Although Macklemore and Lipsitz have chosen different methods of relaying their message, they come to a consensus at some point. Lipsitz’s article is a critical analysis and criticism of the ill behavior that surrounds whites on their perspective to black people. On the other hand, Macklemore has chosen his song as a platform over which he delivers his message. The two individuals have been able to come into a common thought that racism has gained roots, with whites being superior over blacks. It is clear from their different presentations that they are aware of the difference between whites and blacks.
Lipsitz brings to senses that whites are the owners of wealth and means to increase on their wealth. He also views whiteness as dominant over people of other colors in terms of decision making. Black men have no chance of making decisions in the country. This is because; the leadership of the country is dominated by whites who determine what happens. While Whites are exposed to quality living, blacks and people of other colors are left to rot in wasteful areas. From Lipsitz article “ Nationwide, 60 percent of African Americans and Latinos subsist in communities with unrestrained toxic dissipate sites” (Lipsitz, 1995). This inequality is manifested by Macklemore in his song as he says “ but we still owe ‘em 40 acres now we’ve stolen their 16 bars” (Macklemore, 2012).
The two individuals come to an agreement that white people are selfish. They are willing to build empires, which are only beneficial to them and not to the others in the public. Lipsitz describes whites as people who are out to let wealth and privileges revolve around the community without extending a hand to the rest of the society. he says that for people of colors to make a fortune in the united states have to have some connections with the leadership of the whites. However, this has to come with an extension of favors between the parties involved.” Aggrieved communities of color have often curried favor with whites in order to make gains at each other’s expense” (Lipsitz, 1995). As a support to this Macklemore, compares himself with Eminem who is a black man reaping benefits from his fellow color men. He says that he is gaining from a culture that he id not create. This means that there are some benefits that he is gathering from the black community. “and he is taking away black artists’ profits I look just like him claimed a culture that wasn’t mine” (Macklemore, 2012).
The two individuals heavily claim there is dominance of the whites over the rest of the American society. Favors are given depending on your color. This has resulted to separation of whites and blacks. The whites determine what the blacks should do. They believe that white men should be under them and should never live a more comfortable life than them. Lipsitz puts it very clear that there is dominance of racism in the US community, where whites are superior and should own blacks in terms of production and leadership. He argues that “the long history of the possessive investment in whiteness stems in no small measure from the fact that all subsequent immigrants to North America have come to an already racialized society” (Lipsitz, 1995). Macklemore, says that white culture has dominated his career, indicating that blacks have no chance in making good living in this highly dominated society by the American culture. In his song he says that “where’s my place in a music that’s been taken by my race cultural appropriated by the white face” (Macklemore, 2012).
Lipsitz and Macklemore bring in arguments that bring them to the same point of argument that there are massive difference between whites and the rest of the colors in the American society. Favors are extended across the dominant white race. They are both begging for a change on how racism has dominated the society.
Work cited
Lipsitz, George . "The Possessive Investment in Whiteness." American Quarterly 47.3 (1995): 369-387. Print.
Macklemore.. "Community Central:Not a valid Wikia - Wikia Community Central." Community Central:Not a valid Wikia - Wikia Community Central. N.p., 12 Feb. 2012. Web. 7 Dec. 2012.
