It's a white thing. I wouldn't understand. It has been a very tough year being white. Competency has been challenged, from the presidency, to professors on our own campus, to Rush Limbaugh going deaf. I guess the pressure of being white ruptured his eardrums.
Other groups have had their moments but none have been hit harder than whites. O.J. Simpson was back in the limelight, along with Mike Tyson and Allen Iverson, but none could rival our presidential debacle. It still boggles my mind why you spend 50 million for a job that pays just over $200,000 unless you plan on getting it back hook or crook.
With some investigating and critical analysis I have come to the conclusion that being white in America is by far the most difficult human position to hold. The former ideology placed a black woman in this position, but I've come to correct the flaws in my thinking.
I now have to wonder why the suicide rate is not much higher for white women with the ridiculous expectations of beauty placed on them by American society. Everywhere you look there is an advertisement or video showing these skeleton-thin women in clothing that the so-called "average" women could never wear, allowing only the smallest portion of female society to be able to adhere to these standards.
Whites also have to be politically correct in speech for fear of being called a racist, homophobe or male chauvinist. Why can't white people say what is really on their minds? If a black is dumb, why can't they say it? Are blacks the only ones allowed to extrapolate on their communities' shortcomings? That does not make a white a racist. Honest, not racist. A wise man once said, "don't ask the question if you don't want the truth."
There is also the ridiculous expectation of white wealth and prosperity. In this country, many whites believe other white individuals have no excuse to be poor or be without the perks of white privilege. It is not to say that whites should lower these expectations, but many whites continue to look down on blacks while looking even further down on their own because so much is expected.
Many blacks have used the psychological excuses of racism, discrimination and marginalization for their lack of socioeconomic advancement. Whites do not have this luxury. A black can always fall back on the cusp of "I'm black" and leave it at that. Whites must adhere to an already saturated field of competitive whites and now foreigners.
When expectations do not measure up, whites do not have an accused oppressive society to fall back on. The reality that many whites have to deal with is that they may not be good enough. That can be devastating when a society expresses overtly and covertly that a prosperous life awaits.
Not everyone can be at the top. However, many whites still strive for that one spot. Only so many spots are available for owners, CEOs and presidents. Many whites have placed this goal as the benchmark of success. Few allow themselves the opportunity to enjoy the journey by focusing too much on the destination. If you enjoy the ride, it doesn't matter where you go.
When it comes to dating, whites do not have the freedom to choose cohabitation with someone of another race without the stares of their peers. Many blacks tend to think they are the one the askance looks are placed upon, but it is whites who frown on their own. The unspoken language of the day is that you have just taken a step down on the evolutionary ladder if you couple with someone of a different race or color. It's hard to be white.
Many whites even have to be cognizant of their occupational choices. Many are chastised when choosing a field that is deemed by society as a liberal, helping career. Many whites are told that anyone can teach, do social work or counseling. If they really want to live well, they should go into computers, law, accounting or engineering. The reality is that not everyone can be one of the above. There are only so many positions available. This is where the unrealistic expectation of white prosperity comes in again.
An idealistic mastermind has sold many whites the false assumption that a better life is predicated on white birthright. The days of aristocracy are all but forgotten. The so-called playing field may not be completely equal, but it has expanded to include just about everyone. This includes those lower socioeconomic hillbillies from the Appalachian Mountains of America's second quadrant as well — even if they make many whites look bad on "Cops" and "America's Dumbest Criminals."
Every society has its nigga'. Right now it is whites. They are taking the hit for every challenge facing America today. Citizens of Middle Eastern decent have also vaulted over blacks as the second-class nigga'. The oppressive hierarchy in America is in a state of flux.
I guess it can be a white thing, but I do understand.
Carlton Hamilton is an African American studies
and sociology major. Reach him at
chicago14@prodigy.net.
