Racism?

[Gribble]

Ever have to go to a sensitivity seminar or watch one of those incredibly lame videos for work?

You know what I'm talking about. Where situations are presented and you're given examples of what is and is not proper behavior in the work place.

There's one that's always bugged me. I think in every last seminar I've ever been to they've brought up the basketball example. Two white guys are talking about how the company team is really struggling. They approach some guy and say something like: "Hey, Frank. Y'know, we're struggling on the court. We could use your help. I mean, you are black so you must be good."

Okay, now it's incredibly stupid to assume that all black folk are great basketball players, granted. However, I don't see how that is offensive. I mean, basically they're stating that hey, your race is known for producing some of the greatest athletes in the world. Can we get some of that?

I don't understand why anyone would be offended. If you want to assume that I'm a great baseball player or a great boxer, hell maybe I'm not, but I'm sure proud that my folks have that reputation. I'm certainly not going to be angry at you.

[Mish]

I think the emphasis is probably on the stereotypes themselves and people's general ignorance and stupidity. At some point all stereotype (positive or negative) are just ridiculous.

Example:

'He's black so he must be good at basketball. Just watch out he doesn't pierce the ball with his third leg or gets it caught in his luscious Afro. Oh yeh, they're also good at dancing, so keep him far away from your girl. Aren't they good runners? Maybe we should get him to get us some pizza'

[Gribble]

If you want to assume I have a gigantic penis that's also okay by me.

I don't think anyone but the dumbest of the dumb suggests something like that in all seriousness. Why can't people focus on intent rather than content? Get angry at people who are attacking you, not people who are cracking friendly jokes or who don't carefully word their every thought like a politician.

[IndiReloaded]

OMG, I was just told today about how we all have to start deliberately incorporating Cultural Sensitivity into our lecture material.

I need some really creative ideas for this. My husband suggested I state that niggers are just as welcome as white students in my class. LOL.

[misombra]

fuk yeah! if you're having a cumbia contest and two hispanic people are up against a white couple and an asian couple, the spanish people are gonna win. porque la cumbia esta en nuestra alma.

[Mish]

If you want to assume I have a gigantic penis that's also okay by me.

What about if people assume you're a good runner because your people are good at that and then try to force you to run for the team?

Get angry at people who are attacking you, not people who are cracking friendly jokes or who don't carefully word their every thought like a politician.

Yeh, there are a few people who take these sensitivities too far. Though, not all jokes are friendly. Sometimes they are made to show a superiority over others. In those instances the backlash is absolutely understandable.

[Aeradalia]

Don't forget 'reverse-racism' where one race gets special treatment over the others... that's always irked me as well...

Such as 'black history month'... what about 'white history month,' 'Asian history month,' 'Hispanic history month,' while you're at it? See how ridiculous this would get?

You want racism to stop... then stop paying attention to the race of the person you're talking to and more to the kind of person they are.

[misombra]

you know sometimes people just want to be acknowledged for what/who they are. they don't want things to change, they just want a day to party and celebrate. the problem i think is people wanting to always feel like they have to 'do something' or give something of theirs to appreciate someone or something. people just want to be appreciated.

[Cain]

I remember when a close (black) friend of mine told me that he was on track. I told him that he must be very good since he's so used to running from the police.

That reminds me. Why does Mexico suck at the Olympics? Because all of the ones that can run, jump, and swim are already over here.

How come there aren't any Mexicans on Star Trek? Because they don't work in the future either.

[Gribble]

Such as 'black history month'... what about 'white history month,' 'Asian history month,' 'Hispanic history month,' while you're at it? See how ridiculous this would get?

White history month is every other month of the year.

I don't know that I agree with having a month set aside, though. I think black, Asian, Hispanic and all other history should be taught year round.

As for making someone run track, get angry at them for that. Don't get angry at them for rightfully acknowledging that the best runners in the world happen to be black.

[LadieNisha4u2nv]

I think I might be offended by it because I want to be recognized for what I, the individual, can do and not what you assume my entire race can do. On top of it, not everyone makes racial comments as jokes, but more so as an intentional insult to said race. I can take a racial joke here and there, but I rather not accept ones where I am grouped with other blacks just because you assume that is what I would do. Like welfare queens? I'm not one. And drinking Kool Aid? I dont like Kool Aid. I'll laugh when they say "some" but not when they say "all" because in reality, it's true. SOME black people are that way, but not all.

It's sorta like when women say "All men are dogs." Alot of guys hate when they are grouped with other men.

[Gribble]

Those examples are generally negative, though. Anyone ought to be offended for being called a welfare queen, and doubly so if it's a jab at their entire race.

Suppose I have the good fortune to have sex with you. Suppose once I've caught my breath I tell you the following: "I guess it's true what they say. Once you go black you never go back." Would that offend you?

[Aeradalia]

White history month is every other month of the year.

That's a racist comment in its own right... I just love how whites are automatically assumed to be in control or 'the man'... I have never suppressed anyone, never had a slave (though a boy toy seems intriguing ), and I'm not a bible-thumper either..

Yet you don't hear comments like 'it's because I'm white' or 'white pride,' or everyone needs to learn about European culture. Why? Because race has nothing do with your work ethics, you can be prideful about your own race without forcing others to 'endure' it against their will, and learning about other cultures should be optional, because dammit, it just might not be top priority for everyone.

I don't care if you're black, white, hispanic, asian, indian, pink, purple... whatever... all that matters in society is are you a law-abiding person and do you do your job...

The rest is just incessant whining like siblings fighting for more affection from their parents... in this case the parent is the government, and the siblings are the races... If you truly want equality then that means no special privileges...

[LadieNisha4u2nv]

Those examples are generally negative, though. Anyone ought to be offended for being called a welfare queen, and doubly so if it's a jab at their entire race.

Suppose I have the good fortune to have sex with you. Suppose once I've caught my breath I tell you the following: "I guess it's true what they say. Once you go black you never go back." Would that offend you?

Hell no lol. Thats more of a compliment IMO.

[misombra]

oh shit it's a damn race war lol.

i'll tell you right now the brown people will always win in the race war ya'll white devils.