# 4chan trolls - It's OK to be White **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 2, 2017, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496 "2017-11-02T14:14:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![PigArcher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bcef8e/32.png) [@PigArcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PigArcher)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/41 "2017-11-10T18:54:42Z")
> [@Airbeck](#): > > I see it as a completely useless thing to say since I’m not aware of anyone saying that it isn’t ok to be white. So I’m not sure who this statement is supposed to be contradicting. It is akin to saying “it’s ok to breathe air” or “it’s ok to live on Earth”, or “water is wet”. Exactly. The statement makes no sense unless one buys into RW propaganda about how straight white christian males are under constant attack and may be the most oppressed group ever in the history of the world. Since that’s not consistent with objective reality, one must be a racist to believe it. Ergo, only a racist would say “it’s ok to be white.” ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/42 "2017-11-10T19:00:34Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > It is, yes. Nobody expresses white pride except to imply the inferiority of non-whites. That seems a bit discriminatory based on skin color though. The statement also seems like it’s based on circular logic. We have all sorts of groups expressing group identity pride. Not sure saying “ok” is prideful though. So, it’s no surprise other groups want to jump on the bandwagon. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/43 "2017-11-10T19:23:44Z")
> [@Airbeck](#): > > I see it as a completely useless thing to say since I’m not aware of anyone saying that it isn’t ok to be white. So I’m not sure who this statement is supposed to be contradicting. … I think the statement is almost certainly intended to infuriate SJWs and nothing more. And I don’t have a cite for the precise phrase ‘it isn’t ok to be white’, but there are enough examples of people saying things like [this](https://twitter.com/Femmefeministe/status/843123002451656704) or [this](https://bullshit.ist/fuck-you-white-people-f0907289ad44) that I could see how reassuring people that it’s okay to be white isn’t entirely unreasonable. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/44 "2017-11-10T19:24:03Z")
One way is to stop creating an environment in which some white people feel - fairly or unfairly - that they are discriminated against. Also, people _ **don’t** _ usually “check their privilege.” They just don’t. Suppose a Ferrari owner lives in a neighborhood of Chevys and Fords and has to hear people talking about “Ferrari privilege.” Chances are, he _won’t_ think, “Well, I am already lucky to own a $400,000 Ferrari when everyone else drives secondhand pickups and sedans.” He may instead think, “Wow, they really don’t like me due to who I am.” ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/45 "2017-11-10T19:28:43Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I think the statement is almost certainly intended to infuriate SJWs and nothing more. And I don’t have a cite for the precise phrase ‘it isn’t ok to be white’, but there are enough examples of people saying things like [this](https://twitter.com/Femmefeministe/status/843123002451656704) or [this](https://bullshit.ist/fuck-you-white-people-f0907289ad44) that I could see how reassuring people that it’s okay to be white isn’t entirely unreasonable. As a white guy, all those tweet links do is make me laugh and roll my eyes. People shouldn’t be so sensitive to what one (or two) lunatics say on social media. Besides if we want to play that game there is plenty of crazy on all sides of the social media spectrum, where will it lead us as a society to give credence to and worry about it all. Here’s my statement then: It’s ok to be whoever you are Can everyone just agree to that and we can all go about our business? ---
**Author:** ![mikecurtis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikecurtis/32/3284_2.png) [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/46 "2017-11-10T19:32:17Z")
it’s just a bunch of college kids fuckin with ya. they want you to be outraged. apparently it’s working. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/47 "2017-11-10T19:33:15Z")
> [@Airbeck](#): > > As a white guy, all those tweet links do is make me laugh and roll my eyes. Same for me. IDGAF what they say. > [@Airbeck](#): > > People shouldn’t be so sensitive to what one (or two) lunatics say on social media. I agree. They also shouldn’t be so sensitive to a few stickers making the bland assertion that “it’s okay to be white”. > [@Airbeck](#): > > Besides if we want to play that game there is plenty of crazy on all sides of the social media spectrum, where will it lead us as a society to give credence to and worry about it all. I’m aware that there are crazy people all over the political spectrum. My post wasn’t an attempt to deny that reality, but to clarify for you (at least one possibility) “… who this statement is supposed to be contradicting.” > [@Airbeck](#): > > Here’s my statement then: It’s ok to be whoever you are > > Can everyone just agree to that and we can all go about our business? I’m good with that. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/48 "2017-11-10T19:37:00Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I’m aware that there are crazy people all over the political spectrum. My post wasn’t an attempt to deny that reality, but to clarify for you (at least one possibility) “… who this statement is supposed to be contradicting.” So crazy people contradicting some other crazy people. Sounds about right. Yeah I couldn’t really care less either. > [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I’m good with that. Cool. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/49 "2017-11-10T21:27:31Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I think the statement is almost certainly intended to infuriate SJWs and nothing more. And I don’t have a cite for the precise phrase ‘it isn’t ok to be white’, but there are enough examples of people saying things like [this](https://twitter.com/Femmefeministe/status/843123002451656704) or [this](https://bullshit.ist/fuck-you-white-people-f0907289ad44) that I could see how reassuring people that it’s okay to be white isn’t entirely unreasonable. Um, read that second article again. It seems to be satire. (Pretty good satire, too) ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/50 "2017-11-10T21:35:19Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > One way is to stop creating an environment in which some white people feel - fairly or unfairly - that they are discriminated against. We’re working on it. The first step, ISTM, is getting more white people to recognize that a lot of white people automatically feel discriminated against whenever there’s any kind of challenge to their traditionally privileged status. Since white people are in the process of losing (I hope irreversibly) our traditionally privileged status vis-a-vis nonwhite people, the first adjustment we need to make is to learn that a decrease in our privilege doesn’t automatically mean we’re being discriminated against. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/51 "2017-11-10T21:36:29Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Um, read that second article again. It seems to be satire. (Pretty good satire, too) It might be. I was mostly referring to the headline. I didn’t bother to read the article then and don’t care to now. It was the result of a quick Googling to grab a couple of examples of people saying offensive things to / about whites generally. I think you can reasonably concede that it happens from time to time, even if this particular article is satire, right? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2017, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/52 "2017-11-10T22:36:44Z")
Of course there are. (Everyday Feminism is full of them!) But that article is definitely satire, and the author points that out in the comments to people who don’t recognize it as such. I think you should read it, before just linking something in haste. (Mostly because it illustrates what you’re trying to say) ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2017, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/53 "2017-11-11T02:01:16Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Of course there are. (Everyday Feminism is full of them!) > > But that article is definitely satire, and the author points that out in the comments to people who don’t recognize it as such. I think you should read it, before just linking something in haste. (Mostly because it illustrates what you’re trying to say) On your advice, I’ll go back and read it. ---
**Author:** ![Hector\_St\_Clare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5ac83/32.png) [@Hector\_St\_Clare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hector_St_Clare)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2017, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/54 "2017-11-11T03:21:11Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Same way you deal with anyone expressing anything positive related to their identity. Or is it that it’s saying “white” grounds for different treatment? “White” isn’t an actual ethnic group. Polish, Danish, Slovak, Swedish, those are ethnic groups. “White American” isn’t, really. ---
**Author:** ![Stringbean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Stringbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringbean)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2017, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/55 "2017-11-11T03:41:17Z")
Last I checked, and I may be wrong, it IS okay to be white. But I suppose some interpret that statement as a provocation. No real need to be posting flyers around town about it. ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2017, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/56 "2017-11-11T04:19:59Z")
> [@Stringbean](#): > > Last I checked, and I may be wrong, it IS okay to be white. > > But I suppose some interpret that statement as a provocation. No real need to be posting flyers around town about it. Yep, nothing wrong with having light skin, just like it _shouldn’t_ be a problem to have darker skin. No one has a choice what traits their parents give them. But there is a reason why it it can be so confusing for people, and that is because the racial divide is intentionally ambiguous. Really in the US the whole concept of “white” can be traced back to Bacon’s Rebellion. Where poor whites, indentured servants and slaves all rose up together against the money holding elites. These rich land owners wanted to prevent another uprising and didn’t want to concede to the domains of their workers. They did this not by granting what would become ‘white’ people more rights but by throwing black people under the bus. This worked, as they could point the poor whites at the poor blacks and say “well at least you aren’t them” Over time this was built on, over and over again. So today people who have been told they are ‘white’ for centuries don’t think that they are getting a deal but also have a hard time seeing the additional barriers others have to go through to even reach parity. The problem isn’t with being white, the problem is when you fight to try and maintain this racist stratification. Not a single person who was labeled ‘white’ in the time of Bacon’s rebellion would have identified with the term, but now racists can use that label to instill irrational fears from normal implicit biases with great effect. There is no ‘white’, except in the context of that artificial social construct which is intentionally created to break up the alliances of people who otherwise have common needs and conserns. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2017, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/57 "2017-11-11T06:35:39Z")
> [@Hector\_St\_Clare](#): > > “White” isn’t an actual ethnic group. > > Polish, Danish, Slovak, Swedish, those are ethnic groups. “White American” isn’t, really. That’s cool. But black isn’t an ethnic group either. Is it? Or brown? Or People of Color? These are just groupings loosely based on skin color. ---
**Author:** ![Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/budget_player_cadet/32/205_2.png) [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2017, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/58 "2017-11-11T13:55:13Z")
> [@PigArcher](#): > > Exactly. The statement makes no sense unless one buys into RW propaganda about how straight white christian males are under constant attack and may be the most oppressed group ever in the history of the world. Since that’s not consistent with objective reality, one must be a racist to believe it. Ergo, only a racist would say “it’s ok to be white.” Or, y’know, someone who’s wrong. They might do that too. ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blue_blistering_barnacle/32/3386_2.png) [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Blistering_Barnacle)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2017, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/59 "2017-11-11T16:16:36Z")
> [@Airbeck](#): > > As a white guy, all those tweet links do is make me laugh and roll my eyes. People shouldn’t be so sensitive to what one (or two) lunatics say on social media. Besides if we want to play that game there is plenty of crazy on all sides of the social media spectrum, where will it lead us as a society to give credence to and worry about it all. > > Here’s my statement then: **It’s ok to be whoever you are** > > Can everyone just agree to that and we can all go about our business? …my bolding… I saw what you did there- very naughty. ::Wags Finger:: Sounds like saying, “All lives matter.” Which many IRL (as well as many posters on this board) have equated with racism. ---
**Author:** ![Hector\_St\_Clare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5ac83/32.png) [@Hector\_St\_Clare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hector_St_Clare)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2017, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496/60 "2017-11-11T17:19:37Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > That’s cool. But black isn’t an ethnic group either. Is it? Or brown? Or People of Color? These are just groupings loosely based on skin color. Black Americans are a somewhat artificial ethnic group, but that’s by necessity (they had their ethnicities taken away from them and had to create a new one). White Americans (or some of them, more precisely) chose to stop keeping track of where their ancestors were from, it wasn’t imposed on them. (This is less the case in New England and the Rust Belt than it is in the South: I’m fascinated by ethnicity and most of my white friends in Michigan knew what Euro countries their ancestries were from, it was very rare to hear someone self-describe as just “American”). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4chan-trolls-its-ok-to-be-white/800496.md?page=4)