Do you agree with the premise of this article that "white people will always be racist?"

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 15:45:51 -0400

I think this article is a bunch of hooey. As I read it in more detail, I can see where this author is coming from. I just don't happen to agree with the analogy she uses.
Read on and let me know what you think.

Whites are continually put into the position of forever having to prove the negative, that they’re not racists. This is impossible. And that’s the point.

Now that South Carolina has taken down the Confederate flag flying on statehouse grounds, MSNBC is drumming the five whose state flags incorporate “Confederate themes.”
They continue to prove liberals are never satisfied. We fought the Civil War. We ratified the Fourteenth Amendment. We have the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The civil-rights movement was a success. Now, we have South Carolina pulling down the Confederate flag. But it’s still not enough. And Hillary Clinton agrees.

http://thefederalist.com/2015/07/10/why-white-people-will-always-be-racists/?utm_source=The+Federalist+List&utm_campaign=dac896f1f8-RSS_The_Federalist_Daily_Updates_w_Transom&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cfcb868ceb-dac896f1f8-83810921

Why White People Will Always Be Racists

Whites are continually put into the position of forever having to prove the negative, that they’re not racists. This is impossible. And that’s the point.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 4:11 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 16:11:31 -0400

The problem with racism is that solving it requires for people to listen and understand each other and in today's world no one wants to take the time and have open honest conversations about anything. They prefer waiting for someone, anyone, to do something and then sensationalize it (be it a white kid killing people in a church, a mexican killing a white woman, or basically anything they can manipulate to fit their preconceived point of view). Some of my best friends (and of course since I started a sentence like this a lot of folks just jumped to the conclusion i'm a racist) and I have had these long conversations and have come to common ground on lets just say "touchy" topics. We accept the fact the bad things happen, we recognized the fact that none of us had anything to do with it, we acknowledge that all of us have shortfalls and shortcomings based on preconceptions we may not have learned when we were growing up with.....we understand there will be conversations that we engage in that may seem racist at face value (for example "do you find "insert race here" woman attractive)......but most of all when stupid stuff happens in the world we accept the fact that there are broken people of all colors and backgrounds out there and the finite number of wrong doers on all sides should not be used to define the masses.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Jul 11 at 2015 5:04 PM

MSgt Manuel Diaz — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 17:04:05 -0400

This statement is pure crap. Humans are racists is more correct. Racist come in all colors creeds tribes genders some even hate themselves

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 11 at 2015 7:03 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 19:03:10 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Whistle, Flag, Red Card, Game Misconduct!!!!... That is simply, pure BS!!!!

But, I think she is saying here title is not true, but rather it is message some are trying promulgate.

I grew up in the NY/NJ Metro area, never left (aside from New England and Canada for Hockey) until I joined the Army. Black was part of my world, and that was my normal. My HS was 60% or more black... That was my world.

I arrived at Basic Training/OST... and I am in D-11-4, and find myself in a bay with 40 dudes... and many had never seen, been around, or let alone sleep in the same room with a black Soldier... About 20% of the platoon/company was black. That was surprising to me. And, when I first considered, or realized, people around the US see things differently. And, that not all white dudes were like minded...

Racism goes in every possible direction, but unfortunately I would argue if asked people (random sample) their prevailing definition and example would be Whites discriminating against blacks. Ask and EO representative in the Army. Try and make an EO complaint if you are white. I am tired of this perspective this narrative, and the whole white privilege angle too.

I have always treated everyone with dignity and respect regardless of their sex, color, race, national orientation, etc. I have judged people on their character and their own merits. But, I can say the reverse had not always been true...

Despite my efforts at being always fair and dealing with everyone and everything on its own merits, still I was accused of being racist more than once - because I gave a black NCO or Officer an substandard evaluation, or because of a particular deposition of UCMJ or administrative action result... Always by an African American, never by a white Soldier or any other race or demographics. If I did not get the right OER, award I wanted... could I make a similar complaint? BS, I say again.

I spent, as some know, 39 months flagged as a result of a referred (bad) OER I gave a LT who was involved in a sexual assault (more than one it turned out). It was first investigated at the installation level because of his EO and IG complaints, and was not founded. Nevertheless, it eventually ended up at the DAIG Whistleblower Reprisal Branch, where eventually they charged me with a myriad of offenses, and a few more for good measure. The LT was black, my XO was black, my Brigade Commander was black (They were all in the same club/fraternity locally - only for black officers), and so too was the Colonel in charge of the DAIG Whistleblower Reprisal Branch; he and my Brigade Commander were in the same ROTC class at Howard University... Things that make you go hmmm. I should be tainted by that, but what good would that do? Imagine if I wanted to start a club, just for white officers...

I eventually filed a counter complaint with the DODIG against my Commander and the DAIG. That is when I first heard the term... The "Army's Dirty Little Secret" which meant reverse racism was alive and well in the Army, everyone knew it, and no one would address it. I had peers who had similar issues... as me too...

In the end, the DODIG overturned everything, stating "the DAIG erred in its findings, and that all of its witness, were less than credible." The Colonel from the DAIG was removed, as was his civilian deputy... My boss retired... and the XO... he faded into obscurity, and finally the LT was passed over for promotion to Major, and was shown the door.

This is BS SGT Private RallyPoint Member, and I tired of the same old story. There are more minority racists in my view, than white guys who are racists... That is simply an untrue and unfair hasty generalization. As many have said, and know, racists come from everywhere, and you can't just stereotype and generalize. We should be better than that. We need to attack the culprits, not the entire group... Ahhhhh!!!!

I am also sorry SGT Private RallyPoint Member and everyone, for the diatribe and my rant...

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 11 at 2015 7:17 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 19:17:46 -0400

"The Confederate flag controversy has never been about being sensitive to minorities in the aftermath of the dreadful mass murder in South Carolina. It has been about stigma and the Democratic Party using it to delegitimize anyone who doesn’t bend to its will.

Stigma is a club in the hand of the totalitarian to increase power. Clinton, Obama, Loretta Lynch, and others will use it over and over again, as long as people allow the stigma to stick. As long as individuals and institutions fear delegitimization because of stigma and refuse to pay the high price of dissent, the power of the totalitarians will grow."

The author is correct; nothing the left achieves will ever be enough because their real goal is to acquire the power to silence any that disagree with them.

Meanwhile, not a single black life will be saved, not a single black student will achieve greater potential, and not a single black person will get a job because the Confederate Battle Flag is taken down. The issue is simply a shiny object to distract people away from the many failures of the left to fix the real problems facing society and to give them the impression that progress is being made.

It will eventually catch up with the left, but a lot of damage will be done to our society by then.

"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." - Abraham Lincoln

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 10:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 22:04:55 -0400

Even animals don't see color. They're just afraid of each other like we are...

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 11 at 2015 10:09 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 22:09:40 -0400

That sounds like hogwash to me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 11:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 23:39:26 -0400

When I was very young I saw a sign and it left an indelible impression on my young mind. I've thought about it many times. The sign read (I think): When you are born you are pink, when you grow up you are white, when you are sick you are green, when you are cold you are blue, when you are hot you are red. And you call me colored. This made me think that we need to treat each person as an individual. We need to get past seeing each other as being black, white, brown, yellow, red, slant eyed, oval eyed, broad nose, narrow nose... I believe we can live together and not let our differences define how we relate to each other. We need to not play into he hands of those that want to create division - division will bring our country to it's knees. Is that what you want? We need to stop breeding hate because of physical differences and start building our nation because we are Americans.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Jul 12 at 2015 10:55 AM

SSG Keith Cashion — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 10:55:17 -0400

Keith, I think this woman needs to have her head examined. The funny thing about this is, though the SC citizens didn't riot or set fire to everything in sight, but in some ways, they did. So as I have said before, erasing history, does not correct history. As to the Governor of SC and her rush to remove the flag....she was a big supporter of that flag before the current issue. And saying that the assailant had mental health issues is a cop out. John Holms, the idiot from Colorado is trying to plead for an insanity plea.....BS with a capital BullShit. This guy was a PHD candidate at the age of 24, and was mad because he failed part of the process. This garbage that people who commit these heinous crimes have some type of mental health issues is an excuse. Is there racism in the US, absolutely, is it just whites...hell no. This flap over erasing all signs of the confederate symbols is just a bunch a idiots pandering to the mass media machine and trying to be Politically Correct so as not to look bad in front of the camera. Just like the discussion to remove the Memorial of GEN Nathan B. Forrest from a park, because "People may not want to have a picnic there because of the memorial" is beyond stupid. After being dead for 138 years, I don't think is going to ask what is in the picnic basket. Yes this rant is all over the place, but think about it....one piece of news feeds off another. The bigger question with all of these situations, changes in law, kneejerk reactions to a tragedy is when did people quit using common sense and become pandering politically correct media fearing followers. Sorry for the rant, Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 12 at 2015 7:16 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 19:16:12 -0400

It seems that the definition of "racist" has changed.

It used to be...

ra-cist n. A person who prejudges another based on their race or ethnicity

It now is used to mean...

ra-cist v. Shut up

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 12 at 2015 8:19 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:19:06 -0400

I would say for the most part, the United States has gone beyond racism. From my perspective and experience, the current "race war" we are experiencing is racial stereotyping. This of course doesn't come from hate, but rather ignorance, in a non-blissful way. I have faced some discrimination because of my race and religion, but I don't think it comes from actual racism.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jul 14 at 2015 1:40 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 01:40:17 -0400

No, there are racist in every race. The question when it is going to end? Hate is a very heavy load to carry.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 10 at 2015 6:43 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:43:10 -0500

Not all white people are racist, but some white people are and they will always be.
Not all black people are racists but some black people are and they will always be.
Not all oriental people are racists but some oriental people are and they will always be.

The confederate FLAG or something similar to it is NOT going to make some racist. Any inanimate object is not going to make some racist.

I thought it was ridiculous and asanign to to remove all things CONFEDERATE...it's not going to change the past, the history or any ones minds about things.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 8:57 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 20:57:23 -0500

I see two basic types of racism. 1. A person hate a group of people or an individual solely because of his/her race. This includes treating the people of another race differently. 2. A person assumes or attributes the actions of others on any given topic to be solely based on race whether or not there are other valid reasons for those actions.

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Nov 10 at 2015 9:43 PM

SSG Michael Hartsfield — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 21:43:31 -0500

This had been beaten into the ground, dug up, ground up, and sprinkled over the grass. IMHO, it all boils down to one word: Respect.
Do you respect that person's right to have an opposing opinion, different religion, different lifestyle, and general right to exist?

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Aug 18 at 2016 7:13 PM

AA Joseph Moody — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:13:45 -0400

Ok, for me my personal view on the matter is this, people will be people and culture may influence how some people behave and some life decisions, but at the end of the day people are people.
And a personal view of mine that is not quite PC is this, everyone is prejudiced in some shape way or form and you know what? That is all right.
Having a prejudice just means that you have a view that is based on assumptions and as long as you reevaluate your views when you get more evidence and remember to give each person you meet the benefit of the doubt until they remove all doubt, you should do alright in life and avoid being that person who holds onto beliefs because of emotional needs.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Sep 1 at 2016 1:49 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 13:49:00 -0400

Never have been - never will be! thanks for the post.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Sep 1 at 2016 7:36 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 19:36:22 -0400

How I long to go back to that place long long ago and far far away in the boonies where color didn't matter and where we were all Brothers took a bloody war for us to figure out we're all the same under the skin.

Response by COL John Hudson made Jan 19 at 2017 3:52 PM

COL John Hudson — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 15:52:13 -0500

There is only one solution to "racism." STOP TALKING ABOUT IT ! I'm in full agreement with Morgan Freeman on this one.

Response by Deborah Gregson made Jan 23 at 2017 11:31 AM

Deborah Gregson — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:31:11 -0500

You all misunderstood the article and her conclusion. She basically said that what one needed to do was be brave and understand that we're made to feel racist when we're not, don't be afraid of being called that, and carry on. Don't try to prove you're not, don't try to legitimize yourself, just carry on. Like Col John Hudson said, "Stop talking about it." Until no one mentions race it will be an issue.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Sep 16 at 2018 10:21 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 22:21:23 -0400

No ! Because that would make Obama 1/ 2 racist. And every interracial child of African/ European descent part racist. So drop it !!!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2019 8:40 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:40:41 -0500

Not no, but he'll no. I hav e never been racist...I have been discriminated against (for being white) when seeking work in the 1980s.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jan 15 at 2019 9:55 PM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 21:55:01 -0500

This is a bunch of garbage fake news if you ask me. I served with black and white soldiers never had any racial problems for 31 urs I served.

Response by COL John Hudson made Jan 16 at 2019 11:45 AM

COL John Hudson — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 11:45:16 -0500

I am NOT a white man. My skin is NOT the color white. I am NOT a color. What I will readily admit to is that I am a PERSON, a member of a race of humanoids scientifically classified as Caucasian - a factor of my birth and not by my decision. I have a NAME, John. When I walk into a room occupied with groups of individuals representing varieties of racial difference, I see an opportunity to make new friends... which I do gladly! I do NOT see colors. I have no bigotry in me for any man or woman on this planet concerning any aspect of their racial description, religion, creed, or nationality. I do not embrace, believe in nor practice any aspect of "racism." You are a man or woman. I will identify you as such... you are NOT a color and I refuse to verbalize that in speaking with you. Do NOT call me a white man - I will not respond to that. Call me John, shake my hand, and be my human brother and sister. There's plenty of room on this planet to walk together but precious little to maintain islands of irrelevant difference. John Carl Hudson, Human Being, 72 Years Experienced - Retired Army.

Response by CPL Johnnie White made Jun 9 at 2019 9:34 PM

CPL Johnnie White — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 21:34:00 -0400

That is not necessarily true. It works both ways. I and appalled that our country had fragmented to this point. When we go to ear, we have to realize and know that the fellow next to you will gight to protect himself as well as you.
I hope that we will be as out name says:United."

Response by CPL Johnnie White made Jun 9 at 2019 9:45 PM

CPL Johnnie White — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 21:45:03 -0400

Not true, anyone can be racist. Nobody's better than anyone else. We all share the same parentage. I am not going back to Adam and Eve. Noah and his family repopulated the earth after the flood. Check out Genesis in the Holy Bible.

Response by Sgt Chris Cornejo made Mar 1 at 2020 1:06 PM

Sgt Chris Cornejo — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 13:06:52 -0500

Not only no, but hell no. Racism has no color. All humans are capable of being racists.

Response by LT Jay Bauer made Apr 8 at 2020 10:46 PM

LT Jay Bauer — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 22:46:45 -0400

No. I am white and not a racists

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 8 at 2020 11:03 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 23:03:00 -0400

This is over 4 years old, so I know I am late to the party. Yet for some reason, RP has put it near the top of the answers page. Which must mean something.... So... Just a thought about the article.

The author rants about how awful it is that whites have to comply or face stigmatization. And this has been going on for 10 whole years! Hell maybe even 20 or 25!

Ummmmmm.... Well, gosh. Maybe after 100s of years of being the ones forcing others to comply, it's our turn to do the complying?

Not saying I agree with the author's premise or supporting arguments (which are about 50/50 conjecture and extrapolation of a small sample size), but even if the author were 100% spot on in every single detail.... So what? Saice for the goose is good for the gander. Just sayin'.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2020 12:30 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:30:24 -0400

old thread but relevant to the situation today. Just yesterday I was told by a black female: "If you are white and not a racist, then it shouldn't offend you when black people call white people racist because what they are saying does not apply to you. If you are offended then you are a racist. It's that simple". I replied, "If you are black and not a thug, then it shouldn't offend you when white people call black people thugs because what they are saying does not apply to you. If you are offended then you are a thug. It's that simple. Funny how that crap works both ways". Her response was to get offended and call me a racist. go figure.....