I've been here for a while now.

Unfortunately, I guess, I do not feel like having to be the bigger person today. Takes two to tango. It's on the other person to drop it right now.

But thanks for the advice.

WOW :eek:

That's true. I guess I was thinking of it in context of forming an complicated opinion someone based on very little instead of in terms of a quick opinion formed for the same reason.

I guess sometimes it is helpful...if you're alone in a dark alleyway and someone suspicious heads towards you it can be helpful, yes.

I think bigotry is rooted in both fear and ego.

Ego? How so? Ego is about an arrogance. Supremacy, yes... One thinks they are superior than another and can subject the other to a lower level...

SWTXBelle posted the definition of racism by Webster...

Others have posted the academics associated with the different forms of how racism as a social construct and how it affects societies...

The other issue is people rationalize everything after everything is said and done...

Exactly. I've certainly met a few bigots and they tended to not only be wary of those that were different but to also believe they were superior, I just don't think they realized it, but it wasn't just plain supremacy. Here's the definition of arrogance: offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride. It is the overbearing pride that I seemed to see, I think. I think pride led them to be unable to see anyone else's point of view, for instance.

No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.

Frederick Douglass
Speech at Civil Rights Mass Meeting, Washington, D.C.

There are also academic theories that are involved in racism that I am no expert on... You would have to ask others who study these issues...

But, the people you know who are supremacists or think they are superior, to me just do not get out much, really. If they did, they'd find their little world very restrictive and ignorant in the grand scheme of things.

And even if they are veterans who fought wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to have that mentality still, silly...

Sounds like they are compensating for something...

I don't know any veterans with this "complex", but I think it's not so much that they don't get out much but that they believe themselves to be important, somehow, and therefore right about everything. They're the type that will stand by what they believe no matter what you say. It's unfortunate, but what can you do? I know them from age 90-15.

I will say this-there's a difference between "educated" bigots and "uneducated" bigots. An uneducated bigot sounds like an oxymoron I guess, but they exist. They just know that most "civilized" company will not tolerate their comments, so they keep it behind closed doors.

Welp, how is this affecting you? Do you have to live in that area? Just asking?

What area?

Since the topic was about the test/study I took it. It told me I had no preference for white vs. black but a slight preference for John McCain. Sounds about right to me.

I read this, in the bolded and I immediately thought you were discussing were you lived. I apologize. Sometimes I miss the context of what I read...

Also, I have not seen anyone put age ranges like that before.

We all know you are getting these things from your family members and relatives. Everyone here on GC pretty much gets that aspect. You are too young to be thinking and doing things independently enough because if you were, your language and sentence structure would be different. What that difference is, I cannot tell you, but overall, the conceptual discussions would generally not be this if you were independent, altogether on your own, paying mortgages, bills, huge tax bills, etc. The conversation is just different...

I suspect your loving family members are fearful that you might hurt yourself if you choose this path. And so, they say these things to make you think and capitulate from your "rebellious" acts. You have to just know and realize they love you and want the best for you...

When they say those hard-headed, and hurtful things to you, just ask them, if they would you say these same things if you were Stanley Ann Dunham, when she was 19... ;)

It's the hand that rocks the cradle... Seriously...

Huh? Ok now I have no idea what you are talking about, except that you are vastly incorrect on some of your assumptions.

Are you trying to say I'm talking about my own family when I'm talking about bigots? Because I'm not. While I have the requisite old auntie who thinks it's still ok to use the term "colored" my family is a pretty liberal one, certainly in the area of race. Without discussing my family in detail, suffice it to say we are not all of one ethnic background. I'll keep my annoyance at the assumptions to myself, for now.

I am not a simpleton. Though I share many beliefs with my family members, they are beliefs that I CHOOSE to share. Others are very different.

I think you missed a lot "in the context".

Slow down!!! Don't have a cow...

Where are you hearing these racist comments from what people? Because you cannot choose your family and not be around them... But you can choose your friends.... And if it is your friends or acquaintances saying these things, then why are you around them? Are you telling us, birds of a feather, flock together?

And if it is some random butthole in your class or random place, why do you care what he or she says? When will you see them again? Does it matter?

You are posting these things about so-in-so said such-in-such. How does anyone on GC know who these people are? And morseso, why would we care?

All someone can do is hold you accountable to what you say here on GC. And either you can be responsible and say you said it or not. Your choice... Which life is ALL about--choices...

IMO, a racist person is one less person to think about at Christmastime. They are not worthy of having me give them a second crippa crap thought about their baneful existence. I will stay out of their world and they dayum sho better stay outta mine...

I wasn't having a cow. But it was forward to assume I was talking about my family. And as is obvious by my posts the "birds of a feather" theory isn't applicable.

Because I DON'T live such a limited existence that I see only my family and friends every day I come into contact with MANY other people. I work, for instance. I also volunteer. And I take classes. Though I don't choose to be friends with people that hold racist views, I come into contact with them on a daily basis.

As we were having a conversation, I assumed it was two sided. Obviously I was misguided. I'll just remember in the future not to engage.

I have no problem with anything I've said here. That being said: I'm tired of playing games. Find someone else.

My uncle... :(

The question is whose opinion matters most to you. Is it the people you volunteer with, your classmates, your coworkers, etc? Or is it your family and close friends? You've told us already that you are very close to your family and you don't want to make decisions that will cause them pain.