WHAT WHITES THINK OF THEIR OWN RACE

:idea: University of Minnesota research provides new insight
(September 19, 2006)

What whites think about their own race is the focus of a first-of-its-kind national survey by researchers in the University of Minnesota's department of sociology.

From a telephone survey of more than 2,000 households nationwide, results show that there is more recognition among white people of their own racial identity and the social privileges that come with it than was previously thought.

The assumption behind prior scholarship and diversity training initiatives was that whites overlooked their own race.

"It's sort of like having an accent," said the study's co-author, University of Minnesota associate professor Doug Hartmann. "For some white Americans, racial identity is so fixed, so taken for granted, that 'race' becomes something other people have."

In fact, the researchers found that a majority of whites (74 percent) felt that their own racial identity was important to them, and that a similar majority were able to see prejudice and discrimination as important in explaining white advantage.

At the same time, minorities are more likely to see their racial identities as important and to see structural reasons for racial disparities. The research also suggests that awareness of white identity and awareness of white privilege are not the same.

"The fact of the matter is that people claim white identity for defensive as well as progressive reasons," said survey co-author Paul Croll, University of Minnesota graduate student.

Age and income have little impact on a white person's awareness of their racial identity, the study found. But Southerners and social conservatives place more emphasis on their racial identity than other white Americans, while those with more education place less.

Republican and male respondents most strongly resist claims that discrimination in legal and financial systems can explain white advantage. Additionally, respondents -- regardless of their racial identity -- believed strongly in the importance of individual effort, hard work and family upbringing in achieving success.


source: UnityFirstNews.com

 

It would be interesting to see the results from a similar survey done outside the United States.

I still remember when I first learned that I am considered to be a "caucasian". Ironically, it was through my black American boyfriend. I don't even remember what we were talking about, but I remember that he said something like: "blah blah ..caucasian like you...". As naive as I was back then, I responded: "Naaaa, you got that wrong, nobody in my family has ever been in the Caucasus". I will never ever forget the expression in his face - he looked at me as if I completely lost my mind ....

 

You know what Silver??

I like you more and more each day....

That reminds me of the time I found out that black people and white people were "different", when I was a kid in the 70's.

Who knew???

 

See, this is exactly what I am talking about, regarding the so-called intellectual superiority of the 'purer race.'

 

lol there is no purer race..

I may not be practicing a faith right now, but I still believe God created us all and in his eyes we are equal.

Ok.. it is not that I am ashamed of my race. I am not. But a lot of the time the whites who do stand up and declare how proud they are of their race, are racists who want to appear superior. They say it in a way to put other races down. I don't agree with that mentality.

I have a different idea/opinions of blacks standing up for their race. They have had to fight long and hard to gain where they are today, where they have every right to be and where they yet are going.

 

Your input is always appreciated, Sassy.

 

Can anyone here actually say they are "full" 100% American - whatever colour of your skin?

I watched a programme recently on UK TV about an athelete named Colin Jackson and about his heritage. He is a black welshman. His Mother and Father are both black and were both born in Jamaica. He had a DNA test done where they could analyise the percentage of white/black/indian that is in him.

He was shocked to learn that he is only 35% black, 17% I think it was Tinmo (the original inhabitants of jamaica who were native americans) and he had white blood also (which they said was probably from the slave times in jamaica).

I just think it is actually amazing to know your ancestry to that extent.

Look at us English for example. Who is a true English person. Jeez we've been invaded that many times, saxons, normans, vikings, blah blah blah.

I just wish people could be happy within their own skins and just basically get on with everybody.

In England at the moment there is a lot of eastern europeans settling down. Poles, Romanicans, Bulgarians. . a lot of English dont like it - but hey, you know these people graft. They do the jobs the lazy people dont want to do and you know something the worst thing - they work hard and get minimum wage for doing so.

 

I've gone on the record as saying that no one is 100% anything.
I've quoted doctors and Noble Peace winners on this.

I think it’s clear that we place ourselves in groups for whatever reason and we have the power in the end to make things either better or worst. Race and color are things that we give power to, not the other way around.

Thank you Kink-one.

 

Agree with you designer.

We are creatures at the end of day. Wolves are in packs . . dolphins in a school . . we are all the same - whatever we are now . . sorry, know we aren't nethandrals anymore (if you get me!!!)

But all have the same make up inside.

 

thanks Sardonic