Quote:
Originally Posted by SomeRandomGuy  Do you agree, though, that as long as people talk about race as though it makes a difference in who we are, there will be racism? That the more some people are reminded that another group is different than them, the more likely they may be to have prejudice against that group? I don't think that anyone should change who they are to be more like the majority. Being different, and focusing on being different, however, are two very different things.
When Robert Johnson became the first African-American to become the principle owner of an major sports franchise it was big news in the sports world. When Barack Obama became the first black man elected President of the US it was a big deal. I understand that the black community can be proud of those accomplishments. I understand that the rest of us can be glad that enough progress has been made that these things could happen. But isn't calling attention to them actually calling more attention to our differences? Every time I hear a new report in which someone is described as "Black Man" or even "African-American" I have to think, why is that relevant. Why can't we just get passed race, and learn to focus on people for who they are. |
Not at all because differences are a good thing. I am different from anyone I know, Black, White, or otherwise. We are all different. We should learn to accept our differences, not deny them, or push them to the side. You might be into a certain type of music that I'm not into and that's fine. I might dress differently from others and that's fine too. Differences don't create racism.
Ignorance and fear create racism.
If a Black man achieves something that no other Black man has achieved, and we choose to celebrate, then so be it. If a Chinese man became president of the U.S., they would celebrate too, and that's fine. When a White guy won the dunk contest I'm pretty sure there were some pretty happy White people, and that's fine too.
The point is, people will always have differences. We should accept those differences. It's all about respect and love. Once we can begin to love and respect one another, everything will be ok.
Let's continue talking about race because racism is still alive and until people at the top address it, it will continue to be an issue. And please keep in mind, when I use the word racism, I mean there are people who mistreat and abuse others because of the color of their skin. The more we talk about race relations and racism, the better things will get.
What I would encourage everyone to do is to listen to the people who have complaints about racism. Let's not be so quick to judge or label them. Your reality is not necessarily their reality.