Competitive Racism: A Deep Dive into Online Fundraising Controversies
This article examines two recent online fundraising campaigns that have sparked controversy and accusations of racism, highlighting the double standards and escalating tensions in online discourse.
The Incident and the Doxing
A white mother, identified as Shiloh, allegedly used a racial slur against a five-year-old black child. In response, the internet "doxed" her, revealing her personal information, including her address and social security number. This led to harassment and threats against her and her family, forcing them to consider relocating.
Shiloh's Plea and the GoFundMe Campaign
Shiloh created a GoFundMe campaign to "protect her family." She claimed that the incident started when she confronted a child who stole from her 18-month-old son's diaper bag at the park. After the video of the confrontation went viral, her family experienced significant turmoil. Her campaign quickly gained traction, exceeding initial goals and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Carmelo Anthony Case: A Point of Comparison
The situation is compared to a previous GoFundMe campaign for Carmelo Anthony, who was accused of stabbing a white teenager. That campaign, which also raised a substantial amount of money before being shut down, is now being viewed as a catalyst for the backlash and support for Shiloh's fundraiser. The presenter notes the stark contrast and the perception of a double standard.
Analyzing the Donations and Comments
The article delves into the comments and motivations behind donations to Shiloh's campaign. Some donors expressed solidarity and support, while others exhibited racist sentiments, referencing white supremacist ideology and expressing resentment towards perceived advantages given to minority groups. Some comments even included specific racist slogans, demonstrating the clear racial undertones of the fundraising effort.
The Emergence of "Competitive Racism"
The rapid and substantial donations to Shiloh's campaign are characterized as "competitive racism." The article explores the idea that this phenomenon arises from perceived double standards and a sense of collective guilt imposed on white people. It suggests that this perceived imbalance fuels resentment and motivates individuals to donate to causes that seemingly champion their own group.
Double Standards and Radicalization
The speaker argues that double standards are a significant driver of radicalization. Even blatant displays of racism might be less radicalizing than what is perceived as a double standard in societal responses to different situations. The comparison between the fundraising campaigns of Carmelo Anthony and Shiloh emphasizes this point.
The Role of GiveSendGo and Free Speech
The article questions the role of platforms like GiveSendGo in hosting these controversial fundraisers. GiveSendGo retweeted a comment praising them for being a free speech platform even though they get outrage from both sides. While acknowledging concerns about hate speech, the speaker suggests that shutting down these campaigns might simply drive them to other platforms. They should either take them both down, or leave both of them up.
Final Thoughts: A Disturbing Trend
The article concludes by highlighting the disturbing trend of "competitive racism" and the underlying racial tensions that fuel these online fundraising battles. It underscores the need for a more nuanced and consistent approach to addressing racism and double standards in society to prevent further polarization and radicalization.