well said.This issue is sadly still with us I believe in the sense that stereotypes still exsist. I for one, refuse to accept these as acceptable for any reason and I do all I can to discourage people from thinking along racist lines.
Although I am basically 'white', I am from mediterranian decent and a landed imigrant to Canada when I was 3. I have unusual features in the sense that I look like I am from somewhere else, (or so I have been told), and I often get asked about my ethnicity. It's ok, but sometimes I feel as though I should ask, "why do you ask, or why does it matter". I don't though, because I need to trust that it comes from purely a place of interest, rather than from a place of judgment.
While growing up, I endured a lot of bullying about my looks and about my last name. I remember how much it hurt, but I'd rather have that learning on my side, as it helps me to have first hand experience on a matter that many people just don't think about, or have little awareness of.
I remember how my father had such a hard time trying to find a job in so many countries, and how much the language barrier was an issue inicially, but he caught on really quickly as he is a brilliant man in that area.
So yea, I have talked mainly about my experience, but afa has it changed since the 60's, I'd have to say it's improved in some ways definitely, but there is still a ton of room for improvement. I dislike it, no... I'm gonna say that I actually "hate" it, when I hear white people, or even non-white people slam First Nations peoples, suggesting that they are all lazy alcoholics who live on dumpy reserves, or that East Indians (East Asians) are all out to be terrorists or that they beat their women etc when it happens in any race. I hate generalizations that come from a place of fear and ignorance, because they hurt people.
I dislike generalizations that suggest that all Black people can dance and sing better than any other race, (although they are my favorite style of singers and dancers), and I cannot stand it at all, when people suggest that Italians (that's my background), are all fat, lazy, crazy and stereotypically sitting around drinking red wine and eating pasta all day). It's silly and breeds ignorance.
I wouldn't know, I'm white.
Perhaps I should have honed the question more. We have made progress since the 60's, blatant racism is now a no-no but from about the middle of the seventies to now, the subject has been in a catharsis of sorts. People outwardly push for the obliteration of racism but society itself seems just as segregated. Now, part of this is instinct, people are more comfortable with cultures they have grown up with which tends to correlate with race.
A better question would be, since we have come to the conclusion that racism isn't dead, is why is it still so prevalent today? It's not blatant, yes, but it's still very much there.
I cannot answer that question. I can only say for myself i truly HATE racism. I cannot understand a racist person. I cannot understand the condemnation of an entire people based solely on the color of their skin, the roots of their ancestry, the actions of their ancestors. i want to cry. I do. I cannot understand it, therefore I cannot explain the whys...Perhaps I should have honed the question more. We have made progress since the 60's, blatant racism is now a no-no but from about the middle of the seventies to now, the subject has been in a catharsis of sorts. People outwardly push for the obliteration of racism but society itself seems just as segregated. Now, part of this is instinct, people are more comfortable with cultures they have grown up with which tends to correlate with race.
A better question would be, since we have come to the conclusion that racism isn't dead, is why is it still so prevalent today? It's not blatant, yes, but it's still very much there.
Perhaps I should have honed the question more. We have made progress since the 60's, blatant racism is now a no-no but from about the middle of the seventies to now, the subject has been in a catharsis of sorts. People outwardly push for the obliteration of racism but society itself seems just as segregated. Now, part of this is instinct, people are more comfortable with cultures they have grown up with which tends to correlate with race.
A better question would be, since we have come to the conclusion that racism isn't dead, is why is it still so prevalent today? It's not blatant, yes, but it's still very much there.
Your question leads the answer and makes a very large assumption. You're clearly stating that you think racism is a problem, and you want validation for this stance.
I can't give it to you. I live in the southern United States in a city that is 75% black. Racism here is only a function of a lack of education, and at worst is people segregating themselves from others that they don't understand. Otherwise, normal educated people of all races are getting along better than they ever have.
The issue of racism as you're calling it is nothing more than an issue of education - or the lack there of. This issue goes far beyond the scope of small minded people who don't like those other small minded people who don't look and act like them.
That's the real issue today.
I have no complex introduction, the question is "Have we made any progress from the 60's on the issue of racism? In all honestly, is it worse?"
Happy MLK day everyone.
Your question leads the answer and makes a very large assumption. You're clearly stating that you think racism is a problem, and you want validation for this stance.
I can't give it to you. I live in the southern United States in a city that is 75% black. Racism here is only a function of a lack of education, and at worst is people segregating themselves from others that they don't understand. Otherwise, normal educated people of all races are getting along better than they ever have.
The issue of racism as you're calling it is nothing more than an issue of education - or the lack there of. This issue goes far beyond the scope of small minded people who don't like those other small minded people who don't look and act like them.
That's the real issue today.
How can I rephrase the question to be more neutral? I don't really see how my question leads the answer. I am also not seeking validation.
I also don't think you're stating this but uneducated people = racist? And uneducated as in stupid, not ignorant.