why do people who are just about to make a racial slur always find the need to start the sentence with ...?

Question

"I'm not a racist but..."

was just thinking how such a small defensive phrase is able to totally change the context of a sentence so easily
quite interesting really

Answer 1

It's a pointless disclaimer said to (in their own minds, at least) absolve them of any guilt for what they are going to say. It's also a sign of denial. They seem to think that by saying that it makes them so. Just like if I was to say "I am an elephant" it would make me an elephant. Yeah right. These people are never the sharpest tools in the box.

It's quite pathetic. I'd prefer it if people said "Look, I'm a total racist and...."

Answer 2

Political Correctness.
Whether you like it or not, there ARE differences between the races, but you're not allowed to say anything out loud without being a racist. Not so very long ago in UK Government department canteens it was a firing offence to order your coffee black, you had to order it "without milk". This is clearly insane. So, I'm not a racist but, people are different. This doesn't mean that one group is better than another, or vice versa, just *different*.

Answer 3

What if they said this instead, My observations have lead me to believe. Would that make it any better? People just don't understand other cultures and religions sometimes and find it hard to because of the way they have grown up. Experiences define what you see and hear. If you don't know what something is you assume it to be something similar to what you have already experienced. Maybe people who say I'm not racist but just can't think of a better way of putting their thoughts into words.

Answer 4

Perhaps its because their attitude is the result of a series of observations rather than prejudice. They don't want to discriminate but feel that by expressing their observation they would appear racist. All races have there shortfalls and although it is considered rude to point these out it should only be considered racist if the intention is malevolent.

Answer 5

I dunno why they do it but it makes me crazy!!
Like when people say "I don't have anything against gays but..."
I'll never understand any kind of "ism" like that, maybe its me being naive but I just don't get it!
I'm a firm believer in the attitude that there's good & bad in all people... I don't give a stuff if someone is a green, bisaxual, disbled hermaphrodite with one round eye and one slanted, if you're a good person then you're fine by me if you're a bas***d then I don't wanna know you! Simple as that.
If you have an opinion about someone then voice it. Don't sit on the fence or hide behind "buts & ifs".... Everyone is entitled to their own opinion & beliefs but if its to do with racism or any other unfounded generalised slur on a group or individual then I will never agree.

Answer 6

Actually its to stop people who are brainwashed by the government squawking "racist" whenever they hear an opinion they don't like.
I agree it doesn't work .. thats why I never use it.
I just observe events, ask pointed questions and then point out that everyone who froths at the mouth shouting "racist", invariably fail to answer the question.

Answer 7

Has everyone answering this question a degree in political correctness. Can no one make a valid point without being jumped on as racist. We are all entitled to our opinion.

Answer 8

Because they don't like racists and would n't want to be tared with the brush for asking a question!
They may feel the question comes across as racist yet it is more ignorance!

Answer 9

maybe they really ain't being racist and with all the political correctness they just don't know what to say

Answer 10

Never thought of it like that.....but hey...you're spot on there....I think they're just trying to justify being racist...and there aint no justification!!