I have been reading some subtle racism on some of the internet fishing sites.....and thought some here might like to discuss it as well......
To start, let's be clear, that when some make racist comments.....they are making broad generalizations about an entire race of people......
Which are not only inaccurate but unfair.......
For example......I have been victimized by different types of people and races in my life....does that mean that all folks from that race are bad? Absolutely not......
This can be an uncomfortable discussion to have.....
Because some have polarized views......
I'm asking folks to look beyond that.....and ask themselves why they have these views......and to really ask if they are justified....
For example.....
My brothers and I got jumped and beaten up by some black kids when we were growing up......we fought back, but were still outnumbered.....from then on I harbored a resentment against some black kids who, in my experience, couldn't fight for themselves, but had to gang up on someone......
Was that a function of their race?
Or of their upbringing?
As I got older I began to see that it was part of their upbringing, and who they hung out with..that sometimes shaped their behavior...
I use this as an example to possibly get a dialogue going, as to why we have perceptions about certain races......
And to ask ourselves if these perceptions are valid......
Another example....I live in a mostly black neighborhood...in the time I have lived there I have come to be someone that no one bothers or messes with....we all get along....when I considered moving one of my neighbors asked me to stay.....because he was worried about who the next guy would be.......And some of the old folks in my neighborhood have come to trust me for advice and as someone who will not take advantage of them.
I make this point as a realization that as we all get older....and more mature....we all want the same things for ourselves and our families....
Safety
Security
Good Jobs
Family and Personal opportunities for advancement.....
Opportunities for our Children that we didn't have....
When you look at all races of people out there....in my experience, once people become mature adults.....that's what (most) of us want.....