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originally posted by: Peeple
a reply to: chr0naut
I know as you can see from the more honest answer below yours:
It's learned behaviour.
...Umwelt-damage= social not psychological. Or socio-psychological would be more beneficial.
originally posted by: pfishy
a reply to: chr0naut
You make a good argument. And I would be very hard pressed to think you a racist based on what I've learned about you in this thread and many, many others. But, if you'll indulge me for just a moment, I would like to play a quick round of Devil's Advocate...
Isn't your last comment basically the same as saying "I can't be racist! I have a black/latino/asian/whatever friend!"
Which, according to all the social indictments of subconscious racial bias I've seen lately from various useless professors and bloggers, is a tacit admission of racism no matter what the person saying it actually believes.
Now, that being said, my previous point about my belief in your sterling character still stands. I know we may not always, or sometimes even often, se eye to eye on a lot of things, but I respect you nonetheless.
The reason I went into the characterization of what you'd said about your obvious openmindedness is because there are legions of folks out there who would read that and see exactly the nonsense I described, and label you a bigot in their minds. And you don't deserve that.
originally posted by: pfishy
a reply to: dreamingawake
I would say that if no other racial bias has been taught to a child, growing up in an area with no real ethnic diversity may elicit feelings of unease and/Or curiosity when encountering a group of people from a different racial background for the first time. This is usually a peer group, in a school setting, I'd imagine. But, having no reason to distrust other races other than the initial wariness of a new experience, I would think they would quickly overcome any misgivings and see them as just other people.
Personally, I was raised by Irish Catholic grandparents from Chicago, who grew up during the Depression. I haerd every ethnic slur and insult you could imagine before I was 10, and I was taught that other races were inferior. Especially black people.
I actually grew up believing this was mostly true, until my early or mid teens. I was at the age and stage of mental development to have and truly embrace the major epiphany that my grandparents, despite all the good things about them, were simply racist a**holes, and their view of the world was NOT how things actually worked.
Yes, some people can be trash, and some can be solid gold. But their racial heritage has zero influence in making that determination. It's who a person is and how they live their life that defines them. Nothing more.
originally posted by: pfishy
a reply to: dreamingawake
Irish Catholic immigrants were viewed in the same light as Blacks, Chinese, etc in the 19th century. But my family immigrated to the US in 1910. The view of racial bias was brought with them from Ireland, and strengthened in their children by the segregated neighborhoods. I.e. blacks aren't allowed past street A, Italians stay between C and E, Irish stayed between F and H, etc. It wasn't a legally structured segregation, mind you.
It was the different immigrant populations grouping together in individual areas, and enforcing it themselves.
originally posted by: Peeple
a reply to: Taupin Desciple
"hate & intolerance"? Why do you "hate"? And what is "intolerable"?
originally posted by: pfishy
a reply to: dreamingawake
The immigration system was built around the premise of newcomers doing exactly what you described. Doing their best to become integrated members of their new nation and society.
Self segregation does lend itself to racial bias, among citizens and immigrants alike.
originally posted by: tadaman
a reply to: Peeple
I do it every night. I actually like walking around in the pitch black dark. Its thrilling to know that no one can see you. Last blackout when the whole east coast went out after 9/11, I spent the night running around.
I can sleep anywhere. Crowded side walk, formula 1 race, and yes a grave yard.
A couple months ago I let a whole family stay over because they didnt have a place to go. We got the phone call from a mutual acquantance, (person we knew from kids school loosely), a couple hours later they were using my daughters room, our bathroom and kitchen table.
The last one I have done plenty of times. More when I was younger and had more unstable people around me.
Edit to add:
People you dont know I treat the same. I greet them at the door. If they get in they are alright.
I have turned plenty down. Hasnt failed me ever.
Even the bad ones didnt let me down too much