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

[DSK-]

No. When I was younger and in secondary school I was quite shocked to discover some of the elderly's views on various races and ethnic minorities. I just smiled, nodded and thought that they really should know better. It left a soure taste in my mouth but nowadays it seems it is way too prevalent for my liking.

 

[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.

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.

We've had all sorts of law enforcement called on us. So sometimes they do have their meltdowns. I think the best time was when the secret service came. I was so disappointed. He had on a plaid shirt and a pair of jeans. I was like where are your sunglasses?! Where is your black suit? Where is your ear piece? It's all lies isn't it? You guys aren't real! You only dress like that on television don't you.

Of course he probably thought I was one of the patients that mysteriously got behind a locked door into the office area.. but I really wanted to see the black suit.

 

[Loonyyy]

Of course it's ok. You're not responsible for their behaviour.

Of course, their behaviour isn't acceptable, but it's hard to justify getting pissed at an old person who's views amount to nothing:

1) They'll be dead sooner rather than later
2) Unless their views are causing a problem, it's time wasted
3) It's probably going to do no greater good anyway. If they even have the nerve to be racist against someone, they're probably going to get laughed at.

 

[FoolKiller]

Its not pardonable, but it is understandable.

People genuinely have trouble understanding just how different the world was back then. My grandmother (who lived in eastern Europe for her whole life) first saw a black person in person when she was in her 70s in the late 90s. She was more shocked than anything else at how dark his skin was.

She grew up in an extremely white country. The first set of slightly darker immigrants, the gypsys, set a very bad example of different people were like. They were probably just trying to survive, but to the natives of that country, the gypsys were vulgar and violent criminals.

Now imagine you are in an African or middle eastern country. What would your opinion of the US be if their first ambassadors were members of the KKK. You would think that the Americans are terrible racists. While the analogy doesn't hold up for many reasons, the effect is the same. Bad first impressions and bad experiences lead to a way of thinking that is logical but incorrect.

So while I cringe at the stuff I've heard throughout my life, I understand that not everyone's life is the same and that I haven't had to experience what they have.

 

[Darkasassin96]

I dont think Racism needs to be pardoned it is an opinion. If someone asks for an opinion and they get a racist one then that is perfectly acceptable. People in this country have a right to free speech and free thinking if that means they think in a racist way then that is there right however misguided they may be. Old, young, black, white anybody can be a racist and it doesnt mattter. Everyone has and is entitled to share their opinions.

 

[kickassfrog]

Only if it comes from the mouth of (His Majesty) Phil The Greek. And only then because it's hilarious.

More OT: No, it's inexcusable, but I don't think it's ever been a major problem where I live, so I've never really seen it.

 

[Easton Dark]

I dont think Racism needs to be pardoned it is an opinion. If someone asks for an opinion and they get a racist one then that is perfectly acceptable. People in this country have a right to free speech and free thinking if that means they think in a racist way then that is there right however misguided they may be. Old, young, black, white anybody can be a racist and it doesnt mattter. Everyone has and is entitled to share their opinions.

Well yeah.

It's also everyone elses right to respond to opinions in the manner they see fit as long as it's in line with the law. That's what the thread is asking about, the response. I'm guessing you'd just let their comments slide.

 

[MrBenSampson]

My grandparents are not racist, but they're not PC. I just find it amusing, like "Old White Man Says" in Community. Oh my god, I just found it! https://twitter.com/oldwhitemansays

 

[manic_depressive13]

Old people are like children. We feel obligated to forgive them because they're uneducated and their brains aren't fully functioning.

Ageism is of course fine in the land of the "-ism" hypocrites.

When people are nearing the end of their lives they often get degenerative mental illnesses. When people haven't reached adulthood their brains are still developing. But sure, I will readily admit that I am ageist. I would never want to be friends with a ten year old for example.

 

[manic_depressive13]

The operative word being "often" not always. Imagine the paroxysms of right on angst you'd tie yourself up in if someone posted that "black people were criminals" because they "often" commit crimes or if someone said "all women who wore short skirts were sluts" because they "often" sleep around. Interesting how people choose to see their bigotry selectively. There seems an extreme tension between your preaching about racism and your willingness to lump all old people together and write them off.

You're right. I'm a monster. You may have no issues with racism and sexism but at least you stand up for the rights that really matter. How noble. Keep it up Mr. I don't have anything against minorities I just don't want to ever have to accomodate them in any way.

 

[MorganL4]

No, quite simply no. Why? Because unless everyone is working off the same standards society will not have a stable moral center. Plus, youth look up to their elders, so if the old people are prejudice they will generally instill the same beliefs into their children/grandchildren.


Side note: YAY 1000th post !!!

 

[Angie7F]

I think its ok for them to be racist or sexist or whatever.
I think it is a effective way for younger generations to learn how people used to think, and then try to think about how they should act going forward.

 

[miketehmage]

It isn't morally okay. But these people are due to die out very soon anyway so I don't see it as being worth the effort it would take to change their views as soon they will be gone along with their ignorance.

 

[-Samurai-]

You shouldn't have to pardon someone for holding an opinion that does doesn't mimic your own. They feel differently than you do on one subject. Get over it.