The Estrogen Project

your blog is just plain awesome. its raw…its not lie some feminist blogs that are contradicting and actually indirectly sexist towards men. i also like that you include race and art…those issues are just as important as sexism. thank u for inspiring me tonight

Was Kurt Cobain the last cool white guy on earth?

I’ll be honest—there’s not that many dead white men who I look up to, let alone become fascinated by. Most of the time I can’t relate, and too many of those dead white heroes tend to fall into the racist-sexist-classist category, those who have exploited people of color, especially women of color: I need not mention the likes of Jefferson, Washington, Columbus, Reagan, and other crusty-faced men occupying the pages of U.S. textbooks. America, in true racist and sexist fashion, tends to elevate the accomplishments and achievements of white men over non-whites in history. 

Enter Kurt Cobain. Kurt, the angry, grungy, white kid from Aberdeen, Washington, captured my attention in a way that no other white guy has done. An outspoken anti-racist, pro-feminist, pro-gay rocker, he remained outspoken on his political beliefs, even in the face of mainstream success. Along with bringing a new sound to rock music, he brought a new consciousness with the social power he acquired, which set him apart from other white male front men at the time. Cobain wrote frequently in his journal about eradicating sexism from the rock scene, as well as shunning sexists and racists away from buying Nirvana’s albums or coming to their shows. He even refused to go on tour with Guns n’ Roses, as he believed Axel Rose to be a racist and homophobe.  In other words, Kurt actively dissociated himself from the institution of white supremacist patriarchy. 

It’s hard for me to develop a consistent connection with straight white men. Even in the few friendships I’ve established in the past, I must admit that I’m somewhat wary, as the looming factor of white male privilege forms an invisible barrier between us that prevents complete understanding. Too often has been my experience that young white dudes my age, unless incredibly aware and well versed on the trappings of institutional racism and the social, political, and economic advantage it affords them, do not easily relinquish their subconscious investment in the system. To date, my easiest friendships have been with people of color, queer identified, and female-bodied women, as there is a common bond that we can somewhat relate to in terms of being outcasts. 

While Kurt relished in fucking up the racial and gender paradigm that dominated rock music, white guys like him seem to be few and far between. As we move towards a new America, one where white men will increasingly become the minority, will there be a new shift in white male identity? Or will there actively be resurgence in white power/supremacist movements, as the presence of people of color, gays and women threaten the racist social order? Why are there few visible white male allies, even though we supposedly live in a post-racial America? 

If more white guys were as angry, rebellious, self-critical about their stake in oppression and bad-ass as Kurt was, aligning themselves with the politically disenfranchised, shit would indeed be slightly cooler. 

“If you’re a sexist, racist, homophobe, or basically an asshole, don’t buy this CD. I don’t care if you like me, I fucking hate you.” 

Word. 

Thank you.

Your blog makes me happy and have hope.  I could go on, but that would be a treatise.  I needed what you’ve been posting.