The following points I have to make may cause much disagreement or for people to look at me “different” on here, but seeing as how Fluther is a sight which allows people to express their opinions in a free manner, I am just going to let it out…
Has anyone ever noticed the choices for race on most applications, etc.?
The are usually somewhere along the lines of (give or take):
African American
Asian American
Native American
Hispanic/Latino
White
Other
As a caucasian individual of Europen and Native American Dissent (as well as some “Afican American” reportedly very far back) I find it very offensive and racist when I am refered to, and classified, as white. Why isn’t “European American” or “Caucasian American” a choice? Every other ‘group’ is represented by heritage/culture, yet mine is represented by a skin color? How is this not racist when it would be considered so if the other “groups” were listed by their color references (i.e. “Black”, “Red”, “Yellow” etc.)? EVERYONE experiences racism personaly in some manner or form, regardless of race, color, culture, etc. I have personally experienced this through being called “that white girl” or a “stupid redneck” or “racist hick” simply because I drive trucks, hunt, live in the country, etc. Not EVERY “white” person who lives 20 minutes from town and owns a gun is racist.
And since I’m already on my soap box, why is there an “African American History Month” and “Native American History Month” (which most people are not aware of the later because it is not marketed the way the former is), yet no “Irish American History Month” or “Asian American History Month”? Other people of other nationalities suffered too, you know.
And why are people, who’s families have lived for many generations in America, still considered “African American”? Why not just American? I can understand this term for individuals who are recent immigrants from Africa, but for those whose families have been in America longer than mine – why are they not just considered Americans?
For me – the discussion of “what” Obama is starts and ends with the fact that in order to be able to become president, an individual must be American. Period.