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If someone asked you to define contemporary racism, what would you say? What would be the first things that came to mind? And do you think your answer would be any different from people of a different racial or ethnic background?
What's Racism? That's Harder for Youth to Answer Than You Think
Seeded on Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:12 PM EDT
Article Source: COLORLINES
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The answers that come from the youth are so innocent, honest and sincere.
- 1 vote
#1 - Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:13 PM EDTI am going to answer the questions before reading the article so I am not swayed by what is said there.
Define racim: an attitude or stereotype that places one race superior to another
First things that come to mind: remembering the racist comments made by my parents as I was growing up
Different answers: I think you will get different answers from anyone you ask since perception is different for everyone..
Now to read the article.
- 2 votes
#2 - Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:19 PM EDTAlthough I am not "youthful" anymore I kind of figured that would be the response of today's youth.
- 2 votes
#3 - Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:26 PM EDTI'm going to do the same as my dear friend nica...
Racism is passing judgement on someone that looks different from you, and often that judgement is negative.
I would think the first things that came to mind is one ethnic background trying to control or be superior over another simply because.
I also think that a huge issue (first thing that comes to mind) is that there are so many willing to break down those barriers, but they are not sure how to get past the awkward stage of it. For example, you have a friend that is not your ethnicity... do you say "My (fill in black, latino, asian, white etc.) friend told me the other day...." Do you offend people by describing them with their ethnicity? A lot of people feel that the social cues can be awkward, as they always are changing.
My daughter and her friends seem to embrace it, pointing out differences in a positive way. For example, she is the only blond in the group she is the token white girl for the evening. They all seem to embrace their ethnicity and each others with a style and grace that older generations did not do.
Children would most definitely answer differently.
Now I will read the article! :)
- 1 vote
#4 - Thu Jun 16, 2011 4:58 PM EDT
Harold, an African-American youth organizer, described how his aunt helped him understand present-day racism. She told him, “Race is a system. And so white folks don’t have to, like, call you an n-word to your face now. They just make sure that you live, you know, close to the 110 freeway. Or they just make sure you go to schools like Manual Arts, or Dorsey, or Crenshaw.” Another African-American participant, Stacie, said, “Racism plays out a lot within policy and things that are institutionalized. It can be within school, within prisons, the county. Within public entities in general.”
That broke my heart. To think that people think that white folks want people of color to not have the same opportunities, to generalize that much makes me really sad. Part of the reason I became a teacher and believe in affirmative action is to conquer that division between the haves and have nots. Oh and by the way, if anyone ever used the n word around me, my nonviolent personality would fade away, revealing an angry violent person ready to kick some you-know-what!
- 5 votes
It is unfortunately that in the 21th century minorities have the same views as those in earlier centuries. It seems the more things change, they more they remain the same.
- 3 votes
think that it's dangerous to paint all people (whites) with to broad of a brush. Is there racism, of course there is, is it as bad (obvious) as it was when I was a kid, no. Racism is a learned behavior, your not born a racist. Parents teach their children, on and on. Will racism ever end, I don't think so. Have I been called names to my face, yes I have, and for many years my response was to hit first and ask questions later.
ERich made a good one. How to do break the ice in starting a conversation that involves race with a person not of your ethnic background. It is very awkward, even among minorities.
Don't know if I really answered the post, but those are my feelings from 70 years on this earth.
- 2 votes
You can't change the way someone feels. If someone grew up in a home where the parent(s) had to struggle to make ends meet and the parent(s) told them if they graduate college things would be better for them and they do but things are not better, I can understand the painting of the broad brush. Wisdom is for the old because it comes with experience.
- 3 votes
Breaking the ice in starting a conversation that involves race is not easy when you're dealing with people with preconceived ideas. 21st century young folk have it easier because segregation is not what it once was and they had the opportunity to connect with other cultures in school. I
t's not so easy with adults when dealing with people who already have an answer before the question is posed.
More then one white person has informed me that racism no longer exists because it only exists in the mind of the individual who believes they are being discriminated against. Is there any breaking the ice or reasoning with an individual who has already made up their mind concerning the issue?
- 4 votes
If there mind is made up, then it pointless to discuss anything with them. I was referring to people that want to have an honest discussion, but it's to awkward for them to pose a question. I can understand that, but wish that they would.
- 1 vote
Great thoughts Kavika and Power!
I see both sides, the painting with a broad brush or not. (hope that made sense!)
I do see in the younger generation a more tolerant attitude. My daughter and her friends truly know that color doesn't matter. My friends are of all colors, and yes, there is a lot of undercurrent feelings that sometimes can be crossing a line of racism.
I have over the past ten years just started with laughter and disclaimers and it has been to my advantage of crossing that awkward stage. I'll say something to the effect of "Ok.. crazy white girl here... lemme ask you this...." I have also taken the approach of "Oh my goodness... I love your skin and am jealous! Beautiful..." the compliment is genuine and sincere, thus breaking barriers. It is the way one asks that gets the awkwardness out.
My cousins are Native American, and African American on my dad's side. My mom's side is pretty multicultural as well. When we all get together, it looks like a mini UN meeting. My son's godparents are African American. His godmother would walk around with a big smile telling everyone he was her baby. She would say "His color hasn't come in yet."
To get over that awkwardness, I also reccomend the book "The Color of Water... A Black Man's Tribute to his White Mother." Amazing book. It addresses so well the issue of color. When the author was little, he asked her what color God was. She said God is the color of water. He learned to understand that while we see color as humans, it doesn't matter.
We all see color. It shouldn't matter.
E
- 1 vote
I do see in the younger generation a more tolerant attitude.
There is tolerance when they are in their private circles but when they are auditioning for jobs, it's a totally different environment.
- 3 votes
I can see that too. I read a study (sorry... I will try to find the link soon) about names of job applicants that won't get a call back no matter the qualification due to their 'ethnic' inference. For example, Sarah vs. LaTanya etc.... that is plain wrong. I am not agreeing with it at all.
Gotta go but I will be back later. I really appreciate this discussion. :)
- 1 vote
I would like to think my kids are more tolerant than I simply because I raised them in a home that was free from the racist & bigotry of the household I was raised in.
- 1 vote
It's not what they are taught in the home but what they have to deal with outside the home.
- 2 votes
#5 - Fri Jun 17, 2011 12:26 PM EDTPower, I think that what there taught in the home is very important. When they walk out in the real world and it slaps them in the face, they have something to fall back on. Is it perfect, no but it sure helps IMO.
ERich made some good point about crossing over the color line and asking a question. I feel that that area is vital to understanding, if we can't ask one another a question then how are we ever going to beat this devil.
Good post Power
- 1 vote
I do believe in home life affecting outside life - I am a Nature and Nurture believer. As a young person I never had friends of color. We had few in the area I lived in, but the Native American family, the Viet Nam refugee family and the black families were off limits to me because of my parents racism. I never would have considered making friends with them early on. As I matured I realized the error in my parents thinking. I became embarrassed by it & made friends with people regardless of race. When my kids were growing I never even brought skin color into conversation when talking about my kids friends. They have friends of many races. I truly believe at least early on home life is a big piece of a kid's thoughts on racism.
- 1 vote
Because kids grow up not being racist doesn't mean they won't face it in the world.
- 2 votes
I understand that PIK, but I also believe what they are taught in the home or what they can overcome from the home will reflect in how they deal with that racism that they face in the world.
nica, how does one deal with racism when they are turned down for a job because they are not the right color? How does one deal with racism when they are turned down for a job because they have Tourette syndrome. How does one deal with racism when they are turned down for a job because they are in a wheelchair? How does one deal with racism when they are turned down for a job because they have Asperger's syndrome? Tell me just how does one deal with racism when they need money to pay their bills but can't get a job due to racism?
- 1 vote
That's when they have their family and friends to fall back on.
We all have had extreme dissapointments in our lives, and have been wrongfully treated. If this treatment was from racism, bigotry or just plain mean people, we always have our family to fall back on.
My dad is gay, I've made no secret of that. Never have. My freshman year of college, I fell in love, hard! I was swept away by a great guy. Came down to my dad's homosexuality. He wouldn't marry me because of my dad. To him, I was perfect, but my dad was a deal breaker. Talk about dissapointment and something I couldn't change. I have so many religious idiots out there sending me or my dad hateful things because of the fact he is gay. It is something people must deal with. When my dad came out and started getting media attention, the christian school I worked at 'let me go' because of my dad.
We will always have road blocks in our lives. We will always have people who are mean and just plain evil. Eventually, the good will prevail, the person will get a job regardless of color, I found my soulmate regardless of the prejudice that my family endured.
It takes effort from everyone of all ethnicities and sexual orientations to end this nonsense. I am still hopeful, I think it will.
E
ps... wheelchair/tourette's syndrome applicants are protected under dissability laws... hard to prove but they are enforced.
- 1 vote
One deals with it as best as possible. I am not saying it isn't out there - I am a woman & have dealt with discrimination in my job search as well. One works to change things - one does not sit back & say woe is me. We all face things every day - how does one face the chronic illness of a child that may lead to the child's death - YOU JUST DO.
I don't know why you are all up in my face - I have said nothing to call for this.
#6 - Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:36 AM EDTHow does one deal with racism as best as possible when it affects one's future and livelihood and health? How does one deal with racism when one is hungry and can't get a job? How does one deal with racism when the rent is due and can't get a job?
- 1 vote
As I said - I don't know what your issue with me is today, but I will say this one time - UNLESS you deal with you will get no where - what other option is there?
- 1 vote
Power,
As much as I value you and love your seeds here, it does seem like you are being a bit argumentative. I can't say I understand your frustration, as I am white, but above I posted my experience with hateful prejudice. (loss of job and boyfriend etc.)
What kind of solutions do you have or think about? Nica and I are on your side, you have to trust us on this one.
- 1 vote
hey Power
question why did you seed this under enviroment ?
nice seed
I would not have found if I wasn't seeding a link about the enviroment today
- 1 vote
#7 - Sat Jun 18, 2011 10:52 AM EDTMaybe I'm not seeing your points nica1829 and ERich-356044 because I'm tacking it from a different direction, my fault.
- 1 vote
(((Power))) no need to take blame. :) You are asking some great questions.
That is why discussions are so important. I would love to be an effective tool in getting rid of racism.
After the LA riots, my church, an affluent episcopal church in Pasadena went down to a church in Compton, right off the freeway and started having joint services. Both congregations realized that in order to heal and mend, we needed to talk face to face and appreciate each other, not fear each other. The youth groups went on retreats together to discuss ways to bridge that gap. It was powerful and I'd like to believe quite effective.
Racism stemms from fear. When you are dealing with white people, it stemms from fear. Whites need to get over their fears. How I can help in that regard is something I need to think about. I personally am not afraid, I have no need to be. How I can get others to get over their fears is something I can do.
Now, please correct me if I am wrong... in cases like this I am happy to be wrong! I think racism from people of color stems from anger. How can we help people to rid themselves of anger? I don't honestly know.
Let's keep this discussion going. ((((Power)))) Help me understand the direction you are taking as well.
- 1 vote
From listening to the old folk, who know what they're talking about because they speak from experience, their hate didn't come from fear, it came from being looked upon as being sub-human and treated worse then farm animals. All they wanted was to be treated fairly and seen as equals since their ancestors had no say in being brought to this country. They want not to be told to get over slavery/their history in the good ole United States of America.
In listening to today's youth, they want the same thing, to be treated fairly and seen as equals. They want to be better educated so they can compete in today's job market. They want the opportunity to attend college without finances being a qualifier. They want the opportunity to be employed. They want the opportunity to live in areas not burden with crime. They want to be able to go in a store and be free to shop without being followed by a rent-a-cop. They don't want to be lump in with a single class of people.
Some of the kids I listened to are racist because they spend too much time listening to familymembers who blame the wrong people for their ills in life instead of considering the sources.
Some people of color will never get over the anger until they are treated fairly and equally as well they shouldn't.
The problem I have with some white people is they can only see the issue from their point-of-view while devaluing the other person's point-of-view--it always have to be their way or no way. How can someone be told how they are suppose to think when they've lived the experience?
My kids discussed this issue in one of their high school classes and when they came home they asked why is it that white people always have to be right. They said that the white students didn't even want to hear what they had to say and kept shooting them down. The only response I could give was that is the way some white people are and they'll never change the way they think until we have equal representation in politics.
ERich-356044, you're right when you say that racism stems from fear when it comes to white people and it always will because the majority of them don't try to get to know the other fellow and how he thinks and the struggles he faces and have faced because they are too busy blaming the victim.
Kids today find it harder to answer, "What's Racism?", because those who grew up in more affluent homes parents didn't address the issue--I know I didn't. I focused more on teaching my kids how to navigate around it.
To be white and say that you teach your children not to be racist is easy but what else do they do to help eradicate racism. Do they go into impoverish neighbors and mentor? I know of a couple of churches that do but a couple is not enough. Do they pool their money together to rent buses to take those kids living in poverty on field trips? Talk is cheap but actions are loud and everlasting.
- 2 votes
My kids discussed this issue in one of their high school classes and when they came home they asked why is it that white people always have to be right. They said that the white students didn't even want to hear what they had to say and kept shooting them down.
I will be candid here and say it is complete embarassment for the past and sins of their parents, grandparents etc... I am sure there are others that will argue that mentality. There is a real lack of comprehension in whites who are not racist of what horrible things their ancestors have done.
To be white and say that you teach your children not to be racist is easy but what else do they do to help eradicate racism. Do they go into impoverish neighbors and mentor? I know of a couple of churches that do but a couple is not enough. Do they pool their money together to rent buses to take those kids living in poverty on field trips? Talk is cheap but actions are loud and everlasting.
I grew up in Pasadena, and the circle of people I live/have grown up with/ friends of my family are real progressive. I have even using that word! I can't think of another right now. People I know and love, here are a few Margaret Sedenquist, was the first and only relator to start integrating and seling houses to people of color (my mom's best friend) another woman, Kitty inherited millions and is using it to run 5 acres, George Regas, founded Coalition for a Non-Violent City and works with people to eradicate racism and end the cycle of poverty. This is just a few.
You can include me in this group, for the students I teach certainly aren't white, or middle class, and that is my choice. I chose to be a teacher, to help educate kids of all colors to make a difference and end the cycle of poverty and racism.
George Regas, founded Coalition for a Non-Violent City and works with people to eradicate racism and end the cycle of poverty.
How does he do this? What does his program look like?
Margaret Sedenquist, was the first and only relator to start integrating and seling houses to people of color (my mom's best friend) another woman,
How does this help the child who has never been to a museum or eaten in a restaurant with white linen tablecloths? This might not sound important but it is.
The problem I see is people working their way from the top down, much like trickle down economics. I believe you must start from the bottom, with the children, if you want to see change in the future.
- 1 vote
I guess you can keep at me with your questions, but I single handedly can't change everything.
- 1 vote
Unfortunately, ERich, you can't and neither can I but we'll keep at it because that is who we are.
- 2 votes
You are absolutely right Power!
I honestly was a bit floored with the comment about going to a restaurant with tablecloths etc... you are right in that things like that never crossed my mind! A place like Ruth's Chriss Steakhouse might seem like a different world to a child of poverty.
The sixth grade class went on a field trip to the Cabrillo Beach Museum and tide pools. (They go every year) My school is maybe 35 miles from the beach itself. One of our sixth grade kids had never even seen the beach! This is a kid that has grown up in our school, lived 35 miles away and never had the opportunity to go. That broke my heart. It reminded me that the field trips we do are so important to the children we teach.
- 1 vote
I was fortunate to grow up during the time when fieldtrips were part of the school's curicumlum. I was also fortunate to grow up in Chicago where there were many museums and other activities nearby. When my parents weren't taking me on fieldtrips, the school was. Kids can't dream if they don't get the opportunity to venture outside their communities. Kids are visual and we need to remember that.
- 2 votes
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