Comments on: A Note About “Hypersensitivity”

By: Godheval

Godheval — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:32:05 +0000

There is no opposite. There is no such thing as reverse racism. Racism isn't just about having negative feelings, stating or doing negative things to people because they are of a certain race; it has everything to do with power. There is nothing that people of color can do to white people along racial lines that is the equivalent or even the analogue to white racism against them.

And in fact, there is no "racism" on the part of people of color that is not a response to white racism and/or white supremacy in general. No one hates white people for their skin color or for their language or their way of dressing or their culture. They hate white people because of how white people treat them – both in the present, and historically. It is reactive, while on the other hand, white racism towards PoCs is for the very fact of their differences, that is, their not being white.

Finally, this idea that only blatant racism should be called out is pure folly. Blatant racism is a joke. The more subtle and institutional variety is far more lasting and far more dangerous.

By: Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:08:09 +0000

I see Heval's point and he's right about the impact of slavery. I might take a few decades to erase emotional past hurts because they are passed on down from father to son. It also doesn't help that there are so many bad examples for Black youth out there. Modern Hip-hop promotes ignorance and bigotry. And new forms of media such as video games are very racist.
I want to help put a stop to it when I make my games and movies.
And I have no problem with people claiming Racism as long as the person is being blatant but it is a little much to call someone a Racist for simple being an Asshole. You should call them an Asshole, or Son of a Bitch instead. And the real reason White people call Blacks hypersensitive is we feel you don't allow us to say the same thing if the opposite is true.

By: Ivy

Ivy — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 06:39:27 +0000

yes!!!! kudos to you on this! I'm so tired of the sideways looks given to me by my african-american counterparts when i recognize the subtle day-to-day racism, whether it's in a restaurant, a bookstore, or on television. i receive more crap from african-americans who can't or refuse to see it.
i've finally reached the point where i can't bite my lips until i'm bleeding, and now educationally point out the discrepancies i see.

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:18:55 +0000

This reminds me of some literature I read on historic trauma experienced by Aboriginals. There’s obviously a historical context that people accusing others of being “hypersensitve” need to be conscious of, especially because this context still informs a lot of stereotypes, hateful behaviours and social barriers today. And of course there are current problems that can also be traumatic, even to those not directly experiencing them.

I think a lot of people like to think that racism is no longer a problem and that the past has no influence on today. There’s this idea that people are just imagining racism and looking for reasons to complain. It’s more than unfortunate. I imagine it would be really hard to know that historically and presently, people are hateful toward your race. Shame on anyone who thinks you can just forget that or ignore that. Denial of the significance of these post-memories and current memories is in itself a kind of hate.

Great post.

By: Ankhesen

Ankhesen — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:18:52 +0000

It’s not that the racism-apologist is incorrect in referring to the person of color as hypersensitive. Certainly we may be, but we are justified in being such, because old wounds – systemic institutional wounds – are slow to heal.

Wonderfully stated, Heval!!! Talk about an Ankhesenology moment.

Hang on…let me decide which part to use….