The Dog Isn't Crazy
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Dog Isn't Crazy

Learning to acknowledge and subvert subtle racism in everyday conversation.

8
The Dog Isn't Crazy
The Washington Post

Over the past couple of weeks, a lot of people have been up in arms about Trump’s "bad hombres" comment (le gasp! Trump said something outrageous and offensive?! How unprecedented!) To a lesser extent, the nazi chant that rang out at one of his more recent rallies has been making media rounds as well.

While many are surprised by the use of such adages which connote racist and/or fascist undertones, this is a narrative to which minorities are accustomed.

“So you’re probably really good at dancing, huh?”

“Wow! I didn’t expect you to be so… articulate!”

“Yeah, but like where are you FROM?”

In our everyday lives, minorities hear such “dog-whistle” racism: even though there is never an acknowledgement that assumptions are being made on the basis of race, that is what is being heavily insinuated when put into context.

Such insinuations undercut many of the conversations that we have regarding who we date, how we were accepted into various educational institutions, and even the ways in which we act, and what makes them more malicious is the fact that they are much harder to call out.

The same way that dogs lose their s**t when they hear the whistle and nobody else knows why, any minority who attempts to call out such behavior is immediately accused of over-sensitivity or looking for reasons to be upset. Eventually, tired of being made out to be the villain, many minorities opt to simply stop addressing things and just suffer the indignities that these microaggressions bring with them. There are even those who begin to believe the hype that they are simply overreacting unnecessarily.

But it is just that: hype.

Besides the fact that too many minorities have to deal with subtle jabs, there is the simple fact that it is not within another person’s right to determine whether you have the right to be offended by what they have said or not. If they choose to dissociate with you because you express your discomfort with prejudiced statements, then that is well within their right.

However, they cannot usurp your right to assert that their statements WERE prejudiced or to react in the way that you feel appropriate.

Largely, these statements are made by people who want to put forward their biases in a way that they don’t expect to be called on, but there are also individuals who are simply ignorant - that is, they don’t understand that their statements ARE prejudiced.

For those who fall into that category and actually have the desire to improve, the way to do that is simple: believe someone.

When you have said something to a friend and they respond that what you have said is offensive, fight the immediate, human urge to defend yourself and just believe that your behavior was in the wrong. That’s how we get better, and that’s how we help our friends feel a little safer in their own skin as well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

81395
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

49462
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

981295
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments