"Oh my god, you're SO white."

[stacey bo bacey]

Ok, I have heard this MANY, MANY times...sometimes directed at me. (Which I don't mind because I love that I'm white). But it's said as a joke or an insult.

HOW is this ok? I have long been fed up with this expression. What if I said, "God, you're SO black/hispanic/asian." My *** would be either beaten or called a racist.

How come every other group can get away with sneering, "Ugh, you're so white."

Even on the news tonight, the newsguy was like "...is the WHITEST sport *chuckle*." ?!?! And if someone dared to say on air, "...is the blackest sport *chuckle*.." what would happen to him?

This is ridiculous. What does everyone else think?

 

[Buttercup]

Lol! It's because whites have been the supreme power in the US so it's ok to put down whites. Those kind of insults never bother me but I know what you're saying.

 

[Watchmen]

I wonder...as whites become the minority in this country (when compared to all else), will it still be "OK" to make white jokes?

 

[ranjana]

i dont think anything is sacred; everything is up for a laugh!

 

[stacey bo bacey]

Lol! It's because whites have been the supreme power in the US so it's ok to put down whites. Those kind of insults never bother me but I know what you're saying.

But most individual white people don't think of themselves as supreme. So I find it insulting, especially since when they're saying it, they're pointing out behavior that is less favorable than "being" something else...say "being black"...so therefore white= lesser than being black, asian, hispanic, etc. Plus, wouldn't you say that fosters a stereotype toward white people? "Oh, you're so white" could easily be "oh, you're so being the stereotypical white person."

I wonder...as whites become the minority in this country (when compared to all else), will it still be "OK" to make white jokes?

Probably.

i dont think anything is sacred; everything is up for a laugh!

Oh, me too! Definitely. Just not when it's a huge double standard like that. :no:

 

[Buttercup]

But most individual white people don't think of themselves as supreme. So I find it insulting, especially since when they're saying it, they're pointing out behavior that is less favorable than "being" something else...say "being black"...so therefore white= lesser than being black, asian, hispanic, etc. Plus, wouldn't you say that fosters a stereotype toward white people? "Oh, you're so white" could easily be "oh, you're so being the stereotypical white person."

I think because whites have been the majority is the reason why it's used so much....we've always had the power (times are changing though).

I hear the term "white trash" said a lot, especially when referring to Britney Spears. I don't think it's comparing whites to blacks or any other race. It simply means "dirty white folks". But, sure, it fosters a stereotype. We live in an unfair world.

 

[whereismynotecard]

I agree with you, Stacey. Usually if someone calls me "so white" they just mean that I am really pale though. But yes, either all racisism should be allowed, or none of it should be.

 

[stacey bo bacey]

But, sure, it fosters a stereotype. We live in an unfair world.

True, unfortunately. Do you think you would shrug it off as living in an unfair world if this were affecting black people or another minority group, though, or try to remedy it?

 

[Mathematician]

Actually, I have told someone they're so black I mistook them for a shadow, but we were good friends.

 

[stacey bo bacey]

I agree with you, Stacey. Usually if someone calls me "so white" they just mean that I am really pale though. But yes, either all racisism should be allowed, or none of it should be.

Hahaha. Yea I'm really pale, too. I agree with your last sentence. Good point. :yes:

 

[stacey bo bacey]

Actually, I have told someone they're so black I mistook them for a shadow, but we were good friends.

Haha, that's funny. And yea, friends are different. My friends have said this "so white" comment to me, and it still annoys me but I let it slide because I know they love me, but I've often heard this from people I just met or didn't even know...and for reasons like listening to Led Zeppelin (or another "white" band ) and speaking with a larger vocab than 5 words.

 

[Buttercup]

True, unfortunately. Do you think you would shrug it off as living in an unfair world if this were affecting black people or another minority group, though, or try to remedy it?

To be honest, I don't take most derogatory comments about white people as really offensive but maybe I should? I've heard very, very offensive comments directed toward other nationalities though.

Still, I agree racism in any form isn't good.

 

[stacey bo bacey]

To be honest, I don't take most derogatory comments about white people as really offensive but maybe I should? I've heard very, very offensive comments directed toward other nationalities though.

Still, I agree racism in any form isn't good.

Agreed. :yes:

And well, it's ok if you don't take it as really offensive. It's different for everyone. I know some of my white friends who frequently say "you're so white" or even direct it at themselves. It's just never sat right with me.

 

[Buttercup]

I know some of my white friends who frequently say "you're so white" or even direct it at themselves. It's just never sat right with me.

I'm much more offended when someone says, "You're such a friggin ape!" :yes:

 

[Draka]

Actually, I have told someone they're so black I mistook them for a shadow, but we were good friends.

My best friend when I lived in San Diego was a dark black man and it wasn't unheard of me to jokingly tell him to smile so I could find him in the dark Things like that are fine I think if everyone are friends. I'm so pale that I get joked about blinding people when the sun hits me coming out of the pool/lake.

I don't think I've ever been insulted in such a manner as being called white. The only times I can recall being called white has to do with how light I am and that's it. What's I've always thought is wrong though is the whole "acting" white or black thing. If a white person listens to certain music, dresses a certain way and talks a certain way then they are "acting black" and likewise if a black person wears certain clothes, listens to certain music and speaks a certain way they are "acting white". That's what bugs me.

 

[blackout]

Back when I was the pianist in a white suburban church
we occasionally did a song that called for a black gospel feel...
and I would grab the occasional opening and go for it.

So one time at practice
they all started gettin into it
and before I knew it
they were all clapping with great zeal...
ON BEATS 1 and 3! HAHAHA!

Well... I almost died trying not to laugh myself to tears
while playing the piano for them
while they clapped away.

When the song was over ...
I looked at them with tears in my eyes...
and said "YOU ALL CLAP LIKE A BUNCH OF WHITE PEOPLE"!

To which one of the choir members replied...
"But we ARE a bunch of white people".
Which made EVERYONE laugh!

I think in almost 10 years there...
that is my fondest memory.

I did get them clapping on 2 and 4 eventually
(for the most part...hehe)
but I always waited with baited breath
before they put those hands together....

gawd that was so funny......

 

[Sunstone]

Is this mostly a Southern thing? I've never heard it said before.

 

[whereismynotecard]

You know... When I hear someone say something racist, I will usually just shake my head in disapproval and not say anything. I don't know if any of you have ever argued with a racist, but it isn't worth it. They have their mind made up, and will not listen to anything you say. It's probably a lot like how my sister and I call each other ****, ****, whore, or *****. We don't mean it, and my mom always tells us not to, but we've been doing it for too long, so we are just going to keep doing it for now.

 

[Smoke]

I wonder...as whites become the minority in this country (when compared to all else), will it still be "OK" to make white jokes?

Yes, as long as people still divide everybody, as your question does, into "white" and "other."

 

[stacey bo bacey]

Is this mostly a Southern thing? I've never heard it said before.

Must be. I have lived in Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. Although I heard it A LOT when I lived in Colorado because I lived in Pueblo, where whites are the minority.