BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination

Subject: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 07:48 PM

Today (March 21) is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It's the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the UN General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 2142 (XXI)).

How far have we come?

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: mauvepink
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 08:16 PM

"Overcoming racism compels us to address public policies and private attitudes that perpetuate it. On this International Day, I call on Member States, international and non-governmental organizations, the media, civil society and all individuals to engage meaningfully in the promotion of the International Year for People of African descent – and to work together against racism whenever and wherever it occurs."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Day for the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2011


Just about says it all I feel but racism goes far beyond just people of African descent. It affects all races sadly

Thanks for the link. With all the hell happening around the Mediterranean and in Japan just now this could have been so easily overlooked. TBH I only just saw the thread myself.

mp

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 08:52 PM

19 years after that in Greensboro, NC, a few hundred peaceful protesters against racism were fired upon by KKK racists and several were killed...

No charges were ever filed against the racists...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 09:10 PM

Yawn!

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 09:28 PM

I'm looking forward to the day when we don't have a World Day against Racial Discrimination ... then, and only then we will not see each other as white, black, gay, Jew, Muslim.....and only then will we be truly free from Discrimination

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 09:58 PM

Bobert, it's a tragedy still happening all over the world, including in http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/no-charges-over-island-death/2006/12/14/1165685808319.html.

The UN site states "Since then, the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled. Racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries, and we have built an international framework for fighting racism, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Convention is now nearing universal ratification, yet still, in all regions, too many individuals, communities and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings."

In Australia, our previous conservative government wouldn't acknowledge the International Day for the Elimination of Race Descrimination. (they came to power on a decidely racist agenda. However, not wanting to be beholden to the UN, they came up with their own way of noting the day, Harmony Day, which promotes acceptance of diversity.

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 09:59 PM

Sorry, here's another go at that link! Australia

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 10:31 PM

you are correct mauvepink ... it does go beyond people of African descent ... and it happens everyday in our so called tolerant communities. Below is a recent issue here in New Brunswick Canada.

Florist refuses to outfit same-sex couple's wedding

"According to the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, anyone doing business in the province cannot refuse customers based on race, religion or sexual orientation." ... now the I fully agree with this, and what civilized person would argue against it .. but it is just words .. not law.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: gnu
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:04 PM

sIx... It's terrible. But it's not the place of the government to tell people to disregard their religious beliefs. I would welcome the gay couple in any business I had but I would not force another business owner to disregard his/her beliefs. It is terrible and inane, but I believe it is their right to be stupid and backward. They must be allowed to be idiots in a free society.

Laws can't truely raise intelligence, compassion and moral duty. Only exposure to such injustices can. That should be the focus... and it has been through the "protest" which made the newspapers... laws are not even necessary when good people lead the way.

As far as I am concerned, if that flower shop has a great sale and I need flowers, I will do business with them. Of course, I would still them I think they are assholes... politely, of course... after I get my flowers.

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:19 PM

They can believe what they want gnu, but I feel it is nothing but discrimination of a person's sexual orientation ... religion B.S. ... what true christian would refuse to sell someone flowers anyway.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: World Day against Racial Discrimination
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:44 PM

I watched the full version of this documentary on the Stonewall Riots on TV last week, it clearly documents how bad things were and how people have been treated. I agree, number 6, everyone has the right to be treated with respect.