I feel like apologizing for some of my fellow white persons' ridiculous comments today.

[betsuni]

Demanding to be educated about this or that and then not listening, insisting that this whole race thing is blown out of proportion, the constant defensiveness, hostility and condescension. It's too much. Me, me, me, my feelings, my opinions, my definitions of words, my experience, me, me, me. This is very embarrassing. Stop it, noisy white persons. Use your brains, not your ego. This is what I've felt like doing all day:

[bravenak]

1. We love You. It is not your fault.

You are doing your part by helping us deal with it.

[betsuni]

2. Dammit, though. It is a big, hard job.

Bravenak, you are on fire lately. Having no more fucks to give is extremely liberating, isn't it. Your back-and-forths are incredibly fun! They would make a good novel.

[gwheezie]

26. So glad your back

This board was missing a ray of sunshine.

[bravenak]

40. I feel like certain folks go insane when I show up.

But at least they can leave the aa group alone now. I was reading while I was gone and wanted to let them know they are trolls.

[gwheezie]

41. They say sunlight is the best disinfectant

And that's how I think of your return.
It can only get worse ya know but I'm not runnin

[bravenak]

42. My god! I swear I wrote an innocent thread.

I said hillary did very well. And praised O'Malley (who I find alarmingly attractive).
It drove them mad. I did not even try on this one. I am shocked that an innocent thread blew them up like this. I wish I had a friend who could study this!!! This is strange as fuck!! Somebody needs to do something about this.

[gwheezie]

43. It's like Bernie is their dad

I appreciate enthusiasm but this borders on delusional. I know avid Bernie supports irl and they don't act like some of these folks.

[bravenak]

44. Serious. I get the annoying in person ones but DAMN.

It's like they see me as a whipping boy. Sad how they look.

[gwheezie]

45. I'm glad Bernie is running

I know a few of his supporters who were not involved in politics and now they are invested in the election and all but 2 said no matter what they aren't going to vote GOP because they are interested in the issues now. So I figure who ever the nominee is, these folks will be motivated to vote.
I was a HRC supporter in 08, my husband Obama. Neither one us thought the other was either sinister or a hapless fool. I was hugely disappointed with some HRC supporters when Obama got the nomination although the overwhelming majority of us voted for Obama. I was glad he got the nomination. Maybe if my primary was later I might have changed my mind to vote for him.
I have nothing against Bernie but he deserves the same vetting anyone else does.

[retrowire]

3. I have apologized.

And that's the best I can do, and it's all I'll do for that.

Again, sorry. I was selfish and let my emotion get in the way of my intent to listen. I hope you'll understand.

(and I really have to clarify this in my defense. I understand race relations. I just had a misunderstanding about how I fit into it all and how others perceived me. I don't want to be misconstrued as an oppressor or an ignorant person. Sorry)

[betsuni]

4. I realized after I posted that you'd probably think this was only about you, but it isn't.

I first read lots of threads over at GDP, and that's when I started thinking, "Don't speak!" Then I came here and saw your OP but didn't even read all the way through. It's all over the place. I really wish American schools taught anthropology or a least some sociology in high schools. Without the ability to be objective about one's culture, it's hard to see the patterns.

[Tipperary]

17. That poster thinks everything is about him. I have seen numerous threads from him

that I have decided not to comment in. Including the one posted here which literally blew me away in its utter ignorance. I will join you in your apology. I should have commented before. I was so taken aback that I really had no words.

[betsuni]

21. I saw the one posted here after it was locked.

I finally got around to reading the whole thing this morning and it's like watching all the train wreck gifs one after another, it just goes on and on -- the Titanic sinks, the Hindenburg crashes in flames, everybody runs away screaming....

[Tipperary]

22. You know, I needed a laugh. You said this so well

and I thank you for that!

[aikoaiko]

16. What thread or post are you apologizing for?

Can't say that I've followed all the GDP Threads lately, but I'm interested in knowing what you apologized for since I generally like what you post.

[retrowire]

32. this one

http://www.democraticunderground.com/118730682

I was distraught with feeling like the whole racist institution that was created by old white bigots was dividing us all from the understanding we could have with each other.

in the end, I realized I was making it about my feelings and not really understanding 2 things...

1. Not everyone is going to be my friend.

2. Many poc have their reasons to distrust me simply because of my race, even though that isn't right, that's just the way it is. and no amount of me whining about it will simply remove that. everyone has to evolve on that together.

meh, read it and decide for yourself. I forever want to stand alongside the black community and will continue to do so, regardless of how I feel.

[1StrongBlackMan]

33. Sighhh ...

in the end, I realized I was making it about my feelings and not really understanding 2 things...

1. Not everyone is going to be my friend.

2. Many poc have their reasons to distrust me simply because of my race, even though that isn't right, that's just the way it is. and no amount of me whining about it will simply remove that. everyone has to evolve on that together.

You learned the exact wrong lesson.

[retrowire]

34. please stop.

the only thing you're adamant about is changing my use of the word racism. my vocabulary is extremely small in priority compared to the greater issue.

so please, let it go.

[1StrongBlackMan]

37. I would think that one that is sincerely seeking understanding ...

and growth would welcome someone pointing out where one is going awry.

That thread (and your AA thread) held lessons, far beyond the definition/meaning of the word "racism."

[retrowire]

38. And those lessons

I have learned.

[1StrongBlackMan]

39. Not if this ...

in the end, I realized I was making it about my feelings and not really understanding 2 things...

1. Not everyone is going to be my friend.

2. Many poc have their reasons to distrust me simply because of my race, even though that isn't right, that's just the way it is. and no amount of me whining about it will simply remove that. everyone has to evolve on that together.

Was your conclusion.

[lovemydog]

48. A short word of advice.

If someone who knows more about something than me tells me I learned the wrong lesson, I would ask 'What lesson do you feel I should learn?'

I'm a white guy. I love learning. I love learning more from people who know a lot more than me. I've found 1Strong to be a very friendly and honest person who will gladly give kind advice if requested. He's also got tons of experience in matters way beyond this message board. So maybe when you're up for it, try asking him again.

I hope you have a good evening and a good week ahead.

[retrowire]

49. it's not really a big deal

my disposition with 1sbm is literally about the usage and definition of a word. my vocabulary is the least our worries. so I'm not worrying about it. thanks for the words.

[LanternWaste]

53. That was the most self-absorbed post I've read on DU.

That may have been the most self-absorbed post I've ever read on DU, regardless of how you rationalize it otherwise. Self-absorbed, or simply so impossibly blind as to defy belief (which is why I bet on the former rather than the latter).

[retrowire]

54. i apologized

but it's not really that bad of a crime to feel bad that a system divides you from those you wish you were closer to.

[Number23]

5. It's Halloween today and there must be a full moon parked straight over GDP right now.

That's the only thing I can think of to explain the lies, the stupidity and the cringe-inducing cluelessness blanketing this web site today.

It is even worse than usual and DAMN that tells you everything you need to know.

[betsuni]

6. Indeed. Did everybody turn into werewolves?

I think it's the worst ever.

[JI7]

7. blm protested Hillary

which is exactly what many black people said would happen during the whole outrage over other candidates being protested.

but many of these people who decided to spread conspiracies and attack black people at the time now suddenly have a different view.

they still haven't figured out that these issues have little to do with clinton, sanders, other candidates and the election itself.

[Number23]

8. If I were to type what I wanted about these people I'd be banned from this web site

(And trust when I say that would be no great loss or have even the tiniest impact on my life.)

These people are so dishonest, hypocritical and full of shit I can't take it. I honestly can't. Hillary could have handled that whole thing much better. I would have loved for her to have brought the protesters on stage.

But these folks whooping and high fiving each other (and of course, one special fellow has already jumped in with his typical and beyond boring "look at me! Look at me!" OP on this matter which is nothing but BS as usual) are full of it. Like you said, they are simply INCAPABLE of seeing that this has nothing to do with Sanders, Clinton or anybody.

Bernie handled the BLM protests terribly. Hillary could have handled the one today alot better. They chanted for 30 minutes before John Lewis allegedly calmed them down and they were lead out. There was nothing for anyone to be embarrassed or even upset about. All of this crowing in GDP from folks who were screaming for BLM to be jailed a few months ago is so fucking stupid and disingenuous and I'm sure that no one is surprised by one single person doing it.

[emulatorloo]

19. To put it very very mildly, I share your frustration over the intellectual dishonesty on display

Several of the high-post count/high profile/multi-op per hour posters have long employed a pretty unscrupulous scorched earth approach.

They pretty much will say anything, and intellectual honesty is a liability if that's the way one chooses approach political discussion.

And if I wrote what I really thought I'd be banned too.

[Kind of Blue]

14. Thank You.

"they still haven't figured out that these issues have little to do with clinton, sanders, other candidates and the election itself" when unarmed PoC are killed and brutalized right now, yesterday, tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that...

Nothing they say right now can make black lives matter. But it could surely help, IMO, if they urge Congress on pending actions in their stump speeches, like Conyers' End Racial Profiling Act. Or even use Loretta Lynch as a prime example of why laws are not enforced. It would center focus of their platforms on what's happening now instead of waiting for them to "save us" in the future.

[Starry Messenger]

9. There are a lot of gifs on white opinions that would be perfect today.

Last edited Sun Nov 1, 2015, 08:48 AM - Edit history (1)

Sadly they'd probably get hidden.

Edit:

[betsuni]

12. They would be hidden and a big stink made about "swarms." Argh.

[Lyric]

24. Jury results. I was #6.

What a shame, looks like somebody can't alert-stalk the AA forum for a while!


On Sun Nov 1, 2015, 03:32 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

There are a lot of gifs on white opinions that would be perfect today.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1187&pid=30826

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

"There are a lot of gifs on white opinions that would be perfect today."

Racist trash. Dismissing a large segment of our society - the majority in fact - because of their skin color is not progressive, and does nothing to foster better race relations. This is right wing divide and conquer bullshit.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Sun Nov 1, 2015, 03:41 AM, and the Jury voted 0-7 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Oh bull. Alerter is welcome to go to a different forum if they dislike the AA forum.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future

[JustAnotherGen]

25. Thanks for this

Someone got all up in their feelings over a post? Nothing Starry wrote broke TOS or community standards.

And of course - the alerters never come forward. I triple double dog dare them to fess up to what they did.

[gwheezie]

27. For the love of God and all things holy

This is not about white people, Bernie or Hillary. Poc are being killed and jailed.

[Kind of Blue]

31. ^This! n/t

[betsuni]

28. Oh dear, the alerter tried so very hard and all in vain.

Also too, these sorts put scare quotes around "white."

[Behind the Aegis]

46. As an FYI

On Sun Nov 1, 2015, 04:49 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

Oh dear, the alerter tried so very hard and all in vain.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1187&pid=30917

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

"these sorts"

Seriously? "These sorts"? Is that the kind of dehumanization we allow on DU? First they came for "these sorts", but I did nothing because I wasn't one of "those sorts".....

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Sun Nov 1, 2015, 05:05 PM, and the Jury voted 1-6 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation:
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: saying these sorts is weasel language sneaking in personal insults and you know it. What part of the TOS that banned personal insults was not read here?
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Another day, another stupid alert.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: While I find the comments provocative I don't think they were meant to be malicious.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.
[hr]
I must say I really dislike everything turning into a Martin Niemöller poem. I saw nothing in your post which was "dehumanizing" whatsoever or I would have voted to hide it.

[betsuni]

47. These sorts of alerts are such a waste of everyone's time.

I didn't know I could speak weasel. Thank you for letting me know about the alert.

[JustAnotherGen]

50. You gotta be kidding me?!!!!

You gotta gotta gotta be kidding me!

Yes - these 'sorts'. And now we know some tool from the Disgustingist Forum is on here acting the fool.

[Starry Messenger]

29. Ha! Maybe I should edit one of those gifs into my post there.

Thanks for giving up your alert privs for the day, alerter. Wow, just wow.

[betsuni]

30. Heh, perfect gif.

[Starry Messenger]

36. It's an old fave.

[Squinch]

10. Ugh, betsuni, I am so totally with you on this. It makes me cringe.

Why is it so hard for so many people to understand this?

And more often than not, when you calmly point out to those people what they are clearly doing, they act as if you have shot their mother, and then insist loudly that they "haven't got a racist bone in their body." I always want to say, "maybe not in your bones, but there sure is a lot of racism in your head!"

[betsuni]

11. I know!

I'm an idiot and I understand it, can't be that difficult.

[1StrongBlackMan]

35. LOL ...

I always want to say, "maybe not in your bones, but there sure is a lot of racism in your head!"

[heaven05]

13. +1

[randys1]

15. I went thru this for years on another board where I was constantly apologizing for my fellow

white assholes.

One of my closest Black friends kept telling me I was missing the point, to stop apologizing for them, and to focus on the cause and mostly to educate myself, me, as to why US white people act like this.

She repeatedly asked me to take community college courses in Black history, for example, which I never did.

Anyway, I feel for you and what you are feeling.

Sometimes when it gets real bad, I do something that reminds me (and hopefully them) that we are all the same and deal with the same issues, such as

The funniest skit in the history of the world...now this is sexist, misogynist, so maybe not a good example...but come on, this is god damn funny

[betsuni]

23. Well, this is my first apology because it's really gotten out of hand.

I want to slap some sense into people. It's all unnecessary.

I think that skit is incredibly funny. Have you seen "I Said Bitch Part 2"?

[randys1]

52. Part 2? No, damn, how did I miss that, or did I?

watching it now

"Never should have left space"

[heaven05]

51. life is funny

[SusanCalvin]

56. OK, that was hilarious.

Thanks for showing me something new (to me).

[mcar]

18. Good OP

I agree completely.

[lovemydog]

20. Yes. That's exactly how I feel too betsuni.

I love that clip from Bullets Over Broadway.

'Don't speak!'

[SusanCalvin]

55. I don't even know what recent things this is in response to,

But I've sure seen enough of this in general.