Some Folks See Racism in Everything

Published on October 23, 2004 By MasonM In Blogging

While I would never pretend to say that racism doesn't exist in America today, it obviously does, some people play that race card just a little too quickly and often. For some people, everything is about race. They see prejudice and bigotry leveled at them all the time, regardless of the situation. Sometimes, maybe people don't like you not because of your race, but maybe they just don't like YOU. Perhaps you're an asshole.

Yesterday, while in a truckstop in Mississippi, a young black man bumped into me as I walked through the place. He was talking to his two friends and wasn't really watching where he was going. Now, I really didn't think it was a big deal, but it seems he wanted to make it one.

I had said a simple excuse me, even though he ran into me, and began to continue on. He, other the other hand, began a "hey, man watch where you're going" routine. I pointed out to him that it was HE that ran into ME, and that he should pay more attention to where he was walking. His two friends never said a word through this.

At some point in the discussion, he played that card. "You just don't like n*gg*rs! That's your problem".

Well, sorry but that dog just won't hunt. I told him in plain language "I don't give a damn what color you are friend, I'll stomp your ass just as quick as I would a white boy", and I prepared myself to fight all three of them if needed.

Well, he looked at me for a second, said "You're alright for a white boy" and walked away.

Now this whole scene was totally unnecessary. The young man obviously has a race problem he's carrying around with him, and judging by his attitude a great deal of it is his own doing.

Sometimes it isn't your race, friend, maybe it's just YOU.

Comments

LeapingLizard

on Oct 23, 2004

Maybe you just didn't write this down, but if you were watching where you were going, and he wasn't (as he ran into you), why didn't you just move? Only curious.

SSG Geezer

on Oct 23, 2004

Reverse racism does exist, whether in the form of a chip on the shoulder, or as a matter of policy.
Having had a First Sergeant relieved for racism when I was in the Marine Corps, I have seen both.
The most damning statement made by the 1SG was "Whay are you helping those White M*****F***ers out? Don't you know blood is thicker than water?"
This was the 1SG's response to a Black PFC's testimony in support of a white Marine at a Article 32 hearing. (Prep for Courts martial)
I guess the 1SG didn't realize that the PFC wasn't also a racist. (His dad was a civil rights lawyer lol)
LL: Are you someone who always gets out of everyone elses way? your comment is pretty moronic.

LeapingLizard

on Oct 23, 2004

Geezer,

First, thanks for the insult. It was really effective in getting your point across.

And, no, I am not always someone getting out of everyone else's way. I was just curious as to why MasonM didn't move if he knew the other guy wasn't watching where he was going. If someone is coming my way, and I notice that they aren't paying attention, I don't just let them ram into me. I move. I realize that sometimes I am caught up in a conversation when I'm walking and may not notice someone in my path. I'm thankful that they move. That's all.

To be clear, I am not attacking MasonM. I just wanted to see if he had a reason for not moving, or if he did move some and expect the other person to move some as well, or whatever.

LeapingLizard

on Oct 23, 2004

PS---Geezer

Racism is racism. To use the term "reverse racism" is to imply that one group of people is supposed to be racist against another, and not the other way around.

dharmagrl

on Oct 23, 2004

LL, give it a freakin' rest. I want to say more, but it won't be constructive and it won't be nice, so I'll refrain. Perhaps you could do the same?

Mason: my favorite example of that kind of attitude was when my cop friend Matt apprehended a black kid for theft...the kid kept saying "it's cos I'm black, that's all. it's all about me being black"

His response...."nah, it's cos you were stupid and you got caught"

SSG Geezer

on Oct 23, 2004

I called it reverse racism for a couple of reasons,
The racism regulations that this 1SG was relieved under were written in a time when it would have generally been white racism against any person of color.
The second reason is that according to the politically correct folks. it is not racism but justified to "even the score".
BTW, I was not being insulting, I thought your question made it out to seem that Mason was looking for confrontation. So I made a comment on your comment, not you.

LeapingLizard

on Oct 23, 2004

Geezer,
I didn't mean to look for confrontation, just clarification. I don't know what PC people you're even talking about. Whatever.

dharmagrl,
You're right. I just let my buttons get pushed. I wanted Mason to tell me he made an effort to move. It would give the incidence more meaning, I think. Plus, I don't like it when people take one incidence and make generalizations about it. But, that was Mason's original point....so...you're right, enough said.

Ravenblack

on Oct 23, 2004

Give the Lizard a break, or at least the benefit of the doubt before jumping on the person. The way I see it the Lizard was just asking, so why so aggressive? Can't people express their different point of view or ask questions anymore?

MasonM

on Oct 24, 2004

Maybe you just didn't write this down, but if you were watching where you were going, and he wasn't (as he ran into you), why didn't you just move?

A good question. I failed to mention that the hallway was somewhat narrow and there wasn't room to avoid him. Glad ya asked. Sorry I didn't respond sooner, I was away from the computer last night and this morning, until now.

I never cared for the term "reverse racism" as I see racism is racism regardless of who holds the view, attitude, or whatever you want to call it, but I do understand your point Geezer.

Thanks to all who've commented thus far.

WiseFawn

on Oct 24, 2004

I guess I see it more as chips on the shoulder. And when you have a chip on your shoulder, you just have one. There are people in every race that have chips on their shoulder. And there's no doubt that in any situation you will see people try to take advantage of situations. I've seen just as many white people with chips on their shoulder about Affirmative Action. Quickly saying someone got something just because of their race.

Ariadne Calzanti

on Oct 24, 2004

As Ali "G" would say: "Is it because I is black?!"

MasonM

on Oct 24, 2004

I've seen just as many white people with chips on their shoulder about Affirmative Action. Quickly saying someone got something just because of their race.

Well, if they got something because of affirmative action, they DID get it "just because of their race", but it's really beside the point, It's hardly the same thing my article addressed, now is it?

Insightful

on Oct 25, 2004

I've noticed this more and more these days. The, Race Card, is a convenient tool when nothing else seems to fit.
It's like having an, Ace, in the hole.

How come there are no other cards that any of us might draw upon?

messybuu

on Oct 25, 2004

That's pretty much what racism is. A chip on one's shoulder.

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