Based on my facebook comments, the over-all consensus was something along the lines of “ Yes, and it makes me sad” or “yes, unfortunately” Other comments included talking about how, now days, most people feel that individuals are more jealous or threatened by a race, than racist of a race. Some of my friends felt that Caucasians (in particular) were threatened by certain characteristics or abilities of other races. One boy in particular exclaimed that he wasn’t racist, just jealous he couldn’t play basketball like Alan Iverson could. (Isn’t that a form of racism?). Another girl felt that people are also too sensitive, and that often times something that is taken as racist…really isn’t meant to be. Another interesting comment was that one individual felt like it was easier for people on the west coast to be racist, but in the south or on the east coast, you couldn’t be racist because whites are the minorities in a lot of the bigger cities. The findings made me realize that most people, in one way or another feel that everyone is just a little racist sometimes.
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Most people who commented on my post had the same reaction as "yes, unfortunately." They also brought up the issue about what really constitutes racism. One guy wrote about how when we think everyone is a little racist, it is really just judging appearance or some other minor thing and not really connecting it to a negative emotion or prejudice. What racism really is becomes highly debatable.
I think people argue over the definition of racism too much.
Maybe the issue isn't "are we racist," but "should race factor in?" There are people of every race who can do things I can't. And I can do things that people of different races can't.
And it has nothing to do with my country of origin or my racial history or ancestral background.
I would just like to say amen to your friend that said that totally harmless or innocent comments are often taken as being racist. Last week I was making a story for 11 News and I had a clip of an FSU player talking about BYU. I commented on how he had funny ears and my friend said.. Oh my gosh that's racist! What?!! If that was a white guy he just would have laughed and said yeah you're right. We are so touchy on the subject as a culture. The only way it can be expressed is by joking... not ok really.
I totally agree with the fact that sometimes a comment can be taken as racist when it is not. I think society has making a bigger deal by reinforcing it. I do acknowledge the history and why it has happen. However, I think that by calling it something we are already stereotyping it.
being jealous of Allen Iverson isn't racist. It's just appreciation of an athlete. great post.
Its interesting because my mom (born in the 50s and around for the civil rights movement) lived most of her life in california. she felt racism was not very existent there. And my brother lived over in louisiana a few years ago and talked about how lynching still occurs in the small towns. So i feel its the opposite: racism is more prevalent in the south and less on the west coast.
Depending on the part of the west coast you look at, will you find majority white, but LA and SD are very culturally diverse. I feel that when I make comments about a particular race, it is intended to be a joke. And I usually make the comments around those that know I am joking. I would never say something that may be taken offensively by someone of another race. I sort of feel that because I am a minority (half filipino), I have more freedom to say asian jokes. Again, I wouldn't say those comments around other asians I didn't know because I don't know their level of tolerance of references to their race, but I would make those comments around white people.
I don't feel that wanting to play basketball like Alan Iverson is not racist at all...it is simply a statement saying he wishes he could play like a professional basketball star on the Philadelphia 76ers team. We as a society today think that if we make any comment that crosses the lines of race that it is a form of racism... when I think that being able to admire anyone from any race, your own and/or others, is what Martin Luther King Jr. was hoping we could someday become.
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