@waiting2exhale “Perhaps you’re suggesting (but not saying) that they do not mean to harm her in any way, and in venting are doing so in a way which is race-based but also helps them to let off steam at their discomfort with their own standing in the class. Venting in a way which denies her person-hood and individuality, and which determines her to be “other” and outside of the group.”
I am trying to separate two things: Impact and intent. As I attempted to say in the previous post, I am not defending the impact. It was not something he should have said. But, perhaps part of people’s response is tied to the history of black and white references.
For example, if a white kid had said, “Of course she got 100%, she’s Asian!” It still would not be a good thing to say. However, I suspect that, without even realizing it, some people may be more likely to view it as an expression of frustration in this case, instead of an attack. Jmho