Racism in America

[amj]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomGuy

I don't think that blacks (in general) are racist. My point was that they contribute to racism against them by insisting on being different. My point was that if the only thing they had in common was the color of their skin, then by creating their own culture they were contributing to the creation of a society in which racism against them exists. Now that I better understand why black who descended from different countries developed a common culture during and following slavery it makes more sense.

Racism, or any sort of prejudice, only exists when people are different. In fact, I believe that that prejudice exists anytime one group is seen as being different from another group (even if the separation is only idealogical, such as with politics or religion). As much as I disapprove of racism, however, I would never suggest that people should become more homogenized in order to avoid racism. I especially would not suggest anyone lose their cultural heritage to avoid being the target of racism. Before you pointed out to me the shared African heritage (as opposed to a national heritage) shared by most of the black community, it seemed that by coming together based on skin color alone the community was unnecessarily setting themselves aside as different. My thinking was, why create a different culture and face racism just because your skin is a different color? I would not have asked the community to change, if that is what they wanted, but it was hard to understand the point. Now that I understand the African Culture aspect better, it makes more sense.

I am glad that you dropped by and joined in this thread. I feel like I have learned something today.

I'm glad you learned something. I'm actually glad you posted your opinions too. That way other people could get a chance to express themselves on this topic. Race is always a touchy issue but I encourage people to be open about their feelings. Even if it turns into a heated debate, I'm still all for it.


To me, Black people have a very a unique history. I honestly don't know everything about my history. So much of it has been tucked away, dismissed, or not taught all together. But if you can take anything away from what I am saying just please ask questions about Black people. The thing that bothers me is when people (not necessarily you) watch TV, listen to commentators, and then form an opinion on Black people and Black culture. Television does not begin to describe who we are and what our history is.

Being different is great. I don't care how different people are, as long as they are good people. That's really all that matters.

[cylon]

My response was to this question of yours:

Originally Posted by amj

Give me examples of how you feel Blacks in the U.S. demonstrate this racism.

So I provided examples. And note that I said "SELF-PROCLAIMED" black leaders. That means I was saying they were assuming the mantle of leader, and you cannot deny how extremely powerful and influential these two men are in the racial dialogue we have today.

The "leaders" that are not so powerful are any blacks who dare to take a non-victim approach, conservatives like Thomas Sewell, Larry Elder, Clarence Thomas, Coneleeza Rice... all who have received racist remarks from fellow blacks, as being uncle toms, or trying to act white. I define those as racist remarks. And white liberals have said the same thing, so they have made racist remarks, but gotten away with it because it was against people on the right.

Now... no, you and I DON'T know that's true. Jackson and Sharpton consistently blame white America for all the ills that blacks face. I understand that you disagree, but to me, it is just a fact.

So, what is personal is when you tell me instantly, without really taking the time to ask me follow up questions, or to come to a better understanding of my views, that "obviously know very very little about Sharpton and Jackson". That is an insult, and a suggestion that I am ignorant and don't know what I am talking about.

Also, it is extremely presumptuous on your part. Because it's not true. Like I said before, I probably know way more about them than you do. (And it also presumes that I have never had black friends, girlfriends, close coworkers, or any other direct interaction with black people other than television. Lots of presumptions on your part there.)

For instance, do you know anything about this Rush Limbaugh NFL bid that they had a hand in ruining, or is this the first you're learning of their involvement in it?

[amj]

Originally Posted by cylon

My response was to this question of yours:



So I provided examples. And note that I said "SELF-PROCLAIMED" black leaders. That means I was saying they were assuming the mantle of leader, and you cannot deny how extremely powerful and influential these two men are in the racial dialogue we have today.

The "leaders" that are not so powerful are any blacks who dare to take a non-victim approach, conservatives like Thomas Sewell, Larry Elder, Clarence Thomas, Coneleeza Rice... all who have received racist remarks from fellow blacks, as being uncle toms, or trying to act white. I define those as racist remarks. And white liberals have said the same thing, so they have made racist remarks, but gotten away with it because it was against people on the right.

Now... no, you and I DON'T know that's true. Jackson and Sharpton consistently blame white America for all the ills that blacks face. I understand that you disagree, but to me, it is just a fact.

So, what is personal is when you tell me instantly, without really taking the time to ask me follow up questions, or to come to a better understanding of my views, that "obviously know very very little about Sharpton and Jackson". That is an insult, and a suggestion that I am ignorant and don't know what I am talking about.

Also, it is extremely presumptuous on your part. Because it's not true. Like I said before, I probably know way more about them than you do. (And it also presumes that I have never had black friends, girlfriends, close coworkers, or any other direct interaction with black people other than television. Lots of presumptions on your part there.)

For instance, do you know anything about this Rush Limbaugh NFL bid that they had a hand in ruining, or is this the first you're learning of their involvement in it?

With the 'Uncle Tom' stuff that's not racism. People should really be more mindful of what racism is and what it isn't. A racial comment isn't necessarily a racist comment. Calling someone an Uncle Tom or a sell-out isn't a racist remark. Remember, racists believe that their race is better than others. And for the record, I too, believe Larry Elder and Condoleeza Rice are sell-outs.

Ok we can argue about Jackson and Sharpton. But you really think they blame White America for all problems? I don't. I"ll bet you can find videos of them criticizing Blacks too. You didn't mention that, though. You only said they blame Whites for everything when I know for a fact, that's not true. I don't keep up with them daily but I am aware of what they stand for and what they have done. When an injustice happens to a Black person, they are right there to help or at least bring public exposure to it. I wish you could show me how they blame White America for everything. Show me a youtube video or something.

It was presumptuous on my part. Your comments were not true so I assumed you must not know what you were talking about. You can take that personal but it isn't. Take it as a challenge. Prove your point to me. Prove that they blame Whites for everything.

You need to understand that I enjoy debating but I never attack people. I attack their ideas. I attatck their argumnents. I don't fight dirty. I won't call you names. Btw, saying someone lacks knowledge on a particular subject (aka ignorance) is not personal. And no, I don't know what goes on in your personal life and I don't really care because it isn't relevant to what we are talking about.

Lastly, yes I do know that Rush Limbaugh was trying to buy a team. I also know that he has made some pretty racist comments. Neither Jackson nor Sharpton has stopped Rush from buying the Rams and neither one of them can stop him.

[amj]

Originally Posted by spirit4711

@amj, I'd like to send you a Private Message but you have disabled that in your profile.

So here goes: I'm taking a forum break starting tomorrow or the day after, so will not continue this discussion with you, even though I find it very interesting.

Thanks for further clarifying your point of view!

Well just in case you get this, I am going to try to make it so that you will be able to send me a private message

[cylon]

"Uncle Tom" is a racial slur. Any insult that is based on a person's race, is a racial slur.

This isn't going to go anywhere.

You won't be able to find any Limbaugh racist comments, because he has never made any, and any youtube video of Sharpton or Jackson I post, you will explain away.

And yeah, you did attack me before knowing a single thing about me. Saying that I clearly know very, very little about a topic, when you and I have never discussed the topic before, shows that you prejudge people.

Anyway, no point in arguing. Sharpton and Jackson are pure of heart, Larry Elder is a sell-out, Limbaugh's a racist, and I have no right to talk about black people.

Let's have this conversation again in 50 years when you're ready to be more objective.

Until then, we'll just have the same racial problems we've always had in this country. You seem to be fine with that, and you seem to prefer having white people just shut up and not be a part of that dialogue. I disagree, but in your case, I'll play along.

Take it easy.

[amj]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomGuy

Sorry, I didn't see this reply until I had already posted my other response. I think you may have misunderstood my belief on this. I applaud black people for trying to preserve their cultural heritage. I think that some of those whose families were slaves for generations likely lost some of their culture, which is a shame.

As I have been writing this response I have been developing a theory, and so I would like to run it by you. My initial response is that if the black community are just trying to hold onto their heritage it should be possible to tell where an individual's ancestors were from based on how they dress, etc. That does not appear to be the case, however.

Is the issue, however, that because of slavery, many in the community do not know where their ancestors were from? Is that why you refer to African Culture, rather than Kenyan Culture, Egyptian Culture, etc? If that is the case, then that does make sense to me. Africa is a huge continent, with many cultures that vary greatly. Perhaps bits and pieces of those cultures that survived slavery have been merged into the African American Culture in the US? That would explain why it is easier to recognize an Irishman or Italian, than to recognize a Kenyan vs an Egyptian.

Assuming that I am thinking of this correctly, then I am starting to understand a little better why there is a shared black community in the US, even though the members have descended from many different cultures. In that case, the "new" culture that I perceive has been built on top of remnants from many African cultures, so has become its own distinct culture.

Am I getting warm?

As far as the way most Black people dress, no that isn't an African thing. And to answer your question, when I speak about African culture I am speaking about West African culture because that is where most of us came from. And it is true that we do not know exactly what part of Africa we originated from.

The biggest thing that Black Americans share is struggle. Our struggles are the same. People from New York to California share similar struggles. Since our people were brought to the U.S. we have shared similar struggles. That is a big reason why we identify with each other. We may not know each other, but we feel connected.

Your last point was very accurate. I think we actually unintentionally preserve our African culture. That sounds strange but it's actually true in many instances.

[amj]

Originally Posted by cylon

"Uncle Tom" is a racial slur. Any insult that is based on a person's race, is a racial slur.

This isn't going to go anywhere.

You won't be able to find any Limbaugh racist comments, because he has never made any, and any youtube video of Sharpton or Jackson I post, you will explain away.

And yeah, you did attack me before knowing a single thing about me. Saying that I clearly know very, very little about a topic, when you and I have never discussed the topic before, shows that you prejudge people.

Anyway, no point in arguing. Sharpton and Jackson are pure of heart, Larry Elder is a sell-out, Limbaugh's a racist, and I have no right to talk about black people.

Let's have this conversation again in 50 years when you're ready to be more objective.

Until then, we'll just have the same racial problems we've always had in this country. You seem to be fine with that, and you seem to prefer having white people just shut up and not be a part of that dialogue. I disagree, but in your case, I'll play along.

Take it easy.

You said I wouldn't find any racist Rush comments. Well here's something.

Top 10 Rush Limbaugh Racist Quotes | News One. I just love challenges. You gotta learn how to debate without getting so emotional. We all get emotional at times but don't pick up your ball and go home in the middle of the game

[cylon]

It's completely pointless. You're completely entrenched in your worldview. A debate will end the same way it started, both sides having the exact same opinion that they had in the beginning. I could just slam my head in a car door repeatedly and get the same effect.

You've said to the OP, and to me, basically, if you're not black, then STFU. Message received. Maybe we can talk about other stuff sometime in a different topic, but this is fast merry-go-round where the only goal is to vomit at the end.

Besides, you didn't respond to any of my other points, you just played the Limbaugh card. Yawn, goodnight and goodluck.

[MidasGirl]

And now.........a public service announcement:

Originally Posted by cylon

I think people who are preoccupied with racism are the real racists. They are the ones who are constantly thinking about the difference between races, and drawing distinctions between races, and are unable to see the commonality all humans share.
.

[amj]

Originally Posted by MidasGirl

And now.........a public service announcement:

I disagree


People use that word, racism too much. It's really becoming a misused word. If a person suggests in any sort of way that their race is superior to another, then we can call them racist. But if a person merely points out a fact or expresses an opinion, that doesn't necessarily make them racist.

The whole point of discussing racism and racial issues is to bring us together. I think that's the thing people don't understand. For some, the moment they hear a racial comment they curl up in their shells and call the other person racist. Forget that! Problems never get solved that way. I'm from California and out here, we actually talk about racial issues. I don't feel uncomfortable talking about racial issues; actually I love talking about racial issues. I learn, others learn, we all learn. When we learn about one another, racial tension becomes eliminated. At least from my experience, that's how it has been.

[MidasGirl]

Obviously you didn't get my point amj. I was trying to point out hypocrisy. No biggie though........carry on you guys. I'm just jealous. Don't have much time these days to discuss these hot button issues

[amj]

Originally Posted by MidasGirl

Obviously you didn't get my point amj. I was trying to point out hypocrisy. No biggie though........carry on you guys. I'm just jealous. Don't have much time these days to discuss these hot button issues

Oh. Yeah I completely missed it. It's ok. The conversation between me and Cylon is done. It was fun while it lasted though. At least I enjoyed it.

[cylon]

Originally Posted by MidasGirl

And now.........a public service announcement:

Do you keep a little file of all my posts? I'm flattered. amj is the one preoccupied with race here, not me. There's no hypocrisy on this end. Your perception is screwy. You just have an issue with me, is all.... so you want to see bad things in everything I say, even when I don't actually SAY anything bad.

You did just creep me out a little though. Hope you don't know what I ate for breakfast this morning.

[cylon]

Originally Posted by amj

I'm from California and out here, we actually talk about racial issues. I don't feel uncomfortable talking about racial issues; actually I love talking about racial issues. I learn, others learn, we all learn. When we learn about one another, racial tension becomes eliminated. At least from my experience, that's how it has been.

I'm from California too, Midas Girl is also, I can hear her scratching outside my window, watching everything I do and keeping tabs like the loyal girl she is.

I would think being from California would make you stop thinking of yourself as what your heritage is, since every single race is mixed up here. How can you live out here and identify yourself that way? Whenever you go out aren't you surronuded by and hanging out with, all different races? I know I am. I don't know how you could do otherwise unless you're secluded somewhere in a small town where everyone looks like you.

So, you don't get the high road here, amj. I don't feel uncomfortable talking about it, but you're just so identified with what race means to you that I might as well be speaking a different language. I'm glad you LOVE talking about it, except to white people, who clearly are out of touch with your culture. And, you and I both know we're never going to see eye to eye.

Anyway, I've never really talked about race with my black friends so this is actually an awkward conversation. We just talked about stuff we had in common. But that was face to face. I think on the internet it gets much easier to to think you are different than someone else because you can't see the person, can't raise your voice, can't see how stupid this stuff really is, things like that.

Or something.

[amj]

Originally Posted by cylon

I'm from California too, Midas Girl is also, I can hear her scratching outside my window, watching everything I do and keeping tabs like the loyal girl she is.

I would think being from California would make you stop thinking of yourself as what your heritage is, since every single race is mixed up here. How can you live out here and identify yourself that way? Whenever you go out aren't you surronuded by and hanging out with, all different races? I know I am. I don't know how you could do otherwise unless you're secluded somewhere in a small town where everyone looks like you.

So, you don't get the high road here, amj. I don't feel uncomfortable talking about it, but you're just so identified with what race means to you that I might as well be speaking a different language. I'm glad you LOVE talking about it, except to white people, who clearly are out of touch with your culture. And, you and I both know we're never going to see eye to eye.

Anyway, I've never really talked about race with my black friends so this is actually an awkward conversation. We just talked about stuff we had in common. But that was face to face. I think on the internet it gets much easier to to think you are different than someone else because you can't see the person, can't raise your voice, can't see how stupid this stuff really is, things like that.

Or something.

Identify myself in what way?
Yes I'm surrounded by lots of other races.
Actually, I love speaking about race in front of any race
Not every white person is out of touch with my culture.
How old are you? I just want to get an understanding of who I'm talking to.
I'm 26

[cylon]

Originally Posted by amj

Identify myself in what way?
Yes I'm surrounded by lots of other races.
Actually, I love speaking about race in front of any race
Not every white person is out of touch with my culture.
How old are you? I just want to get an understanding of who I'm talking to.
I'm 26

Just as a black person with a separate culture from everyone else around you. I don't see how you can do that out here where everyone is on top of each other. My first post, is what I feel, and I'll repost it:


The entire point of American Society is that we come from different countries and cultures and backgrounds and build a new society that is made up of all those disparate elements coming together to create an American. The essence of the country is that we leave those differences behind and identify ourselves simply as "Americans". Doesn't mean you abandon your cultural heritage but the idea the founders had was that we come together and assimilate and literally create a different culture and heritage, even RACE (loosely used of course), of our own, the "American Citizen".

How successful we as a nation are at that is up for debate.

So, come to think of it maybe Midas Girl was right, she just expressed it in an awkward way with bad intentions. Talking about race IS stupid because all it does is make us think about our differences, rather than what we have in common. It actually sets progress way back. At least in my mind.

I'm pushing 33.

Which part of Cali are you from? I'm in OC.

[IFeelGood]

Unfortunately, I have not read through all of the posts here. I would just like to say hey, how can we use black/white as a debate when even some dark skinned people are known to be prejudice against "darker" skin and whities are always looking to tan? Is there truly the existence of "racism" or is it more of separatism?

Personally, I do not believe as much in the existence of concept racism as I do in the existence of the concept separatism. I have seen how people separate themselves based on any possible cause... whether it be skin color, nationality, gender, sexual preference, hair color, career, eye color, taste in clothing, omnivore/vegan/vegetarianism, political party affiliation, age discrimination, religion, favorite tv show, education, favorite toy, taste in music, income, this is what is now the real "racism".

What we all need to think about is how we are alike and what we can all do to make the world a better place. Skip the differences they will only further divide us as a HUMAN race. Work on your own self development and contribute to the betterment of the planet.

[Plays With Life]

I agree, IFeelGood. Thinking of yourself as "American" also invites nationality-inspired separatism.

[IFeelGood]

Originally Posted by Plays With Life

I agree, IFeelGood. Thinking of yourself as "American" also invites nationality-inspired separatism.

I do not know what you are referring to but I do believe that we all have cultural identities just as we do have individual physical attributes or tastes but what I am saying is that we need not separate ourselves because of those but appreciate each others differences and focus on that which brings us together...

[Plays With Life]

Originally Posted by IFeelGood

Did not mention American?????

No, you didn't. Sorry, I wasn't clear about what I meant.

People seem to say, a lot of times, "well, don't identify with your race - why can't we all just be Americans?". Or whatever nationality is predominant in the conversation. "Don't think of yourself as Mexican - after all, we're all Latinoamericanos".

But it seems to me that's the same thing.

I'm Mexican = I'm not black, I'm not white, I'm not Indian, I'm not Hawai'ian.

I'm American = I'm not British, I'm not Arabic, I'm not Japanese, I'm not Pacific Islander.

It doesn't seem to solve anything, to identify with a nationality rather than a race.

[cylon]

It means you share a common culture with the people in your country. Everyone is an earthling but some people do take pride in the country they live in. I think America is about diluting the meaningless differences between people.... not creating more.

[IFeelGood]

Originally Posted by IFeelGood

I do not know what you are referring to but I do believe that we all have cultural identities just as we do have individual physical attributes or tastes but what I am saying is that we need not separate ourselves because of those but appreciate each others differences and focus on that which brings us together...

Plays... because I wasnt sure what you meant before your clarification, I updated my post to the above...

[Plays With Life]

Originally Posted by IFeelGood

Plays... because I wasnt sure what you meant, I updated my post to the above... may make more sense now.

Thanks. What I meant was an agreement with what you originally said. (unless I misunderstood the original message)

Identifying with any group can inspire separatism, and prejudice along with it. I just used nationality as an example of some other group-identification, besides race, that can inspire separatism.

[IFeelGood]

Originally Posted by Plays With Life

I'm Mexican = I'm not black, I'm not white, I'm not Indian, I'm not Hawai'ian.

I'm American = I'm not British, I'm not Arabic, I'm not Japanese, I'm not Pacific Islander.

It doesn't seem to solve anything, to identify with a nationality rather than a race.

As you mentioned, anything can inspire separatism...

I am tall: I am not short
I am thin: I am not fat
I like chocolate: I like vanilla less
I am unattractive: I am not pretty
My hair is blonde: it is not red, it is not grey, it is not brown
I am married: I am not single, I am not divorced, I am not celibate

[Plays With Life]

Originally Posted by IFeelGood

Anythoing to id us can be categorized as you are saying...

I am tall: I am not short
I am thin: I am not fat
I like chocolate: I like vanilla less
I am unattractive: I am not pretty
My hair is blonde: it is not red, it is not grey, it is not brown
I am married: I am not single, I am not divorced, I am not celibate

Yes. Isn't that what you're saying?

[Plays With Life]

Originally Posted by IFeelGood

As you mentioned, anything can inspire separatism...

Oh. Yes, that's what I was trying to say.

[SomeRandomGuy]

Originally Posted by amj

I disagree


People use that word, racism too much. It's really becoming a misused word. If a person suggests in any sort of way that their race is superior to another, then we can call them racist. But if a person merely points out a fact or expresses an opinion, that doesn't necessarily make them racist.

The whole point of discussing racism and racial issues is to bring us together. I think that's the thing people don't understand. For some, the moment they hear a racial comment they curl up in their shells and call the other person racist. Forget that! Problems never get solved that way. I'm from California and out here, we actually talk about racial issues. I don't feel uncomfortable talking about racial issues; actually I love talking about racial issues. I learn, others learn, we all learn. When we learn about one another, racial tension becomes eliminated. At least from my experience, that's how it has been.

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.

[amj]

Originally Posted by cylon

Just as a black person with a separate culture from everyone else around you. I don't see how you can do that out here where everyone is on top of each other. My first post, is what I feel, and I'll repost it:


The entire point of American Society is that we come from different countries and cultures and backgrounds and build a new society that is made up of all those disparate elements coming together to create an American. The essence of the country is that we leave those differences behind and identify ourselves simply as "Americans". Doesn't mean you abandon your cultural heritage but the idea the founders had was that we come together and assimilate and literally create a different culture and heritage, even RACE (loosely used of course), of our own, the "American Citizen".

How successful we as a nation are at that is up for debate.

So, come to think of it maybe Midas Girl was right, she just expressed it in an awkward way with bad intentions. Talking about race IS stupid because all it does is make us think about our differences, rather than what we have in common. It actually sets progress way back. At least in my mind.

I'm pushing 33.

Which part of Cali are you from? I'm in OC.

I'm nothing like the person you think I am. I'm really the nicest guy. It's just that I feel strongly about race issues and I don't mind expressing how I feel. I live around people of all different races and get along with everyone. I don't live in a seperate world at all. I don't know what would give you the impression that I do.

But I still disagree with something you said. We are all different but that's not a bad thing. Asians can be different from Blacks, who can different from Mexicans, who can be different from Whites. As long as everyone is a good person and has respect for one another, everything is fine. Respecting one another's differences is important. I don't think we should have to blend in. I love the fact that people are different. I like meeting new people and asking them about their culture. It bothers me when people throw their culture away to become "American."

I'm from Sacramento

[amj]

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.

[amj]

Originally Posted by IFeelGood

Unfortunately, I have not read through all of the posts here. I would just like to say hey, how can we use black/white as a debate when even some dark skinned people are known to be prejudice against "darker" skin and whities are always looking to tan? Is there truly the existence of "racism" or is it more of separatism?

Personally, I do not believe as much in the existence of concept racism as I do in the existence of the concept separatism. I have seen how people separate themselves based on any possible cause... whether it be skin color, nationality, gender, sexual preference, hair color, career, eye color, taste in clothing, omnivore/vegan/vegetarianism, political party affiliation, age discrimination, religion, favorite tv show, education, favorite toy, taste in music, income, this is what is now the real "racism".

What we all need to think about is how we are alike and what we can all do to make the world a better place. Skip the differences they will only further divide us as a HUMAN race. Work on your own self development and contribute to the betterment of the planet.

I understand what you are saying and you good points. I just feel that racism in the U.S. (and across the world) is real and until politicians and people at the top address it, things will stay the same.

Whether or not you believe in racism won't prevent it from taking place. Therefore, my stance is that we should continue to engage in racial discussions and see what can be done to improve race relations. Black people are only one group of people who are discriminated against in this country. There are many others who feel the same way. Let's work on finding a solution.