Race/Racism discussion
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hearlady
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Gary O' I would bet your friend feels the same about you.
I try not to prejudice people because I have met some wonderful people that I wouldn't have otherwise.
Some are precious because of what they've come through and can raise our own spirit.
Old man: I don't like some of Chris Rock's language but he is very funny! Imo
I try not to prejudice people because I have met some wonderful people that I wouldn't have otherwise.
Some are precious because of what they've come through and can raise our own spirit.
Old man: I don't like some of Chris Rock's language but he is very funny! Imo
Trade
Well-known Member
Racism has many forms. Some are lethal, and some are merely curious. In the latter category is the fact that on TV, if they're depicting an imaginary crime, they always choose a white person to perform that role. The reason is obvious. If they chose a black actor, they would be accused of racism.
Trade
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You must not be watching the same TV shows I do.
hearlady
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I have asked myself the very same thing and it reminded me when watching the Chris Rock clip.
Lenny Bruce did a skit in the 50s (maybe 60s) using the word over and over along with several other ethnic slurs directed at people in the audience. He said if President Kennedy would use the word to describe the ni#+s in his cabinet etc maybe the word would lose some meaning.
It likely did not work for white people to try that but maybe black people got the same idea?
It is a word that provokes as a white person so I can only imagine if I was black.
applecruncher
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Heh, I hear ya.
Lon
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When I was in the military (Air Force) for a four year enlistment during the Korean War 1953-57. I was on the receiving end of many predjudicial comments because I was from California and had gone to school with so many of mixed race and surely must be homosexual because of California's tolerance re:Gays.I hate to pick on Southerners but most of these negative comments came from ignorant Red Necks that were still fighting the Civil War. I was not only a YANKEE to them but a N----r Lover as well. I married a girl from Tampa, Florida whose entire family were hard core racists and I could tell you stories about these folks that would curl your hair. She and I never had a problem about this and we had a great 33 year marriage and she loved my Asian friends.
Racism where I live has become Hispanics, some of them are very aggressive especially towards black females. I am experiencing hispanics who are trying to gather me into their community and culture and I don't want it. I am friendly, but I don't want to be surrounded by a culture I am not familiar with. There are several in my work place and they won't accept "no" for an answer. They are abusing me and stalking me in the work place. I am a black female and of course some of them are very attractive. They seem to want to stalk me and find men. Black men are very attracted to them so I guess I am leading them to black men
hearlady
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I'm sorry you feel you're being abused teatime. Have you talked with your HR about this?
hearlady
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- N Carolina
Is this racist?
There are many deteriorating malls in my surrounding area. Some are closed with maybe one anchor store or restaurant.
Business seems to have moved to newer trendy neighborhoods.
One mall in particular has a movie theater adjacent that is also closed.
The surrounding area is predominantly black, in fact the town is slightly more black than white.
One day I told my husband that if I had the money I would buy that mall and theatre. I would encourage black business owners that would open shops geared toward the black community. I would encourage them to hire youth from the surrounding neighborhood and also encourage businesses promoting fun for children and teens. I would open the theatre and promote family films with good role models.
I would open it hoping to make money but also hoping to promote something good in that part of town.
The more I thought about it it would be better if someone that grew up in this community and was successful give back by doing this. I don't know of anyone offhand with the money it would take.
Security would be tight as the mall is currently drawing in crime. It would need to be a safe place to work and play and shop.
I guess he thinks it's racist because I would gear it toward blacks but like BET network whites are welcome but if they don't come who cares. Maybe that's racist. Who knows? Lol
There are many deteriorating malls in my surrounding area. Some are closed with maybe one anchor store or restaurant.
Business seems to have moved to newer trendy neighborhoods.
One mall in particular has a movie theater adjacent that is also closed.
The surrounding area is predominantly black, in fact the town is slightly more black than white.
One day I told my husband that if I had the money I would buy that mall and theatre. I would encourage black business owners that would open shops geared toward the black community. I would encourage them to hire youth from the surrounding neighborhood and also encourage businesses promoting fun for children and teens. I would open the theatre and promote family films with good role models.
I would open it hoping to make money but also hoping to promote something good in that part of town.
The more I thought about it it would be better if someone that grew up in this community and was successful give back by doing this. I don't know of anyone offhand with the money it would take.
Security would be tight as the mall is currently drawing in crime. It would need to be a safe place to work and play and shop.
I guess he thinks it's racist because I would gear it toward blacks but like BET network whites are welcome but if they don't come who cares. Maybe that's racist. Who knows? Lol
Warrigal
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Sounds like you need a community grant and a not for profit community organisation to work with.
Money can always be found for good projects - you just need to know how to access it.
Money can always be found for good projects - you just need to know how to access it.
hearlady
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Well, that sounds too much like another "program" to help disadvantaged youth.
I would like to see a thriving entrepreneurship that happens to help disadvantaged youth and helps a community thrive.
I would like to see a thriving entrepreneurship that happens to help disadvantaged youth and helps a community thrive.
In 2007, United came out with a new policy. The policy stated that anyone who uses profanity that would be offensive to someone, that uses language that refers to a person's race or religion and is also offensive, or tells jokes or stories that contains words that are not acceptable in mixed company "may" be terminated without notice. (Those are not the exact words and I do not have the copy in front of me at the moment.)
A few weeks later, I was speaking with a mechanic on the phone while I was in the crew's lounge and he was telling me about an issue (minor in nature) with the plane that I was taking up that day. He told me that he did not have the proper part to fix it according to procedure, so he did the next best thing and "n____r-rigged" it just to get the plane back in service. He was letting me know what he did, so I could make the decision as to whether to fly the plane or not. I thanked him for the information, but I reminded him that the Chief Mechanic has the responsibility of making that decision and also making the call to me, as well. He told me that he was still fairly new with the company and the airline where he came from didn't do it that way, but in the future he would comply with United's policy.
At that point, I thought that I should also remind him of the new policy with using the "N" word, but decided not to and instead, I would speak with the Chief Mechanic. I made a quick call and told the CM what had transpired and asked him to only remind the new guy of our policy, so he doesn't get himself reported by someone that isn't as tolerant as I am. Instead, the big mouth CM has to make a big deal out of it by writing him up. Luckily, he was not fired, but did get three days on the street with no pay. That was one of the few times that I was really upset with anyone at work. To me, it was a slip of the tongue and should have just been a verbal warning. I have had F/A's drop the "F" bomb and as long as no one else heard it, I would just put my finger over my lips and shke my head NO to remind them not to use that word. People get the idea without having someone jump all over them or make a scene.
A few weeks later, I was speaking with a mechanic on the phone while I was in the crew's lounge and he was telling me about an issue (minor in nature) with the plane that I was taking up that day. He told me that he did not have the proper part to fix it according to procedure, so he did the next best thing and "n____r-rigged" it just to get the plane back in service. He was letting me know what he did, so I could make the decision as to whether to fly the plane or not. I thanked him for the information, but I reminded him that the Chief Mechanic has the responsibility of making that decision and also making the call to me, as well. He told me that he was still fairly new with the company and the airline where he came from didn't do it that way, but in the future he would comply with United's policy.
At that point, I thought that I should also remind him of the new policy with using the "N" word, but decided not to and instead, I would speak with the Chief Mechanic. I made a quick call and told the CM what had transpired and asked him to only remind the new guy of our policy, so he doesn't get himself reported by someone that isn't as tolerant as I am. Instead, the big mouth CM has to make a big deal out of it by writing him up. Luckily, he was not fired, but did get three days on the street with no pay. That was one of the few times that I was really upset with anyone at work. To me, it was a slip of the tongue and should have just been a verbal warning. I have had F/A's drop the "F" bomb and as long as no one else heard it, I would just put my finger over my lips and shke my head NO to remind them not to use that word. People get the idea without having someone jump all over them or make a scene.
Warrigal
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I think that would depend on who is saying it, the tone of voice, facial expression and relationship with the audience. Who was the actor who once said "Smile when you say that? However, in general I would say no, it is not OK. We can and should choose our words carefully or risk alienation and hurt. Especially so in front of children.
Warrigal
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I hear what you are saying. Context is everything.
Having said that, being a rather prim ex school marm, don't even think of it if I am within earshot. :grin:
Having said that, being a rather prim ex school marm, don't even think of it if I am within earshot. :grin:
Some families are just more accepting than others. My family was white and yet somehow I never picked up on race much at first as a small child...I just never noticed much. We were poor and started moving around once I was in school. Civil rights started to be a big thing when I was in middle school. At first, I think I thought it was bad...all that "outsiders" talk...and yet, hadn't I felt like an outsider many times?
Integration was started when I was in high school...by that time I just felt like it was too bad it hadn't always been that way. My sister married a Hispanic-American guy...my parents thought he was a good guy (although it just seemed to me they were both too young at the time). Later, I met and married an arab from N. Africa and my parents accepted him also. Back then, somehow there didn't seem to be as much hatred of them as there is now...although I'm sure some of the relatives thought both of us were nuts.
My other sister and brother married people ethnically more like themselves. So my family is more diverse than many in Texas. I hate the way it has become now, more hatred and racism in the country, at least there seems to be more.
Integration was started when I was in high school...by that time I just felt like it was too bad it hadn't always been that way. My sister married a Hispanic-American guy...my parents thought he was a good guy (although it just seemed to me they were both too young at the time). Later, I met and married an arab from N. Africa and my parents accepted him also. Back then, somehow there didn't seem to be as much hatred of them as there is now...although I'm sure some of the relatives thought both of us were nuts.
My other sister and brother married people ethnically more like themselves. So my family is more diverse than many in Texas. I hate the way it has become now, more hatred and racism in the country, at least there seems to be more.
Dame: I respectfully disagree. I think there are words that just should never be said, regardless who we are speaking to or with, especially with the way social media has come to the forefront as a tool that can be used for or against us. I also believe that it does not matter if you taught grammar, English or any other etiquette. I remember back years ago when I was speaking with a friend of mine in college and he aced a test that I should have done the same, but didn't. I smiled at him and called him one lucky S.O.B. His smiling face suddenly changed to a mean scowl and he told me that if I ever called him that again, he would turn my lights out and even though I am 6'4" and he was a mere 5'7", I believe that he could and would do it.
What we may think is funny, silly or just "teasing" to someone may be offensive to another. I am not saying that we can't have fun and call someone an uncommon name from time to time like, if I would meet an old friend in a mall and I would say to him, "Hey, you old dog, where have you been hiding?" Wouldn't that be better than saying to the same person, "Hey, you old S.O.B., where have you been hiding?" It may be context, but there are limits. I grew up in a family where my Dad was a career man in the military and we were taught to respect one another. Using those teachings, I hardly believe my Dad would approve of me calling my black friends N_____s, or my white friends Crackers. "Hey, Cracker, how are you feeling today?"
Just my opinion.
What we may think is funny, silly or just "teasing" to someone may be offensive to another. I am not saying that we can't have fun and call someone an uncommon name from time to time like, if I would meet an old friend in a mall and I would say to him, "Hey, you old dog, where have you been hiding?" Wouldn't that be better than saying to the same person, "Hey, you old S.O.B., where have you been hiding?" It may be context, but there are limits. I grew up in a family where my Dad was a career man in the military and we were taught to respect one another. Using those teachings, I hardly believe my Dad would approve of me calling my black friends N_____s, or my white friends Crackers. "Hey, Cracker, how are you feeling today?"
Just my opinion.
Warrigal
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Hmm. Let me think that out again.
When I was a child I only ever heard three swear words - the Great Australian Adjective - "bloody", and "bugger" and "damn". I wasn't allowed to say any of them.
As I matured and read widely I learned many, many more examples of profanity but for the most part I do not use them because I don't need to. If I burn myself I do tend to let out a short expletive related to bathroom function.
I also learned that for the most part, a word is just a word but words can be weaponised to attack and wound people. An Englishman might think the word "bastard" is a terrible insult but in Australia it can be good or bad. To greet someone with "G'day, you old bastard", means you are greeting a friend and no-one turns a hair. On the other hand if you say someone is a "real bastard" you have issued a very negative character assessment. Fighting might result.
Most Australians are puzzled by the word "cow" being such an offensive word to call a woman by the English. We consider this quite mild. I would far rather this than the current c word, or have I missed the point. Is cow actually a euphemism for something worse? :shrug:
I have my own standards for me and my circle. I won't tolerate words that demean women or that are obviously racist. Or conversations that are the same but I also concede that in certain closed groups there may be different interpretations of the intent.
When I was a child I only ever heard three swear words - the Great Australian Adjective - "bloody", and "bugger" and "damn". I wasn't allowed to say any of them.
As I matured and read widely I learned many, many more examples of profanity but for the most part I do not use them because I don't need to. If I burn myself I do tend to let out a short expletive related to bathroom function.
I also learned that for the most part, a word is just a word but words can be weaponised to attack and wound people. An Englishman might think the word "bastard" is a terrible insult but in Australia it can be good or bad. To greet someone with "G'day, you old bastard", means you are greeting a friend and no-one turns a hair. On the other hand if you say someone is a "real bastard" you have issued a very negative character assessment. Fighting might result.
Most Australians are puzzled by the word "cow" being such an offensive word to call a woman by the English. We consider this quite mild. I would far rather this than the current c word, or have I missed the point. Is cow actually a euphemism for something worse? :shrug:
I have my own standards for me and my circle. I won't tolerate words that demean women or that are obviously racist. Or conversations that are the same but I also concede that in certain closed groups there may be different interpretations of the intent.
hearlady
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In the context of joking around with immediate family members we don't call people those names. The words may come up, there may be stereotyping.
These are the people that know you don't hate people and are kind and respectful.
It doesn't mean two faced. It's because you would never want to hurt someone with those words so they are said only around people who know your heart.
There is joking around in the world and laughter is important. When it comes to race or ethnicity you have to be careful. People can get hurt. You don't know how someone will react.
Big brother is watching so people have said something that would otherwise be forgotten but now goes viral on the internet and their life is ruined. Sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes a real shame.
Comedians cross lines. That's their job. You have a choice to see them or not.
When I've watched Chris Rock it's been on TV as a guest on a talk show etc. His comedy and language is cleaned up quite a bit. I wouldn't pay to see his show. Well, I never go comedy shows but if I did that would not be my choice. Way too over that line.
Do I think sometimes people are too sensitive? Yes but I will respect their opinion, culture, feelings and not go there.
These are the people that know you don't hate people and are kind and respectful.
It doesn't mean two faced. It's because you would never want to hurt someone with those words so they are said only around people who know your heart.
There is joking around in the world and laughter is important. When it comes to race or ethnicity you have to be careful. People can get hurt. You don't know how someone will react.
Big brother is watching so people have said something that would otherwise be forgotten but now goes viral on the internet and their life is ruined. Sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes a real shame.
Comedians cross lines. That's their job. You have a choice to see them or not.
When I've watched Chris Rock it's been on TV as a guest on a talk show etc. His comedy and language is cleaned up quite a bit. I wouldn't pay to see his show. Well, I never go comedy shows but if I did that would not be my choice. Way too over that line.
Do I think sometimes people are too sensitive? Yes but I will respect their opinion, culture, feelings and not go there.
ray188
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From oldman - Using those teachings, I hardly believe my Dad would approve of me calling my black friends N_____s, or my white friends Crackers. "Hey, Cracker, how are you feeling today?"
That is part of the problem that arises. Blacks will use both terms (comedians for example) openly and publicly and receive no criticism. How are we to promote the concept of "we're all the same regardless of skin color" when that is allowed?
That is part of the problem that arises. Blacks will use both terms (comedians for example) openly and publicly and receive no criticism. How are we to promote the concept of "we're all the same regardless of skin color" when that is allowed?
applecruncher
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You are WRONG. The fact is that not all blacks use the N Word and other ethnic slurs. So some do, and they ARE criticized for it by a lot of people including other blacks.
Allowed?
What exactly do you expect me or any other black person to do about Chris Rock & rappers? Tell them to stop? Sue them? Smack them? They know some people object and they don't care.Don't even try to blame Chris Rock & rappers for racism. I'm not buying it. Racism has been around a lot longer than they have.
The main problem is generalizations, such as you have made.
ray188
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Agreed - not all blacks use such terms and not all whites use such terms. My point was that it is not a "white problem". If it is a "problem", it is a universal problem.You are WRONG. The fact is that not all blacks use the N Word and other ethnic slurs. So some do, and they ARE criticized for it by a lot of people including other blacks.
Allowed?
Don't even try to blame Chris Rock & rappers for racism. I'm not buying it. Racism has been around a lot longer than they have.
The main problem is generalizations, such as you have made.
As to entertainers - it isn't a matter of blaming, it is a matter of pointing out a degree of acceptance.
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