As a white middle class male living in America today I would have to say that I am privileged. I am privileged to be able to attend college, that my family is financially stable, that I have been raised in a good environment, but do I have white privilege? It might sound bad or wrong of me to say this but deep down I do feel that I do have some sort of white privilege. These are things that most of the time I take for granted unless I am made aware of my current situation, that happened to me today when watching "Pathology of Privilege" and listening to Tim Wise.
In listening to Wise and the multiple statistics he made when talking about what white privilege is I couldn't help but think back on my life and my experience when being white played in my favor. Now I just want to make clear that I do not feel that this is right, I do not feel I should be given the benefit of the doubt just because the color of my skin, but I cannot help but to think that at the end of the day in certain situations it did. If that is the case should I really be mad at myself or feel guilty? I really don't know how to answer that question to be honest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Xe1kX7Wsc
For example, today I went to best buy to look at phone cases, I walked in right behind a big African-American male looked to be about my age and possibly a football player judging by his huge stature and his OU apparel. The man at the door, who was a middle aged white male, who normally greets people by saying "Hi, welcome to best buy" did not say a word to the black male, however literally five seconds later he looks at me as I walk through the door and says "Hi, welcome to best buy can I help you with anything today." I actually smiled and laughed. I immediately thought of the video and couldn't help but to think to myself, "Wow, Wise is right." Now there could have been a thousand other reasons why the door greeter did not greet the black guy in front of me, but after today's lecture I could not help but think that it was a reason. With that being said, I do have white privilege rather I like it or not. It is just there and in many situations I will be seen in a different light based on the color of my skin. I guess I should be thankful, or consider myself lucky but I feel guilty in saying that, but should I be? Whatever the answer is I know that is some way shape or form I am privileged regardless of my skin and for that I am thankful and consider myself lucky.
http://trailerpark.blog.ca/2008/09/22/tim-wise-4763399/
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thoughts on Race in the Media
It would be a flat out lie to say that race is not portrayed in the media, it is not done on purpose but yet it is still there. When watching commercials, sporting events or the evening news it is very apparent. I feel however that in some situations race is so common on certain topics that we as viewers are used to seeing it and we have become oblivious to the situation. On the other hand, I also feel that it race is portrayed more in certain situation, it almost varies from topic to topic
I am a sports freak, I can watch any sport at anytime, and when I think of the best athletes in the world in major sports I tend to think of African-American athletes. In the basketball world I immediately think of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Michael Jordan. In golf I think of Tiger Woods, in the NFL I think of Randy Moss or my all time favorite player Emmit Smith. All of these athletes are African-American, but seeing them perform and hearing them being talked about on television and radio I do not even think about their race, I see them as the best players in their sport.
Then on the other hand you have our last presidential election. Barack Obama is our nation's first African-American president. When watching the inauguration many people made a point to make sure that he was our first black president like if we could not already tell. It seemed that people were making a very big deal about President Obama's race then his actual political views. This was a momentous occasion, but why did the media and many people decide to make it just about race?
http://www.gregpalast.com/vote-for-him-because-hes-black/
Comparing this to sports, Tiger Woods will most likely go down as the best golfer to ever live and that's it. Not Tiger Woods was the best African-American golfer to ever live; he is the best overall period. Woods is the only African-American player on the PGA Tour and no one makes a big deal about that. I feel that in the end the media seems to make race a bigger issue on certain topics than others. I would almost them rather make race a part of every story or just leave it alone completely. I know that is a big statement to make and not a very realistic one at that, but I feel that making someone's race a part of a story when there are so many other angles and views that can be taken it almost seems like they are settling when they can do so much more. Race has always been in the media and will always will be. It shapes our views and stereotypes rather if we notice it or are completely oblivious to it, it will always be present in media.
http://www.racewire.org/archives/2007/04/why_tiger_woods_is_the_only_bl.html
I am a sports freak, I can watch any sport at anytime, and when I think of the best athletes in the world in major sports I tend to think of African-American athletes. In the basketball world I immediately think of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Michael Jordan. In golf I think of Tiger Woods, in the NFL I think of Randy Moss or my all time favorite player Emmit Smith. All of these athletes are African-American, but seeing them perform and hearing them being talked about on television and radio I do not even think about their race, I see them as the best players in their sport.
Then on the other hand you have our last presidential election. Barack Obama is our nation's first African-American president. When watching the inauguration many people made a point to make sure that he was our first black president like if we could not already tell. It seemed that people were making a very big deal about President Obama's race then his actual political views. This was a momentous occasion, but why did the media and many people decide to make it just about race?
http://www.gregpalast.com/vote-for-him-because-hes-black/
Comparing this to sports, Tiger Woods will most likely go down as the best golfer to ever live and that's it. Not Tiger Woods was the best African-American golfer to ever live; he is the best overall period. Woods is the only African-American player on the PGA Tour and no one makes a big deal about that. I feel that in the end the media seems to make race a bigger issue on certain topics than others. I would almost them rather make race a part of every story or just leave it alone completely. I know that is a big statement to make and not a very realistic one at that, but I feel that making someone's race a part of a story when there are so many other angles and views that can be taken it almost seems like they are settling when they can do so much more. Race has always been in the media and will always will be. It shapes our views and stereotypes rather if we notice it or are completely oblivious to it, it will always be present in media.
http://www.racewire.org/archives/2007/04/why_tiger_woods_is_the_only_bl.html
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Celtics must deal with more injuries
Celtics, Powe out for rest of playoffs with torn ACL
It looks like Kevin Garnett will have some company on the sideline as backup forward Leon Powe will be out for the remainder of the postseason.
Powe tore his ACL in his left knee in the second quarter in last nights win against the Chicago Bulls. Powe who was out for almost all of March due to a right knee problem will now have sit out to rehab his other knee now.
The Celtics were able to still beat the Bulls 118-115 last night to even the series at 1-1. They were led behind Ray Allen who scored 27 points in the second half. The Celtics were depending on Powe and Glen Davis to fill the void with Garnett being out. Now they will have to rely even more on Davis and rarely used Mikki Moore.
The Bulls who have surprised a lot of people by keeping games close with the defending champions have a lot of people thinking that the baby Bulls can actually win this series. With Powe going down the Bulls should be able to win the rebounding battle which can give them a realistic shot at winning the series.
Additional Headlines:
He Got Game: Allen hits game winner against Bulls
Parker and Spurs even series 1-1, beat Mavs
Dampier to Parker, "I'm putting him on his back"
It looks like Kevin Garnett will have some company on the sideline as backup forward Leon Powe will be out for the remainder of the postseason.
Powe tore his ACL in his left knee in the second quarter in last nights win against the Chicago Bulls. Powe who was out for almost all of March due to a right knee problem will now have sit out to rehab his other knee now.
The Celtics were able to still beat the Bulls 118-115 last night to even the series at 1-1. They were led behind Ray Allen who scored 27 points in the second half. The Celtics were depending on Powe and Glen Davis to fill the void with Garnett being out. Now they will have to rely even more on Davis and rarely used Mikki Moore.
The Bulls who have surprised a lot of people by keeping games close with the defending champions have a lot of people thinking that the baby Bulls can actually win this series. With Powe going down the Bulls should be able to win the rebounding battle which can give them a realistic shot at winning the series.
Additional Headlines:
He Got Game: Allen hits game winner against Bulls
Parker and Spurs even series 1-1, beat Mavs
Dampier to Parker, "I'm putting him on his back"
Sunday, April 19, 2009
More 1st Round Games
Jazz continue to struggle on road, lose game 1
The Utah Jazz have struggled all year long on the road. Still many experts gave them a chance to take the Lakers deep into a series, those experts might be wrong.
The Lakers were able to dominate the Jazz this afternoon and win by a score of 113-100. The Lakers were led by MVP candidate Kobe Bryant who had 24 points.
"They kept knocking on the door and we just never let them in," Bryant said.
The Jazz will have to win at least one game in LA if they want a chance to win the series. The Jazz are 15-26 overall on the road this year. The Jazz are realistically the only team who matches up well with the Lakers. If they are not able to put a dent in the Lakers game plan everyone else in the West has a very slim chance of winning.
Additional Headlines:
Philly gets surprise win in Orlando
Hawks stop Wade and Heat win game 1
Hornets, Nuggets game 1
The Utah Jazz have struggled all year long on the road. Still many experts gave them a chance to take the Lakers deep into a series, those experts might be wrong.
The Lakers were able to dominate the Jazz this afternoon and win by a score of 113-100. The Lakers were led by MVP candidate Kobe Bryant who had 24 points.
"They kept knocking on the door and we just never let them in," Bryant said.
The Jazz will have to win at least one game in LA if they want a chance to win the series. The Jazz are 15-26 overall on the road this year. The Jazz are realistically the only team who matches up well with the Lakers. If they are not able to put a dent in the Lakers game plan everyone else in the West has a very slim chance of winning.
Additional Headlines:
Philly gets surprise win in Orlando
Hawks stop Wade and Heat win game 1
Hornets, Nuggets game 1
Saturday, April 18, 2009
It has begun!
Rose sets record in playoff debut
The Chicago Bulls went into the Boston Garden today to play the defending champs and the baby Bulls were given no chance, they shocked the world today behind there youngest bull.
Derek Rose tied Kareem Abdul-Jabaar's record for the most points by a rookie in his playoff debut today with 36 points and 11 assists. Rose was able to lead the Bulls to a win over the defending champs 105-103 in overtime.
"He doesn't need playoff experience," Bulls guard Ben Gordon said. "He's poised beyond his years. He already carries himself like a veteran out there. He had a phenomenal game tonight, to say the least."
Just like last year, the Celtics played down to there competition going seven games with the Atlanta Hawks in the first round last year. This year the Celtics are without Kevin Garnett, their biggest inspiration. Without Kevin Garnett the Bulls have a real chance of upsetting the defending champs in the first round. This series will be very interesting in the upcoming week.
Additional Headlines:
Mavs go into San Antonio and steal game 1
Lebron and Cavs beat Pistons in game 1
Rockets win game 1 in Portland
The Chicago Bulls went into the Boston Garden today to play the defending champs and the baby Bulls were given no chance, they shocked the world today behind there youngest bull.
Derek Rose tied Kareem Abdul-Jabaar's record for the most points by a rookie in his playoff debut today with 36 points and 11 assists. Rose was able to lead the Bulls to a win over the defending champs 105-103 in overtime.
"He doesn't need playoff experience," Bulls guard Ben Gordon said. "He's poised beyond his years. He already carries himself like a veteran out there. He had a phenomenal game tonight, to say the least."
Just like last year, the Celtics played down to there competition going seven games with the Atlanta Hawks in the first round last year. This year the Celtics are without Kevin Garnett, their biggest inspiration. Without Kevin Garnett the Bulls have a real chance of upsetting the defending champs in the first round. This series will be very interesting in the upcoming week.
Additional Headlines:
Mavs go into San Antonio and steal game 1
Lebron and Cavs beat Pistons in game 1
Rockets win game 1 in Portland
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Celtics lose KG
Garnett possibly for the playoffs
The big three in Boston is now the big two as the defending champion Celtics are losing the big ticket for the first round of the playoffs and possibly the entire postseason.
Kevin Garnett knee is still giving him problems and his own coach is saying that he is not ready for playoff basketball. Garnett is the backbone for the defending champion Celtics, he is their inspirational leader and the center piece of that tough defensive front.
"It's not official that he's out for the entire playoffs, but it's official as far as I'm concerned," said Doc Rivers, head coach of the Celtics before practice at the team's workout facility. "I just don't see how. I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see it."
If KG is out for the playoffs more than the big two in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will have to step up. Role players such as Rajon Rondo, Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Leon Poe will have to contribute and fill the void of the big ticket. The Celtics will get past there first round match-up against the Bulls, however, after that, it does not look good for the champs.
Additional Headlines:
Mavs beat Rockets Clinch 6th Seed
Philly beat Cavs, secure 6th seed in East and ruin Cavs record setting night
Spurs beat Hornets in OT, Clinch 3rd seed in West
The big three in Boston is now the big two as the defending champion Celtics are losing the big ticket for the first round of the playoffs and possibly the entire postseason.
Kevin Garnett knee is still giving him problems and his own coach is saying that he is not ready for playoff basketball. Garnett is the backbone for the defending champion Celtics, he is their inspirational leader and the center piece of that tough defensive front.
"It's not official that he's out for the entire playoffs, but it's official as far as I'm concerned," said Doc Rivers, head coach of the Celtics before practice at the team's workout facility. "I just don't see how. I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see it."
If KG is out for the playoffs more than the big two in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will have to step up. Role players such as Rajon Rondo, Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Leon Poe will have to contribute and fill the void of the big ticket. The Celtics will get past there first round match-up against the Bulls, however, after that, it does not look good for the champs.
Additional Headlines:
Mavs beat Rockets Clinch 6th Seed
Philly beat Cavs, secure 6th seed in East and ruin Cavs record setting night
Spurs beat Hornets in OT, Clinch 3rd seed in West
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hornets get redemption on Mavs
The Dallas Mavericks were looking to gain sole control of the sixth seed in the Western Conference this afternoon when they tried to win their second straight game over the New Orleans Hornets, however Chris Paul decided otherwise.
The Hornets were able to get the win over the Mavericks in the big easy this afternoon by beating the Mavericks by a score of 102-92. The Hornets were led by Paul who was a rebound shy of a triple-double. Paul had 31 points 17 assist and nine rebounds. The win gives the Hornets control over the sixth seed in the West with two games left to play
"Obviously, you want to be seeded as high as possible, but it's all about us playing well," Paul said. "Whatever seed we get, I think we'll be fine."
The Hornets will travel on the road to take on the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets while the Mavericks will return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Rockets. This next week will be a fun one to watch in the Western Conference
Additional headlines:
Cavs destroy defending champs
Questionable three gives Spurs win in Sacramento
D-Wade goes for 55 in the Garden
The Dallas Mavericks were looking to gain sole control of the sixth seed in the Western Conference this afternoon when they tried to win their second straight game over the New Orleans Hornets, however Chris Paul decided otherwise.
The Hornets were able to get the win over the Mavericks in the big easy this afternoon by beating the Mavericks by a score of 102-92. The Hornets were led by Paul who was a rebound shy of a triple-double. Paul had 31 points 17 assist and nine rebounds. The win gives the Hornets control over the sixth seed in the West with two games left to play
"Obviously, you want to be seeded as high as possible, but it's all about us playing well," Paul said. "Whatever seed we get, I think we'll be fine."
The Hornets will travel on the road to take on the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets while the Mavericks will return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Rockets. This next week will be a fun one to watch in the Western Conference
Additional headlines:
Cavs destroy defending champs
Questionable three gives Spurs win in Sacramento
D-Wade goes for 55 in the Garden
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