Alex - I agree that race is a social construct. Race should not matter. However, race-based discrimination and oppression exist and for that, race does matter…a lot.

I agree that painting your face black is not inherently racist. Devoid of historical context, it is merely an act. History gives us the reason for why white folks painting their faces black is discriminatory.

Once again, I agree with you that the intent of the Barometer article/photo saying that students should wear all black and paint their faces black was not to promote racism. I would separate intent from impact. The intent was harmless as countless commenters on the GT have stated. The impact is what matters. It is not something that can be measured statistically as each person perceives impact in their hearts as something unique to their experience. Renee and Wolof were impacted by the photograph on the Barometer’s front page. It reminded them of blackface, a historically racist and damaging thing that took away the dignity of African Americans.

I think I perpetuate racial ideas from an anti-racist, social justice framework. The fact that people are upset that they have to “defend” themselves from being accused of perpetuating racism is very telling to me. I appreciate it when my friends call me out for using language that is not affirming. I have been socialized, like most white folks, to not listen to people of color or to realize that I have perpetuated an “ism.” My anti-racist identity is one that is constantly learning and growing.

Black is one of the school colors for OSU. The context of students wearing black to sporting events does not supersede or erase the historical context of blackface.

I feel that my education has helped me to realize how I have contributed to racism and that I cannot ethically be anything other than an anti-racist educator.

In speaking about Corvallis as a place that is not free of racism, I feel that I am merely posting what many in Corvallis already know. Corvallis is not bereft of racism and white racists.

I think there are a lot of examples of racism in this country and that “real racism” exists in many different forms. I appreciate that you have shared a bit of your story and I am glad that you commented.

Dennis - I think your comment really encapsulates what has happened, especially in regards to the GT and Facebook comments. I don’t think anyone has said that the intent of the students who wore black or painted their faces was motivated by racism. However, ignorance of history does not excuse anyone from the impact of their actions. One theme that I have seen throughout a lot of comments is that white students did not know about blackface. It would seem to me that perhaps this is a reflection of history being taught to the dominant majority through a dominant majority lens that is devoid of the histories of marginalized groups.

Britt - I hope you enjoy my site and my portfolio
I think you point out another theme that I have seen on the GT and Facebook: the labeling of racism as only being overt and intentional. Covert racism that lies at the periphery is something that is difficult to see but the effects can have long-term social implications.

Alex - I’m not sure how I have attacked the students who participated in blackface at the football game. My original critique was directed at the Daily Barometer for posting the photograph and banning Renee’s editorial. The comments on Facebook have been extremely prejudicial. The cultural context of white students wearing black face paint at a football game does not excuse them from engaging in something that has a long, historical record of racism.

I also do not feel that it is up to the African American community at OSU to tell non-African American’s that the photograph was racist. White people need to be able to realize when they are engaging in something that can be seen as racist. People of color have told white people over and over again, and we still do not listen. Renee, who is Native American, and Wolof, who is African American, have stated that they found the photograph in the Barometer to be reminiscent of blackface and that it bothered them. I just wish that the majority community at OSU, white people, had listened to them.

PS: This is getting to be the longest comment I have ever written…

Corvallist - Please be patient with me as I am running a little low on energy at the moment (let me know if I miss anything that you wanted me to comment on…).

I agree that there is no proof as to the geographical location of the GT commenters. I do think that it is sad that majority of people who are commenting on the blackface at OSU articles are engaging in extremely bigoted discourse. I do wonder though about the Corvallis blogging community. I feel that the majority of Corvallis bloggers would identify as being liberal or progressive in their views. They seem to be fairly connected to Orblogs.com and I would think that some of those readers would have found their way to the GT article for an anti-racist comment… In my opinion, white people (even those who self-identify as liberal) do not often speak out against racism as they have been socialized that it is a “problem” for people of color to deal with.

I am in complete agreement that this is an opportunity to educate. I wish there was some way to reach all of the students who have commented on the Facebook sight…

You are correct. I do not know your race or ethnicity. However, you know mine - white, Swiss-German, and I feel that it is usually white people who do not wish to out themselves. Most people of color that I know have stopped using the word “minority” because it denotes a “less than status” when compared to the word “majority.”

Yes, we are all entitled to our opinions. That’s a standing policy that cannot be erased from the books or blogosphere.

I think it says a lot about the mindset of white people when they keep saying over and over again that this town is not racist. Racism (prejudice + power) targets people of color. White folks can go through their daily routine and never have to acknowledge the existence of racism because it does not directly affect them.

Michael - I’m looking forward to another comment. I appreciate your cool-headed, paradigm three demeanor…

Dennis - Great thoughts/comment. It made me think…a lot.

Sabrina - I think a lot of the readers of the GT don’t “get it” because they have been socialized that they should not listen to people of color. Resistance to listening and empathy is a very large hurdle. I hope that some of the white folks who have been engaged in critical thinking and awareness of this issue will be affected in a positive way.

Thanks for commenting.

However, I do understand the cultural significance of the “black face” idea but to say that a color is of a taboo for a school football game places things out of cultural context (of course that being in my opinion). Now I am in agreement that if certain people were offended that were of an African descent then that issue should be discussed most intimately with them until feelings of ease can be reached, no one should ever feel discriminated against for an entertainment value.

A few things in regards to this portion of Alex’s comment:

1. I am starting to wonder about a resolution here - is the idea of having white OSU students paint their faces black going to be or remain a problem? Is it possible to have OSU painted black and still be socially just and responsible about it? I’m not suggesting that this is my determination to make (though certainly I have an opinion on it), but if the answer is no, how is that answer and the reasoning behind it going to be communicated to the students involved? My instinct is to say that it’s likely to remain a problem because the students who are doing this are not going to take the time and spend the energy to understand why it’s extremely upsetting to others…so the cycle will continue.

2. Why do the people offended have to be of African descent? Blackface offends me, because I think that it strips people of dignity, and I am offended and bothered when I see that happen. In other words, I don’t think that only people of color are “allowed” to get upset about racism. That suggests a serious lack of understanding of some of the underlying reasons that racism is wrong.

I will surely add more later when I have a bit more time.