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Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: Darth_Deastron on June 27, 2006, 07:43 AM

Title: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Darth_Deastron on June 27, 2006, 07:43 AM
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?
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Darth_Anton on June 27, 2006, 09:23 AM
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.
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Dressel Rebel on June 27, 2006, 10:58 AM
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.
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Angry Ewok on June 27, 2006, 11:15 AM
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.

Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Deanpaul on June 27, 2006, 12:13 PM
I just assume everyone is a short, chubby white guy, just like me.

(http://www.congruentinc.com/imagestopost/thatsracist0pe.gif)
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Darth_Deastron on June 27, 2006, 12:56 PM
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)
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: JoshEEE on June 27, 2006, 01:54 PM
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.

Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Dr. Zoltar on June 27, 2006, 02:06 PM
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).
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: JoshEEE on June 27, 2006, 02:27 PM
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>
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: efranks on June 27, 2006, 03:36 PM
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...
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: JoshEEE on June 27, 2006, 03:46 PM
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  ;D
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Matt on June 27, 2006, 03:51 PM
People have laughed at Carlos Mencia's jokes?

 :(
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Rob on June 27, 2006, 04:03 PM
Carlos who?
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: efranks on June 27, 2006, 04:07 PM
You mean Ned?
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: ruiner on June 27, 2006, 04:16 PM
People have laughed at Carlos Mencia's jokes?

 :(

Let's just say he was in the right place at the right time.
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Matt on June 27, 2006, 04:25 PM
Let's just say he was in the right place at the right time.

Does that mean that everyone else who gets Comedy Central was in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: john todd on June 27, 2006, 05:36 PM
Anyone who has ever laughed at one of Carlos Mencia or Dave Chappelle's jokes should be strung up.

lets not forget their white hatin' on counterparts jeff foxworthy, larry the cable guy, and those other 2 guys.
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: JoshEEE on June 27, 2006, 06:24 PM
Quote
lets not forget their white hatin' on counterparts jeff foxworthy, larry the cable guy, and those other 2 guys.

I'm white and I hate those guys too.  I think I'm prejudiced against hicks.  ;D
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Darth_Ennis on June 27, 2006, 10:23 PM
I eliminate the middle man I just hate everybody equally. ;D

Just my 2 cents here but I think I can sum it up in something my dearly departed grandmother told me once.

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Rednecks will be rednecks.

You just cant fix stupid. ;)
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on June 28, 2006, 11:01 AM
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.



That is because of the "safety" internet anonymity provides.  Most of these idiots are probably too cowardly to "be racist" in person.
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Morgbug on June 29, 2006, 04:31 PM
I lived in the bay area growing up, and there was more racism there than there is here in Seattle. 

Funny, last time I was in Seattle a guy down by the stadium laid into me pretty good verbally.  Something about being a white, Nazi loving something or other.  Kind of odd really, considering all I did was not give him any money when he asked for it. 

But then I am white and male, so I can't be a victim of discrimination, either based on ethnicity or gender. 
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: john todd on June 29, 2006, 05:57 PM
yup sometimes it sucks being part of the dominant gender and ethnicity for your region.  what the hell are white guys supposed to bitch about when things don't go our way?
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Morgbug on June 29, 2006, 10:08 PM
Taxes.
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Matt on June 29, 2006, 10:10 PM
But then I am white and male, so I can't be a victim of discrimination, either based on ethnicity or gender.

But you better believe you can damn sure be a victim of discrimination based on country of origin.

 >:(
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Morgbug on June 29, 2006, 10:23 PM
Oh sure, no doubt about it.  I'm finally old enough to chuckle at most of it directed my way but it never feels good, regardless of where it's coming from.  Having travelled a fair bit, I find North America to be relatively non-racist compared to many other countries where it's quite overt.  Perhaps were I African-American I might think differently, but I've not had their experiences.

But you can still see it even when it's less obvious.  In our new neighbourhood two doors over from us an East Indian family moved in and I think my wife and I might be the only people to go over and actively introduce ourselves :-\  I don't think the rest of my neighbours are racist, but they aren't making much of an effort and the family sure seemed to appreciate the gesture. 

Funny side story - my kid has been in a daycare at the University for about three years now.  As you can imagine, lots of "foreign" students and staff, so she's always been in a minority as a white kid at the daycare (though there is no real majority either).  Her first comment coming home from kindergarten was an innocent observation that there were lots of white kids (about 13 of 21 kids).  She was pretty amazed.
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Matt on June 29, 2006, 10:31 PM
I was just going for a cheap "you're from Canada" joke, and you have to turn it around and get all serious on me.

 :-\

Thanks a lot, Morgbug.  Now I guess I'll just have to discriminate against you based on your ****-ass sense of humor.

 >:(

Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Morgbug on June 29, 2006, 10:43 PM
Yeah, missed that one.  Sorry.





prick. :-*
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: john todd on June 30, 2006, 06:34 PM
its a little off topic, but the guy who is my main contact on this job is named Ray Sissom. 

his badge says james sissom on it, so its at least partially his decision to go by Ray.  should i just immediately judge him as a probable *******?  he seems like a real nice guy, but then again i am a white male from texas, so i may get preferential treatment.
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Rob on June 30, 2006, 08:41 PM
Perhaps were I African-American I might think differently, but I've not had their experiences.


You just reminded me of something I read the other day...

(just the first part)

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=your_stupid_ideas
Title: Re: Racism/Prejudice
Post by: Dressel Rebel on July 1, 2006, 06:31 PM


You just reminded me of something I read the other day...

(just the first part)

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=your_stupid_ideas

That was funny.

What term precisely then, if you must refer to the person by their ethnicity rather than their name, should we use?