do you feel guilty for a history of oppression, or do you feel you have never oppressed anyone?

Answer 1

People need to move on. My generation has not oppressed anyone.

Answer 2

It is not good to feel guilt, as it is an unhealthy cultural concept. And, it is not good to assume the accountability of other's mistakes, other's who have oppressed and caused harm. I cannot say, unfortunately, that people do not oppress knowingly. Some do. They are savages who have achieved little of life's opportunity for awareness and enlightenment. But, frequently, we don't know because our cultural conditioning blinds us to more lucid truths. Because we cannot be sure when we commit oppression, it is better to concentrate on fixing present problems and to learn about nature and our purpose. But, as to oppression, I committed it once when a grizzly bear rudely smashed up a beaver's workings and I intervened in the natural course of that event by trying to whack the bear with a stick to chase it away when I was about five. My father scolded me for interfering with nature and oppressing the bear's destiny and I argued that I, too, was part of nature and I was right, and, had some rights, in oppressing the bear's life experience. Perhaps, I was wrong. I haven't figured that one out, yet. But, all oppression comes around back in our faces because everything everywhere is connected. The more we learn that as a sentient species, the less we shall oppress. If there is to be any "regret" or "guilt", it should be about our ignorance of nature's ways.

Answer 3

I ain't done s*** to no one, yes, I'm white, and...
Oh, no, I'll go back to my nice little white girl style of writing...
I grew up in a very mixed area, and I identified more with the underdog cultures than any.
I got teased for being wigga for a while, but I was never trying that hard. I would never wear this belt I had for a pair of black shorts, the one that had the very african looking colors on it. I couldn't represent, and I knew it.
When I was young, I felt bad.
I still avow that I have not practiced any racism that truly affected anyone's life.
Maybe I have chosen a certain line at the grocery store unconsciously, maybe I have even made a few conscious decisions that I care to not remember, but overall, I give the best of myself to all Americans.
Period.

Answer 4

Man I could not care any less about what "my ancestors" did to anyone. The only thing I have to answer for is my OWN actions. If I had the power to oppress I would but I don't and I have not.

Answer 5

No, I never oppressed anyone, I'm fairly certain my ancestors didnt either, and anyone who tries to make me feel I owe them something because they are part of a "special" group is running a detestable scam.

Answer 6

No. I do not feel I have oppressed anyone. I try to treat people correctly.

Answer 7

I don't carry the burden of my ancestors. But that does not mean I don't remain aware of it so *I* don't oppress and I don't let other oppress people around me.

Answer 8

My family is from Germany. I would go literally insane if I sat around feeling guilty for the actions of fellow Germans in history. Instead, I break the chain of hate and I love everyone.

Answer 9

Well, I'm part Welsh, part German, part Irish, part Scot, and part Cherokee Indian....way I figure it, my ancestors have either been pissed on by about everybody or they've pissed off about everybody.

I harbor no ill feelings toward anyone, as I make my living by my own choices. I also don't take shxt off anyone about historical wrong doings either. I don't owe anybody anything, except a few prayers of thanks to the good Lord.

Answer 10

I am so white its scary and I feel like a minority in todays world.

Add to that I am an educated male, single, straight, non drug using, sober and clean...and if that doesnt make you feel like a minority, nothing will.

My point being, I dont hate, I hate hate...but its all around. You can feel it in the air.