Racism/Prejudice

[Darth_Deastron]

I've experienced this ever since 9/11.  I'm of Indian (South Asian) decent, and  people are just stupid, and accuse me of being middle eastern.  The come up to me and ask "Are you Iraqi?" (no offense to Iraqis) or ask "If I get you mad, will you drop a bomb on my house?".  I've also noticed this with mexicans.  I usually crack jokes with any friends who are mexican, but they know I'm joking.  But there are some who seriously get harrassed for being mexican.  This really needs to stop, I can be stereotypical, (alot of people around here are) but it's something that I'm really trying to stop.  Thoughts?

[Darth_Anton]

I'm so sorry that happens. People are pretty ignorant and I think it's a perfect example come to life of why the education system in this country needs a serious overhaul. A lot of people can't even find Iraq on a map nor can name their the 5 rights granted to them in the first amendment. That's sad and it's no wonder stuff like what happens to you happens.

I had Southern friends who had a Dad who was a total raciest. He showed me his KKK knife and was proud of it. I felt so bad for him and his sons, my friends, because it just goes to show you how much of racism is taught as it put some of the bizarre off hand comments my friends made about people into context.

It's a complex issue and all you can do is be the better person, deal with one person at a time in your day to day experience and if you're that passionate, run for office and effect change.

[Dressel Rebel]

This thread has bad news written all over it.  But remember...

or ask "If I get you mad, will you drop a bomb on my house?" 

...There are no stupid questions.  Just stupid people.

[Angry Ewok]

It's a touchy subject, but we'll keep an eye on it.

The cool thing about JediDefender is that, while I know most folks by first name, I really don't know what to expect from anyone until we meet. I just assume everyone is a short, chubby white guy, just like me.

[Deanpaul]

I just assume everyone is a short, chubby white guy, just like me.

[Darth_Deastron]

It's not just limited at these things, after 9/11, innocent Punjabi people were murdered, because they were wearing turbans, and Osama Bin Laden did too.  (completely different types of cultures/religions)

[JoshEEE]

I'm bothered by racists myself, but oddly enough, I find that I've encountered more of them online than anywhere else I've ever lived.

[Dr. Zoltar]

Agreed Josh.  Maybe it has something to do with where we live.

I know people in So Cal and Maryland who are both extremely racist (and sexist if that covers being homophobic).

[JoshEEE]

I lived in the bay area growing up, and there was more racism there than there is here in Seattle.  Then again, I lived in Port Angeles Washington for awhile, and that was probably the most racist town I've ever lived in (small town, all white).

It's pretty funny how the the statements that are usually the most racist always preface it with one of the same few sentences....

1. I tell this joke around my <insert ethnicity> friends and they love it.
2. I know they all aren't like this, but did you ever notice how most....
3. I could totally get away with saying this if I was <insert ethnicity>

[efranks]

Once people realize that everyone is racist and/or prejudiced it makes it easier to deal with.  However, that has nothing to do with people that are just plain stupid...that you can't fix. (To paraphrase the great American, Ron White)

   E...

[JoshEEE]

Anyone who has ever laughed at one of Carlos Mencia or Dave Chappelle's jokes should be strung up.

Of course, that only leaves about 6 people left to make all the rules 

[Matt]

People have laughed at Carlos Mencia's jokes?

 

[Rob]

Carlos who?

[efranks]

You mean Ned?

[ruiner]

People have laughed at Carlos Mencia's jokes?

 

Let's just say he was in the right place at the right time.