Lady Gaga "I'm not any color, I'm just me <3"

[BornSimon 4,818]

Things are so ridiculous these days. Luckily I'm not part of this ridiculously over-sensitive society that just jumps on bandwagos and speaks with other people's words. We all know what Gaga meant, but obviously we have to go and turn it into an issue because otherwise we would look racist.

Mel B (Scary Spice of the Spice Girls), was the only black member of the group and during interviews her bandmates sometimes said "When I look at Mel, I see Mel, I don't see any colour". That is NOT to say that they were ignoring the fact that she was black, because they were not blind, but that they looked at her as a human being, as Mel, their friend and co-worker, not a woman who was defined by the colour of her skin. And that is EXACTLY what Gaga meant. Mel B was never once offended by those comments, because they are not offensive in the slightest.

People thinking they look better just because they question everything have turned the internet into a dump, I know opinions are like assholes, but trying to make nice people feel bad makes YOU a bunch of assholes.

[DietCoke 386]

Why yall getting so testy when we talk about race? "It's not a big deal". Um? It is when someone w a huge platform is being ignorant (see explanation below) instead of teaching people something. Then some of you refuse to acknowledge how it's problematic, minimizing the chance to learn something even further.  

Let's just get one thing clear: RACISM IS SYSTEMATIC. Just bc you don't notice it doesn't mean it isn't there. Gaga should not say she's colorless because that shows her disregard of her White privilege. That's a slippery slope; disregarding privilege means you disregard a system that favors a certain group of people. 

We are not living in a post-racial society; sure, colorlessness sounds cute and all, but it's not plausible when our governments, societies, and cultures have foundations in racial discrimination. There are historical and inherent disadvantages. (also see: the way gender always works in favor of men)

It's not about finding a reason to be offended. It's about having a conversation. 

Read some responses. Start a dialogue. Maybe try learning something from the "SJW" you're so annoyed by; don't further your ignorance. 

[Omar Vela 2,744]

On 14/3/2016 at 8:14 PM, Lum said:

The fact that she's "not any color" just because she's white is annoying and problematic.

#CheckYourPrivilegeGags

^^^^^  This gringos getting offended about EVERYTHING are getting me really sick ... STAHP!!!

[thatfoxyfeeling 13,006]

9 hours ago, comrade said:

stuff that only white people say.

the fact that she's white has helped her tremendously, whether or not she acknowledges it. a black girl would have to fight way harder to get where she is now and gaga has no idea how much that fight would alter her

gaga would most certainly not be the same person if she was black, that's a whole another struggle. suggesting otherwise is blatantly ignorant

 

"Stuff that only white people say"  

[Puddin 1,207]

Gaga...amor...por favor...stahp

[yes and 4,884]

Umm... 
In the last time I think that new album will have binded with themes, for example, I am who I am, I'm just me and so on.

[StrawberryBlond 14,820]

21 hours ago, comrade said:

stuff that only white people say.

the fact that she's white has helped her tremendously, whether or not she acknowledges it. a black girl would have to fight way harder to get where she is now and gaga has no idea how much that fight would alter her

gaga would most certainly not be the same person if she was black, that's a whole another struggle. suggesting otherwise is blatantly ignorant

 

Oh, come off it. It's this idea of "if you're non white, you're f*cked" that has kept minorities back for years. If you want to get ahead in life, you've got to stop coming up with excuses for why you're getting rejections. White people are raised to believe that you have to work hard but sometimes, it's just the luck of the draw and that you can get rejected over stupid things. But minorities seem to be raised to believe that their race holds them back and it's out of their control, that it doesn't matter how good they are, they'll never get the life they want and that if they get rejected, it must be because of racism, there can be no other reason. This is a toxic mindset to have. It's also downright arrogant - you really believe there's no other reason why someone would dislike you other than they were a racist? Consider other things first and leave that one at the very bottom of the pile.

It's nonsense that being black automatically means you'll have to try harder to make it in the music business. There is always a place of black artists, particularly in urban music (they certainly get signed at a far greater rate than whites in that genre). Beyonce had her parents practically buy her career because she was born into money and privilege (blacks can be privilege too!) Rihanna got famous practically overnight too (she basically performed for a record executive in his hotel room and the rest is history). There are many similar stories. And there's a lot of untalented black people getting signed too, it's not just something reserved for the most outstanding. Yet, there are so many white artists who have tried and failed to break out, even when they've got the full package. Gaga was trying to get signed to every label going while she lived in a little apartment and barely had enough money to pay her bills. She had to go all the way to California to get signed and was later dropped (by a black man, isn't that ironic) and after performing as an indie artist, she eventually got her big break after several years. That sounds like a tough struggle. And not every black artist encounters that getting to the top.

21 hours ago, ItsVenusBitch said:

There is so much irony in defending "colorblindness" as a mentality, because it shows that you have the privilege to claim that you are not defined by your skin color, when for PoC unfortunately that IS how society sees them, treats, them, etc. It's not something everyone can simply claim, which is where the privilege part comes in  

It's only nice in sentiment, at the end of the day, most all people in racist societies (such as the ones we live in) are subject to doing racist things or holding racist beliefs or at the minimum committing racist microaggressions. What really needs to change in terms of "labels" is the overwhelming "Oh, no I'm not racist! *insert excuse/justification*" --- People actively DO racist things, people who do not realize it ALSO passively say and do and believe racist things. Racism is not about intention, it is a system; it is upheld and supported by the actions and beliefs of its individuals on a collective level; both feed into each other.

 

 The reaction to "that's racist/offensive" shouldn't be "No, its not! *insert excuse*" It should be, "I'm sorry, I (hopefully) didn't realize, what can I do better next time to avoid it" 

The overblown like, FEAR of the word "racist" or "racism" is the real problem. You can nonchalantly hope and wish that people wouldn't be treated differently or "Defined" by the color of the skin all you want, the actual solution lies in analyzing, criticizing, listening, understanding, and on a personal level unpacking the implicit biases we each have in order to be better people, and then spreading what we've learned to others. 

We all have it in us to refuse to be defined by our superficial looks. But not everyone has the confidence. It's that simple. Believing that you're trapped by your race will ensure that you'll never be free. If we all aimed to be colourblind, there would be no racism. That's why we should all take this stance. I don't get why someone would want to be defined by how they look, especially if it's something that you think society looks upon as a defect. As a woman, I think the best way to eliminate sexism is if we start getting society to think of us as people first, women second, stop overly defining us by our gender. I take the same stance for race.

Yes, racism isn't an intention, it's a system. But that doesn't mean that someone who's accused of being racist when they're not has to immediately feel guilt. Certainly, it's good to say: "I'm sorry, I didn't intend that to be offensive, but I'm sorry if it unintentionally offended you." Being accused of being racist is a big deal. It's a completely understandable reaction to shout: "No I'm not, because..." The apology can come later. But first must come the dreaded anti racism manifesto so that your opinion will even be listened to and your apology accepted. And that is something a lot of POC just can't seem to understand because they don't feel a need to wrap their opinions in cotton wool because a lot of them think: "I can say whatever I like because I'm oppressed." Another dangerous mindset to have.

I think solving racism is very simple - treat everyone on the same level and give no special treatment. This is what I do. But this is so often misconstrued as racism because POC are used to getting some special treatment due to being oppressed. Sorry, but in an equal society, there is no special treatment. The question is, do POC want equality or special treatment? if it's equality, they've got to stop shouting racism every time they get criticised and realise that they can't get everything they want just because they think they deserve it. Equality is not about "I will always get my own way," it's about "I will have the chance to get my own way but there's no guarantee."

15 hours ago, DietCoke said:

Maybe try learning something from the "SJW" you're so annoyed by; don't further your ignorance. 

A lot of SJW's think they are educated and open minded when they're uneducated and close minded. They're sheep - they only follow what the society ideal is for them to act. They don't have any real opinions of their own. They don't have the capacity to come up with insightful ideas, new ways of looking at and dealing with things. They also just like to sit around complaining but don't actually do anything. This is where the annoyance comes from. I'm perfectly free of ignorance, it's just that my ways of dealing with racism gives some people pause because it doesn't follow the way that we're taught to deal with it.

[ItsTommyBitch 12,640]

54 minutes ago, StrawberryBlond said:

Oh, come off it. It's this idea of "if you're non white, you're f*cked" that has kept minorities back for years. If you want to get ahead in life, you've got to stop coming up with excuses for why you're getting rejections. White people are raised to believe that you have to work hard but sometimes, it's just the luck of the draw and that you can get rejected over stupid things. But minorities seem to be raised to believe that their race holds them back and it's out of their control, that it doesn't matter how good they are, they'll never get the life they want and that if they get rejected, it must be because of racism, there can be no other reason. This is a toxic mindset to have. It's also downright arrogant - you really believe there's no other reason why someone would dislike you other than they were a racist? Consider other things first and leave that one at the very bottom of the pile.

It's nonsense that being black automatically means you'll have to try harder to make it in the music business. There is always a place of black artists, particularly in urban music (they certainly get signed at a far greater rate than whites in that genre). Beyonce had her parents practically buy her career because she was born into money and privilege (blacks can be privilege too!) Rihanna got famous practically overnight too (she basically performed for a record executive in his hotel room and the rest is history). There are many similar stories. And there's a lot of untalented black people getting signed too, it's not just something reserved for the most outstanding. Yet, there are so many white artists who have tried and failed to break out, even when they've got the full package. Gaga was trying to get signed to every label going while she lived in a little apartment and barely had enough money to pay her bills. She had to go all the way to California to get signed and was later dropped (by a black man, isn't that ironic) and after performing as an indie artist, she eventually got her big break after several years. That sounds like a tough struggle. And not every black artist encounters that getting to the top.

We all have it in us to refuse to be defined by our superficial looks. But not everyone has the confidence. It's that simple. Believing that you're trapped by your race will ensure that you'll never be free. If we all aimed to be colourblind, there would be no racism. That's why we should all take this stance. I don't get why someone would want to be defined by how they look, especially if it's something that you think society looks upon as a defect. As a woman, I think the best way to eliminate sexism is if we start getting society to think of us as people first, women second, stop overly defining us by our gender. I take the same stance for race.

Yes, racism isn't an intention, it's a system. But that doesn't mean that someone who's accused of being racist when they're not has to immediately feel guilt. Certainly, it's good to say: "I'm sorry, I didn't intend that to be offensive, but I'm sorry if it unintentionally offended you." Being accused of being racist is a big deal. It's a completely understandable reaction to shout: "No I'm not, because..." The apology can come later. But first must come the dreaded anti racism manifesto so that your opinion will even be listened to and your apology accepted. And that is something a lot of POC just can't seem to understand because they don't feel a need to wrap their opinions in cotton wool because a lot of them think: "I can say whatever I like because I'm oppressed." Another dangerous mindset to have.

I think solving racism is very simple - treat everyone on the same level and give no special treatment. This is what I do. But this is so often misconstrued as racism because POC are used to getting some special treatment due to being oppressed. Sorry, but in an equal society, there is no special treatment. The question is, do POC want equality or special treatment? if it's equality, they've got to stop shouting racism every time they get criticised and realise that they can't get everything they want just because they think they deserve it. Equality is not about "I will always get my own way," it's about "I will have the chance to get my own way but there's no guarantee."

The first two lines alone are already SO ignorant, I literally can't. The rest is also filled with a ton of misconceptions about history and politics that seem to conveniently support your thinking, despite being factually incorrect. Like, I could write a very long essay about all of it there's so much  

I'll just address the main points.

Minorities are not "not doing well" because of some sort of victim complex or whining, its because society is LITERALLY structured in a way that favors white people OVER non white people  Like, thats why its "a system" and the words "institutional" and "structural" and "systematic" are thrown around. I don't think those words mean what you think they do. As a reader, it's clear to me that you don't get it; It's privilege that allows you to have this mind set; because you don't actually understand the plight of PoC.

If you think outside of yourself and your own seemingly fool-proof worldview and ACTUALLY try to understand someone else's experiences, you might be able to see it.

Where are you seeing that PoC just "believe" that their race holds them back? Maybe we should consider why this is? Could it be that Children of Color are born into societies where their own race are considered lesser? Could it be that this just might have negative effects in terms of mental development and mentality? It might not be said out loud by someone walking down the street, or on TV, but in essence, its everywhere. Like, take your meaning of "everywhere" and then expand it. Picture all of the numbers between 0 and 1, and then realize all of the numbers that merely go between 0.99 and 1. That's how pervasive it is. Young black children see white and black dolls and they can tell you which one is the "pretty" doll, and which one is the "ugly" one. This is called socialization and it's not always pretty.

It's a problem of SOCIETY that we raise whiteness to a higher standard than others, not a problem of people of color that they don't react to it in a nonchalant, unaffected way, as if it doesnt inherently affect their lives in a negative way  

That you are calling this mindset "arrogant" is really telling as well, like what  You seem to have painted some super generalized picture of people of color that is very much out of touch with reality,  You should look up the term "Attributional Ambiguity" sometime btw  

You literally have people who are EXPERTS ON RACISM, and people who actually experience racism on a daily basis, people who study it, etc. telling you that "colorblindness is detrimental" and you are still claiming that colorblindness will solve racism  Idk how thats not willful ignorance at this point. 

Also, it isn't a purely physical want to be defined by your looks. It's about nuance. It's about characterization. I am a person, yes, but I am also a "black" person, and I am also a "Gay" person, as well as a "short" person. All of these things contribute to who I am as a human being. It is really a matter of history, socialization, and politicization that "race", "gender" "height", etc. are really such controversial issues in the first place, but it IS an important distinction. Ignoring the fact that some people are black, and some people are asian, etc. is offensive. I've had people tell me that "I don't think of you as black, gay, (etc)" --- like, do you not know how terrible that sounds? There is nothing wrong about being black, gay, short, a woman, asian, disabled, nonbinary, trans, etc. The best way to prove that is to own it and fully embrace it, not ignore it in lieu of some misguided faux-equality stance. Equity in terms of treatment of others is a much more effective goal. Hopefully this simple image can highlight my points better:

The picture on the left is akin to "colorblindness" The man handing out boxes says, "Hey, I don't care that you two are short and he is tall, I wont treat you any differently, you all get a box!" Equality

The picture on the right is akin to accurate seeing people how they are. The guy on the left says "Hey, you (on the right) are way shorter than me you can totally have my box as well!"
Equity

THIS is the goal. This is not offensive, its accounting for the fact that we have disadvantages and advantages that are intrinsically linked to who we are as people (whether or not its "natural" or a source of politicization is irrelevant at this point) and they need to be accounted for. 

Sorry for the long post and the clearly frustrated answer, but there was literally so much said in this post that was offensive  

[MonsterMum 2,532]

39 minutes ago, ItsVenusBitch said:

 

The picture on the left is akin to "colorblindness" The man handing out boxes says, "Hey, I don't care that you two are short and he is tall, I wont treat you any differently, you all get a box!" Equality

The picture on the right is akin to accurate seeing people how they are. The guy on the left says "Hey, you (on the right) are way shorter than me you can totally have my box as well!"
Equity

THIS is the goal. This is not offensive, its accounting for the fact that we have disadvantages and advantages that are intrinsically linked to who we are as people (whether or not its "natural" or a source of politicization is irrelevant at this point) and they need to be accounted for. 

Sorry for the long post and the clearly frustrated answer, but there was literally so much said in this post that was offensive  

But the second one is exactly what people that are "colourblind" are saying. You are me and I am you, we might not be he same skin colour but we're equals. At least that's how I think about it. You're more than JUST the outside shell, granted it is part of a bigger thing usually, culture for example but it does not matter, why? Cause we're equals. 

[StrawberryBlond 14,820]

9 minutes ago, ItsVenusBitch said:

The first two lines alone are already SO ignorant, I literally can't. The rest is also filled with a ton of misconceptions about history and politics that seem to conveniently support your thinking, despite being factually incorrect. Like, I could write a very long essay about all of it there's so much  

I'll just address the main points.

Minorities are not "not doing well" because of some sort of victim complex or whining, its because society is LITERALLY structured in a way that favors white people OVER non white people  Like, thats why its "a system" and the words "institutional" and "structural" and "systematic" are thrown around. I don't think those words mean what you think they do. As a reader, it's clear to me that you don't get it; It's privilege that allows you to have this mind set; because you don't actually understand the plight of PoC.

If you think outside of yourself and your own seemingly fool-proof worldview and ACTUALLY try to understand someone else's experiences, you might be able to see it.

Where are you seeing that PoC just "believe" that their race holds them back? Maybe we should consider why this is? Could it be that Children of Color are born into societies where their own race are considered lesser? Could it be that this just might have negative effects in terms of mental development and mentality? It might not be said out loud by someone walking down the street, or on TV, but in essence, its everywhere. Like, take your meaning of "everywhere" and then expand it. Picture all of the numbers between 0 and 1, and then realize all of the numbers that merely go between 0.99 and 1. That's how pervasive it is. Young black children see white and black dolls and they can tell you which one is the "pretty" doll, and which one is the "ugly" one. This is called socialization and it's not always pretty.

It's a problem of SOCIETY that we raise whiteness to a higher standard than others, not a problem of people of color that they don't react to it in a nonchalant, unaffected way, as if it doesnt inherently affect their lives in a negative way  

That you are calling this mindset "arrogant" is really telling as well, like what  You seem to have painted some super generalized picture of people of color that is very much out of touch with reality,  You should look up the term "Attributional Ambiguity" sometime btw  

You literally have people who are EXPERTS ON RACISM, and people who actually experience racism on a daily basis, people who study it, etc. telling you that "colorblindness is detrimental" and you are still claiming that colorblindness will solve racism  Idk how thats not willful ignorance at this point. 

Also, it isn't a purely physical want to be defined by your looks. It's about nuance. It's about characterization. I am a person, yes, but I am also a "black" person, and I am also a "Gay" person, as well as a "short" person. All of these things contribute to who I am as a human being. It is really a matter of history, socialization, and politicization that "race", "gender" "height", etc. are really such controversial issues in the first place, but it IS an important distinction. Ignoring the fact that some people are black, and some people are asian, etc. is offensive. I've had people tell me that "I don't think of you as black, gay, (etc)" --- like, do you not know how terrible that sounds? There is nothing wrong about being black, gay, short, a woman, asian, disabled, nonbinary, trans, etc. The best way to prove that is to own it and fully embrace it, not ignore it in lieu of some misguided faux-equality stance. Equity in terms of treatment of others is a much more effective goal. Hopefully this simple image can highlight my points better:

The picture on the left is akin to "colorblindness" The man handing out boxes says, "Hey, I don't care that you two are short and he is tall, I wont treat you any differently, you all get a box!" Equality

The picture on the right is akin to accurate seeing people how they are. The guy on the left says "Hey, you (on the right) are way shorter than me you can totally have my box as well!"
Equity

THIS is the goal. This is not offensive, its accounting for the fact that we have disadvantages and advantages that are intrinsically linked to who we are as people (whether or not its "natural" or a source of politicization is irrelevant at this point) and they need to be accounted for. 

Sorry for the long post and the clearly frustrated answer, but there was literally so much said in this post that was offensive  

Because I didn't go into the depth of history and politics that you think it's ignorant. I'm just stating it as it is and that can be daunting. I saw a brilliant video on YouTube of a black guy saying exactly the same things I'm saying and I can't find it now but I'd post it if I could. He was talking about how he lives in the hood and and sees black poverty everyday based not on racism but on simple things that can be changed. He says so many poor blacks, whether they have a job or not, don't spend their money on the right things and don't save money so they can afford the things that matter and could lead to a better life. He's trying to start up his own business (and says this is why Asian communities in the US tend to thrive because they believe in this model) and saving in the hopes of getting out the hood. He says all races have it hard and if we just invest and spend wisely, our lives will be so much better. He also says that out of all the times he's been robbed or assaulted or had guns pulled on him, it was always by other black people and that blacks need to reevaluate how they treat their own race or nothing will improve. He encourages them to stay out of crime and they'll end up richer (and alive). And that it's not the responsibility of whites to improve the black community. I was applauding him all throughout this. I'd say the same thing to anyone of any race. I live in a region of poor whites and most of them are poor for the exact same reasons that blacks are poor, that every other race is poor - not investing and spending money on the wrong things. It's the same for us all. That's why initiatives pouring money into poor regions never works because the people just use it to buy stuff they shouldn't, so the cycle continues. We have to reevaluate what matters in life and we might get somewhere.

You say I fail to see the plight of PoC, but I say it is you that is failing to see the bigger picture logically and realise that some of these problems affect all races. I understand the plight when it's based on logic but when its based on assumptions and misconceptions, I get annoyed. I have seen so many blacks blame a knockback on racism with absolutely no evidence whatsoever. I've seen blacks assume that a white person likes a white rapper's music because black culture is only acceptable to them when it's presented by a white face. It's all based on the idea that whites are ignorant racists and I'm sick of it. If we present a new way of dealing with things, we're accused of just not getting it, failing to acknowledge our privilege and these claims can be very unfounded and based on the fact purely that we're white and therefore not understanding. Is it beyond comprehension that you can understand a point of view but still disagree with it?

Put it this way - I'm white and can't get a job. Why is this? I know it's because I lack previous work experience. I've only done non-paying work in family businesses and I think employers are put off by that especially when they see my age and think "How has she gone this long without getting a job? She must be lazy." I know that's the reason. But it doesn't make it any less annoying when I won't even get accepted for an interview despite knowing how qualified and capable I am and how dedicated I would be. But based on the logic of white privilege, I should have no problem getting a job. Wrong. And by the way, employers judge you on the tiniest little things, from scuffed shoes or chipped nail polish or a bad handshake. This was actually said to me as a warning by my aunt when I was due my interview for a job at her business (I failed). I also handed in my CV to a business where I knew for a fact that the boss was Asian and I didn't even get an interview (I don't think he refused me because I was white, I'm just saying that whites can get knockbacks from minorities too). I constantly go through life seeing minorities employed who have thick accents and some don't even seem to speak completely fluent English. I'm not saying they don't deserve these jobs, but if I'm so privileged and employers want someone white, how come they can get a job and I can't? This is why the white privilege argument annoys me so much. We all struggle to get jobs in this climate. We all get rejected for stupid reasons. It's not always a race issue.

I'm not generalising minorities, I'm painting an accurate reflection of a certain group of them. I use the words "some" and "a lot of" all the time, I never say "all." And actually, it is an arrogance to assume that your race can be the only reason why someone dislikes you. Just as it would be to consider any other part of yourself to be the sole reason behind dislike. White people blame themselves when they go through tough times. Minorities can blame a system that is outwith their control. I don't quite think that's fair. It's not healthy to believe that you're not in charge of your own destiny.

The colour of your skin shouldn't change anything about your character (I know it can but the point is, it shouldn't). The amount of melanin in your skin does not change what's in your head and heart therefore, we shouldn't define ourselves by it. We should define ourselves by our personality traits, our talents, our achievements. The way we look shouldn't come into it. Saying that you don't see someone as black doesn't mean that you're ignoring their character or their struggle, it means you're ignoring superficial looks and any subconscious racist thoughts placed in your brain by society that these looks might carry. Defining yourself by your gender or sexual orientation is at least a bit more understandable because that involves biological processes that can create life as well as human feelings. But the amount of melanin in your skin shouldn't define anything about you.

The picture you provided is not equality on the equality side. The right side is what equality looks like. The point is that everyone should be on the same level if there's equality. Therefore, equality would mean making sure all the people are raised up enough so that they are capable of seeing over the fence and that means giving some extra help to the shorter ones. The equality part is not derived from giving them the same sized box, it's derived from making sure they are on the same level, whatever their circumstances. But no, I don't think that's a good metaphor for affirmative action or reparations. A silly cartoon picture about something completely different cannot illustrate such a thing. And by the way, affirmative action is pointless because anyone of any race can have a bad education (and even if so, what makes a bad education?) Just because you live in a poor area doesn't mean you have a terrible school with bad teachers. That's offensive to all the great teachers there are out there. I went to an inner city school with a terrible reputation and can confirm that there are good teachers in the worst of places and the only people who didn't get a good education were the ones who messed about and didn't try. The school didn't fail them, they failed themselves. Affirmative action assumes that everyone of colour are working hard but just can't get anywhere due to racism. Fact is, a lot just aren't trying. And by the way, there are initiatives where I'm from to aim to get poor kids of all races into university, so it's like affirmative action for the poor in general. It's ridiculous. If you want to learn and get ahead, you work hard and you can do that whether you're rich or poor. It also doesn't take into account that there are other reasons holding you back from getting good grades, like depression or a strained family life, both of which can be experienced by all races and classes.

[PopBitch 1,218]

 

@It'sVenusBitch nailed it.

"There is so much irony in defending "colorblindness" as a mentality, because it shows that you have the privilege to claim that you are not defined by your skin color, when for PoC unfortunately that IS how society sees them, treats, them, etc. It's not something everyone can simply claim, which is where the privilege part comes in."

[Nicole 1,809]

How can there seriously be 12 pages of this. Gaga said something, some people found it offensive, understand why and move on. Yes, it was unintentional, no I don't think we should be dragging gaga to the pits of hell for it, but society really needs to stop telling POC that they're wrong. It's ridiculous. You're not defined by your whiteness? I agree! You're not! But, I think someone has already mentioned this, but so many POC are defined by their race, even if they don't want to be! Congratulations that you have that choice to choose otherwise! If everyone was so against racism - including implicit/unintentional racism, you'd be sitting down and listening when someone tells you that something is racist rather than endlessly try and defend yourself. Listen and learn. 

[LebaneseDude 6,146]

On 3/14/2016 at 10:09 PM, yourfaves said:

Gaga girl.  You're white.  Whether she likes it or not being white has given her an advantage in life and she needs to recognize that.

What a stupid thing to say. Talk about enforcing white guilt.

[LebaneseDude 6,146]

Why are people in this thread so persistent in making skin color such a defining human trait for everyone?

I refuse to be naturally categorized as anything. It's not your place to enforce some sort of inherent superiority on me or anyone. Just because someone is white, doesn't mean they've had a better life. Look at me. Do you think Middle Easterners have it better than black people in the world right now, even when they're "white". What about Greeks? 

White people are just as likely to be treated as trash as black people. The only difference is the manner in how they are discriminated against. Yeah sure...some jackass is going to treat a black person as trash and use their skin as some sort of excuse to stereotype. What makes you so sure that bigot would treat a white person any better? Rather than resort to race, they'll resort to social class, calling them white trailer trash. 

Also this phenomenon is uniquely American, where race is not tied to culture. Racism outside of the US is often a consequence of cultural differences. This is not the case in the USA, where it only exists because reasons.

Then again, if black people in the USA actually worked to improve their "race" rather than use the **** they've gone through as excuses, they'd probably be in a better place right now. Look at all what Lebanon has been through all the years, and how we're still standing. What's black people's excuse in cushy America? 

Whatever. It's funny to see how good you've got it, and yet you continue to bitch about pop culture representation and the occasional bigoted police officer. Some day I hope I have that privilege.

In the meantime, leave Gaga alone. I'm pretty sure she's well aware of the situation. No need to draw her into your selfish way of thinking and force her to stamp every message with a disclaimer.

[Omar Vela 2,744]

18 minutes ago, LebaneseDude said:

Why are people in this thread so persistent in making skin color such a defining human trait for everyone?

I refuse to be naturally categorized as anything. It's not your place to enforce some sort of inherent superiority on me or anyone. Just because someone is white, doesn't mean they've had a better life. Look at me. Do you think Middle Easterners have it better than black people in the world right now, even when they're "white". What about Greeks? 

White people are just as likely to be treated as trash as black people. The only difference is the manner in how they are discriminated against. Yeah sure...some jackass is going to treat a black person as trash and use their skin as some sort of excuse to stereotype. What makes you so sure that bigot would treat a white person any better? Rather than resort to race, they'll resort to social class, calling them white trailer trash. 

Also this phenomenon is uniquely American, where race is not tied to culture. Racism outside of the US is often a consequence of cultural differences. This is not the case in the USA, where it only exists because reasons.

Then again, if black people in the USA actually worked to improve their "race" rather than use the **** they've gone through as excuses, they'd probably be in a better place right now. Look at all what Lebanon has been through all the years, and how we're still standing. What's black people's excuse in cushy America? 

Whatever. It's funny to see how good you've got it, and yet you continue to bitch about pop culture representation and the occasional bigoted police officer. Some day I hope I have that privilege.

In the meantime, leave Gaga alone. I'm pretty sure she's well aware of the situation. No need to draw her into your selfish way of thinking and force her to stamp every message with a disclaimer.

It's because people in USA are so comfortable with their daily life that they try to find any dumb thing to bitch about.  Your opinion has been the best one in this thread