Don't Call Me White

NOFX's song 'Don't Call Me White' is a powerful declaration against the oversimplification and stereotyping of individuals based on their race. The repeated refrain 'Don't call me white!' serves as a vehement rejection of the label and all the negative connotations that come with it. The song delves into the frustration and anger that arise from being pigeonholed and judged solely on the basis of skin color. The lyrics suggest that such labels are not only reductive but also harmful, as they perpetuate stereotypes and breed malice and spite.

The song's verses further explore the personal impact of these labels. The line 'I wasn't brought here, I was born' emphasizes the artist's individuality and the unfairness of being judged for something as arbitrary as skin color. The mention of being 'circumcised, categorized, allegiance sworn' highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed on individuals from birth. The artist rejects the notion that he should be held accountable for the actions or attitudes of others who share his skin color, asserting his identity as 'just your average Joe.'

In the latter part of the song, NOFX critiques the societal norms and expectations associated with being 'white.' The imagery of 'soap shoved in your mouth to cleanse the mind' and 'a buttoned collar, starched and bleached' paints a picture of conformity and repression. The artist rejects this 'ordinary' and 'constricting' identity, advocating for individuality and self-acceptance. The defiant tone of the song is encapsulated in the lines 'So go ahead and label me an asshole 'cause I can accept responsibility for what I've done, but not for who I am.' This powerful statement underscores the artist's refusal to be defined by societal labels and his insistence on being seen as an individual rather than a stereotype.