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The History of White People

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anotheoldgit | 12:37 Mon 17th May 2010 | News
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http://www.independen...an-learn-1974929.html

This rather lengthy article on a controversial new book, The History of White People, is rather interesting.

To make such claims as this ("Barack Obama is, to all intents and purposes, white. Not because he had a white mother but because of his educational background, his income, his power, his status") the writer would have to be black or there would be cries of racism.

It was in fact written by a black American historian,Nell Irvin Painter and entitled 'The History of White People'.

Precious Williams who reported on the book, and is also black stated:

/// At a recent dinner party I mentioned that I was reading Painter's The History of White People. A friend sitting opposite me casually remarked that she feels very proud of her family history – and of her race (she is white). There was a stunned silence among those seated around the table. The subject was swiftly changed. Later, one of the other guests (also white) leant over and whispered to me, "I hope you're not offended. She's not usually such a bigot." ///

/// So, merely admitting that you like being white makes you a social pariah? What's wrong with liking being white? Or black? Or both? Or something else? ///

This I agree.

.
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I notice you're casually changing someone's words to suit your own agenda (again).
She said she was proud to be white - you change that to she liked being white.
I like being white, but I don't see it as a source of pride but an accident of birth. If I'd been born black, I'd probably like that too - although black people suffer a number of disadvantages in this world, not of their own making.
i'm a straight white english male and i'm damn proud of it, if you dont like that , then tough schit
I am white and proud of it, I have firends who are black and proud of it. It seems to me you are the one playing with words Rojash. Why do you have a such a chip on your shoulder.
Try stopping looking ofr the worst in people. You'll live longer !
" although black people suffer a number of disadvantages in this world"

perhaps they should do something about it rather than always waiting to be handed whatever it is they want on a plate....fat chance
The ststement that Barak Obama is to all intents and purposes White because of his background would likely cause outrage whoever said it because it touches on a sensitive truth.

That the idea of race genetically speaking is abject nonsense, people tend to characterise peoples race by visual hints which are genetically speaking very minor.

The speaker is intimating that the notion of race is mostly cultural.

I disagree that Barak Obama is white though because if you want to know what "race" someone is the best way is to ask them.

Obama will tell you he's an African American
and he will also tell you hes not a socialist
Tony Blair told us he wasn't a Socialist, and ten years and two disastrous wars later, I believe him.
bazwillrun

You speak from a position of heroic ignorance.
Baz - you totally misunderstand what this thread is about and your comment 'I'm a straight white english male and I'm damn proud of it, if you don't like that, then tough ****'

That is what Oldgit is agreeing with in the article, last quote of his, that you can be white, black, brown, purple, orange etc all differences should be accepted, as Precious says in her excellent last paragraph that 'denying the existence of differences inhibits us from celebrating our diversity in all its glory.'

Precious disagrees with the statements made in the controversial book she reviews and her arguments are good.
Precious is basically saying the author Painter is wrong to argue that 'race is a fluid social construct' and that 'white-race never really existed'. Painter defeats her own arguments by calling Obama and herself 'white'.

As Precious points out that Painter depicts white as being regarded as upper-class, educational, rich, civilized and black is regarded as the opposite as uneducated, poor, disadvantaged and therefore when a black person improves socially or economically or by education then they are regarded as white. This is wrong Precious says.

Precious cites her own history as well as examples of post-racial society to highlight the conscious and unconscious effects of racism upon generations. She says that 'race is to be celebrated, not swept under the carpet.' - Whatever a person's race is - whether white, black, green etc that race links to a 'cultural heritage and lineage' that one should be proud of.

So Baz, its nothing about anyone not liking you saying that you are a 'white english' male although why you say 'straight' I don't know. I don't know what you are trying to prove to yourself?

The only argument here in Oldgit's post is his opinion then that 'the writer would have to be black or there would be cries of racism.' I think that is sterotypical prejudice but then that is his opinion and maybe he should read the article linked many, many more times and add to that thoroughly.
youngmafbog,
Quote from woman "proud ... of her race"
Quote from AOG "liking being white"
I'm not playing with words, AOG is. If you don't know the difference between "to like" and "to be proud of", the problem is at your end.

bazwillrun
Most of the disadvantages that black people suffer in this world are due to the fact that their countries were conquered by white men, they were enslaved by white men, and they are still discriminated against by white men.
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If your eyes were not so blinked, you would notice that the bottom paragraph is a continuation of what Precious Williams said, I merely copied and pasted them, hence the three slashes /// at the beginning and end of passage.

Then you use those two words yourself, in the same order that you accused me of using them /// I like being white /// and /// but I don't see it as a source of pride ///

So you 'LIKE' being white but you don't like to use the 'PRIDE' word.

People like you get so tied up on these racial matters, trying to show everyone how liberal thinking you are, but you go on to make a complete fool of yourself.

Since you wrongfully accused me I think I deserve an apology.
Seadragon would you pull someone up for saying Gay and Proud of it
i'm proud of who i am.

race, gender, creed or sexualtiy doesn't really feature in that fact.
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rojash

You are typical of the slave trade apologists, you go on and on about the slave trade, which incidentally was started by blacks.

Since you obviously have not read the report, written by a black person, I will copy and paste yet another passage for your convenience.

/// Prior to the transatlantic slave trade, white-skinned people were not routinely held to be more elite than blacks. In medieval times, it was largely whites who were the slaves. ///
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rojash

Your Avatar, is that you trying with all your might to get that chip removed from your shoulder, or is it you falling on your sword?
Of course not, Sodit.

I just thought it was funny that Baz needed to state that he was 'straight' in a thread related to race with no reference whatsoever to sexuality. I thought it was really funny.
Seadragon there are plenty of threads where no reference to sexuality is mentioned and someone likes to point out that they are Gay and Proud.

You must P**** yourself at those, I will leave you to have a look around and wet yourself
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