.com>,
Oxford, MS
ANSWER 1:
I have used the term "White Trash." To me it means white
people who are poor, possibly on welfare and who have no intention of
getting off welfare. They also seem to have been on welfare for
several generations. I've also heard others use the term referring to
those individuals who may embarrass them, like something you would
see on a Jerry Springer episode (i.e. "I'm sleeping with my
sister!"). Those people are also referred to as White Trash. I think
they treat the white trashers badly because of the lack of effort (or
appearance thereof) to improve one's lifestyle. As an aside, I would
like to comment on an article I found in a news magazine about
poverty levels in America. There was a white poverty level and black
poverty level. The last time I checked, my family was below the black
poverty level, though for where I live we are about average. I guess
we are all white trash to city folk?
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Scott C., 28, married, white
<smcolson@key-net.net>,
Mt. Jewett, PA
FURTHER NOTICE:
I think it has more to do with the attitudes and actions
of the people in question than their financial situation. My
understanding of the term is that it describes people who are
generally loose with their morals, irresponsible and unkempt, for
lack of a better term. There are members of my family who are
financially stable but have been called "white trash" for acting in
that manner.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
John K., straight Irish-American male, 25
<the-macs@geocities.com>,
Cranford, NJ
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
Contrary to what many non-whites may think, we aren't all
alike. To whites, there is a big difference between "white trash" and
high-class. Just as many blacks feel that all whites see them as
looking alike, I sometimes think blacks think all whites look alike.
Basically it comes down to money, and acting like you have money or
education. The blacks who are accused of "acting white" or selling
out are not really acting white; they're acting rich. Us rednecks and
hillbillies don't put on airs like that. And, for that matter, most
of us hillbillies actually get along better with poor blacks than
rich blacks do.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
B., 23, white male, Kokomo, IN
FURTHER NOTICE 3:
I've never really heard the expression "poor" white trash
as it pertains to income specifically. However, the term "white
trash" is certainly prevalent among white people, but I really do not
believe it refers to economic status as much as to a certain group of
behaviors. Someone who is considered "white trash" might do things
like not take good care of themselves and their families, become
absorbed in partying and pleasure more than work and
self-improvement, and generally show a lack of respect for themselves
and those around them. This type of behavior is certainly not limited
to poor people. White usage of this expression is similar to black
usage of "nigger" when referring to other black people in the
community that bring shame to it.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
D.M.M., white female, 24
<donikam@hotmail.com>,
Charleston, SC
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
Middle/upper-class whites have more in common with
middle/upper-class blacks than with lower-class whites. Upper-class
people tend to define themselves in material terms - large house,
fancy cars - and often reinforce that by disparaging those without
money. Thus, wisecracks about trailer parks and white trash. There is
also a fear factor. In upscale communities, everybody is kept in line
because they have a lot to lose. People without much to lose are
perceived as playing by different rules, or outside the rules, which
is scary.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Bruce H., white, upscale suburbanite
<halehart@aol.com>,
Hartford, CT
FURTHER NOTICE 5:
I believe that in today's "politically correct" world,
white people often experience great pressure when talking to people
of other races. I believe that by degrading members of their own
race, some whites feel as if they are appealing to whoever it is they
are talking to. Personally, I am extremely offended when somebody of
any race uses the term "white trash," and I never hesitate to tell
them.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Age 23, Caucasian, CA
FURTHER NOTICE 6:
I've heard the insults "white trash" and "trailer trash"
used occasionally, but I can't recall ever hearing "poor white
trash." (Maybe "poor" is inherent in "trailer.") Perhaps the most
public example was James Carville's description of Paula Jones. In
any case, I have always understood it to mean an individual who has
no self-respect, sense of propriety or common decency (e.g. Jerry
Springer guests). Personally, I can't think of something a whole
lot trashier than condemning someone for being poor (or white, for
that matter). So to answer your question, I'm not sure that people
who use that particular phrase are looking down on others for being
poor, but whether they are or not, they may be saying more about
themselves than the people they are intending to insult.
POSTED NOV. 12, 1998
Mark, white, middle class, Alexandria, VA
FURTHER NOTICE 7:
Middle-class white people live in morbid fear of falling
into the lower ranks, or of being identified with the lower ranks of
"undesirables." Ways of not being white trash are drilled into
children, including: Refined conduct and dress (prohibitions against
being loud, or wearing worn or overly casual clothing in public, or
having tattoos), and keeping the yard and house looking spiffy. White
trash does not mean lower class or poor. It means a lack of couth, or
decency, or culture. "White trash" really means "uncultured." It is a
put-down. "Poor white trash" describes a white trash person who is
also poor, but the main put-down part of that term is still the
"white trash" part, not the "poor" part.
POSTED NOV. 13, 1998
Mark S., 30, white, middle class
<markseely@aol.com>,
Houston, TX
FURTHER NOTICE 8:
One of the most subtle yet pervasive forms of prejudice
and discrimination is classism. This goes beyond mere financial
status or material wealth. It intertwines with culture, blood lines
and geography. This is why there are debates over "blue-blooded old
money" vs. "uppity nouveau riche." But certainly differences in
material "success" is the biggest factor in classism. Nor is this a
"white" phenomenon. As an Indian American, I occasionally see
classism among immigrants from India in the United States, where
sometimes doctors, lawyers, engineers and entreprenuers who came in
the late '60s and early '70s will look down upon or even mistreat
those who came in the '80s and '90s, who are often less-educated and
tend to be cab drivers, domestic workers, factory laborers and
small-time shopkeepers.
POSTED NOV. 19, 1998
Mihir, Indian, 25
<mishah@vt.edu>, Skokie,
IL
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THE QUESTION:
R511: I recently saw part of a truly awful movie on HBO that
involved a "boot camp" for juvenile offenders. One character, an
African-American guard, lectured an inmate, also an African American,
about his lack of character. In doing so, he distinguished between
"niggers" and "blacks," stating that "niggers" are the gang-bangers
and dope addicts, while "blacks" are the hard-working, law-abiding
citizens. Do African Americans commonly make this distinction within
the African-American community?
POSTED NOV. 9, 1998
Jerry, 65, white male, Tampa , FL
ANSWER 1:
Yes, black people do distingish between the two. Haven't
you heard Chis Rock's standup routine about "I love black people,
can't stand niggers!" There is a difference: Black people care about
the neighborhood, niggers don't. In effect, niggers are the ones
looting, stealing and just plane trifling. They don't care about
nothing, and people who do that are considered niggers.
POSTED NOV. 13, 1998
Gerald
<g-battle@nwu.edu>,
Chicago, IL
FURTHER NOTICE:
I saw the movie and recall the reference. Movies,
particularly those about "black life," are designed to convey
messages or ideas, or to persuade or validate thought. The comment
that you referred to was intended to motivate the young, troubled man
to correct his steps in life. In layman's terms, the kid was being
advised to take a critical look at his life, to change his ways, and
to, as a young black man, develop a sense of personal pride and
dignity. The older character was simply using a euphemism to
illustrate his point. Television and media sensationalism seldom
capture fully the true attitudes and values of "all" black folk.
However, what it does do well is market the ongoing myth that there
is one vein of black ideology of which all of us buy into. The
reality is that the majority of black people have high values,
standards, moral and ethical principles, and a positive vision for
our children. The advice of parents and loved ones is not usually as
harsh as the comments made in the movie, but most of us are familiar
with being advised by an older black person(s) to "do right" or to
"keep on keepin' on". A sense of racial pride and a positive
self-identity is important to raising emotionally intact black
children (if we don't tell them they are good and valuable, certainly
no one else will). However, most people do not go around challenging
our children to view themselves purely in a racial context. So, the
"nigger is..." and "black is..." reference in the movie reflected the
author's creative control - his/her personal opinion, ideas, values,
or experience. Some of us may agree with the comment, while others
may not.
POSTED NOV. 16, 1998
Dee W., black female
<westde@hiram.edu>,
Cleveland, OH
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