Whiteness in America

I have a hard time understanding

This whole thing about being white

And what makes being white so special.

I CAN'T comprehend it, try as I might.

 

"Special" here means using “whiteness”

To hold others down with unfair laws

Or other discriminatory treatment--

Injustice that should give all people pause.

 

I am of northern European

Background. That is just who I am.

But if my forebears had come from Mars,

Frankly, I wouldn't give a damn.

 

I must accept myself--that’s true--

To be who I am, but I'll come clean:

I'd be content to be any color--

Black, white, or in between.

 

Privileges that come with being

White for many are in effect

Exactly what those very same people

Fear losing and choose to protect.

 

What a shame that is! To me

It absolutely makes no sense

To keep your sense of privilege

And do so at someone else's expense.

 

If only we could find a way

To make such treatment disappear!

Life could be so much more

Harmonious here on this earthly sphere.

 

Be who you are, but learn to appreciate

Others for who they happen to be.

Walk in their shoes, live in their skin,

Hear what they hear, see what they see.

 

White, brown, black…whatever.

Let's unite as people--as one.

NOT other people, but false pride

And prejudice are what we should shun.

 

-by Bob B (2-10-21)

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Bravo! For penning a hard-hitting yet gentle exposé with a title that makes a reader go CLICK! As not only white, but good-looking, I've always realized I get a different, more privileged standard in every little thing in life. Imagine being believed or not believed, just becuz of the way you look. It's an unfathomable built-in system that's tempting to exploit, but as your poem implies, we must not enjoy this privilege while others get treated like second-class citizens! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

My favorite verse -- pointing out the obvious, so direct:
What a shame that is! To me
It absolutely makes no sense
To keep your sense of privilege
And do so at someone else's expense.

[Haley]

A great piece with a strong message. We need to collectively come together in order to make things equal for all. I've lived in both realities, the one where diversity is nowhere to be found and hate runs supreme, and the one lived in city-life, where diversity surrounded me, forcing me to become more open minded than I already was and learning of other's struggles. This is a really strong piece with a great message that runs openly through it!

[Bob B]

Thanks.
I agree: exposure to diverse people and cultures opens our eyes and hearts.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my friend.
"White, brown, black…whatever.
Let's unite as people--as one.
NOT other people, but false pride
And prejudice are what we should shun."
Where I live in the Detroit metro area. Strong black people wanting nothing for free. Many Bosnians and Arab people are making their dreams come true. We have a Polish town, Italy village and a Mexican town. We get along. Time for us to fix our world. Not seek free things. Hello my friend and I hope you are doing well.
Coyote

[Bob B]

What great diversity! I live in the L.A. metro area, where we also enjoy a potpourri of ethnicities. I love it!
I hope you are doing well also.

[Coyote Poetry]

I am doing fine and it is time for us to heal our world. Not create problems.

[Bob B]

That might be possible once people stop believing and spreading crazy conspiracy theories.