Floating Clouds Forum By Andre Koen On Cultural Diversity Education

In this section, we will be defining 4 types of modern racist paradigms, hipster racism, ironic racism, hipster sexism and Nipster racism. These terms are open for interpretation, and we will use these terms as a means to create a platform for dialogue,and discussion. We know that human behavior cannot be lumped into, one archetype ,or stereotype. again these are points of discussion, so let us proceed.

Hipster racism

Hipster racism, a term coined around 2006 in an article by Carmen Van Kerckhove, is described as the use of irony and satire to mask racism. It is the use of blatantly racist comments in an attempt, to be controversial and edgy. Its irony, is established in a somewhat, post-racial belief, that blatant expressions of genuine racism are no longer taken seriously, and are an outdated way of thinking, thereby making the use of such overt expressions, satiric. In some cases, hipster racism ,can be seen as the appropriation of cultural artifacts, by hipsters.

Ironic Racism

Despite its ironic intent and context, hipster racism still appears to perpetuate prejudicial racial ideologies. The difference between more harsh forms of prejudice, is that this style of speech seems appropriate ,and relevant ingrained in the belief ,that it does ,no real harm. Those who exhibit hipster racist tendencies ,seek to escape accusations of racist behaviour, on the grounds that they were only joking.

Hipster sexism

Hipster sexism, also known as liberal sexism, and ironic sexism, is defined by Alissa Quart, in New York magazine as, the objectification of women, but in a manner that uses mockery, quotation marks, and paradox. Hipster sexism involves the use, of irony,in a satirical manner , to subjugate women. It is a form of self aware sexism ,that is deemed acceptable given that perpetrators ,are conscious of the inherent sexism ,and objectification of women ,in whatever action or statement ,is being carried out by them. It is rooted in the idea ,that sexism is an outdated ,and archaic institution ,which people do not engage in ,anymore, thereby making the demonstration of sexism seem satirical and ironic.

Nipsters Racism

Nipster is a slang term used in Germany, to refer to young neo-Nazis, who embrace aspects of hipster culture. Historically, German neo-Nazis ,have promoted an ultra-masculine, and extreme right-wing image, preferring short hair, violent imagery and combat gear — in keeping with the white power skinhead, casual or gabber subcultures, while rejecting most modern pop culture. Recently this has begun to change, with young nipsters ,embracing causes such as animal rights ,and environmentalism ,alongside historically far right positions, including ,anti-immigration views. Nipsters, rather than rejecting modern pop culture, seek instead to hijack it to promote neo-Nazi ideals. This has also been seen in the ,New Right ,and National Anarchism movements.

The top seven infractions hipsters make.

We will also provide examples for each transgression.

Number one, I am so witty.

Number two, recreational slumming.

Number three, the majestic power of the n-word.

Number four, the genuine interest in another culture.

Number five,Don't White People Suck?

Number six, but it was a joke!

Number seven, but we have a black president.

1. I'm so witty!

One of the problems that people who have been exposed to formal education have is that they confuse having exposure to something with the right to critique or point out flaws in a belief system or set of behaviors. This limited exposure and the following critiques places them in a position that makes their observations feel witty or unique, when in fact the subordinate and target groups live lives listening to these tired, trite observations.

Here are a few examples of this concept:

I have black friends,

I am practically black myself.

My tan is almost as dark, as yours.

Are you really Mexican?

Are you a dot, or a feather Indian?

2. Recreational Slumming!

The ability to related is important however, the ability to chose to relate or not is reserved for the affluence and the dominant group. Those who are typically the targets of oppression have to be flexible and culturally fluent in such away to be prepared to interact with the dominant culture at any point, in any context at any time. Dominant culture member decide when and where they show up and how their showing up benefits them.

Here are a few examples of this concept:

Look, I have been on mission trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Indian reservations.

The parties in the hood are so fun.

I can't come over for a sleepover, but come to my house anytime.

Goodwill?no I got this at a consignment shop!

Bro,when you come over just pull up you pants a little, my dad hates that

3. the majestic power of the n-word!

When people who have failed to realize the strength of their own culture they resent those who seem to have a recognition of this value. The intra group names that people give eat other is a tool of both inclusion and exclusion. Typical be because their was a time when they were not include as a part of the dominant society. When people have been forced or have freely given up there birth right of culture their children and grand child yearn for that connection to land, to place and to people and feel the loss when they see that other have what they have lost.

Here are a few examples of this concept:

Why do you get to say it, and I don't?

The rapper Fawnye Next said, I could say it.

if you don't give the word power it won't have any.

I didn't mean you.

I am saying it, to take the sting out of the word.

Let's flip that ugly word and make it beautiful.

4. So I'm not allowed to have a genuine interest in another culture?

It is important to understand what culture is and why it is important. Simply put culture is the subtotal of artifacts and values shared by a groups of people to adapt to the geographic place, governmental systems, use of space and concepts of time.

Artifacts are used as a physical representation of the values that a culture holds. When the artifact is disconnected from its value system it be comes a stereotype and it uses age outside the context could be seen as bigoted(no empathy for the value), prejudice( with out thought) and discriminatory ( try to keep people subordinate)

Here are a few examples of this concept:

I feel that it is my right to were a Indian head dress if I want.

I wear this in honor of their culture.

Black people love that mascot too, and they are not racist.

It has been like this for years, so get over it.

5. God, Don't White People Suck?

Can you hate your own body, but how productive is that? Being small and operating with guilt and shame is not helpful or motivating. False humility does not serve to change the dynamics of either individual or structural systems of oppression. The act of using your power and influence as a tool to interrupt or dismantle systems make change possible. An ally is something that other people call you because they see your actions.

Here are a few examples of this concept:

I hate white people, they messed it up for everybody.

Check out that redneck.

Dude my hybrid audi is got to be at least 5 years old before I sport it.

I am oppressed too, ever heard of reverse discrimination?

6. But it's a joke

It is clear that their are many hilarious professional that make a living helping is examine to broad inconstancies in our human behavior. Often in our interpersonal relationship humor of used to mask discomfort, our lack of knowledge or to relate using what we think is a universally accept method way of connecting. Important thing to note, there is a difference between laughing with someone and laughing at some one, one builds our relationship and the other is designed to crush the spirit.

Here are a few examples of this concept:

Girl you are too sensitive.

You got Casinos now, chill.

Man, welfare is your reparations.

If you can't take a joke it is your loss.

It would be racist of me ,not to make fun of you.

7. Yeah, but we have a black president!

The post racial America paradigm: this paradigm has a major flaw, which that it presumes the high achievement of members of a target group has raised the the access and general living standards for the whole group. It assumed that the token, chosen or elected individuals success in a marker for the arrival of the entire group.

This is typically only applied to targeted groups of oppression and rarely to the dominant group.

Here are a few examples of this concept:

What is your problem everybody gets treated that way?

You have more opportunities than I do.

He must of did something, Cops don't just do that.

Your people are cool but those immigrants aren't.

Here is a simple reminder when dealing with these types of comments, It is important to ask questions that allowed people to poke wholes in their own assumptions. If you keep silent, you are affirming their misguided paradigms. Encourage the person you are dealing with to be thoughtful. It serves no one when people operate from a place of guilt and shame. at the same time, false generosity, smugness, and self serving pride are just as damaging. Using humility, listening to understand and looking for teachable moments will allow you to reach them in ways lectures and embarrassment never will.

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Andre's purpose is to reconnect people to their Dignity and Honor in Being Human.

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