Okay I guess I have to interject
When I read the original statement by Austin, my first reaction was O_O. I almost said something but actually decided it wasn't worth it. IMO The compliment could have and should have read "She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful clear voice"...period.
Perhaps it is my blackness that makes me raise an eyebrow, but I don't think so. I certainly do not wear my blackness on my sleeve. However what is "She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful clear voice for a black lady" supposed to mean? Which part of "beautiful clear" is an anomaly for black women singers? Is it the "beautiful" or the "clear"? The style of music that Whitney sang was the soulful "black" sound she learned in predominately black churches. I know plenty who sing that way. She is a natural soprano who is black. There are not going to be many raspy sopranos of any race.
I'm not assuming that Austin meant something derogatory (which is why I didn't initially respond). However, it is a curious choice of words.
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FYI: Whitney Houston was also part Native American. Her great grandfather on her mother's side was full Native American. She was no doubt one of the best singers that ever lived! I'm sorry to hear that she is gone.
In a lot of ways, I don't expect many of you to understand why a remark like that would raise eyebrows. It is fine if the intent was not of malicious nature, however, I ask that folks not make comments like that if they don't want it to be received the way it sounds. Try to edit your thoughts so they don't sound racist and stereotypical.
In a lot of ways, I don't expect many of you to understand why a remark like that would raise eyebrows. It is fine if the intent was not of malicious nature, however, I ask that folks not make comments like that if they don't want it to be received the way it sounds. Try to edit your thoughts so they don't sound racist and stereotypical.
If someone is looking for racism they can usually find it. It does not matter what is said.
Reminds me of an event that happened at my work about 2 years ago.
A (fill in the blank) lady went to HR complaining that another employee was racist.
HR asked her if she knew that the other employees husband was (fill in the blank) and her son was half (fill in the blank).
Needless to say the (fill in the blank) lady walked out of HR feeling quite ridiculous.
And has never accused anyone of being racist, since.
Good thing I wasn't looking for racism!!!! However, the comment was what it was!
Ya, for the record the initial comment did cause me to raise an eye brow as well. Granted I didn't dwell on it other than thinking "Ok I highly doubt this was malicious in any way but it could have been phrased different....."
...just trying to give Austin the benefit of the doubt until he showed up to explain himself. Which he didn't...yet.
For a little clarity, some definitions:
Quote:
Originally Posted by dictionary.com
rac·ism - noun
1.
a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2.
a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3.
hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
rac·ist - noun
1.
a person who believes in racism, the doctrine that a certain human race is superior to any or all others.
Stereotyping (of which most of us are guilty from time to time), prejudices and even ignorance do not necessarily = racism. I have my own prejudices and perceptions, which have evolved over time as I've matured, been educated and experienced more of the world and the people around me. Even if I think something that turns out to be inaccurate, that doesn't make me a "racist." That word gets bandied about too freely, much the same as the word "abuse."
Gentle correction is better, and let's reserve the accusation of racism for people who truly exhibit it.
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"God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours."
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"To see no being, not God’s or any, but you also go thither,
To see no possession but you may possess it—enjoying all without labor or purchase—
abstracting the feast, yet not abstracting one particle of it;…."
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Ya, for the record the initial comment did cause me to raise an eye brow as well. Granted I didn't dwell on it other than thinking "Ok I highly doubt this was malicious in any way but it could have been phrased different....."
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