White Pride; Negative Connotation

#76
#76
To get to the subject of "white power" I would say that white people tend to celebrate their race in more individual ways. For example, I have Austrian lineage. I take pride in knowing my great grandparents came to America to allow me to exist, but I consider myself American. I wouldn't think of this as "white power." I guess I don't understand why black people are referred to as "African American." Usually that term is meant to refer to someone who is from African and obtained American citizenship, like Irish-American or Chinese-American. It's like me saying I am Anglo-American.

If white people started a history month for white people than it wouldn't go over well. It would be considered racist. I'm not really sure why this is but society says it wouldn't be favorable by other communities.

The sad part is that most people don't really notice how they look or where they come from until someone points it out. For example, a white girl could grow up in a black community and depending on how that community treats her, she may or may not even realize she is different. Its about perception. I had an Asian friend in elementary school and at the time I did not even think of her that way. She was just Joyce.
 
#79
#79
RespectTradition said:
Just curious, how do you define racism?
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For me it is often a moving target but the definition I rely upon is that of Merriam-Websters:

a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

Sorry if this seems like a cop-out. It is quiet difficult to come up with a bright line definition for what racism is, as it can vary depending on the situation. So much in fact that I have occasionally had to ask myself "is that racist?" :loco:
 
#80
#80
trevols81 said:
The term seems to have been hijacked by extremists.

I'm a mutt but I am labeled a caucasion. I'm a 4th generation American on my mother's side and not sure about my father's side. It is muddled. I take pride in all the countries of my descendants(England, German, Ireland, and Scotland are dominate). But, mostly my pride comes from my immediate family. Every generation has raised the bar, so to speak. Being "white" has nothing to do with my pride.
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dominant*
 
#81
#81
Nerd-Vol said:
Hi all. I have a question I wanted to pose to you the loyal forum folks.

As a Black American, I take a great sense of pride in who I am and my race. I am proud of what my people have accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. Admitting this would not bat an eye from most people. In fact we track and chart the achievements of minorities in all fields of human accomplishment.

I ask you all why is it different for White Americans? Why does the term "White Pride" have such a negative connotation? Is it deserved? Does it bother you as a White American?

This is me being honestly curious, because I find it weird how when someone says "White Pride," images of cross burnings and swastikas come to mind.
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Good post! I have often wondered the same things. As a white male I am very proud of my background and heritage, however I am told by society that I cannot be. But if someone of another race or sexual orientation says "black pride" or "gay pride" then society embrasses it. I think everyone should be proud of who they are and where they come from.
 
#82
#82
volinbham said:
Who doesn't? If I get a chance to meet or know someone I see them as individuals.

Are you saying you have no preferences on race, weight, height, education, etc.?

Having preference or finding a common link even if it happens to be race connected is not what is meant by racism IMO
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I do have preferences. I think that for the most part they are harmless. It is when you let them spill over into actions that negatively impact other people that they are wrong.

I think that there are a certain type of preference that automatically harm others. Racial preferences are one of them. Sexism is another.
 
#83
#83
IBlvNTmWrk said:
Why should pride be a color (e.g. black or white)? I've never thought about it in those terms at all. From a pure pride perspective, I'm proud when I accomplish things that were difficult... I'm proud of my family (at least some of them)... I'm proud (most of the time) of our military and those who volunteer... and I'm proud of people in general when they exceed expectations (regardless of color).

This is close to what I was trying to get at. I don't really see the need to label groups as having powers. It's more like individual power and basing power off of one's abilities and achievements.
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#87
#87
The word "racism" has lost a lot of its meaning to me. It's what people use when they don't have a solid argument.

I think a lot of people get tired of the double standard... "Why can you do or say x but it's racist if I say or do it?"

Nothing wrong with being proud of your roots... but for racism to ever truly not exist, these terms are going to have to end. I will say both white and black people are starting to admit to that. I think The O.J. Simpson trial changed a lot of things in this country. It pointed out racism on both sides... and people decided enough was enough. Before that, this conversation wouldn't have taken place.

Hope that makes sense, I tend to ramble when I'm sleepy.
 
#88
#88
RespectTradition said:
I do have preferences. I think that for the most part they are harmless. It is when you let them spill over into actions that negatively impact other people that they are wrong.

I think that there are a certain type of preference that automatically harm others. Racial preferences are one of them. Sexism is another.
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So Nerd's liking of Lewis Hamilton in part because of his race is harmless. Kimi Raikonen or Reubens Barichelo (sorry for butchering these names) are not negatively impacted because he likes LH.
 
#90
#90
Nerd-Vol said:
For me it is often a moving target but the definition I rely upon is that of Merriam-Websters:

a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

Sorry if this seems like a cop-out. It is quiet difficult to come up with a bright line definition for what racism is, as it can vary depending on the situation. So much in fact that I have occasionally had to ask myself "is that racist?" :loco:
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Pride | Define Pride at Dictionary.com
a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
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Note the highlighted portions.

I would think racial pride would automatically qualify. Since it is pride (feelings of superiority) based on race.
 
#91
#91
volsforever27 said:
The word "racism" has lost a lot of its meaning to me. It's what people use when they don't have a solid argument.

I think a lot of people get tired of the double standard... "Why can you do or say x but it's racist if I say or do it?"

Nothing wrong with being proud of your roots... but for racism to ever truly not exist, these terms are going to have to end. I will say both white and black people are starting to admit to that. I think The O.J. Simpson trial changed a lot of things in this country. It pointed out racism on both sides... and people decided enough was enough. Before that, this conversation wouldn't have taken place.

Hope that makes sense, I tend to ramble when I'm sleepy.
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The OJ trial changed things in this country, for sure. But racism will only be forgotten when older people die and their descendants(both sides of the fence) forget what they said and/or were a part of(either actions or thoughts).
 
#92
#92
What about Black History Month? Women's History Month? Affirmative Action? Do these things help or hinder progress?
 
#94
#94
volinbham said:
So Nerd's liking of Lewis Hamilton in part because of his race is harmless. Kimi Raikonen or Reubens Barichelo (sorry for butchering these names) are not negatively impacted because he likes LH.
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I guess its a case by case in some ways. Liking LH because of his race may not harm anyone. Liking Obama because of his race may cause an economic imbecile to be elected to the white house. It's the same principle, just for different stakes.
 
#96
#96
RespectTradition said:
Pride | Define Pride at Dictionary.com


Note the highlighted portions.

I would think racial pride would automatically qualify. Since it is pride (feelings of superiority) based on race.
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Interesting points but you are only pointing out one aspect of pride, while pointing out the main part of racism so I think the comparison is flawed to a degree.

Further I think that is best to compare definitions to their own dictionary.

I find the Merriam-Webster definition of pride to be more suitable, ignoring the part about lions and dancers.


1: the quality or state of being proud: as
a : inordinate self-esteem : conceit
b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect
c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>

2: proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : disdain

3
a : ostentatious display
b : highest pitch : prime

4: a source of pride : the best in a group or class

5: a company of lions

6: a showy or impressive group <a pride of dancers>
 
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#97
#97
Spartacavolus said:
Both
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I think they helped at one point and now they just hinder. Take for example Affirmative Action. It is supposed to stop discrimination but aren't you still discriminating regardless of whether it is used positively or negatively? Can't we just look at their achievements and not linger on their race or sex?
 
#98
#98
i have to races in my world

the working race and the not working race

if you wake up each day and work then you are ok with me

if you do not...i wish you dead
 
#99
#99
Rasputin_Vol said:
Are you sure you are a brother? :unsure:

:blink:
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I've often wanted to ask you that very question. Before you get all flustered, be aware of the fact that almost my entire left arm and shoulder are port wine stain birthmark red, so I'm allowed to question people of color, because I am, too.
 
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