DOUBLE STANDARDS OF RACE IN AMERICA

White people see themselves as the golden standard of humanity, even though they only comprise twelve percent of the world's population. People of Asiatic descent make-up over thirty percent of the world's population, while persons of African-lineage follow suit at roughly nineteen percent of the global population.

World-wide, White people are the true minorities of this planet, yet the long-lasting effects of their cultural hegemony and imperialism has established an international consciousness that pepertuates the superiority and normalcy of Eurocentrism(whiteness), while Afrocentrism(Blackness), Asian-centrism, and Indocentrism are continually reduced to a comparable status of irregular inferiority.

Surely, a White person would never explicitly announce the subordinate status of another culture in American society, but it's very noticeable in the actions of Caucasians throughout the nation.

Throughout my lifetime, I've seen White people denounce and question my culture via their actions. I've experienced it as a Black man who's been trailed by law enforcement officers for simply walking in a predominantly White neighborhood. I've felt it when a White person wonders why I'm such an articulate individual, as if being a well-spoken person was something reserved for "Whites Only."

I put forth an earnest effort not to despise White people, but it isn't easy; I know I am judged from the moment I enter their peripheal. I wonder, "Do they see a thug?" "Am I viewed as a menance?" "A criminal?" "A crook?" "A violent, angry nigga ready to wreak havoc in their space?"

I cannot say for sure. I'm not pyschic, but I am excessively observant. Throughout the years, I've noticed a number of double-standards that soldify the notions of racism that persist in my consciousness. These occurences are listed below:


#1: Group of White Kids vs. Group of Black Kids
Since childhood, I've noticed the differing stimulus responses that a large crowd of Black children receive in comparison to our White counterparts. Whether at the mall, the movies, school, or simply walking the streets-- a crowd of Black teens has always been viewed as deviant. We are followed by store managers, security guards, and other authority figures who keep a watchful eye over us to ensure that we don't incite a revolutionary riot. Contrarily, large groups of White teeny-boppers aren't given the same amount of scrutiny, nor are they met with the same amount of apprehension. They are allowed to do as they please, and unconsciously revel in their priviledge.

I became conscious of this phenomenon as an adolescent in Dallas.

The State Fair of Texas opens its gates for state residents at the beginning of each Fall semester. Annually, free tickets are distributed to Dallas area students,
however schools with predominantly Black and Hispanic populations are always sactioned to attend the State Fair during the last weekend of its run; extra security and police officers were always present on our days to attend. Moreover, vendors and State Fair workers aren't cordial to the droves of Black and Brown faces.

Why is this????????????????????????


#2: Loud White Chick vs. Loud Black Chick
Recently, a boisterous Caucasian chick nearly ruined my dining experience as I hung with a group of friends. This particular young lady possessed an extremely obnxious, loud, and annoying voice that could be heard throughout the cafe. I was sure of her sobriety; in fact, my friends and I uniformly turned and gave her the "STFU" look. Apparently, she didn't receive the message as she continued shouting at the top of her lungs.

At one point, I randomly mentioned the White priviledge that was taking place before our eyes.

My Black female friend and I, both discussed the contrasting perceptions that would have abound, had the loud woman been a person of color. We theorized that a Black woman in the same early-to-mid 20s age range would have been labeled as "ghetto," "country," "hood," and other degenerative descriptions??

Moreoever, resturant staff and patrons would have spoken to her about her volume and behavior had she been a Black woman.

Why is this?????????????????????????


#3: Texas Relays vs. SXSW Music Festival
Texas Relays and SXSW Music Festival are both annual events held in Austin,TX. Both events draw large crowds of individuals from around the nation. However, one event draws a huge Black crowd, while the other draws a enormous White crowd. Both are held in the downtown business sector of the city. Both generate huge cash revenues for the city, yet the city of Austin still treats the Black vistors who descend upon the city for the Texas Relay weekends as a security threat!

Security is beefed up throughout the city, sections of the freeway are shutdown, and shopping centers are forced to close early by Austin P.D.

None of these "security precautions" are taken for the SXSW Music Festival, in fact, I cannot remember seeing a policeman or security guard during the SXSW Music Festival.

This is another case of race discrimination. Black people are once again treated as second-class citizens and unruly criminals!

Again, I wonder.... WHY IS THIS????????????????????????????


#4: Negative Images of Whiteness vs. Negative Images of Blackness
Another case of White Priviledge plays itself out in the media. Television shows such as Married With Children, Malcolm in the Middle, Jackass, Roseanne, Jersey Shore, My Name Is Earl, All in the Family, and Mama's Family are entertainment programs that portray the imperfections of Caucasian-American families.

These T.V. families are far-cries from the pristine Huxtables, but they are allowed to do that without the worry and stress of portraying postive representations of their race.

Why?? Because, White America already views Blackness as something that's dangerous, different, and deviant; this forces African-Americans to continually present an image of ourselves that changes the mind of White America, while also making us digestable to them.

We have to prove our humanity on-screen. This sickens me! As a people we have yet gain the liberating freedom to portray such perceived "negative" multifaceted images of ourselves without receiving criticism.

The film "Precious" is an example of what I describe. It is a well-written, acted, and directed film, but the images presented conflict with "Strong, Black, Sophisticated, and Intelligent" that we fight to have seen on-screen.

Why is this????????????????????????????


#5: Barack Obama vs. John McCain
I'll keep it short and simple! Barack Obama is a genuis! He graduated top of his class from Havard Law, yet his crendentials for president were always questioned during his run for president during the 2008 elections. Conversely, John McCain finished dead last in his collegiate class.

Now, let us think for a minute. If a Black man was running for president and happened to graduate last in his class; he wouldn't stand a chance with the media. Conservatives would cry "affirmative action candidate," while the remainder of the general public would simply be validated in their opinions of Black Americans.

If Barack Obama were White with his Harvard Law credentials and work-history as a junior-senator his ascension to the White House would have been a breeze along a paved yellow brick road. Additionally, the Tea Party would not exist.

Again, why is this????????????????

Unbalanced standards of race persist in this nation, and all I can keep saying like Socrates is, "WHY IS THIS?????????????????????????????"