Nothing Says Internet Popularity Like
Being linked to from a White Supremacist website. Happy Monday!
ETA: Wow, if you all could see my moderation queue right now.
This is the kind of thing that makes people leave the Internet. It really is. I went through a good chunk of my early life never encountering any blatant racism. I’m sure there was some, but my young, naiveté, and probably my parents shielded me from most of it. No one ever called me a Nigger, or said I couldn’t do something because I was black, or anything like that.
I got to wait until I was all grown up for things like that to happen.
But even still, I don’t think I ever encountered the kind of raw, ignorant, stupid, dangerous, and hurtful hate due specifically to my heritage and skin color until I started this blog. I have been called a Nigger 47 times today. TODAY. And it’s not fucking over yet.
This is the kind of thing that turns people militant.
This is the kind of thing that makes people scared for their well being.
This is the kind of thing that silences voices, and I cannot lay any blame on anyone who chooses silence in the face of this.
This is the kind of thing that makes me a FUCKING ANGRY BLACK WOMAN.
I am not only angry because you have the gall to come here calling me names and telling racist lies yet saying I am the hateful, racist one. I am angry because you don’t want anything but to see me hurt and silenced and shamed, and I will not be. I am angry because it is people like your dumb asses that give white people a bad name. I am angry because it’s due to people like you that we can’t move forward as a culture and a country on race relations. Because for every rational, well-educated and well-informed person who wishes not only to understand, but to make things right, there are 20 of you throwbacks trying to drag the conversation down and everyone into the 1930’s.
Fuck you. And fuck that.
This blog isn’t for you or about you. And if you’re pissed that I won’t let you air your opinions, I couldn’t give less of a care than I do right now. This is not your space, it’s mine. And no, I won’t be coming over there to “discuss” anything with you, because you don’t want a discussion.
You think MY blog is racist and hateful, people? Go visit Stormfront and learn what real hate and racism is like. And if you don’t find it completely objectionable over there, then don’t bother coming back. We do not want you.
You wanted to see me angry? THIS IS ME ANGRY.
Daughter of ETA: Two things. First, the blog is currently set so that folks who don’t have an approved comment go straight to moderation. (This is to keep me from having to delete the Stormfront assholes from the posts. As it is, I’m the only one seeing their messages.) However, this also means any messages of support aren’t showing up right away. Never fear, I will approve non-evil comments when I can. (Nora and Karynthia might, as well, if they happen to be online.)
Second, thank you to everyone coming by posting messages of support and solidarity. I will have to revise my ratio of allies to assholes, because so far there are at least as many messages from you as from them, and that’s only because they had a head start. You are all awesome and I cannot state strongly enough how much I appreciate your words.
“you don’t want anything but to see me hurt and silenced and shamed, and I will not be. ”
BRAVO!!! I don’t know what else to say but to just sit here and clap. I’m sorry you have to deal with all that horrible, racist shit. But I love you for not being cowed by any of it. YOU GO!
And I’ll join you in giving a big FUCK YOU to all those bastards in the moderation queue. I mean, Jesus H. Christ, 47 times? If that’s a measure of how threatened they are by you, I guess that makes you one very successful blogger, huh? Don’t ever stop, ABW.
Bravo.
Awesome, ABW. Is there anything we can do to help with the moderation?
I echo Ico: FUCK YOU, assholes.
“We do not want you.”
No, we surely do not, and I will gladly back up ABW to say so.
I’m a new reader here, but a long-time blog-reader, and the kind of vitriol you’re addressing is always stunning when it erupts online. I hope that with every ignorant, intolerant, insane comment you delete, your anger burns cleaner and cleaner until it is your fuel to keep writing what you do here.
*Gives you a standing ovation*
I’m sorry these asshats are getting under your skin.
Stay strong, and stay yourself.
J
You’re strength is so inspiring and you have many, many people who love your blog and get strength for our own fights from it.
Your words have truth and power and that scares some assholes.
Keep at it!
thank you for saying this. it needed to be said.
<<<>>>> Yee hawww!!!!
Keep to it ABW!
Thank you for calling them out on their bullshit, and letting us know, and not being silenced.
How can we help you?
Gotta love incompetents who think that name-calling is a way to “win at life,” as one of my students puts it. Or, you know, not.
Bravo to you, ABW, for not giving in. The terrorists will have won, not when we stop buying SUVs, but when we stop standing up for justice and reality.
100 times yes! My strategy is to laugh the name callers off as best as I can because all they want is to provoke you, knowing their words are damaging. I don’t want to give into that, and I’m glad you’re not either, ABW. Still, for any sistah to be subjected to this crap, 47m-effin times, I’m sorry you are dealing with it. I appreciate your blog, your anger, and being big enough to try and still have meaningful disscussions despite that. So, thanks.
Please hang in there.
Nothing is more pathetic than anonymous cowards spewing racist crap.
i got your back. just say the word.
Let me know if you’re planning to go offline a bit; I’ll back you up.
Stupid fucks. ::sigh:: Only way to deal with ’em, though, since we’re not allowed to shoot ’em.
FUCK YOU!
Hope y’all can read.
You fuck with her, you fuck with me. Ain’t backing down.
You go ABW…keep your head up against these ignorant muthafuckas, especially on your own blog! Just think..if you got called n*gger over 47 times today, wait ’til Barack Obama becomes president!!
Nora, you’re my kind of woman.
ABW, you have my support. You’ve certainly taught me a thing or two (or many more) with the work you do here, and I hope you don’t let hateful jerks prevent you from continuing. If you feel you do need to reflect in silence, know that you have uncovered the righteous anger in others who can help beat the ignorance back.
I am also one of your many fans, and will always support you and your blog.
The world can definitely stand more people like you. If you ignore all the cheese that usually comes in these statements, you’re kind of my role model. Lol that’s corny, but really, I wish I had half the strength as you to face the crap the world throws out.
Been reading for a while but never posted. Why am I posting now? Because of something either you or someone else wrote in a recent comment on perceived “gaps” between white and black and someone struggling to empathize across that “chasm”. I don’t have to be black to know racist assholes when I see them, and I’m not going to condone their behavior by silence either. They can kiss my hairy ass.
Way to go, Angry Black Woman! Keep up the good work!
Thing is, I don’t believe there’re 20 of them for every one of us (black or white or other) who wants to make things right; I think there’s actually somewhat fewer of them. But for each white supremacist (and for each person of any color who wants to make things right) there are 20 nice, well-meaning, but privileged and entitled white people who thing “racism is bad” but have no idea whatsoever that real racism exists, or what it’s like to be a target of it. Or how much they have benefited from their European coloring, and from not having centuries of slavery and legally enforced poverty limiting every aspects of the parents’ and grandparents’ and great-great-great-grandparents’ lives.
And while some of those folks do shade into conscious, intent-based racism… most of them are simply clueless and unsympathetic. And as frustrating as clueless lack of sympathy may be… I believe these people can be reached. Sometimes I even believe they secretly want to be reached.
But these true racists? They act like cornered dogs: scary as hell, capable of inflicting a lot of serious damage; but it’s because they know they are outnumbered and losing.
I sincerely hope you and the rest of your regulars make it through this without harm, and without having to resort to silence.
Hey.
Angry racist white men.
Got an attitude with a black woman who has an opinion? Shove it up your ass.
I’ve met a few white supremacist types in my time, and, horrible though it may sound, I can’t help but have a tiny bit of sympathy for them. Their world view is so monstrously warped that they seem to spend their entire time getting angry and depressed and so forth over shit that they basically made up in their heads. It’s like a mental illness, it really is. Thankfully, most of them are also stupid and extremely cowardly. Only dangerous in groups. Bring tear gas.
Not saying they don’t deserve a good beating of course. But then, so many people do…
I’m been here for a while but this is my second comment.
ABW, please know, that I really support and admire your efforts!
You can do it.
We can do it.
Yes, We Can!
This is a horrible situation to have to deal with but I think you’re doing a great job. Keep up the great work and let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Respect
DD
Count me in on the standing ovation for ABW. THANK YOU for not being silenced. Fucking asshole white supremacists.
(((ABW)))
I’m sorry assholes are trying to take over your space. Keep writing–we got your back.
You are a powerful writer and amazing thoughtful deep thinker.
Screw racist haters.
Racists. Yes YOU. Racist haters.
Screw YOU.
Keep your head up, ABW–we’re all here with you.
ABW stated: “I am angry because it is people like your dumb asses that give white people a bad name. ”
ABW, yes, as you well know, there are us white folks who hold our fellow citizens of color in high esteem and who seek to meaningfully invest in our communities and combat the social ills we have been the recipients of.
I am a semi-regular over at Rachel’s Tavern and Prof Rachel gets it too.
All Best and Keep up the good work.
-Adam
Here via bfp, and new to this blog. I haven’t had time to go back and read old posts, but even so, thought I’d leave a comment of support in your moderation queue of doom.
Fuck racist haters and white supremacists. They’re not on the side with the angels, and they know it. Their hate and anger will poison them in the end.
I’d just like to add my own voice to this beautiful chorus of FUCK YOUs to the asshats who are in the moderation queue.
Hang in there ABW…you’re incredible!
What the ??? I don’t blame you either if it silences you, but I don’t think it will. :) You are better than this ish… go on and do what you do. You must be doing something right to have gained such ire! Much love to you! :)
Maybe we can all chip in and buy these inbreeds a deeper gene pool?
ABW, I have your back if you need anything.
A few things to note about the overt racist types:
1. They’re pretty dumb. That’s meant as an observation, not an insult. I mean, they seem to have a low capability for learning or engaging in dialogue. For example, they don’t seem to be able to respond to an argument, but instead just post more random propaganda without any relevance to the actual argument. The only time they seem to quote from a post is to make an ad hom attack on the post’s author.
2. They don’t seem to know very much. From the history of IQ tests to how to format in HTML, the white supremicists just seem like they’re fairly ignorant.
3. They’re cowards. The KKK wears robes with masks, even when they’re among allies, for a reason. This doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous, unfortunately. They can be. But they’ll run from an open confrontation. Calling someone “n–“* and running away is more their style. Or harassing that person. If they do start harassing you and there is anything we, the readers, can do to help, please ask.
*My own inhibitions make me not want to spell the word out. Sorry if that’s dumb or giving it too much power. Also I don’t want to get caught in the spam filter.
If you (or people like) you get silenced by this, the rest of us lose. Rant on, ABW.
So sorry you have to deal with this hate and stupidity. Just remember that there are people who support you, admire you, and love you.
Just popped over from Jay Lake’s blog on lj.
Some people really have no clue. *sigh* And they’re the lot who don’t see anything wrong with yet another Jewish cemetary being desecrated. Last Saturday. In London. The capital city of what’s arguably the most tolerant country on this planet.
Just wanted to let you know that this white British woman is backing you all the way. Ignorance, prejudice, racism, sexism, all have no place in a civilized society. And the only sane and reasonable response to them is anger. So you be as angry as you like – I’ll be there shouting with you.
The only thing I quibble with is the one rational to 20 cretins – even the voting stats argue that the numbers are pushing closer to 1-1 which is exactly why the cretins fears are going up…it is precisely because they are losing their numbers that their fear escalates
Hang on in there. They have limited attention spam. Also the more crap they spew the more you win.
Much love and support. I’m too angry to post much more than this… so much love and support.
Just one more white person saying that I’ve got your back, ABW, and that racist bullshit has no place in this world. I am seriously furious that those people came over here to yell at you and intimidate you. Good for you for telling them to piss off. :)
And if you white supremacist types are still lurking here, you don’t speak for me. You don’t speak for all white people. And you know nothing about racism because you perpetrate it. So stop going where you’re clearly not wanted just so you can cause trouble.
ABW, you are amazing. Thank you for staying strong, and for refusing to be silenced. Your conviction is inspiring.
Those asshats make blue-green algae seem evolved. Thank you for your candor.
Keep speaking your piece, sis. You have said what so many of us have wanted to say for a long time. We need more like you. If people are beginning to feel threatened, then you are doing your job well. I commend you.
Thank you for being strong and standing fast. You are not alone.
For my part, as a white person, I speak out against racism and try to root out its nastiness when I see it in myself. Let’s face it, white people are the ones with the problem here.
Let me repeat that: white people are the ones with the problem here.
We should be able to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, learn some manners and some respect for other people, and stop relying on corporate welfare, alumni preferences in admissions, and all the other special programs to consolidate white power. I know that a lot of the self-avowed white supremacists are not privileged by class, but they sure as hell have a sense of entitlement instead of a sense of awareness, compassion, and cooperation. Hey, Aryan Nation: Black people are not the ones who are screwing you over six ways from Sunday. The people with the power and money are overwhelmingly male and pale.
BRAVO!!! You stand up and everyone wins. Don’t let the bastards get you down — I too was an adult before anyone told me I couldn’t because I of what I am (female) — and I was amazed.
Thank you for not being silenced!
Came here through Bfp. I stand in solidarity with Angry Black Woman. Angry commenters who cannot take the least bit of (true) criticism need to fucking grow up and take a reality check. This isn’t about you and your butthurt ego, assholes.
Sorry these people had to jump all over you and make a bad day worse. The anonymity of the Internet makes it easier for cowardly people to say things that they wouldn’t be able to say to your face.
If you weren’t making an impact on people, they probably would ignore you. However, they see you as a threat to them, and them attacking you means they’re scared of you and your influence–which is a good thing. Keep ’em trembling!
This white girl is angry and sickened.
ABW, I can’t know how this feels, but I’m glad you’re not letting these arseholes silence you.
Seems like it’s all been said upthread … as for the moderation queue, can you set up a kill-file for their IP addresses, or have they (in spite of their obvious stupidity) managed to hide their address? Thank you for keeping us-all from having to read the vile garbage, but it would be better if nobody had to, neh?
Another white person wanting to show you support, here. I popped over from capiscumanuum’s blog on lj. This is terrible, that these people are trying to intimidate you!
I’m really sorry this is happening to you. I’ve been linked to Stormfront before and they’re just awful. I hope you keep blogging but I know it’s hard in the face of this bigotry and nastiness. They fear what you’re writing about and the discussions you have here. But often that can be scary for bloggers too.
I had to shut comments off last year because most of mine are hateful including racist and misogynist. Still, someone’s seen fit this past week to send me emails about being a “bitter cunt” and bragging on other sites that I can’t find them b/c they hide behind other ISPs including those of porn sites.
They’re trying to distract and make you stop. And it’s hard not to, because it has a cumulative effect too and it wears you down. But I hope you keep blogging. And I’ll have your back too. I think your site is wonderful.
Is it possible to be racist and not sexist?
It seems the two go together.
Along with other serious personality disorders.
Love, C.
As a white man, I’d just like to state for the record that those little bastards don’t speak for me. I think the work you’re saying here is important (including — and maybe especially — the parts I disagree with) and I admire and respect you for doing it.
They say you can judge a person by their enemies. If that’s true, the Stormfront Cadre speak pretty well of you. If they’re exercised and up in arms about you, you’ve got to be doing *something* right, no?
“Because for every rational, well-educated and well-informed person who wishes not only to understand, but to make things right, there are 20 of you throwbacks trying to drag the conversation down and everyone into the 1930’s.”
I hope your ratio is wrong… I hope it’s for every thousand rational people, there is one weirdo on a website for kooks attacking people he doesn’t know in a flame war. I’m sorry they all found you this week. They all have rocks, let’s hope they crawl back under, and soon.
Brownfemipower sent me here and I like what I read of your writing. I suppose it’s good to have the right enemies. I mean, if being hated by cowardly anonymous bullies is bad, being ignored by them would probably be worse and being accepted by them would be worst of all. All of their ugliness means that you’re doing a good job. I know they’re making it hard, but that’s what they’re trying to do. Fuck em.
Just dropping off some support, ABW. I rarely speak up here but if there’s anything I can do, just say the word.
Well said! I hope you realize that there are many people of many colors standing alongside you.
I, too came here via Jay Lake’s LiveJournal.
Put me down as another person offering support.
As an out GWM, I’ve had to deal with my own occasional chorus from the stupids, but nothing like what you describe. Makes me furious to hear about it.
You know I’ve got your back.
Not only white, but Southern. We’re not all idiots.
Because I am curious like the proverbial cat, I actually went to the Stormfront site… and now feel the need to shower. Repeatedly. With bleach.
I’d say don’t these assclowns intimidate you, ABW — but I know it’s not necessary. You’re much stronger and smarter than they could ever hope to be. And you’ve got a hell of a lot of good, strong, smart people on your side.
their hatred of us only shows how deeply they fear us. they have a reason to, because we can’t be silenced. your strength and courage in the face of their bullshit is exactly what we need. you are doing SURVIVAL WORK for us. bravo, bravo, please keep some hope alive knowing that there is a groundswell of people behind you that need you. thank you. thank you so much.
[applause]
You tell them, my sister.
ALL of us are diminished by unreasoning hate and foaming-at-the-mouth namecalling aimed at something different from yourself. Not that this will matter to the kind of person you’re talking about, ABW. But the more it IS said the more rational people might start believing it, and speaking out against it. You go, girlfriend.
Dropping a line to show my support. And – putting you on my list of daily blogs to read. Because they can’t shout you down.
I am so sorry you have to go through that over and over but massive props on not letting it silence you or shame you because that’s what it’s all about. They call us those names to keep us in fear to keep us low and brava for not allowing them to use these age-old tactics on you.
A vote of support from across the pond.
As a white man, this makes me both angry and sad. Keep the faith: not all of us are idiots.
I got linked here from Jay Lake (http://jaylake.livejournal.com/1443423.html). He’s one of the good guys, promise.
I wanted to say that I admire you for facing this kind of onslaught and not giving up.
I can well imagine the massive migraine this sort of blantant FAIL must be giving you.
I wanted to voice my support, because I believe you’re doing the right thing. Which tends to anger and upset those who are doing all the wrong things.
Please, never give up. The world needs your kind of courage, conviction, and spirit more than ever.
Viva ABW and the people who came over to support. This unamerican white gal is with you too.
Heard about this via Tom @ Automatic Preference, you’ve got my support & solidarity (and I’m a pasty English chap), blogrolling.
Throwing in my support and peace to you.
Contigo,
Sudy
I’m sorry this shit came your way.
Wishing you the best.
I’m so sorry you’re have to dealing with crap like this, and I’m sending lots of supportive thoughts your way.
ABW- Another show of support for you. If you decide to go slient for a bit, know that we understand why and cannot fault you for that. If there is anything I can do to show support or help out, please ask.
Gah. Gah gah gah. I’ll echo Mary Robinette: here’s another white Southerner who’s got your back.
Yes, Yes, Yes! Don’t let the (*%&#$% grind you down! I read often (but don’t comment, anywhere, often) and your work is so valuable in keeping consciousness raised (to use a very old expression).
I feel you, I was called the n-word some weeks ago and still battling nonsense over it. I posted about the person on my blog and I did not hear the end of it. I am also throwing in my support because I grew up in a different country where race didnt seem to matter, just what we knew.
It’s pretty sad people still use the N word.
BTW, I love your blog and I am subscribed :-D.
Here from Bfp.
The more I read, the angrier I get at those racist fuckwads. I don’t know how you do what you do in the face of this kind of vileness, but you have my full support.
Hey fuckheads: You Do Not Speak For Me.
I just wanted to add myself to the “support” column. I hope you don’t give up blogging. This site is a regular part of my day. I’d have a much harder time of it if I didn’t have places like this to go to for insightful commentary from people of color. By the way, doesn’t it seem like these morons are organized? I’ve seen other examples where all of a sudden a hundred of them attack at exactly the same time. It just seems unlikely that such an intense attack in such a compact timeframe would happen without some sort of organization behind it.
Another White Southern Woman on your side, T.
Hang in there and don’t let them get to you!
D.
Hey, you. I’m so sorry you’re getting mobbed by the stupid and ineducable. But it looks like the support is strong, and I’d like to add to it. You are completely awesome, and the things you have to say are important. We’re listening. That’s why those craven idiots are mad.
Can I volunteer to wade through the hateful shit and separate the crap from the real comments? Lemme know.
Every once in a while white power assholes show up on my Irish or celtic/gaelic lists. They are corrosive and insane and idiotic. I’d love to subvert their agenda by having you NOT see the messages they hope to hurt you with.
Here via a link from Eric Marin at Live Journal, with some more support from a white southwesterner. I’m so sorry you have to go through this awful crap but I’m glad you aren’t going to let it silence your blog. Go you!
I am so sorry you are having to face such hatefulness, and so glad you are not being silenced by it. If it seems likely to tip over from hate speech to physical attacks, please, please don’t hesitate to report it to the police.
Jay Lake sent me here, too…. another supporter cheering you on, thanking you for not being silenced, and throwing on a side order of “Good grief, I’m so sorry you’re having to put up with this crap.”
–amd
Just wanted to send some love & some appreciation of your work.
::hugs:: if you want some hugs (or not if not).
What stupid, hateful, useless people. I’m so sorry for these attacks. I found yesterday’s post incredibly illuminating. Your anger is an awesome thing.
Just another statement of support for this most excellent blog. I’m very sorry to hear you’re getting hit with this crap, but unfortunately I am not surprised (after that truly great response to the inane Pat Buchanan idiocy).
Another standing ovation..!
Hey, I’m sorry this is going on but remember just let that anger work for you and against them.
I’ve never commented here before, but this post is a good reason to start.
I’m sorry you have to deal with so many folks who just can’t muster up enough manners act decently and normally.
Your blog is excellent, your posts are interesting and intelligent, and your sense of humor is entertaining (and astonishing, given the circumstances).
Great work! Keep it up! I’ll be back to read you again soon.
Asalam aleikum sister
I’m sorry to hear that you’re getting racist abuse from monosyllabic ignor-anuses.
Unfortunately the US is still one of the most divided nations on the planet. take a city like chicago for example.There is deep seated racism there that I have never experienced in all my years of living in Europe, especially having a muslim name.
I cant help but think that the US would have been a far better place had Malcolm X not been assassinated. May Allah accept Malcolm X in his gardens of Paradise for ever…ameen.
Peace sis
N
A lesbian blog on wordpress wants you to let those f*ckers have it!!!! I’m sorry that you are having problems with trash like that. Keep your voice loud and clear!
Fuck them. The internet is full of hateful, ignorant assholes up on anonymous power trips. You’re stronger than them, and what you do is important.
It makes me sick to think of you having to read that garbage.
When faced with people like that, I try to make myself feel better by realizing that every single hateful day of their lives, those people have to wake up and be who they are: rotten, miserable, uneducated people who bring shame on the human race.
Do not let them silence you.
It’s times like this that I really believe we’ll never reach a point where racism will be completely eliminated. When people are filled with dissatisfaction with themselves and their lives they will always look somewhere to lash out their insecurities and unfortunately picking a group by skin color is an easy path to take. What they don’t realize is the more they go down that road of self-loathing and outward hate the less it “satisfies” that longing inside themselves.
Glad to see you’re standing firm in your beliefs.
please keep your head up! I just want you to know that you are totally supported i really appreciate you putting out there and talking about things that i am feeling or thinking and either don’t have the time or don’t have the words to put it out there…
I really hope that you continue to do what you do and truly hope that you don’t let this pull you down…
Now THIS is some sass I can get behind.
Kudos.