Racism is alive the world over, not just in the USA. It seems to be a natural instinct.. "birds of a feather" kind of thing, you know? I just wish more humans were able to moreeffectively utilize their human skills that separate us from the animal kingdom and rise above that kind of animalistic behavior. It's disgusting.
I hate to say it, but I'm filled with a sense of pride when I think of my own views against racism.. and when I watch a show or movie that portrays people overcoming racial boundaries and befriending, etc - the reason that I hate to say it is because I'd much rather it be a NON-issue than to be an issue to be proud of rising above..
There are too many people in the world to reach them all.. too many bad experiences, too much hatred, generations of angst, emotional connections to blood ties and revenge.. it'll never end until the cataclysmic destruction of life as a whole.. then the few remaining would probably find some sense of brotherhood amongst themselves.
But this is, indeed, a rather negative topic for a reality TV show If you use something like Joe Millionaire as an example where rather quickly all but the white girls were eliminated from the competition - maybe some would like to pint the finger at racism, but others would argue that it's just, plain preference. Not everyone has "exotic" preferences... could go either way I suppose
How does this relate to Married by America? but to answer your question, yes there is racism and there will always be racism, but it is not a bad as it used to be
It is a fact that in the entire Vietnam War we did not lose one major battle. We lost the war at home... and at home, John Kerry was the Field General."
who's talking about racism relating to Married by America
not me I'm talking of RACISM and how it relates to life!The one your living not watching on TV!
Racism is the most over used word in america today. Racism is not as prevelant as it once was where as one thinks he is superrior because of the color of skin. now prejudice on the other hand is alive and well , and always will be. To prejudge someone based on sterotypes is comon, and will never go away. Now in our new politically correct world we live in we pretend these stero types dont exsists, but lets face it cultural divide is the main thing. I am not going to associate witha group of people i have nothing in comon with. But as long as i dont infringe on their rights what does it matter? Im sick of this word and the Minority groups who abuse the word everytime they dont get their way. I am sick of certain groups attacking historical symbols and historical figures because of something they did 150 years ago. You know what i mean. It is the minority groups who force this divide. Attacking white historical symbols is not going to win them any freinds. I will not pretend like we are a global village. There are simply certain cultures i find backwards and have no desire to associate with them. I know thats insensative in these politically correct times, but im not from these times. Thanks
I agree with everything that Rebel said. I would also like to add something else.
There are a lot of good people out there that are working to bring the races together in peaceful harmony and to create an understanding between the races. These people are saying "Look we shouldn't be seperated from each other just because our skin color is different." But we never hear about this in the news all we hear about is how crappy race relations are. I read an editorial in Newsweek about this once.
The guy wrote about a black man that was dying from cancer in the hospital. Every week he looked foward to hearing one of the white volunteers come into his room and play his guitar and sing to him. This was one of the few happy moments the dying man enjoyed in life. The two became ended up becoming great friends.
This is a great example of how race relations in this country aren't as bad as people make it out to be. The two men didn't care about the others color, they shared one thing the love of music and with that they were able to break down the color barrier.
I believe minority groups keep racism alive because they benefit from keeping it alive. They get special rights that whites don't get. They get financial rights and grants, and can reverse discriminate all they want without fear of legal consequences.
Why should they stop racism themselves when they get paid to be victims?
I don't buy the minority laws one bit. I cannot have a conversation with a minority without them complaining about something that happened 200 years ago. And they seem to end up somewhere in their conversations saying "you know how it is for us....."
I was not there 200 years ago, and neither was anyone alive today, so get over it.
It's all a crutch to get benefits and sympathy. And as for racism against whites, you can bet it exists. If you want to be a victim and get benefits and complain about something a generation did years and years ago, then don't expect to maintain friendships very long (except by those who also complain) as it is sickening to hear about it every single day.
I would rather associate with people who are able to overcome obstacles and quit harping on it. It's like asking a hypochondriac how they are doing....only you don't they are one until you ask them. They never stop with their aches and pains. That's what minority groups remind me of. They don't want things to get better. If they did, they wouldn't keep suing people who don't give them their way on everything.
I got tired of being politically correct. I speak bluntly to them now. I tell them I wasn't there when slavery existed, and I'm not a part of it today. We could all be victims of something and have crutches.
Kookaburra left INReview
Last edited by Kookaburra on 01-04-2004 at 03:34 AM |
Racism is still a problem in our society, so is any type of discrimination. Listening to the press is not a way to form one's opinion. The press is biased against anything they can sensationilize.
People routinely judge bad behavior by the first thing they can see, skin color, nationality. That is what people do. I have met people from many countries and cultures.
The one fact I have found to be true is, a jerk is a jerk regardless of their color or culture.
There are many wonderful people who are minorities and they get lumped into the category of the jerks who are minorities. That is so wrong.
So the next time you meet someone who is a minority, or a foriegner, a surly bank clerk, an annoying government employee, a bratty kid. And they do something rude. Remember there is always a nice minority, or foriegner, a helpful bank clerk, a nice government employee, and a respectful kid.
Don't interact with individuals you don't like, and don't judge an entire race on a handful of people, you loose out on wonderful life experiences.
I believe that music is the ultimate expression of my soul.
For every facet of my humanity, there is a sound that can touch my soul, in a way that words cannot express. ---Outsider
n
1: The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2: Discrimination or prejudice based on race.
racist adj. & n.
racism
n
1: the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races
2: discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race
[syn: racialism]
.....................
I think the edges of things may be blurring a little here. We may be confusing actions and activities, organized or otherwise, of some so-called minorities with racism.
Defined as per above, racism is making judgements and decisions about someone of a given race based strictly on race.
That being the case, and based on what many of you have said, most people don't automatically make judgements based on color of skin. I also don't think that most people feel superior or are abusive to others just based on their race.
I do think some people might still have initial emotional reactions, especially in an unfamiliar environment. They range from the negative, such as fear or distrust, to positive such as relief or confidence depending on the circumstances.
I do think that certain references and reminders as well as the media may perpetuate the idea that some rampant racism exists ... and at the very least they DO accentuate differences rather than similarities.
Fairly recent examples are Jeff Probsts "the first Puerto Rican Sole Survivor" ... and Ruben Studdard saying "a black man from Alabama is the American Idol".
Um ... why put THAT forward ? Such statements attempt to steer us towards a racist conclusion that these wins are in spite of their race, rather than based on just their skills or talent.
Anyway, I could be very wrong and the answer to "does racism exist" may be somewhat skewed by geography, but I say in the true sense of the definition, probably not.
I do however, agree that the demeanor of some who act and feel as if they are slighted, entitled or something else based again strictly on their race certainly ticks ME off. This might sway others into believing that this behavior is common to the race rather than the individual. No ?
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly,what is essential is invisible to the eye."
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
oldbutafan said this in post #12 :
I think the edges of things may be blurring little here. We may be confusing actions and activities, organized or otherwise, of some so-called minorities with racism.
You have a good point here. I've seen black judges on TV who will not allow anyone to bring up the past slavery issues as an excuse to get away with misbehaving. They also tell them to talk right and don't give the ebonics routine. I find myself categorizing actions and activities into a minority group, or even into the white race.
quote:
That being the case, and based on what many of you have said, most people don't automatically make judgements based on color of skin. I also don't think that most people feel superior or are abusive to others just based on their race.
Not sure I agree with this because when there is national attention to certain groups, it seems to be based on the color of their skin. In perticular, when a legal issue becomes national, such as a white officer vs. a black suspect, people do not necessarily look at what the officer has to do to survive an attack or make an arrest. Instead, it is viewed as a white cop abusing another black. Never mind it may have been a routine procedure. It just happened to be a minority that got arrested.
I suppose the media provokes a lot of racial issues by the way they show clips, but not the whole story.
I think most racial issues happen when someone is getting something based on their race, while another race doesn't benefit. It is based on the color of a person's skin. When I tried to get government contracts, I was literally told I'm the wrong color. I have yet to get a contract, as the government has told me they consider 8a companies first (minority groups). So yes, there is a major problem based on skin color. Perhaps this is not considered racism. What would you call it?
quote:
Fairly recent examples are Jeff Probsts "the first Puerto Rican Sole Survivor" ... and Ruben Studdard saying "a black man from Alabama is the American Idol".
I also notice this when whites are talking to each other. They seem to say "Mr. Jones, the black man blah blah blah". Why do they have to point out the skin color when they talk to someone who knows who they are referencing?
Do other races do this too or is it just us: "You Ms. Tucker, the white woman at the store......"
I notice the media is very big on pointing out skin color too.
quote:
I do however, agree that the demeanor of some who act and feel as if they are slighted, entitled or something else based again strictly on their race certainly ticks ME off. This might sway others into believing that the behavior is common to the race rather than the individual. No ? [/B]
This ticks me off from a person side, and a business side. I think if a person is applying for a job, it shouldn't matter what color of skin they have. No one should be forced to hire a person soley on skin color. If the person is qualified, hire them. If they are not, don't. Yet so many companies (and especially the government) have quotas to meet. I'm not kidding either. They actually have it narrowed down to percentages of races that have to be hired. A lot of times the people are no where near qualified for the job, and are hired strictly based on the color of their skin.
This is the types of racial issues I'm fed up with, and concerned about. The minority laws need to be ammended because they have gone to far. I don't deny they were necessary at one point. But when something becomes a tool for abusing others, it's time to rewrite the books.
oldbutafan said this in post #12 : Racism: Definition
racism
n
1: The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2: Discrimination or prejudice based on race.
racist adj. & n.
racism
n
1: the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races
2: discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race
[syn: racialism]
.....................
I think the edges of things may be blurring a little here. We may be confusing actions and activities, organized or otherwise, of some so-called minorities with racism.
Defined as per above, racism is making judgements and decisions about someone of a given race based strictly on race.
Kookaburra said
You have a good point here. I've seen black judges on TV who will not allow anyone to bring up the past slavery issues as an excuse to get away with misbehaving. They also tell them to talk right and don't give the ebonics routine. I find myself categorizing actions and activities into a minority group, or even into the white race.
Again ... the precise definition of racism is with regard to only to race not behavior. Thus, in your example, a black defendant presenting his case as an individual rather than highlighting a "race card" would be judged based on facts alone.
oldbutafan said
That being the case, and based on what many of you have said, most people don't automatically make judgements based on color of skin. I also don't think that most people feel superior or are abusive to others just based on their race.
kookaburra said
Not sure I agree with this because when there is national attention to certain groups, it seems to be based on the color of their skin. In perticular, when a legal issue becomes national, such as a white officer vs. a black suspect, people do not necessarily look at what the officer has to do to survive an attack or make an arrest. Instead, it is viewed as a white cop abusing another black. Never mind it may have been a routine procedure. It just happened to be a minority that got arrested.
What I meant was the police don't abuse the perpetrator and most others don't routinely abuse people because of skin color. Reactions hinge on the behavior of the individual ... so we DO agree
kookaburra said:
I suppose the media provokes a lot of racial issues by the way they show clips, but not the whole story.
Exactly
kookaburra said:
I think most racial issues happen when someone is getting something based on their race, while another race doesn't benefit.
Good point
It is based on the color of a person's skin. When I tried to get government contracts, I was literally told I'm the wrong color. I have yet to get a contract, as the government has told me they consider 8a companies first (minority groups). So yes, there is a major problem based on skin color. Perhaps this is not considered racism. What would you call it ?
Well that government representative should be reported or given some lessons in dealing with people. Putting it to you that way, that you are "the wrong color" is downright shameful.
But again, this is a law/policy. Minority groups are considered first and if they qualify they get the contract and you don't.
Similarly, military veterans get priority considerations and additional points towards their overall qualifications for certain jobs such as law enforcement based on their military service, regardless of race.
Correct or incorrect, and while it may seem unfair to you, it is not exactly abusive, nor is it judging your character and abilities or that of those running the minority companies based on race. In fact, I think it is supposed to have the opposite result ... that is to prevent the minority apps from going to the bottom of the consideration list.
And, I don't know what to call it, but I probably wouldn't call it racism. Since it doesn't sound as if your character or ability has been judged based on race/skin color, but rather simply that others are given priority consideration, maybe call it "preferential treatment" ? I don't know. We need a lawyer here.
By the way, I thought businesses owned by women fell into the minority category. Don't they ?
oldbutafan said:
I do think some people might still have initial emotional reactions, especially in an unfamiliar environment. They range from the negative, such as fear or distrust, to positive such as relief or confidence depending on the circumstances.
I do think that certain references and reminders as well as the media may perpetuate the idea that some rampant racism exists ... and at the very least they DO accentuate differences rather than similarities.
Fairly recent examples are Jeff Probsts "the first Puerto Rican Sole Survivor" ... and Ruben Studdard saying "a black man from Alabama is the American Idol".
Um ... why put THAT forward ? Such statements attempt to steer us towards a racist conclusion that these wins are in spite of their race, rather than based on just their skills or talent.
kookaburra said
I also notice this when whites are talking to each other. They seem to say "Mr. Jones, the black man blah blah blah". Why do they have to point out the skin color when they talk to someone who knows who they are referencing?
Do other races do this too or is it just us: "You Ms. Tucker, the white woman at the store......"
I notice the media is very big on pointing out skin color too.
Well I can't answer for every race, but I think depending on the circumstances and venue, all races probably identify others by distinguishing physical characteristics ... skin color, being one of them ... so "the black man", " the blonde girl", "the heavyset redhead", "the tall guy" "the funny looking one with the big ears" ... whatever
And again, yes, the media not only points out racial differences, but often emphasizes them.
oldbutafan said
Anyway, I could be very wrong and the answer to "does racism exist" may be somewhat skewed by geography, but I say in the true sense of the definition, probably not.
I do however, agree that the demeanor of some who act and feel as if they are slighted, entitled or something else based again strictly on their race certainly ticks ME off. This might sway others into believing that this behavior is common to the race rather than the individual. No ?
kookaburra said
This ticks me off from a personal side, and a business side. I think if a person is applying for a job, it shouldn't matter what color of skin they have. No one should be forced to hire a person soley on skin color. If the person is qualified, hire them. If they are not, don't. Yet so many companies (and especially the government) have quotas to meet. I'm not kidding either. They actually have it narrowed down to percentages of races that have to be hired. A lot of times the people are no where near qualified for the job, and are hired strictly based on the color of their skin.
This is the types of racial issues I'm fed up with, and concerned about. The minority laws need to be ammended because they have gone to far. I don't deny they were necessary at one point. But when something becomes a tool for abusing others, it's time to rewrite the books.
I can sense your frustration, but I would not call your feelings racism. More you are digusted with what you are perceiving as reverse discrimination and abuse of THE SYSTEM.
Keep in mind that your personal character and ability and that of your race is not being judged based on skin color.
But I agree that the current system(s) need to be re-visited and re-evaluated.
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly,what is essential is invisible to the eye."
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I'm a white male and I've experienced little bits of racism here and there growing up. In school, there was a black kid who was passing out papers for the teacher. He came to me and walked by, saying he's hooking up his 'brothers' first. Sometime later me and this kid fought (because of a different matter). When we were in the principals office, he told them I called him the 'n' word. That was totally false. Just a ploy because he started the whole thing. He turned it into a race issue so spin it on me. So neither of us ended up getting in trouble.
These hispanic kids in my neighborhood wouldn't socialize with me or my friends because they believed white people were evil or something. This dumb ass girl actually said that to my face. Odd.
And in the literal since of the word, a major supermarket chain discriminated against me because I was white. In high school, this supermarket manager flat out told me he could not hire me because I was white. They had to hire a minority. He said my only shot was to put down I was hispanic or 'other'. I told him to shove the job up his pooper.
Again, nothing too bad, but even subtle racism bugs.
03-03-2003 10:15 PM
If you use something like Joe Millionaire as an example where rather quickly all but the white girls were eliminated from the competition - maybe some would like to pint the finger at racism, but others would argue that it's just, plain preference. Not everyone has "exotic" preferences... could go either way I suppose 
