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Jason Isbell — White Man's World
Album: The Nashville Sound
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1646









Released: 2017
Length: 3:50
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I'm a white man living in a white man's world
Under our roof is a baby girl
I thought this world could be hers one day
But her momma knew better

I'm a white man living in a white man's town
Want to take a shot of cocaine and burn it down
Momma wants to change that Nashville sound
But they're never gonna let her

There's no such thing as someone else's war
Your creature comforts aren't the only things worth fighting for
Still breathing, it's not too late
We're all carrying one big burden, sharing one fate

I'm a white man living on a white man's street
I've got the bones of the red man under my feet
The highway runs through their burial grounds
Past the oceans of cotton

I'm a white man looking in a black man's eyes
Wishing I'd never been one of the guys
Who pretended not to hear another white man's joke
Oh, the times ain't forgotten

There's no such thing as someone else's war
Your creature comforts aren't the only things worth fighting for
You're still breathing, it's not too late
We're all carrying one big burden, sharing one fate

I'm a white man living in a white man's nation
I think the man upstairs must'a took a vacation
I still have faith, but I don't know why
Maybe it's the fire in my little girl's eyes
Maybe it's the fire in my little girl's eyes
Comments (139)add comment
 jelgator wrote:

All the progs posting comments here, review the FBI crime stats (pick a year, any year) broken down by race, and then come back and tell me it's all the white man's fault.

EDIT:  Genocide is occurring every day in the big U.S.  Blacks are killing each other in record numbers and none of you, nor BLM, nor Mr. Isbell, give a DAMN.  You just want to virtue signal, get a latte and go home & watch Netflix.  Keep voting for Dems and race hustling blacks, and this will only get worse.

Sorry, but I'm fresh out of white guilt.


It may not be your fault, but it is your problem.
It's not about guilt, it's about understanding, and trying to fix, the systemic injustices in our world. Mr. Isbell is just trying to open some eyes, and minds.
Peace,
c.

Postmodernist social justice tripe.
 jelgator wrote:

Sorry, but I'm fresh out of white guilt.


Also out of any awareness of history, apparently.
 jelgator wrote:

All the progs posting comments here, review the FBI crime stats (pick a year, any year) broken down by race, and then come back and tell me it's all the white man's fault.

EDIT:  Genocide is occurring every day in the big U.S.  Blacks are killing each other in record numbers and none of you, nor BLM, nor Mr. Isbell, give a DAMN.  You just want to virtue signal, get a latte and go home & watch Netflix.  Keep voting for Dems and race hustling blacks, and this will only get worse.

Sorry, but I'm fresh out of white guilt.



Hey what’s wrong with Netflix?
Jason's up against it. Any attempt at unity between poor whites and poor black folks gets shot down. Twas ever thus, sadly.
 jelgator wrote:

All the progs posting comments here, review the FBI crime stats (pick a year, any year) broken down by race, and then come back and tell me it's all the white man's fault.

Sorry, but I'm fresh out of white guilt.



Ugly shit. Rethink your life.
All the progs posting comments here, review the FBI crime stats (pick a year, any year) broken down by race, and then come back and tell me it's all the white man's fault.

EDIT:  Genocide is occurring every day in the big U.S.  Blacks are killing each other in record numbers and none of you, nor BLM, nor Mr. Isbell, give a DAMN.  You just want to virtue signal, get a latte and go home & watch Netflix.  Keep voting for Dems and race hustling blacks, and this will only get worse.

Sorry, but I'm fresh out of white guilt.
 LizK wrote:
The word racist has been so overused lately it no longer has any punch. And it is looking more and more like those who are using the word most often as a slur are the actual racists.

This. "People with skin colour X and/or history Y are defined by just that and must be treated as such".  Hmm, now where did we hear that one before? Ryan Long drives the point home nicely in his clip on YouTube, entitled "When Wokes and Racists Actually Agree on Everything".

 plat_ wrote:


i can hate a liberal because i don't like them on a personal level, that doesn't make me any less of a liberal myself. this argument is pointless

And how about keeping these types of discussion off the RP site. This is the last bastion of peace in terms of social media. Let's keep it that way.
 itsme_bygolly wrote:



Why Antifa? It's short for antifascist. These clowns who hate "antifa" hate democracy.


i can hate a liberal because i don't like them on a personal level, that doesn't make me any less of a liberal myself. this argument is pointless
 flyboy wrote:

Are you implying that I shouldn't be listening to RP because I voted for a candidate you disagree with?  How very open minded and inclusive of you.


they are totally inclusive in a specific race based narrow minded way.
But we are the intolerant ones. But then they are taught to be morons by a system that hates them and the rest of us.
 h8rhater wrote:


Antifa, as an organization, only exists in the fevered dreams of white supremacists and racists. 

Even if it did.... imagine an organization opposed to Fascism and then imagine that you oppose such an organization.  What would that make you?



Why Antifa? It's short for antifascist. These clowns who hate "antifa" hate democracy.
 Relayer wrote:
Grate song, great message. 

And comments on songs like this help us see that there are still some closed minded Trumpers on here. 
 
Are you implying that I shouldn't be listening to RP because I voted for a candidate you disagree with?  How very open minded and inclusive of you.
 Hippostar wrote:
Virtue signaling is good self-promotion now.

Would you have given this guy a second listen otherwise? 

Be honest. It worked.
 
Well, yes, as a matter of fact. 
What is a "shot" of cocaine?  Is he talking about injecting it?  Or is "shot" the same as "snort" in this context?
 roycejsmith746 wrote:
This sorry sack is ashamed for being white, like a good Liberal should. His racist past has caught up with him. May he Rest In Peace.
 
You must be reading the 'alternative' lyrics. 
 roycejsmith746 wrote:
This sorry sack is ashamed for being white, like a good Liberal should. His racist past has caught up with him. May he Rest In Peace.
 

Calm down. It's only a song.
This sorry sack is ashamed for being white, like a good Liberal should. His racist past has caught up with him. May he Rest In Peace.
Let’s love each day
Virtue signaling or not, this song has a wonderful and catchy tune, flowing lyrics with meaning and purpose.

Exactly 50 years ago Whitey On the Moon by Gil Scott-Heron was released.
Quite a lot of the current "men upstairs" were teenagers at that time. Regardless of the opinions, it logically makes sense that some of  the views, behavior and prejudices from that era are still here.
“We're all carrying one big burden, sharing one fate...” I do agree. Thank you.
Virtue signaling is good self-promotion now.

Would you have given this guy a second listen otherwise? 

Be honest. It worked.
 (Banned) wrote:
The Antifa National Anthem
 

Antifa, as an organization, only exists in the fevered dreams of white supremacists and racists. 

Even if it did.... imagine an organization opposed to Fascism and then imagine that you oppose such an organization.  What would that make you?
 dmcanany wrote:
Let America Be America Again - 1902-1967
Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.

(America never was America to me.)
...
...
Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,
The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,
We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain—
All, all the stretch of these great green states—
And make America again!

I'LL NEVER SAY AS WELL AS LANGSTON, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD ADDITION TO THIS DISCUSSION
 Indeed it is, an excellent addition. Thank you.
c.

 Djoy wrote:
So maybe all the picky negativity and snide comments have more to do with the mirror of racism and privilege just staring back a little too close for comfort.
 
At least for 3 down-voters it is.
 mdnlsn wrote:
Jason talks with Rick Rubin about this song and some of the realities of the South in a recent Broken Record podcast:
https://brokenrecordpodcast.com/#/episode-47-jason-isbell/
 
 
Thank you stranger!
Preach!
Jason talks with Rick Rubin about this song and some of the realities of the South in a recent Broken Record podcast:
https://brokenrecordpodcast.com/#/episode-47-jason-isbell/
 
Great song for these times.  A little honest introspection is truly needed right now.
Never took the time to really hear the lyrics.  Sadly, very timely as the nation protests police brutality against black lives.
Great song and very timely played ....thanks RP....
Let America Be America Again - 1902-1967
Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.

(America never was America to me.)

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
That any man be crushed by one above.

(It never was America to me.)

O, let my land be a land where Liberty
Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,
But opportunity is real, and life is free,
Equality is in the air we breathe.

(There's never been equality for me,
Nor freedom in this "homeland of the free.")

Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark?
And who are you that draws your veil across the stars?

I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,
I am the Negro bearing slavery's scars.
I am the red man driven from the land,
I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—
And finding only the same old stupid plan
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.

I am the young man, full of strength and hope,
Tangled in that ancient endless chain
Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!
Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!
Of work the men! Of take the pay!
Of owning everything for one's own greed!

I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean—
Hungry yet today despite the dream.
Beaten yet today—O, Pioneers!
I am the man who never got ahead,
The poorest worker bartered through the years.

Yet I'm the one who dreamt our basic dream
In the Old World while still a serf of kings,
Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true,
That even yet its mighty daring sings
In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned
That's made America the land it has become.
O, I'm the man who sailed those early seas
In search of what I meant to be my home—
For I'm the one who left dark Ireland's shore,
And Poland's plain, and England's grassy lea,
And torn from Black Africa's strand I came
To build a "homeland of the free."

The free?

Who said the free? Not me?
Surely not me? The millions on relief today?
The millions shot down when we strike?
The millions who have nothing for our pay?
For all the dreams we've dreamed
And all the songs we've sung
And all the hopes we've held
And all the flags we've hung,
The millions who have nothing for our pay—
Except the dream that's almost dead today.

O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—the land where every man is free.
The land that's mine—the poor man's, Indian's, Negro's, ME—
Who made America,
Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,
Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,
Must bring back our mighty dream again.

Sure, call me any ugly name you choose—
The steel of freedom does not stain.
From those who live like leeches on the people's lives,
We must take back our land again,
America!

O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!

Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,
The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,
We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain—
All, all the stretch of these great green states—
And make America again!

I'LL NEVER SAY AS WELL AS LANGSTON, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD ADDITION TO THIS DISCUSSION
 (Banned) wrote:
The Antifa National Anthem
 
Seems to be a lot of triggered snowflakes around here. Sad when you consider that they think everyone else is a snowflake and easily triggered.
Content, arrangement,delivery.   10
"I do not think ... that it is too much to suggest that the American vision of the world — which allows so little reality, generally speaking, for any of the darker forces in human life, which tends until today to paint moral issues in glaring black and white — owes a great deal to the battle waged by Americans to maintain between themselves and black men a human separation which could not be bridged. It is only now beginning to be borne in on us — very faintly, it must be admitted, very slowly, and very much against our will — that this vision of the world is dangerously inaccurate, and perfectly useless. For it protects our moral high-mindedness at the terrible expense of weakening our grasp of reality. People who shut their eyes to reality simply invite their own destruction, and anyone who insists on remaining in a state of innocence long after that innocence is dead turns himself into a monster."

James Baldwin, Stranger In The Village
The Antifa National Anthem
 Shaggy27 wrote:
Don’t have to be a Trumper to dislike this song. Creature comforts? Wtf is that?
 
Why ,oh why, do some people not just look it up?  Ignorance can show and taking pride in such is not a good look.


Definition of creature comfort
: something (such as food, warmth, or special accommodations) that gives bodily comfort

Examples of creature comfort in a Sentence:   She's too addicted to creature comforts to enjoy roughing it, even for a few days.   Campers were deprived of television, radio, candy, hair dryers, and many other creature comforts.

Or maybe:  "Your creature comforts aren't the only thing worth fighting for."
 benhardt57 wrote:

Let me see if I understand correctly.

1. There are a lot of folks who say our country is a despicable hell hole, and we should all be ashamed of ourselves.

2. I say I don't agree with that, it isn't that bad. In fact we should be proud of our country.

3. Therefore, I am an "aggrieved white man"

 

I never mentioned my race. Someone else on this thread claimed authority on the topic because he is in Texas. So what? I spent 15 years in Texas. My wife is half Mexican,  and her family is still there. That doesn't make ME an authority either. But white supremacist? Gimme a break.

Don't hate me and direct derogatory language at me because you disagree with me. This is a debate. I made some points to back up my opinion. If you have some points, share them. Insulting me means you have none.


 

So,... you are white.  By your tone you appear to be ggrieved. Others on this board effectively took exception to your comments, which was covered in my post, rendering the need for me to directly debate with you superfluous.

As an aside, no one said this country is a despicable hell hole.  You built that straw-man all by yourself.
 jelgator wrote:
There's no doubt (racism) still exists but in no way to the degree that some think. 
 
How do you know this, exactly?
 wilcogirl11 wrote:

And yes, in this country, it's pretty much everywhere and in everything. 
 
I respectfully disagree with this statement. 
 Grammarcop wrote:
I am really impressed with Isbell as a songwriter. This song is intended to be jarring, and Isbell sets you up in the first stanza:

I'm a white man living in a white man's world
Under our roof is a baby girl
I thought this world could be hers one day
But her momma knew better

The first two lines make it sound like it'll be a 1-2, 3-4 rhyming scheme by making "world" and "girl" work. (It's the "RL" sound that makes the two words sound similar.)

Then he throws structure out the window. Just when you're thinking Line 4 is going to end with something that rhymes with "one day" he hits you with a bitten off, terse "But her momma knew better." It gets your attention like a two-by-four to your skull. 
 

Yes! His songs and lyrics and style give me goosebumps in a way no recent songwriters have in quite awhile. 
 jelgator wrote:

I appreciate your thoughts but unfortunately there is a very vocal side that seems to see racism in everything and everywhere.  There's no doubt it still exists but in no way to the degree that some think.  That's why some of us are getting tired of it.  My $0.02.
 
I am a white woman. Before the proliferation of cell phone cameras/video in the last 10-15 years, I wouldn't have had a clue how bad police abuse of power and abuse of physical/lethal force was against people of color. How could I know? I wasn't the one living it and seeing it every day. But now, the evidence is overwhelming and there is no denying it. I trust what people of color, and people of other oppressed groups. are telling us about their experiences. Just because I can't see it, or I am not experiencing it, doesn't mean it's not happening. Systemic racism is real and insidious. And yes, in this country, it's pretty much everywhere and in everything. 
 easmann wrote:
I agree with those who think this conversation is important, and timely. I like and agree with this song’s message: stop pretending these things didn’t happen. Stop pretending it’s not still happening. Stop pretending it doesn’t involve you.
If you live here, it does.
 
I can no longer feel innocent simply because I do not actively participate in demeaning or oppressive actions. I know in my heart that my silence, and inaction, makes me complicit. 

I disagree with the idea that recognition and discussion of these issues somehow equates to dislike of or disloyalty to the U.S. I find that deeply disturbing. 
How can we begin to heal if we cannot stop the continuing damage?
 
I appreciate your thoughts but unfortunately there is a very vocal side that seems to see racism in everything and everywhere.  There's no doubt it still exists but in no way to the degree that some think.  That's why some of us are getting tired of it.  My $0.02.
I liked it better when progressive rock meant bands like Yes, Gentle Giant, King Crimson, ELP, &c.
 benhardt57 wrote:

Time to get rid of that darn 1st Amendment, huh?
 
Non sequiter. The First Amendment protects the citizenry from government censorship. Nothing to do with this conversation nor this song.
I agree with those who think this conversation is important, and timely. I like and agree with this song’s message: stop pretending these things didn’t happen. Stop pretending it’s not still happening. Stop pretending it doesn’t involve you.
If you live here, it does.
 
I can no longer feel innocent simply because I do not actively participate in demeaning or oppressive actions. I know in my heart that my silence, and inaction, make me complicit. 

I disagree with the idea that recognition and discussion of these issues somehow equates to dislike of or disloyalty to the U.S., I find that deeply disturbing. 

How can we begin to heal if we cannot stop the continuing damage?
 Shaggy27 wrote:
Don’t have to be a Trumper to dislike this song. Creature comforts? Wtf is that?
 
Three Dog Night?
 Grayson wrote:
This is a really good song. I don't get the negative comments either, and I sure love me some negative comments. 

"I still have faith but I don't know why. Maybe it's the fire in my little girl's eyes."

Guess you've really gotta know that kinda fierce to "get it." 
 
Wholehearted agreement here, in fact I'll go 8 to 9 today.  I'm also a fan of the lyric "There's no such thing as someone else's war."
And until WE ALL stop killing each other in the name of ANYTHING well.....my little girls eyes will be engulfed in flames....and hurry cuz she's almost 20 now.  Long Live RP!!
Message is good, but the song is bad.
This is a really good song. I don't get the negative comments either, and I sure love me some negative comments. 

"I still have faith but I don't know why. Maybe it's the fire in my little girl's eyes."

Guess you've really gotta know that kinda fierce to "get it." 
So maybe all the picky negativity and snide comments have more to do with the mirror of racism and privilege just staring back a little too close for comfort.
Don’t have to be a Trumper to dislike this song. Creature comforts? Wtf is that?
Rampant presentism, tiresome
Jason has so many great songs. Too bad this isn't one of them. PSD.

 ziggytrix wrote:
My only problem with the lyrics is my confusion by the phrase "take a shot of cocaine".

As a recovering coke head, I'm sure Isbell had his own slang, but a "shot"? Is he talking about cocaine at all or the drink "liquid cocaine"?

 

Maybe he's talking about shooting coke.
My only problem with the lyrics is my confusion by the phrase "take a shot of cocaine".

As a recovering coke head, I'm sure Isbell had his own slang, but a "shot"? Is he talking about cocaine at all or the drink "liquid cocaine"?

Sounds like Jason's got his old DBT slide tone back on this one...love it!
this is incredibly relevant..
Grate song, great message. 

And comments on songs like this help us see that there are still some closed minded Trumpers on here. 
What I like most about RP is that sometimes it makes me go back to a song to reread the lyrics.
Wonderful song and lyrics.  It is so important that each of us find within ourselves the ability to connect with our similarities among each other.  No one person's truth is more important than the next person's.  Great song.
So give it up Jason.   Find the nearest Indian and write them a check.  Their ancestors would laugh at you!
 fogmoose wrote:

Spoken like a true Mass-hole....

 
{#Roflol}{#Roflol}{#Roflol}{#Roflol}Ha! How true!! {#Roflol}{#Roflol}{#Roflol}{#Roflol}
Agreed


cc_rider wrote:

Well said. Thank you.
c.

 

Pseudo-snowflake. Pathetic.
Anger and guilt; a winning combination.

Gets extra points from me for those lyrics...

 MassivRuss wrote:
This song is everything wrong with America. White cracker self-pity, the force poisoning our democracy.

 
May the force be with you.
 greiffenstein wrote:

Agree with you, west.  You have to be deaf not to hear the guilt in the song.  And you have to be blind not to see that it's both warranted and past due.  I'm a white man, I don't have to give everything away and go hang myself, but being conscious of my privilege and the lack of the same privilege for others is the first step in figuring out how to resolve these injustices.  But don't listen to me.  Listen to the song.

 
Well said. Thank you.
c.
 MassivRuss wrote:
This song is everything wrong with America. White cracker self-pity, the force poisoning our democracy.

 
Spoken like a true Mass-hole....
 MassivRuss wrote:
All the wrong ways to comment on white privilege and white guilt.

 
What would be the right way, in your learned opinion?
I am really impressed with Isbell as a songwriter. This song is intended to be jarring, and Isbell sets you up in the first stanza:

I'm a white man living in a white man's world
Under our roof is a baby girl
I thought this world could be hers one day
But her momma knew better

The first two lines make it sound like it'll be a 1-2, 3-4 rhyming scheme by making "world" and "girl" work. (It's the "RL" sound that makes the two words sound similar.)

Then he throws structure out the window. Just when you're thinking Line 4 is going to end with something that rhymes with "one day" he hits you with a bitten off, terse "But her momma knew better." It gets your attention like a two-by-four to your skull. 
for a devastating annihilation of all this crud,
I am not your negro - doc on James Baldwin
 westslope wrote:

Perhaps you should expand on those thoughts.  Note that your perspective at first blush appears to be white-centric.

Taken from point of view of those who suffered white boot-heels on their necks..... and in some cases may still feel disadvantaged, I am not sure.  

 
Agree with you, west.  You have to be deaf not to hear the guilt in the song.  And you have to be blind not to see that it's both warranted and past due.  I'm a white man, I don't have to give everything away and go hang myself, but being conscious of my privilege and the lack of the same privilege for others is the first step in figuring out how to resolve these injustices.  But don't listen to me.  Listen to the song.
 westslope wrote:

Perhaps you should expand on those thoughts.  Note that your perspective at first blush appears to be white-centric.

Taken from point of view of those who suffered white boot-heels on their necks..... and in some cases may still feel disadvantaged, I am not sure.  

 
There seems to be a lot of folks that want to beat themselves up for what a specific political party has done, and in a lot of ways still does. The key to your freedom is HONESTLY identifying who that is and rejecting them.
 MassivRuss wrote:
All the wrong ways to comment on white privilege and white guilt.

 
Perhaps you should expand on those thoughts.  Note that your perspective at first blush appears to be white-centric.

Taken from point of view of those who suffered white boot-heels on their necks..... and in some cases may still feel disadvantaged, I am not sure.  
Catchy tune.

Terrific lyrics that are bound to make many upset.  
All the wrong ways to comment on white privilege and white guilt.
Thanx Bill for your suggestion
My concience feels better after hearing that diddy. Yea!
Happy to report his last concert was really good. He was in top shape playing this ever actual piece of music.
Standing applauses!
{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}

Ben_Smedley wrote:
Very excited about Jason & The 400 Unit coming back to Sydney March 2018, such hard hitting concise lyrics...pure gold.

 


This song is everything wrong with America. White cracker self-pity, the force poisoning our democracy.
Very excited about Jason & The 400 Unit coming back to Sydney March 2018, such hard hitting concise lyrics...pure gold.
For an excellent history of the institutional racism that was put in place after the Civil War, please read "White Rage", by Carol Anderson.  A very complete, factual, and sad account of the racism that permeated (and permeates) our culture.

Peace.
This voice is the reason I've even started listening to Drive-By Truckers, and the music of course. {#Music}
Wow, definitely getting a David Crosby vibe from this.

and seeing Jason and his band was truly great!

And when he performed 'White Man's World' the venue was boiling.

Seems that the Danish folks understood his lyrics!


I don't care, I am going to see him/them live/life tonight!

{#Cheesygrin}


 The first thing I learned when I moved to Texas was
"No one's  life, liberty or property is safe when the Texas Legislature is in session."

And I'm concluding now that that sentiment is also true with the Florida Lege.
Every statement in cc_rider's comments hold true today as Republican legislatures strip public schools of resources to fund religious charter schools.
 
Posted: Oct 20, 2017 9:20
 

 cc_rider wrote:

Sorry, you're still denying the systematic, institutionalized racism that happened all over the country. One example is right here in Austin. Before the late 1920's, there were several predominantly-black settlements on the west side of town. Prosperous black-owned businesses of all kinds. Desirable property then, and today. Around 1927 the City Council (all white, natch) implemented plans to 'encourage' non-whites to move out. They cut off utilities, denied permits, and deemed East Avenue (now I-35) the dividing line. No one of color was allowed to purchase a home to the west. Landlords were 'encouraged' not to rent to black or brown folks. Businesses were burned or sold for pennies on the dollar. To this day the city is divided: Austin is easily the most segregated place I've ever lived.

This pattern was repeated all over the country, in various shapes and forms. Was it really just a specific group of people? If so, why didn't everybody else do something about it? How did those Jim Crow laws get passed? Are you implying a majority of legislators were members of the KKK? (not far-fetched, unfortunately).

It wasn't just a specific group of people, it was everyone, either by their actions or by their silence. Even today there's a form of institutionalized racism built into some school-funding systems. In Texas, schools are funded with local property taxes. Poor communities have poor schools, and wealthy communities have good schools. Schools don't have supplies, the buildings are crumbling, school lunches get smaller and smaller: how are children supposed to learn in that environment? On the other side of town, kids each get their own book: the poor kids have to share with 2,3,4 other kids, and many of the books are hopelessly outdated.

That system is skewed to keep a boot on the neck of poor folks, by systematically denying the opportunities afforded the wealthy. You are right though, it was perpetrated by specific people: The Texas Legislature. Not the KKK or hate groups, but the people elected to 'serve' their constituents. School finance in Texas has been in litigation since the 60's, with no end in sight. A timeline here:

https://equitycenter.org/resources/texas-school-finance-history/

  
Even if you have some valid points, overall your argument is difficult to take seriously because of your severe 'over generalizing'.  It's just nonsense to say that everyone is guilty of racism. What category do we put the Dillon Roofs now if we are all racists?  The word racist has been so overused lately it no longer has any punch. And it is looking more and more like those who are using the word most often as a slur are the actual racists.

"How did those Jim Crow laws get passed? Are you implying a majority of legislators were members of the KKK? (not far-fetched, unfortunately)."

No, it's the same 'group' I referred to earlier.

 




 mrselfdestruct wrote:

I agree. Seems to come on every time I turn on RP. Not a bad song, but getting tired of it. PSD it is, I suppose.

 
Yep, I'm a huge Isbell fan but RP is killin it. Play some of his older stuff ... or Drive By Truckers!
This song really sucks. 
ohhh I like it very much 
{#Cowboy}
 benhardt57 wrote:

I'm on board with you.

I have gotten in the habit of PSDing it.



 
I agree. Seems to come on every time I turn on RP. Not a bad song, but getting tired of it. PSD it is, I suppose.
 bobcanna1 wrote:
ok then,on that note .... please stop playing this song to death, i use to actually like it —- seriously!

 
I'm on board with you.

I have gotten in the habit of PSDing it.


ok then,on that note .... please stop playing this song to death, i use to actually like it —- seriously!
 cc_rider wrote:

Sorry, you're still denying the systematic, institutionalized racism that happened all over the country. One example is right here in Austin. Before the late 1920's, there were several predominantly-black settlements on the west side of town. Prosperous black-owned businesses of all kinds. Desirable property then, and today. Around 1927 the City Council (all white, natch) implemented plans to 'encourage' non-whites to move out. They cut off utilities, denied permits, and deemed East Avenue (now I-35) the dividing line. No one of color was allowed to purchase a home to the west. Landlords were 'encouraged' not to rent to black or brown folks. Businesses were burned or sold for pennies on the dollar. To this day the city is divided: Austin is easily the most segregated place I've ever lived.

This pattern was repeated all over the country, in various shapes and forms. Was it really just a specific group of people? If so, why didn't everybody else do something about it? How did those Jim Crow laws get passed? Are you implying a majority of legislators were members of the KKK? (not far-fetched, unfortunately).

It wasn't just a specific group of people, it was everyone, either by their actions or by their silence. Even today there's a form of institutionalized racism built into some school-funding systems. In Texas, schools are funded with local property taxes. Poor communities have poor schools, and wealthy communities have good schools. Schools don't have supplies, the buildings are crumbling, school lunches get smaller and smaller: how are children supposed to learn in that environment? On the other side of town, kids each get their own book: the poor kids have to share with 2,3,4 other kids, and many of the books are hopelessly outdated.

That system is skewed to keep a boot on the neck of poor folks, by systematically denying the opportunities afforded the wealthy. You are right though, it was perpetrated by specific people: The Texas Legislature. Not the KKK or hate groups, but the people elected to 'serve' their constituents. School finance in Texas has been in litigation since the 60's, with no end in sight. A timeline here:

https://equitycenter.org/resources/texas-school-finance-history/

 
Even if you have some valid points, overall your argument is difficult to take seriously because of your severe 'over generalizing'.  It's just nonsense to say that everyone is guilty of racism. What category do we put the Dillon Roofs now if we are all racists?  The word racist has been so overused lately it no longer has any punch. And it is looking more and more like those who are using the word most often as a slur are the actual racists.

"How did those Jim Crow laws get passed? Are you implying a majority of legislators were members of the KKK? (not far-fetched, unfortunately)."

No, it's the same 'group' I referred to earlier.

 


 benhardt57 wrote:
I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that America as a whole was not guilty of enslaving people. It was only a specific group of Americans. That group also formed the KKK. And that group also fought hard against civil rights. That group, to this day continues to perpetuate a plantation state that minorities are supposed to remain on. But that group has assumed credit as the good guys.

 
Sorry, you're still denying the systematic, institutionalized racism that happened all over the country. One example is right here in Austin. Before the late 1920's, there were several predominantly-black settlements on the west side of town. Prosperous black-owned businesses of all kinds. Desirable property then, and today. Around 1927 the City Council (all white, natch) implemented plans to 'encourage' non-whites to move out. They cut off utilities, denied permits, and deemed East Avenue (now I-35) the dividing line. No one of color was allowed to purchase a home to the west. Landlords were 'encouraged' not to rent to black or brown folks. Businesses were burned or sold for pennies on the dollar. To this day the city is divided: Austin is easily the most segregated place I've ever lived.

This pattern was repeated all over the country, in various shapes and forms. Was it really just a specific group of people? If so, why didn't everybody else do something about it? How did those Jim Crow laws get passed? Are you implying a majority of legislators were members of the KKK? (not far-fetched, unfortunately).

It wasn't just a specific group of people, it was everyone, either by their actions or by their silence. Even today there's a form of institutionalized racism built into some school-funding systems. In Texas, schools are funded with local property taxes. Poor communities have poor schools, and wealthy communities have good schools. Schools don't have supplies, the buildings are crumbling, school lunches get smaller and smaller: how are children supposed to learn in that environment? On the other side of town, kids each get their own book: the poor kids have to share with 2,3,4 other kids, and many of the books are hopelessly outdated.

That system is skewed to keep a boot on the neck of poor folks, by systematically denying the opportunities afforded the wealthy. You are right though, it was perpetrated by specific people: The Texas Legislature. Not the KKK or hate groups, but the people elected to 'serve' their constituents. School finance in Texas has been in litigation since the 60's, with no end in sight. A timeline here:

https://equitycenter.org/resources/texas-school-finance-history/

 h8rhater wrote:

The ones in this thread would seem to peg you just fine.   That said, a review of your comments shows that "aggrieved white man" is a stance that you exhibit quite often on these boards.

 
Let me see if I understand correctly.

1. There are a lot of folks who say our country is a despicable hell hole, and we should all be ashamed of ourselves.

2. I say I don't agree with that, it isn't that bad. In fact we should be proud of our country.

3. Therefore, I am an "aggrieved white man"

 

I never mentioned my race. Someone else on this thread claimed authority on the topic because he is in Texas. So what? I spent 15 years in Texas. My wife is half Mexican,  and her family is still there. That doesn't make ME an authority either. But white supremacist? Gimme a break.

Don't hate me and direct derogatory language at me because you disagree with me. This is a debate. I made some points to back up my opinion. If you have some points, share them. Insulting me means you have none.


 benhardt57 wrote:

Yo Russ, you've had plenty of time to look through my posts for racist comments. What did you find?

 
The ones in this thread would seem to peg you just fine.   That said, a review of your comments shows that "aggrieved white man" is a stance that you exhibit quite often on these boards.
 MassivRuss wrote:
I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that Ben here is a white supremacist apologist. His understanding of history is retrograde revisionist bullshit. America's foundational sin belongs to all Americans. 

 
benhardt57 wrote:
I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that America as a whole was not guilty of enslaving people. It was only a specific group of Americans. That group also formed the KKK. And that group also fought hard against civil rights. That group, to this day continues to perpetuate a plantation state that minorities are supposed to remain on. But that group has assumed credit as the good guys.

 

 
Yo Russ, you've had plenty of time to look through my posts for racist comments. What did you find?
 MassivRuss wrote:
I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that Ben here is a white supremacist apologist. His understanding of history is retrograde revisionist bullshit. America's foundational sin belongs to all Americans. 

 
benhardt57 wrote:
I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that America as a whole was not guilty of enslaving people. It was only a specific group of Americans. That group also formed the KKK. And that group also fought hard against civil rights. That group, to this day continues to perpetuate a plantation state that minorities are supposed to remain on. But that group has assumed credit as the good guys.

 

 
Ooooo. I struck a nerve.

That all you got?


I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that Ben here is a white supremacist apologist. His understanding of history is retrograde revisionist bullshit. America's foundational sin belongs to all Americans. 

 
benhardt57 wrote:
I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that America as a whole was not guilty of enslaving people. It was only a specific group of Americans. That group also formed the KKK. And that group also fought hard against civil rights. That group, to this day continues to perpetuate a plantation state that minorities are supposed to remain on. But that group has assumed credit as the good guys.

 


I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that America as a whole was not guilty of enslaving people. It was only a specific group of Americans. That group also formed the KKK. And that group also fought hard against civil rights. That group, to this day continues to perpetuate a plantation state that minorities are supposed to remain on. But that group has assumed credit as the good guys.
 benhardt57 wrote:
At least that's what your college professor told you, right?

Double-yawn.

"White America has committed many, many awful deeds."    WHICH CIVILIZATION HASN'T? Do you think all of those Indian tribes all got along with each other like it was utopia?

 
Condescend much?
 benhardt57 wrote:
At least that's what your college professor told you, right?

Double-yawn.

 
Guess what, Sport? I have lived all of my life below the Mason Dixon line. I didn't need a college professor to teach me about racism.
c.
 benhardt57 wrote:

There is an effort underway (through media, our education system, Hollywood and entertainment in general) to create a shame for our culture and race because of some things in the past that I personally had nothing to do with.

We are told to be ashamed of the conquest of European settlers that took over the country. But the fact is, conquest has been a part of civilization long before America was even dreamt about. The boundary lines of the American Indian tribes moved constantly before the settlers arrived due to, yes, conquest. Which Indian tribes should we return the land to?

Slavery indeed was a part of our past, but ours is the country that decided it was wrong and changed it at the cost of 600,000 lives, and thus leading the world by example.

 
Sorry, but that is laughably incorrect. I live in Texas. Why does Texas even exist as a state? Because Mexico outlawed slavery. Wait, what?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_slavery_in_Texas

The Alamo is still hallowed ground where our forefathers fought and died, but the whole premise was based on slavery. All of it. Right there in the Texas Constitution. The whole Civil War was a lie, created by wealthy landowners to preserve a brutal economic system. 'States' Rights' is an utter whitewash, a fig leaf constructed decades later to justify treason.

Sure, you are not personally responsible, but you have benefited immensely. So have I. Admitting the facts doesn't mean I hate myself. It helps me have empathy for the millions of people who did not benefit. Sorry to break it to you, but the effects of our ancestors' atrocities linger to this day. Denying it only makes the problems worse.

Peace,
c.
 cc_rider wrote:

I hear this song very differently. He is bemoaning the terrible things his ancestors perpetrated. They built a new country on the backs of enslaved peoples. They systematically murdered and stole from indigenous peoples. The early success of the U.S. economy is inextricably linked to those atrocities. Learn from history, indeed. 

Our treatment of diverse citizenry? The genocide of Native Americans makes 'The Final Solution' look like a church picnic. Ever heard of a town called Rosewood? Or Slocum? White America has committed many, many awful deeds. Acknowledgement is not self-hatred.

Peace (we could use some),
c.

 
At least that's what your college professor told you, right?

Double-yawn.

"White America has committed many, many awful deeds."    WHICH CIVILIZATION HASN'T? Do you think all of those Indian tribes all got along with each other like it was utopia?


 h8rhater wrote:

Apparently, you could use a little self-loathing.  Self-idolizing has you fairly deluded at this point. 
 
Yawn.
 otis_of_moab wrote:

Nice tune, words not so much.

Written by a self-loathing America hater, apparently.  Compare this country and the treatment of it's diverse citizenry to any other country in the world.  There is no comparison.

Learn from history but don't carry the guilt burden and don't lay your personal issues on me.

 
I hear this song very differently. He is bemoaning the terrible things his ancestors perpetrated. They built a new country on the backs of enslaved peoples. They systematically murdered and stole from indigenous peoples. The early success of the U.S. economy is inextricably linked to those atrocities. Learn from history, indeed. 

Our treatment of diverse citizenry? The genocide of Native Americans makes 'The Final Solution' look like a church picnic. Ever heard of a town called Rosewood? Or Slocum? White America has committed many, many awful deeds. Acknowledgement is not self-hatred.

Peace (we could use some),
c.
 otis_of_moab wrote:

Nice tune, words not so much.

Written by a self-loathing America hater, apparently.  Compare this country and the treatment of it's diverse citizenry to any other country in the world.  There is no comparison.

Learn from history but don't carry the guilt burden and don't lay your personal issues on me.



 
Apparently, you could use a little self-loathing.  Self-idolizing has you fairly deluded at this point. 

 benhardt57 wrote:

I assume you're a Duck based on your screen name and location. My son is a big fan of the Ducks for some reason. We're in upstate NY.

 
There are ducks everywhere! Yes, I attended the UO in the mid 80's when nobody knew (or wanted to admit) that we even had a football team. 
 Webfoot wrote:
 benhardt57 wrote:

Thank you for the information.

But my original point was meant to say that I refuse to hate myself just because I'm a white American male, as many convey that I should.



 Hating yourself would be up to you. It's a free country after all.

 
I assume you're a Duck based on your screen name and location. My son is a big fan of the Ducks for some reason. We're in upstate NY.
 otis_of_moab wrote:

Nice tune, words not so much.

Written by a self-loathing America hater, apparently.  Compare this country and the treatment of it's diverse citizenry to any other country in the world.  There is no comparison.

Learn from history but don't carry the guilt burden and don't lay your personal issues on me.



 
So, you know Jason? Cool!  Anecdotally, I've seen lots of examples on both sides. Nothing wrong with the fact that there is always room for improvement.

Never hurts to be a little introspective.  Artists pretty much do this all of the time. If you can't handle the poetry, mute or PSD. Is it more complicated than that?  Why take it so personally?
 benhardt57 wrote:

Thank you for the information.

But my original point was meant to say that I refuse to hate myself just because I'm a white American male, as many convey that I should.



 Hating yourself would be up to you. It's a free country after all.
 buddy wrote:

He didn't come close to suggesting it. In point of fact, he was exercising his 1st Amendment right to say what was on his mind, his opinion, which is as valid as anyone else's opinion. That he dismays at anyone else's opinion is not an argument against them, merely a confession of his own feelings. He didn't put words in anyone else's mouth. Perhaps we could learn from his example, regardless of our opinion of his statement.

And it's '....that damn 1st Amendment....', not dam.  Just sayin'.

 
I admit the font may be difficult to read, but what I wrote was d-a-r-n, not d-a-m.

The rest of what you just said was gobble-d-gook.  His feelings were hurt because of all the 'mean' things people were saying. He needs some safe space, I think.


 benhardt57 wrote:

Time to get rid of that darn 1st Amendment, huh?

 
He didn't come close to suggesting it. In point of fact, he was exercising his 1st Amendment right to say what was on his mind, his opinion, which is as valid as anyone else's opinion. That he dismays at anyone else's opinion is not an argument against them, merely a confession of his own feelings. He didn't put words in anyone else's mouth. Perhaps we could learn from his example, regardless of our opinion of his statement.

And it's '....that damn 1st Amendment....', not dam.  Just sayin'.

woohoo!
I am going to catch Jason live next month....
 laserace wrote:
Thanks Bill, After reading the listeners comments. Makes me want quit RP.
But I won't, because the poet is never accepted in his home world. Not until he's dead and gone and those commenters can make a profit on his words on Ebay. And besides they "know not what they speak"/write.

 
Time to get rid of that darn 1st Amendment, huh?
 h8rhater wrote:

And Nazis are misunderstood heroes.  {#Frustrated}

 
I'll assume your comment was meant to be sarcastic too. {#Wink}