The problem is different interpretations of the word "racist". If "racist" is used meaning anything which differentiates on the basis of race, that's one thing. If it means anything which an empowered group uses to demean or belittle an unempowered group on the basis of race, that's something more finely nuanced and obviously far different. Most of the "racial" disagreements I see here on GC seem to hinge on these two different designations. I'm not weighing in on it ("where angels fear to tread . . .") other than to point out that in order to discuss it you may wish to define your terms.

Just to be technical about it - here it is from Webster's - (I find it interesting that they only date it to 1933)


Main Entry: rac·ism http://www.merriam-webster.com/images/audio.gif Pronunciation: \ˈrā-ˌsi-zəm also -ˌshi-\ Function: noun Date: 1933 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2 : racial prejudice or discrimination
— rac·ist http://www.merriam-webster.com/images/audio.gif \-sist also -shist\ noun or adjective

Is it possible to communicate without being condescending and rude? I do understand what I am talking about. I am not stupid. It is WRONG to treat someone badly because of their skin color. ANY term that hurts someone has power. And again, I do not understand why anyone enjoys hurting another person.

3 lefts may make a right, but two wrongs do not.

Two wrongs don't make a right, but it sho does make it even...
~Sistah Soulijah.

Being offended is not disempowering in and of itself. That you are right... Ultimately, people choose to be what they want to be. I choose to be pissed off on General Principle right now. It is what I do afterward that makes a difference...

I think the disconnect, from a psychological standpoint only, is that when you are hit from all different sides. Like a very bad country music song. My dog left me, the light cut off, there's not heat, and etc. Then when you least expect it, some says some chit out of the clear blue sky that is solely based on race, and it makes your world worse...

Unfortunately, we are going to see racism as a construct becoming a psychological issue, i.e. what happened to you is all in your head you crazy idiot... Then when some ugliness happens like that seen of Bradley Schlozman who worked in the US Civil Rights Division, you wonder, was I all that crazy or idiotic at all? :rolleyes:

Excuse me for thinking "getting even" isn't a good attitude to have. Getting even never ends.

You are right. It is an absolutely FOUL attitude to have... Define "attitude" legally? Revenge is not about ending things... It is about leveling everything where no one can play...

Doesn't mean I actually have that attitude. LOL... Used, just to make a point. IMO.

Ask me what I think and feel, I will be happy to let you know...

Which is what I said back on page three. We are not in disagreement here.

Take a deep breath and calm down.

Sure, go ahead, I'd be interested to know. Though forgive me for assuming that you believed what you posted.

Don't be condescending and we'll get along fine. Rudeness isn't going to inspire me to be particularly "sweet".

I get a bit prickly when people come at me like you have.

Bring the discussion over here if you must, but the insults didn't begin on this keyboard. I will give what I receive.

To be honest, I have not chosen to follow what you have been saying because I don't get into that logic. However, I was very impressed with KSigRC last comment, which I positively commented on.

When you pronounced that you do not understand the difference and preciousjeni as well as others say, we are not discussing the same thing, the only method we can use to get you to think before you post is something called a "shock and awe" method. Saying something asinine and paradoxical that you HAVE to think to make sense of it. Sometimes is works, sometimes it does not.

Now for some background. DS found the news article from another situation and he posted it over here.

Here is the actual article in Science Magazine. I do not get access to the entire articles anymore, so all I can see are the abstracts. From what I read, they have a rubric as to establish was is a blatant racist act vs. what is not??? IDK? Such as 1:10 times, when someone reports a racist act is it one? IDK? Since I cannot see their results, I cannot discern how they did that or add any professional validity of their methods. Nonetheless it raises the question, what do you do when you see an overtly racist act in this day and age, besides report it?

Overt acts are raising nooses in areas around schools... Outright shooting a black victim while arresting him and he is not resisting... Outright Not selling property to those who can obviously afford it because of their outward appearance... When you are a manger/director/boss and you call any professionally degreed person of color an "affirmative action hire"... To me that is racism...

I have no idea what keyboard was in use, but here is where the attack began. Whoever was using the keyboard at the time flew off the handle for no apparent reason.

I'm reminded of that thread "The Term African American." ;)

OMG... Let's not go there again... I don't have enough HCT-Triamterene or Atenolol to handle it anymore... LOL... Gawd, I'm old...