Isn't the way a particular person acts more based on their culture/way they where raised than their race?

Question

I have seen white people act more ghetto than blacks, and some blacks more professional than whites.

Angela, how is the question inappropriate? And I beg your pardon, but there are black people in my office that still call a certain type of people ghetto.

.... offended by my example? then substitute "black" for "asian" and "white" for "indian"

I only used black/white because its the most obvious in america.

Answer 1

i agree 100%

i have tried to explain this to most people, but they are unable to separate race from culture

people are people, and they shouldnt be limited by racist stereotypes. culture plays the role in differences amongst people

Answer 2

One of the best ways to understand things is to sometimes examine yourself. For example, consider your statement, "I have seen white people act more ghetto than blacks" kind of implies a bias on your part which seems to point to blacks being ghetto. But isn't ghetto a term that was originally regarding a community of low income housing rentals? This is not to put you down but to say that we can learn a lot by considering the source of our information and its accuracy. In a given situation people have choices but often fail to know that; some do and choose for themselves. Environment does not determine everything, but perspectives and attitudes do.

Answer 3

But the situation for blacks in america is odd, and sad.
Black kids tend to act worse. But now, when a white man claims that a black kid is more likely to be a criminal, he's right. Also, poor, uneducated kids rarely make good arguments; being poorly educated will do that!

Answer 4

Yeah, I agree with you. While it's easiest to judge someone solely on their skin color, I have met a couple black girls who were upper middle class, so they spoke and acted (and dressed) normally. I think that socioeconomic status is a more accurate judge of a person than race is. If you need to judge someone quickly, just listen to the way they speak, it's a dead giveaway.

Answer 5

Their own culture and environment. People are greatly effected by the way people arounf them act, especially friends they spend time with on a daily basis

Answer 6

That's exactly right. Research in Diversity Studies has proved that exact point numerous times, but people still want to cling to this idea that races are inherently different. A person's culture makes up who they are; race is a physical, superficial attribute. Thanks for posing the question... it's good just to see it up there.

Answer 7

There are a lot of different theories on whether behavior is inherited or if it is taught.
I think there is probably a combination of both, but I think that it is shaped much more by a person's enviroment than there genes. So yeah, I think you're right. A person's behavior is more likely determined by surroundings and upbringing, rather than race or heredity.

Answer 8

Your question is inappropriate and in the 1960s we used the term "ghetto".

Answer 9

You raise a very valid point---perhaps our society will one day internalize this understanding and be done with racism entirely---great question sir!

Answer 10

That is right. It depends on the environment of the society we grow up with.