I've finally been able to get back to my staring at the Missouri River, and this past week, I was pondering the term "racism."
Racism, by definition, is a prejudicial viewpoint towards others based upon race. However, it is definitely not that simple.
At this point in our country's history, those who have been the subject of racism are allowed to redefine the term.
For example, if a group of African-Americans choose to form a group specifically for African-Americans, that is considered appropriate. If they want to have a television network called "Black Entertainment Television" or "BET", that's fine.
However, were you to substitute the phrase "white" or "caucasian", those acts would be racist.
Why is it acceptable for one race to offer something that is not acceptable for others?
There's a Congressional Black Caucus, and a Congressional Hispanic caucus. Were there to be a Congressional Caucasian caucus, it would be racist, but the other two are wholly acceptable.
Why?
It's fine to stereotype white Americans as overweight, beer-drinkin' wife-beatin' trash, but if you dare to even think a that a black guy could be on welfare or a hispanic could be an illegal immigrant, you're a racist..
Guess that's the great mystery of the 21st Century. Why is that we must maintain a double standard? Is it some misguided notion that we can make up for past slights by giving preferential treatment today?
Keep me posted on how that's workin' out for you.
joker
My, we are touching on controversial topics aren't we. I think I will post something about gays next. I just want everyone to be as happy as they can be. I only judge people (in the sense of whether I want to be around them or anything else) as individuals and not anything else. Oddly enough, it seems like it is the various religions that pass judgement based on stereotypes.
By the way, shut the @#$% up! (just kidding with ya bud).
Exactly
You're exactly right with everything you posted. I think this country has become entirely too politically correct. I recently had a discussion with a very dear black friend - no not African-American - black. She told me that she does not refer to herself as African-American because she is not from Africa, she is simply black. I tend to agree with her. I don't go around calling myself Scottish-American - why? - because I'm not from Scotland. My ancestors were, as hers were from Africa. I think some people from every race and/or gender have certain entitlement issues.