BS: How to End Racism

Subject: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,John
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 12:18 AM

Recent events remind us that racism remains rampant. Yet we can easily end racism through understanding and education.

            People must realize that God created all humans from one couple, thus making the entire human race one large extended family. God says:" O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve); and from the two of them He spread abroad a multitude of men and women" (Qur'an 4:1).

            Furthermore, we must understand that no race is superior to another. We appreciate a garden having many different flowers because we realize that each adds something to the beauty of the entire arrangement. This is why we do not object to the color of any flower. In a similar way we can see the world as a garden decorated with people of different colors. Let us appreciate that each variety of people contributes something to the spice of life in this world. God says:" O mankind! We have created you male and female , and have made you nations and tribes that you may know each other. Verily, (start w/this word). The noblest of you in the sight of Allah*, is the most pious (righteous) of you" (Qur'an 49:13).

            The noblest are the most obedient to God. Such persons may belong to nay race or country. What really matters is their conduct and behavior. The prophet Mohammad* publicly declared that Arabs are not superior to non-Arabs, and one color is not superior to another. In a day when light-skinned people could not imagine a black person as their leader, the prophet appointed a black person Usaamah, the son of zaid, as a leader.

            As a result of following these teachings, many people have banished racism from their thoughts and actions. You can still see racial harmony today in the mosques of cosmopolitan cities. You will find people of various colors worshipping together, all with equal status before God. Rich or poor, black or white, kind or pauper all line up side by side to worship. No special preference is given to anyone based on color or social status. The leader in a mosque is appointed for his learning in the religious sciences, regardless of skin color. There is no such concept as a 'black mosque' or 'white mosque'. Islam removes such destructive concepts.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 09:57 AM

Five years ago, my Gospel quartet sang at a United Nations Day program. We were pretty new, and I was still feeling a little self-conscious about being the leader of the quartet and being white. The other three guys are black and we do mostly old black gospel stuff. But, I was the spokesman for our group, and when I got up to talk a little about the black community, I commented that it might seem strange for me to be the one speaking for the black community, not being African-American. I said that I am African-American, too. African-Danish-American. If we want to take pride in our heritage, we should remember that if we trace ourselves back far enough, we all came from Africa and are all brothers and sisters. My family just couldn't take the heat in Africa, and moved up to Denmark. I could see the Italians, and the Germans and the other nationalities in the audience looking either uncomfortable, or just downright irritated. I could hear them muttering under their breath, "I ain't no African-Italian-American. It's true, though. People just want to trace their ancestry back as far as they want to trace it back.

If racism was the only problem to resolve, that would be hard enough.
People like to distinguish themselves from others, usually in a negative way. Religious discrimination is certainly as bad as racism.

Do we have a whole year to do this? I hope so..

Jerry

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 10:18 AM

And, John, when one delves into the New Testament, here is Jesus Christ, a man who today would be considered by many to be a man "of color, teaching the word of God. And it's interesting that no recference is made of color in one's relationship with God and the Holy Spirit.

I personally can't see how a man can know God and be a racist, too. It's such a contridiction. God is loving and if we are to obey Him then we must be loving. Not a blind love, mind you, but a love that transcends color.

And to my fellow Follower of Christ, Jerry, a good New Years morning to you, my brother...

Say "Hey' to Ruth fir me, will ya'..

Praise be to God

Bobert

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: harvey andrews
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 11:06 AM

This reminds me of a house concert I did in North America. On the wall behind where I would stand to play was an oil painting of what looked like a famous wrestler. Long blonde hair, rippling muscles, blue eyes, your typical aryan superman. I asked the host who the painting was of.He smiled at my question..the answer was obvious..
"That's Jesus." he said.
I wanted to shout out "Jesus was Jewish!"
But I bit my tongue, thinking what's the use.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 11:22 AM

Well, he was a famous wrestler -- but not that sort! :>)

This reminds me of those puerile arguments people get into when they are in fifth grade about whether Fords rule over Chevies or vice-versa. When they mature a little, most of those kids realize that the design of one's car is not a criterion for claiming personal excellence. They stop identifying themselves with brands.

If the obsession about identifying self with bodies could be outgrown as readily, and recognized for the equally immature misjudgement that it is, we could relaly get somewhere. But as I recall, back in fifth grade, trying to persuade kids with reason when they wanted to play Fords versus Chevies was not much use, either.

A

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Richie
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 11:31 AM

Unfortunately intelligence and education seem to have little to do with ending racism. Many "intelligence and educated" people have engaged in the worst form of racism.

I can't see how intelligence and education have anything to do with this. Value systems and morality seem to be the issue.

-Richie

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 11:39 AM

Richie,
Sadly, I agree with you. I carefully taught my son to respect and accept each individual as a person. Welcome those who can be friends. Walk away from those who won't or can't. But respect both. He had friends and girlfriends of all races and colors.

By the time he was in his teens, he was mouthing hate about gays and Indians. Those were the groups of choice at school. According to those who knew, all gays molest children and all Indians are stupid.

How to end racism? I am going to be crucified for this but I believe the only way is to eliminate races. I also believe that this is physically and morally wrong. So we will continue to fight the good fight.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: NicoleC
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 11:53 AM

I disagree Sinsull, but I do think we need to end the social construct of "races."

Personally, I think it will be a sad, bland day when we are all the same shade of light brown.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 11:55 AM

I always think it's rather a pity there isn't more than one human race, and that the Neanderthals and so forth had made it through. But we're stuck with only one, even if people make up fantasies about how different shades of skin means different races.

I can't see it lasting too much longer - if the human race as a whole survives, that is. No doubt we'll find some other reason for hating and despising each other.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 12:32 PM

Ha, ha! Good thing you kept quiet Harvey! On the other hand have you seen the "Portraits" of Indian (Hindu) Deities? They're whiter than Michael Jackson. Same as their movie stars. I'm afraid racism will be alive as long as cultures look down on their OWN for not fitting a pre-decided pretty stereotype.

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 01:04 PM

"People must realize that God created........etc"

*sigh*..one does not 'realize' any such thing...one believes...or does NOT believe, religious premises.

Racism will never be eliminated by simple preaching that it is wrong. I am afraid that SINSULL, NicoleC and McGrath are all correct, racism will persist as long as there those who look different...and all looking the same would be boring...and we'd find some other reason to discriminate.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 01:09 PM

Discrimination and dissension may persist around differences between the way people look and behave and so forth - but the underpinning of that by the pseudo-scientific claptrap of "race" is a different thing, and I doubt if that will survive too long. Or rather it will survive too long, because any time at all is too long for it to survive, but that might not be very long.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: *daylia*
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 01:44 PM

First, end it within YOURSELF. Recognize those attitudes/beliefs that are 'conditioned' to be intolerant and see nothing but differences. Practice letting them go every time they come up, and make an effort to get to know people of different races, beliefs and lifestyles. It's hard to stay prejudiced when you've had a friend that belongs to a 'target group'...

As your attitudes change so will your behaviours and the people around you will notice and be affected too. Your new tolerance and compassion will ripple out and affect everyone you touch. Action speaks louder than words...

I remember when I was about 6 years old my mom had found a new piano teacher for me. For a few days before my first lesson she had 'warned' me over and over that the lady was Jamaican and had dark skin and I wasn't, repeat WASN'T to stare at her or ask questions or make ANY comments. By the time we were driving over to my first lesson I had this picture in my mind of a big weird-looking beast or something and I was really scared. Too scared to say anything at all.

When I saw her smiling, tanned-looking face I was shocked and relieved! I swear if it hadn't been so 'forewarned' my childish brain wouldn't even have noticed ANYTHING 'different' about her at all! And she was the most loving, musical teacher I ever had.

Anyway here's a quote I've always loved...

"THE HEART NEVER KNOWS THE COLOUR OF THE SKIN"
      -Chief Dan George (1899-1991)
       Salish spokesperson and actor


daylia

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Cllr
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 01:57 PM

Paint everyone green,Cllr
(mind you some idiot would probably would want the light greens to be kept separate to the dark greens)

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Big Tim
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 02:25 PM

It's a hard one. I think we're stuck with it, sadly. Could be though that the answer is blowing in the wind.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 02:39 PM

It is not all "race" prejudice. Culture, religion and social stratum all get tossed into the mix. "Difference" is all that is needed.

Last year, a group running a prominent city-centre drop-in shelter and kitchen for the homeless campaigned for help. Those running it (tending towards the fundamentalist- evangelical in religions) asked for volunteers and additional donations. Help offered by the LDS (Mormons) was refused because it is a "deplorable cult."
The Mormons are a well-to-do stratum of society here, members involved in all aspects of business and service for well over one hundred years, both in the city and on the farm. I know there are many, like me, who no longer support that help centre, because of their attitude.

The point is that prejudices are many and complex, and affect us all. Racism is only one aspect of a general human failing. Obviously I am exposing some of my own prejudices here. Unconciously everyone who discusses the matter will end up doing just that.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: rangeroger
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 02:53 PM

I am reminded of the Star Trek episode where a planet had two "races" of inhabitant. Both had bodies divided in half with black and white coloration. Those who were white on the right half hated those who were white on the left half and vice-versa.

I agree with day-lia, in that it does have to come rom within each of us, and when our behaviors are seen and respected by others, maybe then they will be adopted by others.

rr

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 04:46 PM

viva l'difference

Recently I heard Trent Lott explain that racism was not a value espoused by his sacred religion - THEREFORE - "I can not possibly be racist".

These guys wrap themselves in the flag and religion so tight I think they are suffocated to the point they believe their own BS.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 04:57 PM

A good start, John would be the elimination of such statements as "People must realize that God created all humans from one couple"!

Why must people realise this? There are many religious and secular factions which believe that this is totaly wrong. How are you going to eliminate racism by telling people that their beliefs are wrong?

I certainly agree with the sentiment but leave religion out of it. Religion, or rather its interpretation, is one of the biggest causes of bigotry and hatred in the world.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 04:59 PM

...racism was not a value espoused by his sacred religion - THEREFORE - "I can not possibly be racist".

A bit like saying "adultery is not a value espoused by my religion - therefore I cannot possibly be an adulterer". I don't think even Clinton would have dared to try to get away with that one.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Cluin
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 05:17 PM

Joseph Campbell asked the question years ago,"Supposing everyone on earth was brought into the tribe and there were no others to look down on and villify and imagine possessing all the traits we consider wrong? What then would we do with our natural aggression?"

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,Al that God nonsense YUK!!!!!
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 05:33 PM

Guest John (could he be the baptist) Oh for Gods sake spare us all this God nonsense... Belief in such baloney is the supreme arrogance of humanity....We are animals dear friends,just animals..we have the advantage of our intelligience,but the disadvantage of possesing a self destruct gene which will judging by the damage we've wrought upon this world already, will probably render us the shortest lived species in earths history...Why do we have to constantly justify our mispent tenure upon this planet with some kind of God in our own flawed image ????

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Cluin
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 06:36 PM

Nothing wrong with a little religion, if it helps some folks to pass through the long dark nights. But though Guest John's chosen faith has maybe (I doubt it though) done away with racism, it still has other issues left untended to. Could I still become a big cheese at the local mosque if I wasn't packing a willy?

And yeah, Cllr, we could paint `em all green, but we gotta get `em all or you could get this kinda scenario. Sign up at your local festival...

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 07:47 PM

Life is tough enough with Faith. I can't imagine trying it without it. As one who know God, speaks to God and hears God, I pray that He will speak loudly enough to folks who have not opened up that part of their spiritual self, set aside their agendas, and received His love.

But I am realistic enough to know that, like riding a bike, some folks just aren't there and may mever be there.

But I also believe that God can break thru layers of doubt as long as denial has not set in.

Bobert

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Dani
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 07:49 PM

Boy, do I wish I knew the answer to this one. It's funny you should mention it.

Check this out:

One of the Town Board Commissioners in our small village had a bad service experience at my little downtown restaurant, and because she is black, and the server and I are white, she assumed it was racial harassment. Instead of saying something about it, she went to the newspapers with a very vicious attack.

Anyone who knows me or my restaurant OR my staff knows how absolutely silly this is, and it's mired us down in an ugly situation. We are planning to meet with her tomorrow to try to sort it all out.

This is the short version of this story. I hadn't thought of posting it to Mudcat for some therapy and advice, but may decide to. I should have known that I would find here a company of thoughtful advisors!

Dani

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 08:32 PM

Sorry about that, Dani. Keep us posted.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: mack/misophist
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 08:37 PM

Destroying racisism is a will 'o the wisp. There is no chance, not a hope. One thing man needs more than almost anything else is some one to hate. Race, Religion, the reason doesn't matter. No matter what; we hate. I think it must be built in. I hate that.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,Al that God nonsense YUK!!!!!
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 03:05 AM

Well Dani I hope your not looking for devine intervention to solve the problem you have had foisted upon you by what sounds like nothing more than some meurotic opportunist who's chosen to jump on that most easy of bandwagons....

Of course when one refers to racism one must also remember it isnt an exclusively white black situation...it is at least as commonly ingrained a problem with blacks of different nationalities and colour castes and is rampant in the asian world with all its primitive base beliefs and caste systems running full pelt even in this 21st century...slavery happened within the african tribal systems thousands of years before whites ever set foot on their shores...it still lives on in the wealthiest African state of Benin....

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 11:11 AM

Guest John started the thread with a quotation of the Qur'an. This old myth stemmed from the bronze age, today we think a little bit more modern.
   Nevertheless, if it helps to fight racistic strains, let it stand for the believers. By the way, when discussing the qualifications for the imam = leader of the community in prayer, the early Islamic sect Kharijia decided: Every faithful is qualified, even the "nigger slave" (lowest level on the social ladder). Now imagine this conception e.g. in Little Rock, Ark. at about 1950.
   In my country Germany we had our full lot of nationalism, racism, persecution, and murder over the centuries. So most of us felt the need of reconciliation, and we first succeeded with our hereditary enemy, the French. Today in TV I saw Polish and German catholics hearing memorial mass together in a place where they fought the hardest battle some 80 years before about Upper Silesia. It's time to hope. And when serving my time I never considered the Red Army's soldiers as beastly enemies but as the same poor guys I was: Conscripts in Poor Bloody Infantry.
   For all wanting to put aside religion I may give a secular quotation of the great Mexican president Lic. Benito Juarez:
Entre las naciones como entre los hombres el respeto al derecho ajieno es la paz.
Between nations as between men the respect for the other one's right is peace.
   Nothing to add.

Wilfried

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 11:29 AM

Even if we could get rid of recism there will still be predudice about religion, gender, social class, age and many other things. In America you have Polish jokes, in the UK we make the same jokes about the Irish, and in Ireland they do so about the Kerrymen.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 11:31 AM

There's a distinction between xenophobia, hatred or fear of the stranger, of the people who are different, and "racism".

The former is pretty widespread and turns up in one way and another everywhere. But "racism" is a particular variation of it which has only been around for a couple of centuries, with a pseudo-scientific set of assumptions built in to justify it.

It's rooted in a history of imperial expansion and exploitation and the slave trade and so forth. The key thing about it is that it identifies "the others" on appearance (rather than on behaviour), and attaches the label "race" to this, and has a built-in presumption of hierarchy, of "races" being supposed to be implicitly "superior" or "inferior". With xenophobia there is not necessarily that kind of assumption, the antagonism need not assume inferiority on the part of the others.

I think there is in fact a real hope that "racism" as such, being a pretty recent invention in my terms, will die out. But that doesn't mean that various types of xenophobia won't continue, and won't need to be resisted. (And "racism" still has a pretty deep hold on a lot of people, especially in some parts of the world.)

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 01:09 PM

It is refreshing and encouraging to observe that, at least in this tread, there are those who have learned the lessons of the past fourty or fifty years on this issue: that sweeping legislation won't do it,that government CAN'T do it, and that we, in our daily lives, MUST do it. Only by each of us as individual human souls interacting with other souls can can we successfully fight any sort of good fight with any hope of victory.

    Sadly, it is unlikely to be a total victory. As long as there are human beings there will be those who, for one reason or another, cannot or will not think things through completely as they deal with other people. The good news is that we CAN, in time and with a great deal of work, reduce the power of racism to the point that it has no power and holds no terror. It involves the mindset with which one approaches one's interactions.


    I'd like you to try something. Stretch each arm out from your body to the left and the right as far as they will go. Pretend that you've just been fishing and you are trying to show the size of the one that got away. Let that proportion represent everything that any given human being is, has been, or could become. Now, put your arms down and place one of your index fingers (use either hand) as close to the thumb of that hand as you can without actually touching it. Pretend that you are about to say "I missed by THAT MUCH!" Let that represent the importance of skin color, in the Sight of God (or, if you prefer, in the context of the Universe) as compared to the previously demonstrated proportion. Damned insignificant, ain't it?

    Unfortunately, we live in a society which would prefer to reverse those proportions. Even many very well meaning people do not quite understand that skin color is one of the least important aspects of our nature as human beings. The trick to maintaining the mindset is to find the reversal unacceptable -- especially from yourself. approach and interact with each individual soul you meet as exactly that: an individual soul, with all of the diginty and respect that said soul is due simply by existing in this world. While legislation and other such measures are useful (to a limited degree), only tis mindset can actually attack the problem itself rather than merely making the cosmetic changes brought on by lawmakers.

    It is, unfortunately, a long, slow proccess. But it CAN and WILL
achieve the goal.


Stephen Lee Rich

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 01:15 PM

exhibit heartfelt tolerance

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 01:24 PM

I would be remiss if I didn't also add to this discussion that there are some tools, while not being cure-alls, are important in the struggle to "end racism" and they are anything that we do that levels the playing field. Affirmative action is one of those tools. While it can be argued on a case basis that is is discriminatory, when taken collectively it does provide society a means of franchising non-whites, which I think is step in the right direction.

I just didn't want that point to go uncovered in this discussion.

Bobert

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,herc
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:14 PM

That's an interesting point, McGraw. Gave me some good pondering time. I can accept that racism would be greatly exacerbated by imperialism. I'm not sure that I can accept that differences in appearance would be irrelevant to our most base instinct of tribalism. Perhaps we will never know, because it never happened? Stories of white children raised by native americans come to mind, but I only know that from Hollywood. There's the genetic impulse to socialization in ever larger(?) groupings. What kept native american tribes separated? Genetic impulses (couple with competition for resources)? Cultural xenophobia (however mild)?

Were white Europeans many centuries ago more predisposed to develop racism due to circumstances? Were native americans really blind to any differences in appearance between tribes?

You may be right on that point (ethnic strife may be prehistoric, but racial is recent), and I am just babbling. Back to pondering. Apologies for this brief interruption. . .

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: CarolC
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:30 PM

As others have pointed out, racism is just one aspect of what is really a much broader issue.

Human beings, generally, have developed a pattern of determining and measuring their own worth as humans only in relation to other humans. It is considered normal for people to measure their success and worth by comparing themselves to others. For many, the more people who fall below them on whatever scale of values they are using, the more successful or worthy they feel.

In any given community, even when all of the members of the community are of the same race, ethnic group, or religion, there will still be a differentiation that will take place. For instance: I spent 13 years living in an isolated rural county that had no black people, and almost no people of any race other than white. But this county had the white equivalent of "niggers". They just used different markers and standards than race to determine who would receive the lower status.

In the case of that county, it was women who were unmarried through divorce or having never been married, people who were members of families that were designated as "trash", people who didn't have the right connections, and poor people who were discriminated against and treated with contempt.

Until people lose the need to measure their sense of self worth as compared to other people, until people lose the need to elevate themselves at the expense of others, the problem will remain in one form or another, regardless of the existence or lack of existence of "races".

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Cluin
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:38 PM

Dave, I also hear that the Kerry folk collect all the jokes, put `em in books, and sell `em back to the English.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,herc
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:38 PM

No, here's what's wrong. As much as I hate to remember or restate this fact, here it is: My five year old daughter, in kindergarten, with a real rainbow of races in her class, told me about one boy pulling one girl's pigtails (or some such event.) I said: "Maybe he has a crush on her." She said: "No. A tan boy couldn't have a crush on a brown girl." This really blew my mind. Shet gets NONE of that kind of thinking from her home environment. I may be white, but no: None of that. And she was cared for for three years by a black woman, whom she loved and still loves. She said to me that one black girl in her class "is the nicest person I have ever met." Her best friend in her class is a very dark native american.

There is something very innate about this problem. It is not purely a cultural development.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,herc
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:43 PM

My kindergarten tale fits your explanation, Carol. But it still shows the deep seated behavioral component, to be distinguished from socialization issues.

Dan

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: CarolC
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:44 PM

herc, in the case of your daughter, it might not be racism as much as a simple observation based on what she sees around her. Are there any/many inter-racial couples in her day to day environment? She may just be drawing a logical conclusion based on her own experiences.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,herc
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:48 PM

No, there's not. You may be right. But . . . .

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:51 PM

It sounds to me like she was quoting what she heard someone say. Now doing that is something for which there really is an inbuilt instinct among most children.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,herc
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:56 PM

Maybe so McGraw. I've only had half time custody since she's been in kindergarten. But the use of the word "tan" causes me to think otherwise. Anyway - our scientific controls for this one are down the flue.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Kim C
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:01 PM

I think it is basic human nature for people to gravitate towards other people who are Like Them - whether it's because of race, religion, social status, common interests, whatever. We all have our tribes of one sort or another.

But how to end racism? How about, by being nice to one another. Wow, what a concept.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: GUEST,herc
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:07 PM

Agreed on both points, Kim. Teenaged girls (and boys) at the mall are paired up in basic "appearance" categories. Yep, just be nice to your next door neighbor would go a long way.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: CarolC
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:17 PM

I disagree that it's basic human nature to gravitate only toward others like oneself. I think that's more of an exposure issue. If a child is exposed to a lot of different configurations of types of people, (and not indoctrinated with any kind of bigoted thought processes) it will feel perfectly natural to him or her for different kinds of people to get together.

From the age of ten, my son has lived in environments in which people of all different races, religions, and ethnic groups pair in no particular patterns. He is now age 19, and he is attracted to women of many races and cultural backgrounds.

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Cluin
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:31 PM

That's different, CarolC. He's horny. ;)

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: CarolC
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:42 PM

Sounds like a classic case of projection to me, Cluin. I just saw your post to my "proper tea" thread ;-)

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Cluin
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:51 PM

I ain't denyin' it. We all relate things like this to our personal experience. I'm attracted to women of all races and cultures too and I'm not all that cosmopolitan.

Hey, some of my best fantasies are black...

Subject: RE: How to End Racism
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:53 PM

I don't know if there is any point in being serious here. It is my experience that people have and instinct to form groups with like people. But they have to learn what the similarities and differences are.

To any or all of these can be the deciding factor, Politics, Income. religion, common interests, mutual dislike of others, etc. Different people put different weights on each factor. Also we can easily change our groups and loyalties. Take two otherwise identical young men, who meet in a bar, one a sailor, another a marine. Chances are there will be prejudice between them, even though just a few years before, nothing would have prevented them from becoming friends, unless they were in different schools or cheered for different football teams or came from rival towns.