Recent researched was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology noting the stereotype of whites is that they are prejudiced, intolerant, and callous. When people are threatened that they are going to be seen this way, they step up their efforts to seem likable. (Bergsieker, Shelton, and Richeson). Across the nation, universities, schools, charities, clubs, etc., are holding “white guilt” crusades in the name of being “understanding”. They do not wish to be seen as prejudiced, intolerant, or callous, so they implement a campaign to show this stereotype to be wrong. However, what is racist is saying that whites have it easier than everyone else. These types of campaigns are divisive and alienating.
Research on white racial socialization is beginning to emerge within the field of racial socialization that makes it clear that many white people share my experience. In particular, the research suggests that for fear of perpetuating racial misunderstandings or being seen as a racist, people remain silent or overly pleasing. (Bartoli, Edward, Stevenson, Shor, and McClain). I too recognized this stereotype growing up. Since I was a child, I
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If you are working hard to be liked, and the other person is not cracking a smile and not reciprocating to your overtures, your goals are not being met. Similarly, if you are working hard to be respected, and the other person is instead being overly agreeable with you (with acts such as over smiling), your goals are not being met. In other words, the motive to be liked leads to behaviors that are interpreted as disrespectful, and the motive to be respected leads to behaviors that are interpreted as unfriendly. Both members of the dyad are trying to achieve something to counteract a stereotype, and precisely because of that, neither participant ends up having a positive interaction. (Bergsieker, Shelton, and