# Is Jeff Sessions a racist? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 5, 2016, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948 "2016-12-05T17:58:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/121 "2016-12-07T19:40:31Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I don’t think my statements are all that confident. 😉 OK, so would it be fair to say that you’re merely guessing, but **Kimstu** is confident? Because up until this admission, you SOUNDED confident. So in addition to being unable to judge privilege, I also apparently cannot judge confidence. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/122 "2016-12-07T19:45:44Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > OK, so would it be fair to say that you’re merely guessing, but **Kimstu** is confident? > > Because up until this admission, you SOUNDED confident. So in addition to being unable to judge privilege, I also apparently cannot judge confidence. To be serious, I figured my frequent “as I understand it”, “IMO”, and other qualifiers made it clear that I wasn’t trying to express certainty, but just my understanding of these issues. I’m not guessing – I think I understand the issue pretty well, but I’m not at all certain, and wouldn’t even go so far as to say my statements are highly “confident”. ---
**Author:** ![CatandMouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c89c15/32.png) [@CatandMouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatandMouse)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/123 "2016-12-07T19:56:55Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Since I’m not white, my initial assumption is that none of the times I’ve been pulled over were for driving while white. > > I suppose it’s technically possible that the officer(s) who pulled me over mistook me for a white person and initiated the traffic stop on that basis, and then were disappointed to find a driver of Central American descent. How do you suggest I evaluate that possibility to better answer your question? Unlike me, you will never get to experience the privilege of driving while white. [Neither will this guy…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaaeXIg9kSk) [The Disproportionate Risks of Driving While Black](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/us/racial-disparity-traffic-stops-driving-black.html) ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/124 "2016-12-07T20:00:18Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > My mother had the following grandparents: Illiniwek Indian, English, American, and Iberian Spanish. I have no idea how to characterize that. Well, does/did your mother self-identify as racially white, and/or has she been generally identified as racially white in the society in which she lived? That certainly would tell us something about identity and privilege in her case. Admittedly, an extremely broad racial category such as “white” cannot capture all the complexities of mixed ethnicity, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t strongly influence perceived identity and societal privilege. > [@iiandyiiii](#): > > It’s about society, not biology – it doesn’t matter the race of Bricker’s parents, except how that influences how he is seen by most of society. Which is indeed quite a big influence. Sorry if my reference to “biological parents” caused any confusion: I was assuming, I believe correctly, that **Bricker** ’s biological parents are the same as his familial parents (i.e., the people who raised him as their child). The racial/ethnic identity of familial parents definitely **does** influence, as you noted, how **Bricker** ’s own racial/ethnic identity is perceived. > [@Bricker](#): > > One of you doesn’t understand privilege Sorry to deprive you of what you were hoping would be a “gotcha”, but in fact **iiandyiiii** and I don’t actually disagree substantially on what societal privilege is and what factors influence it. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/125 "2016-12-07T20:01:34Z")
> [@CatandMouse](#): > > Unlike me, you will never get to experience the privilege of driving while white. > > [Neither will this guy…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaaeXIg9kSk) > [The Disproportionate > Risks of Driving > While Black](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/us/racial-disparity-traffic-stops-driving-black.html) Are you arguing that I should reasonably fear a similar fate? ---
**Author:** ![CatandMouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c89c15/32.png) [@CatandMouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatandMouse)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/126 "2016-12-07T20:05:24Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Are you arguing that I should reasonably fear a similar fate? Of course not. I’m simply stating that white privilege does exist, especially while driving. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/127 "2016-12-07T20:09:30Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Well, does/did your mother self-identify as racially white, and/or has she been generally identified as racially white in the society in which she lived? That certainly would tell us something about identity and privilege in her case. > > Admittedly, an extremely broad racial category such as “white” cannot capture all the complexities of mixed ethnicity, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t strongly influence perceived identity and societal privilege. My mom apparently struggled with racial identification before she met my father and then seemed to believe that passing was no longer a possibility given who she married. Her appearance was much lighter than Dad’s was. But put the three of us together and there was no real way to say she was white. > [@](#): > > Which is indeed quite a big influence. Sorry if my reference to “biological parents” caused any confusion: I was assuming, I believe correctly, that **Bricker** ’s biological parents are the same as his familial parents (i.e., the people who raised him as their child). The racial/ethnic identity of familial parents definitely **does** influence, as you noted, how **Bricker** ’s own racial/ethnic identity is perceived. The parents that contributed my genes are the ones who raised me. In poverty, I might add, if it’s relevant. > [@](#): > > Sorry to deprive you of what you were hoping would be a “gotcha”, but in fact **iiandyiiii** and I don’t actually disagree substantially on what societal privilege is and what factors influence it. Not a gotcha – just a note that you and he seemed to be claiming different things. So – are you now armed with sufficient information to advise me on what privileges I should envy and which I already possess? ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/128 "2016-12-07T20:11:18Z")
> [@CatandMouse](#): > > Unlike me, you will never get to experience the privilege of driving while white. > > [Neither will this guy…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaaeXIg9kSk) > [The Disproportionate > Risks of Driving > While Black](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/us/racial-disparity-traffic-stops-driving-black.html) > [@Bricker](#): > > Are you arguing that I should reasonably fear a similar fate? > [@CatandMouse](#): > > Of course not. I’m simply stating that white privilege does exist, especially while driving. Then … what was the import of this question? > [@CatandMouse](#): > > How often do you get pulled over for driving while white? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/129 "2016-12-07T20:16:09Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > So – are you now armed with sufficient information to advise me on what privileges I should envy and which I already possess? I think this misses the point of privilege. As I understand it, it’s just meant as a handy way to explain and discuss those myriads of little injustices that many people face routinely, but others don’t, based on nothing but intrinsic characteristics beyond their/our control. Assholes might use it as a cudgel, but assholes can use anything as a cudgel. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/130 "2016-12-07T20:20:38Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I think this misses the point of privilege. As I understand it, it’s just meant as a handy way to explain and discuss those myriads of little injustices that many people face routinely, but others don’t, based on nothing but intrinsic characteristics beyond their/our control. Assholes might use it as a cudgel, but assholes can use anything as a cudgel. I remind you that this particular tangent arose because **Kimstu** suggested “… Bricker, honey, you racist as hell…” for failing to acknowledge the white privilege that supposedly permeated my (or Sessions’, I guess) life. If the consequence is being “racist as hell,” surely I am permitted to try to understand my privilege and thus avoid the fate **Kimstu** threatened? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/131 "2016-12-07T20:28:09Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > I remind you that this particular tangent arose because **Kimstu** suggested “… Bricker, honey, you racist as hell…” for failing to acknowledge the white privilege that supposedly permeated my (or Sessions’, I guess) life. > > If the consequence is being “racist as hell,” surely I am permitted to try to understand my privilege and thus avoid the fate **Kimstu** threatened? I think I disagree with that definition of racist, though **Kimstu** does qualify it with “if” one accepts the criteria of being lazy and complacent about one’s white privilege. But I’d certainly like to assist you in understanding privilege in general, and I hope that my posts have helped in this to some degree. ---
**Author:** ![CatandMouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c89c15/32.png) [@CatandMouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatandMouse)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/132 "2016-12-07T20:33:49Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > In what possible way do I have white privilege? This should be fascinating. > [@Bricker](#): > > Then … what was the import of this question? I was responding to your comment. **“In what possible way do I have white privilege? This should be fascinating.”** By you asking in what way do you have white privilege, I just assumed you were white, disputing the fact that white privilege does exist. Do you agree or disagree that it does exist? ---
**Author:** ![CatandMouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c89c15/32.png) [@CatandMouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatandMouse)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/133 "2016-12-07T20:48:15Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I think this misses the point of privilege. As I understand it, it’s just meant as a handy way to explain and discuss those myriads of little injustices that many people face routinely, but others don’t, based on nothing but intrinsic characteristics beyond their/our control. Assholes might use it as a cudgel, but assholes can use anything as a cudgel. I agree with your definition and how it’s being used. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/134 "2016-12-07T20:50:16Z")
> [@CatandMouse](#): > > I was responding to your comment. > **“In what possible way do I have white privilege? This should be fascinating.”** > By you asking in what way do you have white privilege, I just assumed you were white, disputing the fact that white privilege does exist. Why is that a reasonable assumption? > [@](#): > > Do you agree or disagree that it does exist? I have no idea. I thought I did, and as **iiiandyiii** describes it, I agree there are a set of general circumstances that exist in American society that makes some things easier for people who look and sound white, although I’d point out that there are also some drawbacks (which in fairness **iiiandy** does not dispute or actually even address). But as **kimstu** describes it, no, I don’t agree that it exists. So before I can answer your question, I’d need to know if you are referring to the **iiiandyiii** version, the **kimstu** version, or perhaps some third variant. But I’m really curious to know why you assumed I was white. ETA: Just saw that you endorsed **iiiandyiii** ’s version. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/135 "2016-12-07T20:53:49Z")
Damn it **Bricker** , it’s 2 i’s, then andy, then 4 i’s. Just think of me as putting on my glasses (2 eyes to 4). 😉 ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/136 "2016-12-07T21:45:36Z")
That’s a lot of i privilege there, **andy**! ---
**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:** [December 7, 2016, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/137 "2016-12-07T21:55:49Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > My mother had the following grandparents: Illiniwek Indian, English, American, and Iberian Spanish. I have no idea how to characterize that. > > My father’s mother was a dark-skinned Pipil Indian. As he was born out of wedlock, I’m afraid I can’t provide the requisite details for this branch of the tree. > > So do I get in the club? Depends. Do people perceive you as white? I mean, Marco Rubio is technically hispanic. Same with Ted Cruz. But _nobody_ is going to talk about “That lazy wetback spic Cruz”. Because just about everyone _perceives_ these people as white. Why is it unreasonable for Rachael Dolezal to call herself “black”? Because the people who see a black person and immediately clutch their purses a little tighter will not react that way towards her. It’s almost entirely about how society perceives you. So you tell me - do you face racial violence or discrimination based on your skin color or heritage? ---
**Author:** ![CatandMouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c89c15/32.png) [@CatandMouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatandMouse)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/138 "2016-12-07T22:19:31Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Why is that a reasonable assumption? > > I have no idea. I thought I did, and as **iiiandyiii** describes it, I agree there are a set of general circumstances that exist in American society that makes some things easier for people who look and sound white, although I’d point out that there are also some drawbacks (which in fairness **iiiandy** does not dispute or actually even address). > > But as **kimstu** describes it, no, I don’t agree that it exists. > > So before I can answer your question, I’d need to know if you are referring to the **iiiandyiii** version, the **kimstu** version, or perhaps some third variant. > > But I’m really curious to know why you assumed I was white. > > ETA: Just saw that you endorsed **iiiandyiii** ’s version. I think you’re reading into more than what was actually there. For example, if you had asked, "“In what possible way do I have black privilege?” I would have assumed you were black. In addition to iiandyiiii’s definition to white privilege, I would also add that White privilege is a systemic cultural reality that one can either choose to ignore, or choose to acknowledge. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/139 "2016-12-07T22:22:11Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Yep. As that article notes, it is certainly possible for people of Hispanic ethnicity to identify themselves as racially nonwhite: e.g., as black, Native American, etc. But most Hispanic Americans don’t identify with those nonwhite racial categories. Yes. Many of them don’t identify as “white” either. They’ve been checking the “some other race” box in huge numbers, probably because they think of their race as “Hispanic”. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948/140 "2016-12-07T22:25:34Z")
**Bricker:** As fascinating as your story is to its narrator, shouldn’t you be preserving all this for your biographers? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-jeff-sessions-a-racist/773948.md?page=8)