2006-09-22 17:24:07 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Because the word has such a negative connotation, it feels almost like a judgment. Also, because a lot of people think that racism only means joining the KKK and committing hate crimes, when it encompasses the unkind, non-PC feelings that all of us have at one time or another.
2006-09-22 17:29:05 · answer #1 · answered by julz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Society has put a a hefty label on racism. Being a racism does not just mean that you are admitting to being biased against a race, but that you truly hate it and do not tolerate it. Furthermore, those that are truly fully racist may not want to express it to their community for fear of being shunned. Even more importantly than the way a community will look upon you is your own self image. People do not like to think negatively of themselves. Someone above mentioned a man that thought the white race was superior to the black race. That man was able to overcome the negativity that is commonly felt when calling somebody a racist by justifying it as true (when, of course, it is not). In his mind, it is not a negative thing to be a racist, which is why he does not see it that way. To make an analogy, if somebody does not believe in Jesus Christ, a religious priest may tell them they will go to hell (depending on their particular sect), but the fact is that they simply believe in a different religion. They are not necessarily wrong, they just have a different point of view. In the case of racism we all just happen to be the Christians in this analogy and racists are Satanic to us. I happen to be Jewish but I still agree that racists should try to see the "Jesus" in tolerance.
2006-09-23 04:43:05 · answer #2 · answered by Big Gee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wonder if its not so much that a person maybe racist, but maybe prejudice. Many people hold there tongue when it comes to their belief and perception of other ethnics for the reason of being called a racist. I feel that if everyone stopped and actually thought about it, we in some way or another are prejudice, but not actually racist.
2006-09-23 00:35:49 · answer #3 · answered by nadia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because being a racist is not a good thing to be! It means you are judgmental about others and generalise attributes based on their ethnic status. You basically tag a person without knowing them. And that is NOT A GREAT THING!
So one does not admit to be a racist. Hope you find this satifactory and hey don't judge me...hehehee....Have a nice day!
2006-09-23 03:46:08 · answer #4 · answered by The Sorceress 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they don't believe that they are. To Most people being racist means that you are doing some sort of public display. IE the KKK and the Black Panthers, would signify racism to any one. How ever most do not understand that the little innuendos are just as racist as any other form.
:o)
Jerry
2006-09-23 03:39:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they don't believe they are racist. In my small southern town, one former sheriff actually had the nerve to say that he wasn't a racist. He stated that it was "fact that the white race is superior to the black race." I gotta tell you I was just thankful he called it "black race" instead of his usual phrase.
After this former sheriff passed away, his sons still insist that he WASN'T racist. That he was fair and impartial and that he treated everyone equally.
However, as late as 1988, this sheriff was still spouting his racist diatribe to anyone who would listen.
2006-09-23 00:35:01 · answer #6 · answered by jenn_jenn02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of cause! "Racist" is not a good term to be called.
2006-09-23 00:29:32 · answer #7 · answered by naw m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some may fear for their life if admited that they have a problem with the next race..
2006-09-23 00:45:09 · answer #8 · answered by MZ.SMOOTH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it shows lack of intelligence and that they are ignorant.
2006-09-23 00:43:56 · answer #9 · answered by GIJOE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe because they aren't. If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, maybe it IS a duck...
2006-09-23 00:33:27 · answer #10 · answered by Sean T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋