Poll: Is it okay to pardon racism from a very old person?

[RicoADF]

I guess it depends on if they're intentionally being racist or they just don't know. I once had an old man ask me if it was okay to call me a "Colored" person. He said if that's not the term then he wasn't sure what to refer to me as. I said how about my name. He apologized and said I don't mean any harm, I know times have changed...

I know this man meant no harm, but on the other hand I work with people in the mental health system. I've been called every name in the book by older people who think we're still living in the past and they can call me that ****** Girl all they want.

Again, I know they mean harm but you can't show them weakness, they say it just to get a rise out of you, and the best retaliation you can give them is just not to show that it affects you in anyway. Boy do they get pissed off lol. So yes and no. I'm a bit conflicted honestly.

Agreed, context is the key. Sounds like its abit hostile where you work?

 

[Stryc9]

Charlie for Vietnese for example. Also, please dont ask why we come up with these names. If you havent noticed we suck at making up names.

Simple. During Vietnam the enemy was the Viet Cong, VC, Victor Charlie. Shortened to Charlie for extra offense when you caught one alive.

As far as excusing or calling old people out on their "racist" (read: prejudiced) mannerisms, it's pretty much pointless. They'll either play along while you're there, get really pissed off and call you a brainwashed libtard, or simply ignore you. They're too old to be de-programmed so I wouldn't even try. My aunt believes with all her heart that Obama is a Muslim even though I've shown her plenty of evidence that he can't possibly be but Fox News told her that he is so he is.

 

[Beliyal]

Nope. No matter how old someone is, they do not have the right to hate, discriminate or otherwise belittle other people. They should be called on it and sanctioned in the same way anyone else would be.

"Pardoning" them can be extremely harmful to society because old people still exist (in many countries like my own for example, they are almost a majority); they still vote, they are still in high positions in workplaces and they still work as politicians who design laws and rule the country. They should not have the excuse of "being old" when they discriminate any citizen in any way. We no longer have to respect the wise old tribe leader and never call them on their bullshit; they make mistakes and they are wrong more often than not. And when they discriminate, it's not cute or funny; it's still discrimination and it's awful.

Education is never a wasted time and old people can and should also be educated, if they still mean to participate in public life and society (especially important when it comes to voting).

 

[Ariyura]

I guess it depends on if they're intentionally being racist or they just don't know. I once had an old man ask me if it was okay to call me a "Colored" person. He said if that's not the term then he wasn't sure what to refer to me as. I said how about my name. He apologized and said I don't mean any harm, I know times have changed...

I know this man meant no harm, but on the other hand I work with people in the mental health system. I've been called every name in the book by older people who think we're still living in the past and they can call me that ****** Girl all they want.

Again, I know they mean harm but you can't show them weakness, they say it just to get a rise out of you, and the best retaliation you can give them is just not to show that it affects you in anyway. Boy do they get pissed off lol. So yes and no. I'm a bit conflicted honestly.

Agreed, context is the key. Sounds like its abit hostile where you work?

I work with people that have severe mental illnesses. At times I don't know if they can help it. One day they're cussing you out and the next day they're your new best friend and the next day you're teaming up with the man to take over the world. You can never tell. It's an interesting day every time I go to work.

 

[drobear]

You can understand why they are being racist, it was not considered racist when they were younger. But the past is the past and now is the present so they should adapt to the rules of today.

 

[MeChaNiZ3D]

NO IT.

Guys, stop putting apostrophes in your polls. You know it ruins the text. *sigh*

Old people have a say in public issues, so no, it's not ok. In fact it's not ok for anyone to be racist. It's not even worth letting it be until they're in the ground, because they still have an opinion that matters thanks to democracy between now and then.

 

[afroebob]

Interesting question, I wonder what the answers would be if there were actual answers and not 'they're going to die anyways lol' answers. It kind of destroys the point of a poll when the answers are stupid as shit.

It was the obliged joke option to an extent . But it basicall boiles down to , why would you care what old people say , their opinion is irrelevent and outdated . Sorry to offend .

I'm not offended I just hate when a good question is ruined by people voting on the 'lol' answer because its 'funny'

 

[Xan Krieger]

I'm fine with it and will even use the same racist terms as them to fit in. Take my neighbor for example who still calls asians gooks because he was drafted in the vietnam war and got wounded twice. I use the term around him because I feel like I'm old and it helps me fit in. When I'm hanging out with my uncle and he uses the n word I laugh and might even use it as well not to be racist, just because I change my speech based on the people I'm with.

 

[Miles Maldonado]

I suppose it depends on how they mean it. I had a 94 year old great-grandfather who called a colored woman that N-word you get banned for saying. Upon her taking offense, he immediately took it back, and asked what it was persons of her pigmentation preferred to be called.

If they actually ARE racist, then there's no excusing them. If they're "Racist by proxy of not knowing a different term, but certainly not meaning any ill intentions", as was the case with my great-grandfather, then it's best to correct them instead.

EDIT: Removed offensive language.

 

[RicoADF]

I guess it depends on if they're intentionally being racist or they just don't know. I once had an old man ask me if it was okay to call me a "Colored" person. He said if that's not the term then he wasn't sure what to refer to me as. I said how about my name. He apologized and said I don't mean any harm, I know times have changed...

I know this man meant no harm, but on the other hand I work with people in the mental health system. I've been called every name in the book by older people who think we're still living in the past and they can call me that ****** Girl all they want.

Again, I know they mean harm but you can't show them weakness, they say it just to get a rise out of you, and the best retaliation you can give them is just not to show that it affects you in anyway. Boy do they get pissed off lol. So yes and no. I'm a bit conflicted honestly.

Agreed, context is the key. Sounds like its abit hostile where you work?

I work with people that have severe mental illnesses. At times I don't know if they can help it. One day they're cussing you out and the next day they're your new best friend and the next day you're teaming up with the man to take over the world. You can never tell. It's an interesting day every time I go to work.

Ah fair enough, that's one time when you'd take what they say with massive piles of salt. Take over the world ay? *cue pinky and the brain theme song* sorry couldn't resist XD

 

[Mylinkay Asdara]

I pardon them, but I don't condone it - I call my older relatives on what they are saying every time they say it and they have come to say those things less and less, even if it's only around me, I consider that a small victory. I don't ball them out for it, because I know they were raised in a way that accepted and even encouraged such opinions, but I do remind them that the fact doesn't excuse them for not having learned better in their long lifetimes. When someone is truly adamant about their -ism and refuses to listen to another side or makes it clear nothing will change their mind - old or not - I let them be and associate with them less for it.

My grandma makes an odd comment that is *slightly* -ist every now and then and I'll give her an eye roll and she'll shrug at me and say she's too old to change her mind and we just keep on, but if she says something extreme or blatantly offensive we'll have an argument about it. Small bits, I let go - big things, I feel I should speak up against. It really depends more on the size of the infraction than the age of any person for me.

 

[Olas]

I'd say it depends on the mental level of the "really od person" because they're not all the same. If the person in question is mentally alert and perceptive to the world then no, they shouldn't get away with being racist. However, if they're like my grandma and are forever living in the past mentally, there's really nothing you can do about it.

 

[Ariyura]

I guess it depends on if they're intentionally being racist or they just don't know. I once had an old man ask me if it was okay to call me a "Colored" person. He said if that's not the term then he wasn't sure what to refer to me as. I said how about my name. He apologized and said I don't mean any harm, I know times have changed...

I know this man meant no harm, but on the other hand I work with people in the mental health system. I've been called every name in the book by older people who think we're still living in the past and they can call me that ****** Girl all they want.

Again, I know they mean harm but you can't show them weakness, they say it just to get a rise out of you, and the best retaliation you can give them is just not to show that it affects you in anyway. Boy do they get pissed off lol. So yes and no. I'm a bit conflicted honestly.

Agreed, context is the key. Sounds like its abit hostile where you work?

I work with people that have severe mental illnesses. At times I don't know if they can help it. One day they're cussing you out and the next day they're your new best friend and the next day you're teaming up with the man to take over the world. You can never tell. It's an interesting day every time I go to work.

Ah fair enough, that's one time when you'd take what they say with massive piles of salt. Take over the world ay? *cue pinky and the brain theme song* sorry couldn't resist XD

Yes, you have to be very careful with every word you say. I replaced another girl that used to work there and they really don't handle change that well so they always ask me what did I do with her?! What did I do her?! And I understand she has been there for like 8 years and I've only been around for a year but I think a year is long enough to get to know me but still they ask. And I really want to say I took her outside and buried her underneath the tree in the front...but i don't. That would just be mean. I just introduce myself to them all over again like it's my first day.

 

[RicoADF]

I guess it depends on if they're intentionally being racist or they just don't know. I once had an old man ask me if it was okay to call me a "Colored" person. He said if that's not the term then he wasn't sure what to refer to me as. I said how about my name. He apologized and said I don't mean any harm, I know times have changed...

I know this man meant no harm, but on the other hand I work with people in the mental health system. I've been called every name in the book by older people who think we're still living in the past and they can call me that ****** Girl all they want.

Again, I know they mean harm but you can't show them weakness, they say it just to get a rise out of you, and the best retaliation you can give them is just not to show that it affects you in anyway. Boy do they get pissed off lol. So yes and no. I'm a bit conflicted honestly.

Agreed, context is the key. Sounds like its abit hostile where you work?

I work with people that have severe mental illnesses. At times I don't know if they can help it. One day they're cussing you out and the next day they're your new best friend and the next day you're teaming up with the man to take over the world. You can never tell. It's an interesting day every time I go to work.

Ah fair enough, that's one time when you'd take what they say with massive piles of salt. Take over the world ay? *cue pinky and the brain theme song* sorry couldn't resist XD

Yes, you have to be very careful with every word you say. I replaced another girl that used to work there and they really don't handle change that well so they always ask me what did I do with her?! What did I do her?! And I understand she has been there for like 8 years and I've only been around for a year but I think a year is long enough to get to know me but still they ask. And I really want to say I took her outside and buried her underneath the tree in the front...but i don't. That would just be mean. I just introduce myself to them all over again like it's my first day.

So most have alzimers (spelling?) I assume? Must take some self control at times not to pull that joke, are you sure its never slipped out?

 

[lacktheknack]

Sigh and move on. It's just not worth the effort, sometimes.

Old People Vote; a lot. When a disproportionate amount of the people who vote are racist I think it officially qualifies as a problem.

And yet Obama is in office. They're still outnumbered, you know, and their population is shrinking constantly. By the time we mount any kind of effective response to old racist people, they'll be dead.

 

[Something Amyss]

To pardon? No. To understand?

Well, I think that's a different story. I understand why someone who's really old might be racist, but then again those same factors might persist in people younger than me (and do). Doesn't make them okay.

 

[Ariyura]

I guess it depends on if they're intentionally being racist or they just don't know. I once had an old man ask me if it was okay to call me a "Colored" person. He said if that's not the term then he wasn't sure what to refer to me as. I said how about my name. He apologized and said I don't mean any harm, I know times have changed...

I know this man meant no harm, but on the other hand I work with people in the mental health system. I've been called every name in the book by older people who think we're still living in the past and they can call me that ****** Girl all they want.

Again, I know they mean harm but you can't show them weakness, they say it just to get a rise out of you, and the best retaliation you can give them is just not to show that it affects you in anyway. Boy do they get pissed off lol. So yes and no. I'm a bit conflicted honestly.

Agreed, context is the key. Sounds like its abit hostile where you work?

I work with people that have severe mental illnesses. At times I don't know if they can help it. One day they're cussing you out and the next day they're your new best friend and the next day you're teaming up with the man to take over the world. You can never tell. It's an interesting day every time I go to work.

Ah fair enough, that's one time when you'd take what they say with massive piles of salt. Take over the world ay? *cue pinky and the brain theme song* sorry couldn't resist XD

Yes, you have to be very careful with every word you say. I replaced another girl that used to work there and they really don't handle change that well so they always ask me what did I do with her?! What did I do to her?! And I understand she has been there for like 8 years and I've only been around for a year but I think a year is long enough to get to know me but still they ask. And I really want to say I took her outside and buried her underneath the tree in the front...but I don't. That would just be mean. I just introduce myself to them all over again like it's my first day.

So most have alzimers (spelling?) I assume? Must take some self control at times not to pull that joke, are you sure its never slipped out?

No, I know that they know she moved on to a better job, they just get riled up and then fall back onto what's familiar and safe to them. I think it's more of a defense mechanism, especially with the way people with these type of issues get treated. Our center is a block away from an elementary school and we get a lot of letters demanding we close down or move to a deserted part of town to treat these people. How dare we operate these individuals so close to others and children. Even though none of these individuals have gone near the school or want anything to do with it. Some of them even have children in the school.

And no, I have not let it slip that I buried her under the tree. I'm afraid they might go looking.

 

[RicoADF]

I guess it depends on if they're intentionally being racist or they just don't know. I once had an old man ask me if it was okay to call me a "Colored" person. He said if that's not the term then he wasn't sure what to refer to me as. I said how about my name. He apologized and said I don't mean any harm, I know times have changed...

I know this man meant no harm, but on the other hand I work with people in the mental health system. I've been called every name in the book by older people who think we're still living in the past and they can call me that ****** Girl all they want.

Again, I know they mean harm but you can't show them weakness, they say it just to get a rise out of you, and the best retaliation you can give them is just not to show that it affects you in anyway. Boy do they get pissed off lol. So yes and no. I'm a bit conflicted honestly.

Agreed, context is the key. Sounds like its abit hostile where you work?

I work with people that have severe mental illnesses. At times I don't know if they can help it. One day they're cussing you out and the next day they're your new best friend and the next day you're teaming up with the man to take over the world. You can never tell. It's an interesting day every time I go to work.

Ah fair enough, that's one time when you'd take what they say with massive piles of salt. Take over the world ay? *cue pinky and the brain theme song* sorry couldn't resist XD

Yes, you have to be very careful with every word you say. I replaced another girl that used to work there and they really don't handle change that well so they always ask me what did I do with her?! What did I do to her?! And I understand she has been there for like 8 years and I've only been around for a year but I think a year is long enough to get to know me but still they ask. And I really want to say I took her outside and buried her underneath the tree in the front...but I don't. That would just be mean. I just introduce myself to them all over again like it's my first day.

So most have alzimers (spelling?) I assume? Must take some self control at times not to pull that joke, are you sure its never slipped out?

No, I know that they know she moved on to a better job, they just get riled up and then fall back onto what's familiar and safe to them. I think it's more of a defense mechanism, especially with the way people with these type of issues get treated. Our center is a block away from an elementary school and we get a lot of letters demanding we close down or move to a deserted part of town to treat these people. How dare we operate these individuals so close to others and children. Even though none of these individuals have gone near the school or want anything to do with it. Some of them even have children in the school.

And no, I have not let it slip that I buried her under the tree. I'm afraid they might go looking.

That's harsh, as long as their not dangerous then there's no reason to move from the school, and even if they are if the school wasn't there first then your place has more right to be there.

 

[Twilight_guy]

No, it's not okay. However an old person is often set in their ways and isn't going to change... ever. If the person is one of those type of people, then all fighting them over it is going to do is make them mad. In that case, its not right but you don't say anything because it only make matters worse.

 

[Ashadowpie]

if they are super old, i dont care since they're going to die soon anyways and are too close minded to this point to even change mindset, i still would hate them for it and tell the old bastard they are backwards.