José

"racism is just another word for ignorance." -I can't find who said that

I can't agree with that statement more.

Did you know that race is made up in our culture? Genetic studies say that there are more genetically diverse people in the SAME race as there is genetically diverse people in any two different races... (http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/ea...humanrace.html)

We are all the same inside, people just look different because of their phenotype comes from their origins...

I just don't understand people who are racist. They are truly the only ignorant people who are not bliss.

It's kind of like people who don't like illegal immigrants. They think that because they are an immigrant they aren't allowed to be here. Well guess, what you wouldn't be here if your great great grandparents didn't migrate here, so you are technically an immigrant too...

People are so retarded sometimes. Why can't we all just get along?

Flamingnun

Race = phenotype.

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Mafoo

just to play devils advocate. what makes you more nervous walking alone at night? a group of people who look like you? or a group of people who look much different, talk differently, dress differently etc etc?

people tend to fear what they cant relate to at first instance, and that fear is, imo, what leads to racism.

good post though, i just wanted to make an argument for the other team.

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PLUR
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return

SageTree

In my experience it comes from a perceived threat and not actual experience.

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José

A group of people walking by me at night don't make me feel threatened at all really. Unless they do or say something to make me feel in danger.

I already mentioned that in the OP... so what are you trying to say? besides you can't say phenotype singular. one race is not defined by one phenotype, there's multiple phenotypes that are dominant in certain races. besides that's not what I came here to talk about, so please stay on subject.

Kompressor

I dunno, i doubt a bunch of hoodlums are afraid of guys in khakis and polo shirts.

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Think like a man of action, act like a man of thought. -H. Bergson

SageTree

I think people do it for the pointed hats and 200 thread count sheets.

And is it ironic about the head and face covering love/hate?

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SageTree

For some reason this made me think of these guys.....




When I see two young men dressed like that, I know the must be up to no good.

actually I go talk to them, big surprise right?

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mothernature

It seems there are people who can't feel good about themselves unless they feel superior to someone else.

Mafoo

i have a hard time believing you feel completely at ease walking home alone when a group of persons, regardless of race, is walking toward you. you dont even make a fist in your pocket or keep a lighter palmed as a fist pack? i hope you never have to learn that fear then i guess

maybe im paranoid, but even in my nice conservative little neighborhood there are hoodlums out here who will take your shit if you look vulnerable or are alone.

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PLUR
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return

Debaser

I can't speak for everyone on this, but I know quite a few people who aren't fond of illegal immigrants, and I'm pretty sure they are more pissed off at the "illegal" part than they are the "immigrant". Nothing is wrong with immigration as long as it's done through the proper channels, but when you sneak into a country and set up shop, then you are just draining the resources of said country, thereby doing a disservice to all those who immigrated legally, not only that, it also shows a basic contempt and disrespect for the laws of the country you're sneaking into, imho that does not make for a model citizen.

And once more on the subject of "racism"...are you talking about REAL racism, or the "only white people can be racists" kind of racism?

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Wouldn't it be great to heal the world with only a song?

Message CM47: Let's go pay some hookers to knock our junk around.

wellfleation

"There are black people and there are niggers. . . and man do I HATE NIGGERS!" -Chris Rock-

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FIGHTPOWER

The Rev

Racism isn't evenly distributed in our culture, not by a long shot. If you look back at our history, those races which were most exploited and/or treated the worst, suffer the greatest threat from racism today. For example, if you are looking for a job, and you are black or mexican, it's a whole different experience for you than if you are asian. And the more your dress and attitude conflict with the dominant culture, the greater disadvantage you have as well (wear a suit and talk like Bryant Gumbel and you have a much better chance of getting hired than if you carry yourself like Flava Flav, regardless of your qualifications).

It's all about cultural dominance. The less you appear to represent the dominant culture, the more likely you are to be mistrusted, and even hated. Race is only one aspect of it.



The Rev

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Dr. Nick Nasty

In order for an imperial polity to work, you always need an 'other' to demonize-to justify your own violent desires in action. darker and more funny talking the better. also helps not to be christian.

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HTAM

One day there was knock on the door at Casa HTAM. I looked through the peephole and saw 2 men dressed like the Mormies. I opened the door and said 'Nope!' and slammed it back shut. And laughed my ass off when I looked through the peephole and they were both looking at each other with the WTF look on their faces.

José

Why have you been attacked by a random person before? Because I sure as hell haven't. When I turn 21 I plan on getting a permit to carry a concealed gun just in case.

Pretend like you have a gun on you, are you going to have your hand on it for certain people that walk by? I don't think so... You pull out the gun when you're ready to shoot. Just like making a fist. If I'm going to hit someone I make a fist when I'm ready to hit them not before hand...

I rely on my sense of awareness more than anything.

SageTree

I never let them go so easily...... for me it's more fun to experience the WTF... "can- we-come-back-next-week-when-we-find-out-the-'answer'-to-THAT one" moment.

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Mafoo

meh i have had worse surprises than being attacked by strangers, lets just say.

i guess you are right though, no need to fear just react with the situation. so why do you think people are racist? i think dr nicks post makes sense in the political scheme of things and that has most likely trickled down into the other facets of society/ culture/ humanity.

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PLUR
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return

José

damn mafoo, that sucks. you must just be really good at being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I really have no clue what makes people racist. Debaser and Dr. Nick had some good points.

Liberty Cap

I've been jumped several times in the Bankhead west Atlanta area before, and a car I was in was stolen off flat shoals at one point while we were trying to get in at a parking lot. Shit happens dude, but I'm not carrying a gun on me for it. If someones gonna hit a lick on ya, you're probably just gonna get taken for what you got. It isn't the movies man. Usually things happen too fast to do anything more than react to the situation.

The only defense is to not put yourself in vulnerable situations. With my body height and build, I'm not what someone would see as an easy target, but jackboys don't really give a fuck.