The weight of words.
By taface412
@taface412 (3175)
United States
June 19, 2008 9:53am CST
After reading some discussions and responses and thinking about what I see in the general public outside the computer....I began to wonder. Does it not seem that some people are quick to jump on the racist bandwagon?
What I mean is why is when someone reads or hears something that may border the racist topic people are quick to jump onto someone calling them a racist. This to me is a dangerous and harmful accusation to be throwing around Mylot and in the real world, because it is strongly attached to emotional reactions. ANd when a person reacts emotionally they are not thinking logically.
To me a racist is a white supremecist, one that clearly states the white race is superior....and vice versa on a black supremecist....one that clearly states the black race is superior...and this applies to other races as well. But I only used the white race and black race as examples because it is a topic that can lead to a heated discussion due to past ills and injustices and somehow is slowly leading us to open discussions to further our tolerance of others no matter their race.
I watched a PBS show about black Americans tracing down their roots. And they showcased some celebrities searching for their ancestors. I have always been interested in learning heritages and know that with knowledge comes insight and with insight comes understanding, etc. And it is a show that anyone can watch and learn either about the black american race as well as their own prejudices, bisases, etc. Because once you understand your thoughts and feelings you can grow intellectually.
But back to the name calling....our immediate reaction of namecalling does not help us progress only acts as a degressive tactic keeping us within our color based lines.
I know as a human being I have struck out many words, phrases and jokes because I know deep down it only holds us back. And creates tension and anger. And I think we all have seen what an emotional, heated reaction can do....even if we oursleves were not involved and saw it through historical documentaries and literature.
So, to echo the words of wisdom...."Can we all just get along?"
3 people like this
6 responses
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
19 Jun 08
I wish we could!
I have experienced racism firsthand in two distinctly separate ways, and I have never been racist. I have never had prejudices of any kind. That's the way I was raised and I like it.
So many doors are shut in your face if you are, or appear to be, the least bit racist. That's a very sad part about it; you lose so much.
My favorite quote is: "Any man can be my teacher in that I may learn from him." Anyone... no matter what race, color, creed, religion, etc.
I have learned of my 'roots' from my mother, who worked on the geneology of our family. I think everyone should learn where they came from; it helps to understand who you are.
I don't even like being called "white" because it can stir up negative reactions in some people immediately, just as the word "black" can. Personally, I'm a European-American, at least when I have to fill out a form asking for my race.
But first and foremost, I am a human being, exactly like everyone else on this planet. I wish more could see it that way.
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
19 Jun 08
and that is a productive way of looking at life...
and I understand what you say about the referring to "white" and "black" sometimes it seems like you feel you have to be careful....well that is what I was pointing out.
And if we all list where our ancestors came from as our race...well, there is not enough space on a form is there....
I look at it this way...if you are born in America you are AMerican....if you were born in Ireland...you are Irish. But it does not strike out your ancestors roots.....only adds to the mix.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
19 Jun 08
So true! Maybe just the simple word "Human" under "race" would work. It should, anyway.
1 person likes this
@LITTLELEA28 (34)
• United States
19 Jun 08
I have to disagree when it comes to your definition of racism. I don't believe that it is limited to the supremecies, black, white-whatever. Racism is when anyone, being from any decent acts, thinks, or speaks ignorantly. When someone looks at another individual and considers them less then another because of the way they look- that's racism. I don't think you have to be in the KKK or the Black Panthers to do that. Unfortunately, every day people do it on a regular basis. So, no I don't think we'll all just get along....There are too many people in our generation who are raising their children to believe the same hate they do. Sad, really.
1 person likes this
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
19 Jun 08
But that's my point Littlelea, I stated I was only using the one type of rascim as a point, as you cannot list all the types.....
and also my main point was that you cannot just judge someone Unless they come out and say definite racist comments.....
And I do believe we can get along if we speak and not jump on the emotional bandwagon.
In regards to people who raise their children....well, I have to say my parents grew up in the generation of busing and were present when other ethnic groups were moving into their neighborhoods....and even though they had biases of other races they never passed it on to me and my brothers....in fact once when I was having a discussion with my mom (I was aroun 16 or so) I began to hear her views....and through a discussion we both began to understand the other side. Fear is dangerous and if we do not speak how can we learn....
ANd I know there are people out there who you are speaking of, but that makes it all the more important to ignore them and speak on terms of importance....not entice them with terms leading to defensiveness....
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
19 Jun 08
I agree with that 100%, taface! Don't add fuel to the fire. The best thing is to ignore them.
1 person likes this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
19 Jun 08
I call them like I see them. I don't really think people are too quick tojump on a racist bandwagon. When one of these ignorant people starts spewing hate out of their mouth, I can't help but to call it like I see it. It's one thing to have an opinion or view (if you know what you are talking about that is) but it's another thing to hate and be a bigot. The best part (and most offensive) is that these people tend to hide these hateful views in Christianity. Last I checked, Christianity wasn't about hate but about tolerance and love. This is probably why it heats people up as much as it does.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
20 Jun 08
taface I think we can all get along if we just quit with
the judging each other and just respect one another for
the individuals we are. you respect my view points and I'
resp;ect yours and on and on and soon we will have people'
who can learn and find so much good from every culture
'that they meet. we can have friends from every race and'learn from them and grow as compassionate thinking people.
1 person likes this
@Xdrowninghavocx (3117)
• United States
19 Jun 08
Yes, it seems that when people are angry they immediately jump on board and bring race into the picture. I don't get it. And I saw that documentary as well. Very insightful. I have learned a lot in my twenty-two years and being Black in America. It's very difficult. Especially since I don't fit the stereotype so I've been called a sellout. So there are in fact prejudices between Black individuals. It's so lame and upsetting at the same time. Luckily I grew up in the suburbs with all kinds of people. But when I went to alternative schools outside of my town I saw things that were new to me. I also have Scottish blood in me so I look different. I've had people often ask me if I'm part Asian because of my eyes or Hispanic because of my skin tone. And I've been laughed at because of the way I talk. I use proper English when speaking, not slang terms with a fake accent. What I'm saying is that there seems to be no free ride in this world. I think there will always be some people who like to attack others for no apparent reason. I think it's because they don't want to believe we are all the same. Instead they just want to focus on the differences.
1 person likes this
@thaMARKER (2503)
• Philippines
20 Jun 08
There really are racist and I don't prefer to be one. Words is powerful and anybody is touch by harsh or complimentary words.
Yeah, why don't we get along. We all are sons and daughters of God. I respect your race, your color, your religion and what's so difficult doing that? It doesn't cost you to respect right?
Yes, we do have the right to comment but people has their own beliefs and as well as others who has different beliefs from others. Just don't say anything bad so they won't say anything bad against yours. That simple.
:)
1 person likes this
