Comments on: Don’t be an annoying white person at work

By: Leah

Leah — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:52:56 +0000

To me the suggestions in your post seem like common sense and basic politeness. Of course, it is always helpful to be reminded of things in a concrete way. And important to be reminded that there are lots of people who are still out of touch enough that they could use these suggestions.

By: sanfran

sanfran — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:10:15 +0000

Private schools promote ignorance and bigotry. It’s how they make money - scaring asians and whites away from dark skinned people.

By: Sam

Sam — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:39:51 +0000

Hi everyone,

Interesting blog. I just want to add some points about prejudice in the US as an outsider. I am an African residing in the US. I went to school and I’ve been in the work force for quite a while. Growing up in Africa, I was taught by a diverse group of teachers both africans and europeans. I used to be very open about the world as I have never been judged by how I look like (color of my skin). My experiences in the US changed my whole perpective about people of other race. I had to remind myself constantly not to be caught up in the whole ‘labeling’ and ‘boxing’ culture of America. Most americans when they first see me (before I start talking) they will think I am african american because I am not very dark skin and fit in the ‘african’ they have in their mind. So, some white americans who do not like african americans will try to ‘not look into my eyes’ and all kinds of their usual actions against the ones they think I am from…. then later on when they find out I am not an american they tend to loosen up.. The african americans will smile at me and try to be my ‘friend’ at the beginning. Then once they know I have a different background and outlook in life.. they tend to have a problem with me as I do not gang up and box myself with either boxes they all tend to belong.
Basically, I found americans not to have an open mind to make friends and deal with people who is of a differenct background or race. Here in the US one of the greatest experiences I have is meeting people from different cultures, I have friends from China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Caribeans and other Africans… When America is such a great place to meet and learn about each other, typical americans do not take an advantage of broadening their horizons and see beyond ‘labels’…..

By: mel

mel — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:37:55 +0000

You actually are the annoying white person. I’m so tired of white appologists and their wealth of knowledge on racial relationships. If this article was written by a minority who has actually had these experiences, I would take more credence in the opinions of the author. How about writing an article titled “Don’t be an annoying black person at a movie theater”. i’m sure you actually have experience with that.

By: Karla

Karla — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:32:48 +0000

Don’t be an annoying WHITE person… isn’t this statement racist? Plug in any other color here to run the test.

By: fedup

fedup — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 21:41:30 +0000

In response to Shirley who posted last. The article is garbage to you, because you want to be the racist that you are. You are probably too scared to confront an African American person. Just like most racists. You walk around with that look on your face and do petty racist acts. If an AA acted like some of the references in the article tells you not to do, we would be dismissed rather quickly. I hate that term “you are taking yourselves a bit too seriously.”. When you walk a mile in someone elses shoes then you really give an honest opinion.

By: Shirley

Shirley — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:04:43 +0000

“So basically walk on egg shells around black people if you’re white. Lovely. At least the double standard is growing, maybe it will grow to a size that will begin to be obvious to the mainstream and then we can move on with our lives. Ever think people take themselves a bit too seriously?”

Seriously! This article is garbage.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:04:48 +0000

So basically walk on egg shells around black people if you’re white. Lovely. At least the double standard is growing, maybe it will grow to a size that will begin to be obvious to the mainstream and then we can move on with our lives. Ever think people take themselves a bit too seriously?

By: David

David — Tue, 08 May 2007 18:19:41 +0000

Penelope, great article - I’m fast becoming a fan. If you get the opportunity sometime, read some Crit Theory (Critical Race Theory) books. You’re in an interesting position being a Jewish female, with a biracial child. And you have a platform from which to comment from time-to-time. My diversity anecdote came from Southern Cal when Chuck inquired of me re: recruiting. I basically responded that players just want to play at the highest level. As you know, the vast majority of recruiting for women’s’ volleyball is via the “club system.” I basically conveyed to him that players, who don’t have access to the clubs, could “fit in” the program (previously the only players of color were biracial). Sure enough, Chuck began to expand his recruitment activities, which I believe was for the better. Heterogeneous society, inclusion is always, besides you may pass up good talent in following the status quo.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:13:36 +0000

Dave, that’s perfectly fine and you seem to possess a desire to learn when discussing such a sensitive topic such as this. It’s a discussion I would look forward to and wish to set up such a debate. I don’t mind ignorance. It’s the fact that so many people refuse to learn and actually wish to indulge in their ignorance like a chocolate cheesecake.

Given the tone of hostility with such a topic, it’s driven by one reason and it was Randy’s simplistic and misleading idea that somehow stereotypes seem to affect everyone, across all races, evenly. This is definitely not the case; as I proved above, white stereotypes of minorities can lead to mass discrimination while minority stereotypes of whites have limited projection since it’s not likely for minorities to negatively influence their personal economic and social success of whites.

The first step is for the white community to acknowledge that they already have an advantage in this country simply for being white. While personal success obviously involves self determination, society is not equal. A large part of the problem is that white individuals in this country who think minorities have a heads up with policies such as affirmative action, history month, and culture clubs, don’t understand this specific concept of white privilege and they absolutely refuse to believe that maybe, just maybe, they might have it easier than anyone else.

This why I believe the country is not going to make inroads into this debate for at least a few decades. We’re (all races) are simply not mature enough for it.