Does the Blog World Have Color Barriers?
I don’t really write about controversial topics. You all may see me reference my faith here and there, but this is expected because you all know I’m a believer in Jesus Christ. I actually started to wonder about the experience of my readers and other bloggers when it comes to interacting with other bloggers within the blogosphere just this past week. So I am just wondering does the blog world have color barriers?
I hope this doesn’t sound like I’m in a bubble, but I honestly do not think about racism too often, except when it blatantly comes up. I’ve actually experienced more racism from people who consider themselves to be black more often than I can ever remember experiencing racism from someone who considers himself or herself to be white. But this stuff doesn’t matter to me. People have their own issues that have absolutely nothing to do with me.
I also know that there are some very close-minded people out there who are apart of creating glass ceilings for some exceptional people out in the world from progressing, and I’m aware that things like racial profiling and stereotyping do exist. I’m just not the type of person that reads into everything to decide if there is racism involved. In all things I try very hard not to jump to conclusions. Sometimes things are just not always what they seem. Other times, we have to take person by person or else we will find ourselves generalizing and perhaps doing what we are accusing others of doing when we call a group of people racist.
With that being said, I guess if there was a racial reason as to why someone hasn’t interacted with me in the blog world, I haven’t noticed it. It appears that my readership has people from all types of racial backgrounds and ethnicities which I love. I’m raising my son bilingual so you all can imagine how much I enjoy cultures and languages. But just because I’m a social butterfly and have interaction with people from all over, I realize that it doesn’t mean that these color barriers don’t exist.
If any of my readers have experienced blatant racism in the blog world, I feel so sorry about this. That is terrible. If you are under the impression that there is a racial barrier in the blog world as a blogger, perhaps you also just haven’t met the right group of people yet. I’ve expanded my network of blog friends so much since I created Homemaking With Style in August. The reason for this is because I noticed some interesting things about the blog world concerning who is following who and who has a lot of comments on their blogs. I know lots of them, but I won’t bore you all with the list. I’ll select 2 just to give you all an idea of where I’m going with this. Take lifestyle bloggers that I adore such as Tamara and Lanaya. I almost never miss a post from Tamara so I’m fairly certain that she doesn’t include any “how to” or “tip-like” posts. She is a great photographer and just really writes about her everyday life. Lanaya is the same except she will include an occasional review or “how to” post in the mix. What do the 2 bloggers have in common? Both have a lot of comments on their posts from all types of women and a huge following. After knowing them both virtually for months now I’ve received similar advice from the both of them which has been extremely helpful and I have learned so much just by watching them. Comment on other blogs and be engaging is what both have told me. They both support and consistently follow many other bloggers. Tamara once told me that you have to give in order to get in return and that in the beginning it may seem like you are giving giving giving with nothing in return. If you want more readers and support, isn’t it similar to what you find to be true in real life? Two very wise women said it best and to be completely honest, I’ve stalked their blogs and followed some of the same people who follow them and now some of their followers and readers have become some of my supporters and followers as well.
I don’t like hearing that people feel ignored. I guess I just love helping people and I always like for them to feel welcome. So feel free to email me or let me know in your comment if you would like more support or advice in this area, please!
I need to know what my readers think about this. I hope I’m not starting huge debates. I just know I’m only one perspective.
Do you feel like there are color barriers in the blog world?
Have you ever experienced racism in the blog world or in real life?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
XoXo,
I don't think I've really noticed any color barriers in the blog world–I have noticed a lot of interracial/cross-cultural couples on blogs–I know I'm often drawn to their stories because of my own struggles with marrying into a very different culture. But I know I"m definitely not only interested in people who are the "same" as me, because we're all different! And that's what makes life exciting!
Being biracial myself I've experienced racism in real life, not feeling truly accepted by either side. On forms where you have to indicate race (and they don't have multiple choice or multiracial options) I select other. I haven't experienced racism in the blog world and hope I never do!
I've never noticed racism in the blog world…personally I'm drawn to a wide variety of bloggers. I know racism is out there in real life, but I rarely see it, and for that I am glad.
I have to agree with a lot of what you stated. I unfortunately have experienced racism and discrimination in real life, and it sucks! Contrary to popular belief I did not experience in my beloved South. It wasn't until I moved to the DMV that I experienced such disrespect and racism. Fortunately, I have not experienced this in the blogging world. Maybe it's that we have more control over who we encounter, or perhaps the type of people who blog in our genres and niches are open minded and don't see color. Whichever one it is, I'm glad that the blogging world I consider myself a part of is a place where I've yet to experience that side of negativity.
I don't like to write on too much controversy either, this includes religion, politics, and race, but sometimes you have to address things. Behind all of these blogs are real people, which real experiences. I enjoyed reading your take on this subject matter and I'm glad we have similar experiences with it. I hope it stays that way! I'd also hope that my readers feel the same we feel.
I have totally not noticed this in the blog or writing world. I am so blessed to have gotten to know and call so many wonderful friends through blogging and writing, who are indeed from all walks of life. I was honestly raised not to look at a person and base them on their color, nationality, religion or anything else. So, in both my everyday life and in my online dealings I truly have friends from all different backgrounds and wouldn't have it any other way. My mom always actually told us that there is good and bad in all races. So, I still believe this to be true and just couldn't see myself being any other way.
I have totally not noticed this in the blog or writing world. I am so blessed to have gotten to know and call so many wonderful friends through blogging and writing, who are indeed from all walks of life. I was honestly raised not to look at a person and base them on their color, nationality, religion or anything else. So, in both my everyday life and in my online dealings I truly have friends from all different backgrounds and wouldn't have it any other way. My mom always actually told us that there is good and bad in all races. So, I still believe this to be true and just couldn't see myself being any other way.
What's funny is that people have often asked me to post "how to" and "tips" posts! It's just not my style, mostly, but maybe I will in the future. I generally save those for guest blogging on other blogs.
I do have a variety of blog readers and I visit a variety of blogs. I never really think about or notice racism or even race at all, and I hope against hope that people don't experience it in our blog world. I feel like blogging enables us to get to know each other from the inside out. So I know people's hearts and dreams, more than I know what they look like.
That said, I'm probably unaware of a lot.
I haven't experienced racism in my life, but I have witnessed it.
As for myself, I visit and comment on blogs that I enjoy the content of, regardless of the race of the author.
The internet is a microcosm of real life, though, so I am sure it happens sometimes. Overall though, I would consider most of the blog world to be very open-minded and inclusive. I am curious to hear other comments on this question to see what others have experienced.
What I've seen so far in the blogging world is many cultures reading, commenting and supporting each other. I think this is really cool how a person in one state or country can "get to know" another person from somewhere else with different cultures and customs. I also haven't seen any kind of posts that I feel are racial or discriminatory. If I did, I would immediately stop following them. Good post, Brittnei!
I think (and maybe I'm naive) are less color barriers in the blog world than IRL. But I also don't know if I'm the best person to be judging such a thing. But I do know that I've felt welcome at blogs from many different types of women, whether they be a different color or age than me, and I gladly welcome them to mine. Interesting subject.
I love Tamara's blog. I will have to check out Lanaya's.
I think (and maybe I'm naive) are less color barriers in the blog world than IRL. But I also don't know if I'm the best person to be judging such a thing. But I do know that I've felt welcome at blogs from many different types of women, whether they be a different color or age than me, and I gladly welcome them to mine. Interesting subject.
I love Tamara's blog. I will have to check out Lanaya's.
I've never experienced racism in the blogging world. I have not been blogging very long, but so far everyone has been really nice and very supportive. I think that mom bloggers are some of the nicest people that you will find on the internet. Whenever, I read a news article and happen to read some of the comments, there always seems to be a lot of people making rude comments. However, I think that since these people are anonymous they think it's ok to be rude. With us mom bloggers we are more interested in building relationships with one another and encouraging one another.
A bit off topic, but I don't see too many non-white or non-Asian bloggers. Maybe it's just the blog circles I run in? I don't really know. I'd like to read more blogs about immigrant experiences but I don't seem to find them.
Have a great week!
I'm not happy that you my new blogger BFF has experienced this. But I am glad you were honest with how you feel on my post because I honestly would love to ask someone who has experienced this more questions. You would be perfect for this. Feel free to come back and reply :).
Ok so I've been to blogs where it seems like the person will comment on what I say but they never come back to my blog and post a comment. Or I've been to ones who never post replies to the comments and those bloggers never or rarely stop over to my blog. I've also followed people who don't follow back. Many times, I fould this to be because they arent as active on that social media site so they end up following me way later or they are one of those people who doesn't follow back really (perhaps people they only know really well). Either way, there has never been anything that I can prove to say this has happened because of my race. Is this the type of stuff you're talking about? I'm just trying to understand how people can know any behavior by the blogger has to do with them not preferring to interact because of someone's race or class. Are you guys looking at who is commenting?
With some bloggers, I've also reached out to on social media and said things like "let's become comment love buddies" or I'll ask them to do ask away Friday with me and that has broken the ice and now I'm peachy with those bloggers. I'm just trying to understand this better because I never thought this way. I hope you get a chance to reply xoxo
Your story is pretty awesome. I haven't come into contact with a lot of interracial couples I don't think. Maybe a few. But I think it's very cool! We are all different with so many similarities at times. It's fun learning about other people
This is so true. Now how is it that Im not biracial but I've experienced similar to what you have experienced on one side – some who consider themselves to be black. I guess I'm not "black" enough for them. I honestly don't really care what people think these days concerns this. It stinks that you have experienced this too.
That's great you don't see it. I hear of things here and there. In my opinion, at times, the race card is pulled when there isn't evidence to say it was ever involved but that's just my opinion.
Yay, Tens! So glad that this hasn't happened to you in blogging. That is crazy though that it wasn't in the south that you experienced it. I'm glad for that but it just goes to show racism can come up anywhere. Thanks so much for your heartfelt comment!
So awesome your mom told you all this growing up. That definitely can shape how we view things and for you it seems like its the result of a very open mind towards everyone.
Im glad you don't post those sorts of things right now. I like that it feels like I get to know the real Tamara on your blog. You are so right about the blogging world. That's actually pretty cool if you ask me
Im glad you don't post those sorts of things right now. I like that it feels like I get to know the real Tamara on your blog. You are so right about the blogging world. That's actually pretty cool if you ask me
I'm on the same page with you here. I was hoping it could start a great dialogue about it. I've heard several people say it has happened to them and it made me want to write this post. I guess we will find out, hopefully.
Thank you so much! I thought I saw what you are seeing. I hope if someone feels otherwise they will say it. I guess the racist people won't say anything. Depending on how they said it, I wouldn't approve their comment lol
Yea Lanaya is awesome. I think anyone could experience racism so I think you would be perfect to judge this. Most people assume blacks to be the ones to receive it most but I think a lot more black people are racist than we think and because of history it goes under the radar. I avoid all racists as best I can. I love everyone but I don't like hearing people speak derrogatory about any group of people or person so I can certainly love from a distance.
It's so funny you say this. My ex boyfriend was racist. It is part of the reason why I knew he wasn't the one. He made a huge deal about me having dated a white guy when I was in high school. He said it was just disgusting and didn't want to look or touch me after he found out for a period of time. I forgot all about that until I read your comment. So weird!
I agree about mom bloggers. Woohoo! I never noticed that about other types of articles. Depending on how someone said something negative on my post I wouldn't approve it. It's the beauty of comments going in moderation lol!
Really? I think it's the circles you've run into for sure. Wow I've never seen a blog about immigration experiences either. That would be interesting.
Isn't it odd that of all the things in the world, even now, some people can't get past that. You are a very beautiful woman and I cannot imagine what type of guy would turn you down for that reason. My friend and I joke about her "black" being contagious, like some people think its going to get on them or something. It's just so strange to know people are that way. Another friend of mine has told me that black people are "racist" like, according to skin color among themselves. I can't imagine why anyone would do that if they already have to deal with that anyway. My son faced it in Korea. To the Koreans he was too white, to the white kids (here and there) he's too Korean. It just boggles my mind.
Isn't it odd that of all the things in the world, even now, some people can't get past that. You are a very beautiful woman and I cannot imagine what type of guy would turn you down for that reason. My friend and I joke about her "black" being contagious, like some people think its going to get on them or something. It's just so strange to know people are that way. Another friend of mine has told me that black people are "racist" like, according to skin color among themselves. I can't imagine why anyone would do that if they already have to deal with that anyway. My son faced it in Korea. To the Koreans he was too white, to the white kids (here and there) he's too Korean. It just boggles my mind.
I haven't experienced blatant racism in real life. I've mostly experienced the looks and stares of people from other races. It's mainly a look of confusion for the most part but that's a conversation all by itself. I would say that the blogging world is a little clicky. Maybe not by race but it is definitely clicky. You notice what bloggers follow each other and sometimes (because I've tried) no matter how many posts of their's you read and comment on you're just not going to get that support back. Maybe it could be your content or blog style but I tend to disagree…
I love Tamara's blog too.
I have experienced racism in AND out of the blog world, there isn't any kind of balance when it comes to race. However, my experience has been 99% great so I have no complaints. They gave great advice, just keep visiting and commenting and building your own tribe! you will reap the benefits before you know it.
I agree that the more you give the more you'll receive but it's not even. What I've seen in the blogging world is that some people are better at connecting, nurturing and maintaining connections and others aren't. I truly hope that there isn't a racial component, or bigotry in any form, but if there is I'm oblivious to it.
I haven't noticed any racism in blogging, but I don't know how you would notice unless someone made a racist comment or didn't follow someone because of their race. But then you probably wouldn't know if they were being racist because they weren't following you. Now, I will say if someone is a controversial blogger then maybe they would post about things that are negative and race related, but I'd really hope that those people don't have too many followers
To me it's all about content and what the blogger is writing about that attracts me to their blog, no matter what they look like.
Have a great week Brittnei!
xoxo
I haven't seen or experienced racism in blogging. Sadly, it probably does exist, but I feel so fortunate to be part of such a supportive group of bloggers. I love that I have such a diverse group of blogs that I'm loyal too – it's an experience that is much harder to replicate "in real life."
It's so funny that you bring up people staring. Before I went to Spain, my spanish professor warned us about the Spaniards that would stare. He said most do it because it is not necessarily rude in their culture to. I prepared myself for that. It wasn't too bad.
You are right about the clicks though in the blog world. People create what I've heard them say "tribes." But the tribes are a group where support is reciprocated between all of them. That's great for them, but not too great for the person who is trying to get to know people in the tribe that won't go outside of that to connect with other bloggers. I think people need to work on balance sometimes. I agree with you, though. I'm a wife and mom and I have priorities. After commenting several times with no love back, I may never return to that blog again because I just don't have time. There are so many other bloggers out there who want to connect with me so I just move on.
It's so funny that you bring up people staring. Before I went to Spain, my spanish professor warned us about the Spaniards that would stare. He said most do it because it is not necessarily rude in their culture to. I prepared myself for that. It wasn't too bad.
You are right about the clicks though in the blog world. People create what I've heard them say "tribes." But the tribes are a group where support is reciprocated between all of them. That's great for them, but not too great for the person who is trying to get to know people in the tribe that won't go outside of that to connect with other bloggers. I think people need to work on balance sometimes. I agree with you, though. I'm a wife and mom and I have priorities. After commenting several times with no love back, I may never return to that blog again because I just don't have time. There are so many other bloggers out there who want to connect with me so I just move on.
I hate that you've had to experience racism in both places. Like Tamara said, the blog world allows for you to get to know people from the inside out. But I know it's inevitable to be in the blog world since the blogs have real people behind them and unfortunately in our real world, racism still exists. I think I have started reaping some of the benefits, Nellie, and I am really so glad that I've just kept at it. I love blogging so much now so I will continue!
I agree with you here. Sometimes someone's flaw in being consistent in connecting can possibly be misinterpreted. It's the reason why I try not to take things so personal. I've learned so many times that things aren't always what they seem and many times it's not always as bad as it looks.
Tiffany, this is exactly why I would have loved to hear from people who have experienced something just from visitng a blog. I know a lot of my blogger friends have gone to conferences though so they have had a chance to meet people in real life. Some things could be more apparent at that point, I guess. I would love for those who have felt it just from visiting a blog a few times to explain how they came to the conclusion that what they were feeling was because of race. If the person isn't writing anything related to it or doesn't make any comments, how do you know? For all we know, they could be not responding to you because they haven't found the time (which I've noticed in most cases to be true) or the person is just not interested in connecting with any more bloggers outside of their regular blogs they comment on and follow. It's so hard to tell. I think in many cases it's what my girl Tia said and it comes off to be a bit "clicky." I don't think people always mean to not interact with new visitors, but it does happen sometimes.
I love this about blogging as well! I guess people just have to keep connecting because we learn so much about people (racisit and all) through their blogs. It sounds like none of my readers would want to connect with people like that and I certainly agree.
Lanaya, I feel the same way! I hope it was a way for bloggers who have gotten some racist vibes from others to really see there are some great bloggers out there and to just keep connecting with people and not to give up. It pains me to see that racism has to even come up or that people have to feel unwelcome even in the blog world. Thanks so much for all the compliments on this post! I am flattered receiving a compliment like that from you.
Love- this post is well written & I hope you know there's a whole bunch of us that are cheering for you! I'm definitely going to be praying for you & your sweet heart. This post kinda saddens me, but, I can see your point of view & concerns. As you know I absolutely adore Tamara, she's my blogging "Sweet T" & I read Raising Reagan & I guess I had a blonde moment & never put two & two together that is Lanaya, well I'll be… just know that you will always have my support & I'm an email away, you got it? XOXO.
I'm haven't had to deal with any racism in the blogger world. Hope I never will. So everyone has been super nice. But it's 2013 and we still deal with racism in every day life. But, 2013 and racism is out there.
Well, I hope you don't have to deal with any racist comments.
I've not experienced any racism while blogging. The real world… another story altogether! But I've found that, like you said, it's not right to generalize. Some people really do have color issues, regardless of their race. Some of the most racist comments I've heard have been from fellow blacks. But I see it as a learning experience. I can be forgiving and move on, or stay stuck on someone else's hatred for me and gain absolutely nothing but a hard heart!
I've not experienced any racism while blogging. The real world… another story altogether! But I've found that, like you said, it's not right to generalize. Some people really do have color issues, regardless of their race. Some of the most racist comments I've heard have been from fellow blacks. But I see it as a learning experience. I can be forgiving and move on, or stay stuck on someone else's hatred for me and gain absolutely nothing but a hard heart!
Thank you for the compliment dear. When I was talking about having experienced racism with others who consider themselves to be black that was exactly what I was referring to. People discriminating based on light and darker skinned. It's horrible.
Aw Amber! You are definitely a favorite. You are so supportive and I love it!
That is so true. Even though many haven't experienced it, you know it's possible someone will because of what happens in real life. That really pains me. I guess it what becomes of being so tender hearted.
Well said, Allison. We feel exactly the same way!
What an awesome post, Brittnei! I have seen racism, sadly my grandmother was to some degree. For me personally, I try to like everyone, unless they are boneheads…and those truly come in every shape, size, and color. My absolute favorite part of the blogging world is getting to know so many wonderful people from all walks of life, it truly allows so many doors of knowledge to be opened. My biggest problem is finding the time to read and comment on all of my faves. That would be the one bit of curiosity that I have, is how do they fit it all in!?! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
I think it depends on your blogging goals. In order to find a balance I guess people don't lend themselves to too many things that will hinder there ability to follow certain blogs and really show support by sharing and commenting on those posts. I had to cut down on how many linky parties I hosted and how many parties I participated in to do this for sure.
This is an interesting topic! I think that, like someone said, the blog world reflects the real world. When I first started focusing my blog on running and fitness / food, I did notice that most of the bloggers I would see others link to or reference didn't look like me. In terms of healthy living bloggers with the most "exposure", most of those women don't look like me either. However, I don't think that is an indication of racism. I've developed great relationships with a variety of women through blogging and while not trying to discount anyone's experiences, I think that the community is by and large, open and friendly and welcoming!
Hey Courtney! I so agree with what you are saying. It is unfortunate that racism still exists in both worlds, but you're right as you keep growing and connecting in blogging you can see how open and friendly the community really is.
Im late but I decided to read this again because it popped in my twitter feed! Yeah its crazy how some people are so welcoming then others dont want anything to do with you. One of the main reasons I LOVE the #AskAwayFriday linkup is due to the diversity of the linkup, and the support! I have NEVER particiapted in a link up that everyone really takes the time to link up and comment and support each other after that! I even get comments throughout the week from bloggers…due to the #AskAwayFriday leading them my way!
I'm just pretty oblivious to everything. I have this weird filter that makes me see the positive and ignore the negative. I never thought I was bullied in school nor did I think I had met a bully nor do I think I was a bully. So when it comes to anything like this I just don't see it when it is my own environment. I do get it when I read things in newspapers though.
I'm just pretty oblivious to everything. I have this weird filter that makes me see the positive and ignore the negative. I never thought I was bullied in school nor did I think I had met a bully nor do I think I was a bully. So when it comes to anything like this I just don't see it when it is my own environment. I do get it when I read things in newspapers though.
I haven't notice any racism in the blogging world directed at me. But your post has definitely got all of us talking.
Yay! This was a hot topic! After learning that you've been blogging for 5 years, that's so great to hear, girly. xoxo
Yay! This was a hot topic! After learning that you've been blogging for 5 years, that's so great to hear, girly. xoxo
Hey beautiful! Thank you for stopping by to show us our perspective! xoxo
I'm Puerto Rican, but I haven't noticed anything yet. I don't thing the blogosphere forces you to interact with people of other races or ethnicities, so maybe that's where it differs from the real world. I've had enough of it in the real world. I'd hate to experience it in this world, which is my creative outlet.
I really appreciate this post.
You are so welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by and letting us know your experience thus far!