At least on a biannual basis, a (white) influencer’s old Tweets or, in this case, an old image resurfaces online that showcases some past bigoted behaviors. When this occurs, commentary/ video essay channels push out videos discussing the event , condemning it (depending on what side on YouTube you’re on) and critiquing the apology. Notably, most of the commentary geared at condemnation is led by other white influencers–and while this is not inherently an issue for me, I believe there are so many things that go unsaid. When we’re talking about these sorts of bigoted acts–things that have been normalized in our cultures–there is much more to contend with than just that one influencer themselves.

Longtime friend of Kurtis Conner, Dean Hebscher has recently come under fire (again) due to a 2014 photo featuring himself in a wildly inappropriate and derogatory costume being unearthed. Many fans of Kurtis began to question his integrity for keeping a friend who seems to have some problematic tendencies. In response to this, commentator Kuncan Dastner (Duncan) created a video analyzing the connection between friends, personal responsibility and integrity.

In this video, we will utilize Duncan’s video as a way to explore some of my issues with how situations like this are often addressed. Join the conversation, and enjoy!

Other Required Readings:
Nickisnotgreen’s Response to the SuperMega Controversy is…Interesting    • Nickisnotgreen’s Response to the Supe...  
Colleen Ballinger: When the Mask Slips    • Colleen Ballinger: When the Mask Slips  
Patience Xina: Moderatism as a Disguise for Conservatism?    • Patience Xina: Moderatism as a Disgui...  
Noah Samsen, Patience Xina & The Little Mermaid Debacle    • Noah Samsen, Patience Xina & The Litt...  
Unpacking iDubbbz's Apology    • Unpacking iDubbbz's Apology  

Have video ideas or suggestions? Email me! [email protected]

Information regarding the discrimination of Romani people
http://www.errc.org/romarightsjourn...

Please check the sources document below for all materials mentioned in the video
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V...

Video Chapters
0:00 Introduction
2:48 Individualized Racism v Cultural Racism
11:51 Marginalized People’s “Silence”
28:06 Assuming Responsibility
34:05 White Liberal Paradox
35:58 Conclusion