I once took an African American Literature course at Wichita State University. First day, teacher opens by saying: "In case you haven't noticed, I'm white."
Then, I laughed. But now, I make the same proclamation as I write a blog about Black History Month. I'm white.
Not only am I white, but I come from a tiny Kansas town of approximately 600 people, all white. Disclaimer aside, here are a few thoughts on race relations:
- Ignorance: I've actually heard various white people complain about Black History Month. "Why should they get their own month? Why isn't there a White History month?," they'll say. My reply; two words: Shut up.
- We have a black President. Well, sort of. He's actually as much white as he is black-- something I feel people forget about completely. But still...I'm proud to say I voted for him. Despite your political views, or my own personal doubts about whether or not I'd vote for him again, I'll never regret voting for him the first time. Change was needed, period--not just politically, but socially. [opinion]
- Some of the most fun basketball I've ever played in my life was at the YMCA in Pittsburg, KS every Sunday afternoon in the Fall of '03. It was usually me, and 35+ black guys. I saw one other white dude there--once. That was it. The way we played: If you didn't get picked, you didn't play. Ever. Several guys wound up just watching for 4 hours every week. Luckily, a guy saw me hit several shots warming up and said: "I'll take the white kid." Everyone laughed, but I played well my first game and got picked every week from then on. Fun, fun times--and some darn good basketball.
- My best black friends: Justin Rogers, Ashley Hurd, Larry Ellis.
- Most interesting racial conversations: My old roommate, Donta Cherry. Ah, brings back memories. Love that guy!
- Most annoying racial remarks: When people from my hometown see me wearing a pair of baggy shorts or a hat backwards, various folks often say: "Why are you dressing black?" or "Do you think you're black?" This is beyond stupid. Why can't it be a cultural thing vs. racial? Why can't it be a style I enjoy and find comfortable from time-to-time? Would you ever go up to a black person wearing blue jeans and ask them: "Why are you dressing white?" I very much doubt it.
- Saddest story of racism: Off the top of my head...Bobby Hutton. [click his name for link to brief Wikipedia explanation] Heard his name in one of my favorite songs of all-time, Ghetto Gospel--a collaboration by Tupac Shakur/Elton John. Did some research on him, and the story is sickening.
* Lighter note * I tried thinking of a couple light-hearted racial clips that wouldn't be offensive to anyone. I came up with a movie scene and a racial joke that shouldn't be offensive to any race, and are just funny in general. :)
- Funny movie clip:
Jerry Maguire: "I love black people! Show me the money!"
Rod Tidwell: "Congratulations, you're still my agent." HA. Freaking classic.
Joke time: The Greatest, Muhammad Ali. Enjoy.
[embedding has been disabled on this clip, so you'll have to click the link to see it]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kJdd6T5-xA
Do the right thing,
Derrick
Showing posts with label Ashley Hurd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ashley Hurd. Show all posts
Monday, February 1, 2010
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My friend, Ashley--my other half. Not like that, though.
So my good friend Ashley moved to St. Louis [well, Ballwin], Missouri this past week. I promised I'd write a blog about her, so here goes...
Ashley Erin Hurd was born in...
Just kidding. Not that kind of blog. That'd be weird.
Ashley and I are...well, pretty different. Then again, we're exactly the same.
Let's run the stats:
She's a chick, I'm a dude.
She's black, I'm white.
She's from the city, I'm from the country.
That's where the differences end...
We're kind of the same, otherwise. I can't tell you how many movies we went to together--20, Ashley? Somewhere in there, I reckon. That was our main outlet for hanging out--going to the movies. That, and her soccer games. Man, her soccer games...
Various teammates of hers basically thought we should be married. We constantly bickered at each other (in a loving way, of course), so I guess they figured we already acted married, anyway. After the first few times, we really just did it to mess with them. Pretty funny stuff.
We have a unique relationship--where one of us will say: "I hate you," and the other just laughs. On her last day, she said something--picking on me--and I replied: "Man, I'm so glad you're leaving." We all busted out laughing.
Obviously, that wasn't true. I miss her--always will. She is a terrific person. Lots of fun. Just don't tell her I said that.
Most embarrassing moment with Ashley: Clubbing in Kansas City for her birthday--group of 10. How many white folks do you think were in the group? Yup, just me. It was all gravy, though--until we hit this one spot. You know the kind--where you're certain you'll see three or four handguns just within your peripherals, upon entry. The kind of back-alley hole in the wall that charges you $20 to get in, even though the place is no bigger than your kitchen at home. Packed to the gills, too. If you think my blood was pumping a little faster that night--you'd be correct.
**Since we somehow don't have a single picture with just the two of us...this is the best I could come do (from that night, too). All 10 of us in an elevator. Cropped the best I could, but Brian's shades--and G's forehead--still made it into the shot.**
Most important lesson learned from Ashley: White people can love Popeye's chicken, too. Which is nice, because it's pretty much--not to oversell it here--the best thing ever in life. I may never eat KFC again. KFC is like the retarded, blind little step-brother of Popeye's. Gosh darn it, he tries hard, but he just doesn't get the job done.
Most harrowing moment with Ashley: It's the 21st century. People shouldn't have an issue with mixed-race couples by now. But set a white guy and a black girl (who are 110% just friends, by the way, and always will be) on a bench in downtown Wichita, KS after midnight--you'd be surprised how many awkward looks you get. We had fun with it. That's how we are. Kind of like with her teammates--always fun to mess with people. Still, just a little ridiculous.
Most annoying moment with Ashley: I may never forgive her for making me sit through Mamma Mia. Two hours and nine bucks I'll never get back. Absolute garbage. May be the closest thing to a real fight we ever have.
Anyways, I've rambled on long enough. You get the idea. If I say much more, she might get the idea that she's actually important to me. Yuck!
Just kidding, Ashley.
I miss you.
I hope your new home suits you well, and that this finds you smiling.
Your white friend,
Derrick
Ashley Erin Hurd was born in...
Just kidding. Not that kind of blog. That'd be weird.
Ashley and I are...well, pretty different. Then again, we're exactly the same.
Let's run the stats:
She's a chick, I'm a dude.
She's black, I'm white.
She's from the city, I'm from the country.
That's where the differences end...
We're kind of the same, otherwise. I can't tell you how many movies we went to together--20, Ashley? Somewhere in there, I reckon. That was our main outlet for hanging out--going to the movies. That, and her soccer games. Man, her soccer games...
Various teammates of hers basically thought we should be married. We constantly bickered at each other (in a loving way, of course), so I guess they figured we already acted married, anyway. After the first few times, we really just did it to mess with them. Pretty funny stuff.
We have a unique relationship--where one of us will say: "I hate you," and the other just laughs. On her last day, she said something--picking on me--and I replied: "Man, I'm so glad you're leaving." We all busted out laughing.
Obviously, that wasn't true. I miss her--always will. She is a terrific person. Lots of fun. Just don't tell her I said that.
Most embarrassing moment with Ashley: Clubbing in Kansas City for her birthday--group of 10. How many white folks do you think were in the group? Yup, just me. It was all gravy, though--until we hit this one spot. You know the kind--where you're certain you'll see three or four handguns just within your peripherals, upon entry. The kind of back-alley hole in the wall that charges you $20 to get in, even though the place is no bigger than your kitchen at home. Packed to the gills, too. If you think my blood was pumping a little faster that night--you'd be correct.
**Since we somehow don't have a single picture with just the two of us...this is the best I could come do (from that night, too). All 10 of us in an elevator. Cropped the best I could, but Brian's shades--and G's forehead--still made it into the shot.**
Most important lesson learned from Ashley: White people can love Popeye's chicken, too. Which is nice, because it's pretty much--not to oversell it here--the best thing ever in life. I may never eat KFC again. KFC is like the retarded, blind little step-brother of Popeye's. Gosh darn it, he tries hard, but he just doesn't get the job done.
Most harrowing moment with Ashley: It's the 21st century. People shouldn't have an issue with mixed-race couples by now. But set a white guy and a black girl (who are 110% just friends, by the way, and always will be) on a bench in downtown Wichita, KS after midnight--you'd be surprised how many awkward looks you get. We had fun with it. That's how we are. Kind of like with her teammates--always fun to mess with people. Still, just a little ridiculous.
Most annoying moment with Ashley: I may never forgive her for making me sit through Mamma Mia. Two hours and nine bucks I'll never get back. Absolute garbage. May be the closest thing to a real fight we ever have.
Anyways, I've rambled on long enough. You get the idea. If I say much more, she might get the idea that she's actually important to me. Yuck!
Just kidding, Ashley.
I miss you.
I hope your new home suits you well, and that this finds you smiling.
Your white friend,
Derrick
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