This thread's racist!

[RvLeshrac]

Actually, as part of my college education, I was required to attain a qualification called "Equality and Diversity", a large part of which was racism in society. Racism being the prejudiced treatment or generalizing characteristics of someone based on their race. While slave trading by white society was one of the original and worst offenders, that doesn't exclude white people from being on the receiving end of racism. Racism isn't exclusively prejudice backed by power. That's subjugation, with racial motives. That in itself is not exclusive to white people either. For an example, watch that film where Samuel L Jackson plays a cop living next door to the protagonist. That's racial subjugation through use of power in which the subjugator is a black man.

And race is biological. Ergo a child's race depends on the race(s) of his parents. That isn't any reason to treat said person any differently, but that does not mean the concept of race doesn't exist.

Wow, you have a qualification, that's pretty neat. "Race" is a concept that does not apply to whites. It is not biological. It is the arbitrary grouping of biological characteristics intended to describe a group of people in order to justify their subjugation. White people don't have a "race" other than one they have defined FOR THEMSELVES. Samuel L Jackson's character (ha ha) had individual power, but not the power of society and a history of 400 years of slavery lifting him up over his white neighbor.

Here's a simple example: it took black people 600 years and 18 MAJOR Supreme Court decisions until institutionalized racism was dismantled in the U.S. It took one white man (Alan Bakke) 2 years and one Supreme Court case to end racial quotas at public universities. If you call both obstacles these people faced "racism," meaning prejudice + power, you are quite obviously mistaken.

Splitting people into races isn't "races", it's merely categorization of people for convenience. People from Africa are "Africans", not racist, simply a denomination.

And as a further note, the relative historical levels of racism shouldn't matter. Racism against any group of people is just as bad as racism against any other group of people, whether they're Asian, Indian, Arabic, Eastern-European, Western-European, Slavic, African, Afrikaaner, South American, Central American, North American, Jewish, Germanic, or any of a dozen other races and sub-races.

But, really, we're so quick to decry anything that relies on race despite the fact that there are CLEAR medical and psychological issues that need to be dealt with on a racial basis. If you're of African descent, you have a greater risk for certain diseases than if you're Slavic or Asian. If you're North American, you're more likely to have a number of allergies and cancer risks than African or Arabic people. If you're Asian, you're more likely to have certain mental health issues than the Irish or the French.

People are so interested in emphasizing homogenisation that they forget racial definitions aren't imaginary.

 

[TakerFoxx]

From ratzofftoya's Twitter:

"Come on, Jews. Are we really this desperate and insecure? http://t.co/WLnJqt99 You don't see any websites listing Irish teetotalers."

That's RACIST!

 

[Greni]

Ah yes, "racism": the belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement and that ones own race is superior resulting that it has an inherit right to rule and discriminate other races.
We have dismissed that claim.

[http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/councild.jpg/]

 

[MrCalavera_v1legacy]

The part before 2:40.
[sub]Mind, you racist bastard![/sub]
As for the rest of the video... There is a term such as "hairism", isn't it?

 

[JWAN]

The best way to make crap like racism go away is to make fun of it incessantly and to talk about it like its any other subject. Sweeping it under the rug or *gulp revisionist history is a great way to not accomplish anything constructive. That being said, racist assholes will exist, forever and ever and you can't do anything about that so just laugh at them and move on.

As a side note, in my neighborhood the New Black Panthers decided to show up on election day and stand outside of our polling location and attempted to intimidate people into voting for a specific politician while trying to get support to "kill honky's babies".

I have my CC permit.

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

 

[RebelRising]

Several people here have referenced The Boondocks without mentioning Uncle Ruckus. Which is just criminally negligent.


Sad thing is, there's probably a couple of people like him out there.

 

[sibrenfetter]

I gave you the definition of racism. You have it. Can you explain to me how it's inaccurate?

Its inaccurate because you seem to be under the false idea that racism involves a White person inflicting some form of harm towards a "person of color" purely because of the "person of colors" skin color/bone structure. Its not. When the Mexican mafia orders for their member to target innocent Black people, that is racism despite there being no White people involved.

Sorry, I didn't mean to give that impression. In the instance you mentioned, prejudice (based on race) is being levied against a disempowered community. It is, therefore, racism. The instance where it wouldn't be "racism" is a Mexican mafioso ordering a hit against white people because of their race. Though it WOULD be prejudiced, and it WOULD unquestionably be a shitty, horrible thing to do.

Please, go away, you are just ruining this thread for everybody. If you don't like the discussion, don't join in. We think we are not being racist. You think we are. It is obvious nobody is changing their minds, so don't waste your time and derail the thread while you are at it. If anything I have said now or previously has caused harm, I will gladly apologise for it, and the last thing I want, is to cause harm. If you want to have a discussion about the definitions of race and racism, go start your own thread, although it will no doubt descend into flame wars in seconds.

I'll go away. Sorry for ruining your really funny racism thread by bringing the perspective of a minority in. I'll be quiet, massa. Let me just end with this: Prejudice by itself does not constitute racism. Neither does power by itself. But when people use their position of power, be it political or institutional, to reinforce their prejudices and to enforce them so that as a result of their racial prejudices the life chances, rights and opportunities of others are limited, the result is racism. Thus, the simplest definition of racism then is: racism is prejudice plus power. On the basis of this definition, while all people can be prejudiced, only those who have power are really racist. African Americans, Latinos, Asians and American Indians--the powerless in American society--can be and often are most prejudiced toward Whites on an individual basis, but they are not racists at the structural, institutional level. Within this understanding of racism, to be a racist you have to possess two things: 1) socioeconomic power to force others to do what you desire even if they don't want to, and 2), the justification of this power abuse by an ideology of biological supremacy. Keep in mind that what often is described as racism in society today, is really nothing more than prejudice and discrimination. While a Black or Latino person, through the use of a gun and/or intimidation, can force a White person to do as he, as an individual, desires, this is an individual act of aggression, not a socially structured power arrangement. At present, however, only Whites have that kind of power, reinforced by a belief in an ideology of supremacy, both of which constitute the basis of racism in America today.

PoC (people of color) can?t be racist, because they don?t have any reinforcement from that institutionalized power. We may hold individual racist ideas and thoughts, but we only have the power to do damage with our actions in the rare, brief contexts where our other privileges temporarily override color privilege. A relative of mine may say racist things about black or white people in her own home, but when she engages with the wider world, as she must do daily, she?s just another brown girl, and is therefore at risk.

You clearly have put a lot of thought into this and it is clear you mean well. But at the same time I think you really do miss the proper definition of racism. Especially the addition of the power element does not improve your argument. In no official definition of racism does this element come back. It is in the end a very simple basic definition. The following definition is from the Oxford Dictionary:

Racism:
the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.

theories of racism:
prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one?s own race is superior.
a programme to combat racism

Now in your posts you make a clear distinction between white people and the rest of the world. This in itself can be seen as racist as you clearly do not see races as equal (whether you are white or not yourself is irrelevant).

The fact that you say people of color (whatever that means) cannot be racist is just pure nonsense. Even according to your power argument, I can assure you that if you would live in, for example, Saudi Arabia you would be victim of racism all the time. Just like people from Saudi Arabia are probably victim of racism in your country.

And finally, if there is anything that brings people together it is laughter. Being able to laugh about those silly people who think like that and shrug it off is a very effective method for getting rid of them. Ridicule is a harsh mistress, whereas taking them fully serious at all time will make them feel important and respected.

 

[Mau95]

OT: Muslamic Ray Guns!

Oh god...

Does he not realize it's Islamic, not Muslamic? And that "infidel" is what the Al Qaeda calls us?

Fucking hell, I'm ashamed to be British... xD

Also, people with heavy brows should not shave their heads. Even if they are using it to symbolize their racist views.

Well I think he might be retarded or something. Is that racist?

"know the ropes"

 

[Mau95]

I gave you the definition of racism. You have it. Can you explain to me how it's inaccurate?

Its inaccurate because you seem to be under the false idea that racism involves a White person inflicting some form of harm towards a "person of color" purely because of the "person of colors" skin color/bone structure. Its not. When the Mexican mafia orders for their member to target innocent Black people, that is racism despite there being no White people involved.

Sorry, I didn't mean to give that impression. In the instance you mentioned, prejudice (based on race) is being levied against a disempowered community. It is, therefore, racism. The instance where it wouldn't be "racism" is a Mexican mafioso ordering a hit against white people because of their race. Though it WOULD be prejudiced, and it WOULD unquestionably be a shitty, horrible thing to do.

Please, go away, you are just ruining this thread for everybody. If you don't like the discussion, don't join in. We think we are not being racist. You think we are. It is obvious nobody is changing their minds, so don't waste your time and derail the thread while you are at it. If anything I have said now or previously has caused harm, I will gladly apologise for it, and the last thing I want, is to cause harm. If you want to have a discussion about the definitions of race and racism, go start your own thread, although it will no doubt descend into flame wars in seconds.

I'll go away. Sorry for ruining your really funny racism thread by bringing the perspective of a minority in. I'll be quiet, massa. Let me just end with this: Prejudice by itself does not constitute racism. Neither does power by itself. But when people use their position of power, be it political or institutional, to reinforce their prejudices and to enforce them so that as a result of their racial prejudices the life chances, rights and opportunities of others are limited, the result is racism. Thus, the simplest definition of racism then is: racism is prejudice plus power. On the basis of this definition, while all people can be prejudiced, only those who have power are really racist. African Americans, Latinos, Asians and American Indians--the powerless in American society--can be and often are most prejudiced toward Whites on an individual basis, but they are not racists at the structural, institutional level. Within this understanding of racism, to be a racist you have to possess two things: 1) socioeconomic power to force others to do what you desire even if they don't want to, and 2), the justification of this power abuse by an ideology of biological supremacy. Keep in mind that what often is described as racism in society today, is really nothing more than prejudice and discrimination. While a Black or Latino person, through the use of a gun and/or intimidation, can force a White person to do as he, as an individual, desires, this is an individual act of aggression, not a socially structured power arrangement. At present, however, only Whites have that kind of power, reinforced by a belief in an ideology of supremacy, both of which constitute the basis of racism in America today.

PoC (people of color) can?t be racist, because they don?t have any reinforcement from that institutionalized power. We may hold individual racist ideas and thoughts, but we only have the power to do damage with our actions in the rare, brief contexts where our other privileges temporarily override color privilege. A relative of mine may say racist things about black or white people in her own home, but when she engages with the wider world, as she must do daily, she?s just another brown girl, and is therefore at risk.

Where'd you even get that definition? And did you really just write that people of color can't be racist? Rats off to that.

"fruit salad"

 

[Mau95]

This meme is hilarious and a great example for this thread.

 

[Tanis]

RRA is pretty good for this:

And then there's this:

I find it funny, haters.

 

[hawkeye52]

Hey all, quick Escapist noob question; why was the MLP thread locked? It looked innocuous enough, though I don't know much about this whole "brony" business.

Am I missing something? Is there some sort of dark underside to that weird fandom where people are attacked, verbally and physically? Brony fans of one stripe or another with their special complicated hand gestures and clothing colours, driving past one another's homes and spraying them with gunfire from cheap pistols, violence against girls who "encroach" and so on?

I don't know but if you find that thread read the very last line of the last poster before it was locked. I just thought it was funny personally

 

[Kiwilove]

I'm pretty sure assuming that only "people of colour" are ever the victims of racism is pretty damn racist.

Is there anyone else that can be the victim of racism?

Albino people? The transparent?
But seriously, i don't think you're getting the point. Racism is silly because it's based on a fallacy. It can be directed at anyone, because whoever it is, it's still stupid. People are not classifiable just on how they look.

OT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAbJgXUM4o4&feature=plcp

 

[brunothepig]

The part before 2:40.
[sub]Mind, you racist bastard![/sub]
As for the rest of the video... There is a term such as "hairism", isn't it?

You beat me to it.
ITT: Daystar starts a silly thread that is subsequently derailed by someone being far too serious. Where am I? Also an awful lot of Robot Chicken...

 

[AngelBlackChaos]

snip

This thread isn't 'hey guize let's all be teh racists OLOLOLOLOL' it's about mocking racism. If you mock it and laugh at how stupid it is then it takes away racist's ammunition to hurt and offend'. That's the point of the thread, so just chill out.

So you are, I assume, a person of color who can identify and speak on behalf of all other persons of color and victims of racism to determine precisely what has the capacity to hurt and offend?

As someone who has been the victim of racism, I don't think it's funny to dredge up old stories just to laugh at them. I don't think they're funny, and I especially don't think white people should "mock" them as if they are innocent of any racism or prejudice. So cut it out.

Please, please, please get over your issues. I am of mixed races, so a lot of this applies to me.

I think its hilarious to note the ridiculousness of racism, and to get all pissed off because of it just gives other people power. Obviously this thread isn't for serious discussion, its for mocking racism. You want a serious discussion, go make your own thread.

 

[AngelBlackChaos]

I gave you the definition of racism. You have it. Can you explain to me how it's inaccurate?

Its inaccurate because you seem to be under the false idea that racism involves a White person inflicting some form of harm towards a "person of color" purely because of the "person of colors" skin color/bone structure. Its not. When the Mexican mafia orders for their member to target innocent Black people, that is racism despite there being no White people involved.

Sorry, I didn't mean to give that impression. In the instance you mentioned, prejudice (based on race) is being levied against a disempowered community. It is, therefore, racism. The instance where it wouldn't be "racism" is a Mexican mafioso ordering a hit against white people because of their race. Though it WOULD be prejudiced, and it WOULD unquestionably be a shitty, horrible thing to do.

Please, go away, you are just ruining this thread for everybody. If you don't like the discussion, don't join in. We think we are not being racist. You think we are. It is obvious nobody is changing their minds, so don't waste your time and derail the thread while you are at it. If anything I have said now or previously has caused harm, I will gladly apologise for it, and the last thing I want, is to cause harm. If you want to have a discussion about the definitions of race and racism, go start your own thread, although it will no doubt descend into flame wars in seconds.

I'll go away. Sorry for ruining your really funny racism thread by bringing the perspective of a minority in. I'll be quiet, massa. Let me just end with this: Prejudice by itself does not constitute racism. Neither does power by itself. But when people use their position of power, be it political or institutional, to reinforce their prejudices and to enforce them so that as a result of their racial prejudices the life chances, rights and opportunities of others are limited, the result is racism. Thus, the simplest definition of racism then is: racism is prejudice plus power. On the basis of this definition, while all people can be prejudiced, only those who have power are really racist. African Americans, Latinos, Asians and American Indians--the powerless in American society--can be and often are most prejudiced toward Whites on an individual basis, but they are not racists at the structural, institutional level. Within this understanding of racism, to be a racist you have to possess two things: 1) socioeconomic power to force others to do what you desire even if they don't want to, and 2), the justification of this power abuse by an ideology of biological supremacy. Keep in mind that what often is described as racism in society today, is really nothing more than prejudice and discrimination. While a Black or Latino person, through the use of a gun and/or intimidation, can force a White person to do as he, as an individual, desires, this is an individual act of aggression, not a socially structured power arrangement. At present, however, only Whites have that kind of power, reinforced by a belief in an ideology of supremacy, both of which constitute the basis of racism in America today.

PoC (people of color) can?t be racist, because they don?t have any reinforcement from that institutionalized power. We may hold individual racist ideas and thoughts, but we only have the power to do damage with our actions in the rare, brief contexts where our other privileges temporarily override color privilege. A relative of mine may say racist things about black or white people in her own home, but when she engages with the wider world, as she must do daily, she?s just another brown girl, and is therefore at risk.

I call shenanigans. Honestly, a shitload of "People of Color" are racist, as well as white people. Been to enough family reunions to prove it.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

The part before 2:40.
[sub]Mind, you racist bastard![/sub]
As for the rest of the video... There is a term such as "hairism", isn't it?

You beat me to it.
ITT: Daystar starts a silly thread that is subsequently derailed by someone being far too serious. Where am I? Also an awful lot of Robot Chicken...

I dunno what happened

I usually have more control over that sort of thing. Oh well, all back to normal now though!

Also, racist!

 

[Macgyvercas]

Racist hilarity? May I direct everyone here to the movie Blazing Saddles.