University fo Okahoma-Sigma Alpha Epsilon-Racial Chant

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

As a recently banned GCer said in a slightly different context in a now-closed thread:

Here is the continuum:

Dumb -------------- Insensitive ----------------- Racist

Something can be considered dumb and insensitive without it being considered "racist". Something being dumb and insensitive is enough to axe it without question.

I think it's possible for someone to be stupid, insensitive or even ignorant and, as a result to engage in racist behavior without racism being so pervasive in who they are that deserve to be called "racists." Put another way, I sometimes (not always) think it's more helpful to talk about actions and attitudes being racist than about people being racists. Sometimes. (Which is why I put the remainder of Kevin's quote back in.)

That's why I'm always a little skeptical when I hear someone say something like "there's not a racist bone in my body." I'm sure there are people for whom that's true, but I don't think it's true of most of us. I know it's not for me. I certainly don't mean to be racist—I mean not be be—but sometimes I have to look honestly at myself and, perhaps at a certain attitude or reaction, and admit that it's not pretty and that it needs to change.

I don't think I'm a racist, but that doesn't mean I'm free of the subtle racisms pervading the society of which I am part of the majority. Personally, I think it's healthier to admit that and try to be on guard for it than to deceive myself into thinking that I don't have a racist bone in my body.

My sinuses are not happy at all right now, so apologies if this isn't making any sense.