White v. White? Discussion Thread
Well, for starters Yowei stated that melatonin was responsible for the pigmentation of your skin...
Otherwise, an interesting and well done episode.
Posted Mar 28, 2020, 4:24 AM UTC
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What was Mark’s last name? I’m really curious to see a photo of him.
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Mark Stebbins
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Yes, thank you. I’m so put off by the fact they didn’t include a pic of him on the website or his name in the description. Past the beginning intros, they only ever use first names, so if you miss the full name the first time... sorry?
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Thanks
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I was disappointed. The beginning of this episode sounded like it was going to dive into Asain discrimination and I've never heard that side of the coin. But then it goes right back to white and black race relations. That was annoying.
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I really thought the episode would touch on people who are mixed and almost felt seen. Instead this dude is more of a Rachel Dolezal.. totally different from what I expected. Also very American with the sole focus being white vs black. Wish it would have gone beyond that.
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I think the story of Mark Stebbins opened up an interesting discord about race, but I would say that he has some problematic ideas. I wish we lived in his idyllic world where race really is a meaningless construct, but to say he has never experienced white privilege when his entire life was lived as a white man until it was convenient for him... It just doesn't sit right with me. I wish race could be a theoretic conversation, but the reality is, as Stebbins said, that you could get killed for the color of your skin. His beliefs are in such disconnect with the words out of his mouth, that I'm just having a hard time understanding. His actions show compassion for others, and while that is commendable, I would say it makes perfect sense for the person he is. He seems like a man who tried to be "colorblind" with the best intentions, and advocates for vulnerable populations. But that's just what an empathetic person with power should do. These people need allies, and the world could do with more people like Mark Stebbins in that way, but it just feels like he's missing the the personal touch that racism has on POCs while they try to navigate America. It's like he doesn't quite get it. Because he experiences white privilege. Also please wear your seatbelts. Would love to hear what some other people have to say, or start an interesting discussion. Hope you're all staying safe and healthy out there.
You might be interested in "passing privilege." It's a good term for people in minority groups who can blend in easily within a crowd. Eg a trans woman whose features closely align with that of somebody female-assigned-at-birth or, in this case, somebody of mixed ethnic heritage but passes for white.