Race

Race

The “Official” Crib Notes to Understanding the Minority Experience

Posted on by Clay Rivers
Image by Michael Kristenson, unsplash.com

Prep

The parallels between understanding matters of race and taking an exam with a pass/fail grading curve are similiar. A bit extreme, but similar. It’s easy to say “you either get it or you don’t.” Granted there’s a whole lot more to it than that, but roll with me on that analogy.

Before we get to the answers, you have understand that given some people’s racial experiences, they’re response of “I’m tired of having to educate white people about my feelings …” is more than a little justified. It is a wholly valid response. I say that not to be dismissive, but we don’t ask a rape victim to recount the experience of having been raped or spell out the emotional horror that follows such an experience simply because we want to know. It’s just not done. Understand, I’m not throwing cold water on anyone’s desire to understand the experience of People of Color, but at its core the experience is human and more relatable then one might first imagine. I say that because, well … People of Color are human just as white people are human.

Race

You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But You Can’t “Make” It Stop Being a Racist

Posted on by Clay Rivers
Image by Oscar Nilsson at unsplash.com

The problem isn’t so much that some white people don’t understand “white privilege.” The problem is potentially two-fold. First, they may not understand it by that specific name. I’d never heard of the term “white privilege” until a few years ago; but growing up in the south, I knew it when I saw it exercised … even with my eyes closed. Everyone in these United States recognizes the concept of white privilege when they see it. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this 1-minute video from educator, Jane Elliott. 

Race

The Real Reason Your Can’t Understand Why Black Americans Are Furious

Posted on by Clay Rivers
Image by @MatthewHenry at unsplash.com

Here we are again. Another heaping of social injustice served up at the expense of another black life snuffed out with impunity. (Correction: expendable black life snuffed out with impunity.) That in the 21st century, groups of people find it acceptable and enable others to trample upon the humanity of others is a disgrace. These situations beg the question: why is it that some white people can easily grasp what Black Americans experience in the United States and others find it nearly impossible? The reason will not surprise you.

Race

“When I Look at People, I Don’t See Race.” The Myth of Color-blindness.

Posted on by Clay Rivers
VIRIN: 204700-U-HCW15–843.jpg, defense.gov

For some, it’s hard to believe issues of race, discrimination, and privilege still need to be addressed in 2017. But all anyone need do is have an in-depth conversation with a Person of Color about their direct experience in these matters to realize that racism is alive and well. With today’s polarized political opinions and rising numbers of hate crimes, it’s more important than ever that these conversations

Race

No Cuts, No Butts, No Coconuts: When Marginalization and Privilege Cut the Line.

Posted on by Clay Rivers
Image by Rob Bye, Unsplash.com

Let’s say you arrive at your favorite restaurant for a meal as soon as the doors open. You speak with the seating hostess and ask how long is the wait? She tells you there’s no wait and asks how many in your party. You respond one. (Roll with me on this, I hate eating alone in a restaurant, too.) She tells you to have a seat, you’re next.

Race

The Dreams of “My” Father

Posted on by Clay Rivers
Image by Pete Souza, The White House

Last week, I watched Lester Holt interview the forty-fourth president of the United States, President Barack Obama. During the interview, the two men covered much of Mr. Obama’s two terms. Midway through the broadcast, it occurred to me that Mr. Obama’s presidency is the fulfillment of so much of

Race

Understanding versus Empathizing in Regards to Racism

Posted on by Clay Rivers
Image by Annie Spratt

Referring to a recent essay, a question arose regarding my goal of getting people to “understand” what we black Americans are going through versus getting people to “empathize” with what we are going through. It was suggested that I “go for empathy rather than understanding.” The difference between the two is a subtle but major one that needs to be explored.

Race

The Reason You Can’t Understand What Black Americans Are Going Through

Posted on by Clay Rivers

Why is it that some people can easily grasp what Black Americans experience in the United States and others find it nearly impossible?

For Argument’s Sake

Let’s swap out Black Americans for short-statured people. No average-sized person can fully understand the challenges that we Little People face: the physical challenges of living in a world into which we do not inherently fit.