The Way This White Guy Shut Down A Black Woman Defending Kanye West In A Black Barbershop Is Pure Gold
Kanye West has been hitting the headlines incessantly of late, with his odd fashion designs, comments on slavery and weird lurch toward right wing figures being the source of baffled amusement, as well as anger and disappointment among many of his fans.
And so Kanye is once again the topic of many a conversation, which is, in my opinion, exactly what he wants. This particular conversation took place in a barbershop, that precious bastion of a public place where strangers will still readily engage in friendly chat without the aid of alcohol.
The barbershop was in Harlem, and apparently has an almost exclusively black clientele. Except on Tuesday. Tuesday has “a white dude.”
And so the story begins. Tweeted out by Twitter user @RafiDAngelo, it is the hilarious tale of Kanye becoming, inevitably, the center of heated conversation, and a plucky white dude brazenly giving his two cents on the matter in a ‘black’ barbershop. How did it all go down? Scroll down below to check it out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!
It looked like an ordinary barbershop visit to a Twitter user @RafiDAngelo until he saw a white guy sitting there
Image credits: Rafi D’Angelo
People were quick to get behind “Chad’s” comments
"Black Barbershop", "white man" etc. etc. The US really still have a long way to go.
I know nothing but I have heard that working with afro-textured hair is so much different from working with caucasian or asian etc hair that there's a good reason for black barbershops.
Very much so!! The curl pattern and texture is not the same across the board, hell, even in families it can vary! I have very fine mostly straight hair. My daughter has curly/wavy hair that is thicker than mine, my son has a LOT of very straight hair. My granddaughter has to go to a specialty hair salon if she ever gets her hair cut (it's never been cut) because her father is African American, and her hair is fine with a definite curl pattern.
The "white" dude could have afro hair. Believe me or not but I've had worked as barber for two years and even before, I have seen blonde afro. Even if he doesn't I don't see a point why he couldn't go there anyway if it works for him and he likes be cut.
I was a stylist many moons ago and did a 3 yr apprenticeship. I can't see why I couldn't learn how to deal with afro hair also. Or are people saying that white folks are not allowed to put that into their curriculum or we are too stupid for it [fortunately I am not stupid, having gone on to University and made a career, so I think I could handle a semester on Afro hair]? Other way round, there are black stylists that do white hair just fine [say whaaaat?]. C'mon, it smells of self segregation and in my books that's incredibly racist. How about whispy, blonde hair only salons? Or Asian only salons [their hair is far more difficult to deal with than afros and yet I have cut it just fine].
Very true. There are actually two different types of head lice, one for white hair and one for black. Each can't hang onto the other type. So yeah, different.
I get where you're coming from, Hans. I really do. But what you may not understand is that the words "black barbershop" indicate more than who's in there, it indicates that the people in there specialize in cutting African-type hair. It's not the same as whacking off a few inches of Caucasian-type hair with no specific curl pattern. They have skills in understanding how to wash, treat, and cut hair. It's not segregation, it's specialization. And yeah, not all "black barbershops" have someone ABLE to do more than just run clippers over someone's head. I DO know that of which I speak, a dinosaur's age ago I took a specialized cosmetology course although I didn't go on to get my license. :)
Thank you for that constructive comment!
Monilip, white people tend to have a different hair texture than people of color. That's all they meant. It doesn't mean all white people have fine hair. I would say just Google the information.
Yep, also "black barbershop" is not just a place people get their hair cut. It's a socio-cultural arena which has, historically, been a place of refuge from the world. There it's safe to talk about things with freedom, and express ideas that are ignored in the real world. 50 or so years ago, a black man could be killed by a while mob for just existing (see Jim Crow and lynching). So having a safe space from a world that doesn't view you as important was critical to survival, quite frankly.
Well said. My 11th grade white English teacher got his hair cut at a black barbershop, because he had very tight curly hair, and just didn't get good results at a regular salon.
When I went through cosmetology school in high school 1989 we were scheduled to go to another high school with a majority black students in cosmetology so we could learn how to treat ethnic hair. Unfortunately we got snowed in and couldn’t go and they never rescheduled. Luckily now most cosmo schools and CED classes teach about the different hair types.
The stylist who most-often cuts my hair once remarked to a fellow stylist "I LOVE cutting white people's hair, it's so damn easy! Snip, snip, done!" While I've never cut hair myself (aside from the occasional self-imposed buzz-cut) I can appreciate how difficult it must be to cut afro-textured hair.
We call it afro barbers. Not black barbershop...
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I'm sorry, what is "caucasian-type hair"? I know people who are very white and their hair is very curly, like little springs. In my own family there are people who are definitly "caucasian-type" and their hair is so curly it looks like afro hair (when not cut very short). I understand need to hairdresser to be specially for special kind of hair (there is nothing wrong with that: where there is a need, there is also a supply) but seriously, not all white people have straight hairs and sometimes it's a bit more difficult to cut them than "whacking off a few inches" :/
I hear you, but there are places that tend to attract people that are similar. Try being a chubby person in Abercrombie & Fitch. At least the barber shop welcomed this guy.
It is not that there would be a barber shop that would be consulted mostly by people from a distinctive community. It is the labeling of something by skin colour which just sounds not right to me.
I love going into A&F just to freak out the tiny people who work there. "Do you have the distressed jeans in a 54" waist? wait never mind, I think I can fit into that size 0 over there"
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So racism and hate is ok as long as it is circumstantial?
It's ok. Not being racist does not mean being blind. It means acknowledging different cultures and people but tearing them with equal respect and humanity.
There was a movie with Chris Rock called Good Hair. It sheds some light on the who hair issue.
They were just discussing this (Chris Rock film)on an episode of the excellent "99% invisible" podcast (about "the" hair chart) As usual, an informative and interesting show
Watch Spike Lee's Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads. Part of the African American experience in America is shaped by separate institutions, for good and bad. To pretend they don't matter is short sighted. They hold history.
I mean, we recently had this "20+ Rarely Seen Photos Of America In The 1950’s Show How Different Life Was Before" series (https://www.boredpanda.com/usa-vintage-50s-color-photography/). When I read these tweets it seems to me that laws might have changed, but societal perception only did a little. (No offence meant to the US people in general, particularly to those who object segregation.)
You're correct. I'm 50 and I've lived here my whole life.
Firstly, there's black barbershops because usually you need another black person to cut your african hair or you're gonna be sorry. It specializes in black hair, not black people. Secondly, I really love european people because they usually hate racism and don't want to segregate colors. BUT I hate that you usually don't understand how much different it is to be black in US than in EU. There's long and sad history for black people in US and yes, we have build our own western culture because we had to. And we want to cherish it because it's all we got. We're not foreigners trying to integrate here.
if the words black and white are where you stop at when reading something, does that not make you racist yourself? I believe you are seeing only what you want to see in this. The entire rest of the article does a decent job of showing that not only was a white man comfortable sitting in a black barber shop (not racist), but also that the employees and customers there (aside the one person with their head on wrong) were actually willing to listen to the guy - and agreed with him.
there are seperate Ladies and Gents specialised hair salons - would people call that sexist? Although living in a small town most of the salons close on a Monday - one time the only one open was the barber's shop - I only wanted a tiny bit trimming from my fringe but they refused because of a strict "men only" policy
Ikr, division is overrated
Hans, just liberals actually. They're dragging the rest of us down.
I don't live in the US and I don't know that much about how black and white integrates there but why the big fuss around a white man charing his opinion about a celebrity with black people? If it was the other way around, i.e. a black man chared his opinion about a white celebrity with a bunch of white man, would he be considerd brave as well? Why should'nt he be comfortabel in sharing his opinion with and about the opposit race? It's wasn't like he sad anything racist.
There's a consensus among a large amount of people that white people don't have the right to discuss what is deemed 'black issues' its the same with feminism. There's a group of people that pretty much think men don't have the right to discuss certain things because they're a man and they don't really understand. Same thing kinda.
The consensus is more like a measure of respect. White men have historically always—and only—held the platform for "explaining" racism, societal issues, and cultural trends. Historically, people of color and women have never been allowed to hold positions of power or even be published or interviewed speaking for the issues that directly affect their community, gender, or race. Finally, in the 21st century, that platform has been extended to women and POC. So some people are saying, "Men, it's time for you to listen and not speak for a while" about issues that do not directly affect white men. It's not that white men don't necessarily have the correct answers (Chad did pretty well in this story!), but we need to (finally) hear from marginalized people now.
@anarkzie, et al regarding women being forced to breed: State of Iowa just passed a "heartbeat" bill regarding abortion. If a fetal heartbeat is detected, then the woman cannot get an abortion in the state of Iowa. Fetal heartbeats can be detected at 6 weeks. Most women won't even know they are pregnant at 6 weeks. Lawmakers know this and they are therefore Iowa is forcing the woman to have the baby. Federal court ruled in Roe versus Wade 1973 established that a woman's body is hers, not the government's, but now we are seeing that right being eroded by state laws, and not just by men: The governor of Iowa is a woman.
And equally as stupid, as well as missing the whole point. Equality is the goal, and on that tightrope, if you lean too far to either side, you are doomed (and damned) regardless of which side of the line you fall on. Bigotry is bigotry, no matter the target.
Karen Wenzel, you are right. It's not the same. Racial issues are much, much worse. Women who are forced to carry a baby to term aren't murdered in the street because they refuse to carry that child. They aren't oppressed, or treated like second-class citizens. Also, women of color have it much worse than white women.
@Karen what part of the world do you live in, in which women are being forced to breed, also when you talk about abortion rights you know that it's not a simple all women are pro choice and all men are pro life split, right?
Also, in nearly every circumstance, a woman can choose whether or not she gets pregnant. A black man doesn't get to choose whether they can be black today, or not.
Yes Ashley, there's a consensus among vapid twats.
Fact that some people belive men should not discuss feminism and its issues is ironic, considering that feminist IS about women and men being equal.
@ PeachPossum "Most women won't even know they are pregnant at 6 weeks" - are you kidding me? Most women has cycles about 28days long. And what is first thing people do when they are 2 weeks (or even few days!) late with their period? They do pregnancy test. So please, don't say stuff like "most women does not they are pregnancy at 6 weeks". I know that some women have irregular cycles (mine are, though it's only max 10 days difference) but for most women 14 days late period is pretty good reason to do pregancy test. PS. Fetus is NOT "woman's body". unless you're sugesting that pregnant woman has two heads, four hands, four legs, etc.
Um, NO dear, NOT the same thing at ALL. when a woman is dragged down by men REGULATING HOW she can be a WOMAN, it is NOT the same thing as a racial issue. Whites aren't telling any other race that they have to be forced to breed, be forced to carry a baby to term etc.
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As a woman I feel this is SUCH BS!
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That is a stunning amount of bull. Men shouldn't talk about women's body issues, because thy don't have the same bodies. But no matter your race, you are the same. Just wish different skin. Why is this even a thing?
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Karen Wenzel If women who are worried about being forced to carry a baby to term would use a little personal responsibility by using the many forms of birth control before pregnancy occurs.
It's because white people are seen as having always had the advantage unfairly in the past (which unfortunately is true), so if he tried to share his opinion but it didn't come across right, or seemed out of touch, people would get angry and think he should mind his own business, that he doesn't understand the issue because he's not "part of that culture," or people might feel he's bring condescending, if he acts like he's all noble for taking the time to defend them or like he gets their problems better than them. Fortunately it seems he didn't have any of that attitude and they also took it as he intended. (I'm not saying whether any of these perceptions are right or wrong, that depends on the situation. Just trying to explain some of the culture and potential discomfort as I understand it.)
"Chad" did it exactly right. He acknowledged her intent, offered support in a gracious way, and kept his remarks limited to Kanye. He deserves applause.
C, nope, basically how you are received when you share your opinion has a lot to do with your attitude, and whether you offer it as a friend and equal while recognizing you don't know everything if it's not your personal situation, or force it on someone like you're superior.
"Chad" spoke about things that are part of the human experience, something most of use would have related to regardless of our race, instead of making it a conversation about race. Plus, he was respectful to the others participating in the conversation, and I'm pretty sure that's why they gave him the respect of listening to his views.
Lucida - I think to understand the story you have to understand the culture of black barbershops, which are historically a safe place of community for black people, especially black men, in the U.S. Through decades of segregation and racism, a barbershop is always a safe place where black people can be themselves, speak their minds freely and be expressive. It is VERY unusual to see a white man in a black barbershop, and for one to come in and speak his mind about slavery and racism is not necessarily brave but certainly ballsy!
Hi Lucida, you have to understand that a white person would never be in a black barbershop in the first place because the barber probably have never cut a white persons hair. I wouldn't go to a white barber to get my hair cut because they wouldn't know how to cut my hair. It not big thing, just the way it is. in all my years in the US (live in Australia for past 23 yrs) I've never seen a white person in the barbers I go to. Here in Australia you are more likely to see this happen where whites would come to the black shops because they want their hair braided.
I remember reading a true account of a little boy who had been sold.....a woman on the plantation took him through the woods to meet up with his mother and say goodbye one last time. She had to DRAG him off her when it was time to go. I'm white AF and I will 100% tell you I recognize I can't "get it" for myself, but as a mother, that spoke to me and I feel like I "got" a small percentage of it that way. Anybody who tells me that was a choice can go straight to hell and I don't care what color they are.
Daaaaaaaamn Chad, *genuine applause*
it's the opinion that mattered, the opinion won. well done chadley.
Here, Here! Cheerio Chadley. Bravo my good sir! :3D
Kanye seems to say this bombastic, ridiculous, ill thought out, mean spirited, self aggrandizing, illogical stuff all the time. Is the only reason that the media reports on him is because it gets viewers attention? Think Charlie Sheen, Alex Jones, Don Imus and a host of other loud mouths who make no sense but attract attention to themselves.
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You didn’t want to listen. You wanted to judge.
All I can say, Kanye needs to keep his clam shut because what does he know about slavery? It's not choice. That role was forced upon their hands, it was either die with their family or work for a man that had more land than they have had. And the slavery has been going
If you think about "privilege" in terms of the accumulated wealth and opportunities earned by the sweat of your parents and grandparents, then Kanye also comes from privilege. His mother had a Doctorate degree, worked very hard, and got somewhere on her own efforts. But her earned position gave Kanye that head start-he wasn't in a family fighting poverty. So I agree, I don't think he understands the things families dealing with poverty have to "beat". And I don't think he "gets" slavery any better than I do-a white woman who has no ancestors who lived in America before 1880.
I'm actually Russian, my family literally came from a farm. Before 1880, my ancestors were still dealing with the cold
It went way over your head.
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All I can say is that you should read what Kaney REALLY said. And surprise - he didn't mean literal slaves but people with "slave mind". Like, when you complain all day long about your job and mean boss but you don't change your job because you feel like you need to work there because you've been working there for years. The fact is you have a choice: change your job. THAT's what he meant.
I heard what Kanye really said - from his very own mouth. And you're wrong, Monilip. He was speaking about the years of slavery in this nation and just wondered why they didn't just stop being slaves. The height of ignorance.
"CHADLEY" accompanied by that GIF cracked me up so hard x'D
Kudos to Chad and kudos to Rafi DAngelo. Brilliant answer and brilliantly-recounted.
Hahaha so great!
Off topic: why does bored panda hide comments that have a lot of downvotes? Just bc people don’t agree with you doesn’t mean your comments should be hidden, no matter what side of the coin you are on. Can someone explain this?
I think it’s because they’re usually offensive in some way, shape or form, not just the fact that people disagree.
I really like this site but the comment's board is a mess, you should be able to down vote with out it being hidden or unable to be responded to.
It's weird. That's why I don't give downvotes (only upvotes) - just because I disagree with someone it does not mean I want their opinion to be not heard.
Like someone stated truth is truth no matter who says it. Chad good on ya.
Jon, when did you become a massive CUCK ?
oh, so now someone has to do a bit of name calling because someone has expressed an opinion. That is the problem with folks from the US they are too hyper sensitive. Chill-out man (John Smith) and get a life.
Good for him expressing an opinion that is not only accurately but quite eloquently put. I would have just said crazy is as crazy does.
Sounds like "Chad" pretty much nailed it. Yes, I am a middle aged white woman. That doesn't preclude me from recognizing an enormous asshole when I see one. Even Obama referred to Kanye as a jackass.
Hahaha Chad you I accept the trade of getting You for Kanye. Welcome Chad the black man
'surrounded by men with sharp objects' That got me. XD
Can you imagine if a white person wrote that? It would be racist. Its an absolute joke.
We don't choose our genes. The only genes we choose are our jeans. The sooner everyone realizes this, the better.
I’m still laughing at “incognegro.”
You know, most of racism can be stopped by referring to people as 'black' and 'white'
Of course technically Kanye West is correct that slavery is a choice. Just not the slaves' choice.
chad is just another brown noser wanting to be liked ! screw white guilt! nobody alive today has ever kept any slaves nor picked any cotton
You can see the face of racism everywhere. White man in a black barber shop talking about a black celebrity? How is it supposed to be tense? Because black can't take criticism because you can't criticize a black dude?
This has to be some of the most racist shit I have ever seen on Bored Panda. But, because it's a black gay man saying it, it's alright. This is why it's wrong...."I usually get my hair cut on Thursdays, but this week I went in on Tuesday, so you know, there's a different group of regulars there. Apparently, Tuesday has a black dude." That wouldn't be acceptable, and this isn't either.
YES!!!
Thats a bold move. Love it!
I'm hoping that it wasn't boldness on "Chad's" part, I'm hoping he saw a room full of people that he wanted to engage with as part of a neighborhood.
Racist nagger. Typical.
But I mean "black black" ... Like Tyrone black. Like jail. Like a sperm donor and not a Dad. (you get the idea; flip the script and suddenly folks get all offended)
I am a White Canadian... Kanye West is a douchebag, regardless of his skin color.. Kanya-5af1...b58aec.jpg
For a couple of years, I was the 'Mexican guy at the barbershop'. Tone, the barber, knows how to do a mean fade, and my (stick straight) hair has always been difficult to work with. I only stopped going because I found a place closer to work, but their fade will never be as good as Tone's.
Americans are strangers. I am fom Brazil and here we can clearly see a white blonde dude with natural afro hair. Or a black woman with a straight hair. I am black pale and I have straight hair.
Chad just became a 2nd round pick in the next draft!
interesting name Crystal.
Incognegro... hoteptres.... LMAO I definitely learned some new words today! What a great writer!
What about is this discussion? It is a story. Great story. Nothing about racism. And without labelling black and white the story has no point (For those who need it: doesn’t mater on the colour the attitude is important). Good job @RafiDAngelo .
I'm very sorry for my multiple comments in here. I meant to send only one, but I guess something broke and it replied for everyone. I'm new here, are these kind of problems common in here? Is there any hidden way to delete your comments?
oOf
Incognegro? Really?
It's an in-joke. The general rule is "keep it in the family". For example, my husband worked with some women who made outrageous jokes to each other. The men stayed out of it like flies on the wall. I could go into greater depth about this if you want.
Wtf?! Is there really such a thing as Black Barber Shops and White barber shops?! Why can't it just be called a barber shop. Good on "chad" but at the same time the whole thing makes me feel so uncomfortable. Why can't people just be referred to as their gender or whatever?!
What a horrible article. If this was the other way around, people would flip! This article is racist as shit. This guy is "brave" because he disagreed with black people? Can you imagine the outrage if this was the other way around? I hate this SJW bullshit because it's so hypocritical. Also, Kanye is allowed to have opinions, you ignorant assholes. This article is so full of nonsense and hypocrisy. Typical SJW fucking garbage.
You're so fucking whiny and bitchy, holy shit.
You soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo missed the entire point.
White supremacy lol okay Chad
so blacks are not allowed to think outside the box huh alignin with white supremacy sheeesh yall do anything to call others racist i guess mike tyson is a nazi and kanye too i mean theres millions of blacks and latinos supporting trump in colorado nevada arizona and florida trump won the latino vote many of us support him and are called nazis even blacks now huh interesting it seems that the left literally is showin its true face the left are collectivist if you black you must think a certain way or else your alignin yourself with white supremacy smh yall ridiculous TRUMP MAGA 2020
Why is it people of color have to agree with republicans to "think outside the box?" Every black person MUST agree with you to be a "free thinker?" Do you not see how fucked up that is?
People can think whatever they want. They can vote that way too. But I always find it funny that when someone espouses some stupid idea, there is always someone that has to throw out the "liberal left is picking on us" comment. Crap ideas are crap, regardless of the source. Bigotry, no matter how you try and dress it up, is bigotry. I have seen this with homosexuals, I have seen it with race, and with women. To me, the average right winger seems to have to have someone to hate. I see it your memes, in your comments, and in your actions. Tell me, what Trump policies do you support? Which ones are designed to make this a better place for all people? And why? I support differing ideas. But what I truly detest are the intentionally ignorant, gullible fools that seem to be an active, vocal majority of this country. And they are dragging us all down with their stupidity.
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Jerry, glad you asked civilly. For starters, I agree w Trump improving our relationship w Israel. Also, I like how Trump supports our police and military more than previous administrations.
Anyone of any race can support whoever they want, Kanye can come out in support of ISIS if he so chooses, people however are not abliged to support Kanye choices, that is what you're missing and getting all butt hurt over. The "aligning with white supremacy" comes down to the fact that you have a President in power that is doing just that, he has prominent members of the KKK coming out in support of him, which is why he defends them when they march down the streets yelling "Jews will not replace us". Kanye claims that he does not support all of Trumps views etc and seems to like the idea of a guy who everyone doubted doing the impossible and becoming the president, which is a great story but he needs to look beyond the superficial to what it is the guy actually stands for.
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Finally a Trump supporter. You guys need to stop hiding from the so called tolerant left, your comments are always my favorite
Ok...I'm sure there are going to be a lot of opinions on this but here goes anyway: Anyone else see how god awfully racist this is? Because hes white he should sit there quietly and try to not even be seen?? And keep his opinions to himself?? Just because he white in a black barber shop? Sounds like dude didn't even think Chad (which would be like me assuming this guy’s name is Tyrone because hes a black dude and then I'd get shit for being a racist...admit it) should BE there. Isn't that what the African American community fought (is fighting) all these years against happening? And for inclusion??? I’m not saying there hasn’t been struggle and I’m not saying racism is dead and I’m not devaluing ANYONE’S feelings but, I mean, come on!! The street goes both ways friends.
That's not how I read it at all. I honestly just don't believe anyone was saying he should just sit there because he's white. What I gathered was that it was unexpected, but very welcomed. They listened to Chad, and all agreed with him. I think they may have been surprised to see a white man in a typically black barbershop, but it certainly didn't sound like he was unwelcome.
Respect.... I imagine myself discussing some of Erdogan ideas inside a turkish barbershop....
Good luck with that ;-)
For me this story is racist towards white p
But he gets to be the hero...
Assholes are their own color...
Kind of pathetic that the first universal thought was: "this boy gonna die."
How many times did you use "white man" again?
Soooo... did "Chad" really get thrown out? Or did they finish his haircut?
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I think your leftist/fascist propaganda sucks, Bored Panda. Fascists use deceit to demonize anyone who doesn't march in lockstep with their political views, and that breeds fear, hate and violence. Trump supporters aren't 'white supremacists' - we're democrats, republicans, independents and libertarians, all united as populists. What a waste of an otherwise excellent site.
BYEEEEEE!
"Fascists use deceit to demonize anyone who doesn't march in lockstep with their political views" I guess that explains why Trump would not stop going on about Obama's Birth certificate.
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If there were such a thing as a white barbershop people would be pissed off and crying racism
Yeah white people never have had anything to themselves. Good call.
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This is incredibly racist.
Why though? Your statement is incomplete.
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Do people actually talk like this? Is this a real website? I want to do a slow walk into the ocean.
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It's OK to be white
Nobody said it wasn't. Sorry Paul, you'll have to make yourself a victim in some other way today.
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One more to add to the list of things that never happened.....
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IM SURE NONE OF YOU WATCHED THE OTHER VID WHERE KANYE EXPLAINS WHAT HE MEANS BY CHOICE HE MEANS ITS CHOICE TO STILL HAVE A SLAVE MENTALITY LIKE DEMOCRAT VOTING BLACKS WHO JUST DO LIKE THE MASTER SAY
He never mentioned democrats but you’re close.
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Does it matter to anyone at all that he corrected himself saying he meant that black people can choose not to be victims anymore, now that slavery's over? Or is everybody just going to dwell on what he tweeted, clinging to hatred like a barb?
Because he was backpedaling, trying to salvage the situation, and has never apologized or shown humility. His attitude remains one of arrogance: "Everybody misunderstood me." He's also forgetting that the abolitionists who were actively helping slaves had to do so in secret, and he's saying it all from the comfort and privilege of his modern-day celebrity status.
You choose to block information.
It doesn't matter because everyone knows what he really meant. He only changed his words after being schooled. Kanye has always been trash. That hasn't changed.
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It’s only “pure gold” because it doesn’t fit your liberal narrative. That white wigger actually believes the twisted crap spewing from his own mouth. Bored panda is racist, celebrating a white punk that picks on black peoples. The fact you actually believe Kanye sides with white supremacy is deplorable and ignorant, but not surprising because black and white liberals are threatened by conservative black people. Try educating yourself with historical facts before opening your stupid millennial trap
Wow, you sound very whiny.
Historical facts, like slavery being a choice?
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Since when did Trump become a white supremacist??? He hires minorities at all levels of his businesses long before he ran for president and since he ran. He has never endorsed any white supremacists groups and the only people calling him such a thing are Liberals for purely political reasons.
He called neo-nazis very fine people. He was sued, more than once for discriminatory practices when he owned rental properties. He has the support of the white supremacist community. Oh and he hired literal white supremacists. So I guess there's all that.
Otis, how can anyone misconstrue what he said? He literally stated that people on the side of the KKK and neo nazis were "very fine people." You can be either a nazi OR a good person, but you absolutely cannot be both.
Otis, anyone, literally ANYONE on the side of the nazis is bad. How the fuck can a person march with neo-nazis and KKK and not be a part of it? So no, even in this fucking context, he's still literally saying people can side with nazis and be "very fine people." WHAT THE FUCK.
Dave, I copied this from The Atlantic: “You had many people in that group other than neo-Nazis and white nationalists,” Trump said. “The press has treated them absolutely unfairly.” “You also had some very fine people on both sides,” he said.
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He did not say that. In regard to protests in Charlottesville, he stated that not everyone on on one of the sides were neo-nazis or white nationalists. He then went on to say that there were some very fine people on both sides. You don't have to take my word for it, you can google his speech. But don't take a snippet and use it out of context.
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Wasn't this person being racist because he was judging the "Kansas white boy" thinking he wasn't going to have anything intelligent to add to the conversation??
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This is some racist ass bullshit.
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Kanye was talking about mental slavery and victim mentality.
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Doesn't Bored Panda have better things to showcase than political crap like this?
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Stop this fucking nonsense about white people "appropriating" black culture! I'll do what I damn well want to do!
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It is just KILLING ME!! Kanye West is saying I have MY OWN MIND!!! I dont think exactly like the status quo!! Also, what white supremacy??!! Cause the ONLY attitude Im worried about is Trumps, and I KNOW for a FACT he is NOT a racist! His father was a racist and that is the only thing he disliked about him!! I also KNOW that LOOOOONG before he ran for president, like about 25 YEARS before...he used his own money to fix up the poverty stricken neighborhoods around NYC!! He even got an award because of it!! The SAME NIGHT as Rosa Parks and Ali!! Believe me!!! There is plenty of proof!! The press used to LOVE Trump!!! LOOK IT ALL UP!!
Your utter and complete obsession with Trump, combined with your unwillingness to find anything to criticize him about, is quite frankly incredibly creepy. You are aware Trump is not your god, correct?
First of all, how does a man who got sued more than once for refusing to rent apartments to black people not get to be considered racist? A man who said, "I don't want black guys counting my money." You're so incredibly brainwashed by Trump, it's disgusting. SECOND... why the fuck is Kanye only considered a "free thinker" when he agrees with conservatives? He's brainwashed by liberal ideals, but totally just "speaking his mind and thinking free" when he falls lockstep into your belief system?
Oh okay Otis. That totally makes his blatant racism okay then!
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I would imagine a lot of landlords at that level, with tens of thousands of renters, have been sued. And this society is too litigious.
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When did a conversation about what happened in a barbershop regarding Kanye turn into Trump? Trump has nothing to do with Kanye's mentality right now.
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Black people shouldnt be allowed to have opinons until they evolve from the past 500 years they been living in and not until they learn to say the word "ask" not "aks"
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I'm opening a white barber shop that's fine right?
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Wow, that barber is really, really racist.
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Chad forgot the first rule of white knighthood: Never contradict a maginalized person, especially a WOC. And using gay as slur? Really?
This comment would make sense if it were not for the fact that it's attached to a story in which Chad does the opposite, he contradicts a maginalized person of colour, female at that and wins the the love and respect of all involved and goes on to be celebrated in the pages of Bored Panda. The whole story is basically a feel good Hollywood movie in the vain of Dances with Wolves or Dangerous Minds.
"Black Barbershop", "white man" etc. etc. The US really still have a long way to go.
I know nothing but I have heard that working with afro-textured hair is so much different from working with caucasian or asian etc hair that there's a good reason for black barbershops.
Very much so!! The curl pattern and texture is not the same across the board, hell, even in families it can vary! I have very fine mostly straight hair. My daughter has curly/wavy hair that is thicker than mine, my son has a LOT of very straight hair. My granddaughter has to go to a specialty hair salon if she ever gets her hair cut (it's never been cut) because her father is African American, and her hair is fine with a definite curl pattern.
The "white" dude could have afro hair. Believe me or not but I've had worked as barber for two years and even before, I have seen blonde afro. Even if he doesn't I don't see a point why he couldn't go there anyway if it works for him and he likes be cut.
I was a stylist many moons ago and did a 3 yr apprenticeship. I can't see why I couldn't learn how to deal with afro hair also. Or are people saying that white folks are not allowed to put that into their curriculum or we are too stupid for it [fortunately I am not stupid, having gone on to University and made a career, so I think I could handle a semester on Afro hair]? Other way round, there are black stylists that do white hair just fine [say whaaaat?]. C'mon, it smells of self segregation and in my books that's incredibly racist. How about whispy, blonde hair only salons? Or Asian only salons [their hair is far more difficult to deal with than afros and yet I have cut it just fine].
Very true. There are actually two different types of head lice, one for white hair and one for black. Each can't hang onto the other type. So yeah, different.
I get where you're coming from, Hans. I really do. But what you may not understand is that the words "black barbershop" indicate more than who's in there, it indicates that the people in there specialize in cutting African-type hair. It's not the same as whacking off a few inches of Caucasian-type hair with no specific curl pattern. They have skills in understanding how to wash, treat, and cut hair. It's not segregation, it's specialization. And yeah, not all "black barbershops" have someone ABLE to do more than just run clippers over someone's head. I DO know that of which I speak, a dinosaur's age ago I took a specialized cosmetology course although I didn't go on to get my license. :)
Thank you for that constructive comment!
Monilip, white people tend to have a different hair texture than people of color. That's all they meant. It doesn't mean all white people have fine hair. I would say just Google the information.
Yep, also "black barbershop" is not just a place people get their hair cut. It's a socio-cultural arena which has, historically, been a place of refuge from the world. There it's safe to talk about things with freedom, and express ideas that are ignored in the real world. 50 or so years ago, a black man could be killed by a while mob for just existing (see Jim Crow and lynching). So having a safe space from a world that doesn't view you as important was critical to survival, quite frankly.
Well said. My 11th grade white English teacher got his hair cut at a black barbershop, because he had very tight curly hair, and just didn't get good results at a regular salon.
When I went through cosmetology school in high school 1989 we were scheduled to go to another high school with a majority black students in cosmetology so we could learn how to treat ethnic hair. Unfortunately we got snowed in and couldn’t go and they never rescheduled. Luckily now most cosmo schools and CED classes teach about the different hair types.
The stylist who most-often cuts my hair once remarked to a fellow stylist "I LOVE cutting white people's hair, it's so damn easy! Snip, snip, done!" While I've never cut hair myself (aside from the occasional self-imposed buzz-cut) I can appreciate how difficult it must be to cut afro-textured hair.
We call it afro barbers. Not black barbershop...
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I'm sorry, what is "caucasian-type hair"? I know people who are very white and their hair is very curly, like little springs. In my own family there are people who are definitly "caucasian-type" and their hair is so curly it looks like afro hair (when not cut very short). I understand need to hairdresser to be specially for special kind of hair (there is nothing wrong with that: where there is a need, there is also a supply) but seriously, not all white people have straight hairs and sometimes it's a bit more difficult to cut them than "whacking off a few inches" :/
I hear you, but there are places that tend to attract people that are similar. Try being a chubby person in Abercrombie & Fitch. At least the barber shop welcomed this guy.
It is not that there would be a barber shop that would be consulted mostly by people from a distinctive community. It is the labeling of something by skin colour which just sounds not right to me.
I love going into A&F just to freak out the tiny people who work there. "Do you have the distressed jeans in a 54" waist? wait never mind, I think I can fit into that size 0 over there"
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So racism and hate is ok as long as it is circumstantial?
It's ok. Not being racist does not mean being blind. It means acknowledging different cultures and people but tearing them with equal respect and humanity.
There was a movie with Chris Rock called Good Hair. It sheds some light on the who hair issue.
They were just discussing this (Chris Rock film)on an episode of the excellent "99% invisible" podcast (about "the" hair chart) As usual, an informative and interesting show
Watch Spike Lee's Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads. Part of the African American experience in America is shaped by separate institutions, for good and bad. To pretend they don't matter is short sighted. They hold history.
I mean, we recently had this "20+ Rarely Seen Photos Of America In The 1950’s Show How Different Life Was Before" series (https://www.boredpanda.com/usa-vintage-50s-color-photography/). When I read these tweets it seems to me that laws might have changed, but societal perception only did a little. (No offence meant to the US people in general, particularly to those who object segregation.)
You're correct. I'm 50 and I've lived here my whole life.
Firstly, there's black barbershops because usually you need another black person to cut your african hair or you're gonna be sorry. It specializes in black hair, not black people. Secondly, I really love european people because they usually hate racism and don't want to segregate colors. BUT I hate that you usually don't understand how much different it is to be black in US than in EU. There's long and sad history for black people in US and yes, we have build our own western culture because we had to. And we want to cherish it because it's all we got. We're not foreigners trying to integrate here.
if the words black and white are where you stop at when reading something, does that not make you racist yourself? I believe you are seeing only what you want to see in this. The entire rest of the article does a decent job of showing that not only was a white man comfortable sitting in a black barber shop (not racist), but also that the employees and customers there (aside the one person with their head on wrong) were actually willing to listen to the guy - and agreed with him.
there are seperate Ladies and Gents specialised hair salons - would people call that sexist? Although living in a small town most of the salons close on a Monday - one time the only one open was the barber's shop - I only wanted a tiny bit trimming from my fringe but they refused because of a strict "men only" policy
Ikr, division is overrated
Hans, just liberals actually. They're dragging the rest of us down.
I don't live in the US and I don't know that much about how black and white integrates there but why the big fuss around a white man charing his opinion about a celebrity with black people? If it was the other way around, i.e. a black man chared his opinion about a white celebrity with a bunch of white man, would he be considerd brave as well? Why should'nt he be comfortabel in sharing his opinion with and about the opposit race? It's wasn't like he sad anything racist.
There's a consensus among a large amount of people that white people don't have the right to discuss what is deemed 'black issues' its the same with feminism. There's a group of people that pretty much think men don't have the right to discuss certain things because they're a man and they don't really understand. Same thing kinda.
The consensus is more like a measure of respect. White men have historically always—and only—held the platform for "explaining" racism, societal issues, and cultural trends. Historically, people of color and women have never been allowed to hold positions of power or even be published or interviewed speaking for the issues that directly affect their community, gender, or race. Finally, in the 21st century, that platform has been extended to women and POC. So some people are saying, "Men, it's time for you to listen and not speak for a while" about issues that do not directly affect white men. It's not that white men don't necessarily have the correct answers (Chad did pretty well in this story!), but we need to (finally) hear from marginalized people now.
@anarkzie, et al regarding women being forced to breed: State of Iowa just passed a "heartbeat" bill regarding abortion. If a fetal heartbeat is detected, then the woman cannot get an abortion in the state of Iowa. Fetal heartbeats can be detected at 6 weeks. Most women won't even know they are pregnant at 6 weeks. Lawmakers know this and they are therefore Iowa is forcing the woman to have the baby. Federal court ruled in Roe versus Wade 1973 established that a woman's body is hers, not the government's, but now we are seeing that right being eroded by state laws, and not just by men: The governor of Iowa is a woman.
And equally as stupid, as well as missing the whole point. Equality is the goal, and on that tightrope, if you lean too far to either side, you are doomed (and damned) regardless of which side of the line you fall on. Bigotry is bigotry, no matter the target.
Karen Wenzel, you are right. It's not the same. Racial issues are much, much worse. Women who are forced to carry a baby to term aren't murdered in the street because they refuse to carry that child. They aren't oppressed, or treated like second-class citizens. Also, women of color have it much worse than white women.
@Karen what part of the world do you live in, in which women are being forced to breed, also when you talk about abortion rights you know that it's not a simple all women are pro choice and all men are pro life split, right?
Also, in nearly every circumstance, a woman can choose whether or not she gets pregnant. A black man doesn't get to choose whether they can be black today, or not.
Yes Ashley, there's a consensus among vapid twats.
Fact that some people belive men should not discuss feminism and its issues is ironic, considering that feminist IS about women and men being equal.
@ PeachPossum "Most women won't even know they are pregnant at 6 weeks" - are you kidding me? Most women has cycles about 28days long. And what is first thing people do when they are 2 weeks (or even few days!) late with their period? They do pregnancy test. So please, don't say stuff like "most women does not they are pregnancy at 6 weeks". I know that some women have irregular cycles (mine are, though it's only max 10 days difference) but for most women 14 days late period is pretty good reason to do pregancy test. PS. Fetus is NOT "woman's body". unless you're sugesting that pregnant woman has two heads, four hands, four legs, etc.
Um, NO dear, NOT the same thing at ALL. when a woman is dragged down by men REGULATING HOW she can be a WOMAN, it is NOT the same thing as a racial issue. Whites aren't telling any other race that they have to be forced to breed, be forced to carry a baby to term etc.
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As a woman I feel this is SUCH BS!
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That is a stunning amount of bull. Men shouldn't talk about women's body issues, because thy don't have the same bodies. But no matter your race, you are the same. Just wish different skin. Why is this even a thing?
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Karen Wenzel If women who are worried about being forced to carry a baby to term would use a little personal responsibility by using the many forms of birth control before pregnancy occurs.
It's because white people are seen as having always had the advantage unfairly in the past (which unfortunately is true), so if he tried to share his opinion but it didn't come across right, or seemed out of touch, people would get angry and think he should mind his own business, that he doesn't understand the issue because he's not "part of that culture," or people might feel he's bring condescending, if he acts like he's all noble for taking the time to defend them or like he gets their problems better than them. Fortunately it seems he didn't have any of that attitude and they also took it as he intended. (I'm not saying whether any of these perceptions are right or wrong, that depends on the situation. Just trying to explain some of the culture and potential discomfort as I understand it.)
"Chad" did it exactly right. He acknowledged her intent, offered support in a gracious way, and kept his remarks limited to Kanye. He deserves applause.
C, nope, basically how you are received when you share your opinion has a lot to do with your attitude, and whether you offer it as a friend and equal while recognizing you don't know everything if it's not your personal situation, or force it on someone like you're superior.
"Chad" spoke about things that are part of the human experience, something most of use would have related to regardless of our race, instead of making it a conversation about race. Plus, he was respectful to the others participating in the conversation, and I'm pretty sure that's why they gave him the respect of listening to his views.
Lucida - I think to understand the story you have to understand the culture of black barbershops, which are historically a safe place of community for black people, especially black men, in the U.S. Through decades of segregation and racism, a barbershop is always a safe place where black people can be themselves, speak their minds freely and be expressive. It is VERY unusual to see a white man in a black barbershop, and for one to come in and speak his mind about slavery and racism is not necessarily brave but certainly ballsy!
Hi Lucida, you have to understand that a white person would never be in a black barbershop in the first place because the barber probably have never cut a white persons hair. I wouldn't go to a white barber to get my hair cut because they wouldn't know how to cut my hair. It not big thing, just the way it is. in all my years in the US (live in Australia for past 23 yrs) I've never seen a white person in the barbers I go to. Here in Australia you are more likely to see this happen where whites would come to the black shops because they want their hair braided.
I remember reading a true account of a little boy who had been sold.....a woman on the plantation took him through the woods to meet up with his mother and say goodbye one last time. She had to DRAG him off her when it was time to go. I'm white AF and I will 100% tell you I recognize I can't "get it" for myself, but as a mother, that spoke to me and I feel like I "got" a small percentage of it that way. Anybody who tells me that was a choice can go straight to hell and I don't care what color they are.
Daaaaaaaamn Chad, *genuine applause*
it's the opinion that mattered, the opinion won. well done chadley.
Here, Here! Cheerio Chadley. Bravo my good sir! :3D
Kanye seems to say this bombastic, ridiculous, ill thought out, mean spirited, self aggrandizing, illogical stuff all the time. Is the only reason that the media reports on him is because it gets viewers attention? Think Charlie Sheen, Alex Jones, Don Imus and a host of other loud mouths who make no sense but attract attention to themselves.
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You didn’t want to listen. You wanted to judge.
All I can say, Kanye needs to keep his clam shut because what does he know about slavery? It's not choice. That role was forced upon their hands, it was either die with their family or work for a man that had more land than they have had. And the slavery has been going
If you think about "privilege" in terms of the accumulated wealth and opportunities earned by the sweat of your parents and grandparents, then Kanye also comes from privilege. His mother had a Doctorate degree, worked very hard, and got somewhere on her own efforts. But her earned position gave Kanye that head start-he wasn't in a family fighting poverty. So I agree, I don't think he understands the things families dealing with poverty have to "beat". And I don't think he "gets" slavery any better than I do-a white woman who has no ancestors who lived in America before 1880.
I'm actually Russian, my family literally came from a farm. Before 1880, my ancestors were still dealing with the cold
It went way over your head.
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All I can say is that you should read what Kaney REALLY said. And surprise - he didn't mean literal slaves but people with "slave mind". Like, when you complain all day long about your job and mean boss but you don't change your job because you feel like you need to work there because you've been working there for years. The fact is you have a choice: change your job. THAT's what he meant.
I heard what Kanye really said - from his very own mouth. And you're wrong, Monilip. He was speaking about the years of slavery in this nation and just wondered why they didn't just stop being slaves. The height of ignorance.
"CHADLEY" accompanied by that GIF cracked me up so hard x'D
Kudos to Chad and kudos to Rafi DAngelo. Brilliant answer and brilliantly-recounted.
Hahaha so great!
Off topic: why does bored panda hide comments that have a lot of downvotes? Just bc people don’t agree with you doesn’t mean your comments should be hidden, no matter what side of the coin you are on. Can someone explain this?
I think it’s because they’re usually offensive in some way, shape or form, not just the fact that people disagree.
I really like this site but the comment's board is a mess, you should be able to down vote with out it being hidden or unable to be responded to.
It's weird. That's why I don't give downvotes (only upvotes) - just because I disagree with someone it does not mean I want their opinion to be not heard.
Like someone stated truth is truth no matter who says it. Chad good on ya.
Jon, when did you become a massive CUCK ?
oh, so now someone has to do a bit of name calling because someone has expressed an opinion. That is the problem with folks from the US they are too hyper sensitive. Chill-out man (John Smith) and get a life.
Good for him expressing an opinion that is not only accurately but quite eloquently put. I would have just said crazy is as crazy does.
Sounds like "Chad" pretty much nailed it. Yes, I am a middle aged white woman. That doesn't preclude me from recognizing an enormous asshole when I see one. Even Obama referred to Kanye as a jackass.
Hahaha Chad you I accept the trade of getting You for Kanye. Welcome Chad the black man
'surrounded by men with sharp objects' That got me. XD
Can you imagine if a white person wrote that? It would be racist. Its an absolute joke.
We don't choose our genes. The only genes we choose are our jeans. The sooner everyone realizes this, the better.
I’m still laughing at “incognegro.”
You know, most of racism can be stopped by referring to people as 'black' and 'white'
Of course technically Kanye West is correct that slavery is a choice. Just not the slaves' choice.
chad is just another brown noser wanting to be liked ! screw white guilt! nobody alive today has ever kept any slaves nor picked any cotton
You can see the face of racism everywhere. White man in a black barber shop talking about a black celebrity? How is it supposed to be tense? Because black can't take criticism because you can't criticize a black dude?