White People Problems

You may have heard your kid or a friend say it, or maybe you even say it yourself: “That sounds like a White People Problem.” White People Problems are first-world problems. Your new Mac isn’t as lightweight as you thought it would be. The bakery gives you the end slice of a French baguette. If you’re still slightly confused, I suggest visiting the official website. (Yes. It really exists.)

White people problems are obviously not exclusive to white people only. Anyone who is financially stable can have these sorts of issues. Yet, the question arises, why is this term used to labeled one race only? It could just as easily be called a “rich person problem” or a “spoiled person problem.” Why is prosperity seen as being a “white” thing? Why, when we’ve made tremendous efforts for racial equality, have we fallen back into these aged stereotypes? Habit, maybe. To be funny? Maybe because we don’t believe that race problems exist in this generation?

Even in 2013, the lines drawn between races still exist. Maybe not as much in an aggressive and attacking way, but the separation is definitely there. I’ve always tried to be as color-blind as I can because I don’t want my blackness to define me. Though I am proud of my heritage, I am Jasmine, the girl inside, before I am anything else, and I’d like to believe that no matter what my skin color may be, I be the same me.

But I’m beginning to wonder if this dream of mine is too far-fetched. Is just having equal rights enough? Even though we have equal rights, are we really seen as being the same? What comes to mind when you hear terms like ghetto and baby-daddy? These images, these stereotypes are embedded in our heads. Can we ever get away from them? Will there ever be a time where just being human is okay, or does the dark history of America have too strong a hold on our minds and our hearts?