Can white people be racist towards other white people?

Question

This is commonly said to be the case, an example being scottish racism towards the english. etc.

Answer 1

well, this is an interesting question that got me to go look up the definition of "race" (see wiki link below for an aptly complicated response). true, there is hatred and exclusion based on group membership all over the world. children and adolescents do this to form their individual identity. why adults do it is beyond me - still not comfortable with who they are, i suppose.

on a technical point, though, i would say that scottish on english hatred (for example) is an example of nationalism rather than racism. however, the broadness of the definition of racism could be used to argue against this.

also, people don't want to ascribe "nationalism" with negative connotations, so they prefer to call it racism.

Answer 2

Yes of course, just like black people can be racist toward their own or the white race.
I don't agree that EVERYONE is racist as some unfortunate soul has posted. And unfortunately, many among the ignorant masses is still believing this myth. You can get rid of this type of hate as well as many others: The purpose of life is to feel good! a quote from Abraham: read "Ask and you shall receive" by Ester Hicks.

Answer 3

One example of this behavior was found in a quote by a turn of the century American concerning the Irish immigrants of the day, and I do quote: "It would be an honorable thing for every Irishman to kill a ***** and be hanged for it". I thought that was very profound as to how swiftly racism would manifest itself even within sub groups of like races...

Here's a link with more information... http://www.nde.state.ne.us/SS/irish/irish_pf.html

Answer 4

Oh my, yes! Just look at Northern Ireland and the Balkans. My paternal line of ancestry lives in North America due to ethnic cleansing back in the 1840s, and all involved were white Northern Europeans.

Answer 5

Hello
The word racist is a label with generalized connotations--most of us choose the people we are with because we have similar cultures and don't fit in with other's, not because of our color or race. Certain cultures are associated with particular characteristics-crime, temper, religious beliefs, morals- Though these sterotypes that we may have of other cultures are likely only half truths or limited truths, we have experienced as individuals , they may not be true to the entire culture.
Its when we intimidate the other cultures and say ours is the best that we seem to have the issues--everybody just needs to be fair--

Answer 6

Terry, racism is everywhere, even within your own peer group. It has existed for the very get-go, and will never cease to exist. What would help, is if we all recognized that we are, to different degrees, racists, acknowledge it, avoid hatred and all its implication, and try to get over it. Life would be so much simpler, wouldn't it!
All the best!

Answer 7

Unfortunately people of any color,race,religion etc,can hate or be taught to hate. Such a waste of time and energy for those who hate another,simply because they are not a mirror image of you and or your beliefs.Learn to channel that energy to improve your own life then maybe you wont feel the need for such insignificant self/race validation.

Answer 8

Yes. The Irish immigrants use to be treated as 2nd class citizens in the U.S. Hell a lot of races use to be treated like 2nd class citizens in the U.S.

U.S. history is pretty dark and shameful.

Answer 9

Yes,some whites view others poorly especially when it comes economics. The name calling is vicious such as white trailer trash,rednecks,etc...

Answer 10

yes because white people can be racist to the other white people's religion