Do you find it embarrassing when.....?

Question

.... when people insult Muslims/Arabs/MEasterners? I do. It angers me to see bigotry of any kind. For example, there are lots of beautiful White people who are loving and not prejudiced. When they hear bigots insulting Blacks, Hispanics, and other minorities, these good White people get upset and embarrassed, rightfully so. As an American, that's how I feel whenever other Americans insult the MEast, Muslims, Arabs, etc. It angers and embarrasses me. The insults are so awful, and it makes us look so bad! I really wish it would stop.

Does anyone else agree? And please, no insults or bad talk here. Let's keep this at a rational, adult level.

Okay, maybe "embarrassed" isn't the complete description... I get irked more and more, then I get . And yes, embarrassed too.

Mad Scientist - I'm not generalizing anyone or anything. There's nothing in my question that says that.

Answer 1

Not necessarily embarrassed, ashamed perhaps...ashamed that I live in an atmosphere that includes such bigotry.

I personally know Pakastani, Muslim, chinese and African people for example and I have found such incredible soul within these people that I couldn't help but be in awe of what some of them have been through and yet have remained caring, giving and honest people.

Taking a paint brush and painting an entire race of people in a derogatory manner is appalling. If the large majority of human beings consider themselves Christians or "good people" that has to extend to work to change the attitude people have against those who do not conform to their expectations, views or appearance. Just as white people do not like to be condemned due to some who create horrendous acts or other uncaring wrongs, other races don't wish to be viewed that way either and they should be able to have the level of respect that we as a white race command and for the most part enjoy.

I was raised to never treat or accept others treating anyone of another race, any differently that I myself would want to be treated and I have continued to conduct myself in that manner and now teach my children to do the same. This has allowed all of us the opportunity to broaden our social circle, enjoy foods, customs and beliefs from other cultures and make friendships that had we been bigots would have lost us the opportunity to experience what everyone, black, white, yellow...can enrich us with.

Thanks for this question, good one and thought provoking.

Answer 2

I agree 100%, it's pure ignorance and I have seen things on this board that are derogatory towards all kinds of different races. I think the most that is on the board that is mean (for lack of a better word) is the insults towards Islam and Christianity. I can handle that, it's the bigotry towards culture and background that I can't take. I know that I will suffer for my faith, but what does the color of my skin have to do with my love for Christ.

Unfortunately we are living in wartime and the war is against Iraq. Naturally, not rightfully, but naturally we will have people that can't distinguish the good from the bad. They can't look at a person and use common sense to say that person is bad, but instead they deem a whole race of people bad and that's wrong.

Answer 3

I'm not sure if embarrass is the right word, but I know what you mean. It's disheartening when people promote negative ideas or ignorant beliefs. The best thing is to get informed, get the whole story, and if you have legitimate attacks or concerns with certain groups, be specific and don't generalize all of one type of person as being associated with a negative trait.

Answer 4

doesnt embarrass me just makes me feel sad that so many people have not managed to leave the third grade and get past name calling-maybe in time more of the race will grow up and maybe in a distance future the human species as a whole will actually mature-till then spread the light and keep the peace-lots of love old hippie here

Answer 5

The extremists like Al-Quaeda are devil worshippers in my mindset because what kind of GOD would influence people do harm to themselves and others like those people do.
Now if they are not extremist terrorists, then they have a right to believe whatever it is that they live for and keeps them happy and fulfilled spiritually.
It is not right to judge a group of people based on what some of their counter-parts are doing.
People are beings that should be allowed to be individuals with their own beliefs who make their own decisions and choices.
If they choose to believe something, then it is none of anybodys' business UNLESS is infringes on the rights of others. We all should learn to get along with each other and be tolerant of each other in this world. Obviously we do not, and that is why we are all in the position that we are in today. Because people will not let other people be who they are.

Answer 6

Yeah, it is really horrible. It drives me crazy when people assume that all middle easterners are terrorists- like people who rationalize going to war in Afghanistan by saying that we were fighting the terrorists. But what about the fact that the great majority of citizens in Afghanistan aren't related to terrorist activities in any way? Why do a few bad examples justify the stereotyping of all people who live in that area?

Answer 7

I can see where you're coming from and, you're right, it can be downright embarrassing at times. Something similar to a family outing in the park and you suddenly are caught facing a crowd when one of your [younger] siblings pulls down his pants and starts to pee in front of everyone! haha!--of course that's an exaggreration but it brings home your point.

As the more 'mature' member of the family, we must also understand the harsh realities of IGNORANCE when it is combined with the emotional volatility of ANGER and VENGEANCE. One that lashes out its ugly head in the form of BIGOTRY, PREJUDICE and, to a greater extent, the all-too common STEREOTYPING of certain groups of individuals, which of late has been made 'politically correct' [?] when it is called PROFILING.

We know that THESE ARE ALL WRONG moral behaviors that can invoke animosity, and even more violent repercussions from the innocent bystanders who have been berated and labeled as being "them" or "those people"...

At the very least --short of knocking some sense in the heads of our IGNORAMUS 'siblings' publicly-- we should sincerely apologize for their CALLOUSNESS and STUPIDITY to their victims as best as we can, if only to seek their understanding but more importantly for 'damage control' purposes for the benefit of all concerned...

Peace be with you!

Answer 8

In light of 911, many feel that those you mention are fair game. I think it has more to do with emotional reactions rather than rational thought. All Muslims, etc. are obviously not terrorists or murderers, wife beaters, etc. I do disagree one thousand, make that one million percent with their religious and social philosophies, and try hard not to classify them as a whole.

Answer 9

I find it frustrating. I hate it when people pass judgments or fling racial slurs at different races, ethnicity's, and religions. Unfortunately these days it has become even more common. people here who post questions like "Muslims are evil" or "Christians are stupid for following their faith", don't want answers. They want like minded people to share in their ignorance and want to provoke a reaction from everyone else. I have long given up trying to talk any sense in them. Because, people like them just refuse to change.

Answer 10

Ignorance, especially when displayed by adults is usually embarrassing. I can't stand bigotry and try to avoid it myself. It can only lead to bad things when left unchecked.