Racist?

[marauder_77868]

This could be fun...I'm going to post a quote without attributing the author. Please tell me whether or not it is racist. After some responses I'll reveal the author. No cheating...just judge the words on their face value. Maybe if this goes well we can find more. Here's the first one:

"I hate to admit it, but I have reached a stage in my life that if I am walking down a dark street late at night and I see that the person behind me is white, I subconsciously feel relieved."

[Darbex]

Very intriguing. Since I know who said it but I will comment that its probably racist but subconsciously many people in many races think the same thing.

[jeebus]

It carries racial implications, as to imply if the person walking up from behind wasn't white, but instead ________, then they would be in fear.

[Delock]

Depends on what the thread starter trying to get at. No it's not racist. The quote was made by a Rev in regards to racism and slavery.

[jeebus]

Depends on what the thread starter trying to get at. No it's not racist. The quote was made by a Rev in regards to racism and slavery.

Yeah, its racist. Let me rephrase it for you: "I hate to admit it, but I have reached a stage in my life that if I am walking down a dark street late at night and I see that the person behind me is NOT white, I subconsciously do NOT feel relieved."

Let a white person say publicly and see how far they can make it without being called a racist.


BTW, I still have no clue said the original statement.

[marauder_77868]

I just guess I wanted to know how who said it changes what it means...

[Fire_chair]

I can see racist undertones, but I wouldn't say that it is a totally racist statement. Semi-racist at worst, but pretty stupid and kinda funny. It just strikes me as ignorant.

[FrontosaurusRex]

Its racist but lets be honest...we all think like that. I don't care who you are...you have a racist bone somewhere in your body. This quote made me laugh cuz when I go to a bar...my instincts immediately pick out potential danger and its almost always a Mexican. Call that what you want..racism is in my DNA...for better or for worse.

[wesleydnunder]

I can see racist undertones, but I wouldn't say that it is a totally racist statement. Semi-racist at worst, but pretty stupid and kinda funny. It just strikes me as ignorant.

"semi-racist"? Is that like "a little pregnant"?

It's called racial profiling when the police do it... or someone who is of a different race than the one feeling profiled. Is it racist? Of course it is. At the same time you're more likely to get jacked by a black kid than a white kid. That's just the fact. I see it as being realistic.

Also, just because someone is descended from African ancestors doen't mean they can't be prejudiced against others whose ancestors came from the same continent. As some of y'all recall, Shelia is very dark-skinned and she was discriminated against by black folks with light skin.

Some people look for any reason to think they're better than others. Good luck changin' that.

Mark

[Fire_chair]

"semi-racist"? Is that like "a little pregnant"?

Yeah, it struck me as more ignorant and stupid than racist.

[marauder_77868]

Depends on what the thread starter trying to get at.

In what way?

[ImaGuyGeek]

I just guess I wanted to know how who said it changes what it means...

Charles, I get your point and until recently this statement from a white person would be deemed racist but not from a black person. Thankfully that is changing rapidly and on the Anniversary (today) of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech it is becoming less about the color of a person's skin and more about the person's character. So no, it does not matter what the race is of the person who says this, it has the same meaning.

I would HIGHLY recommend the book below that speaks directly to this subject. Eric Rush is a brilliantly insightful writer and this book shines a giant light on the subject of racism and how it has been used, perverted and exploited for personal, political and financial gain. I just finished it and I can't say enough good about it.

http://www.amazon.com/Negrophilia-Pedestal-Americas-Racial-Obsession/dp/1935071823/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276867650&sr=8-2

Negrophilia studies the undue and inordinate affinity for blacks that has been promoted by activists, politicians and the establishment press for the past 40 years and which has fostered an erroneous perception of blacks, particularly in America. The book dissects the dynamic of race relations and how conscientious Americans may discern the deeper truths of these matters and thus develop healthier perceptions.

[sunrise]

The statement is not racist. It expresses the authors feelings. The feelings expressed may be rationality not racism!

sunrise

[marauder_77868]

And now the reveal...

"I hate to admit it, but I have reached a stage in my life that if I am walking down a dark street late at night and I see that the person behind me is white, I subconsciously feel relieved." -Rev. Jesse Jackson

Discuss if you'd like. I'd like to know why who said it makes a difference in whether or not it is racist, offensive, or otherwise.