Post by: ...has left the building. on October 21, 2005, 03:47:42 PM
Post by: Lee on October 21, 2005, 04:02:52 PM
I'm a white male in my late 40's. I graduated from an historically black college, and worked my way through school in a mailroom where I was the only white. Not a DAY went by that I wasn't subjected to insults and derogatory comments about whites. One young lady simply told me that she hated white people. Several people in my core college group complained to the professors about white people being "allowed" to attend the college. It is a private school and costs about 10K/ year.
The lesson I learned was that the majority will always EXPRESS it's predjudices, and that everyone has them.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 21, 2005, 04:12:43 PM
Post by: TarpleyG on October 21, 2005, 04:23:30 PM
Greg
Post by: Lee on October 21, 2005, 04:26:29 PM
As hard as it might be, I wouldn't take it too personally....people just tend to vent more on the web.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 21, 2005, 04:47:10 PM
Post by: Lee on October 21, 2005, 05:10:43 PM
Post by: K Frame on October 21, 2005, 05:23:54 PM
Nor do I give a flying three fingered damn.
What I do care about is an individual's stance on the firearms question.
If you're pro-firearms rights, you're my friend.
If you're not, guess what you aren't...
Post by: Standing Wolf on October 21, 2005, 06:35:59 PM
Quote
I think there is a sickness on THR and APS...and that is the complete misunderstanding of people who are not conservative white people. Believe it or not, I get racist vibes all the time on both forums.
Yeah, my kitty gets them, too.
Post by: Justin on October 21, 2005, 06:55:43 PM
Thank you.
Post by: Sindawe on October 22, 2005, 04:20:49 AM
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 22, 2005, 05:10:43 AM
Mike- I feel the same way.
Justin- Its good to have your backup on this since I trust your opinion on things. Thanks.
Sindawe- I am forced to make the assumption that you have never, ever read any thread about immigration or rap music...
Post by: Iain on October 22, 2005, 06:16:29 AM
Dan - tend to agree.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 22, 2005, 06:52:32 AM
Post by: Justin on October 22, 2005, 05:50:48 PM
The David Cronenberg Crash is not for the faint of heart.
Post by: Antibubba on October 22, 2005, 08:49:09 PM
Daniel, I understand what vibe you refer to, but I disagree that the tone is racist. Race, religion, politics-we can try to deny that consideration of them is not a factor, but that is politically correct ideology. While there certainly are some here who carry deep prejudices, most people here have realized that we don't have to worry about who we might offend, and therefore speak openly. We talk about race and culture here. While the tiptoeing masses talk about the impact of slavery and debate reparation, we talk about self-slavery and lack of respect, for others and self. The hardcore racists aren't allowed to stay very long.
Be sure you understand the difference between racism and prejudice: prejudice brings preconceived ideas and stereotypes into play when dealing with someone. Racism assumes that those differences result in "them" being inherently inferior or threatening, or both. I have prejudices; I freely admit it. My experiences have made me wary and even scornful of "Biblethumpers" and the Ultraorthodox Chasidics. I do not assume any superiority over them, however. OTOH, I have no problem with homosexuality or abortion or atheism, where others here certainly do. And to use the Xtian phrasing of it, most seem to "hate the sin and not the sinner".
I'm very glad that I have a polite forum where I can discuss complex and controversial subjects openly, knowing I will get the same respect from the others that I have for them.
Post by: Felonious Monk/Fignozzle on October 23, 2005, 12:29:10 PM
I am, as my best friend says (he's black, and HATES the term African-hyphen-American), "whitebread and mayonnaise".
I am not Scots-Irish-American; I am an American. Period.
I have now, and will continue to teach my children based on the philosophies of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.--
You judge people based upon the content of their character, not upon the color of their skin.
Sadly, there are an awful lot of idiots on our North American continent, of every hue and shade.
I don't see alot of blatant racism on these sister sites (APS and THR); when it rears its head, it is usually stomped out pretty decisively.
I will say that incidents such as how the leadership in Southern Lousiana handled the Katrina crisis versus how the leadership in South Texas handled the Rita crisis says something about those with a victim mentality vs. those who properly prepare and weather any crisis. Make your own connections about those realities.
I am Felonious, and I approve this message.
Post by: Paddy on October 24, 2005, 08:16:38 AM
Post by: Glock Glockler on October 24, 2005, 08:40:35 AM
I haven't noticed any real racist overtones on either forum, and anytime an individual has behaved in a biggoted manner he is quickly brought into line or banned. It could be that it is simply an issue of perception, either mine or yours, but I'd be grateful if you can open my eyes to anything I am not seeing. That then brings us to the issue of the perscription, I saw Crash and I was frustrated, not by what it said but by what it didnt say, and it didnt really say much IMO.
It basically had a bunch of people who obviously had ideas about race and ethnicity and then proceeded to make stupid decisions. It was entertaining but I am not sure what the movie set out to accomplish, it did show a human element to all the characters involved but I didnt think it did anything beyond that.
I had a difficult time relating to people acting with such a lack of reason, what sense does it make to give a gun back to a guy who just pointed it to you with malicious intent? Why does Sandra Bullocks character think of the maid as a friend simply because she happened to be in a position to help her out when others werent? She was accurate in that the maid was not doing her job properly by leaving the dishes in the washer and taking far too long in going out for groceries, she just wasnt nice in the way she conducted herself. Its not smart to get into an argument with someone who is nice enough to give you a ride, much less reach in your pockets in the heat of it.
What bothers me about all these actions is that they were not the result of a greater understanding of others, it was just stupidity or at the very least a complete lack of logic resulting from being emotionally overwhelmed. All is seemed like was incorrect conclusions from a bunch of sound and fury.
Just my 2 cents.
Post by: Gewehr98 on October 24, 2005, 10:17:56 AM
I'm a WASP, born and raised in a lily-white town. My first exposure to African Americans (emphasis on Americans) was in the MEPS station, and I was definitely intrigued, probably freaked them out, because I had thought they only existed on TV ("Excuse me, sir, you have the most exquisite and beautiful skin!") Fast-forward, the great equalizer has done a wonderful job, and I'm retiring after 20 years in the military soon. I've made some long-lasting friendships over those 20 years, and you wouldn't believe the racial diversity of those friendships, which I'll be proud to keep in my civilian life. So drop the race card, it sounds like some Jesse Jackson vitriol, in all honesty.
It's good to be open-minded.
Just don't let your brain fall out in the process.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 24, 2005, 01:38:48 PM
Thank you for your well thought out response. I like your distinction between prejudices and racism. I suppose the reason for watching the movie "Crash" is to challenge people's prejudices (which eventually can lead to racism and a host of other "-isms"). But I would also add that the air of superiority is frequently used when discussing things on both forums. For example, look at any thread about rap music. It NEVER fails that someone has to tell us that rap isn't music. If that's not assuming an air of superiority, I don't know what is. Furthermore, I also completely understand that many people haven't been exposed to other cultures other than through popular media. Thus, I would just like to see that people on the forums don't feel that they need to talk other people down for who they are or how they choose to express themselves. That is the very sickness that infects the anti-gun culture...they don't realize that we're just regular people who aren't crazy backwater hicks. I certainly don't want to be like them at all, and I certainly don't want gunowners at a whole to prove to them that we're crazy backwater hicks.
Post by: Guest on October 24, 2005, 01:40:22 PM
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 24, 2005, 01:43:23 PM
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 24, 2005, 01:49:24 PM
Glockler- I thought Crash was a beautiful story even though I would agree about their actions. Their actions were dumb to the point of being contrived...but I believe it was intended to show us how people are just people who make right and wrong decisions in their lives. I think that was the whole point of the movie, to show the humanity in each and every person, no matter their economic, social, racial, etc. status. That could be them making the right decisions, such as the locksmith's choice to earn an honest living or the wrong ones, such as the shopkeeper's rage. If you judge a film on what the character does or does not do, then I think you're missing out on a lot of great films. There are thousands of times I didn't agree with what a character did for whatever reason, but that doesn't mean I want to discount the work as a whole.
Post by: Felonious Monk/Fignozzle on October 24, 2005, 01:53:21 PM
Quote from: Daniel Flory
But I would also add that the air of superiority is frequently used when discussing things on both forums.
Interestingly, the place *I* pick up on this is the "which 9mm?" or "which .45?" threads...There is inevitably a post that goes something like: "
And if you PRESUME to say something like "I'm actually pretty happy with my Hi-Point carbine, never a hiccup", or "my new Kel-Tec RAWKS", then it's often met with another "
...but I guess since I don't know JACK about rap music, I can't really comment on what constitutes rap snobbery.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 24, 2005, 02:00:05 PM
Quote from: Felonious Fig
Quote from: Daniel Flory
But I would also add that the air of superiority is frequently used when discussing things on both forums.
Interestingly, the place *I* pick up on this is the "which 9mm?" or "which .45?" threads...I think that is just a function of what we know or what we watch out for. Women THR members may feel the tone of misogyny, I might feel the tone of racism. I agree there are many gun snobs about but that isn't as harmful to our cause as racism.
Post by: Guest on October 24, 2005, 02:01:24 PM
I see also out there that there is something wrong with being a hick, or that one should have an advanced degree, speak a foreign language or two, and have pilot's license, or you don't properly represent gun owners and people might think we're all dangerous.
Quite honestly, what's wrong with growing up on a farm, or working in a factory, or driving an old pickup truck and shooting 'chucks out the window (providing its legal in your state and/or you're on good terms with the local officials.
) If you can't spell, for Pete's sakes, don't even think about contacting your legislators, because goodness knows, they're here to represent those with good grammar skills. More on topic:
I do see racism here, some subtle, some not always quite so much (some of the New Orleans stuff I've seen all over just makes me ill..not just the looting as the assumption that everyone caught in that was a big old lazy black welfare recipient.) I see it maybe in places other people, especially White Men (TM) might not see it, because it or something similar affects me. I'm much more sensitive to things that people say, or that I myself sometimes say, than a lot of people. But that's the biggest reason. Because in some ways it does affect me.
I'm pretty vocal about women's issues (just in case ya'll missed that) but not quite so much about race or gay rights or what-have-you, because women's issues affect me, directly, immediately. Same goes with the other things. All that can be done is to point it out. Some people will be pissed off, some will be annoyed and some will set back and think about something they may never have considered before. What it really takes is some one directly affected by whatever prejudice it is to point out the ways the assumptions being made are bullshit.
Post by: Guest on October 24, 2005, 02:03:42 PM
Post by: grampster on October 24, 2005, 02:39:16 PM
I'm offended that you didn't mention my hand carved, dadoed, tongue and groove, peg board shotty case in 48th parallel maple. Duuude.
Post by: grampster on October 24, 2005, 03:01:52 PM
How does one make decisions about one's feelings, realities etc that make up one's character without that platter of opinion. I submit it is impossible without the ying and yang of various opinions, even if some of them are distasteful. We don't have to tolerate or accept some opinion or behavior. We can, hopefully gently, point out the error when it occurs.
Sometimes that doesn't work as evidenced by the fact that Mankinds history is replete with selfish savagery.
Once we all start thinking alike, then maybe we should all put on grey matching clothes with a sound reproducing device around our necks broadcasting the "official" line while smiling politely at each other while we munch our Soylent Green.
My father told me in the 60's that Americans were losing their sense of humor. By that he did not mean we laugh at any coarse joke. What he meant was losing our ability to discern and deal with our differences, to be peaceful, tolerant, to be mildly amused at stupidity, to pull together when it was needed, to seek justice with a good spirit, and to not look for victimhood around every corner. He was a wise and prescient man, my dad. I would like to see more people like him, however.
Post by: Felonious Monk/Fignozzle on October 24, 2005, 03:02:54 PM
Quote from: grampster
Fig,
I'm offended that you didn't mention my hand carved, dadoed, tongue and groove, peg board shotty case in 48th parallel maple. Duuude.
grampster-- LOL! Wish *I* had one of those!!! I'm offended that you didn't mention my hand carved, dadoed, tongue and groove, peg board shotty case in 48th parallel maple. Duuude.
Post by: Guest on October 24, 2005, 03:03:42 PM
Damn..I knew I was missing something!
Post by: grampster on October 24, 2005, 03:05:17 PM
Post by: Guest on October 24, 2005, 03:17:17 PM
Post by: Guest on October 24, 2005, 05:15:38 PM
Quote
Whether or not you guys feel it, I definitely do. After the comment on THR about we should let the Aryan Nation and KKK kill people because that would be a decisive victory against welfare, I don't know how you can not feel a racist vibe.
One comment among 20,000 members and your prepared to label the whole bunch? Does the hypocrisy of the sentiment bother you at all?
Post by: Glock Glockler on October 24, 2005, 06:10:50 PM
Music, objectively defined, is supposed to contain notation, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Now, I am not an expert on those by any means but one could be completely correct on the assestion that "rap" isn't music. On that, you'd be better off asking someone other than myself. When it comes to rap, people are going to make judgements on it based primarily 2 criteria: the degree to which they derive pleasure from listening to it, or to it's cultural value. The pleasure factor will differ from person to person, so there is no big deal there, but can one make a pretty accurate statement about the cultural value of rap? I think so.
For some reason I don't see gangbangers listening to Bach and Vivaldi, I do see them listening to rap and I do see what messages are commonly conveyed via rap and their effects are both obvious and poisonous. I can completely understand the anger resulting from dealing with a society infected with the cultural acid that rap and ghetto culture produce, and the comments you refer to are nothing more than a result, or outlet for this anger.
You can't take blood from a stone, and the anger people feel doesnt just fall out of the sky. I, as a white male, am getting quite tired of knowing that I will be passed over by less qualified minorities even though I may be FAR more skilled than them at a certain task. I am also getting quite tired of people trying to guilt me for being successful and trying to blame me for all the ills of the world. I, currently, have the emotional strength to differentiate between individuals and individuals within a certain group but that capacity is finite. If you keep pushing someone farther they eventually snap and do very bad things to anyone they see as being part of the opposing group. I think Sandra Bullock's charachter exhibited this on a very low level after she was mugged.
As far as the actions by those in the movie, perhaps it was that I thought their decisions were just so stupid and out of touch with reality that the became less human to me. I can understand why Bullock's charachter would suddently empathize with her maid, even though she was incorrect on her reasoning for her empathy. I cannot understand why anyone would do many of the other actions, but the ways in which the results of those actions were portrayed bothered me more, it seemed as though they were a conclusion without any resolution. Ok, Matt Dillion's charachter saves the life of the woman he molested, but he was on his way to do it anyway before he knew who she was. Ok, so he saves her and they make it like he had some big revelation, but what was it? They just showed him helping his Dad like he was before, what is the conclusion?
The nice cop, perhaps as an act of contrition for his partner's horrible actions, offers a black guy a ride, and then winds up killing him in a completely justified circumstance. He then goes and burns his car, why? What was the change that occured, that crap happens? Perhaps, I don't know because the movie didnt tell us.
As an analogy, the movie wasnt a bad joke, it just lacked a punchline.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 25, 2005, 05:05:50 PM
Quote from: c_yeager
Quote
Whether or not you guys feel it, I definitely do. After the comment on THR about we should let the Aryan Nation and KKK kill people because that would be a decisive victory against welfare, I don't know how you can not feel a racist vibe.
One comment among 20,000 members and your prepared to label the whole bunch? Does the hypocrisy of the sentiment bother you at all?Post by: ...has left the building. on October 25, 2005, 05:08:32 PM
grampster- Indeed, if there were more people like your Dad around, we'd all be better off.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 25, 2005, 05:18:49 PM
Quote from: Glock Glockler
Dan,
Music, objectively defined, is supposed to contain notation, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Now, I am not an expert on those by any means but one could be completely correct on the assestion that "rap" isn't music. On that, you'd be better off asking someone other than myself. When it comes to rap, people are going to make judgements on it based primarily 2 criteria: the degree to which they derive pleasure from listening to it, or to it's cultural value. The pleasure factor will differ from person to person, so there is no big deal there, but can one make a pretty accurate statement about the cultural value of rap? I think so.
I consider music to be any type of sound arranged in a pattern to be rhythmic, melodic, harmonious, etc. Solo drumming is as much music as playing the classical guitar. I don't know if you can really make one assumption about hip hop or rap culture today. Maybe in 1996 you could but now it isn't all so negative or "gangsta". Music, objectively defined, is supposed to contain notation, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Now, I am not an expert on those by any means but one could be completely correct on the assestion that "rap" isn't music. On that, you'd be better off asking someone other than myself. When it comes to rap, people are going to make judgements on it based primarily 2 criteria: the degree to which they derive pleasure from listening to it, or to it's cultural value. The pleasure factor will differ from person to person, so there is no big deal there, but can one make a pretty accurate statement about the cultural value of rap? I think so.
Quote
I, as a white male, am getting quite tired of knowing that I will be passed over by less qualified minorities even though I may be FAR more skilled than them at a certain task.
Has this actually happened to you? Do they have some kind of affirmative action in NH?Quote
I am also getting quite tired of people trying to guilt me for being successful and trying to blame me for all the ills of the world.
Sadly that is frequently other white people...but I know what you mean. Quote
As far as the actions by those in the movie, perhaps it was that I thought their decisions were just so stupid and out of touch with reality that the became less human to me.
That is reasonable but I thought their extremes of action made it more human for me. Simply because their actions are what some of us may feel on a base level but our social mores don't allow us to do. Quote
Ok, Matt Dillion's charachter saves the life of the woman he molested, but he was on his way to do it anyway before he knew who she was. Ok, so he saves her and they make it like he had some big revelation, but what was it? They just showed him helping his Dad like he was before, what is the conclusion?
The only revelation here was that human beings can be Satan or Jesus all in the same week. We all have both animal lust and compassion in our hearts, that is how I read his character. Quote
The nice cop, perhaps as an act of contrition for his partner's horrible actions, offers a black guy a ride, and then winds up killing him in a completely justified circumstance. He then goes and burns his car, why? What was the change that occured, that crap happens? Perhaps, I don't know because the movie didnt tell us.
He burns his car simply to destroy the evidence. I think the movie was trying to show that it was an unjustified circumstance...the black guy was trying to make a human connection with the statue, to show that they have common ground and he got shot for it. Not because the white cop was evil, but because the white cop simply misunderstood his intentions. Good discussion BTW.
Post by: Guest on October 25, 2005, 08:50:59 PM
Quote from: Daniel Flory
Quote from: c_yeager
Quote
Whether or not you guys feel it, I definitely do. After the comment on THR about we should let the Aryan Nation and KKK kill people because that would be a decisive victory against welfare, I don't know how you can not feel a racist vibe.
One comment among 20,000 members and your prepared to label the whole bunch? Does the hypocrisy of the sentiment bother you at all?Quote
Far too long have we been characterized as a bunch of misogynistic white racists.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 26, 2005, 09:21:09 AM
Quote from: c_yeager
Quote from: Daniel Flory
Quote from: c_yeager
One comment among 20,000 members and your prepared to label the whole bunch? Does the hypocrisy of the sentiment bother you at all?
Where did I make any attempt to quantify my feeling? I didn't, so don't do it for me.Quote
Far too long have we been characterized as a bunch of misogynistic white racists.
Post by: Lo.Com.Denom on October 26, 2005, 10:18:51 AM
As an Englishman, I've been shocked at some of the overt (no "vibes" about it!) hatred of my country coming from some members, but also my heart has been gladdened by the good sense and wisdom of some of the other members. Just lifes rich tapestry, Daniel. We aren't expected to like every part of it - that's just the way it is.
Post by: SalukiFan on October 26, 2005, 03:07:34 PM
I understand that the main thing that you are talking about is more of a general lack of understanding towards people who are not white. I could see that. Unlike minorities, white people do not have to think about race every day so when topics having to do with race or minority culture pop up, youre likely going to get some half-baked ideas or ignorant statements.
If you are white, you have to be fairly perceptive to even realize that race is an issue for other people. If you get pulled over, you dont have to worry if it was because of your race. If you go to buy a car, you dont have to worry if they are quoting you a higher price than they just gave someone else. If you go to the store, you can buy Band-Aids that are approximately your skin color. You dont have to worry that people might assume that you arent qualified for the job you hold because of your race. This kind of stuff doesnt even generally cross your mind and whats more, you begin to assume that this is how everyone experiences the world.
Then, when someone mentions race, people who havent experienced racism often have a hard time putting themselves in someone elses shoes. They think to themselves, I dont treat people any differently because of their race - if they are trying to make me feel guilty just because Im white they can go pound sand.
For minorities, who may just be looking for an acknowledgement that race is still an issue, this kind of defensive posturing comes off looking pretty bigoted. Also, quite frankly, it is hard to be raised in America as a white person without picking up negative stereotypes about minorities and like it or not, many people repeat bigoted nonsense that they picked up from family, friends or the media without fully realizing what they are saying or how it makes other people feel.
I think the main thing to remember is that it is important to increase your empathy for the other guy and limit your defensiveness so you can learn from someone else. Its hard sometimes but you just have to remember that you cant learn everything by deducing it from your own limited experiences and itll do you good to listen to someone outside your own race, ethnic group, religion, and/or gender.
Thats what forums like APS are good for bringing together a diverse group of people to learn from others. Sometimes it can be frustrating to be a minority on a forum but it is also rewarding to be able to share a different point of view. What keeps me coming back is knowing that some people are willing to listen and that I can learn from the other people here. To me, that is what community is all about&
- SalukiFan
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 26, 2005, 03:11:32 PM
Post by: SalukiFan on October 26, 2005, 03:20:48 PM
Quote from: Daniel Flory
SalukiFan- Extremely well said!
Thanks Dan, I'm glad that you brought the topic up. It's definitely something worth discussing.
Post by: grampster on October 26, 2005, 05:59:41 PM
Post by: Guest on October 26, 2005, 11:24:59 PM
Quote
I still fail to see what point you're trying to make.
The point is that your have chosen to identify the entirety of THR as a racist enterprise based on the statements of a very small percentage of its membership in much the same way that the afore mentioned small percentage has determined all black people to be welfare recipients based on a small proportion of the population.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 27, 2005, 03:23:11 AM
Quote from: c_yeager
Quote
I still fail to see what point you're trying to make.
The point is that your have chosen to identify the entirety of THR as a racist enterprise based on the statements of a very small percentage of its membership in much the same way that the afore mentioned small percentage has determined all black people to be welfare recipients based on a small proportion of the population.Post by: Guest on October 27, 2005, 03:28:01 AM
Quote from: Daniel Flory
Never once did I say "most", "many", "the majority", etc. The tone is on both forums, in whatever quantity, that is what I am commenting on.
The very fist part of the first post in this thread:Quote
I think there is a sickness on THR and APS...and that is the complete misunderstanding of people who are not conservative white people. Believe it or not, I get racist vibes all the time on both forums. Everyone just needs to chill out with their preconceived notions of people because they are Mexican, Black, or whatever. I understand that many of you have little or no contact with urban culture, or if you do, you're repulsed by it.
Most racists dont realize what they are saying either.
Post by: Felonious Monk/Fignozzle on October 27, 2005, 08:20:52 AM
We are an international community: Republicans and Dems. Straight, gay, celibate, young, old, male, female, PhD's and dropouts. Orthodox, atheist, Baptist and all the gaps in between.
And of course, every color of the spectrum.
Bill W. teaches to "take what works for you, and leave the rest behind."
I assure you, there are some major idiots, and maybe even a few downright evil folks on these fora.
We are bettered as individuals and a community by what we can learn from each other.
Sometimes the lesson is caught by simply coming to understand... "that man is a fool."
FWIW, I think very highly of you, and never knew of your Asian ancestry until very recently, and that changes nothing.
I teach my kids to judge only by character, and hope I model that in my own dealings.
All,
Sure would be nice if we could all just accept that Saluki Fan has properly concluded this thread, and get back to talking about sm's adventures or good ale or someone's latest PC problems. Just my thought.
"I think the main thing to remember is that it is important to increase your empathy for the other guy and limit your defensiveness so you can learn from someone else."
+1
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 27, 2005, 09:56:30 AM
Quote from: c_yeager
Quote from: Daniel Flory
Never once did I say "most", "many", "the majority", etc. The tone is on both forums, in whatever quantity, that is what I am commenting on.
The very fist part of the first post in this thread:Quote
I think there is a sickness on THR and APS...and that is the complete misunderstanding of people who are not conservative white people. Believe it or not, I get racist vibes all the time on both forums. Everyone just needs to chill out with their preconceived notions of people because they are Mexican, Black, or whatever. I understand that many of you have little or no contact with urban culture, or if you do, you're repulsed by it.
Most racists dont realize what they are saying either.Post by: ...has left the building. on October 27, 2005, 09:58:41 AM
Quote from: Felonious Fig
Daniel,
We are an international community: Republicans and Dems. Straight, gay, celibate, young, old, male, female, PhD's and dropouts. Orthodox, atheist, Baptist and all the gaps in between.
And of course, every color of the spectrum.
Bill W. teaches to "take what works for you, and leave the rest behind."
I assure you, there are some major idiots, and maybe even a few downright evil folks on these fora.
We are bettered as individuals and a community by what we can learn from each other.
Sometimes the lesson is caught by simply coming to understand... "that man is a fool."
FWIW, I think very highly of you, and never knew of your Asian ancestry until very recently, and that changes nothing.
I teach my kids to judge only by character, and hope I model that in my own dealings.
All,
Sure would be nice if we could all just accept that Saluki Fan has properly concluded this thread, and get back to talking about sm's adventures or good ale or someone's latest PC problems. Just my thought.
"I think the main thing to remember is that it is important to increase your empathy for the other guy and limit your defensiveness so you can learn from someone else."
+1
Fig,We are an international community: Republicans and Dems. Straight, gay, celibate, young, old, male, female, PhD's and dropouts. Orthodox, atheist, Baptist and all the gaps in between.
And of course, every color of the spectrum.
Bill W. teaches to "take what works for you, and leave the rest behind."
I assure you, there are some major idiots, and maybe even a few downright evil folks on these fora.
We are bettered as individuals and a community by what we can learn from each other.
Sometimes the lesson is caught by simply coming to understand... "that man is a fool."
FWIW, I think very highly of you, and never knew of your Asian ancestry until very recently, and that changes nothing.
I teach my kids to judge only by character, and hope I model that in my own dealings.
All,
Sure would be nice if we could all just accept that Saluki Fan has properly concluded this thread, and get back to talking about sm's adventures or good ale or someone's latest PC problems. Just my thought.
"I think the main thing to remember is that it is important to increase your empathy for the other guy and limit your defensiveness so you can learn from someone else."
+1
I really appreciate the complement, I also think highly of you and your character. I think you're dead on, Saluki Fan came along and gave the coup d'grace to any type of sentiment from both sides of the issue. What Saluki said was dead on and very refreshing to read.