is this a form of racism? if not then what?

Question

the situation took place in east london. i live with my aunt (unfortunately) and there was one day when she and his husband was downstairs while I was at my room upstairs. she heard the doorbell and -for security- she checked at the window. they just went to their room upstairs and then called me not to answer the door bcoz there's a black man there and she told me that the man might ask me for sumfin if I open the door.

for me it's racism bcoz she mentioned "black". oh and my aunt is a filipino (considered asian)

Answer 1

no its sexism, if it where a black woman she might have opened the door?!

Answer 2

Based on one Merriam-Webster definition of "prejudice": "2 a (2) : c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics"

And their definition of "racism": "2 : racial prejudice or discrimination"

I would say that the situation may qualify as a form of racism.

However, and this is a big however, if she phrased the question a bit differently, it may NOT qualify as racism. If a couple of words were different, it could change the whole meaning behind the statement... for example, if she had trouble with the same man yesterday, and her phrase was: "because there's that black man there"... meaning not, "all black men are bums"... but instead, "that same guy (which one? we didn't get his name, but you know, the only African-looking one who came to our door this week) from yesterday is back, so stay away from him because yesterday he wanted to bum money and gave us a hard time when we didn't have any to give him."

Sometimes, in order to assume a comment was racist, one must both listen carefully for wording, and take into account the details of the situation. I am not a member of a traditionally-discriminated-against race or group, however, I can usually spot racism a mile away. And, based on the quote you gave us, my opinion is that it constitutes a racist remark.

But carefully review the way your aunt said what she said... because if just a couple of words were different, I might give you a different answer.

For what it's worth, I hope this helps.

Answer 3

It has nothing to do with racism!! This world has come to the point where we cannot even describe a persons exterior without being called racist. That is b.s., if he was black then he was black. Stop thinking so much about it. You are the one making worse then what it is really is! By the way when people knock, they usually what something no? This is more a form of protection because we live in such a crazy world and you should be thankful!

Answer 4

I think Racism has many forms. There are those that have a Racist ideology--ie. Neo-Nazis (and there are many more)--and there are those whose fears have been perpetuated by the actions of specific races around the world---and add to that the amount of press and drama which is rampant in our world--it is not that uncommon for people to feel uncomfortable around people of other races--though to be fearful adds another form. I live in an East Coast city that is predominantly Black and I haven't had an altercation with any--though there are also many homeless people here and most are Black, so there are more of them with need. I have had White homeless men ask for help as well and I must admit I tend to be more helpful toward my fellow white than my brothers and sisters who are Black--to this I must say I am not proud. We are equal in the eyes of God--and a homeless man is one of his creatures in need. I don't think ill of your aunt though I would ask her does she not want to help a black man because he is Black or because she doesn't feel she has anything to give. I myself would be hesitant to open my home to a stranger--and if that is the case then I think it is less of a racist act than a cautionery one. It would be interesting if there was no poverty or such severe class distinctions whether we would still have so many of these prejudices toward one another.

I hope you find the answer. I think we need more people to question their actions and seek out ways of fixing the problems.

Answer 5

Well I would be thinking. How does my Aunt know this person? Who is he? Is he a relative that asks for money a lot? Is he a salesman that has come here before? Were she and this man friends? Was she friends with his wife?
Rather then think she was being racist right away. For all u know she might have owed him money and was afraid to open the door to give it back.
I have a large imagination so that is why I would think of these sitruations and questions.

Answer 6

Western power structure create all terrorist group like Al Qaeda, Taliban and now Isis and they want to increase Islamophobia. Islamophobia (or anti-Muslim sentiment) is a term for prejudice against,hatred towards, or fear of the religion of Islam or Muslims.The term entered into common English usage in 1997 with the publication of a report by the Runnymede Trust condemning negative emotions such as fear, hatred, and dread directed at Islam or Muslims. While the term is now widely used, both the term itself and the underlying concept have been criticized.The causes and characteristics of Islamophobia are still debated.Some scholars have defined it as a type of racism. Some commentators have posited an increase in Islamophobia resulting from the September 11 attacks, while others have associated it with the increased presence of Muslims in secular nations

Answer 7

That's right newyorkgal, you show that Brit what real racism is. Get your limy a-ss of the American Internet, unless you want to do 5 in Guantanamo.

Seriously though, Asians from the Indian sub continent are extremely racist towards blacks, anyone watching the British celebrity Big Brother, note how Shilpa reacts when Jermaine Jackson touches her.

Answer 8

I would say that it is a form of racism. Had she not purposely mentioned that he was black, she would have been okay.
Personally, I would not have answered the door if it was night time and I was all alone - no matter what his race was. This was not the case and I do think she stereotyped the man. :-(

Answer 9

Racism, sir, is the belief that one race is superior to another. She didn't say not to answer the door because there is a person there of an inferior race. Your aunt may be a bigot, but she didn't make a racist statement.

Answer 10

I dont think its racism, because alot of people have a preconceived notion that black people are "bad" only because they probably have bad experiences with blacks but thats just me. My mom is filipina and she says the same things, we live in oakland and its a fact that alot of the blacks are into drugs, gangs, & not only blacks but mexicans asians. I dont know, its not being racist though by assuming someone is bad because theyre black, like i said your aunt probabaly has seen things in her life to make her believe the guy is bad. IM NOT RACIST BY THE WAY!

Answer 11

The fact that you assume it's racism is pretty lame man.

So what is she's filipino. Funny when people act like non-whites can't are shouldn't be racist. LMAO!
I think you and your aunt both have some hangups judging by the question and the way you asked it.