App State dorm bulletin board shames 'privileged' students

[APPARJ]

Calling individuals out and or making them feel marginalized over things they can't control (race/where they were born) is a total dick move. If this was calling out any minority group it would be blown up on national news.

Here's a lesson for anyone with a beating heart: Treat people with respect and fairness based on the content of their character and actions.

[HighlandsApp]

The funniest part is that these angry residents are liberals who would generally agree with the jackass RA. They would be just fine supporting a bulletin board like this in an appropriate time and place, but even a Democrat isn't happy being reminded they were born a shitty person as they walk through what is essentially their own home.

It's abundantly clear when you say things like this that you do not understand the phrase "white privilege". The phrase does not mean that you are a "shitty person" if you were born white. You sound like you have some real insecurities/hang-ups about your ancestry when you say things like that. The real purpose of the idea is to recognize that, on the whole, minorities do not have as many opportunities as white people in this country. If you can look at the relevant statistics and still deny that, then and only then, are you a "shitty person".

Well Said! All people need to understand, recognize and acknowledge the benefits and advantages that they have been blessed with by virtue of their birth location and genetic characteristics of their DNA.

[app97]

"The real purpose of the idea is to recognize that, on the whole, minorities do not have as many opportunities as white people in this country. If you can look at the relevant statistics and still deny that, then and only then, are you a "shitty person"."

Or, you could change your argument to "minorities do not take advantage of as many opportunities"

[WataugaMan]

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/3 ... williamson

Interesting Read

[Yosef10]

"The real purpose of the idea is to recognize that, on the whole, minorities do not have as many opportunities as white people in this country. If you can look at the relevant statistics and still deny that, then and only then, are you a "shitty person"."

Or, you could change your argument to "minorities do not take advantage of as many opportunities"

That's completely ass backward

[app97]

which part? I was quoting another the poster in the first paragraph.

[HeffnerIV]

Okay, the stats show that being born white is an advantage. Therefore, I would ask, what advantages and societal privileges are whites born with, other than their parents conceivably giving them a head start? Are there governmental barriers to minorities? How about educational opportunities?

If we go with the assumption that being white is an advantage, are whites holding minorities back? Further, what role do minorities hold is their plight? Any?

[MAD Doctor]

If you consider someone of another race, sex, religion, sexual preference, physical condition, etc... "privileged" aren't you placing them on a pedestal and thus perpetuating the very stereotypical, discriminatory attitudes you are supposed to detest?
Considering all of the tragedies that have recently hit our beloved university, I believe attempting to shame ANY student is ill-advised. The students, faculty, administration, and alumni should be doing all they can to build each other up, not the opposite.
Personally, I will never be shamed nor apologize for who I am. If being the son and grandson of poor Anson County sharecroppers, who worked their fingers to the bone on farms and in cotton mills so that I and my children could make better lives for ourselves is a "privilege" then so be it.
As Andy Griffith would say, "Y'all,... act like you got some smarts."

[wataugan03]

I don't see this as guilting or shaming at all.

Its more a recognition that our society endorses some things over others, and we all look at that as normal. Take religion as an example. Nobody feels lucky to have Christmas off. The whole country pretty much shuts down for the sake of one religion. Even governments are involved in this endorsement of Christianity. And by giving Christmas this special significance we are clearly marginalizing other people and other religions. Nobody is saying that Christians should feel shame over being born into this system. But they should be aware of it, particularly if they want to be good leaders in a diversifying world.

And the idea that there are also homeless white people doesn't mean that there isn't such a thing as white privilege; it doesn't even mean that white homeless people don't possess white privilege. You can still possess white privilege and be heavily disadvantaged in many other ways - in other words just because you possess white privilege doesn't mean that you are privileged in a broader sense.

[appchicago]

Three other things to throw into the mix.

1) The idea of privilege isn't about individuals. It's about systemic racial attitudes. The entire notion was brought into the national conversation 25 years ago by Peggy McIntosh, and if you're interested in trying to get a more clear understanding of the concept, you can check out the original article here: https://www.isr.umich.edu/home/diversit ... vilege.pdf or a follow-up interview done recently by the New Yorker here: http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-tur ... -privilege

2) There's another concept called intersectionality, which underscores the very valid observation that we are all many things, and have many different experiences. Those things may each affect how we are perceived or perceive others differently.

3) This is kind of a complicated issue, and as McIntosh herself mentions in that New Yorker article I linked, when it's summed up in a flip statement like "check your privilege," it's no surprise that people get pissed off. It IS accusatory, and it is something that's better addressed through conversation and introspection than through a probably-well-meaning but ham-fisted bulletin board.

[wataugan03]

If you consider someone of another race, sex, religion, sexual preference, physical condition, etc... "privileged" aren't you placing them on a pedestal and thus perpetuating the very stereotypical, discriminatory attitudes you are supposed to detest?

No. That would true if you were saying that group X is inherently better than group Y. But saying that group X has a number of built in advantages, or that being a member of group X is considered normal, isn't putting group X on a pedestal.

Considering all of the tragedies that have recently hit our beloved university, I believe attempting to shame ANY student is ill-advised. The students, faculty, administration, and alumni should be doing all they can to build each other up, not the opposite.

I don't think the point of this is to shame anyone. Its to open their eyes to the world around them, to question what we consider normal or good, and to see things from other's perspectives.

Personally, I will never be shamed nor apologize for who I am. If being the son and grandson of poor Anson County sharecroppers, who worked their fingers to the bone on farms and in cotton mills so that I and my children could make better lives for ourselves is a "privilege" then so be it.

No one is saying that you or your parents were privileged in the sense that you had an easier life than the average american. But we might be saying that you possess certain inherent traits that make life easier. If you're name sounds white you're more likely to get an interview when you submit a job application than if you're black. That's a fact. If you have light skin you're more likely to get help from the police, and more less likely to be followed around by security in a store. If you're christian you're more likely to get your top holiday off. That might all seem normal to you, but its not. Its a privilege. It doesn't mean you're more privileged than the child of a black, Muslim, Millionaire. But its still privilege. And its worth considering.

[TheMackAttack]

We should be able to all agree on two things: The information presented by the RA is factually correct, His approach is tactless and probably harmful to the discussion at large that is needed about privilege.

[MAD Doctor]

Wataugan03
I'll agree to disagree. I think you are giving the RA way too much benefit here. Why would we assume that our ASU students and dorm residents would be so ignorant that they would need the RA to enlighten them about "white privilege." I'm quite sure most have heard of it.
Consider the quote from the article: "“‘I don’t see color’ which also means I deny having white privilege.” This reminds me of the college administrator who faced scorn and ridicule because she wrote "All lives matter" in the wake of the Ferguson unrest. This was unacceptable but "Black lives matter" was fine? She is still apologizing. I'm just glad that so many minorities, women, disabled, etc... people choose to make positive contributions to society, rather than falling back on the "life's not fair" or "You didn't build this" mentality.
I'm not going to dissect your posts and insert my opinions as facts. I am exiting stage left from this thread now, as I don't care to get pulled into a Winter Holiday debate.

[ASUMountaineer]

I find it mostly funny that so many that constantly gripe about being too PC and the "United States of the Offended" are clearly offended by a loser RA's bulletin board.

I always thought college was the time and place to challenge everything your believed. You're on your own for the first time (in most cases), and you've been insulated--rightfully so--for most of your life. Being able to learn new things, expand your experiences, and to consider others is the basis for becoming a well-rounded member of society.

I am a WASP, and a son a Southern Baptist deacon, raised in a conservative-Christian home, in the Belt Buckle of the Bible Belt. When I got to Appalachian and met people with different experiences and viewpoints, I was fascinated--not threatened or offended. The wonderful part about college is that there are not "cool kids" so-to-speak. Look at how much conversation this bulletin board has spurred--the RA has already won.

Do I agree with the underlying point of the board, in many respects yes. Do I agree with the manner in which the point was delivered? Absolutely not. However, I also recognize that a public university is a place to have discussions that challenge viewpoints, biases, beliefs, etc. I'm thankful that that was part of my education at Appalachian.

I also didn't realize that educational mission at Appalachian ceased when you entered the dormitory. The students offended in the piece crack me up. They are becoming the thing they are griping about--the offended.

[T-Dog]

We should be able to all agree on two things: The information presented by the RA is factually correct, His approach is tactless and probably harmful to the discussion at large that is needed about privilege.

Agreed. However sometimes when an issue is to be presented, sometimes a "tactless" approach will generate more good discussion than something not as in your face. Not saying I agree with the approach, but it might work better in the long run.

[APPARJ]

I find it mostly funny that so many that constantly gripe about being too PC and the "United States of the Offended" are clearly offended by a loser RA's bulletin board.

I always thought college was the time and place to challenge everything your believed. You're on your own for the first time (in most cases), and you've been insulated--rightfully so--for most of your life. Being able to learn new things, expand your experiences, and to consider others is the basis for becoming a well-rounded member of society.

I am a WASP, and a son a Southern Baptist deacon, raised in a conservative-Christian home, in the Belt Buckle of the Bible Belt. When I got to Appalachian and met people with different experiences and viewpoints, I was fascinated--not threatened or offended. The wonderful part about college is that there are not "cool kids" so-to-speak. Look at how much conversation this bulletin board has spurred--the RA has already won.

Do I agree with the underlying point of the board, in many respects yes. Do I agree with the manner in which the point was delivered? Absolutely not. However, I also recognize that a public university is a place to have discussions that challenge viewpoints, biases, beliefs, etc. I'm thankful that that was part of my education at Appalachian.

I also didn't realize that educational mission at Appalachian ceased when you entered the dormitory. The students offended in the piece crack me up. They are becoming the thing they are griping about--the offended.

Yeah. These griping loser white kids. Being uncomfortable in the place where they live? Pfft... Get over it, you spoiled, privileged protestants. Time to become enlightened and educated and realize just how lucky you are to be put in a position to be chastised and singled out for being lucky! Hmph... I bet their ancestors were slave owners too. Racist bigots.

Maybe some straight white males in East Hall should start wearing high heels and dresses around campus and at least lose some of that "hetro cisgendered" privileged status.

[scatman77]

IMO which is based on my knowledge of East Hall from way back, I'd consider the source and not give this matter a second thought. Who died and left that RA in charge of the sanitorium?

Funny and yes but times change. Heck I heard there were women living in Bowie!

That ain't nothing new.....1973-74 there were a few "living" there back then!

[ASUMountaineer]

I find it mostly funny that so many that constantly gripe about being too PC and the "United States of the Offended" are clearly offended by a loser RA's bulletin board.

I always thought college was the time and place to challenge everything your believed. You're on your own for the first time (in most cases), and you've been insulated--rightfully so--for most of your life. Being able to learn new things, expand your experiences, and to consider others is the basis for becoming a well-rounded member of society.

I am a WASP, and a son a Southern Baptist deacon, raised in a conservative-Christian home, in the Belt Buckle of the Bible Belt. When I got to Appalachian and met people with different experiences and viewpoints, I was fascinated--not threatened or offended. The wonderful part about college is that there are not "cool kids" so-to-speak. Look at how much conversation this bulletin board has spurred--the RA has already won.

Do I agree with the underlying point of the board, in many respects yes. Do I agree with the manner in which the point was delivered? Absolutely not. However, I also recognize that a public university is a place to have discussions that challenge viewpoints, biases, beliefs, etc. I'm thankful that that was part of my education at Appalachian.

I also didn't realize that educational mission at Appalachian ceased when you entered the dormitory. The students offended in the piece crack me up. They are becoming the thing they are griping about--the offended.

Yeah. These griping loser white kids. Being uncomfortable in the place where they live? Pfft... Get over it, you spoiled, privileged protestants. Time to become enlightened and educated and realize just how lucky you are to be put in a position to be chastised and singled out for being lucky! Hmph... I bet their ancestors were slave owners too. Racist bigots.

Maybe some straight white males in East Hall should start wearing high heels and dresses around campus and at least lose some of that "hetro cisgendered" privileged status.

"United States of the Offended"

Thanks for proving my point. Let's fight hyperbole with hyperbole!!!

I guess you missed the part where I said I disagreed with the way the RA delivered his point (can't let that get in the way of the narrative though).

I wonder if the students in the piece took the time to go see the RA to voice their concern with the board, or to "enlighten" the RA. I'd bet not, or you'd think they would have brought it up. Instead, they gave an interview to a biased "reporter." Mountains out of molehills, my friend, mountains out of molehills.

[APPARJ]

I find it mostly funny that so many that constantly gripe about being too PC and the "United States of the Offended" are clearly offended by a loser RA's bulletin board.

I always thought college was the time and place to challenge everything your believed. You're on your own for the first time (in most cases), and you've been insulated--rightfully so--for most of your life. Being able to learn new things, expand your experiences, and to consider others is the basis for becoming a well-rounded member of society.

I am a WASP, and a son a Southern Baptist deacon, raised in a conservative-Christian home, in the Belt Buckle of the Bible Belt. When I got to Appalachian and met people with different experiences and viewpoints, I was fascinated--not threatened or offended. The wonderful part about college is that there are not "cool kids" so-to-speak. Look at how much conversation this bulletin board has spurred--the RA has already won.

Do I agree with the underlying point of the board, in many respects yes. Do I agree with the manner in which the point was delivered? Absolutely not. However, I also recognize that a public university is a place to have discussions that challenge viewpoints, biases, beliefs, etc. I'm thankful that that was part of my education at Appalachian.

I also didn't realize that educational mission at Appalachian ceased when you entered the dormitory. The students offended in the piece crack me up. They are becoming the thing they are griping about--the offended.

Yeah. These griping loser white kids. Being uncomfortable in the place where they live? Pfft... Get over it, you spoiled, privileged protestants. Time to become enlightened and educated and realize just how lucky you are to be put in a position to be chastised and singled out for being lucky! Hmph... I bet their ancestors were slave owners too. Racist bigots.

Maybe some straight white males in East Hall should start wearing high heels and dresses around campus and at least lose some of that "hetro cisgendered" privileged status.

"United States of the Offended"

Thanks for proving my point.

I guess you missed the part where I said I disagreed with the way the RA delivered his point (can't let that get in the way of the narrative). I wonder if the students in the piece took the time to go see the RA to voice their concern with the board, or to "enlighten" the RA. I'd bet none. Instead, they gave an interview to a biased "reporter." Mountains out of molehills, my friend, mountains out of molehills.

The only thing I'm offended by is your excessive use of smilies.

How would you know one way or the other if they spoke to the RA? Maybe they did and the RA was a jerk about it. Maybe they didn't.

People can wallow in the mud of what's right, fair, CIS, straight, gay and privileged but the world isn't fair and never will be. All one can do is try to make good decisions, treat your fellow man (and woman!) with courtesy and respect and work hard. Everything else takes care of itself.

[Gonzo]

I wonder if the students in the piece took the time to go see the RA to voice their concern with the board

If the RA was at all like he was characterized in the article, I doubt it would have done much good.

Herbert said one flier on the bulletin board told students who didn’t understand “what was wrong with [them]” to come to the RA’s dorm room so that he could “enlighten” them.

Doesn't seem like this person is the approachable type. At least not if you're a white person who disagrees with his dogmatic worldview. I'd love to have a chat with the guy about what's wrong with me, but I'm not a meek subordinate of his like his residents.