Prejudism

[lovelyivy84]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
i am not trying to define a "black" or "white" lifestyle, but I am taking about experiences. Maybe I am taking for granted that people should know that one person DOES NOT represent the whole entire race . i am not saying that it is practicle to do, but in theory..............

Now as someone who has I'm SURE been turned to at many points in their life to explain what black people think, you know you can't take that for granted.

When you're a minority people often expect you to speak for your whole group. They should know better, but people always want the easy answer.

And I was just pointing out that I don't know if we could even set this up in theory- there is too much of a variety. Ethnicity, economic status, level of education, where does one begin with this theory of switching?

[Rudey]

Well why spend time on the streets? To find out that being homeless involves being scared, not knowing what the future holds, living on dirty streets? What more do they experience by living on the street? Why not volunteer in a homeless shelter? Why not read a book on being homeless? Experiencing it is not a "real" experience.

Now I haven't read that book. I do remember a movie about a guy painting his face black (I think it was dan akroyd or someone) and another movie where a white guy got a black guy's heart ok now let me go back to being serious. I will give that book a shot when I've got more free time. But let's say that the author discusses being called racist remarks...let's say that people want to lynch him for being black. Well at any point he can take off the black paint and go back to being "white". In the meantime, someone can just tell him "hey being black in the South in the 1960's means whites are going to look at you differently."

If the whole point of role play is to inspire people to do more, then it is inefficient. Wanting to live like a homeless person already indicates you want to do more. Working at a shelter might just accomplish the same thing.

So I still believe people need to relax and be open minded. Then and only then will they be able to talk and learn from each other. Often times, learning allows people to stop hating. Why not listen to black people when they feel they are discriminated against? Why not listen to white people who feel that affirmative action is unfair? But then again, most people listen but they don't actually hear someone out.

-Rudey

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
Well, I don't know Rudey. I mean, even though those kids will only spend a week on the streets, that does not mean that they shouldn't try. Who knows, after day 3 someone might be inspiried to do something more.

Even if you yourself were to become "black" for a week (or me become white) , I can guarentee that you/I will learn a few things that you/I will take with you/me , even after the experience is over.

When you get a moment, please read the book titled Black Like Me by Joh Howard Griffin. It is the true story about a white man that darkened his skin and went down South to experience life as a black man during the 1960's. It is a REALLY good book. i think there is also a movie about too.

[neicy81]

I have tried many times to explain myself. Both of you all take my words out of context.


Both of your comments will be dismissed.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by neicy81
I have tried many times to explain myself. Both of you all take my words out of context.


Both of your comments will be dismissed.

hey I'm just offering you rebuttals since this is a forum. This is a forum right? you did say that? Wait my comments will be dismissed because this is the neicy show...tomorrow's topic will be teenage prostitutes who hate their moms.

- Rudey

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Wow! There has been a lot of activity on this thread. Thanks to everyone who tried to answer my question. I was hoping to get some suggestions from neicy as well regarding possible solutions. BTW, I find it easier to quote and reply after the quoted part.

I don't think that anyone here denied that racism exists when attempting to define the term. I'm relieved that people know that there is a problem. The question is how to combat it or make it socially unacceptable. Laws such as the Civil Rights Acts have attempted to eliminate 'institutional' racism, but cannot change personal feelings. An excellent suggestion from Dionysus is to have interaction with a diverse variety of people. I've taken that for granted because my neighborhood is very diverse.

[Tom Earp]

Well , I went into the Police Academy in 1969!

i was told by a Black Sgt. that there were Starter Words! You DID NOT CALL an Older Black Person Black or Afro American! They Were Negroes or Colored! You Did Not Call the Young that you called them Blacks!

Now young missie, what the Hell do you really Know what is going on with YOUR PEOPLE other than what you read in a Book!?

Dont call a Young Black man a Boy, Dont Call a Young Black Girl a Girl!?

Just what do you call them when you or your Gener call Them NGGER what is going on?

Dont get on my Ass for this is what I see it everyday!

Now tell me your Genere is different!

I am really getting tired of the Racism S%^&!

Get on with life! You dont understqnd my rantings? Read the Damn Bible! You want to but you do not! I am tired of the other NPHC coming to the rescue of a Down Trodan persone of the Heritage!

We are All Greeks, are you Neicy? You give no affiliation!

Does anyone se this!

I Gettttt Tired of taking hits so if you do not like my veiws then Screw off!

I am A Racist, is that what every one wants to hear!

I Hate Everyone!

BULLSHIT!
BULLSHIT!
Get it together Folks!


Well Yours In Greek ISM!

[neicy81]

Originally posted by Cream
Wow! There has been a lot of activity on this thread. Thanks to everyone who tried to answer my question. I was hoping to get some suggestions from neicy as well regarding possible solutions. BTW, I find it easier to quote and reply after the quoted part.

I don't think that anyone here denied that racism exists when attempting to define the term. I'm relieved that people know that there is a problem. The question is how to combat it or make it socially unacceptable. Laws such as the Civil Rights Acts have attempted to eliminate 'institutional' racism, but cannot change personal feelings. An excellent suggestion from Dionysus is to have interaction with a diverse variety of people. I've taken that for granted because my neighborhood is very diverse.

[/B] For the college aged folks, I would suggest that people join clubs or organizations that they wouldn't normally join. For instance Black Student Union, Asian American club, etc.

It really just takes getting to know people IMHO.

[librasoul22]

Neicy81: I think your posts would be MUCH better received if you would just clarify rather than disparaging everyone, calling them "hun," reciting dictionary definitions, and telling people to read. If people understood, they would not ask you to clarify. If you are going to make a statement, best to have info to elaborate on it so that the ignorant may be enlightened. Otherwise you will send people like Tom Earp on an exclamation point rampage.

Now on topic: Racism, prejudice, whatever. Blacks (or whatever your term of preference is) attribute 'racism' to those with POWER (as some have already stated), and in America, this means whites only. Whites equate racism with skin color. Fine. Agree to disagree, just know the disparity exists.

My two cents: Since we have now turned to breaking down words, "racism" itself is just BS. Why? Because the word "RACE" is BS. There is no such thing. There is ETHNICITY, CULTURE, HERITAGE, ANCESTORY, NATIONALITY...and then there is SKIN COLOR. "RACE" is nothing more than a divisive measure that is used to classify and segregate.

From my view, about 80% of people's arguments in this thread are insignificant. Before you hit the the reply button ready to flame me, please consider this: Your ONE experience and that ONE Militant Black Man, and any other SINGLUAR example CANNOT...

let me emphasize that...

CANNOT

be used to indicate any sort of alarming trend.

For example, James Byrd's dragging death was a horrible hate crime. But does it mean that ALL white men in Texas are racist and capable of committing such an act? No it does not.

Now when the original poster of this topic or ANYONE can come up with SEVERAL instances of African-Americans/Blacks/etc. committing hate crimes on a Caucasian-American (or any sort of widespread form of discrimination/oppression), then maybe there will be a valid issue.

[neicy81]

Neicy81: I think your posts would be MUCH better received if you would just clarify rather than disparaging everyone, calling them "hun," reciting dictionary definitions, and telling people to read. If people understood, they would not ask you to clarify. If you are going to make a statement, best to have info to elaborate on it so that the ignorant may be enlightened. Otherwise you will send people like Tom Earp on an exclamation point rampage.


1.I clarified as I saw fit to.Hence defintions because people forgot or didn't know what forum is.When I don't understand things, I REREAD IT!I don't know why folks felt it was a verbal stab.It wasn't meant to insult anyone's intelligence.People are sensitive.
2. Calling someone hun wasn't intended to steer anyone from an argument.Honeykiss called someone sweetie and both sweetie and hun are meant by no harm.
3.We have since moved on.We are now posting ways to open the gap and find solutions to problems.

[Tom Earp]

Thank you one and all for your kind posts! Oops an Exclamation mark?



Some of the narrow mindedness is underwhelming. As for my rants, I try to make a point, but it goes unheedwd my the most narrow minded and racist!

I like if you have not walked in the shoes, walked the walk, and talked the talked then what do you know?

I for one wont post on this thread anymore as it is to no avail to some who follow th dogma of color.

Go Rudey!

Will enjoy sitting in the cheap seats and seeing a master at work.

[SigmaChiCard]

Can we not turn this thread in "The Farrakan Hour" and get back to topic ?

How can I, as an African American woman, get someone who isn't, to understand where I and maybe even other african amerians are coming from?

I was hoping we could turn it into "how to interpret internet thread language 101", where students can learn how to communicate difficult issues on the web, and not get SO hung up on exact word choice (Lovely put that point best somewhere I believe), and that repeatedly using statements like 'go back and read' are annoying as shit. If you really want someone to read something, why don't you quote it for them and say here, read this so-and-so. This thread has digressed so much from it's origin....it's funny...it really is.

[RUgreek]

Originally posted by librasoul22
First of all, Tom Earp: your incessant rambling is Whitman-like in its total incoherence (although I suppose even Whitman had a method to his madness ) With each off-kilter post, you prove yourself to be more and more close-minded. I say this because you use YOUR life experience to globally define the ways of the world for everyone. You say you do not discriminate then turn around and do so in the NEXT breath. Sigh.

Neicy81: I think your posts would be MUCH better received if you would just clarify rather than disparaging everyone, calling them "hun," reciting dictionary definitions, and telling people to read. If people understood, they would not ask you to clarify. If you are going to make a statement, best to have info to elaborate on it so that the ignorant may be enlightened. Otherwise you will send people like Tom Earp on an exclamation point rampage.

Now on topic: Racism, prejudice, whatever. Blacks (or whatever your term of preference is) attribute 'racism' to those with POWER (as some have already stated), and in America, this means whites only. Whites equate racism with skin color. Fine. Agree to disagree, just know the disparity exists.

My two cents: Since we have now turned to breaking down words, "racism" itself is just BS. Why? Because the word "RACE" is BS. There is no such thing. There is ETHNICITY, CULTURE, HERITAGE, ANCESTORY, NATIONALITY...and then there is SKIN COLOR. "RACE" is nothing more than a divisive measure that is used to classify and segregate.

From my view, about 80% of people's arguments in this thread are insignificant. Before you hit the the reply button ready to flame me, please consider this: Your ONE experience and that ONE Militant Black Man, and any other SINGLUAR example CANNOT...

let me emphasize that...

CANNOT

be used to indicate any sort of alarming trend.

For example, James Byrd's dragging death was a horrible hate crime. But does it mean that ALL white men in Texas are racist and capable of committing such an act? No it does not.

Now when the original poster of this topic or ANYONE can come up with SEVERAL instances of African-Americans/Blacks/etc. committing hate crimes on a Caucasian-American (or any sort of widespread form of discrimination/oppression), then maybe there will be a valid issue.

Discrimination deals with POWER
Segregation deals with POWER

Racism is about RACE, there is no disparity, only misunderstanding by certain groups. If you WANT to believe that Racism is attributed to power, fine. But that is INCORRECT, as far as ANY formal definition of the word throughout history is concerned. Understanding the meaning of words is the first step in correcting the problem, until then, you are at a standstill as far as becoming "open-minded." Racism is being misconstrued by the black community, not because they don't understand but because they can't accept the fact that they do not OWN the word.

Let's be clear about this for once. And please, turn on that "open-minded" brain for a second. Isn't it possible that the african-american community is so upset and angry with white americans that some feel the need to take the word Racism and turn it into their personal description of the white community's oppression? For example, the Jewish community (which in case you didn't realize consists of ALL Races) cannot be considered ANTI-SEMETIC to themselves. Therefore, the term anti-semetic can never be used to describe someone jewish. This not only bothers black people, but pisses them off so much that they do not have a word like that for them to use against other races. It's almost CHILDISH and RIDICULOUS to discuss, but it really has some minor truth to it at best.

Since we are trying to breakdown Racism, the word race appears to be BS to you. Why? Honestly, there are different categories of individuals/groups in this world. They are different RACES. Yes, other factors come into consideration when grouping these peple, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, locality, skin pigmentation, language, and ancestry. The combination of all, not just one of these determines someones race. And the variation of one to another creates a different race. And thus, the different treatment of the variations becomes racism, discrimination, segregation, antisemetism, prejudice, etc. Racism is not BS, it is real and the more ignorant one becomes in accepting the problem, the harder it will become to solve it.

And so you're open-minded self says, well gee, only white people commit hate crimes against black people, so what's up with that? You seriously believe that there has never been a reported hate crime committed by the black community onto a white one without provocation? Well, that may depend on how narrow you're definitions are. IF you limit it to the USA, within the past 200 years, strictly black (not even mexicans) on white racism, THEN you might win the argument However, I'm not about to do the research for you since you made the statement. It's easier to assume the negatives than the positives. I will say this, I don't believe anyone's race is above racism, and there is no way you are gonna convince me otherwise on that point, today, tomorrow, 1000 years from now. The human race will always have the mens rea, it's the actus that may disappear with some understanding and effort.

RUgreek

[SigmaChiCard]

If black people do not "own" the word, then who do?

owns the word? WTF? i think the whole counter-argument of reverse-racism is that racism is nothing that has ownership

[Kevin]

You cannot possibly have the definition to a word. Definitions are not static -- they're dynamic!

Racism can mean one thing for you and something else for another person.

I find anyone that claims to actually KNOW the definition of any word to be just a little sanctimonious.

All you can do is argue a definition's validity by presenting factual information and attacking the premises that support your opponent's idealogy.

Merriam Webster is not a valid source for this

[RUgreek]

Originally posted by ktsnake

Racism can mean one thing for you and something else for another person.

I find anyone that claims to actually KNOW the definition of any word to be just a little sanctimonious.

To be perfectly honest, I don't know Jack. I don't want to get into a philosophical discussion on the meaning of life, we can interpret every which way and never come close to 1% of the true meaning.

Racism is not a state of mind, it is word created to define what one race does to another. Dictionaries are where the majority acceptance of these words reside, if you don't like it, call a publisher and get to work. The dictionary is not the end-all argument to a debate such as this, but I think if people use their common sense and stop trying to make this more complicated than it has already become, then you'll see this is fair and balanced meaning that MOST people (with common sense) can accept.


RUgreek