You know what I find interesting about the generalizations about white racism? It seems that other races believe white people meet, discuss, mentor, and actively work at keeping other people down. LMAO!
The truth is, unless I just haven't been invited to the meetings, white people don't generally give a shit. We're all too busy scratching and clawing trying to take care of ourselves and our own families to spend any time trying to hold anyone else down. It's not even a consideration. I'm just doing what I have to do to survive, assuming everyone else is doing the same.
So what do other races expect? I mean, I think it sucks people can be denied jobs because of their name and/or ethnicity , but I'm not in any position to hire people nor have any influence on that process. So what can I do? I'm not going to do anything that would jeopardize MY job over it (because let's face it, were the roles reversed I wouldn't expect anyone to do such a thing for me).
I think it sucks when innocent people are harassed or profiled by police due to their ethnicity, but again, what do you expect ME to do about it? I have no say in how the police operate. In fact, I'm going down the road hoping they don't see me running 10 over the limit, because then I'll really be late for work. Plus, all the times I have been stopped, never once did the officer say "Oh, you're white. Well, you're free to go!" Nope, I can only recall 2 instances where I got a warning and not a ticket. And I will say, I deserved every one (and a bunch more that were worse, but I never got caught). And yes, twice I was asked to get out of the vehicle - once by two officers, one of which had his gun drawn for no reason. I am not lippy with officers, not sure why they approached in that manner, as initial contact had not even been made. The one got out of his car gun drawn. I had vehicle shut off, windows down, and interior lights on (it was dusk at the time). They questioned me behind the car, asked to search vehicle (I gave them OK to do so, but they didn't). Received my ticket for 15 over (70 in 55) and went on my way.
I think it sucks that some people of other races live in bad areas and go to bad schools, or come from broken families that don't emphasize or value education. But guess what, there are plenty of white people that live that way too. What has their "white privilege" gotten them?
Speaking of "white privilege", I have yet to get my free hand outs, my "golden parachute" benefits at work, or any other benefit solely due the color of my skin. Nobody has ever said to me "shhh, keep this on the down low, you're only getting this because you're white". That just doesn't happen, at least not for poor to middle class folk. I dunno about rich folk, never been in that social club, probably never will be.
Finally, my biggest peeve about the whole race thing. I know there are a lot of great people of all nationalities, I've been fortunate enough to meet and know several from all different cultures. What I want to hear from those screaming the loudest is what they are doing to help themselves. Are they cleaning up their own neighborhoods, are they helping ensure both parents are in their children's lives, are they taking a vested interest in the education of their children so the next generation can have a better life? Are they reaching out, saying "I'm trying, but I need help."? All I hear is bitching and moaning, and finger pointing at the "evil white man". While I agree some really shitty stuff went down in the past, I had no part in it. I do not feel any sense of responsibility for it. I do not feel I have benefitted substantially from it. Perhaps I have, I only know my own experiences, but nobody has given me a free ride just for being white. I've had to earn what I have.
Both my folks are dead. The total value of my inheritance was insignificant. I make more in 2 weeks at my job (and it's not a high paying job). So while they didn't have much, (they were able to provide food, shelter, clothing, and an occasional treat while keeping all bills paid) what they gave me that had the most value is discipline, taught me respect and responsibility, and made sure I got through school and gave me a chance to make it on my own. Anybody should be able to do this, IMO. If your child is disciplined, respectful, educated, and still can't make it, THEN you have a legitimate gripe. So far, I've never met anyone of any nationality that exhibits those 3 traits and struggles to succeed.
