What Is Racism ?

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Terror Australis
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Message 1172283 - Posted: 19 Nov 2011, 20:11:48 UTC

Once upon at time the answer was fairly simple. It was defined as an irrational hatred of somebody, or a feeling of superiority over someone based purely on their racial origin.

These days, like so many other 'isms and 'obes the definition seems to have been extended to a degree where even mentioning a persons racial origin as a statement of fact can be declared racist.

A persons race is a matter of fact. Like their hair colour, sex or height it is one of the first things you notice about a person. You can't help it, it stands out as one of their major characteristics.

Has the definition of racism gone beyond all bounds? The recent kerfuffle because his ex-caddy referred to Tiger Woods as a Black B*st*rd is a typical case in point. Which is more insulting, the adjective or the noun? As Woods is Afro-American the adjective can be considered bad taste but accurate, the real insult the noun?

In my life I have been called a "young B*", a "long haired B*", a "four eyed B*" and a "White B*". Now as I approach my dotage I get called an "old B*" and a "bald B*".

In all case there was no way I could or can dispute the adjective so take no offence at it, but I have taken great offence at being called a "B*"

The other thing that annoys me is that "Racism" is seen to be a characteristic purely of those with an Anglo-Saxon background and all whites are automatically assumed to be psychotically racist, funnily enough, mostly by other whites.

Isn't this assumption itself racist?

There are many non-white ethnic groups who hate other ethnic groups, including whites, purely on the basis of their skin colour or the part of the world they or their parents came from, yet one never hears them decried as racist.

Is this because to call these groups racist would itself be seen as Racism?

As I said above a persons racial background is a highly visible thing and many people are proud of their origin. The idea is, not to pretend that there aren't different races but to emphasise the fact that a persons origin, like their hair, height or eye colour is an irrelevant factor when judging them.

T.A.
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Message 1172290 - Posted: 19 Nov 2011, 20:24:53 UTC

Short Answer: Them-ism or not an us.

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Message 1172296 - Posted: 19 Nov 2011, 20:42:44 UTC

I should chime in on this one.

I have been chastised and banned more than once for using the 'N' word.

And for getting a little more than pissed about illegal immigrants, especially from our southern border, which should be enforced with more barbed wire and automatic machine guns......but......

I am NOT a racist.

I never in my life went out of my way to harm anybody of different race, creed, nationality, or sexual preference.

Although I may voice loudly my opinions about such.

I happen to think that Mel Brooks' bit about the 'N' word in Blazing Saddles was one of the most humorous pokes at it ever......

A laurel and hearty handshake to our new.................
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Profile Terry Long
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Message 1172303 - Posted: 19 Nov 2011, 20:54:57 UTC

I believe words are words. ACTS are far more dangerous. Therefor everything "racist" said rolls off my back.

6 white people get together and lynch a black man: racist
6 black people get together and lynch a white man: racist
Both cases: murder

End result = same.

People take words entirely too seriously. I'm sick of seeing "But words do hurt!" Get over yourselves and move on with life, if you that worried about what someone says, natural selection should take care of you soon enough. Worry about what people may DO far more than what they may say.

It's always the quiet ones that will kill you anyhow. :D

Terry
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Message 1173162 - Posted: 23 Nov 2011, 6:33:33 UTC
Last modified: 23 Nov 2011, 6:43:05 UTC

Why does this subject always draw a blank, even from the otherwise most opinionated of posters ?

The overuse of the the various "*ism" and "*obe" words to stifle debate on important subjects or to flagellate someone for an otherwise meaningless and inconsequential action or statement is one of the greatest threats to freedom of speech.

Look at the situation where the boss of FIFA is being put through the wringer for saying that when incidents of "sledging" on the field are reported, the players involved should just shake hands and forget about it.

Professional sportspeople are supposedly "rough and tough" individuals who are quite willing to give and take hard knocks for their team in order to win, yet in this matter they carry on like snivelling firstgraders.

It isn't racism, it's politics.

T.A.

Edited to avoid accusations of "sexism" (Bah, Humbug)
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Message boards : Politics : What Is Racism ?


 
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