April 12, 200719 yr An entertaining endeavor is to Google a search for the definition of "racism." The attempted definitions are legion. I don't think the initial point of this thread can be answered without a working definition of the term. The classical definition seems to be a conscious belief in the inferiority of another race, or concomitantly, the belief that race is a factor in determining human abilities or traits. For instance, if your ascribe to the theorem outlined in "The Bell Curve" as a personal belief, or if you subscribe to the conscious belief that because one is black, he can necessarily jump higher, run faster, etc., then you probably fit the classical definition of racism. However, post-modernists, as they have done in virtually every area of life as we now know it, have tried to re-write the definition of racism such that whether one is a racist or not depends less upon that person's subjectively held personal beliefs, and more upon the objective beliefs held by OTHERS about that person. Its a total abomination. The definitions put forward now include not only one's conscious expression of racism, but also "unconscious adoption" of racism, such as "participation in institutions" that promote "inequality" of the races. Therefore, under the post-modernists definition of racism, anyone who attends a Major League Baseball game is a racist because they are contributing money to MLB, and institution, as we have recently heard, that has "intentionally" abandoned black people and the development of black ballplayers in the inner cities. These same post-modernists have also included in their definitions small articles that protect themselves from being racists, for instance, definitions that include statements that racism can only be evidenced by persons whom hold the "power" to determine majorities and influence racial "outcomes." Therefore, Sharpton and Jackson, by definition, cannot be racists no matter how many times they belittle white people because they do not have "institutional level" power. Yes, I have brought politics into this arena because the effort at re-defining "racism" is a political animal, not a social one anymore. Prejudice and racism are not the same thing. If you ascribe to the classical view of racism, than I tell you that I am not racist. I do not believe that any one race is morally, socially, or otherwise superior to another, nor do I believe in any way, shape, or form that the color of one's skin is determinative of any human ability or trait. Environmental and developmental factors are what control those. If you ascribe to any modern definition of racism, than it really doesn't matter what I tell you about myself, the only thing that will matter to you is how you perceive me and whether you are therefore "offended" by me. I go to ballgames, read Uncle Remus stories to my children, and have done and said a myriad of other things that might, and probably have, offended you. In the end, post-modernists have damaged those who would otherwise be damaged by true racism, because, like me, they have watered it down to the point where most people truly just do not care.
April 12, 200719 yr I think we are each full of our own prejudices. It is innate. However turning those prejudices into some sort of bigoted indoctrination is where we are wrong. Society and the molds it casts play a large hand in our perceived and actual prejudices. Take this Harvard test on race. It tests your subconscious, essentially, to determine how you view a different race. African-American/European-American Test Even African-Americans have a negative view of their race, as that is how society has labeled them. The results will surprise you.
April 12, 200719 yr I think we are each full of our own prejudices. It is innate. However turning those prejudices into some sort of bigoted indoctrination is where we are wrong. Society and the molds it casts play a large hand in our perceived and actual prejudices. Take this Harvard test on race. It tests your subconscious, essentially, to determine how you view a different race. African-American/European-American Test Even African-Americans have a negative view of their race, as that is how society has labeled them. The results will surprise you. i agree with you.. i beleive that the bolded part is where the problem lies... when people take their prejudices and stereotypes, hold them as truths, and act accordingly.. they usually turn out closed minded, and are not open to anything new or different.. thats when we see segragationist / hate groups and whatnot.. also, i couldn't get the link to work... its sound interesting though.
April 12, 200719 yr Link fix: implicit.harvard.edu You'll have to click on the Demonstration link and then select a test. The Race Test is the one I had originally linked to.
April 12, 200719 yr Author Good discussion. I can't imagine that there is a single person that doesn't have at least a tiny fraction of racial bias. Of course, we all know folks who are flaming racists, but I think we all have to accept the fact that some prejudice lives within each of us.
April 12, 200719 yr Good discussion. I can't imagine that there is a single person that doesn't have at least a tiny fraction of racial bias. Of course, we all know folks who are flaming racists, but I think we all have to accept the fact that some prejudice lives within each of us. Very well said.
April 15, 200719 yr Reminds me of a song: Everyone's a little bit racist Sometimes. Doesn't mean we go Around committing hate crimes. Look around and you will find No one's really color blind. Maybe it's a fact We all should face Everyone makes judgments Based on race. Everyone's a little bit racist Today. So, everyone's a little bit racist Okay! Ethinic jokes might be uncouth, But you laugh because They're based on truth. Don't take them as Personal attacks. Everyone enjoys them - So relax! If we all could just admit That we are racist a little bit, Even though we all know That it's wrong, Maybe it would help us Get along. Everyone's a little bit racist It's true. But everyone is just about As racist as you! If we all could just admit That we are racist a little bit, And everyone stopped being So PC Maybe we could live in - Harmony! This is the chorus from the Broadway musical "Avenue Q"
April 15, 200719 yr I know having a racial slur shouted at me is a heckuva lot different than a racial slur shouted at someone in the minority. With that said, what factor, ideally, should race play in your life? Is your race, your common experience and background something to be proud of, something to purposely separate yourself from others with? I guess, what I'm getting at, is are we driving for a world where we are all equal, as in race is not a distinguishing characteristic, or should we be embracing ours and others different experiences?
April 15, 200719 yr I absolutely, honestly, 100% beyond a shadow of doubt have no problem whatsoever with the color of another person's skin, hair, eyes, gender or other external features. I would admit it if I did. We are all of the same essence, race and spark of life in my opinion. What I do have a sincere problem with, is people possessing seemingly functional brains and healthy I.Q.s who choose to behave as idiots. I have a problem with cultural values that teach people not to achieve all they can with the gifts and talents God has given them. I have a problem with people who think the rest of the world owes them something. I have a problem with people who cannot take responsibility for their own actions or bad decisions and always want to blame someone else for their problems. I have a problem with knuckleheads that can’t obey the basic laws of our land. I have a problem with people who constantly seek to escape reality by popping pills, shooting up, snorting, smoking, drinking or otherwise self-medicating to the point of destruction of themselves and those around them. I have a sincere problem with power hungry, greedy, lustful selfish individuals who think the universe revolves around them. I have a problem with people whose priority is to take care of number one… to the exclusion of everyone else. I could go on, but I think I’ve pretty well covered enough societal, cultural and human flaws to spread my bigotry against stupidity across the entire hue of humanity. I’m not racist. I’m an equal opportunity bigot. :thumb: I couldn't agree more. Great post!
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