In my attempts to engage on a discussion about race I've learned a bunch of stuff. A lot of it having to do with the views of races outside of my own and how they perceive race issues. I'll be honest and say that it wasn't very surprising but it still helps to shape my view of things in this country and indeed a few other countries. Thanks World Wide Web!
I've previously talked about the issues minorities face in this country but one thing I've discussed is how whites feel in the middle. Not the people that are a genuine problem but the white people that want to make a difference and want to be a positive influence or even just the ones that don't want to be a part of the problem. They told me something I knew but still sucks to hear... they are still treated like the problem. They have minorities verbally attack them for perceived racism when there really is none. Hell, I've seen it happen plenty in life as well. It's not fun when anger is shot their way for simply doing their job or some other slight that, honestly, isn't remotely race based.
I have no idea how to handle that. Other than, of course, just talking about it in a public space so that people can come to understand each other a bit more. I know some people think I'm being ridiculous but I don't really care. I believe any healing to be done is with open discussion. Open and honest and understanding. Which brings us to the unfortunate thing I've learned.
I've had two experiences with two different people where in they simple can not and will not try to understand a way of thinking unlike the one they have lived in all their lives. They can't see others with issues and grievances without blaming the people that are speaking up for themselves. I'll be blunt... they are two white men that speak from a point of oblivious privilege. They are blind to their blindness. When called out on this they throw the exact same thing back at others that are trying to get through to them in some way shape or form. They don't want to listen they just want to be heard.
These are the people I have the hardest time dealing with. It gets under my skin and I just get angry. I stop caring about trying to have a civil conversation with them when I see they can't do so and I honestly just kinda blow up at them. This doesn't help matters at all and I kinda regret blowing up instead of just walking away... at times. I don't always feel bad for the words I say.
Look all I ask is that people try to honestly relate to each other and understand each other. Shouting people down for daring to speak up about the state of race relations only deepens the divide. Don't blame black people for the way they are treated. Don't blame white people for being ignorant of it. Listen to black people and realize these issues are real and let them know that you are trying to get it. Listen to white people and try to tell them that you don't blame them but want them to get it and to help make others get it.
BUT, and there is a huge but, when having this discussion PLEASE don't let the difficulties of minorities get shouted down by the difficulties of the majority. It's not equal, it's not fair and it's not an honest conversation. It's just someone hiding from an uncomfortable truth.
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