Will people ever change their views on racism?

Question

I am so tired of racism, it is unreal...racism against blacks, racism against whites, racism against other cultures... I am trying to raise my children to understand both sides of their heritage, but how can I when there is so much hate and pointing fingers on both sides? African Americans think that white people should suffer for what they did in the past, whites think that they need to shut up about it, blah blah blah. Why can we not just let the past go (as so many of us are told we need to do in our personal lives) and just try to make a better, more loving peaceful future for our children? Let go of the stereo types and be happy that we are now all free. White people, be greatful to africans for the sacrifices they endured all those years ago to build our country, and africans, be greatful it was a white man that set you free. This is just so stupid and childish, and it needs to stop.

sam, i was actually going to ask about that, but thanks. i didn't say i don't know history, honey. i'm just trying to see why people hate other so much.

ok, akkita, but how about this. my parents admitted to me they are racist...they will never accept the fact that i date out of my race. how can i just be accusing them of being racist when they are the ones who said it? and what about these people who won't give a person a chance just because they are different? some of the answers to my question should tell you that YES there is a such thing as racism.

Answer 1

I agree. It is sad and tragic that this continues today. Unfortunately one fo the problems of racism is that people naturally approach that which is different with an eye of suspicion. A different culture, a different language, a different skin tone... a different religion, a different ethnic group, a different political point of view. What it boils down to is fear of that which is different and enough self confidence to face that which is different without being afraid. I'm sure you've seen it many times, as I have, how some white people when they look at black people will be defensive (are they going to accuse me of being a racist, are they going to lay a guilt trip on me for the misdeeds of my ancestors) and meanwhile blacks when they look at white people are also defensive (are they going to think I'm uneducated or inferior, are they going to associate me with inner city violence). So, sometimes that fear of being judged makes them go on the offensive calling names in order to feel superior or to fill the void of the lack of self respect.

I think you're right. We need to stop seeing the other as "threat" and see the goodness of the other, realizing that they too are just human beings with stories to tell, experiences to share and a different culture to enrich our understanding.

I think the only way to stop racism is to stop being afraid of each other.

Answer 2

Racism is learned. No one is born a racist. I know this is a short simplistic answer but many studies over the years have shown the same outcome.

If one or both of your parents was a racist, chances are you will be too. They teach it by words, phrases actions, some subtle, some overt. This is especially true of whites.

Blacks learn racism against whites for often different reasons. They often blame whites for the disenfrachisement they face still, in many institutions in the world and the USA. While these feelings are often valid they are manifested in ways that are construed as overtly rascist. Either way, racism is learened by situational or communicational actions.

Thus, the only way to end racism is to end the scism between have's and have not's of all races, an ideal that may simply be untenable in a free capitalist world.

Answer 3

Trisha ... I share your hope. I've had the same thought myself. However, I don't think you or I will be around long enough to enjoy that day. I simply hope that innovations in transportation will continue to improve. As you know, people now travel to other countries quite easily compared to the limited travel methods available a few generations ago. With more inter-racial and international marriages taking place, maybe there will one day be just one skin color, more or less.

There will always be prejudices of one kind or another, but you specifically mentioned racism. It may take another 1,500 to 2,000 years to reach this point, but sooner or later, the difference between the lightest and darkest of us may be reduced, I hope.

But we mustn't stop trying, though. I make this childish-sounding, but very logical analogy, sometimes. This is what I say ... You took a shower yesterday, right? And you took one the day before too, I guess. But if your showers don't have a lasting effect and you keep getting dirty day after day after day, then why do you keep trying to clean yourself?

Well, the answer is obvious ... and the same holds true for racism. Just like the sweat and germs that make us smelly if we don't shower regularly, we must tend to the problems caused by racism even if it seems we're not making progress. Why? Because if we do nothing, it's only likely to get worse ... Perhaps MUCH worse.

Answer 4

Yes by people not labeling someone a racist just because their point of view is different.

Racism is a hate based crime. That encompasses every member of a certain race of people.
Just because two individuals have a disagreement and one person is Green while the other is Purple does not mean Purple Person hates ever member of Green Person's race.
But it seems labeling someone a RACIST makes you the winner in any argument. As Purple Person's side no longer matters once the accusation is made.
To deny the charge is pointless as no one will believe it. You are told you are in denial or just better at hiding your true feelings or you have never been revealed as a racist before.

Answer 5

People will change their views on racism when a lot of blacks quit blaming events 140 years ago for their mistakes and lack of prosperity. I am sorry but I don't see how slavery made the ones that did drop out of high school and have 6 kids by six men, and as a 21st century white man I have never held anyone down. So when the chip comes off their shoulder that will go a long way towards ending it. Possibly one step is to have the blacks graduate high school, control their breeding, speak properly etc, become the majority instead of the one's aspiring to be rappers and criminals.

Answer 6

No not Really Its How people are Raised majority of the time.. its not going to stop at least not any time soon it's sad but it's a Fact U just Got To try the best you can and if racist people want to show there ignorance then let them...be a better person. people also fail to realize that every race out there breathes, sleeps, has a heart that blood runs threw, has lungs has a soul..it just ignorant to be racist

Answer 7

If it is ever going to end, it will take parents teaching their children that racism is a bad thing and will not be accepted or tolerated. There are a lot of hateful people in the world and with so many different races and interracial union of people, the ones who get hurt the worst are the children who are TAUGHT to hate at a young age. There should be some type of Child Abuse law put in effect for parents who outright teach their children to hate another person for no other reason but for the color of their skin or what language speak or what their faith is.

Answer 8

Not likely. Its normal to fear what is different until it is actually experienced and the individual learns otherwise. But sometimes they fear it enough not to get close enough to experience that other people are OK, but no matter what the color of the skin - every race has its jerks and idiots. An additional question: Why do african-americans feel that they should be compensated in some way for the injustices inflicted on people they more than likely never knew? their skin may be the same color but what real standing do they have?

Answer 9

Unfortunately it's a part of the human condition. If racism were to suddenly disappear then we would have religious fanatics to hate, or people with blue eyes to hate.

The point I'm trying to make is that there will always be something for people to dislike and ever hate about each other. It will never stop.

Answer 10

A change of playmates & playgrounds will work better than anything else in changing your prejudices.

My favorite example comes from the movie "American History X." Remember how the Edward Norton character did a 180 on his views about race? He had to take himself out of his everday world to get that life experience.

I grew up in Louisiana, where racism runs deep. It was only after I got out of there that I realized how ridiculous racism was.

The short answer: Yes, it's entirely possible to change racist views -- but it will take effort.