Racism as defined by WSU
I seems that the quality of education at Washington State University hasn’t changed since I attended. The sentiments shown here by Professor Streamas are very similar to those I heard being taught in the late 80′s and early 90′s.
“he (Prof. Streamas) argues that a person of color cannot be racist, by definition, because racism also defines a power differential that is not usually present when a person or color is speaking.” – The Volokh Conspiracy
A similar theme was present in the Women’s Studies program when I attended WSU. Any suggestion that a woman could be sexist was loudly and aggressively shouted down. It was taken as fact that no woman, by definition, could be sexist. I would have considered the theory that it’s less likely in women, but impossible? That’s just ridiculous.
Professor Streamas’ theory is just as absurd. While in his statement he says that the power differential is “not usually present” when a person of color speaks, this somehow turns this into an absolute when defining racism. Racism unusual in people of color? Sure, I’d accept that. Rare? No problem. A person of color cannot be racist? That’s an absurd argument.
Maybe Prof. Streamas isn’t aware of it, but “people of color” aren’t in the minority everywhere in the world. Is he arguing that because people of color were oppressed on some areas, they are incapable of racism in other areas? Has he considered the behavior of one minority race towards other minority races right here in the US? I somehow doubt it. The fact that Prof. Streamas used this idea as a defense, when he himself was accused of racist language, is when this story gets bizarre. According to him, he couldn’t have had any racist intent when calling a student a “white shitbag”. He’s a professor, the student is in an inferior position, and Streamas used racial terms to define his verbal attack… How is this not racist? I think the official reprimand was entirely appropriate.
h/t Instapundit.com
Other blogs posting on this subject:
- Sneakeasy’s Joint
- Professor Bainbridge’s Journal
- Daily Pundit here and here
Racism as defined by WSU…
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Trackback by University Update — December 21, 2006 @ 1:56 am
Professor Streamas should come meet my students, many of whom are “persons of color” and many of whom are extremely racist. Egh.
Comment by Bre — December 21, 2006 @ 10:54 pm
Hi – I came over from the Z list, browsing….I think this is a fascinating discussion and wish there were more responses. At a NOW women’s economic empowerment conference several years back in Georgia, I found myself the lone white woman in a room of black women who were espousing your professor’s line of thought that blacks can’t be racist. to say it didn’t feel safe to voice my opinion is an understatement. So I didn’t (shame on me). I understand the argument, but perhaps your professor should come try out Prince George’s County in Maryland, the wealthiest majority black county in America and try out his theory there, where African Americans have a great deal of power. Perhaps the correct word for the professor is bigot? I’m not sure of the nuances in the language. But I think it’s a discussion that bears a safe space to get down to the bare bones and see what’s there. Unfortunately I haven’t found anyone working on that safe space.
Comment by Tammy Vitale — December 28, 2006 @ 10:26 am
It seems like such an absurd idea to me, but it sure gets a lot of acceptance.
I’ve noticed the people pushing these ideas are often great examples of why it’s not true! For instance, in the example above, the good professor’s claim that he can’t be racist while calling someone a “white shitbag”.
Comment by HDW — December 28, 2006 @ 10:38 am
The First Virginia Blog Carnival of 2007!…
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