First, let's just admit we are all racist in our own way. It's human nature and nothing to be ashamed about. I find that I am prone to making general negative sweeping statements about entire ethnicities but have no problem dealing with them individually. My father on the other hand tends to have highly positive sweeping statements but seems to hate on them individually. Example, we live next door to an Arab. I have a negative view of Arab culture in general but I've been living next to them and going to school and worked with them my whole life. Never met an Arab I couldn't get along with eventually. Still can't stand their culture and any Arab I meet starts at the bottom in relation to me because of my prejudice. My father, on the other hand, loves Arab culture. He wants to visit Baghdad, Saudi Arabia, etc. Loves their history, art, etc. He hates our neighbor with a passion and can't stand dealing with Arabs. It's a funny dichotomy and goes true for Russians, Indians, Africans, etc. Which type are you more prone to?
It's really a question of macro-racism vs. Macro-racism. Those are actual terminologies that I recently read about, which is the inspiration for this post.
It's true. Everyone has their prejudices, and I agree that it is human nature. I think that it's important for people to understand this about themselves. The first step to solving the problems created by our prejudices is to realize and admit that this is within us all. People tend to be more comfortable with other people simular to themselves. Whether it be skin color, age, nationality, sex, etc etc. Once we become aware of this, then we can guard against having these feelings.
We definitely need to have more constructive discussions on race relations in this country, but this thread misses the mark. Off to the D&D with you!!!
People are people. Personally I love being among interesting kindhearted genuinely cool individuals, and loathe spending time with douchebags. It's sometimes said that we are the average of the five people we choose to hang out with the most. Surround yourselves with passionate hardworking cats that propel you to be the best possible version of yourself, and don't be afraid to cut old ties due to misplaced loyalty.
