The following is a cross post from Daddy B Strong. He wrote a post in response to our post about the Black Male Privilege Checklist by Jewel Wood. We’ve been dancing around in circle about a single section from the list for a week, but I thought I would throw in a male perspective before I eviscerate some of the comments from the first post. Please note AGAIN. I didn’t come up with the Black Male Privilege Checklist, that would be a Black man, Jewel Woods.
For the record, I reject the notion that the victims of oppression can’t engage in oppression. I also reject the notion that the fact that there is another group that may have MORE power does not preclude the exertion of what power you DO have over another less powerful group. If you are dead broke and one the street, that doesn’t preclude you from exererting power over someone who is weaker or more vulnerable. In addition, I reject the notion that the Black community can make no progress or address internal issues within the community until racism has been completely eliminated. The victims of systematic oppression out to be setting the gold standard for human rights and social justice instead of coming up with reasons why we must deny, delay or dilute introspection. Here is the cross post….
“Black Men, You are Privileged.” Really?
“What I did not yet know so intensely was the hatred of the white American for the black, a hatred so deep that I wonder if every white man in this country, when he plants a tree, doesn’t see Negroes hanging from its branches.”
-- Jean Genet
“For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed? ”
–Bell HooksGina over at whataboutourdaughters, one of my favorite blogs, is facilitating a discussion about “Black male privilege.” The daddy thinks the discussion is overdue. The discussion hinges around what is called a “Black male checklist,” which includes a list of “privileges” that black males have over black women. Gina says that this checklist was created by Jewel Woods and she quotes him as saying that, in his experience, black males seem to have the most problem relating to the idea of male privilege. No kidding? Here’s the list and the daddy’s open letter to Jewel.
The Black Male Privileges Checklist
Leadership & Politics1. I don’t have to choose my race over my sex in political matters.
2. When I read African American History textbooks, I will learn mainly about black men.
3. When I learn about the Civil Rights Movement & the Black Power Movements, most of the leaders that I will learn about will be black men.
4. I can rely on the fact that in the near 100-year history of national civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and the Urban League, virtually all of the executive directors have been male.
5. I will be taken more seriously as a political leader than black women.
6. Despite the substantial role that black women played in the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement, currently there is no black female that is considered a “race leader”.
7. I can live my life without ever having read black feminist authors, or knowing about black women’s history, or black women’s issues.
8. I can be a part of a black liberation organization like the Black Panther Party where an “out” rapist Eldridge Cleaver can assume leadership position.
9. I will make more money than black women at equal levels of education and occupation.
10. Most of the national “opinion framers” in Black America including talk show hosts and politicians are men.Dear Mr. Woods:
The daddy is aware that there are more examples of this so-called black male privilege on your list, but these 10 give me a good sense of where you’re coming from. Let’s look at checklist #7, about men going through life without knowing about black women’s history. True, but black women can, and do, go through life without knowing anything about black women’s history, or women history, or worker’s history, or African history, all of which is part of world history. Is that about black female privilege? No, it’s about a white male-run system historically set up by white men but maintained by white men, white women and a few people of color to keep not only black males but white America ignorant of its true history.
Take checklist #2 about reading history and only learning about black men. This is supposed to be an example of black male privilege.
Are you kidding me? Let’s think this through. While it may be true that people read in their textbooks primarily about a few black men (usually black ministers and a couple of scientists), take it from a black guy who has taught in school: much of it is negative and depressing. In textbooks, black men are viewed as cotton picking slaves in general, or rebellious slaves ala Nat Turner, lynched black or imprisoned black men (Scottsborough boys, Hubie Leadbetter) accused of murder or rape, murdered black men (Emmit Till, Medgar Evers, Dr. King Jr., etc.) women-hating, women-raping black male prisoners (Eldridge Cleaver, e.g.), violent black male militants (Huey P. Newton, e.g.), violent black male crazies (Robert Williams, e.g.), bu k-eyed, face-painted, tap dancing and singing, happy-go-lucky steppenfetchits good for a lull in an action movie or comedic relief (Thanks, Hollywood). Want to know why black kids, male of female, hate to study or talk about black people in school? Because it depresses and humiliates them! Black privilege, huh?
I could go on forever, but the point is that the fact that a few black men are mentioned in textbooks should not in any suggest black privilege or the notion that black men are in lock-step with white males to control black or any other women. Black men were, and still are, viewed in negative, disparaging terms: criminals or potential criminals and terrorists and walking phallic symbols waiting for the chance to “deflower” somebody’s white daughter– even if he is a happily married black guy with a resume that includes a Harvard law degree and running for president of the United States! But this is not about black male privilege; this is about using the negative perception of black male criminality and savagery to keep whites and blacks from joining hands to improve conditions for all Americans. That’s not about black male privilege; that’s about the maintenance of white male supremacy.
Mr. Woods, if you’re going to have a discussion about black men and black women, here’s what the daddy suggests:
1. Scrap the term privilege. It’s a divisive, loaded term that distracts black men and black women from having a quality discussion.
2. Scrap the male patriarchy paradigm. It’s inaccurate, outdated and divisive. It’s inaccurate because it puts black males, even working class males, on the same par with rich white male corporate owners and worldrunners who pit black and whites against each other in this country, and American workers against third world workers in third world workers abroad.
3. Come up with a different paradigm, a paradigm that allows for historical advantages that have been accrued to black males over black females but, at the same, allows for disadvantages for black men as well. Presently, the daddy is looking into the concept of kyriarchy, which he got from Tami over at whattamisaid. Tami cites an author who talks about kyriarchy as “…the human tendency for everyone trying to take the role of lord/master within a pyramid. At it best heights, studying kyriarchy displays that it’s more than just rich, white Christian men at the tip top and, personally, they’re not the ones I find most dangerous. There’s a helluva lot more people a few levels down the pyramid who are more interested in keeping their place in the structure than to turning the pyramid upside down.”4. If you’re going to include a checklist about so-called black male privileges, include the disadvantages as well. Want to start a checklist for that? Let me help you: Black men are the most hated group of individuals in America. Black men are the least likely to be hired for a job in this country, even if they have no jail record, even if they are as qualified as a white guy or a black woman. Black men are the most likely to be denied housing. Black men are the most likely to be stopped by cops (caretakers for a corporate-owned state), beaten, arrested, hauled off to jail, and made to serve jail or prison terms that are disproportionate to the crime.
Let’s be clear: Including any checklist about some so-called black male privilege without so much as a bow to the disadvantages of the most hated group of people in the United States is intellectually dishonest and culturally divisive.
If the daddy had any illusions of privilege, they went out of the window on that fateful night when, as a youth counselor taking some kids home, white cops surrounded his SUV, called him a nigger and a monkey and dared him to do something about it.
Now Mr. Woods, does that sound like privilege to you?
———————————————————-
61 comments ↓
I teach my own kids about black history and I like to focus on the strength and dignity of the black man and woman in America. We’ve succeeded, in spite of the attempts of others to keep us down. I always felt, in a sense, that I “owed” something to those who came before me. Many did well, under horrible circumstances. My circumstances aren’t nearly as bad. How dare I do less? I try to get my kids to see life from this perspective as well.
So, I am a black woman who feels that I am privileged.
But, more often than not, when I hear some adults talk about black history, it seems to be used as a crutch or a built in excuse.
“Johnny can’t read, but it’s because of the intrinsic racism built into the government and educational systems, blah, blah, blah, blah.”
I’m not saying that system doesn’t exist. I’m not saying we shouldn’t seek to correct it. It does exist, we should correct it. But, even during slavery, there were people “truly” dying for an opportunity to read.
I’m sick of excuses, even legitimate excuses. At the end of the day, they’re still excuses.
“The black man is the most hated in America.”
My grandfather used to say, “Get over it. Drive on.” Concentrate on that…if it makes you stronger. But, if isn’t making you stronger, it eventually makes you weaker.
As for teaching black history in school, I don’t trust a school to do it. They haven’t taught regular history right, why should I think they would teach black history correctly. I don’t want a school’s “spin” on it.
I don’t care if the school is predominately black or white. I still end up spending my time correcting errors, clarifying or going, “Miss Jane said what?”
I want these people to “return” to teaching math, English, spelling, science, etc.
PS. I liked Jewel’s article. It was quite thought provoking. Now, I realize eventually people will write to prove they’re not privileged. That’s okay. I didn’t say anyone else was. It could certainly just be me.
I thought this was a discussion about black women? Why, yet again, has the focus shifted away from black women?
This man’s response is irrelevant. The question is, are black men hurting black women? The answer is yes. Black women have to forgive and go on with life. There are descent people in the world to share your life with.
Yep, irrelevant, as in not THE POINT of the discussion.
Muslim men generally are under stress in this society but you can’t tell me that they don’t have a load of privilege in their own communities.
The old “divisive” blame yt (“feminists”) trick. And always with the Oppression Olympics: Black men are the most hated. I don’t disagree, but I would say feared. Now atheists are the most hated (black folks really hate me
).
I mean really mod 2 said this on the other post:
“Women have an ace up their sleeve; they have the power to grant and withhold sex,”
Men don’t have this power? BTW, that’s not privilege. It’s called a right to bodily integrity.
Now if Sean Hannity said “YOUR discussions on racism keep America from being a color-blind society” folks would be up in arms.
He (not just daddy, the other posters) is attempting to deny not only our distinct experiences, but our self-definition and the manner in which we discuss our existence by sucking it up into the pseudonationalist (aka don’t divide the Community) paradigm!!
Read that quote again. It acknowledges the disadvantages that black men have vis a vis white folks and their privilege vis a vis black women.
I urge you [daddy] to check out some black women’s blogs on intersectionality.
These discussions are so tedious. Men and Women are both yoked to the survival of the human animal. EVERY man has a mother, a wife, a sister, an aunt and so on that he would kill another man to protect, talk to some bloke on an oil rig working for his wife and kids what he thinks about his MALE privileges. We live in and strive toward a politically egalitarian society, I don’t think any reasonable person would protest a heart surgeon if she happened to be black, asian, white or otherwise. Get off it, move on. Why do people need these straw dogs anyway?
Democrats Worried About Obama Losing
http://www.judiciaryreport.com/democrats_worried_about_obama_losing.htm
Interesting. Jewel’s article has turned into a discussion on “who has it the worst” black men or black women. I think changing the kaleidoscope towards this discussion neglects the very real issues that affect black women and this includes issues perpetuated by black men.
Yme…I understand your mistrust of the school system teaching black history correctly. But, I also know there are a whole heap of parents that aren’t talking with their kids either…so what do we do? I know several friends who didn’t know any African-American history aside from MLK and Rosa Parks. It wasn’t until they went to college and took a class in African American history that they begin to understand the wonderful contributions made by people who looked like them.
Okay, a relevant response with a focus on black women…
“Black women often have less privilege than White Males, Black Males, and White Females. It is a “darn” shame.
Many are crushed under the weight of external forces, and that is unfortunate. And, yet, many find ways to beat the odds and succeed.
It will be even more unfortunate, if this turns into a “but, we are so much more less privileged than our black brothers and we can prove it.” post.
I want us to find ways to encourage black women, especially young black women.
I wish we could create a television show that focused on the wonderfully powerful things that black women have done and do.
I would love to bombard our daughters, our nation, and our world with images of black women who succeed. And, success is all around us.
Not just with doctors, and lawyers, and educators, but just with strong black women who plow ahead and help us change our world. As black women, we should be a strong enough force to be reckoned with that big businesses would be “SCARED” to support low life rappers and our politicians would think twice before making policies that affect us negatively.
And, I think we could do that. Something Gina said made way too much sense to me one day. We could pool our efforts on targeted concerns and wield a lot of collective power.
Best respone yet!
As for teaching black history in school, I don’t trust a school to do it. They haven’t taught regular history right, why should I think they would teach black history correctly. I don’t want a school’s “spin” on it.
I don’t care if the school is predominately black or white. I still end up spending my time correcting errors, clarifying or going, “Miss Jane said what?”–YME
As a teacher myself, I know that you are spot on. Many times teachers are given “a list” of topics and themes to teach without room to present a broad spectrum of ideas. The books, topics, and themes for the most part are quite depressing. If a parent wants their child to learn the positive things about black history, it would be best to teach them at home.
There are some exceptions, but schools are generally negative when it comes to black history.
Whatever. If you have a penis you are implicit in the subjugation of women, period. Perhaps it’s unconscious, but you are still implicit. Any man who can’t see that is trying really hard not to.
White people who benefit from white privilege but don’t consider themselves racist still benefit from the privilege. And we’d expect them to realize this and try to fight against privilege within their communities so why are black men let off the hook?
I understand that the words privilege and black man in the same sentence may rub some people the wrong way but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. My husband is is privilege, especially in the work environment, because he can relate to the dominant white male power structure as A MAN. Even if they think of him as less than, he is still a MAN. They will make sexist comments about women in his presence and EXPECT him to condone them. Black women are so far removed from the white male power structure because we are neither white NOR male.
But whatever, people are going to see what they want to see.
Perhaps the Daddy could explain to me why a second list of disadvantages is needed??? Of all the things I read in the response article this bugged me the most.
A list of disadvantages would only serve to counteract and negate this list of presumed privleges BM have; thus turning the focus back onto BM and away from BW and removing any form of introspection on the relationships between BW and BM in the BC.
BW, whether justified or not, do feel that BM (by virtue of being born male) do have privileges that they do not. Instead of trying to argue about who has it worse in this society, why not accept that BW do feel this way and figure away to address it and work through it? IMO BW do acknowledge and accept that BM do have a hard time in this society, why can’t BM acknowledge and accept that BW have a hard time as well and part of that may be due to Black Male Privlege?
Still waiting for some one to give some solutions that doesnt require killing off the other side.
Not taking responsibility for the receiving the advantages of privilege does not diminish it for Black men. Racism and white men running things has nothing to do with Black men running trains on young Black girls, committing crimes or abandoning their children. Women do need to examine their support of Black male privilege at their expense or of assuming that the men are incapable of being productive citizens and perhaps pushing some away. This is a multi-layered issue and one that needs to be vetted from all sides, but NO EXCUSES ALLOWED!
Jewel Woods makes some great points but like his latest book, misses some opportunities that daddy made in his response.
big up to daddy
Gina: T
Thanks for including my response to Jewel Wood’s checklist on black male “privilege.” I just want to make two clarifications:
1. Someone said that my response shifted the discussion from black women to black men. Please remember that I responded to a checklist about black male “privilege” written by a black man. It called out black men being privileged and for acting so; so to me it was only logical to respond to that. If it were a checklist of black women’s privilege or oppression, I would have responded to appropriately to the focus on black women.
2. Although the article mentions the fact that black men are the most despised in American society, that’s not the sam as saying that it is comparing black men’s oppression to that of black women. Perhaps I could have written it more clearly, but it spoke to black men in relation to white society and its institutions (schools, business, housing, law enforcement, etc.). But it hints at perhaps a more important point:
3. We need to figure out better ways not only to critique each other or, as Bell Hooks says, hold each other accountable. We need to be more patient and more open to understanding the complex configurations of power arrangements in this country and how it affects us in our relationships. White men– generally speaking– don’t want to do it because, for the most part, they gain the most from it. White women-for the most part- don’t want to do it because it would expose to a greater extent their relation to those with the most power and their complicity historically with those who have oppressed others in this society. Some black men and black want to do it but, in my opinion, lack the patience or openness that is required. It’s far easier to pick out of the air readily-available words like privilege from a readily-available paradigm (male patriarchy) that no longer fits.
Frankly, that’s what I think people like Jewel has done: rather than a rigorous analysis, he made up checklist like he was going grocery shopping. It may make him a hero to some women feminists, but to me it’s a copout.
But through discussions likes these, I’m hoping that black women and black men can find better ways to communicate with each other, as we work together to raise our families and improve our communities. Blessings.
I think that the daddy missed the point completely. There is a such thing as black male privilege. It does not equal white male privilege obviously, but it is still privilege. Just like light skin privilege doesn’t trump white privilege but it is still privilege. Within the black community black men get first and sometimes only consideration. When black men are murdered, we cry, scream, and shout. When black women are murdered or raped we are silent. Enough said.
The black men commenting here are not saying that there is no black male privilege, or that there aren’t some black men doing bad things to black women. We are simply saying that there is also black female privilege.
As the WAODs say we won’t acknowledge BM priv., we say the WAODs will not acknowledge BW privilege.
“If you have a penis you are implicit in the subjugation of women, period.”
We’re not falling for the guilt trip any more. I’m not sorry for being a male, nor will I ever be.
Mod2 why are you even here. Nobody on this blog has ever asked you to apologize for anything. they fact that you are saying such indicates that you feel you have something to be guilty about. Second what guilt trip????? Isn’t the point that the Black community tends to IGNORE or in your case, demean and disparage the concerns of Black women?
For the life of me I don’t know why you would come to a blog called What About Our Daughters in the first place. Why you would encroach on a space for black women and declare you don’t give a rip or order us to “quit yer whining” as you did in the last thread on this topic. Perhaps, rape, torture and murder of Black women is something you are tired of hearing about, but you have plenty of places where you can go to ignore those issues.
In fact I invite you to go do something better with your time than belittle, demean and disregard the thoughts, views and concerns of Black women. In other words… THIS AIN’T ABOUT YOU! If you think so little of the blog then leave. Hit the bricks.
Second, Jewel is no hero. I think I made it clear that he is opportunistic. But the list is a good discussion starter. It especially illuminated some black men’s desire to maintain their “Most Oppressed Person” status. Fine, you win the “We’ze the most downtrodden people on planet earth” Award. Now that we’ve recognized your Most Favored Victim Status, can we now move on.
“Mod2 why are you even here.”
Because I like this blog a lot.
Because I enjoy hearing things from various vantage points.
Because of my wife and daughters, I like to stay up on women’s issues.
Of course, you wouldn’t be asking me that if I was drinking the Kool Aid.
@ Mod 2
Who said anything about apologizing for your biology? That’s exactly my point – black men like you see what they want to see. Black female privilege? LOL – please enlighten us!
And before you start to pull out the black man vs black woman in the eyes of white folks card, pump your brakes.
Anytime a black woman is pitted against a black man BOTH sides lose. Which is why we have so much dysfunction in our communities in the first place. Black women exceeding in the workplace still does not translate to two-parent, stable homes for black children. Communities with households run solely by women are more likely to be violent even if the women are “making money”. So black women are still at a disadvantage.
What other privileges do we have? Black men still make more money than we do, have an easier time buying a home or a car AND are less likely to be physically assaulted.
It’s not about you vs. me but it is about examining how black men contribute to sexim and how we can *possibly* have a discussion about it.
Is it so hard to admit that you benefit from being a MAN – even if you don’t get the same credit and opportunities as white men?
Sheesh…
“Anytime a black woman is pitted against a black man BOTH sides lose. Which is why we have so much dysfunction in our communities in the first place.”
Exactly
I’m done.
It is obvious that many do not want to see the other side of the equation. I know you get it, as I understand your side, but oh well…
Mod 2
“Anytime a black woman is pitted against a black man BOTH sides lose. Which is why we have so much dysfunction in our communities in the first place.”
I am trying to wrap my head around a mentality that equates Black women who air legitimate grievances about ANYTHING with “pitting” ourselves against Black men. Oh somehow laying blame for the dysfunction in Black relationships at the feet of Black women.
Maybe I spend so much time pointing these things out is because we ignore them and then we wonder why we’re dysfunctional. We don’t have ANY problem with Black men airing their grievances against Black women or other Black women who air those grievances against other Black women for them.
If I put up a post about Baby Mamas Gone Wild, there would be a whole lot of AMEN-ING up in here.If I put up a post about Black women behaving badly, there would be no protests at all, but a post about Black men…and we’re hand wringing to make sure that egos aren’t bruised, or we don’t participate in the further oppression of Black men. Black men have no porblemm defending themselves as evidenced by these two threads. Black women have no problem defending Black men as evidenced by these two threads, but Black women who speak out or point out concerns of Black women have to hedge, have to qualify, have to make sure we don’t violate the dictates and mandates of a community that says under no circumstances are we allowed to have a grievance if the root cause of that grievance might be a Black man.
Of course I have to QUALIFY that and come back and say SOME BLACK MEN because otherwise we’ll spend another day with folks rushing in to make sure that an entire gender isn’t slandered yet, you can turn on any tv, radio or open any magazine and see Black women defamed all day long and we call that “popular” culture.
The truth is that in the African American community airing the grievances of Black men is POPULAR the same cannot be said for airing the grievances of Black women.
Some of y’all would have told Sojourner Truth to sit down and be quiet because she basically said the same thing. “Ain’t I a woman?” Am I not a human being as well. Don’t I deserve some protection and coddling? Don’t I deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Let me be clear. I have been blessed. I am not suffering. By all measures, I’ve been successful, but that doesn’t mean I can ignore those who are not similarly blessed and gifted. In fact I think all of us who have more have an obligation to speak out for those who do not.
To say that certain portions of our community are still being ravaged isn’t a failure to acknowledge that many of us are doing quite well. But is that “to whom much is given, much is required” pablum only applicable to Black men and boys?
Men don’t have this power? BTW, that’s not privilege. It’s called a right to bodily integrity.
No, it’s called a lesser sex drive that is often utilized for the purpose of manipulation.
Why you would encroach on a space for black women
But you are talking about black men (and basically doing so negatively).
When black men are murdered, we cry, scream, and shout. When black women are murdered or raped we are silent. Enough said.
I say that is a false statement and actually the reverse.
I am trying to wrap my head around a mentality that equates Black women who air legitimate grievances about ANYTHING with “pitting” ourselves against Black men.
The problem comes with the large number of illegitimate grievances.
Guess it’s really hard to keep a discussion on black women actually ON black women. It always gets diverted back to what I call “male default” yet again in a discussion of this sort.
What’s so hard about black men getting it together to seriously engage the things on this list?
But, once again, taking the spotlight off of women is an old patriarchal trick. Keeping 100% of the attention on the politics of black women, and on the critiques and abuses of men is a hard thing to do for most men of all colors. Because for men, it’s all about them all the time, and they can’t engage the criticism of their privilege. This response proves the feminist point, that men won’t honestly address THEIR complicity in maintaining the list and devaluing black women.
And it’s hard but hey a black man came up with this list, but again, black men don’t want to deal with this. Easier to be in denial I guess. Stay on topic!!!
“No, it’s called a lesser sex drive that is often utilized for the purpose of manipulation.”
Wow Rich. That’s rape talk.
“But you are talking about black men (and basically doing so negatively).”
So you are willing to defend the indefensible? The black male child molesters, rapists, woman beaters, and the like?
You dismiss the women who are standing/ calling for action on behalf of those who have been victimized as merely engaging in “negative talk”.
How sad and pathetic. If that isn’t warped I don’t know what is.
Ok, Rich, you revived me. I’m back.
“No, it’s called a lesser sex drive that is often utilized for the purpose of manipulation.”
“Wow Rich. That’s rape talk.”
Really? Rich is talking rape now?
“So you are willing to defend the indefensible? The black male child molesters, rapists, woman beaters, and the like? ”
Really? Show me one place on this blog where any male defended these things. That’s the Gender Card again.
“Guess it’s really hard to keep a discussion on black women actually ON black women. It always gets diverted back to what I call “male default” yet again in a discussion of this sort.”
Really? Is that what we’re doing?
@Mod2 , yes that is what you are doing.
In addition to being extremely dismissive of legitimate fears of women. But then again, that is just your male privlege showing. FYI, your “male privlege” prevents you from grasping how disturbing what Rich said my sound to a woman. But then again, your male privlege doesn’t require you to try to navigate a world filled with people who are biologically much stronger than you are.
Instead of belittling the comment and being dismissive, you might want to ask for an elaboration of what the comment meant. THAT’S what you would do if you were hanging out on a blog called WHAT ABOUT OUR DAUGHTERS for some purpose other than marginalizing the legitimate thoughts and concerns of Black women.
The idea that you would reduce concerns about child molestation, domestic violence and rape to playing “the gender card” is yet another demonstration of your “Black male privlege” you get the benefit of being cavalier. WE DON’T! You don’t have to maintain hyper vigilance to protect the physical integrity of your body. Where you go. Who you go there with. When you go. Men just GO.
This response proves the point, that men won’t honestly address THEIR complicity in maintaining the list and devaluing black women.
Yes. They just keep confirming Black Male Privilege comment after comment and they are oblivious. Which is why the man came up with the checklist.
“But then again, your male privlege doesn’t require you to try to navigate a world filled with people who are biologically much stronger than you are.”
Please explain to me why I am protective of my wife, mother, and daughters, and even BW acquaintances. I navigate that world by proxy.
For the 50th time, I never said there is no BM privilege. I said there is also BF privilege, which the WAODs refuse to acknowledge, and you say BM refuse to do the same.
This is a two-way street.
It is also unfair to imply that a man is “talking rape” or defending “child molesters, rapists, woman beaters, and the like” just because he doesn’t agree with you. That’s a guilt trip that ain’t gonna work with me.
“The idea that you would reduce concerns about child molestation, domestic violence and rape to playing “the gender card” is yet another demonstration of your “Black male privlege” you get the benefit of being cavalier.”
Please don’t spin my words. This implies that I do not care about child molestation, domestic violence and rape. That is very unfair. What I said in my last comment was, “Really? Show me one place on this blog where any male defended these things.”
That’s a far stretch from “reduce concerns about child molestation, domestic violence and rape to playing “the gender card””.
Wow Rich. That’s rape talk.
So when a woman uses sex to manipulate men, that’s rape? Please explain your reasoning.
So you are willing to defend the indefensible? The black male child molesters, rapists, woman beaters, and the like?
I was sure this discussion was about the notion of “black male privilege”. I’m not sure when “black male child molesters, rapists, woman beaters, and the like” came into the conversation.
You dismiss the women who are standing/ calling for action on behalf of those who have been victimized as merely engaging in “negative talk”.
I’m disputing that notion that black men are privileged over black women. You are the one using the crime victimization strawman.
How sad and pathetic. If that isn’t warped I don’t know what is.
It would be if that was the topic. Please read the posts carefully.
But then again, your male privlege doesn’t require you to try to navigate a world filled with people who are biologically much stronger than you are.
And your female privilege allows you legal and social protection because of your status as biologically weaker and will afford you faster response when in physical need.
And since you include biological “privilege”, I guess I am privileged because I don’t have to drop my pants to my ankles to urinate or because I can reach higher shelves than the average woman.
I guess I can turn around and claim female privilege because I will never have the opportunity to feel a life growing inside men or because I can’t have multiple orgasms.
At a certain point, it gets ridiculous. Males and females are different. Do you want to change that?
I will say that your black female privilege allows you to be extremely dismissive of legitimate fears and concerns of men. You have the privilege of society being nearly completely sensitive to you while I am looked upon as one who should be “manly” enough to grin and bare all troubles while remaining stoic as us males are supposed to do less we be labeled as punks.
For the 50th time, I never said there is no BM privilege. I said there is also BF privilege, which the WAODs refuse to acknowledge, and you say BM refuse to do the same.
Double standards is an example of female privilege.
Yes. They just keep confirming Black Male Privilege comment after comment and they are oblivious. Which is why the man came up with the checklist.
When did this man became the final word on all black men? Again, I ask, why is not Shahrazad Ali’s book the final word on black women since she is a black woman?
“For the 50th time, I never said there is no BM privilege. I said there is also BF privilege, which the WAODs refuse to acknowledge, and you say BM refuse to do the same.”
Isn’t the purpose of stating that there is also BF privilege to negate or diminish the subject of BM privilege? It’s basically saying yeah I have privilege but so do you so why talk about it. End of discussion. Stop talking negatively about me. It’s the same thing as presenting a list of negative aspects of being a BM alongside the list of privileges.
I will admit that there is female privilege, BUT that is not the topic here. The fact that you guys keep trying to turn the subject back onto female privilege and on the disadvantages of being a BM shows that you’ve never had to address or think about this issue personally. That’s called privilege.
We just keep going around in circles.
The problem comes with the large number of illegitimate grievances.–Rich
There are plenty of white men who call the grievances of black men illegitimate. Ever hear a white guy say, “if these black guys would stop acting like criminals, they wouldn’t be treated as such.” If you’re right, so are they.
For the 50th time, I never said there is no BM privilege. I said there is also BF privilege, which the WAODs refuse to acknowledge, and you say BM refuse to do the same.–MOD 2
OK, MOD. I truly believe there is black female privilege. The difference is, we don’t use it to devalue black men. I do hope to see us use it to advance ourselves.
There are plenty of white men who call the grievances of black men illegitimate. Ever hear a white guy say, “if these black guys would stop acting like criminals, they wouldn’t be treated as such.” If you’re right, so are they.
You know, the attempt at trying to parallel what I’m saying with what whites commonly say about black in general really isn’t going to help your case because I can actually see the parallels. I’m no liberal. I am actually rather conservative in many of my views. A statement like the one you say many white guys make, while simplistic, is not off base. As a people, we commonly do look for things to complain about and many of us will practically imagine things to complain about. We are quick to point the fingers at others for things that we basically do to ourselves and could easily solve ourselves. “Blaming the white man” is becoming played out nowadays and black women’s “blaming black men” trend is following right along.
OK, MOD. I truly believe there is black female privilege. The difference is, we don’t use it to devalue black men. I do hope to see us use it to advance ourselves.
Actually, devaluing black men is one of the prime uses of black female privilege. Female privilege in general seeks to pull males down for the sake of a perception of equity. If a woman declares her gender to be superior, she is applauded. If a man declares his gender to be superior, he is a sexist.
I will admit that there is female privilege, BUT that is not the topic here. The fact that you guys keep trying to turn the subject back onto female privilege and on the disadvantages of being a BM shows that you’ve never had to address or think about this issue personally. That’s called privilege.
Can you please tell me where females have ever had to address or think personally about female privilege? Anyone who has lived in this society for any significant period of time has experienced the constant barrage of finger pointing at men as being oppressors, chauvanist pigs, etc. etc. The feminist movement has had an enormous impact on society. The masculinist movement is practically unheard of. Women practically never have to face their advantages and that is their PRIVILEGE.
As for the fact that you can accuse men of not facing their privilege while totally disregarding that men have faced their privilege to a far greater extent than women have face their’s;
That’s called privilege.
Only men must face their privilege. Women don’t have to face theirs because their privilege is their right because “I am woman, hear me roar”.
It is also unfair to imply that a man is “talking rape” or defending “child molesters, rapists, woman beaters, and the like” just because he doesn’t agree with you. That’s a guilt trip that ain’t gonna work with me.
Men don’t have this power? BTW, that’s not privilege. It’s called a right to bodily integrity.
No, it’s called a lesser sex drive that is often utilized for the purpose of manipulation.
I’m not implying. I am saying that, yes, Rich is talking rape speak.
A woman’s right to bodily integrity is a statement that stands alone. It is what is it. A woman’s basic human right to be safe from physical and sexual assault etc. Her body is not public property – end of discussion.
Rich challenged that, which simply galls me because what sane, decent person challenges another’s human rights? Any guy that challenges that is a sicko.
First he minimizes, saying women merely have a low sex drive. As if that has anything to do with the topic or as if he would know personally. The fact that he is attempting to dictate/articulate/define a woman’s experience is ridiculous because he is not a woman and I am sure that it doesn’t end there with him or men that think as he does.
That is male privilege at its finest. I as a man can tell you, a woman, what you are thinking, feeling, and experiencing etc in the world and I am right because I am a man. My definition of your reality, even though I am not living it, is more accurate, has more weight, and should be taken more seriously because I am a man.
“The problem comes with the large number of illegitimate grievances.”
Just the fact that Rich thinks that he can more accurately judge what a legitimate grievance is for a woman shows a gross lack of respect for her humanity.
Furthermore he said that women use this [low sex drive] as a tool for manipulation.
All of those statements show a mental ownership of and entitlement to a woman’s body in the fashion of a rapist.
Yes, he is defending the indefensible: pedophiles, rapists, abusers etc This entire blog is dedicated to exploring/countering the ways that Black women are “getting shafted”. It ranges from the political, the social, and the psychological. There are numerous articles about BW and children who are missing, raped, young girls who are molested and impregnated, and women who were murdered.
The men that are committing the atrocities against Black women aren’t white nightriders, they aren’t asians, they aren’t hispanics- they are Black men.
If a guy can take all that in and just sum it up as:
“But you are talking about black men (and basically doing so negatively).”
Then I stand by my statement – he is defending the indefensible. There is nothing to debate or disagree about. The women were victimized and their perpetrators were overwhelmingly Black men. That is very cut and dry.
The fact that some BM are more concerned with the image of “most BM” who aren’t doing this at the expense of helping the BW victims of the ones who are, shows how all BM collectively contribute to the problem.
It would be nice if BM supported BW in maintaining their basic human rights, but if not, I don’t think it will be a deterrent to BW moving forward.
You know, the attempt at trying to parallel what I’m saying with what whites commonly say about black in general really isn’t going to help your case because I can actually see the parallels. I’m no liberal. –Rich
Actually, it helped my case a lot. I intentionally echoed a racist statement (note, it referred to ALL black men) and you admitted to seeing parallels. Not only do you appear to have a problem with black women, but you harbor negative thoughts about black men. Do you believe that all gripes from black males are nothing more than angst? Do you act like a criminal?
Actually, devaluing black men is one of the prime uses of black female privilege. Female privilege in general seeks to pull males down for the sake of a perception of equity. If a woman declares her gender to be superior, she is applauded. If a man declares his gender to be superior, he is a sexist.–Rich
Black female privilege isn’t based on superiority but how she’s perceived “externally.” The powers that be give privilege. For example, black women have the privilege of being less likely to become victims of police brutality and harrassment, racial hate crimes, to name a few. Black women did nothing to gain those privileges. They were “given” to us. One thing I can say is that evidence has been given on this blog of how black women are devalued by many black men. What evidence do you have that black women devalue black men?
I’m not implying. I am saying that, yes, Rich is talking rape speak.
And I’m saying that you are either telling a bold faced lie or simply have no clue of what you are talking about.
A woman’s right to bodily integrity is a statement that stands alone. It is what is it. A woman’s basic human right to be safe from physical and sexual assault etc. Her body is not public property – end of discussion.
Now that you’ve gotten than straw man out of the way, can we get back to your alleged “black male privilege” which is what is being discussed.
Rich challenged that, which simply galls me because what sane, decent person challenges another’s human rights? Any guy that challenges that is a sicko.
Do you tell such lies with a straight face? I have yet to discuss ANYTHING regarding rape. Your dishonesty and irrationality is sicko.
First he minimizes, saying women merely have a low sex drive. As if that has anything to do with the topic or as if he would know personally. The fact that he is attempting to dictate/articulate/define a woman’s experience is ridiculous because he is not a woman and I am sure that it doesn’t end there with him or men that think as he does.
First read:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4790313.stm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/lackingsexdrive.htm
And it is not as if you and others like you don’t repeatedly define men’s experiences. But the fact that you feel that you can define men’s experiences and men cannot define women’s experience is an example of your female privilege at its finest.
That is male privilege at its finest. I as a man can tell you, a woman, what you are thinking, feeling, and experiencing etc in the world and I am right because I am a man. My definition of your reality, even though I am not living it, is more accurate, has more weight, and should be taken more seriously because I am a man.
As you can see from the link, I am going by scientific research. And I’m going to call you out on any conclusions you make about the male psyche, though I’m sure you see making such conclusions as your privilege.
“The problem comes with the large number of illegitimate grievances.”
Just the fact that Rich thinks that he can more accurately judge what a legitimate grievance is for a woman shows a gross lack of respect for her humanity.
What is legitimate for you doesn’t have to be legitimate for others. Apparently, you feel that when a woman says that something is legitimate, it can’t be disputed. Sounds like privilege to me. When black men complain that black women generally have bad attitudes, are materialistic, are volatile, love to date thugs, are mostly overweight, etc. etc., do you consider their grievances legitimate?
Furthermore he said that women use this [low sex drive] as a tool for manipulation.
No, I said that a lower sex drive places women in a position to use sex as a tool for manipulation.
All of those statements show a mental ownership of and entitlement to a woman’s body in the fashion of a rapist.
None of those statements show anything of the sort. You are simply making something up because you have no logical reply.
Yes, he is defending the indefensible: pedophiles, rapists, abusers etc
Again you lie or simply don’t know what you are talking about.
This entire blog is dedicated to exploring/countering the ways that Black women are “getting shafted”. It ranges from the political, the social, and the psychological. There are numerous articles about BW and children who are missing, raped, young girls who are molested and impregnated, and women who were murdered.
None of which has anything to do with this alleged “black male privilege” that all black men supposedly benefit from. Continue your straw man tactic. It’s so transparent.
The men that are committing the atrocities against Black women aren’t white nightriders, they aren’t asians, they aren’t hispanics- they are Black men.
Yet, the discussion is about this “black male privilege” that all black men enjoy. Can’t defend the subject, try to change it and imply that the change is what is being discussed. Laughable.
If a guy can take all that in and just sum it up as:
“But you are talking about black men (and basically doing so negatively).”
Then I stand by my statement – he is defending the indefensible. There is nothing to debate or disagree about. The women were victimized and their perpetrators were overwhelmingly Black men. That is very cut and dry.
We are discussing “black male privilege” that all black men supposedly enjoy. Can you make a comment on that as opposed to your imaginary conversation on rapists and pedophiles (most of whom are white men)?
The fact that some BM are more concerned with the image of “most BM” who aren’t doing this at the expense of helping the BW victims of the ones who are, shows how all BM collectively contribute to the problem.
The fact that the vast majority of the victims of these men are black males shows your total lack of concern for the well being of the opposite gender no matter what their ages. You are a large part of the problem.
It would be nice if BM supported BW in maintaining their basic human rights, but if not, I don’t think it will be a deterrent to BW moving forward.
I love your demagoguery. “Basic human rights” LOL.
“The fact that some BM are more concerned with the image of “most BM” who aren’t doing this at the expense (sexist stmt) of helping the BW victims of the ones who are, shows how all BM collectively contribute to the problem (Gender Card).”
Yeah…really? We don’t care about black women? We don’t want BM rapists and abusers to go to prison for a long time? Really?
“A woman’s basic human right to be safe from physical and sexual assault etc. Her body is not public property – end of discussion. ”
Really? I didn’t know that…did anyone ever suggest otherwise? Where?
“Yes, he is defending the indefensible: pedophiles, rapists, abusers etc (desperate Gender Card, slapped on the table like a Domino at a black picnic) ”
Huh, What? Where in this blog has he defended the above type of criminals? Where…where…? That is an extremely mean and sexist thing to say.
It gets worse…..”All of those statements show a mental ownership of and entitlement to a woman’s body in the fashion of a rapist (Gender Card). ”
What a mean and sexist thing to suggest. You’re aligning him with a rapist. You need to apologize to him straight away.
Rich I know exactly what I am talking about and its not a lie. Also I find nothing laughable or funny about the conditions that many BW live and often die under.
Your words speak for themselves.
There is a huge connection between Black Male Privilege and the abuses of Black women and girls. All of my statements correlate to that.
Any man who tries to rebut the basic human right of the bodily integrity of a woman has a rapist’s mindset. I don’t care how many studies you post I stand by all of my previous statements.
It is a violation of human rights.
The fact that you attempt to deny Black women and girls a voice (of their own experiences and pain which allows these types of violence to continue) is a violation of human rights as well and a sad attempt to maintain that privilege.
“imaginary conversation on rapists and pedophiles (most of whom are white men)?”
Now this is just reaching. Rapists and pedophiles exist in alarming numbers within the black community. In some Black communities this abnormal behavior is even normalized.
“The fact that the vast majority of the victims of these men are black males shows your total lack of concern for the well being of the opposite gender no matter what their ages. You are a large part of the problem.”
Who in the hell in their right mind defends a perpetrator?? You are soooop sick! The fact that the perpetrator is Black is not a good reason. What sane person comes out and says they have more empathy for abusers than for victims??
“Yes. They just keep confirming Black Male Privilege comment after comment and they are oblivious. Which is why the man came up with the checklist.”
Quit using the man who wrote this as your Token Man.
“…why is not Shahrazad Ali’s book the final word on black women since she is a black woman?”
Your Sista, Shahrazad Ali, said in her book that black women who talk back to their Boo should be slapped in the mouth (!) She is a woman after all, so she knows better than I about black women…right?
Let me go tell my wife that….I’ll let you know how it goes.
In response, to daddy b strong’s post about bm privilege, I think one has to think not in terms of larger societal institutions but in terms of the institutions, organizations, businesses, political groups, families, and traditions that exist within the “black community”.
The question has to be asked are bm privileged in comparison to bw and black children in those environments?
I believe the answer is yes. Although more research into the ways in which black male privilege functions within the black community could help to clarify things.
My perception is as bm we have LARGE advantages over bw and black children in so called “black organizations, black families, black businesses, etc”, and that those privileges do create the opportunity for exploitation, abuse, violence, and most importantly a lack of focus placed on those issues affecting bw and black children.
I think any honest examination will bear that out.
I think the issue with discussing bm privilege or even issues with bw as a group for that matter is that much of the “criticism” of black people or discussion of so called black problems are rarely based on FACTUAL information, research, or logical thinking and imo that leads to most of the discussion following the American racist tradition of attributing behavior to “race”.
So sexism, violence towards women, rape etc amongst bm isn’t discussed from the perspective of the social conditions that are most likely to produce those attitudes and actions towards women, but are presented as some special “black male” malady that is endemic to black men.
You see that racist lumping in statements like black men mistreat black women, or black men don’t care about black women, or black men are sexist.
These statements masquerade as “empowerment statements” for black womanhood but truly are just a continuation of the racist ideology of race=behavior that victimizes black women as well.
So I think even though a lot of black male resistance to criticism about our privilege IS wanting to hold on to our privilege, I also believe that it is reaction to a way of thinking about sexism, about abuse of black women and children, that conforms to traditional racist thought about black manhood.
Because of the pervasiveness of the “black inferiority” thought process, so far it has proven to be VERY challenging for many to figure out a way to address so called black problems without stereotyping black people.
Most people FAIL miserably at it and no matter their intentions they end up drowning in large amounts of pessimism because fundamentally they believe like America believes something is inherently “wrong” with black people.
Rich, this is in response to some of your posts.
The fantasy of “female privilege” is much like charges of reverse discrimination.
While racism against black people is broad and society wide and can be SHOWN as such, charges of reverse discrimination are narrow, limited and usually ignore another group of white folks who are getting an even better deal than the so called advantaged minority group who are supposedly disadvantaging an extremely small group of white folks.
I find the same parallel with charges of female privilege, female privilege NEVER seems to extend into the realm of gaining political, economic, social, or military power you know the way male privilege bestows those things upon men.
Nah, female privilege always revolves around women “manipulating the sexual desires of men(what a “privilege”), or it revolves around individual women benefiting from the chivalrous acts of individual men towards women they usually have a romantic interest.
In other words, the very way that MEN define manhood, courting a woman to show that she is special to you, protecting the women you care about, providing for your family, etc and so on are part of our “mating rituals” for lack of a better term and not really female privilege.
Also, your comments about how black people think in terms of “blaming the white man” are fictional and imo ignorant.
Why I Hate Being Black #924
I wonder if you all ever take a break? Do you ever get tired of this? This is why I tend not to identify with Modern Black American culture… it’s so polluted with this stuff. It brings me down.
I can always count on seeing one of these posts at WAOD – ‘The How Terrible Black Men Are’ series. At least once a week, there is something here with that theme. Yes, the Black male is screwed up for the most part… I don’t need to be constantly reminded about how horrible the Black male image is… this isn’t news.
And once again, no one bothers to make a distinction between one kind of Black male vs. another. According to these women, Black males represent a monolith. All brown-skinned males are lumped together and labeled rapists, child molesters, gang members, violent criminals, drug dealers, deadbeats, and all around POS. Granted, a large portion of the Black “men” out there fit into that group…. I have no sympathy for them… as some of you may know, I absolutely hate the dominant image of the Black male that these men have helped to create….some are even making money off of this image. That’s why I hate rappers, rap culture, etc. There hasn’t been a more destructive force in so-called “Black America” (whatever the Hell that is) in the last 20-25 years. They are literally a Cancer on those Brown-skinned men who don’t fit the demographic.
There are at least 25-30% of Black men out there who don’t fit these images that you all perpetuate here at WAOD. It would be a lot better if you spent more time lifting these men up (the smaller percentage) instead of lumping them all together with the other 70-75% to form one monolithic group….and then tearing the entire group down. I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t point out the problems… but the constant lumping together…and bashing- it’s not doing anyone any good. Again, we don’t need the constant reminders of how vile these men are and how bad the culture they represent has become. WE KNOW. The MSM images are enough in terms of constant reminders…. i’m something different every week…as defined by the wider society…and its media. And the 6 o’clock and 10 o’clock news is the worst (I can’t watch my local news… haven’t in at least 6 years). Can’t bear to sit and watch it. And the movies and Television shows are no better. But there is no shortage of variety. Monday I may be a drug dealer… Tuesday, a rapist. A Burglar on Wednesday. And ex-con on Thursday. A Deadbeat dad on Friday…. (and nope…no break for the weekend). Saturday and Sunday are covered too…
Point being… the lopsided images are enough. Some accurate…. for many, I won’t deny that. But it’s just lopsided. The MSM doesn’t need any help Gina. They have it covered. Hell, being Black and Male is worst than being Arab on Sept. 12th, 2001 at an American Airport. Just freeze frame that date…and that seems to be how bad it is…everyday.
I know these bashing fests are good from time to time… I do the same myself… but waod takes it to a whole new level. Overkill perhaps.
As for the article… the writer makes some interesting points… i’m not going to argue about the article, I just wanted to make my comments and leave… but i’ll say that the writer doesn’t represent me or many others….just because he shares my skin tone. The article is typical Black male vs. Black female fluff. There seems to be little scholarship behind the young man’s commentary. So I didn’t even bother with really reading it with any vigor. Try jumping in the shoes of a college educated Black man….and see how many times you are denied employment, then tell me about this Privilege nonsense.
But this is why I find myself not being interested in my Black female counterparts (for the most part)…. because of these attitudes. They are poisonous. “Oh Black men aren’t $^&&”….. it is so repetitive and mentally draining. And the issue of why Black women choose the worst they can find… (and suddenly these men represent all men) gets little attention… this is part of the problem as well. I’m particularly talking about the adult women who are victimized…not the children who have no control of the situations they find themselves in. But then again… the mothers/adults aren’t blameless when children are abused. These women are often responsible for introducing monsters into the household and putting their children at risk.
I think women like Gina are better than this stuff. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t highlight the plight of the children…and point out the Monsters. But the constant bashing and lumping together is tiring… tiring to read esp., over and over and over again.
You all are too smart and too talented for this. It would be better for you all to lift up those who are doing something positive…and who don’t fit this image that you have stuck in your brains about what a Black male is supposed to be.
The last big post you did in this vein was something about a Black Hebrew Urban Terrorist outfit out of NYC, with members who advocated Raping young girls. You presented them as being representative of all Brown-skinned men. I remember how I thought…wth? This doesn’t represent me or many of those I know. It was a cult group! lol
When I saw the vid of the guy advocating rape… I remembered thinking how I would shoot the Hell out of the guy if he came near any of my female family members, then call police for clean-up.
But your energies would be better spent using your resources to work on research and developing programs designed to help young Black women. I’d love to see a 100 Black Women Program established in every State or at least in every major metro…. and in every middle school, high school, and college in the Country… designed for young women between 11-21 years old. A program where young women could be paired with a Black female professional mentor for the entire length of the program (from age 11 on through).
Using most of your time and energy on solutions and positive outcomes…and highlighting positive images of Black men once in a while…. would create a less caustic atmosphere.
Although I still would like to read about the Urban Terrorists/Terrorism…the Dunbar Village Nightmares…. the shameful Black Civil Rights Industrial Complex…and the Garbage from the Black Rap/R&B/Hollywood Gutter Culture… It is important to point all of these folks out. Just don’t lump all of us in with them.
And women… get a White man (or someone from another ethnic group) if you have not found anyone in your own racial group or if you have reached a level of hopelessness that you won’t find someone in your racial group who fits what you want. I’m all for Interracial relationships. Perhaps I should set up an Interracial Match Maker Program for you all, lol. You might be happier.
I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t be mad as Hell about your social concerns… but there is mad or angry (which is fine) and then there is Poisonous. Some of the vitriol from Black women is toxic…
Here’s a hint for some of you…. the poisonous/toxic energy that you give off…repels even the good men (the 25% or so…give or take a few) who you might come across. I see/hear/and feel it from a mile away… it’s in your demeanor….and it isn’t attractive. I start running the other way before that energy gets anywhere close to me.
Here’s a hint for some of you…. the poisonous/toxic energy that you give off…repels even the good men (the 25% or so…give or take a few) who you might come across. I see/hear/and feel it from a mile away… it’s in your demeanor….and it isn’t attractive. I start running the other way before that energy gets anywhere close to me.
FIRST OF ALL, you are a LIAR. I have never posted any tape and made them out to be representative of ALL Black men. That is your impression. You come on here saying we are some how besmirching the virtue of ALL Black men by engaging in a wholesale assault on ALL BLACK WOMEN?
To make matters worse, Angry Independent, as usual, you go back to your childhood trauma where apparently none of the Black girls would date you and declare that dysfunction in Black relationships is attributable to Black women. Why do you even assume that this list is about man catching. See, that’s some more of your Black male privlege speaking Angry Independent. You love promoting the myth that somehow the Black family has deteriorated because of the ABW driving the MENZESEZ away.
Second, you can’t tell anything about people’s “energy” online. Although based on what I have read about you over the year, tis’ not IIII that have bitterness rolling from every pore of my body. In fact, I go out of my way to avoid hammering readers with posts about mayhem and carnage being committed against Black women because although it is TRUE, reading and writing about it every day takes a toll.
THIRD, it is not my fault that the 90% or more of crime committed against Black women and girls are committed by Black men. If the crimes were being committed by hispanic, asian, or white men then I would still post about them. But they aint’.
As usual you come in here declaring that you hate Black people and spewing your anti Black woman propaganda. You don’t know anything about any body’s demeanor. Speak for the women you apparently repel in-person. I know because, unlike YOU, I actually get out from behind my keyboard and meet readers and other bloggers IN PERSON. You can actually tell very little about people’s demeanors based on blog posts or comments. SURPRISE! Blog posts reflect what people are feeling about a particular subject or topic. It is not a reflection of their entire life or the sum total or their entire personalities. Or a defining character trait.The issues we talk about often bring up a visceral reaction. THEY SHOULD.
I laugh at you calling Black women vitriolic when you just came on here and left a 5 page anti-Black woman rant.
You don’t know what I am spending my energies on. If there were 5000 forums speaking about the issue I cover on this blog, I WOULD’T blog.
Last but not least, You got one more time to come over to my blog ant try to dictate what I should be posting about. I don’t go over to Mirror on America telling you what you should be writing about, don’t come over here and do the same. I respect your right to post about whatever in the heck you feel like posting. If I don’t like it, I can comment, post a response or ignore it. I am always boggled by bloggers who take it upon themselves to try to exercise editorial control over another blog. I have three blogs, trust me you don’t want this job.
People always like to come to this blog saying “Black women stop complaining and start talking about solutions”. In other words… “I am threatened by this discussion so I need to figure out a way to discount it and distract people from covering this topic.”
I laugh at the idea that somehow Black women all over the country are having a dialogue discussing Black male privlege. I knwo for a FACT that Black folks aren’t talking about the crimes being committed against Black women and girls because I get emails constantly saying “Oh My God I didn’t know.”
I have always said from the genesis of this blog. GO BACK AND READ that my role was to be the town crier.
After reviewing my posts over the past month, AI, your statements about daily reports of Black male criminal activity are lies. If you are going to libel this blog, you could at least be accurate. You act as if these stories are being covered everywhere and you know they aren’t . If this blog makes you uncomfortable then DON’T READ IT.
OH yes I forgot. Do y’all notice how AI loves to come on this blog and dictate what Black women need to be doing, yet admit that he has abandoned the Black community because we Black folks got on his nerves?
You can make this post Reason #925 why AI “hates Black people.”
Some of us might occasionally get on my nerves, but I don’t think you can do what many of us do if there wasn’t a lot of LOVE for the African American community. We don’t agree on the problems or the solutions, but I’ve never gotten the impression that the people who comment are unconcerned or indifferent. Even when they cannot appear to agree.
Immane73 said “So I think even though a lot of black male resistance to criticism about our privilege IS wanting to hold on to our privilege, I also believe that it is reaction to a way of thinking about sexism, about abuse of black women and children, that conforms to traditional racist thought about black manhood.
Because of the pervasiveness of the “black inferiority” thought process, so far it has proven to be VERY challenging for many to figure out a way to address so called black problems without stereotyping black people.”
Amen and Amen. It is a struggle, but the answer can’t be to ignore it completely. Thanks for this perspective. Where have you been all week?
iamme73
You are a case in point. You seem to simply not fathom the idea that unequal outcomes don’t necessarily equate to unequal opportunities. There are more women out there to vote than men and even more black women out there to vote than black men. Women will determine whether Obama is in office or not. And there are plenty of female/black female political office holders. Whether there is more or less depends on the number of women who enter politics and the number of women who vote for them.
Women get far less prison time than men for the same crimes. Gaining custody of children is almost automatic for women. Women get the benifit of double affirmative action. Surveys have shown that employees prefer black women over black men. The military protects women just as much as it protects men and women have just as much right to join as men (but choose to join much less) along with the privilige of not having to be on the front lines nor having to register for the draft. Women can go into professions such as police officer or firefighter under lowered physical standards. The myth of the wage gap has been practically debunked.
Let me ask you this. Are black women privileged because more of them are in college than black men? I mean, if a black woman goes to college, she has the privilege of seeing more who look like her than look like me right? Are black women privileged because much fewer of them are locked in prison than black men? Are black women privileged because much fewer of them are murdered than black men? Are black women privileged because they live longer than black men?
In other words, the very way that MEN define manhood, courting a woman to show that she is special to you, protecting the women you care about, providing for your family, etc and so on are part of our “mating rituals” for lack of a better term and not really female privilege.
The funny thing about this is that you will say that providing for your family is one way that men (and women also) define manhood, yet when men make more money than women you will not attribute it to this male priority, but will attribute it to your fantisy “male privilege”. You seem good at picking and choosing. And if you don’t believe that a popular trend exists in black America to totally blame white people or the system for everything wrong in black America (though there are many blacks who don’t do this), then you calling someone ignorant is the epitome of hypocrisy.
The Angry Independent said, “But then again… the mothers/adults aren’t blameless when children are abused. These women are often responsible for introducing monsters into the household and putting their children at risk. ”
Yeah, why don’t you WAODs go on and on about that? Talk about these irresponsible black women who choose not to use condoms, birth control, and avoid nice guys who will treat them right.
They date guys who they know are dogs and players. If a bro has platted hair, dresses like a rap video, or listens to nothing but rap, and can’t speak better than your 7 year old, chances are he is not dating material (duh!).
Don’t get with him, then pull the BW Victim Card when he slaps you up like Moe slaps Curly. You all usually push 3 or 4 nice men out of the way to get to a fool, then you complain about black men.
By the time your fool head realizes that you should have gotten with the nice bro who isn’t cool, and listens to Coltrane and Monk instead of this rap, he’s already scooped up and building a family and future with another sister.
We’re done here. Now we are just regurgitating and resorting to outright lies and distortion. Go get your jollies elsewhere boys. The romper room is closed. We’ll revisit this on Monday. I think you have made yourselves abundantly clear.