Salon editor-at-large Joan Walsh is the author of “What’s the Matter With White People?”, so yes, you could say she wrote the book on white privilege and racism. She, along with MSNBC’s Touré and Talking Points Memo’s Josh Marshall, have been tireless in their efforts to expose the white supremacy that is endemic to American culture. It doesn’t look like many have been convinced, but that was before hearing Walsh’s harrowing tale of white privilege on display in the subway, courtesy of two chiseled porcelain kids. We guess that means they were really, really white.
Subway home from great @LGRforCollege event, white privilege lesson: 2 chiseled porcelain near-Ivy League kids holding forth on-wait for it-
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) July 27, 2013
Affirmative action. LOUD. Boy: OK slavery was bad, but it’s been over forever, get over it! Girl: I agree, but we don’t know for sure that..
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) July 27, 2013
They're taking our place in college! Boy: Yes we do! They are! Girl: You’re right. Also, they’re loud, and I don’t do well when my sleep …
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) July 27, 2013
Is disrupted! I do have one Hispanic friend, but (but?) she’s smart. Boy: Well my Hispanic friend from high school got in everywhere! And…
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) July 27, 2013
Fortunately, the story has a happy ending. After eavesdropping on the pair, Walsh stepped up as they exited the train car to let them know they’re all wrong. We don’t like to throw around the word “hero,” but…
…I had better grades! Me, as they get off: Guys, you have to rethink your whole conversation, because you’re so wrong. Please. Doors close
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) July 27, 2013
Sorry, I never do that. Cathartic. Thanks!
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) July 28, 2013
But now I know why everyone listens to music on the subway.
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) July 28, 2013
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@joanwalsh @jbouie Applause for speaking up! And tomorrow may you be equally floored by a much different conversation.
— ?️? (@keepitriel) July 28, 2013
@joanwalsh it's ok Joan. People evolve. I feel hopeful.
— Vince Pardi (@vpardi) July 28, 2013
@joanwalsh Be glad you said something — like a pebble tossed in a pond, you don't know where the ripple you started may go.
— Patricia Luebke (@PLuebke) July 28, 2013
@joanwalsh Glad you feel better. Was that the end of the story or was there more?
— California Taxpayer (@CA__Taxpayer) July 28, 2013
No, that’s it.
@joanwalsh And thus concludeth another edition of "Whitesplaining."
— Mededitor (@Mededitor) July 28, 2013
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