Racism

[nudeyorker]

I've said this before on the subject in other threads but I think it bears repeating. I don't see color or religion unless someone throws it in my face and forces me to acknowledge our individual differences; in that mine are wrong by being contrary. What I do see immediately in people is their intelligence, common sense, integrity, honesty and empathy. These are where my prejudices start and end for the most part.
It's a big bad unfair world sometime but something that I learned when I was very young is that you can't make people be more than they are.

 

[naughty]

Yes. Thanks. I find it bizarre that this was happening in the US so little time ago.

I appreciate that people are proud of their heritage, but maybe until people just say that they are American, as opposed to anything else, there will be an endemic racial division. Maybe we should just say fine, race is important, as important as nationality, gender, faith etc etc. I personally don't think so. You're a Female-Christian-African-American. I am a Male-Atheist-sheepshaggin-European. We're made for each other :biggrin1:

Then I would rather look for things that bring us together rather than push us apart.

I think that most people would like that, Drifterwood. The issue is that until the elephant in the room is dealt with honestly we will never be able to get past this. The reason there are Hispanic , Native American, Pacific Islander and Black History months is because their histories have not been really included in the mainstream history of America. This is just one example of the power of the majority. Until this is dealt with we will never have true parity.

 

[naughty]

Comedians, in certain ways, are some of the best people to speak on the subject of race. For starters, they can touch on the volatile subject in a way where people are more accepting to criticism. They also can point out the absurdity fueling many racist sentiments by turning it into a joke. With the exception of poetry, stand up comedy is probably one of the purest and most honest forms of expression left in our society today. Which is not to say that either one of the art forms can't be manipulated to push an agenda, but if someone wanted to go on stage and talk about how weird they are they can... and it's accepted.

Many of the open forums that try to promote an "honest discussion" about race get caught up in trying to force people to adhere to an ethical standard of decency. The concept of decency will differ from person to person anyhow, so you're already working at a disadvantage. It also alienates those who may not be able to articulate their views as eloquently as the next person. When people are too worried about looking intelligent, it prevents some people from being truly honest about their feelings.

That is a very good point.

 

[Xcuze]

Xcuse,

we can go back and forth all day.there really may not be any opportunity to see what Hickboy is trying to say.

I did read and understand what he said. But implying "black people" are not capable of fitting ANY of those dictionaries definition is just ridiculous. Can you not see that attaching a words meaning to the colour of a persons skin is in itself racist?

If not, I give up.

He asked for peoples definition, I gave it.

 

[captain garbonzo]

Racism starts on a personal level. It may go past a personal level but that's where it starts. The goal -if it is ever to be reached, which I doubt- is to wipe out racism at it's starting point.

ANYTIME that ANYONE of ANY race or color is discriminated against because of race and color, that's racism. That's the bottom line.


What has happened in the past does not give ANYONE an excuse to use double standards. If anyone truly wants peace and justice, there cannot be double standards. Acknowledge the past but don't use it as an excuse. Look forward and make changes that you want to see, starting with yourself.

 

[Drifterwood]

I think that most people would like that, Drifterwood. The issue is that until the elephant in the room is dealt with honestly we will never be able to get past this. The reason there are Hispanic , Native American, Pacific Islander and Black History months is because their histories have not been really included in the mainstream history of America. This is just one example of the power of the majority. Until this is dealt with we will never have true parity.

Yes, again. My concern is not only about those from a position of power who feed off prejudice, but also those from the "minority" who promote division. Would you say that Jesse Jackson crossed that line from time to time as suited his own political career?

We have an election coming in the UK. Our "socialist" party leader, G Brown (current Prime Minister) is trying to ignite old class war issues. This is deeply offensive to me.

 

[naughty]

I did read and understand what he said. But implying "black people" are not capable of fitting ANY of those dictionaries definition is just ridiculous. Can you not see that attaching a words meaning to the colour of a persons skin is in itself racist?

If not, I give up.

He asked for peoples definition, I gave it.

LEt us agree that Racism if you use all three definitions fit both your idea of racism and of my idea of racism, separate but equal.. Bigoted and prejudiced fit all.

 

[naughty]

Yes, again. My concern is not only about those from a position of power who feed off prejudice, but also those from the "minority" who promote division. Would you say that Jesse Jackson crossed that line from time to time as suited his own political career?

We have an election coming in the UK. Our "socialist" party leader, G Brown (current Prime Minister) is trying to ignite old class war issues. This is deeply offensive to me.

Yes, there are always those who use division for personal gain. Yes, unfortunately Rev. Jackson and Rev. Sharpton have both come to prominence for keeping the flame alive. Old warriors die hard.

 

[naughty]

Let me lay this out on the table. I do NOT think it is right to call others perjorative names regardless of the age,race,rank or affiliation. Bad behavior is bad behavior, period. I am not defending the use of name calling by anyone. Even if I feel so vexed! :smile:

 

[B_Hickboy]

White guilt refers to the concept of individual or collective guilt often said to be felt by some White people for the racist treatment of people of color by Whites both historically and presently.[1] The term is generally used in a pejorative way (and in a partisan fashion within American political circles).
White guilt has been described as one of several psychosocial costs of racism for White individuals along with the ability to have empathic reactions towards racism, and fear of non-Whites

Yes, thanks for that. It clearly illustrates that because you don't have to think about it, you haven't. All you've done is search for a Wikipedia definition of a label and used it in an attempt to vandalize what could, in spite of your efforts to the contrary, become a legitimate discussion.

I'm more interested in your ability to think and present a coherent argument than I am in your ability to cut and paste items you've lifted out of context from other web sites. Or do you just not have any ideas of your own?

 

[Mem]

Yes, thanks for that. It clearly illustrates that because you don't have to think about it, you haven't. All you've done is search for a Wikipedia definition of a label and used it in an attempt to vandalize what could, in spite of your efforts to the contrary, become a legitimate discussion.

I'm more interested in your ability to think and present a coherent argument than I am in your ability to cut and paste items you've lifted out of context from other web sites. Or do you just not have any ideas of your own?

Just so you know, I couldn't care less what your opinion of me is.

I'm sure you don't care about my opinion of you, but here it goes. Most of your threads are troll-like, and I get that your intention is to be goofy or offbeat. If a new member posted the same thing they would quickly be banned. Someone told me that they thought your posts were funny, but I don't see it.

 

[B_Hickboy]

Just so you know, I couldn't care less what your opinion of me is.

I'm sure you don't care about my opinion of you, but here it goes. Most of your threads are troll-like, and I get that your intention is to be goofy or offbeat. If a new member posted the same thing they would quickly be banned. Someone told me that they thought your post were funny, but I don't see it.

You are correct.

 

[B_starinvestor]

rac·ism

1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement,usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

Hitler, Milosevic

2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.

Apartheid, segregationism

3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

This is where the ambiguity widens. Perceived intolerance? Or demonstrated intolerance?

Some are intolerant of a specific type of behavior. Is that racism if that behavior is predominantly demonstrated outside of one's race? Or is that simply considered a personal preference with a coincidental relationship? I would say the latter.

I know seniors that have and always will hate Japan and Germany because of WW II. Are they considered racist vs. Germans and Japanese? I suppose under #3 they are. That is, they don't think they are superior; but they are intolerant.

tricky subject.

 

[B_theOtherJJ]

I can only speak for myself. I am not RACIST....

I hate everyone, therefore its OK....

 

[mitchymo]

I can only speak for myself. I am not RACIST....

I hate everyone, therefore its OK....

Your credibility rating has just plummeted another 10 points to -127 :biggrin1:

 

[midlifebear]

Hmmm. . . I've been called a "dried up old faggot" and a "queer with a shriveled cock" by LPSG-ers. No one ever batted an eye or bothered to worry whether that was politically incorrect as "racism." But I'm willing to own the words faggot and queer. Their mine. I've earned them. But I've never earned the right to use racial epithets. I don't think anyone else has, either.

What I find most annoying are the LPSG-ers who have been previously been banned for racist/politically incorrect remarks and then allowed to return and then allowed to write "around" the reality that they are racist without using an outright racist remark. Still, they are allowed to cast topic threads and posts in such a way that it's obvious they are race baiting. Amusing double standard.

 

[RandomLust]

My definition of racism is noticing in any way that somehow someone is different from you based on physical characteristics and acting negatively on those differences.

 

[Drifterwood]

Amusing double standard.

I would love to have a fuckfest on double standards.

Sadly, they are rarely amusing beyond the observation. I think it is one of my markers on true intelligence.

 

[surferboy]

anecdote time!

i was at publix yesterday, yah? there was an older white lady checking out (60-65), behind her a 30-something year old black dude and his 2 year old son, and me. well, the lady finished her transaction, turns to the child, and goes "aren't you a cute little monkey?"

WTF

 

[B_VinylBoy]

anecdote time!

i was at publix yesterday, yah? there was an older white lady checking out (60-65), behind her a 30-something year old black dude and his 2 year old son, and me. well, the lady finished her transaction, turns to the child, and goes "aren't you a cute little monkey?"

WTF

I honestly wouldn't be too offended by that. It's apparent that the old lady didn't mean that to be mean, even if the selection of words wasn't the best.