I'm Not Racist.

[coopdog]

Why do people get angry when you describe someone by their skin color?! How is saying, "The black guy over there." Any different or worse than saying, "The guy with black hair over there?"

Have any of you noticed people like this? It's like they are too uptight or think it's bad to describe someone by their skin color or race. Is it really that bad to say something like, "No, the arab mike."

IMHO, I really don't see why people find it bad to say something like that.

Don't get me wrong I have asian, black, mexican and Ropigahian friends, whatever. But I just think it's weird that people still think it's racist to say things like that.

I saw a black comic talk about how she thought she could make the word Nig*** less of a taboo word because she was so fed up with people (whites) tring not to offend blacks by not mentioning anything about skin color or anything like that.
So she would make "Nig*** chips." "Pass me the cheese Nig***." And she went through all the flavors of the chips. It was pretty funny. "But there would be no barbaque flavor, that would just sound weird."

Then
"What kind of party is this? You don't have have any Nig***S?! You've got all the crackers and no Nig***S!? I was much more funny on live :D

Sorry if my post offends anyone, I don't know why it would. Why not listen to a black persons (the comic) point of view on the issue? I think we are so quick to not to offend anyone and we tread so lightly that we actually treat other races differnently, and they notice. :o

Anyone that has felt this first hand? What do you think?

[leet1]

Originally posted by coopdog
Why do people get angry when you describe someone by their skin color?! How is saying, "The black guy over there." Any different or worse than saying, "The guy with black hair over there?"

I usually say the black person over there or if thats offending, then I just say the loudest person in the room :D

I'm one of those peoople that will never say African American, ever.

[tazo]

It depends what situation I am in, but generally, you will hear nothing but sarcasm in reference to political correctness over here. I cringe at the hypocracies and the proverbial hoops we must jump through. Case-in-point, I got criticised at school making a joke about if a white tree fell in the black forest. Would anyone around hear it...nm. You all got it...

[Durandal7]

I never considered that racist. Skin color is a physical characteristic and there is no reason to avoid using it.

Besides, if it was really that offensive we wouldn't have to fill out race on college applications, census queries, etc.

[tazo]

just remember people, race should never be a factor in anything [as screamed by all these "black activists"]. Nice little hypocracy eh? Race should never be a basis for discrimination, unless it is in your favor -- such as being able to claim a hate crime for any reason.

[jelloshotsrule]

tazo = racist

sorry for speaking the obvious


explain your joke to me please


i agree with durandal. using it as a description just like hair color is fine with me

[Dros]

I don't think it is racist. I do know someone who will toss in the fact that a person is black when it isn't relevant to the topic at hand (usually disparaging) , like "I was at a store, and the counterman, this black guy, was sooo slow." That example is pretty blatant in that it seems like he means to link the slowness with being black. Usually it is done in a more subtle way, but leaves me scratching my head about why he mentions it. Probably he grew up in a white culture and just still needs to point out everytime he runs across someone different.

But if you are trying to identify a person, then it is a pretty good distinguishing characteristic in an otherwise white group.

[leet1]

Call me racist, but if you look at grades, attendance, test scores, ect. black people <atleast in grades 9-12> were NEVER at the top. Color does play more than just a role in how a person looks ;)

[mactastic]

Originally posted by leet1
Call me racist, but if you look at grades, attendance, test scores, ect. black people <atleast in grades 9-12> were NEVER at the top. Color does play more than just a role in how a person looks ;)

Are you suggesting skin color plays a role in intelligence level?

[leet1]

Originally posted by mactastic
Are you suggesting skin color plays a role in intelligence level?

Yes, I'll try to find a link to my old school districts test grades and such that they usually published every year to give to the parents.

[scem0]

That is most definitely not racist...

In order for us to live in a color-free society we will have to be able to call each other by the names we call ourselves. I don't see any black people calling each other 'african americans'. I don't see any white people calling each other 'caucasians'.

In fact, I can even think up some situations where calling a black person an african american would be slightly offending.

scem0

[Stelliform]

I guess by commenting on their race as a description, means that it is their most important feature to you. Or the biggest thing that you notice.

[mactastic]

Grades and intelligence are not necessarily connected. And I have seen several studies refuting the idea that different races are inherently more or less intelligent than others.

You better have more than just your school districts grades to back up that statement.

[gwangung]

Using race as an adjective is OK in my book. Using it as a noun, isn't.

[leet1]

Originally posted by mactastic
Grades and intelligence are not necessarily connected. And I have seen several studies refuting the idea that different races are inherently more or less intelligent than others.

You better have more than just your school districts grades to back up that statement.

Ok, real world observations :rolleyes: , crime statistics..

[mactastic]

Well, lets see what you've got then.:rolleyes:

[scem0]

Originally posted by Stelliform
I guess by commenting on their race as a description, means that it is their most important feature to you. Or the biggest thing that you notice.

I disagree.

I call people by their first names all the time, but their names are a lot less important to me than their personalities.

If there are 2 people in a class named Rob and one is black while the other is white. If I am telling someone about one of them and I call the black Rob 'black Rob' I still don't think that his skin pigment is more important than anything else about him. Its just a means to show someone who I'm talking about.


I'd also like to comment that I think racism is a very ugly thing. Well, that goes without saying, really.... but if I heard someone say 'I hate black people' I would never be able to look at that person with an ounce of respect until he got some sense and maturity.

scem0

[scem0]

Originally posted by gwangung
Using race as an adjective is OK in my book. Using it as a noun, isn't.

I kind of agree with this.

'He is a black' sounds kind of disrespecful, IMO.

But saying 'He is a black person' is definitely fine with me.

But it all depends on who you are talking to. Some people would find both things offensive (even though I don't think they should find either offensive), while others wouldn't care about either.

scem0

[Durandal7]

I have come to the conclusion that intelligence is in fact genetic, but that gene is color blind as evidenced by certain posters in this thread.

[janey]

uh the answer to the race/intelligence thing is obvious. most minorities dont have the same access and availability of the same stuff other races take for granted.
I'm entirely serious.
Anyway.....
i feel like singing...
What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Badness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how a n**** works and operates
N**, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all

People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love

It just ain't the same, always unchanged
New days are strange, is the world insane
If love and peace is so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations droppin' bombs
Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones
With the ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone
So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong
In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin' in
Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover
The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the love, y'all

People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin'
Selfishness got us followin' our own direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids act like what they see in the cinema
Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality
Instead in spreading love we spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down
There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under
Gotta keep my faith alive to lovers bound

Father, Father, Father help us
Send us some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)

[tazo]

Originally posted by scem0

I'd also like to comment that I think racism is a very ugly thing. Well, that goes without saying, really.... but if I heard someone say 'I hate black people' I would never be able to look at that person with an ounce of respect until he got some sense and maturity.

scem0

Is it ok in your opinion to say 'I hate white people'?

[Stelliform]

Originally posted by scem0
I disagree.

I call people by their first names all the time, but their names are a lot less important to me than their personalities.

If there are 2 people in a class named Rob and one is black while the other is white. If I am telling someone about one of them and I call the black Rob 'black Rob' I still don't think that his skin pigment is more important than anything else about him. Its just a means to show someone who I'm talking about.

scem0

Well I can definitely see the two rob thing. Kind of like when I was growing up my friends little brother had the same name as me, so he was little <my name> and I was big <my name>

But I was merely commenting that if a black person is standing by a planter next to a water fountain, and you refer to him as that black guy over there. Then race is something you notice. I typically would refer to him as that guy by the fountain. But that is just me.

[Ugg]

I think it is normal when pointing out an individual to use their most outstanding feature. The guy with the iPod, curly hair, red coat, etc. I think it is strange to use their skin color as the first means of identification though, certainly as a secondary means it would be ok.

This doesn't bug me at all, I think it is only common sense. However, when I lived in Seattle on First Hill there was a large population of North African immigants in the neighborhood. I was quite fascinated by their stately, regal bearing, intensely colored clothing, height, women were treated as equals, etc, they guys were great soccer players too. But, when I would talk about them at work, and it was an average workplace, maybe slightly liberal, I got strange looks. I finally realized that frank discussion of different ethnic groups was sort of, well if not taboo, then seen as gauche.

I have always been intensely curious about different cultures and do what I can to learn more about them but I do think here in the US we don't have enough frank discussions about immigrants. Open dialogue usually seems to bring more understanding IMO. I don't really think it has as much to do with PCness as it does about Americans not wanting to get involved with their neighbors.

Any other thoughts, other than tazo's and leet1's one liners....

[MoparShaha]

leet1, have you thought that black people, who are generally a disadvantaged minority in this country, might not have the same opportunities as white people? I've lived in Los Angeles and currently live in San Francisco, so I speak from first hand experience. Black people generally live in poorer communities and thus have poorer educational facilities. Schools are funded through property taxes, and if you live in a poor community, you've got lousy schools.

Also, the attitude of people who share your sentiment might be keeping minorities, and black people down. I don't think many people share your views, but those who do might not give minorites, and black people, the opportunities they deserve.

[Ugg]

Originally posted by coopdog
Why do people get angry when you describe someone by their skin color?! How is saying, "The black guy over there." Any different or worse than saying, "The guy with black hair over there?"



How do you define people from South America, or Asia? Brown, red , yellow? I think that if color was used across the board it wouldn't be nearly as pejorative as using it only with black or white people.

[mactastic]

Originally posted by tazo
Is it ok in your opinion to say 'I hate white people'?

Please, please say yes so we can watch another "Poor oppressed white male" tantrum!:p

[leet1]

Originally posted by Ugg
Any other thoughts, other than tazo's and leet1's one liners....

umm...ok. Maybe you don't live where most<not all> black people are annoying, loud, and unintelligent people. Unfortunately I do. If you lived in my area, you would have the same feelings as I do towards them. Skin color does play more than just a visual discriptive role, but maybe its just the area where I live :rolleyes:

[tazo]

Originally posted by mactastic
Please, please say yes so we can watch another "Poor oppressed white male" tantrum!:p

So you are saying that because I am a white male my opinions/views/experiences are not valid? Niiice...

[Stelliform]

Originally posted by Ugg


This doesn't bug me at all, I think it is only common sense. However, when I lived in Seattle on First Hill there was a large population of North African immigants in the neighborhood. I was quite fascinated by their stately, regal bearing, intensely colored clothing, height, women were treated as equals, etc, they guys were great soccer players too. But, when I would talk about them at work, and it was an average workplace, maybe slightly liberal, I got strange looks. I finally realized that frank discussion of different ethnic groups was sort of, well if not taboo, then seen as gauche.


Yes, I find to have a frank discussion about different ethnic groups often has people clam up. I think that those who do not participate are afraid that they will reveal they are racist, or accidentally make themselves appear racist.

My wife's friend moved up north somewhere his senior year of highschool. It was his opinion that people in the Northern parts of the country (I won't call them dirty yankees so I don't appear racist. ;) :D :D) are more racist than the people he was around in South Louisiana. He thought it was because there were less black people up there. I guess before I heard he said that I had just assumed that most of the country had 50/50 white and black.

Any yank.... uhh I mean northerners want to comment on ratios of black to white in your area?

[mactastic]

Originally posted by tazo
So you are saying that because I am a white male my opinions/views/experiences are not valid? Niiice...

No because then I would also be saying that my own views are not valid. Duh.

I'm saying you tend to think you are an oppressed minority, and have a tendancy to throw a fit whenever anyone disagrees with you about how oppressed and unfair things are towards white men in this country.

[Sayhey]

Originally posted by Durandal7
I have come to the conclusion that intelligence is in fact genetic, but that gene is color blind as evidenced by certain posters in this thread.

While I haven't come to the same conclusion about the link between genetics and intelligence, I think you are right you have found positive proof that stupidity runs deep at least among some of us with paler skin tones.

[scem0]

Originally posted by tazo
Is it ok in your opinion to say 'I hate white people'?

Hell no.

I wouldn't want people to say 'I hate all PC users' either!

Basically, I can't respect someone who decides whether they like a person based on their skincolor... (or what comp they use, how old they are, etc.)

I don't care if someone says 'I hate that black person' or 'I hate that white person' though.

scem0

uber - please put a warning next time you post something which will get an annoying ass song stuck in my, or anyone else's head. ;)

[coopdog]

Something to add to this thread of equalality.

I'm not Jewish or Christian BTW.
Everywhere I look in my school now during the "holiday season," it's Menorahs, dradles, and Jewish songs everywhere. In the library is a "happy holidays" display. Only thing I see is a big menorah and dradles. Nothing from any other religion. On the monthly calendar it says Chanukah and everyday that Chanukah lasts. I don't see a Christmas, Quanza or any other holiday during that same time anywhere.
When I lived in California it was either "happy holidays" or "happy Chanukah." Never any other of the many holidays celebrated.

Again, people think if they say Marry Christmas it might offend someone. Why? How is shoving Marry Christmas down everyone's throat any different than Happy Chanukah?!

I think this is a great example of how equal rights have almost gone too far to accommodate the minority in a group.

Another thing that bugs me is here in Salt Lake City there are whole billboards and TV adds in Spanish. I can speak spanish, but why?! Groups of Americans don't make Mexico produce ads, TV and products in total English.

Equal Rights means just trample on everyother majority and minority to help out the most popular ethnic group.


You never hear the Indians complaining.

[MacAztec]

I have noticed at my school (i'm not being racist here), the black and mexican people are always messing around. For example, about 75% of the time that there is a fight, its with a mexican. The other day, I almost got in one. I was in the lunch line, and I stepped on some mexican guys shoe without noticing. He turned around and pushed me, saying "Hey boy, why you stepping on my kicks". So, I pushed him back, and like 3 of his little buddies came over there.

Haha, since it was by senior square, a few of my varsity football buddies came over. The mexican guy was like "oh man, im sorry, no problem here".

And, the black guys are always at lunch in a little group chillin. Its cool, but if you go over there and talk to one, they are always like "hey cracker".

But if one of them came over to my table, and i said "hey n*gger", I would probly be expelled.

And they always try to use race as an answer. Like in my english class the other day we were doin some group reading thing. I don't remmber what happened, but one of the black dudes in my class was like "oh, you wont put me in that group because im black huh"

Just stupid ***** like that. "Oh, you think its ok cuz im black huh dawg". Yea...

But on a funnier notice, I heard an amusing joke today. I will probly get flamed for this, but I thought it was funny. It was between me and my friend:

Friend: "You know I have some black people in my family tree?"

Me: "Oh yea? Thats cool"

Friend: "yep, they are still hangin there today"

I laughed so hard. Anyways...

[coopdog]

[inappropriate]

[bousozoku]

coopdog:

You're fine. There's no problem with describing people that way. If someone reacts to those exact terms, they're overly sensitive. They should be concerned with racial slurs.

Well, this half-Japanese, half-white who grew up with "colored" people has a few thoughts, if you don't mind.

Racial discrimination knows no boundaries. It comes from everyone against everyone. White people used to beat me up daily because I wasn't "their kind" or white enough or whatever. People told me to leave their stores or where to sit for the same reason.

Stupidity knows no boundaries either. Even otherwise well-educated people say or do things outside expected parameters. Loud, uneducated people come from every group.

Black people have gotten a raw deal and live in depressed areas a lot of the time. These people usually get the worst of what the educational system has. Many times, the textbooks come from affluent schools years after the book are out of date. In a lot of ways, the opportunities for them have gotten better and aren't any different for other racial groups in other areas. Many people are decidedly middle class these days, though!

leet1 and tazo:

You two need to see the world for what it really is.

[tazo]

Originally posted by mactastic
No because then I would also be saying that my own views are not valid. Duh.

I'm saying you tend to think you are an oppressed minority, and have a tendancy to throw a fit whenever anyone disagrees with you about how oppressed and unfair things are towards white men in this country.

They are. Maybe this is a Seattle thing, but conservative-moderate white male teens are certainly a minority round here.

[coopdog]

" And, the black guys are always at lunch in a little group chillin. Its cool, but if you go over there and talk to one, they are always like "hey cracker".

But if one of them came over to my table, and i said "hey n*gger", I would probly be expelled."

Same thing happened to me. This asian kid who thought he was a 300 lb black guy would always call my friends and me "White Boy!!" That was my name to him. Everytime I saw him it was, "White Boy!!!" For at least a year.

One day I said what, "Brown Boy." All in his face, because the whole white boy thing day in and day out was getting very old.

Then he starting geting on me about how that was so racist and he was going to have a Chinese gang kill me beause I called him brown boy. Well he did have brown skin. HAHA. How the **** is that racist!?! And he was honestly going to try and get me in trouble. WTF?!

[beez7777]

i'm sick of the phrase "african american." by saying that one is american you're automatically implying that his family was, at some point in its history, from somewhere else. I don't see why it's "politically correct" to refer to them as african american. people dont call me italian american. you see this crap on standardized tests, when they tell you to fill in your race, and you have a choice of white, and african american, along with some others. why isn't it white or black? why not european american, asian american, or african american? there doesn't seem to be a consistency here.

[leet1]

Originally posted by bousozoku
coopdog:


Black people have gotten a raw deal and live in depressed areas a lot of the time. These people usually get the worst of what the educational system has. Many times, the textbooks come from affluent schools years after the book are out of date. In a lot of ways, the opportunities for them have gotten better and aren't any different for other racial groups in other areas. Many people are decidedly middle class these days, though!

leet1 and tazo:

You two need to see the world for what it really is.


oh my god....seriously... Black people have gotten the raw deal and live in depressed areas? Its their own fault that they live in those areas and the ones I'm talking about don't. Try getting a scholarship and see who gets the advantages. Raw deal my ass. I'm talking about the black people in my area, I dont care what the rest of the world is like, I'm talking about the ones locally and in the US of A. I see my area for what it is.

My school was exactly like MacAztec's. Who was in all the fights? Blacks. Who caused the msot trouble? blacks.

[MacAztec]

The blacks COULD move if they wanted to. I don't understand. They get welfare checks and stuff for giving the agency a sob story. Well, they could also go and get a job. Its not that hard to get an education, even if it is just highschool.

They complain about "oh yea, i couldnt do my homework i don't have a computer"

Well, the library has tons. We also have a computer lab at school

[arn]

I'll say it once...

If you are racist, bigoted, etc... you are not welcome on this site. Period.

arn