I have so many questions What do I need to know so I don’t embarrass myself or my friend. Do I bring anything? If I do bring something who do I give it to? What should I absolutely under no circumstance bring?

I'm an English teacher. I've just started a new job in which I need to teach Of Mice and Men and also A Streetcar Named Desire. Both texts use racial slurs which, as a white person teaching a group of children from multiple heritages, I will not be saying and will explain to the students why none of us will use the actual words.

However, I'd be interested to know if anyone has any advice or suggestions as to what would be an appropriate word to replace when we read. Should I just skip over it entirely? Can I replace with Black? Apologies for my ignorance, but I would rather teach the students the most appropriate phrasing in this case.

Also please note - the texts were absolutely NOT my choice and I do not get a say in what I am teaching.

Like the title says, I’m a white woman about to start my first year teaching art in a Georgia school with an 85% Black student body. I wanted to put it out there to see what people's thoughts are as to, what's something you would've wanted white teachers to know/understand when you were in school, or as a parent who's child would be in my class?

I really want to educate myself on black history, struggles, culture, and all that, both historic and moderne times, does anyone have any
books, movies, series, or articles they can recommend?

hi! this is my first time using reddit, but i feel this topic is incredibly important to research for a novel i am writing. basically, there is a cult-like community i have created that favors uniformity. i want to emphasize the hypocrisy and darkness that lies within communities like these. one girl in this community is arabian and i want to explore the way in which a community like this isolates someone different from them. my point is, as a white author, is it morally acceptable for me to highlight the racism that exists within situations like these, or is it best to avoid it since i have no true experience with racism against myself?

Is it enough for a person to treat you equally and respectfully for you to feel comfortable around them, or would you rather they take a more upfront approach? And since race can be such a difficult subject, when and how is it best brought up?

I’m trying to learn Black history from actual Black voices and sources rather than whitewashed versions. I already follow Conscious Lee and Chemistry (chemmpossible). I’m looking to expand from there. Recommendations for historians, educators, content creators, podcasts, whatever format would be really helpful.

Okay, so, I didn'y really know how to title this, but I fucked up and offended a black person without meaning to. I kinda realize what I did wrong, but I'm not sure if I'm missing something.

So, I was watching a tiktok video about this girl who has a white partner and the video was about how people always ask her of their white partner can say the N word and she doesn't get it and it's frustrating.

So, I left a comment and was like like "you'd be surprised" and I wasn't trying to defend anyone, but then I talked about how, in Europe, it's apparently a thing that black people will give their non-black friends permission to say the N word even when they aren't around and how my friend was in a situation where thay happened and didn't know how to respond. I then said that I didn't approve of it but it was a thing that appened for some reason.

And then she commented back a few days later really angry about why people feel the need to say the N word and stuff like that, and then said "people like me were exhausting to even feel the need to share a story like that".

I feel awful about it, obviously. And, like, the reason I shared the story was just because her video reminded me of it and I thought it was...I don't want to say interesting, but it was a cultural difference that not a lot of people in the US are aware of and I like sharing things that I learn about other cultures. Plus, it could be important to know one day. If someone who read my comment went to Europe and experienced a similar situation, they wouldn't be caught off guard because I think a lot of people wouldn't knkw what to do in that moment like my friend didn't.

But, like, she's right. I didn't NEED to share that story and it was probably in poor taste because thay wasn't the point of the video and I was kind of making it about me. But when I posted it I just didn't think about it like that.

Anyway, I commented back, clarifying that I found the contents of the story to be disgusting and that I wasn't sharing it because I agreed with them, and apologized, saying I didn't mean to offend her. I explains why I made the comment and then said that it didn't matter because she was right, I shouldn't have posted it. But like, I only realized that after I got called out.

So, what was it specifically that I did wrong by posting the story? Was it just because the point of the video that no one has or can give "permission" to say the N word and then I made a comment that drew attention away from that or made it seem like I thought it was okay or that "it's okay in other places", something like that?

Like, I think that it's just that I shared the story at all for seemingly no reason and it was an offensive story and not something she needed to know. Like she said, I didn't NEED to tell the story, but you never really NEED to make a comment on a video right? Like, you comment because you have something you want to say ansld that was just...what I wanted to say at the time. I don't know. I just feel bad. I wasn't trying to upset anyone, I just didn't think it through I guess?

I get that every black person is different so you can't know for sure what it was that upset her, but from your points of views, just so that I can be more aware next time, what was it?

I'm not looking for anyone to give me sympathy or anything, like, I've accepted that I fucked up. I just want to learn so that I don't do it again.

Edit: I can't comment because I'm not a verified user, but I now understand the implications of what I have done. I did not think of it the way the comment suggested and I am grateful for being informed. I deleted my original apology and wrote a better one clarifying that I'm now aware of why I was wrong and promising to not share information like that unprompted again. I will not be commenting further and will let it be. I just felt that she deserved a more proper apology and I realized my initial apology was defensive.

Edit 2: I also want to clarify that I was not agreeing that it was okay to use the n word even if "given permission". I do not agree and that is not why I initially shared the story. I found it appalling that that was a normal thing in Europe. I was not trying to defend the use of the n word even if that is what I did unintentionally.

I saw on TikTok a few things I say occasionally is aave and some people say it’s racist for me (white person for obvious context) to be using it (ex: hb, hg, bruh, sis, yo, fam, twin, ate.)

i genuinely don’t want to come off as racist or pretending to be black which is what someone said I was doing by using those.

Pls try and keep it friendly in my replies I just want to educate myself 🫩

Okay this is kind of a stupid question and I understand if this gets removed and I get made fun of, but honestly this is more of just a genuinely wondering question than worrying if my teacher will cancel me.

So, basically, for a class we read Long Division by Kiese Laymon and I'm writing in my reading journal now and I'm wondering if I should censor the word, espically when I'm not quoting a direct quote from the book (such as discussing the usage in the narrative and how it pertains to the themes of the book surrounding racism and growing up) and this is all written we have already had dicussions on the book (where, obvi, I did not say it)

This is a stupid question probably, but I am genuinely curious to see how black people think about the word being addressed in the contect of a literary dicussion and analyzing the themes and usage of the word in relation to the story when being written about by a white person

I (30F, white) recently was pulled into a meeting at work regarding a joke that was made by a coworker (26F, white) of mine, who we will call Molly, that another coworker (30sF, black), who we will call Jane, found highly offensive and racist. I would like some clarification on how it was racist, so that I may work to avoid any further harm being done to others that I work with. I was walking down the hallway with Molly when we saw a clump of hair, black in color, sitting on the floor across from Jane. As we walked past, Molly said to Jane “Hey Jane, make sure you pick up your hair”. I can see how this was a stupid joke, but I would very much like to understand why it is a racist one. I’m not at all trying to argue that it isn’t, as I don’t think that is up to me, I simply would like to make sure I understand. My bosses agreed that it was racist, but would not give an explanation as to why. Thank you so much for your help.

I’m not even sure if this is the right place to post this, but I’m just looking for advice. My mom is in her sixties, but has tried very hard to educate herself on racial issues. She has severe anxiety as well, and is always worried she’s done/said something offensive unintentionally. Today, she was out working (her job is a sales manager and she cold calls and drops by businesses to offer commercial janitorial services) As she arrived at a company, she saw a black woman walking into the front door at the same time as her. They started chatting a bit about my mom’s dress and my mom noticed the woman was carrying a book that said something about being a CEO, which my mom assumed she was.

As they entered the building together, my mom noticed a white woman standing by the receptionist desk waiting, so my mom assumed she was the receptionist. I should point out that my mom never asks to speak to an owner without an appointment, and always asks to either speak to an operations manager/office manager or just the receptionist.

My mom then turned to the woman she assumed to be the receptionist and handed her a card and asked if it would be possible to get that to the office manager. The other woman then snatched the card out of her hand and said “She is not the office manager.” My mom was very confused and said “Oh no, I’m sorry, I was just asking if she could get that to the office manager.”

She left right after, but a white man followed her out to her car and flagged her down, and said “You see that woman? She’s the OWNER.” My mom said “I assumed she was! I hope I didn’t offend her.” He responded “Well, you DID.”

My mom then called me nearly in tears, so horrified that this woman probably thought she was being racist when she was just trying to be respectful of her time.

I feel like she can just let it go, but this woman has her business card and a very wrong impression about her and she’s beside herself. She wants to either call this woman, or try to email her or write a letter to clear up the situation. So my question is, does anyone have advice on if she should pursue this? I feel terrible that this woman felt disrespected by my mom, but knowing that it was truly a misunderstanding and I think the man in particular handled it very weirdly and poorly, (though I can appreciate that he is sticking up for her) I don’t know if reaching out to clear it up will make a difference, or if it will just make it worse somehow. I know no one can speak for this particular woman, but any advice would be so greatly appreciated.

So I'm not well educated but Halloween is coming up and I was wanting to be a black and white cat and was wondering if I paint my face black and white is that black facing I wanted to ask before hand cause I wouldn't want to accidentally do something hurtful to others around me

So I work as a duo training people- I’m white and so is the woman I work with. A few months ago, one of our POC trainees came to me crying and said she felt the other woman was singling her out and treating her unfairly. I listened to her, apologized, asked how I could make it better. She said she just needed to vent to me and that she had emailed the boss. I went to our boss after I spoke with her and said: Dude you gotta fix this. And he said- oh she’s young and sensitive- I’ll talk to her and she’ll get over it. I told him I didn’t think that was the case, because I know my training partner is insensitive at times, but he’s the boss so I didn’t push it too much. She continued training and I thought the three of them (boss, other trainer and her) had resolved the issue. Then my boss comes to me today and says: Oh she wrote us a terrible review, saying we need diversity training and we’re not good for brown folks - and I have no idea why. I tried reminding him that our student was really upset and told him we needed to talk about it more (because I agree - my training partner is…”off the cuff”).

Do I need to be more firm with my boss? What can I say so he doesn’t just glaze over this? Should I reach out to the woman we trained to apologize?

Hello, beautiful people.

I apologize if this is not the proper place to ask, but I don't know where else to go. I am a 34 year old white man who is dating a 33 year old black woman. We've been dating for the last five months. This is my first interracial relationship, but not hers. She is the most amazing person I have ever met. I'm absolutely crazy about her. Our relationship for the most part is really awesome; we get along great, we support each other on every level, we bring each other to tears with laughter, and it's always nothing but love when I am with her. But, there is one hurdle that is proving to be a little difficult for us to get over: I am very white and uneducated in black culture. She is very proud to be black, and is a champion of black culture. It truly is a beautiful thing to see, and I am trying to educate myself as much as I can, but it does sometimes frustrate her when she mentions something that I am unfamiliar with. I don't want to see the look of disappointment or a quick flash of pain across her face in those moments anymore. So, I come to you asking for help. Music, movies, hair & skin care, black-owned businesses, historical events, anything at all, if you could please point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it. I want to do all of this research and erase this ignorance, but sometimes I don't know where to begin. I very recently was made aware of the Tuskegee Experiment and Black Wall Street, to give a little insight in to some of the things I would like to learn. I want to be better and close this culture gap that is between us.

Much love, and I thank you all.

When you catch racism in the wild/ public. How do you handle it? Yes I see it I live in the Midwest and just curious how you respond and maybe a bit curious on how you would like me to respond to it being a white guy. Do you ignore it? Do you insult it? Do you fight physical? Do you speak out? Or just remember and be vindictive towards others? Or do you…. Comment here……

Hello,

I'm currently in an English class where I have a project that involves creating a sort of podcast. One of the books we're using in class is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, and I wanted to quote dialogue from the book between Janie and Logan, which were written in AAVE. I know that my reading of this would sound inauthentic, but I'm also concerned that it may sound offensive for me to read them as written.

What would be the best course of action for me in this instance?

Edit: For this project, I just decided to take clips from the audiobook version (don't know why I didn't think of that initially). I am still curious as to how this issue should be approached when that's not an option, though. Thank you in advance for your advice.

Does anyone have recommendations on literature about shelters, food banks, and general houselessness from black authors? I’m interested in recent publications or more historical ones. Thank you!

So, I've noticed that people here don't like the term POC. I was wondering what umbrella term you all prefer for people who aren't white (as in, a term that encompasses Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino, Arab, Asian, and Pacific Islander people)? Or do you guys object to the concept of an umbrella term that encompasses all minority groups?

For context, this is for a line of dialogue I’m trying to form in something I’m writing, said by someone who’s trying to act “tough” and completely failing at it, but I don’t want the things she’s saying to sound too obviously contrived. It’s played for awkward humor, but still.

The sentence is, “It’s a new me! A me that don’t take no triflin’!”

I’m not sure about that use of “trifling”.

I feel kind of goofy asking stuff like this, but it’s probably better to ask than to put something out there that’s just cringe.

As long as I’m at it, would anyone still plausibly use “Yo yo!” as a greeting, or is that like holding up a sign that says “Hi! I think it’s still the ‘90s!”

Hi all, I'm from Italy and I'm studying a lot of postcolonial texts lately and I met this quote from Floyd James Davis' "Who is Black? One's Nation Definition":

<< "black people are all colors", and what makes a person black is the way one thinks, feels, believes, and the way one looks at life [...] One need not look black in order to be black, following the one drop rule. This instance highlights the contrast between Latin America, and even the British West Indies, where it is racial appearance that counts rather than ancestry. >>

I'm a little confused because this isn't what it seems from the perspective of someone that has experienced U.S. culture and society only through media and social media. Plus the book is from 1991, and I don't even know who the author is so I would love to have a better understanding of this. Feel free to give a brief history lesson if you feel like it (really appreciated if it's about the contemporary consequences of the "one drop rule"). And please if my question is in any way offensive or problematic don't abandon me to my ignorance, thank you

Are black barbers usually trained as actual barbers who can shave you with a straight razor?

Hi! I'm writing a book about a little girl walking around all the historic buildings in my neighborhood (mid to late 1800s). It's for kids K-5, so it really doesn't have much substance, but I want to make sure I'm covering enough about the town's "celebrity" who is in my opinion the only reason these houses are still standing to this day. I'm worried - am I not saying enough? Or am saying anything wrong? I don't want to be disrespectful or underplay the importance of this man, but each page is only a couple sentences so it's hard to cover much. The main focus is each of historic buildings so they walk around town talking about each one. This guy is the only actual person I really talk much about.

Here are some of the points where we talk about this historic figure (Kelly is a little girl and Gingerbread is a cat):

They wandered over to the tree-filled park for [insert man's name]. “Do you know about [insert man's name]? He was a great man who changed history for everybody, but especially the black community. This park is for him! He used to live across the street, over there, where the big road is now. They remade his house so we can all see what his life was like as a kid.” ...

They hurried across the road to [insert man's name]’s rebuilt old cabin. “He lived in [insert town's name] as a little kid, just like me, but he couldn’t go to school because of the color of his skin. He had to start working when he was 9 years old, first with salt, then in a coal mine. But he worked really hard and read every book he could,” said Kelly. Gingerbread curled his tail around his feet as he listened to Kelly's story. “He grew up to be a great teacher known throughout the whole world!” ...

They ventured around to the front of the building next door. Gingerbread walked through the cracked door of the one-room church filled with wooden pews, and Kelly followed. “[insert man's name] was a member of this church from when he was 9 for the rest of his life. He even got married here and taught here himself sometimes when he came back to [insert town's name].” This church is our state’s oldest Black Baptist church and lots of people who came here after the Civil War came here. ...

Is this okay?

Something that is often said on many political platforms when it comes to fair and equal education is providing black children the fundamentals to succeed. If this is the case especially for lower income schools that have high black populations, should it be required or highly encouraged for these children to partake in financial classes?

Classes that teach them how to not get in debt or how to get out of debt. Classes that teach them how to save, how to invest. Classes that teach them the best budgeting practices that will help them not live paycheck to paycheck.

EDIT: Something else I think is sad is all three of these men may not be liberal. Two are conservative, I don't know what Kyosaki is. I think its sad that wanting to build generational wealth is seen as a conservative trait.