> Linnea Ista wrote:
> ... They then told me I just
> didn't "get" how hard it was to be a white male these days.
>Actually, in a way, Linnea, we don't and won't ever get how "hard" it is
to be a white guy. (Thank goodness for some things!) After all, they are
starting to be pulled from their privileged positions (which they don't
see as privileged) by forces beyond their control (us and other
minorities). Suddenly, we are asking them to work for what they have or
want, be put aside for jobs/assignments when someone more qualified
comes along, and accept that as being "right," "good," and "progress."
Which it IS for society and those more qualified, but NOT for the
individual in question. They aren't used to this.
We just had riots here (at Michigan State). I stayed away, but hearing
reports and looking at pictures they were all white and mostly male. Why
the riots? Most of the people I've talked to feel it's a sense of
powerlessness and anger at forces perceived to be beyond their control.
I know I've been angry due to the same things, and felt justified.
White guys, on the other hand, just feel as if something they have
always had is being taken away - if they can get that far with analysis.
On the flip side, just as I will never "get" how difficult it is to be a
white guy, they will never "get" how difficult it is to be a female. My
husband used to teach high school math. He was considered to be a
gender-free instructor, but in spite of numerous conversations between
us (I majored in math in college), I don't think he will ever truly
"get" the experience of a female in math or science. He can teach in a
gender-free manner. He can accept my experiences and attitudes, but
can't really understand them. Nor could I solve problems his way, I
wouldn't want to.
So, in a way, they were correct, we don't "get" how hard it is to be a
white guy. It doesn't matter. They don't really "get" what it is like
to be female. What matters is that we go on doing the best we can at
being our (female) selves and moving toward equalizing inequities we
find. It's likely that very little will change in the next two years,
but maybe the MIT study will at least crack the doors - which is moving
in a good direction.
Sarah Hunter
