It Doesn't Matter if You're Black or White.....

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It Doesn't Matter if You're Black or White.....

Heck...I AM a Redneck!!! "I'm not a racist but......." Do these words make you cringe? Do you just want to leave before they go any further? The best way to tell a racist is when they say “I’m not a racist but……”.

Meeting with so many potential customers on a regular basis, as I do, it doesn’t surprise me when I hear this but it does surprise me how often I hear it and who’s saying it. As REALTORS(R) we cannot go there! We must nip this conversation in the bud before it goes any further. There is a little law called the Fair Housing Act that we must abide by.

* How do we do this?
* How do we continue to work with this person?
* Do we just ignore it and move forward?
* Do we lay the law down?

I must admit that this always places me in an awkward position. I usually move forward at the speed of light then ignore it but I can never seem to forget it. It changes my relationship with that person.

Just last week I had a potential Buyer, for one of my listings, call me to cancel an appointment with one of my agents. The wife told me that her husband would rather work with a man. Since it was my listing I agreed to meet them over there. The first thing out of hubby's mouth was "I'm not racist but I work with foreigners all day long and I don't want to work with one when looking at houses" then he spit his chewing tobacco out of his mouth. Redneck asshole!! Oops! Did I just say that out loud? Oh well.....Redneck is not a protected class. But my agent, who is Hispanic, is.

My dream is that someday we will learn to appreciate people for who they are not despise them for the color of their skin or the way they speak. I live in the great State of Florida and one of the best things about Florida is that it’s very multicultural. I wish all people would see it that way.

I’m not racist but…………..I do have a vision.

That's all I have to say about that. What say you?

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Posted by Bryant Tutas Broker/REALTOR(R) Tutas Towne Realty, Inc on 07/15/2009 04:08 PM

Comments (94)

racism, fair housing

Originally posted at: BrokerBryant.com: It Doesn't Matter if You're Black or White.....

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This post has been included in Florida Real Estate News Osceola County, FL Real Estate News Kissimmee, FL Real Estate News

94 Comments on It Doesn't Matter if You're Black or White.....

JUL

2009

Reserved Parking For "The Lovely Wife"...TLW...ROAR!

Broker Bubba...

I think this is the same Guy who held the door open for me at the store. He may have been a Gentlemen but he spit his tabbacee out all over my lovely shoe. Do you think that negates the Gentlemen part of the equation? :)

TLW...ROAR!

Some people just don't know when to keep their traps shut... I have to admit that I'm a bit prejudiced though... I really, really hate stoopid people. :)

That buyer would not be caught in saying that in our market place. There are way too much of diversity in New York, the ones that chew the tabacco and spit it out on the street will be 'the foreigner' in our market place! HA

I feel the same way on the words "Well...to be honest with you". That remark makes me wonder are you not always honest with me and to back up and consider everything prior to this statement might have been less than honest. Rednecks..nope...not on the special protected class of rights. You're save for now to say what you want man. Pass me some of that chew would you bud(belch)?

I would not even want to do business with the guy-I would walk away and say someone with your attitude is not worth my time.

Money is money, I will work that racist person as long as he does not become overly insulting.

In the infamous words of Rodney King, can't we all get along? I wonder why we can't too... If I needed a blood transfusion would I care who it came from as long as the bloodtype was the same? If one is in a foxhole with bullets soaring past their head the color or native language of the person watching their back is irrelevant.

When we as Realtors® encounter this stupid behavior of racial slurs from the people we are dealing with as clients, its tough but I do what you do, change the subject and keep moving forward.

I had my first fair housing issue pop up not too long ago when my buyers point blank asked me if the neighborhood we were in was an "Hispanic enclave." That was my first time being faced with a fair housing issue.

I recently took on a new landlord client. Early in our discussions, they mentioned that they didn't want to rent to any [protected class] people. I quickly responded that I must comply with Fair Housing laws, otherwise she and I would not do business together. She, of course, quickly attempted to qualify her statement, blah blah. She, herself, would fall into one of those categories, too, which is amusing. Nonetheless, that protected class has been the majority of the prospective tenants. hahaha!

Didn't one of those night news shows do a show on a lady doing this up East somewhere.

Ridiculous.

They should be made to sit through hours of Fair Housing Classes and or loose their license.

I am always shocked by these statements.

I would rather have a "racist" claim to "not be a racist" than witness the subtle racism others try to dance around. People are people...when will we ever learn!

When you hear racist statements from a prospective home buyer, just turn around and drive back to your office and their car, their home or whereever you picked them up.

I've had to do that 3-4 times over the years.

These days, I get the inquiry about the "neighborhood" before we go too far.

I'm known as "The Interceptor".

It's like when people say "I don't mean to be rude but...", like the preemptive statement negates the rude thing they are about to say.

Bryant,

I don't mind going out on the limb with you, but do we have to jump up and down?

We (our society) can't discuss any of the "isim's!" IE: racism, sexism, socialism, Communism, ageism... Saying you are a "ists" is always tantamount to admitting you are.

Look at your office wall. You can prove every thing up there except the equal opportunity posters. Your broker's license is proof you are licensed! Saying you don't do some thing never proves anything. In fact if your sign is missing or even hard to see you're a racist by law.

I judge people by the decisions they make not by accidences of brith! But, we really can't discuss all the ramifications. We've polluted the language, for example can you tell me why it's bad to be "indiscriminate" and worse to be "discriminating?"

For a practicing, nay flaming heterosexual, your a good man, Bryan Titus!

Bill

I almost left a Buyer at a property. Just wanted to jump in my car and leave them stranded.

Buyers received a financial settlement from a worker's comp lawsuit and suddenly had money. Their credit sucked, but they had this lump sum for a down-payment. Husband owed $24,000 in back child support.

We were looking in a neighborhood they would NEVER have been able to afford without this settlement, and the husband made a derogatory comment about the African American neighbors next door who were doing their yard work. His wife quickly reprimanded him and apologised profusely to me. I think my look of horror got my message across.

BTW, we wound up putting an offer on a house. Lender told them not to put anything on their credit cards before closing. What did they do? They went out and bought all new furniture for the entire house -- charged every bit of it. Of course, financing and deal fell through. Good riddance.

Personally, I view the prefix to be ones bandaid to cover what they are getting ready to state. "I'm not a racist" obviously wipes away any possibility that they are a racist or carry severe prejudice, regardless of what colorful nickname they call another... right? Right?! :)

I've been asked about the population and racial demographics about neighborhoods so many times in my life and I tend to simply lay down the law. "I can't go there and won't speak about any dynamics of the neighborhood statistics..." is usually my response. I then let them know that they are more than welcome to research the information online themselves, if they so choose and that the best way to get a feel for a neighborhood is to visit the area at all different times of the day and days of the week.

So there. :) Thanks for the post!

"My dream is that someday we will learn to appreciate people for who they are not despise them for the color of their skin or the way they speak. I live in the great State of Florida and one of the best things about Florida is that it's very multicultural. I wish all people would see it that way."

Hi Bryant. In my area of Tampa Bay the population consists of about 95% white, 2% Hispanic, 1% Asian, etc. Sadly though some people claim not to be racist there are some racist people in Florida.

It saddens me sometimes specifically when some people say mean things about black people for example. Some people do not know that I am (part) Moroccan which is in North Africa so for that it hurts me personally though those who say mean things are probably unaware that I am black too. It's not good to be emotional in a transaction but sometimes their words cut like a knife.

This is not mutually exclusive to rednecks either. In Hawai'i where I was born and raised while I can understand some people's hostility to Caucasians it still does not make it right. Unfortunately there are some double standards in Hawai'i which is disturbing. To me racism should never be tolerated but with humans being human that is not reality.

One thing that I've learned is that people are people. There are some cool people... and there are some uncool people irrelevant of location, skin color, race, ethnicity, national origin, etc.

You summed it up right Bryant, red necked assholes! I am married to a black woman, so I don't tolerate racism or intolerance of any kind at all. You would think in this day and age that stuff would be behind us. But I'm afraid it will never disappear. Eventually we'll all be one big mixed race so no one will be able to discriminate against one another. However, just as I typed that I was reminded of stories my wife has told me about how even black people discriminate against one another. The darker black people don't like the light skinned black people. It's all so ridiculous. Thank you for the post and best of luck to you.

I wonder if its some deep down fear of something different - unfamiliar....its truly sad.....although i'm not sure if 'rednecks' shouldn't be a protected species ;-)

The post is great and so are all the comments! I do exactly as Ashley does...I cannot & will not go there!

Bryant- One of my old lady brokers told me once: I don't care what color they are as long as the color of their money is green!

Living in Florida we don't get much racism and if you are racist against people who speak Spanish then you are living in the wrong state!

I have been on both sides of racism. Racism is not reserved just for rednecks. Katerina

I once showed a property and there were family pictures on the wall by the stairs from the first to the second floor. About a week later, we went back for a second showing.. the pictures were gone... anything to even hint that the family was non-Caucasian was removed from the house. It turns out one of the family members was a professional football player and was well known! The agent told me that the sellers removed the pictures etc. after feedback from other agents that their buyer told them they like the house, but they would never buy a house that had been owned by a non Caucasian.

Did you tell him (Bill Engvall-style) "Here's your sign!" (and it ryhmes wth swoosh and starts with D!)

Sing it, brother Bryant! Oh I so love your message. Sing on...and on...and on! Racism...and claims that someone is not racist but... make me absolutely crazy. I'm Catholic, married to a Jewish man. My mom is from Poland, raised in Russia; my Dad was from Holland. My two best friends growing up were Japanese and Lebanese. I had so much fun...and great food...growing up! I wish we could all embrace diversity and see how it enriches our lives, opens our hearts, and lets us see the world as a bigger and better place. And when you get right down to it, most of us are immigrants in some form or another -- why is it that people forget that so often? I don't get it.

Another phrase that makes me cringe: "You can trust me." Yup, no...don't think so. I'm outta here!

With the diversity of people living in Central Florida, it is pretty hard to get by being a racist anymore. Everywhere you go even in the high end neighborhoods, you have people of every color and ethnicity. Granted maybe some people are better being paired up with someone similar to them. But you better get used to it. Rednecks in Florida have quickly become the minority. If you don't like it now, just wait another 10 or 20 years and see how diverse it becomes.

Hey, we've awaken Rodney King :-)

I taught the youth group this past Sunday at Church. It was interesting that one of the kids (16 years old) stood up near the end of the class and looked at me and said "OK lets get this out of the way. What race am I?"

I thought it was an odd thing to say. Turns out his mother is white and his father is black. I asked him if this bothered him and he said no. But then I asked him why he felt compeled to ask me that. He said he just felt he needed to get it out there. It must be something he has to deal with on a daily basis and it obviously weighs heavily on him. I found this very sad.

Thanks everyone for stopping by. This is an important topic and one we don't talk about enough.

Good post, Bryant! I've certainly been there.

I believe that many people want to surround themselves with others who have similar qualities. Maybe income. Values. Community. Businesses. Some may want to go further with race, religion, or sexual orientation. Or maybe they want all families to own a Mercedes. Or Pit Bull Terriers and park their cars in the front yard. To each their own.

If I had a client that stated they didn't want to live around a certain type/age/race/etc. person(s), I'd let them know I heard their concerns, but that I could not address those issues, that I am bound by the federal Fair Housing Act, as is every Realtor. And that would be the end of that conversation for me.

But, I would probably, silently, bear that info in mind when selecting homes to show them.

BB,

I thought you were already a red neck a-hole.:) I once had a buyer who was referred to me..they were not from the US. I showed the husband 20 properties and he went and bought one with an agent of their native country. When I asked what happened...the relative told me the wife wanted to work with an agent from her country. Red Neck Ahole!...did I just say that?:))

Perhaps we don't talk about the subject enough, but if would be nice if there were no reason for the talk.

BB - it still amazes me that there are people that are so narrow minded as to not realize, nor acknowledge, that there is more than one race in this world. There are many skin colors, many languages, many countries of origin. And NONE of it matters one bit in the grand scheme off things.

We all came from someplace. End of report.

And, FWIW, I don't ignore the ignornat comments when they start. Instead I let the person know that if they insist on spewing that kind of ILLEGAL nonsense, then they need to work with someone else. If they walk away .... no love lost. I won't work with a racist - no matter what color they are!

BB, along this line when they say, truth be told, here comes the biggest lie you ever heard. There is no room in the world for racism of course, but then that is the ideal world we all would love to have.

BB - well as others have said it is hard to understand and a shame that we even have to think about it as a potential issue. Guess I would prefer someoen to be blatant about it so I can end things on the spot than have to deal with the subtleties we see so often. Unfortunately I'm not sure sure we have made alot of progress - the racism, and ageism, and sexism, etc. is just more subtle. Perhaps on an individual level folks aren't delaing with it but there's plenty of it out there.

Jeff

Bryant - Years ago I immediately cancelled a listing when the seller told me her "preferences" for a new tenant. Bye! Thank you for broaching the topic, sir!

Bryant, there are many ignorant and idiotic people in the world. Racism comes from all walks of life. In God's eyes we are all the same and we all bleed the same color blood last I checked. The world would certainly be a better place without it, but sadly there are people who make a living keeping racism alive in all parts of the world.

Bryant, It is always good to be reminded of Fair Housing laws. Your timing is perfect. I just witnessed a bunch of white Senators patronize a Puerto Rican judge. They seemed obsessed with her race and gender. Racism exists.

Hopefully most real estate professionals can spot blatant racism. We also need to be reminded about the subtle violations. Marital status and familial status (# of children) are also protected classes. We are not allowed to ask innocent sounding questions such as "Are you married? How many kids?

My first year in real estate I told a lender that I had a potential client for them - a hispanic couple, and before I could go any further he quickly reminded me he didn't need to know the race - it took me a minute to figure out what had just happened - then it hit me. NO NO I mean they are predominatly spanish speaking - I need you to have one of your bilingual lenders call them back!!!!! I wanted to die!! That was my first lesson on careful little mouths what you speak.

BB: Discrimination is all fine and dandy....as long as you are one of the "protected class" and you are discriminating against someone who is "unprotected"...think reverse discrimination.

In the Bay Area, people of certain races openly and blatently will refuse to sell to people who are white. Why? Because they would rather be in a neighborhood with other people like them.

All they need to do is take the offer that is from someone who has a last name that is obviously the same ethnic background as theirs. Everyone looks the other way, even though they accepted a lower offer than they could have....that's their "right"....

And it is all okay because the rules do not apply evenly....

Despite looking so simple, Fair Housing is the hardest law to comply with. World is diverse and our communities are. Some people tolerate it better than others. Some people are looking for more diversity. Being a Russian born immigrant myself, I deal with a lot of clients with different cultural and racial backgrounds.

I can tell you one thing: both discrimination and equality are inside us no matter how we look or how we speak. Just yesterday I was showing the house to a beautiful, educated couple of American born and raised young prople. The least I was expected was a question, Are there any Jewish families in the neighborhood? We don't want our child to be discriminated. Guys, have you ever been discriminated? No, but maybe we've been just lucky.What?!!

Being familiar with my position of zero tolerance to any racism, they apologized about asking such a question and we've never returned to this matter again.

I would not appreciate if anyone tells me "I'm not a racist but..." because this statement would've made me look like I share the racial sentiment, which is not true. I am not a racist AND I don't tolerate it. Period.

"What race am I?" Bryant, that's an easy question to answer...Human race. Isn't that enough? It should be.

I'm not a redneck and I don't work with rednecks. Oops. Did I say that outloud?

Wow. I couldn't believe this.... although I have experienced it first hand.

I was enjoying my patio, my own little world in my home where I feel the safest, suddenly comes this bunch of people who started screaming at my husband and I. "You CHINESE!!!". I could sense some anger in the tone of voice. For the first time, I understood racism. I was down right scared, even though they were probably just fooling around. But nevertheless, I ran back into my home hoping they wouldnt come knocking on my front door.

It is awkward when people say things like that, and it's something we really can't get involved in which I've had to explain.

BB, your title reminded me of the song by Michael Jackson on the same subject, with the same title. It is sad that anyone should still have to deal with that sort of nonsense in this day and age. As long as we neither condone nor sanction such comments with our own behavior, and as long as we remind the client of the Fair Practices Act, then we should be clear to move forward.

Brian - it is not stupidity but pure ignorance. I think examples like that perhaps should make you a little concerned about the amount of brain cells such individuals posses ... that's all...is it worth to give so much recognition and loose all this energy for nobody? Smile, roll your eyes and ....move on to work with one who deserves great service...

With smiles,

Bo in Yukon

Have you ever had someone say, "We just want to live in a neighborhood where people are just like US!"? I'm sure you can figure out what that's code for. I live in a very diverse area and love it. I have a diverse family. My son is the only kid I know that's Korean/Puerto Rican/Italian/Danish and speaks Japanese. When I hear people in the throes of their racism I pity them and all that they are missing out on. I can't imagine these people ever leave the U.S.

I took a buyer to a house that was owned by Oriental people according to the pictures on the wall. The lady said she could never live in this house. I asked her why? She said she wasn't comfortable with different cultures. I took her back to the office to get her car, thinking what was she thinking about me?

I am really enjoying reading all of these comments. GREAT post AND well-deserved star!

Bryant:

I loved your post but I fell in love with your picture!!! pikipimp.com is something I will check out.

I also cringe when a client says " I'm not prejudiced but...." I cringe even more when it is a realtor. I try to limit the conversation and get the heck out of uncomfortable circumstances.

When I first started in the real estate business, I was completely FLOORED at how many times I would hear that each year. It really is insane that people think this way, especially when they live in a diverse "melting pot" metro area.

Thank you for this post...

Clap Clap Clap! Way to go, BB. I still have to shake my head when I see Racism, in our day and time. Where do people get off thinking they are one bit better than the next? There is white trash, black trash and all colors of trash in between. It seems the less education a person has, the more racist they can be. Is it just me, or do you agree.

I sold the sweetest bi-racial couple a home last week. The mother-in-law came along. Wow, what a racist she is. She kept assuring me her son-in-law wasn't "black, really"...he was "raised with all whites in their small town". I finally had enough and asked her why she needed to keep assuring me of his color. I asked her if it really bothered HER. She was appalled that I would ask such an insulting question. I told her I felt like she was insulting my integrity, by even insinuating it bothered me in the least bit. Sickening...BTW, she was saying this in front of her son-in-law as well.

Joke will be on her....she lives 7 hours away and I GET TO BABYSIT her adorable grandson after they relocate here, LOL. I'm the new Huntsville Grandmother :) Oh, life is great!

THAT is a redneck. That is a race that shouldn't exist.

It is amazing that we still have this going on. Some people are just gonna be that way.. We can't.

Our ultimate ignorance continues...

I sure is glad I don't have to worries bout this because I have lots of friends who are (insert minority class here)....that's another classic tell from someone who's less than above board about their true beliefs

There are many facets to racism and more pervasive than what many people might believe still exists, it's just more covert these days. Diversity is more than just color, religion, ethnicity and two dozen other attributes.

I divide people up into two categories: A-holes and non A-holes.

I thought you were just referring to your head shot. I love them all. Clients that is. Even with all the quarks and oddities. Each individual is a unique opportunity in real estate and in life lessons.

I'm not a racists, I hate everyone equally!

Seriously though, When I get approached or asked about the race of the area, I just state that I am not at liberty to discuss this topic with them, but they are more than welcome to check out www.bestplaces.net. It gives them the ethnic breakdown by zipcode and school.

BB - If it were not for the great content of your post I would have had a hard time sticking with it as your picture is pretty scary and distracting. Seriously, if I were to make a top 10 list of reasons why I would refuse to work with a buyer or seller this would be one of them. Ironically, the few times this has happened to me it's been with one ethnicity making a comment about another minority.

The diversity of ethnic backgrounds in the Pacific Northwest is huge. Above and beyond issues regarding Fair Housing, as agents we need to understand cultural differences so as best to represent and work with all sides of a transaction.

JUL

2009

Amiri, that is a GREAT site! Thank you.

As far as diversity, Gay, use Amiri's site, pick a city and state, then, select "People" and see the percentages of true diversity. Try Portland, OR (they say the same thing here..."We are SO diverse"..), Seattle, Chicago and Boston.

10 years ago, I worked in a 300 person engineering firm here (Portland) and we had 2 African Americans, 5 Asians, and 1 Latino. And none of them were in management.

They really do "talk" a good game here, about being diverse and tolerant, but the facts don't bear up to scrutiny.

I'd love to be around 400 years from now and hope that we would be so integrated and intermixed that this conversation would appear hard to believe in the 25th century. But by then, I think they will have come up with other measurements for intolerance.

"Damn Martian neighbors....parking their spaceship in the yard again!"

I am literally half Swedish (my dad was pure swede indeed :) and my mom is full blooded Japanese (though born and raised on Kauai) . It was strange to live in Japan and they thought my mom was our maid. We went to the Philippines and did have a maid. It was strange to come to Hawaii and so diverse in ethinicities (I was 10) and learn to live amongst many. That was in 1967 and i'm glad I grew up here.

There is prejudice in all countries, states and cities and bottom line...we MUST nip it in the bud...like you said...when someone like that approaches us with that kind of attitude.

And if a Realtor® finds it hard to nip it in the bud....they need to learn.

At one time Sacramento was listed as one of the most diversified cities in the US. That was a great feeling. If any client ask "those" questions - I go straight to the old article and speak about how lucky we are to be in this city. That usually works. There are still a few unenlightened - but I think for the most part our fair city does a pretty good job at diversity. Now, if we could just get our politicians to mix as well - we might have something.

Ooo baby! With those teeth, TLW better watch out! Someone might snatch you up, you sexy thang! HAHAHAAA! OK. Serious note, I just had this happen a few days ago. I nipped it in the bud before any question could be asked. In general, here's what I said, once the "I'm not a racist, but" line had been spoken.

I interrupted them and did a quick rundown of what I cannot even discuss, lest I lose my license, then suggested they go online and do a demographic search IF they were about to ask me about crime statistics for any area... and so sorry to have interrupted. You were saying? Their response was. "That was it. Thanks." ;-)

BB,

I have to admit I am prejudiced against all those who spit on my shoes, which probably aren't even as nice as TLW's.

Over the weekend had potential buyers of a vacation home out. They're really knew nothing about my area, so we were doing a "getting to know" tour. One of their questions was about area demographics. While some might assume they want to know if they would be the only minorities in the area, I choose to think their interest exceeds that - education levels, average household incomes, owners vs. renters, etc. I gladly gave them the link to the US Census data for our county.

And we have an appointment for some second showings on Saturday. I made no assumptions...

Bryant I've worked with teenagers for over 20 years. This age group typically is SO over the race issue - at least the kids I've come in contact with. It just isn't an issue for them at all. I'm not saying that this applies to ALL teens - just that my experience has shown this typically to not be a big deal to the ones I've come in contact with.

On the other hand, older folks who grew up in the 60's and other time periods sometimes still have very strong feelings on the topic.

Doesn't make it right. It is what it is...

On the other hand, older folks who grew up in the 60's and other time periods sometimes still have very strong feelings on the topic.

Doesn't make it right. It is what it is...

On the other hand, older folks who grew up in the 60's and other time periods sometimes still have very strong feelings on the topic.

Doesn't make it right. It is what it is...

Statements that begin with "I'm not a <insert subject of denial here> but..." are a prequalification of a different color...

A great post and an important topic, but it's a shame that it needs to be said at all.

BB - I think the reason we don't talk about it enough is because we like to ignore the subject.

I have a great way to handle this. I live in a redneckish area that because of some unusual circumstances is very diverse, in a county of population 35000 (yes that's right that's the whole county - which is bigger than Rhode Island)) we have a significant % of Oriental Americans, Basque Americans, Hispanic Americans mixed in with Caucasian Americans and a smattering of other peoples. All it takes is one hint of the kind of statement you heard and I launch into either the long (20 minutes) or the short 10 minutes version of the ethnic history of our area. By the time I'm done they know exactly where I stand and it never comes up again.

Love the photo...I can refer you to a good dentist if you would like! :o))) I agree with you, I have had these incidents throughout my career and I refuse to work with them. I have also had a Fair Housing Tester come into my office and "test" me by asking all kinds of questions. After two hours of "testing" me starting at five minutes to five on a Friday...I think he thought I would bend or slip up if he kept me at work that late on a Friday, he finally went on his way. I guess I passed...never heard another word about it! People are either ignorant or stupid, neither of which is an excuse! Come on people...it is 2009!!! Thanks for the post!

Sometimes enough is enough and you just have to say NO! Thanks Bryant.

Ahhh -- the contradictory preface. My ex-wife was a master. "I don't want to criticize you but...." "I'm not saying you're fat but..." "I'm not trying to be a b--ch but....".

The ultimate to me is from a Peanuts cartoon - probably one from the 1960s. Lucy is in her psychiatrist booth and Charlie Brown is, as always, sitting in front.

First panel: LUCY SAYS "Charlie Brown, can you take some constructive criticism?"

Second and third panel have Charlie Brown extolling the values of true friendship - after all only a true friend would take the time to give sincere criticism aimed at helping their friend to better himself.

Fourth Panel: LUCY SAYS "Well - you're kind of stupid"

Seriously though - it's really time for people to get past this whole racist thing. I've never understood it.

It's unfortunate, but most people want to work and live with others who are similar to them. Many times people see the "ski" in my name and begin acting like we're brothers or something. I could care less where my ancestors came from. I'm an American and I really don't care where your ancestors came from. I'll show you respect until you give me a reason not to and I expect the same in return.

I've seen whites try to avoid black neighborhoods and Blacks try to avoid Hispanic neighborhoods and Asians try to avoid Black and Hispanic neighborhoods and every combination in between. I guess it's something we all have in common. I think we all habor some racism deep down. Some are just more honest about it than others. I really don't care. I'll sell them a home wherever they feel comfortable.

I only encountered this once...I'm sure its alive and well in NY - but its just more insidious. Few will SAY it - but many think it.

That one encounter was memorable. It was a listing presentation in an area that I call the "wild west of Westchester real estate." Its a small geographic area and it appears to have a "bubble" over it where the usual rules of conduct do not apply. Not only wouldn't they sell to people who didn't "belong" they also expected at least $100k of the money to be in a briefcase in small (unmarked) bills! I hightailed it out of there as fast as I could!

It's so easy for people to add a "but" to anything they want to say but are in fear that soemone will not like. It's as if they believe that the but erases any wrongdoing that they say or do. It's disgusting.

BB, does your agent have a heavy accent? I wouldn't wish to use an agent with a difficult to understand accent.

I may be white but I have been called a Limey, I walked!

Racism, prejudices, diversity, equality, bigotry etc. Vessels to steer social constructs to predetermined destinations by a selective minority of special interest groups. Way over-rated and extremely destructive to society as a whole while we're pushed down the path to social justice.

I'll work with that redneck, with that racist with that bigot, with anyone I choose. There's a difference between allowing ones prejudices and philosophical opinions to interfere with our lawful duties to the point where we jeopardize our livelihoods and simply allowing people to express themselves in the manner they choose. This is still America where people are free to choose how to act, how to behave and how to live. God help us all if we build an apparatus that confines freedom to such a narrow corridor.

As far as it (heritage) "mattering" Just ask a black person, an Asian (me), a Hispanic, etc etc if it "matters". Bet'cha dimes to dollars it matters to them. In the realm of the real estate world and in terms of treating people fairly and equally under the law and according to the law we are all equal. But in terms of personal and or emotional beliefs systems put in place through familial social structure we are not and never will be equal. Every culture has pride in who they are. Go to Japan. To China. Russia. Australia. Are they watering down their heritage in a melting pot?...

Gene

I remember when I was around five years old, the men in the community would call my dad a "honk or honkey" for Hungarian. As coal miners, they had names for everyone.

BTW...Brian..What a hilarious photo....love the photo of you with new hairdu and what's with the teeth...please ...LOL

What does TLW think of the photo....I am still laughing.

I love living and working in South Florida because it's huge melting pot. My children are exposed to all walks of life and I love it. So far I've been fortunate enough not to have, what I feel are, ignorant comments or questions from a client.

Would you please stop with the Michael Jackson stuff already! Enough is enough!

Bucky...! :) LOL

We are all afforded the luxury of money being GREEN! It all spends the same miracuously!

Good point, I recently had a mortgage broker that I was friends with on Facebook post a racist joke - he promotes himself as a mortgage broker online with racist jokes? Seems like it might call into question whether or not he would follow fair housing guidelines. That was a quick "unfollow" on my part.

I have to share this article with this post!! Apparently a white supremicist ralley was over powered by a group of clowns - no literally!

Malita...I LOVE that!!! TOO funny! White Flour!!! :)

JUL

2009

Thanks, for this great post ( and the picture is priceless). All too true and we have to set some folks straight. I was told in a class at the board of Realtors here years ago, to say I only see one color, GREEN and that is for Money!

It is interesting how many people say things like, "Please don't let ________________ people buy your house. We are such a great neighborhood and ..... " People don't even care if they are racist. Some wear it as a badge.

Really great comments every body. I'm sorry I haven't been able to make it back here BUT I have read each and every comment as they came across my email.

By the way I didn't realize the title of my post was a MJ song until I posted. Must have been embedded in my head over the last 2 weeks!!!

Nothing makes my skin crawl more or makes me see red more than this. I wasn't brought up that way, and I refuse to participate in this type of behavior.

I am proud to be from a wonderful blend of cultures, Irish, Jewish, Latvian, RC, Swedish, Scottish and Canadian, you name it, I have it.

Great post BB, really. Thank you for being so honest and in your face with this.

JUL

2009

Well, I guess I'll just say hello since you won't be back (but I enjoyed your post and the ensuing comments).

Hi Susie :)

You're welcome Andrea!

JUL

2009

Hi BB,

This is a very important topic. I was thinking about this - again...In NY this type of prejudice is far more subtle and insidious. But it definitely is there - lurking under the surface. In some ways, it makes it worse - because although it exists - it does so in the shadows. It's elusive and fleeting - but it still does its damage.

Like Andrea, I too am a mix. My family is mostly German - with some British and Spanish/Cuban thrown in. I look very German (sans the blue eyes) so every once in a while someone will say something anti-hispanic to me. Guess they didn't notice my middle name (Garcia - my mother's maiden name.) OOPS!!

Will we move beyond it? I don't know. Whatever your politics - I have thought that having an African- American Secretary of State during the Bush years and an African American President now shows that we are at least headed in the right direction. Ten years ago, I wouldn't have thought it possible that a man with a name like Barack Obama would sit in the Oval Office in my lifetime. Yet here we are.

Perhaps the more baltant nature of prejudice is the result of "fear." Despite pockets of deep resentment and prejudice, protected minorities are taking their place at the upper levels of government. The movement forward has been relentless if slow - and fear becomes desperation.

When I look back at what things were like when I was a youngster - I must admit that we've come a long way - even though we still have a very loooooong way to go!

JUL

2009

As much as people try to defend it (I recently had to take a post down because of it) there is something known as reverse racism! I couldn't get a showing on a house because I was white and so where my clients. Really, really sad! But, I promise people we all bleed red and our tears are all the same! If we want to connect with other countries we need to fix our own first!

Todd Clark - www.LivingBeaverton.com

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Bryant Tutas Broker/REALTOR(R) Tutas Towne Realty, Inc

Poinciana, FL

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