How Stupid Are They?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Everybody turns on everybody that is perceived as "different" - "different" covers just about every possible parameter

Apparently humans have not evolved past being primitive.

That's pretty true all over

[Roy]

far too many of us American whites are evil, racist, totally unfair and uncaring about people of color. I'd like to know why.

Why do you think it is just white people that are evil, racist, totally unfair and uncaring about people of color. Do a little research on sub Saharan Africa and get back with us when you can tell us why blacks are killing millions of other blacks in Africa. and it is still going on.

I am aware of the savagery going on in parts of Africa. And, I didn't say that just white people are racist.

[up148]

I'm not speaking of news coverage, I'm talking about a show covering the entire history of white racism. There's nothing wrong with pursuing social justice. Unfortunately, far too many of us American whites are evil, racist, totally unfair and uncaring about people of color. I'd like to know why.

You know, I've been around and aware of racism since a child in the 50's (St. Louis) and really paid attention in the 60's while in high school and college in western Missouri. The entire country was more racist (white on black) at that time, but we worked somewhat through that...not perfect by any means...but way better than back then. The only people I hear about today that are really white evil/racist/totally unfair and uncaring, are hate groups like White Supremacist, skinheads, nazis and other degenerates. And I don't consider them mainstream or changeable, any more than anti-white groups in many of the people-of-color groups. So, whatever special you want produced better cover racism in general and from all ethnicities, because it exists.

I'm hoping as people become more colorblind this will change, but it's been here since the beginning of time. Slaves built the pyramids and I'm sure it was prevalent way before that.

BH

[Roy]

The only people I hear about today that are really white evil/racist/totally unfair and uncaring, are hate groups like White Supremacist, skinheads, nazis and other degenerates.

A lot of racial problems have to do with the police. The laws they enforce, and their department policies, come from the community.

...(racism has) been here since the beginning of time. Slaves built the pyramids and I'm sure it was prevalent way before that.

Slavery in the ancient world had little or nothing to do with race, and much more to do with battlefield conquests. And the way I heard it, many who worked on the pyramids were paid for their labor.

[up148]

The only people I hear about today that are really white evil/racist/totally unfair and uncaring, are hate groups like White Supremacist, skinheads, nazis and other degenerates.

A lot of racial problems have to do with the police. The laws they enforce, and their department policies, come from the community.

...(racism has) been here since the beginning of time. Slaves built the pyramids and I'm sure it was prevalent way before that.

Slavery in the ancient world had little or nothing to do with race, and much more to do with battlefield conquests. And the way I heard it, many who worked on the pyramids were paid for their labor.

When I spoke to them they told me differently. Just shows how divided we've been for a long time.

I believe this is a topic that stands little chance of moving off center, so we should just move on with our own beliefs.

BH

[rogruth]

Why are only whites seen and labeled as racist?

[MurphOnMillerAve]

Why are only whites seen and labeled as racist?

Maybe we are the only group allowing ourselves to be called-to-task for it? Perhaps, also, being sheepish and quick to be heads-down when we react about the topic, as well as aw-shucks contrite when pointed at, other more aggressive groups are emboldened to yak it up and get huffy and bossy-boots? I don't know - just theorizing a bit.

Truth be told, as we all know, there are plenty of people, on all "sides," who have learned how to accept each other and to get along, even to the point of liking each other and enjoying genuinely deep and authentic relationships among us.

I had occasion, during a recent post-funeral family repast, at a nearby restaurant, to find myself, when I moved from one floor to another, to be occupying the same establishment as a large group of African-Americans celebrating at a banquet.

As I came up the steps to the floor where they were, a Black woman who I had not seen since our classroom in the 70's immediately recognized me (even with all my extra weight I carry around nowadays,) and I her (she was, after all, forty years older, now). We were astonished that we so quickly recognized each other, and we were surprised to be in the same place at the same time coincidentally. We hugged and kissed cheeks Hello. She then gleefully insisted I accompany her into her group's banquet room, to meet her friends, and I readily complied. She led me by the hand and would not let go. She marched me to each table-of-ten, still holding my hand, introducing me to everyone as the teacher she loved as "the one who made all the big difference." Most - most - seemed happy to meet me and were cordial. The few who presented a cold face, I was pleasant to, of course, and didn't get distracted by their apparent negative reaction to my former student's ebullience for me. Vivian, my former student, was so happy I got chocked-up. At the mini-journey's conclusion, we embraced at the doorway, in sight of the whole room, at Vivian's impetus, and we parted, overjoyed to have been in each other's lives so positively.

If she were ever to become aware our MTJ Wayne had stated that I am "part of the racial hatred problem" (i.e. a racist, which is how I read that insult on this thread), she'd have instructed him that he did not know me, like she and so many thousands of former students did and do. Of that I am absolutely positive, Roger. I can hold my head up high, proud I did my part by being respectful and loving toward all my students, especially because of who they were, are, and could become.

[webenda]

... our MTJ Wayne had stated that I am "part of the racial hatred problem" (i.e. a racist, which is how I read that insult on this thread)...

Offered as constructive criticism Murph, not an insult.

It was not offered just for you, but for everyone reading what I said. You were just the spark that ignited the opportunity to raise awareness about the social and systemic bias that such cartoons promote. Acceptance of Dr. Seuss and whiteness is a reflection of the overwhelming silence in literacy regarding matters of race. You are deluding yourself into thinking you are not racist because you treat those of different ethnic backgrounds with respect. Look in the mirror. Your true self is revealed when you remain silent about racist literature aimed at children.

I do not endorse banning Dr. Seuss as Liz Phipps Soeiro did, but rather use Dr. Seuss to teach everyone, children and adults, to recognize the subliminal evil lurking in cartoons that depict ethnic stereotypes.

Can you see what I offered you Murph, or are you of a mind such as Jack Atherton, who told me, "What utter nonsense. The children who read the books neither know nor have ever had any inkling about stereotyping. Pure intellectual crap."?

[Roy]

The only people I hear about today that are really white evil/racist/totally unfair and uncaring, are hate groups like White Supremacist, skinheads, nazis and other degenerates.

A lot of racial problems have to do with the police. The laws they enforce, and their department policies, come from the community.

...(racism has) been here since the beginning of time. Slaves built the pyramids and I'm sure it was prevalent way before that.

Slavery in the ancient world had little or nothing to do with race, and much more to do with battlefield conquests. And the way I heard it, many who worked on the pyramids were paid for their labor.

When I spoke to them they told me differently. Just shows how divided we've been for a long time.

Who is the "them" you spoke to?

[MurphOnMillerAve]

...I do not endorse banning Dr. Seuss as Liz Phipps Soeiro did, but rather use Dr. Seuss to teach everyone, children and adults, to recognize the subliminal evil lurking in cartoons that depict ethnic stereotypes.

Can you see what I offered you Murph, or are you of a mind such as Jack Atherton, who told me, "What utter nonsense. The children who read the books neither know nor have ever had any inkling about stereotyping. Pure intellectual crap."?

I can see your point. You definitely improved my vision. As a result of your challenging me to look carefully at Seuss, which I had never done, never having had any of it in my hands, I certainly would not have held it up in that room full of local African-Americans to recommend its contents (!) Those cartoons are horrible, and I would not want them in the same county as me because it would hurt not only my reputation among my former students, but it would hurt their feelings thinking I had endorsed such flippant stereotypes.

Good conversation. And good lesson for me. I think I'll read a book/series before I come to its defense. Nope. Not another vowel out of me unless I have personally read the work cover-to-cover.

So BTW, while we are on the subject, broadly, I do heartily recommend the book and movie, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, having read it throughout and used it in class often.

Peace.
Out.
Murph

[webenda]

As a result of your challenging me to look carefully at Seuss...

Actually, Murph, it was you who challenged me to show all this to you.

(I challenge anybody, here, to show me or quote to me the allegedly racist passages or illustrations.)

[MurphOnMillerAve]

Yup. And did you have fun, Wayne?

[webenda]

Yup. And did you have fun, Wayne?

No.

Fun is a new discovery. Like discovering a Lionel Autorack car has trouble negotiating a Lionel Fastrack curve.

I am sure everyone knew that but me, so, "How Stupid Was I?"

[MurphOnMillerAve]

You couldn't be stupid if you were knocked out cold.

[robert.]

It only has problems with that fasttrack. If you get yourself some o72 fasttrack you'll be good to go.