class discussion

I didn't say anything in our class discussion on a "scene" where we related to Jacqueline Royster's article. I was able to talk about the discussion a little more after class with Dr. O'Rourke and I think I was able to clarify my thoughts. I can relate to what Brett said in class "I don't feel like I can contribute because I don't think I've had an experience like the one Royster describes". The thought that went through my head as I read the article by Royster and listened to the stories that people shared in class was "This makes me appreciate being a white male who lives with, goes to school with, and works with people that are pretty much like me". I could sit here and list theoretical situations where I might be in the minority and as a result feel that I had to alter my voice because of the environment/people around me but I find it hard to believe I'd ever regularly be in that type of situation.

One solution to the issue Royster raises would be to have white men only discuss white men, black women only discuss black women etc. etc. I can't help but think that if we did this it would take away the unique perspectives that we get when we try and put ourselves in the position of people who come from a background different than our own. A series of question is flowing through my head:
1) Who is allowed to talk about who? Should we only speak about our own race? our own sex? our own religion?
2) Hopefully we would recognize that we're allowed to talk about people from different situations than our own. What are some guidelines that could be established to work torwards not offending people?

I had finished this blog and was ready to leave this topic alone for a while. I had a few extra minutes so I read everyone else's blogs. Signing off the computer and walking back to the dorm I started to feel guilty. I thought to myself that's part of the problem with a discussion like this. I personally shouldn't feel guilt about the other situations because I'm a white male. SHOULD I? I can't believe that Royster was attempting to invoke this response. If she was I'll have to yell at her like she yelled at the panel.

if you read this please feel free to comment. I may update this before Friday/this weekend depending on what else we talk about or if I can find more ways to explain my thoughts. part of me fears that I'm complaining or sending out some type of elitest attitude in this post and neither of those are my goal.