Racism..How do we end it? Can we end it?

Statistically, we all harbor some form of racism, usually existing in the form of stereotypes.

The theory of implicit association explains why that is.

Basically, our minds function by drawing conclusions based on less than all the facts. If our minds did not operate this way, we would be so confused by all the different details that we would never get anywhere.

Racism is an extreme example of that effect, and it is enhanced by a lack of intimate details about the self, which makes it easier for the mind to draw quick conclusions about other people based on superficial indicators such as cultural and ethnic background.

If asked to define themselves, most people would instantly refer to cultural or ethnic background, current type of employment, living location.

An example would be, "I am an Irish-American living in Chicago working as an attorney."

Those indicators have absolutely nothing to do with who we really are, yet it is perfectly commonplace for people to define themselves in that manner.

And that's why it is so very easy for racists justify their erroneous conclusions about entire groups of people.

I do think that some people's racist feelings could be changed with education and enlightenment simply because for some of these people they're carrying on a family tradition and have been told over and over again how they should feel.


But, being completely honest, I have no hope for the ones that take to acts of physical aggression to try to bully and badly frighten the people they look down on. They ones who truly believe that their race is better than everyone else and that they're entitled to ruling over people and that anyone other than that race should be destroyed leaves me with absolutely no mercy or understanding for them.

Vedderlution_Baby! wrote:

I do think that some people's racist feelings could be changed with education and enlightenment simply because for some of these people they're carrying on a family tradition and have been told over and over again how they should feel.


But, being completely honest, I have no hope for the ones that take to acts of physical aggression to try to bully and badly frighten the people they look down on. They ones who truly believe that their race is better than everyone else and that they're entitled to ruling over people and that anyone other than that race should be destroyed leaves me with absolutely no mercy or understanding for them.

Yes. very true...My family is narrow minded and I heard many racial slurs growing up until I reached my 30's or so, and then I began to go to school and help many people from many backgrounds. One day I noticed a family member talking their ignorance about some people of color (or not) and I thought to myself, well such and such is that descent and I like that person. He/She is kind to me....it goes with everything though...

We have seen a sense of division even in our politics...Because we cannot confine people who vote a certain way by the criminal acts of an entire administration...

That's why I say it's no different than teaching children to be kind....

Problem is though, you can lead a horse to water, but can you make him/her drink????

Declare our independence from the south and then nuke 'em..




What?

ajedigecko wrote:

i am proud of her because she does not use the term "black".....so i know it is nothing we as parents have instilled. she sees my ronnie lott,derrick thomas, michael jordan, charles barkley, and larry bird posters everyday in the garage.

I don't think African-Americans mind being called "black."

What needs to remember is that racism is a two way street. We all need to treat each other better. Anyone using derogatory terms no matter who needs to stop. It is no different that a black man uses the n word then a white guy. It is wrong no matter who uses is. Same with terms about all races and religons. If we can teach that then maybe the future has hope.

MrSmith wrote:

a lot of minorities live in the south, genius. or should i say, racist?

my answer is to fuck until we all look alike...but then there would be no redheads...hmmm i may need to rethink this.

...which is why a slogan of neo-nazis is "because the beauty of the White Aryan Woman must not perish from the Earth."

LikeAnOcean wrote:

Declare our independence from the south and then nuke 'em..




What?

That sounds like Hitler's final solution too, congratulations!!Would you spare non-white southerners, and perhaps gays?....only killing white families like mine?
Very interesting, could you perhaps answer how I ( 40yrs old now) witnessed more racism and intolerance while living 80 miles or so southwest if your beloved Chicago than I ever did or have in N Texas? I am tempted to tell you to fuckoff, but but clearly your statement reinforces that you, like any continue to make sterotypes..and you need help...I suppose it is allowable now to make discriminatory statements , but only based on geography. Did you know that Dr King was not as frightened of marching in any southern cities as he was in Chicago? ..... man you are some piece of work.

BTW my wife is a redhead, and she is awesome!!! I actually look forward to seeing more and more mixed race children to alleviate some of this, but it starts at home-and the one thing we can not tolerate is intolerance!!!!

MrBrian wrote:

We need to come up with a real solution to the problem of racism.

Well maybe the problem of racism will never fully come to an end. But I know that we can change some hearts. That should be our goal.

For one, finding out why an individual would have such views in the first place. I mean what would make someone not like another based just on the color of their skin?

I guess we can address it on an individual level for maximum effect.

Thoughts?

I think it's slowly taking care of itself. The races are becoming more and more mixed and the racial lines are getting so blurred that you really can't classify anyone anymore except mixed.

sponger wrote:

I don't think African-Americans mind being called "black."

one lady i attended college with and work with.....corrected me during class once, with regards to the term "black". she swiftly informed me that she is "african american" not "black".
as class continued....a thought occured to me. so i asked her, which tribe or country do you trace your ancestors back to? she had no idea.
that is when i informed her, you are american then. obviously where you live people may not be offended by being called black by another black person. but where i live.....if a white person calls someone black, it is viewed as racist.
it is a great time in my classroom....we all just call each other some type of cracker; wheat cracker, whole grain cracker...so on.