No one intelligent likes when negative stereotypes are applied to them. That's a pretty huge blanket statement, but I'm confident in its accuracy. In a predominantly white, New England, upper-middle class society, there are certain stereotypes that I am constantly at war against. Don't take this the wrong way. I am not saying that I feel oppression or constant stereotyping or that I feel like people around me think less of me for being a multiracial woman. Nothing is as blatant as that, and in fact, people who cause these feelings of difference are generally not even aware of the effect they are having on others around them. Whether or not they are aware of their words or actions, these words and actions still matter. They still upset the balance of equality and if someone of my background (or a similar one) isn't careful, they can easily fall into a trap of bitterness and loathing of society.
Anyone who goes or has gone to a boarding school knows the type of person I am referring to. Often times, groups of racial or socioeconomic minorities group together in what can seem like a pretty exclusive and hateful clique. These people are a mere product of their environment. For minority students, there comes a point when there is a fork in the road. There are two options. Some people choose the embittered, cliquey lifestyle and others choose to forge their own path and attempt to create something different out of their experience. I see neither way as the right way; I merely see them as different paths. Despite my use of the word "embittered", I hold no real negative association with that position. I understand this bitterness and how it can manifest and take hold. Any specific experience could have changed the path I took, and the same goes for everyone else. Deciding how you fit into a predominantly white world is the minority's first existential crisis and events surrounding that crisis determine the outcome.
I don't consider myself to be easily upset regarding issues of race. In fact, I believe most issues to be non-issues; if they aren't blown out of proportion, those can be easily solved by correcting the offender in a calm manner and explaining the reason their words or actions are offensive. I have found this more satisfying than two other common options: option 1 being saying nothing about it and option 2 becoming enraged to the point where reasonable discourse is impossible. If someone is afraid of an explosion, they will be less willing to open up about the source of their comments or behaviors. Anger is a hindrance with racial issues.
As a half-black young adult, I am aware of the "angry black woman" stereotype, and I'm sure, regardless of your race dear reader, you are too. I try very hard to not come off as excessively confrontational and I am constantly aware of my moods. I choose my battles carefully. I keep an open mind regarding race relations and I only remember becoming truly upset once over an ignorant comment regarding diversity.
I am not naïve; I understand that although blatant racism may no longer exist above the Mason-Dixon line (I can't speak for below it), subtle remnants still exist. I hate using the word "racism" to describe these remnants. Racism sounds openly oppressive and evil. Racism is a confederate flag toting hick with a burning cross and white cloak. What I am thinking about is a lot less drastic, but still debilitating to equality in its purest form. I wish that I knew another word for it that didn't sound like an angry accusation; I expect most people are familiar with the phenomenon I'm describing but all we have to label it with is this misnomer.
Discussing race relations would be easier if there was a softer word to put to it. "But No! Racism is racism. Call it what it is!" What would that accomplish? When has fighting ever helped truly solve problems. Diplomacy is more logical than combat, especially regarding such a contentious issue. Diplomacy is everything. Explaining someone's ignorance rather than becoming violent is the only way to actually educate people about differences rather than making them afraid to discuss them. "But that's what they want! To oppress and dominate!" Are you really oppressed if you have the power to teach someone about a racial experience they cannot possibly have for themselves? Empowerment exists if you are willing to reach for it; reaching for it doesn't even have to involve aggression or a great struggle. Oppression is what you do to yourself if you are caged away refusing to calmly discuss difficult problems.
Minority students growing up in a predominantly white world are closest to this empowerment. In my ideal world, there would be less of a racial divide and willingness to close racial gaps would exist. It is easy for minority students to believe that no one cares about their experience and how it differs. It is easy to believe that no one will understand. I am convinced, however naively, that people actually do care. At least they would if race relations were openly discussed. It is difficult for people not to care about issues that affect their friends personal lives as well as their social mobility.
I've always wanted to say this all at once. During a debate or conversation, when these thoughts run through my head, they are rarely as eloquent. I hope some reader sticks with this all the way through, passes it on and internalizes it. Then again, that's what any writer hopes for isn't it?
Anyone who goes or has gone to a boarding school knows the type of person I am referring to. Often times, groups of racial or socioeconomic minorities group together in what can seem like a pretty exclusive and hateful clique. These people are a mere product of their environment. For minority students, there comes a point when there is a fork in the road. There are two options. Some people choose the embittered, cliquey lifestyle and others choose to forge their own path and attempt to create something different out of their experience. I see neither way as the right way; I merely see them as different paths. Despite my use of the word "embittered", I hold no real negative association with that position. I understand this bitterness and how it can manifest and take hold. Any specific experience could have changed the path I took, and the same goes for everyone else. Deciding how you fit into a predominantly white world is the minority's first existential crisis and events surrounding that crisis determine the outcome.
I don't consider myself to be easily upset regarding issues of race. In fact, I believe most issues to be non-issues; if they aren't blown out of proportion, those can be easily solved by correcting the offender in a calm manner and explaining the reason their words or actions are offensive. I have found this more satisfying than two other common options: option 1 being saying nothing about it and option 2 becoming enraged to the point where reasonable discourse is impossible. If someone is afraid of an explosion, they will be less willing to open up about the source of their comments or behaviors. Anger is a hindrance with racial issues.
As a half-black young adult, I am aware of the "angry black woman" stereotype, and I'm sure, regardless of your race dear reader, you are too. I try very hard to not come off as excessively confrontational and I am constantly aware of my moods. I choose my battles carefully. I keep an open mind regarding race relations and I only remember becoming truly upset once over an ignorant comment regarding diversity.
I am not naïve; I understand that although blatant racism may no longer exist above the Mason-Dixon line (I can't speak for below it), subtle remnants still exist. I hate using the word "racism" to describe these remnants. Racism sounds openly oppressive and evil. Racism is a confederate flag toting hick with a burning cross and white cloak. What I am thinking about is a lot less drastic, but still debilitating to equality in its purest form. I wish that I knew another word for it that didn't sound like an angry accusation; I expect most people are familiar with the phenomenon I'm describing but all we have to label it with is this misnomer.
Discussing race relations would be easier if there was a softer word to put to it. "But No! Racism is racism. Call it what it is!" What would that accomplish? When has fighting ever helped truly solve problems. Diplomacy is more logical than combat, especially regarding such a contentious issue. Diplomacy is everything. Explaining someone's ignorance rather than becoming violent is the only way to actually educate people about differences rather than making them afraid to discuss them. "But that's what they want! To oppress and dominate!" Are you really oppressed if you have the power to teach someone about a racial experience they cannot possibly have for themselves? Empowerment exists if you are willing to reach for it; reaching for it doesn't even have to involve aggression or a great struggle. Oppression is what you do to yourself if you are caged away refusing to calmly discuss difficult problems.
Minority students growing up in a predominantly white world are closest to this empowerment. In my ideal world, there would be less of a racial divide and willingness to close racial gaps would exist. It is easy for minority students to believe that no one cares about their experience and how it differs. It is easy to believe that no one will understand. I am convinced, however naively, that people actually do care. At least they would if race relations were openly discussed. It is difficult for people not to care about issues that affect their friends personal lives as well as their social mobility.
I've always wanted to say this all at once. During a debate or conversation, when these thoughts run through my head, they are rarely as eloquent. I hope some reader sticks with this all the way through, passes it on and internalizes it. Then again, that's what any writer hopes for isn't it?
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