Another Response to “Being White In Philly”
11April 4, 2013 by DKC
There have been various responses to this article and since the heavy weights have responded either through publication or through other public venues I think I will try to give my vantage point on this piece out of Philadelphia magazine. There are three assessments of this piece that I would like to propose. I would love to interject some hope but before hope there is painful truth and so here we go.
Philly
Privilege
When White Privilege speaks, this is how it sounds…
As I read Robert Huber’s article I quickly caught some key things. The article begins on page 59 and quickly we recognize a prime example of privilege. Huber starts the article out by describing his son’s apartment near Temple University and quickly shares how a police officer mentions that the location where his son’s apartment is located is a bad spot. As he moves through the area in question he notices a home with a padlocked front door with window dressing that looks like a stained sheet. Who knows what or who lives behind the soiled sheet! Privilege may not be evil, but it does reveal one’s position in society. It also highlights options one has within a community—one option is to gaze upon another with pity. Pity in many cases is neither good nor evil—it is simply a response to an unfortunate predicament. Pity looks down and in many cases may prompt one to extend help. However, in some instances it takes the form of an article in a high end magazine.
I wonder if Huber is really concerned with what is behind the proverbial ‘stained sheet’. While reading this article I was reminded how the Biblical text describes how lepers were treated in 1st Century Palestine. White flight is the by-product of what many perceive as the modern day leper. The kind of thinking that I describe jumps out on page 59 when he says, “And if you’re white, you don’t merely avoid them–you do your best to erase them from your thoughts.” The statement is surrounded by the writer’s assessment of a community in paradox.
The real question is this; how can a world class university exist in the same community where homes are in squalor conditions and crime run rampant? Privilege is the answer. The opportunity to come in and leave and to know that you can leave is privilege. To drive through the neighborhood and make your way back to Mt. Airy unscathed is privilege. To have a friendly conversation with a police officer where there is no assumption that you either are, or could be a suspect in a crime. To wonder why others won’t just enjoy the American dream that’s theirs to grab hold off—this is a by product of privilege.
Proximity
“Why would I be teaching in an inner-city school if I’m a racist?” This statement found on page 60 hit a nerve for me. It sounds innocent enough, but I am familiar with these kinds of statements. It’s a cousin to the infamous, “I have a black friend and so I can’t be racist” statement. A twenty six year old teacher in his first year calls an eighth grader “boy”. The student is African American and takes offense. The stepfather gets involved and there is a meeting between teacher, student, and principle and stepfather. The teacher apologized, but Huber injected the teacher’s thinking; the aforementioned statement about proximity and profession. I don’t believe that the teacher is racist, but what I do want to consider is the assumption that many make. Many falsely believe that somehow living or working in close proximity to those who are the ‘other’ exempts them from critique.
The teacher is asking for slack, some room or grace on the ‘boy’ thing. He gets some grace and should. Does the teacher believe that he is doing us a favor by teaching in the inner-city? It deserves mentioning that blacks are not ultra-sensitive about the race thing, but we are sensitive enough to know the smell of racism or we at least know how to sniff out an environment before letting our guard down. The student behaves even worse after the meeting. Huber feels the need to include this—why? Is he saying that the student and father used the race card and it backfired on them? I don’t know–I hope not. I grew up in the Philadelphia public school system and white, black, Asian students cut the fool all day long, even after parent-teacher conferences. It is called being an adolescent.
Broad and Spring Garden
Concerning proximity, I think Huber hits the nail on the head with the last sentence on page 62, “Whites moved out.” This is undeniable. The reality of white flight from Philadelphia is still underway and the economic impact is a citywide phenomenon. A greater question is why? Why did they move to the suburbs? These are the questions that Philadelphia Magazine needs to ask…research that! The article suggests that there are hoards of hyper sensitive blacks who are unwilling to have this ‘conversation’. If there were kids behind the ‘stained sheet’ that Huber speaks about how might they view living so close to a world class education knowing that access to that education is out of reach?
Paternalism
The ‘Great White Hope’ syndrome is all over this piece. As the article quickens to the end, we see more and more of this syndrome. There is the shop owner Ben, an industrious guy whose description seemed more inline with a pioneer staking out territory among crack heads and dealers. Brave Ben will eventually colonize the community and gentrify this place so that others can come through and enjoy the city again. Then there is Jen, who is trying to convince young urban professionals to send their kids to a predominantly black elementary school. Who knew the key would be a high end urban professional sending their kid to the neighborhood school? Now it’s the ‘in’ thing. These examples are provided to build a narrative that White flight destroyed the city and White re-entry is going to save the city.
I tried to shed a tear as I read the following statement,
The problems seem intractable. In so many quarters, simply discussing race is seen as racist. And so white people are stuck, dishonest by default, as we take a pass on the state of this city’s largest black inner city and settle for politely opening doors at Wawa, before we slip back to our own lives.
I tried to shed more tears as he went on,
We’re stuck in another way, too. Our troubled black communities create in us a tangle of feelings, including this one: a desire for things to be better. But for the sentiment to come true–for it to mean anything, even–I’ve come to believe that white people have to risk being much more open. It’s impossible to know how that might change the racial dynamics in Philadelphia, or the plight of the inner city.
Big Poppa to the rescue! I was set back by the statement, “Our troubled black communities…” Huber sounds paternalistic when he gets to what he really wants to say, “But like many people, I yearn for much more: that I could feel the freedom to speak to my African-American neighbors about, say, not only my concerns for my son’s safety living around Temple, but how the inner city needs to get its act together.” There it is–the inner city needs to get its act together and Huber suggests that this is a conversation about race? He ignores economics and conflates several issues into one and passes it off as a much needed conversation about racial tension.
In an attempt to discuss race what Huber really wants to say is that Black folk need to straighten up their mess so his son doesn’t get mugged while receiving the advantages of life inside the bubble. While he moans about Wawa doors and tries to give racism a soft side, Black mothers and fathers are trying to survive, many burying their children or visiting them in prison. We need a conversation about education disparity, jobs and sub par health care. The conversation about race is always going on for Blacks. It is a never ending dialogue, but mostly among ourselves because many Whites are tired of hearing about race. Some have the privilege to compartmentalize race, but color is often times judged immediately.
Broad and Parrish
Somehow I wonder if men like the one that wrote this article are aware that Black men and women understand the conditions of our community. There are churches, civic organizations, other religious groups working hard to address teen pregnancy, illiteracy, addiction, violence, etc. Much of our efforts are with few resources, but the effort to transition a generation goes on despite the opposition. We are hopeful that the issues of race, class and ethnicity will be dealt with. However, in order to deal one has to be willing to admit that white privilege is real and structural racism is not the latest excuse from black folks for their condition.
A question that many in the Anglo community may be asking is how do we move forward if all the above is true? The following list may help with moving forward:
Respect — Simply put, don’t discount someone else’s experience as trivial and inconsequential. This is key when a black person recognizes ‘racism’. What you perceive as nothing is just that…your perception. Privilege can cause one to discount a black person’s awareness of racism, whether subtle or blatant. Examples of this might be: a prolonged gaze, the clutching of a pocketbook or the absence of persons of color within the management structure of a company. Respect what black folk are saying instead of designating the claim as hyper sensitivity or ‘victimization’. Respect must be mutual.
Understand the nature of poverty – One of the things that I missed in Philadelphia Magazine’s piece, “Being White in Philly” was an understanding of the nature of poverty and its pervasiveness. Poverty is not simply the absence of wealth, it is often the absence of ideas and solutions. People in poverty exist within a unique context and until you understand perhaps you shouldn’t call it a race issue. Understanding someone’s context requires more than a quick drive through the neighborhood with windows up, only engaging with those who fear the ‘others’.
Talk with leaders already involved in the work of restoration – This may be difficult to comprehend for many outsiders, but there are actually people working hard to solve many of the issues related to poverty. There are churches, mosques, civic leaders, and community leaders who know the folks in the community and are acutely aware of how poverty operates. Talk to these people first before suggesting solutions that may be more appropriate for the suburbs or other contexts. I have noticed in the past, that suburban churches who have a genuine heart for the city seem to want to come in as a savior to rescue poor folk. ‘Teach them how to fish and you’ll never have to feed them again.’ This kind of oversimplification is more harmful than helpful. Poverty is often systemic and entrenched and requires years of recovery.
The Rooftop 
An emotional minefield. I agree with what you say, but it takes years living side by side to develop the conversation and the understanding you would like to see. Twenty years of living as a minority in a black community, and I still walk in privilege. I was born into privilege, and short of becoming St. Francis of Assisi, that will never change. (In your eyes. In mine, it isn’t an issue. i am just a middle class white girl.). However, your comments about the black community having the brainpower and the answers? Most definitely you do. If you want to join hands in this battle, however, and I am assuming you would as you are a Christian and our bonds surpass the color of our skin, then writing critiques about how white people still see themselves as the Great White Hope is unhelpful. How do you propose to be heard? How can we ever undo what has been done to the black community so that you will feel vindicated? We cannot fix it, the answer has to come from you. How do the Germans get past Hitler? They cannot. We will not let them. You do have the ability, but you need help.
So we content ourselves with assuaging our guilt by doing what we can to help, or we just walk away because it is too hurtful and explosive to talk about. You can be sure of this: Whatever we choose to do, it will be wrong. I for one choose to make friends, break down every stereotype I can, and live as one human being to another. I choose to serve. And yes, I go home to a nice house.
Thanks Cheryl for your comments. Reconciliation is a difficult process and one that is not solely in the hands of those in a dominant position. I commend the fact that you have lived among minorities for the time you have. If the attitude of “Great White Hope” fits then it is appropriate as a descriptive. If we walk down the road of mutual reconciliation then it requires saying some tough things that are true. The reality is that I know the condescending of many who attempt to fix black problems. I believe that it is important to actually understand the extent of the problem–it involves systemic oppression as well as prejudgments made about others. The reason that this issue continues to arise is that we have not become a post-racial nation (e.g., Trayvon Martin Case). Vindication is not the goal (in God’s hands) and this is not something that you (or white people) can fix. Jew should never forget the holocaust and blacks should never forget 400 years of slavery and added years of Jim Crow and systemic oppression. I would add that this does not mean that we can’t experience genuine fellowship and peace under the cross of Christ–I am for that, but not at the expense of omitting past history and ignoring very real current pain. Continue to do what you do…whether you believe it will be perceived as being wrong is something that you have to live with. Continue to make friends, serve and go home to a nice home–my hope is that you experience ‘real’ reconciliation.
Kyle, the notion of this “conversation about race” that we’re supposed to have is mentioned in both the original article and your critique. Assuming you believe there could be such a thing as a productive, fruitful dialogue about race, what do you think that conversation would look like (or, more properly, “sound like”)?
Sergius- great question. A precursor to any conversation about race would require some pre-education. Let me explain – I have operated as a member of the subdominant culture all of my life (e.g., public school, college, seminary, corporate world, etc.) I am familiar with the dominant culture in most respect but without the privilege that most within the dominant culture enjoy. In my opinion, I believe that any serious conversation about race must address privilege and accept it as a reality. I would add that they should also acknowledge the need to understand and at time at least empathize with the realities of life for those within the sub-dominant culture. I think at least a working knowledge of black life (or minority life) in North America is important. I believe in mutual respect and the need for genuine community and that we need to approach others who disagree with love. I would also add that conversation need to happen ‘one-on-one’ within intentional relationships as well as on a communal level. I think churches would be a great place to start these conversations. Difficult- yes, impossible – no. There is much more that I can say but I just wanted to briefly respond with some important preconditions.
Thanks for that quick response, Kyle. I’m with you so far. I’m curious as to where you’d propose we go from there, but I do realize that you have many more pressing concerns than responding to questions on your blog. If it any point you find time to add to this, I would be eager to learn what more you have to say on the matter.
SMG
Sergius – I think a great place to start would be an intentional induction into another person’s context. If you are a Christian perhaps you commit to attending a church with a black pastor for a long period of time and learn by ‘being’ in a unique place where you will hear and see things that are outside of your ‘norm’. I would add that it is extremely important to approach with an attitude to learn. Although I use, “conversation” concerning race I wonder if its important to add that conversation is only the starting point. Any conversation about race is going to be painful–there is no way around that and you will walk away offended – if you’re having a real conversation.
Kyle, again, thanks for continuing this. You point out that if you’re having a real conversation, you’re going to walk away offended. I agree — inasmuch as I think I understand what you’re getting at.
But there’s another necessary aspect to any real conversation, and that is that a real conversation is just that — a conversation. And it is this necessary aspect of the “conversation on race” that has made a lot of us — both black and white — somewhat cynical about whether such a conversation could actually take place and be fruitful. That is to say: are we really talking about a conversation? Or are we talking about something more like a lecture?
I think John McWhorter said it best, when being interviewed by Bill Moyers on PBS. Unfortunately, I can’t quote him directly; rather I can only paraphrase him (though I think the video is available on line). McWhorter said that when academics and cultural critics talk about this conversation about race, what they really mean is that black people have something to teach white people if white people would only listen (again, that’s a paraphrase, but I think it’s pretty close his actual words).
So, two more questions for you (1) What do you think of McWhorter’s statement?
and
(2) assuming that we genuinely want a real conversation, what is it that black people need to learn from white people — or at least hear from white people — in order to make this a real conversation, and one which will further interracial understanding and harmony?
I know that’s potentially a lot, and again, I understand you are probably a busy man with more important things to do than just answer my questions!
Thanks,
SMG
Sergius – now we get to the nitty gritty of the matter. I will be frank with you–I’ve read much of McWhorter and do not agree with much of what he says but I wouldn’t ‘throw the baby out with the bathwater’. He has some stuff I would listen to but by and large he doesn’t represent me or my interest. So if we are looking to have a conversation we are really not talking about two individuals sitting down and talking to one another over lunch. When we use the phrase ‘let’s have a conversation’ what we really mean is let’s get down to the real problem and try to figure out a real solution – if any. As I stated in my initial response to you that I have been a member of the sub-dominant culture all of my life- in other words I have been listening, observing and in many cases I’ve had to fulfill the dominant cultures expectations or make them feel comfortable. So for me and many African Americans it has been a one sided conversation for years because we’ve had to exist within institutions dominated by White males. I have learned about white life all of my life. I’ve simply had to exist in a ‘white world’–I know the culture well. This is not inherently evil but it just explains the flow of influence.
So Black cultural critics and academics have been calling for this conversation about race but they have been marginalized as radicals and relegated to the status of ‘race baiters’–that’s fine. Of course, I can’t speak for all black people but I will tell you that most know white culture very well and not just the stereotypical culture put forth by the media and other outlets. I just wonder how many whites can understand or explain the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of black culture? For example, why would most blacks feel that injustice was committed in the Trayvon Martin case? There were a lot of white folks (not all) who couldn’t understand or empathize with the response to what they described as ‘real justice’. There are no quick answers but I appreciate your questions because they seem to suggest that you are interested in understanding black life. (I think) If I were to answer your second question I would posit that white folks can learn our (black) story because in learning the black narrative in America it would at least provide some perspective on the many issues that we are facing as a community often labeled as the, “other”. (e.g., history of colonialism, slavery, Jim Crow, institutional racism, privilege, micro-aggression, etc.) Not sure this satisfies your questions but….
Thanks, Kyle. I’m going to let that marinate and perhaps I will have follow-up questions or comments later.
Thanx for the above conversation – it was most helpful to me. I plan on attending a black church around the corner for the foreseeable future and have committed myself to listen in order to learn.
Thank you for being willing to listen. It is appreciated.