Hi Class,
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We have discussed and read about how the concept of race has been created such that it promotes this illusion of difference, or social distance. In other words, we think we are more different than alike. Media scholars argue that it is the invisibility of ethnic groups that perpetuate the idea that these groups and the issues that concern them are unimportant. Instead the true diversity of America is misrepresented.
Tim Wise discusses the concept of privilege and its real effects. We were unable to watch these videos in class. But for those who are interested, you can watch this video and post your reactions to Tim Wise.
Wow...Some honesty, some humor, a little stereotyping, and great information=Tim Wise!
ReplyDeleteTim Wise's views on race and the privileges that Caucasians receive over every other race in the world was spot on. His tone, almost like a preacher doing his Sunday sermon, is brilliant! It is extremely refreshing to know that there are people out there that don't look like me, if fact, the complete opposite of me, speaking out in favor of racial equality. His group, by stereotype, more privileged than any other group in the world, because he is a white man; the ruler of the free world. His views were not only true and insightful, but they were taken to the next level simply because of his category in America.
The thing that stuck out to me the most was on the second video when he addresses terrorism in America. He points out a lot of facts about past/recent events, such as the Oklahoma City Bombers and the Unabomber, which were all white men. He discusses that although these white men were responsible for these grave acts, all white men in America were not classified or judged in the same group as these men. However, during the days, months, and years following 9/11 people are still looking at Arabs sideways whenever they see them in an airport. He raises the question of why is this the case? White people never have and maybe never will have to answer for the injustices that their people are responsible for, but people of color will always have to answer for injustices perpetuated by complete strangers of the same race. Wise also talks about American youth and how white children with bad grades are seen as "not living up to their potential" while black children with bad grades is somewhat "expected;" like it's in our genes, our DNA to fail in school and life. This is an extremely sad realization, but it is something that we have been dealing with for a long time now. But Tim Wise is one of the many voices speaking out against racial inequalities and like we have seen in our past, talking and taking a stand can go a long way. Great videos!
I really think Tim Wise makes some great points. I also think and know that racial inequality still exisist and may always exisit, I really hope not, but it might. However, for me when I see characters and meet people of a different race than me, the first think I think of isn't a stereotype or even recognize that their skin color is different than my own. I realize that many people don't think like that and racism and prejudice still exists and that is mostly the reason for racial inequality today. However, I have noticed that sometimes when people try to fight for their own race, mine included, and take a stand towards justice, they do so by bringing another race down, mainly white, and saying it's their fault. To me that is just completely contradicting the point or racial EQUALITY. Like I said before I know that there is still many inequalities in the world but I'm the type of person that believes if you work hard enough you can do anything. For example, President Obama, prime example of a black man succeeding in America. Sonia Sotomayor, a Puerto Rican woman on the Supreme Court... clearly a success. And many more different racial/ethinic groups than the "white male" are succeeding greatly these days. I'm positive that white males do still dominate most powerful roles in America but thougout time things have progressed greatly and I think they will continue to be even better. That is why I think classes like these are important as well as all of us students recognizing our difference and not contradicting the problem by blaming someone or some group is key. If our generation continues to do this there will be no way to move forward. It was just keep going the way it always have. "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten."
ReplyDelete"We've formed a culture where being called a racist is worse than being called a pedophile."
ReplyDelete-Adam Carolla, In Fifty Years We'll All Be Chicks
Although raising some interesting points, Tim Wise seems to fall victim to the liberal trap of believing that racial equality is possible to attain. While this idea gives us all a warm, fuzzy feeling, it is, sadly, not realistic. Our society loves to take the human element out of the discussion, thereby rendering blacks blameless, while the whites are seen as the victimizers. No one ever stands up and says, "Hey, you made your choices, now accept the consequences of your actions." We always dismiss it as being the product of a broken home or falling in with the wrong crowd or not having enough beneficial after-school programs. There comes a point when blacks need to realize that they're bringing the majority of these problems upon themselves. No one is forcing young black girls into single motherhood and go on welfare. No one is forcing young black guys to join gangs and commit crimes. It is their choice. I feel equally (note the word) unsympathetic about whites who make these same decisions.
When people hear the word "equality," they immediately think equality of situation. This is not only completely unrealistic, but completely impossible. A child born in Sudan will never have the same experiences as a child born in Louisiana. However, equality of opportunity should always be the norm. Then, it is completely left up to the individual. If one chooses to be lazy, he or she will always complain about rich people being privileged and how pathetic his or her situation is. Nothing worth having ever comes easy. Take some responsibility for your actions and, after making a success of your life, see if people still treat you as stereotypically as the rest of your racial group.
Tim Wise exhibited some very great points in his videos. Racial inequality does still exist, and many people are quick to say "well its not everywhere" or "its not where i grew up", however it is still out there. It was interesting to hear his view on white denial. That presented a whole different outlook on white supremecy that is never represented or heard. When he said that in 1963 a group of white americans were given a survey on if they thought racial minorities were treated equally in their neighborhood, and 80% said yes, that clearly represents denial. That showed me how important it is that minority groups see and understand that perspective. I'm not saying everyone should just except that there has been denial toward minorites, but instead take that as a stepping stone of information in order to progress. It was also interesting when he discussedd terrorism in America, and how there have been various white terrorists in the past 20 years but after 9/11 we are all quick to categorize the arab race. As times are changing in this country, we need to start seeing past the color of someones skin when making a first judgement on that person. Not saying i expect every race to be equal in every aspect, because your class and social status plays a role in that no matter what race you are. However i'm saying no one should have lower expectations or looked down upon because of their skin color. We have come very far as a country and will continue to grow and become united. They dont call us the melting pot for nothing!
ReplyDeleteWow! Tim Wise speaks about some information that is 'dead on' and speaks about some information that just bothers me when people speak of. I believe that Tim Wise spoke of information like the household income of caucasians because these are facts. The other information Tim spoke about was typical prejudice views that almost every race speaks of. I personally have never understood all of the problems that our society deals with when it comes to different races. Growing up I was born into a middle-upper class, caucasian family, in a dominant white neighborhood / school. When coming to the University of Cincinnati I was introduced to a world that I was completely new to, but was also completely open to meeting anyone from any different race or culture. Being a fifth year in college I have taken several classes that have talked about prejudice, racist, and dominant society situations. I have never understood how different races feel so under-privileged in America. As I was reading other classmates blogs I saw that some classmates agreed with me on this as well. People need to realize that no matter how you are feeling or how you are being treated that there is always something you can do to change this problem. If I am being harassed due to my race I believe that I would not sit back and complain about it, I would go out there and make a change in the community to stop it! Maybe I did not join a gang, or decided to go to college because I am a caucasian, but this was my choice, not my parents or anyone else's in my life. Nobody forces someone to commit crimes or to join a gang. That is truly up to you and nobody else. I understand where Tim wise is coming from because he is creating a successful career out of this problem America has. I personally believe that it is in the eye of te beholder of this problem and not everyone in every race feels this way.
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoyed watching and listening to Tim Wise's lecture on the topic of whiteness and what it means to be privileged here in America. I agree with Scribbles above, the fact that Mr. Wise was able to incorporate some humor and play along with the many stereotypes that we have all grown up knowing to be very effective in getting his message across. I honestly feel that using this sort of method to convey such a powerful and dicey topic such as racism is the best way because it relates to the intended audience while also keeping a sense of groundedness and direct dialogue. Tim Wise made it a point to show that many white Americans even today are not very keen on the issue that racism is still alive and well. I think that the problem is that most of these white people are in this mind set that rather than accepting that it is real and in their face, they feel that it's more that racism is more or less a series of isolated incidents that they only see on the news or read in the media. The idea that Mr. Wise speaks of about how those of color and race are living these experiences and therefore, feel that racism is a big deal, is indicative to the idea that many white Americans are just turning a blind eye. I am an Asian American and in many senses can relate to this. A person never really knows how it is until they take a walk in my own shoes. I have come across many instances of racial and ethnic prejudice in my lifetime. But the interesting point I want to bring up is that it is not only from white Americans. I have experienced the same racism from blacks too. I am glad that Mr. Wise acknowledged the fact that not all white Americans are racist and just out to "get you," but where he fails in my opinion, is give more indication that racism occurs across the board. I realize that this is indeed about whiteness and privilege, but to present a fair argument, I felt it was important to at least dip both proverbial feet in the water. Overall, it is no denying that racism is still happening today, but I have to admit that we as a society have come a long way from the days of slavery, civil rights, and even women's rights. It is important to continue to teach our young adolescents that racism is wrong and that everyone is truly equal. No matter how small, tall, fat, skinny, black, white, yellow, or anything in between, we are all human beings. However, I know that you can't control what every single individual is feeling at all times. It is up to that individual to take responsibility for their own thoughts and actions.
ReplyDeletethe first thing that comes to mind during the first part of the video when he is talking about white guys driving with drugs in their car and its okay because they are white. it seems as though this happens when a lot of people are talking about race and end up using the stereotypes of image rather than actual skin color. i'm a white male and i've been pulled over many times and had my car searched, why because of the way i dressed. the image i was presenting to the cops. Granted i can't speak for every situation but this whole concept of “white reality” just feeds into the cycle of what it means to be a particular race.
ReplyDeletethese terms of white histroy, white clothes, etc etc, do no good for anyone and just continue to segregate people instead of everyone just being one group. do not get me wrong, racial inequalities do still exist, however, maybe some groups help feed into it which is where stereotypes are coming from?
in the the video "fuck you" by cee lo green, i believe some people would have a problem with this video in that all the blacks are dressed "white" because of the retro shake diner and clothing of the era. to me its just a groud of people in a diner, but to others (i've had say to me) that they are playing white families).
As much as we have come and have evolved through disrcimination you can still see how far we still need to go as a society. Tim Wise was truthful and honest with his explanations. As a white male I never have had to endure the social injust that minorities have had to endure. White Americans are hypocritical, we judge other races and don't judge ourselves. Tim Wise states the judgement that has been brought on with the Middle East since 9/11, but we don't judge ourselves the same way with crimes that are committed by white americans.
ReplyDeleteHowever I do agree with TNT143613, that racism is not just a white issue, but it is a society issue. Every race is automatically separated, we live in neighborhoods that are more populated with our "own",why? However, Tim Wise states that Whiteness brings on a certain privilege, today I am not so sure especially when it comes to jobs and education, case in point the NFL has developed a the ROONEY rule to where any position that needs to be filled they MUST interview a minority candidate, another example, Law Schools have what they call a URM which is Unrepresented Minority, you are given points when applying and state that you are a minority. I know because I am applying this fall. As a whole racism is a society problem, other are affected more, but it's apparent through out and until everybody feels differntly there will never be complete equality.
I attended high school in a suburb of Cleveland that was mostly Caucasian. There were three African American students in my whole school. I had little interaction with people who were different than me. This was not done on purpose. I was not hidden away from new people but just was not exposed to them. When I went off to college in 2004 (pre-Facebook) I opted to be paired with a random roommate rather than with someone I already knew. When I received the information from school about who my roommate would be I was anxious and excited. “Her name is Ashlie!” She called me the next day. We talked on the phone a couple times that summer to plan what we would each bring for the room. In my mind I pictured a cheery blonde girl judging from her voice on the phone. When I arrived to school for move in day I was surprised to see that my roommate was African American. All of my expectations changed and I suddenly became very self-conscious.
ReplyDeleteWhy did I begin feeling this way; aware of everything I did. Trying to hide my John Mayer and Jack Johnson cds so she didn’t see; shoving my copies of “Sleepless in Seattle” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding” underneath a comforter. How WHITE are ALL those things?! I didn’t want her to judge ME. Quite frankly, I was so utterly ignorant at the time that I was already convinced that it was not possible for her to enjoy my company at all BECAUSE I was white. I envisioned myself as a meaningless obstacle to her; another white person interfering in the life of a black person. At least, that is how I thought black people felt about white people. (A sweeping/ general statement, I know)
How could a person who has had such little interaction with black people have such a reaction like that? While I think Tim Wise’s comments about white privilege are true for a portion of the population I also think that anybody can feel burdened by race. Being aware of my whiteness/ my privilege WAS a burden and it prevented me from developing a strong relationship with my roommate that year because it took me some time and growing up to learn that I could overcome that feeling of awkwardness and have a meaningful friendships with people of another race. Much of that awkwardness and self-doubt disappeared after having courses in school that forced me to have honest conversations about race relations.
I never felt more racist than I did during my freshman year of college. If you have felt racist at some point (or all the time) you should watch this number from the musical “Avenue Q.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RovF1zsDoeM&feature=related
I also agree that Tim Wise did a great job explaining the differences races have in the country and the way we look at things like underprivileged and over-privileged. The sad thing is that racial inequalities and racism in general probably will never go away. Because I was an education minor and did student teaching, his point about how he was a child that did terrible in school and lived a home life similar to a black family, yet he was only under-achieving is spot on. The school I was at was majority black with a few other races mixed in (none of which were white). When I got there, all I heard about is how these kids were struggling and most of them had "learning problems" or "behavioral problems". This led me to believe that it was because they were black. Many white kids who do terrible in school are just looked at as either a class clown or someone who doesn't really care but the black kids have learning disabilities? While some of them may have, this is an extreme case of profiling. However, I do believe that profiling depends on the area you live in or are from. As far as people of Indian descent, they are all looked at as "terrorists" no matter if they are from here or not. When I lived in Delhi (majority white neighborhood), the cops profiled me all the time based on the car I drove. It was not because of my race but because of the material things that I owned. I think this is the case for any race. If we see a black man dressed in khakis and a dress shirt, we instantly think he is educated, well-mannered, and not the "typical" black guy. This type of stereotyping and profiling can be true in some cases but we should not rely on it. To back this up, I will say that where I work now, we have multiple black people that work there yet one stands out. He dresses the way that most whites would profile him as a troublemaker because he wears the baggy clothes, Timberland boots, and giant chains. Yet, this kid just graduated high school last year with a 3.2 GPA and planned on going to college. Based only upon this, it should tell us that stereotyping, inequality, and racism will always exist, but we should not let it determine our first impression of some people.
ReplyDeleteI loved both of the videos! I think he has a great presence to him. I love the fact that he was tackling a very serious issue but still could add some comedy to it. Sometimes you have to hear something in a joking matter to realize the severity of something. At the same time you are laughing but your also thinking in the back of your head… “Damn he’s right!” It is very interesting hearing this from a white man as many of my peers have mentioned. “Uncle barney” raises some questions that I have been pondering too. We have to take accountability for something’s. I understand there have been and still are extreme circumstances and issues that have not been resolved yet Between Black and white, and yet I still feel as a people we need to move forward on our own. I might just have this view being a first generation of refugee parents, which might be it. When I see people in poverty, it takes me back to my childhood. My parents came to this country with nothing to there name, looking at me now you would never assume that. Tim Wise did say something’s to me that I really took interest in; he has a great way of saying things. I completely agree with him on the terms of “privileged “ how, what and why it is used. I think he nailed it! Tim states “ we like to talk about those who are down as if there is no up”. I love that quote! Wise also mentions, which was brilliant to me -the term “overpriveledged”, does it exist? To the white man no because he fails to see that because he is not faced with the constant reminder that he is white. As African Americans though there is that constant stigma attached that we are underprivileged. I loved how he went into how this was a passive term. Meaning that we have been “underprivileged “ for sometime, but why haven’t we done something about it!?
ReplyDeleteTim Wise is so right about white denial! When you think about it if you weren’t raised around different underprivileged cultures you too would assume everyone else in the world is being given the same treatment as you are. I don’t feel white denial is something people do on purpose; I feel it is simply a matter of how you were raised. Our world’s eyes could be opened up if people were more willing to leave their comfort zones and explore what other cultures have to deal with. I agree with Almost-a-graduate about making changes for yourself if you feel under privilege. We live in America and if you can’t stand up and fight for yourself here you won’t be able to do it anywhere else. I’m not say take it upon yourself to end racism but if different cultures had more leaders I think a lot of their stereotypes would eventually vanish. When Tim Wise spoke about the terrorist racial stereotype it really opened my eyes. That was a culture of people I had never really thought about how they were stereotyped against. When Tim Wise mentioned all the other criminals that were white male they were a shock to me. When I think of the topic of terrorism I see myself being a little bit naive. It’s sad to see as far as we have come in this country were still not there yet when it comes to racism. I just hope I will be able to see the day when racism is destroyed completely.
ReplyDeleteTim Wise is certainly a great orator and extremely charismatic. While I thought overall he had many interesting points, sometimes I felt his fast paced style of speaking was pushing opinions of white privilege that were not necessarily base on solid appeals to facts or logic. With someone as forceful a speaker as he is, I am all the more cautious to ask myself if what is being purposed is the only possible explanation. When he talks about the difference between white and black asset accumulation, he states that blacks who make $60,000 per year are on average going to have less assets than a white family that makes 15,000 per year. He does not spend any time explaining how that asset accumulation occurs other than suggesting it is potentially passed down through generations. If you are living in the poverty level ($15,000 per year) I would think one would need to spend it all in order to make ends meet and feed themselves over the course of a year. Regardless of color, I don’t see how anyone making so little money will have asset accumulation. Regardless of color, if a family is making $60,000 per year, well above poverty level, and is still living paycheck to paycheck, it has to be asked what the surplus is being spent on above and beyond the required necessities of life. Is this family spending unnecessarily or frivolously? Regarding race, what then is/are the racial factor(s) causing such an illogical paradigm? In neglecting to speak to these questions, Tim Wise leaves the door open for this example to be deflected away from whiteness as the causal factor in numerous ways. I really would have like to see him offer more of the specifics pertaining to the circumstances he was describing. I felt he skirted around specifics on a few occasions. Much in the same way we expect a scientist not only to tell us the findings of a study, we also expect a description of the study itself and what variables and factors were considered that led to those findings. For anyone who has ever taken statistics it is well known any study can be easily manipulated to favorably show what you want others to see. Never the less, I think his overall presentation was very insightful and provided some great references supporting his idea of the privilege of whiteness. He is definitely someone who I think warrants further consideration and scrutiny on the topic.
ReplyDeletep.s. I think the asset accumulation example actually came from video 2/6
I enjoyed listening to Tim Wise speak about the "whiteness" in America. I have heard he speak in two of my other classes and the more times i listen to him the more i understand what he is saying and i pick up on things i didnt hear the first time hearing it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Wise is saying that whiteness is not just a race issue, it is a society issues. I think there are still racial issue going on today and especially became more after 911. I don't think we are nearly as bad as we were in history but still people separate themselves from different races. i think its mostly because people don't know how to interact with people that are different from them.
I liked how Wise mentioned how there are white criminals out there. I think some people think that because they are white they dont commit crimes but people People dont just commit crimes based on their race.
I feel like since segregation and the majority of racial problems happened so long ago but yet people are still facing racial problems, i dont think there will be a day where people aren't being racist. Yes we have come a long way, but there are people out there still fighting for their freedom.
Tim Wise not only comes off as a great speaker, because of his use of fast paced speaking tied in with historical mentions and even some humor, but because what he says can and did have an impact.
ReplyDeleteI agree with him that there have been some drastic inequalities in this country as far as representation (and some other things) goes, and that it has become sort of a hush-hush topic, as if talking about it will make people forget about it. That may work for some, but not others, especially "minorities", which ironically enough, are the majority around the world.
I still feel like there is a large amount of misrepresentation in television and film, as far as the use of African Americans, and people of Spanish or Asian decent, as compared to Caucasians.
Soon after reviewing these statistics we've discussed in class and have read in our readings, I was curious about my old high school as to how the race representations were there. Since I just graduated in 2006, I wasn't surprised to see that the students were classified as 48% Caucasian, 46% African American, 4% Asian American and 2% other. This may seem sort of odd in regards to something to be happy about, but this school is one of the most prestigious in Ohio and in the United States (ranked 34th I believe), so to see that the majority of students are actually minorities makes me feel like progress is being made, one step at a time and one day at a time.
Mr. Wise makes some interesting points that I was already aware of. There was a comment from an Uncle Barney that I didn't agree with in it's entirety regarding people's opportunities, and their chances for advancement. Mr. Wise explained how unequal the American economic society is regarding the white race versus all others. There are various factors to consider mainly the educational, and the networking opportunities given to these races of people throughout there life. You can't judge people by saying that the reason that they aren't successful (in your eyes) is because their lazy. There are many hard working Americans in this country. I can guarantee that the majority of the lower class work twice if not harder than the elite just on my business knowledge alone. The fact that one person can come from a "privileged" family where the parents have connections, and can obtain resources to ensure their children a (almost) secure future is an advantage. This doesn't mean that the family is always white, but they are the extreme majority in this country. That was one of the points Mr. Wise was making. To acknowledge that type of injustice, and try to correct it in the future would be taking a huge step toward our so called American dream. I'm not trying to argue or discredit your comment, but a child in Sudan will never have the same opportunities as a child in Louisiana. That child's life can go either way being the child from Sudan's family having more economic resources or the one from Louisiana. I can guarantee this also that if the child is rich from Sudan he possesses more wealth than the majority of Louisiana combined. That is how unequal the Economic playing field is in that country. Just wrote that as a point that what Mr. Wise does exist.
ReplyDelete