How should you handle racists?

Question

I hate racists but what im i supposed to do? Like they spread hate and if you hate them then arnt you really doing what they are?!?! and what if besides that they are good people?!?!

Answer 1

there isnt much you can do. just make it known that you dont feel the same way and you dont support their beliefs but dont hate them either because that is just as bad as them. if u still wanna associate with them its fine get involved with their racist activities or w/e.

Answer 2

I'm dealing with the same thing, my roomie's a bigot and seems to be freaking proud of it. It makes me insane. I haven't found anything to really quell it. I can't "educate" her because she takes a lot of pleasure in educating me on her opinions on anything and everything (to the point where I would insist the world is a sphere and she's say no it's round). I just try to ignore her as much as I can and focus on the good, but I have brought up the fact that sometimes her statements make me feel sick. She listens for awhile, but eventually returns to her old ways. Best thing is to just realize that even though the opinions make you sick the people uttering them have a right to them and a right to say them. And keep perspective, if somebody makes a derogatory statement about another race, they more often are exposing their ignorance than actually spreading hate. Just get concerned if they talk about lynchings and start holding rallys, then call the police.

Answer 3

I think people who are racist but other than that are good people have just grown up believing a lie. Somewhere in their childhood someone (usually a parent) taught them that there's something wrong with people who aren't just like them. Their parents were probably taught the same lie and so forth all the way back through their generations. It's really sad. If I get into a conversation with someone who feels this way I let them know how I feel in a respectful and tactful way. Making someone angry guarantees they won't listen to you. They may not change their minds right then, but later on something may happen that causes them to remember what you said and they may begin to change their thinking. In the meantime you can always pray for them, that God will shed some light into their hearts and they'll learn to love others.

Answer 4

Sarcasm ON:

Racists should be handled with THICK rubber gloves and a LONG pair of tongs...

Sarcasm OFF:

But Seriously:
Please remember: racism is LEARNED. Some of us get it with our mother's milk (Thank God, not literally, but...). This means that IF their mind is still open, there's a chance it can be UNlearned. It's not easy, but it's possible.

So, the answer depends on whether their mind is still open or not. It also depends on whether you have the courage / patience / determination to try.

If they are still open, GENTLY show them where they are wrong (this is the hard part - as most humans (Myself Included) have problems with humility). Remember that it probably won't happen all at once, in a flash...it takes time for us to change, especially with deep convictions like these...

If they aren't - well, you did your duty as a human being to try. Ignoring them BEFORE that is like seeing a drowning child you could help and doing nothing.

Remember - you CAN'T force anyone to change their mind, but you CAN give them an opportunity to do so.

Answer 5

You can hate what someone does or says without hating the person. I had this happen to me recently. Someone in my life said some things that i found to be really offensive. I let her know how I felt. I actually used her services and because it hit very close to home for me I stopped doing so. But I don't hate her. Not at all. I just don't think she speaks wisely.

Answer 6

Just leave them alone. You cannot have a sane conversation because they are irrational. Their an unpleasant distraction. No one benefits. Let the law deal with their crimes, or you may become their next target.

Racists, will evolve above their racism through experiences with people, if they have the capacity to do so. But I wouldn't waste my life waiting.

Save your energy for people that need help that you have solutions for. They are open to the teacher and you both benefit. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen, plus you'll feel good.

Warm regards.

Answer 7

I feel sorry for racists, or ANYONE who cultivates within themselves feelings of hatred for others. I mean, how happy can someone be when their mind if full of hate? I've known people who feel the hate is justified for blah-de-blah-de-blah reason. It still just boils down to hate.

When you encounter racism, speak up if you feel compelled to, but don't go to the level of the hater by responding with hatred. Just be thankful that hatred isn't YOUR mantra.

I think there are alot of positive qualities a 'good person' can have, but I have never seen 'racist' be one of them.

Answer 8

The scriptures tell us to hate the sin and love the person! I do not try to associate with racist of any race! When I do I am polite and will help them, should they need it! No not with racism! I'll turn my back on no one. Unless they present to much of a danger! I will pray for them of course and ask for Gods direction.
There are times when you must knock the dust from your heels and move on!

Answer 9

If they're racists they aren't "good people" no matter what they do "besides that". I don't allow them in my life. Period. If they ask why I never invite them to dinner I tell them it's because they are racists. They line has to be drawn some place.

Answer 10

They are only good people, in your opinion, because you fit the demographic that appeals to them. Try and be a minority or a homeless person, and see if they are "good people".

We all harbor some preconceived notions about other ethnic and religious groups ... the trick is to be open minded when confronted with those individuals.