Stuff White People Like

author interview

Q&A with Christian Lander:
How did you decide to start the Stuff White People Like blog?
My friend Myles Valentin and I were talking over IM about the TV show The Wire. Myles said he didn’t trust any white people who did not watch the show. Somehow we ended up talking about what they were doing instead of watching it and we came up with answers like “yoga,” “plays,” “getting divorced,” and “therapy.” I thought it was a funny idea for a blog and signed up for one at wordpress.com and just started writing.

You have over 30 million hits, did you ever think it would be this popular?
No. I started it with the hopes that maybe 10 of my friends would read it. I never expected it to be read by this many people.

Are you racist against white people?
Not outwardly.

Why do you think some people perceive the blog as racist?
Mostly because it’s fundamentally about stereotypes and people have been conditioned to automatically react to a stereotype as an awful thing. In most cases, they would be right. But this blog is not filled with hateful or negative stereotypes and it’s not meant to incite anger or demean white people.

Is the blog really about race or is it more about money and social status?
It’s partially about race, but it’s fundamentally about class. It’s about a generation and class that values authenticity and credibility more than monetary wealth.

Is “white” a synonym for “bland”?
No! White people have done many spicy things - both good and bad.

Do you consider yourself a comedian or a social critic?
Do I sound like a jerk for saying Comedian?

What are the worst suggestions you’ve received on your blog?
Mayonnaise and “stuffwhitepeoplelike.com”

What thing do white people like the most?
Organic food.

Any advice for people who want to be internet famous?
Don’t try. People can smell desperation, you have to create something that you like and you honestly cannot set out hoping for success - it’s your first step to failure.