thank you for recognizing the controversy surrounding that post, but your snide remark doesn’t do much to remedy the underlying problem. the ability of the privileged to find humor in controversy only reinforces their own supposed right to feel comfortable at the expense of others. the fact is that making a joke about this issue does belittle its message and intent, and, even if humor can be found, it’s not the place of the privileged to make that decision. you’re smart – i expect more of you.
I laughed at a dog picture on the internet. Unless I was actually twirling my mustache and plotting to lower the efficacy of that campaign, I don’t see how you can put this much fault on me hitting a reblog button. You shouldn’t project expectations onto me. I am smart, but no one has the intelligence to avoid pissing people off with their decisions from time to time. That is an impossible standard.
You speak of my institutionalized privilege and superiority. Those are bland talking points that simplify something much more complex. I’m not just another white guy oblivious to the world around him. I did not grow up in a white neighborhood in Connecticut. I do not have wealthy lineage. We are poor. We live in a poor neighborhood. My classmates were mostly black. My white privilege has not meant squat around these parts and I am better for it.
I have witnessed these struggles first hand. I have seen more racism and intolerance in my life than I care to talk about. One thing I do know is that those who truly struggle with intolerance will often joke about it. And they certainly enjoyed when I joked about it.
You can’t take everything seriously all of the time or you will go nuts. And if you try to make everything a battle you will dilute your ability to fight the ones that really matter.
